 
A Morning Thought Devotional

Diane K Hiltz Chamberlain

Copyright by Diane K Hiltz Chamberlain

Smashwords Edition

Acknowledgements

I thank Jesus Christ, for these beautiful words that He has given me over time! If it wasn't for His wisdom; then there would be no words to write. Jesus is the main source, for everything in my life and I know that just as these words have healed my heart and soul; they will also touch your heart in a very special way.

Through time, I have come to see that Jesus' words are the only remedy and cure, for what ails me; whether it is in a physical or emotional way. His words have a way of soothing the mind, from the cares and worries that attempt to take over our thoughts, while going through times of distress.

In addition, I would like to dedicate this book; to those who are going through very difficult moments of pain and heartache, in their lives. Our circumstances have a way of leading us down dark and dismal paths that can allow us to feel, as though we will never be able to press on in life; but when we use God's words of hope to become medicine; to our hurting souls and spirits; then once more, we can see a glimpse of light; that can keep us focused on a powerful God, rather than a weak circumstance.

*100% of each book sale will be going towards the "Diane K Chamberlain Ministries," as a means of furthering the gospel; to others who live in despair.

Introduction

Are you facing uncertain moments of pain and heartache in your life? Are you struggling to just make it through one day? "A Morning Thought Devotional," will help you to start your day, with words of hope...words that will become strength to you, while carrying you over the obstacles of a trying moment or difficult day.

There are 70 powerful devotions in this book that are truly inspired by God and were first used, to inspire the author, during her own difficult moments of pain and heartache. The devotions will bring the negative thoughts and feelings to light; where you can feel the presence of God, rather than the weak moments that stand before you.

Diane has come to see, within her own life; that these weak moments we experience, are not only meant to afflict us but to lead us further away, from the peace and joy; that is only found through Jesus Christ but when we apply words of hope, to a deceitful thought...brought about by evil; then the light of God's presence begins to illuminate the darkness around us, which once more gives us the sustaining hope we need, to walk out of a circumstance; to a place of peace and renewal.

As you read the devotions, in "A Morning Thought Devotional;" you will soon find that these inspired words become tools; that will help to cultivate the heart, while bringing about new and lasting growth. Even though we live in an imperfect world and we face obstacles and challenges in life; that doesn't mean that they are meant to take us to a place, where they can destroy us but rather, they are meant to strengthen us; in a way that will help us to overcome other obstacles that we may face in life and this is what you will discover, as you read each devotion, in "A Morning Thought Devotional"

Table of Contents

Why do we Look to Worry as the Cure?

One Day...One Step at a Time

Have We Become Close Friends with Worry and Fear?

A Season of Renewal

Laying It All Before the Feet of Jesus

A Great Love

A Love that Never Walks Away

Allowing Painful Moments for Better Reasons

Pursuing Peace

Rising Above Despair

Anticipating God's Best through Prayer

A Powerful Warrior

Laying Out the Welcome Mat for Jesus

Devoted to God Even in the Midst of Despair

Renewed through Affliction

Letting Go

Falling into the Arms of Peace

Reflecting on Moments that Give Us Hope

Listening for the Voice of God

Following the Example of Christ

Being Made Complete through Him

A True and Lasting Love

A Perfect Love

Hope...a Key Ingredient to Life

The Thorns of Worry, Doubt and Fear

Walking in His Footsteps

An Unforsaken Love

Grace...God's Riches at Christ's Expense

A Need to Lean on God

Wounded but Never Defeated

Leaning on God's Understanding and Wisdom

Anticipating God's best

Pride...a Road Block that Keeps Us Separated from God

Falling Prey to Our Problems

Guarding the Heart from Evil

Distracted by a Circumstance

A Comforter for the Heart

Fixing our thoughts on Christ

Hope for a New Day

Removing Our Thoughts away from the Problem to Focus on God

Only God

Words that Comfort and Sustain

A Limitless Strength

A Peace that can calm a Raging Storm Within

A True Soldier of Jesus Christ

A Mighty Weapon of Power

Handing it Over to God

Exchanging Good for Evil

Worry...a Path that Leads us Nowhere

A Season for Everything

Thoughts that Separate us from the Power of God

Choked Out by the Thorn of Deception

Receiving God's Best through Faith

God's Amazing Power

Worry...the Culprit that Steals our Joy

A Hope that Will Lift us Above Despair

Letting Go of the Clutter to Make Room for God

Sheltered in the Arms of God

Trusting God Enough to Let Go

A God that is Stronger than a Weak Circumstance

Jesus...Our Complete Source of Provision

Are We Adding Fuel to a Circumstance that's Already Burning?

Do Our Problems Dictate our Lives?

Waiting for God to Work

Viewing our Circumstances through a Godly Eye

Are We Overlooking the Power of God by Looking Deeply into the Face of a Circumstance?

God has a Plan

Tears that Speak a Language

Praise...a Powerful Weapon Against Evil

Worthless to Become Worthy

Why do we Look to Worry as the Cure?

No matter how our day may appear; we have the hope that when we lay everything at the feet, of a great and powerful God; that He will always be there, to help us overcome any challenges...we face in life.

As we begin; I would like to share a couple Bible verses from Luke 12:25-26 and we read... "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? (26) Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?" After reading these verses; I decided to look up the definition, for the word "worry;" to see what meanings I would find and as I looked through several; this is one I found... "To proceed doggedly (giving into doing a chore but doing it with spite) in the face of difficulty, hardship or struggle." First of all...why do we allow our circumstances to dictate our thoughts and feelings? Yes...we aren't perfect and we are going to face these challenges in life but we must remember that we don't have to accept these feelings of worry, which only weigh us down; when God has given us a choice in life.

Let's ask ourselves a few questions today. Is there something positive that can result from worry? Will worry become the cure to our problem? Can we use worry to make ourselves feel better, during these difficult times? If not; then why do we fall prey to worry, when we can exchange these feelings; for a peace that only comes, while trusting in a God that is stronger than our weaknesses? We need to come to a place, where we identify and separate the feelings that Satan sends our direction; with the feelings that God longs to give us, such as peace and a feeling of contentment.

As I share this devotion with you this morning; you may be saying... "Diane, but how can I let go of worry; in order that I may have peace, during the difficult times in my life?" The best way I've found, is to continually build a close connection with God...a connection that will only allow our voice to go to Him, so only He can respond to us. Let's say that we want to talk to someone on the phone but yet we dial another person's phone number. Will we reach the person we want to talk to; by dialing the other number? No...first we must aim to connect to the right person; in order to hear their voice and know what they want to say to us. When we choose to begin, with the right connection, by the way we live and the things we pursue in life; then even though the battles may rage around us; we will be able to live with a hope and peace that will sustain us and keep us away from these moments of worry.

One Day...One Step at a Time

Let me ask you a question, as we begin...how many days are you living for today? Confused? Well...I have come to see that we can be living for today, while our thoughts are attempting to live in days that haven't even come into existence yet. Today, I would like to share a Bible verse with you, from Matthew 6:34 and we read... "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

I remember a time, when I first began to serve God and as the ministry began to grow, with more people in need; I got into a bad habit of looking into days ahead and my thoughts were so deeply implanted into days that hadn't even been fashioned by God; that I began to feel drained and overwhelmed with anxiety and frustration. As time passed; God taught me that I needed to look at each new day, as one new footprint...designed by Him. When I came to see that all I had to do was step into that one footprint, until another one was placed before me; I began to slow down and walk in sync with God.

It's so easy to want to get ahead of God but we find that these moments only allow us to walk into unknown territory, where Satan can have his way with our minds and hearts. I love the Bible verse I shared with you this morning because Jesus is saying that we have enough to deal with in one day; so do not worry or be troubled about the days to come. You know, when we think about it; it's as if we are walking into darkness, when we think ahead because these moments have not been created by God; so how can we live in moments that have never been brought into existence? How many times, do we find that the moments we worried about; never happened, in the way we first thought?

We must remember that when we live in unknown moments; then worry begins to set in, along with many other negative thoughts and feelings, which takes us away from the presence of God. I have come to see that when we worry, in such a way; then we also stop the power of God, from working in our lives.

What are we thinking about right now? Are we pursuing one day or is our thoughts trying to enter days that God hasn't even thought of Himself? Life can be much more at peace and closely connected to God, when we step into one footprint or one day at a time.

Have We Become Close Friends with Worry and Fear?

As we begin, I would like to talk on the words "fear" and "dread." As we begin this brand new week; can we say that we are truly anticipating God's best or are we living with thoughts of fear and dread? In I John 4:18, we read... "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

Do we realize that the answer to true peace and contentment; lies within our hearts? The remedy that can calm the storms within us, while keeping fear and dread away...is the word "love." When we have a clear and close connection with God; then it's as if there is a connective wire; running from God's heart to ours. This connection becomes a personal one, where we only experience the perfect love; that can only come from God. When we have a connection with God, in this way; then there is only peace flowing, between us and God and the negative feelings that once attempted to take over our thoughts; are no longer able to enter our minds and hearts. This is what we call "perfect love."

On the other hand...what happens, when we begin to listen in, on another connection; that attempts to control our minds and hearts? In other words; we know that Satan is going to be out there...seeking to get his own connection with us, through weakness; so what happens, when we choose to listen in; on what he is trying to convey to us? We soon find that our connection with God has been severed and we now have a new connection, which only relays messages that bring fear and negative thoughts to us.

If we are going to allow our connection with God to remain strong; then we are going to have to shun the words that Satan uses to disconnect us from God. When we choose to experience a perfect love that only comes from God; rather than a heart of fear, dread, or any other negative thought and feeling; then we will always feel the peace and contentment that allows our thoughts to anticipate God's best.

A Season of Renewal

This morning seems to be a cloudy day and it appears as though we may get some rain but just as this earth needs sunshine to produce new and living things; we also need rain, so new growth can continue to take place all around us. As we begin; I would like to share a couple Bible verses with you, from Colossians 2:6-7 and we read... "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, (7) rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

As the seasons change within our lives; have we seen new growth appear? I have come to see that each trial should become a time, when our hearts are cultivated, so new growth can begin to take place. When we go through a trial; only to come out, the same way we began; then it's as if the weeds of our problems have overtaken our hearts, which only choke out the new growth that God desires for us. We need to allow God to plant new seeds that can root deep within our hearts and make us strong in Him. When we are willing to allow the painful moments of cultivation to take place within our hearts, so God can place the seeds of His will within us; then through the water of our tears and the light of His presence, we will begin to see something new appear that will help us and encourage us; to keep growing upward and further away from the problem.

When we choose to allow God to work within our hearts; rather than succumbing to a circumstance; then His word becomes a book of tools that can be used to cultivate the heart and prepare us, for the new growth He longs for us to experience. In my own life; I have thought of it this way...if we were to plant a garden this spring and we saw the tools leaning against the fence...which would make our work much easier; but yet we choose to dig into the soil with our hands; wouldn't we suffer needlessly? In a similar way, when we know within our hearts that God can make a way but yet we choose to go our own way and remain in our moments of despair; then we are only going to find a heart that does not produce anything in life and only continues to remain dormant.

Even though God allows moments of trial to take place within our lives; it's not His will or purpose to keep us there but rather, it's His will to use these difficult moments, as a means of pulling out the weeds, from past problems and sin, so He can replant and bring about something new within our hearts...something that will bring about new growth, while making us stronger people; that can produce something new that will bring honor and glory to His name.

Laying It All Before the Feet of Jesus

Outside my office window, it is rainy and dreary but it's good to know that the light of God's presence is able to bring light into my day...no matter what is happening around me.

As we begin today, I would like to share some very special verses with you, from God's word. These verses have been there for me, many a time and I would like to share them with you today; so let's read Psalm 13... "How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? (2) How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? (3) Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, (4) and my enemy will say, "I have overcome him, "and my foes will rejoice when I fall. (5) But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. (6) I will sing the Lord's praise, for he has been good to me."

One thing I came to discover through these verses; is how David not only poured his heart out before God but after laying all of his thoughts and feelings before Him; he began to turn his words around, from a negative, to a positive, as he spoke these words... "But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. (6) I will sing the Lord's praise, for he has been good to me."

How many times do we pour ourselves out before God; only to go back to the wallowing hole, where the problem is? One thing that impresses me about David; is that he not only poured his soul out before God, which we all should do but then he began to reflect of God's goodness. As David began to meditate on God and what He could do for him; I'm sure that his faith also began to soar into the heavens, where it took him further away from the thoughts of despair.

We should never be ashamed to pour our hearts out to God; in fact, that is what He longs for us to do but once we have emptied ourselves, from the hurt and pain of a circumstance that seems to know no end; then we should reflect on God and the power of His presence within our lives. When we do this; we not only allow our faith to increase but we are sending a clear message to God that we trust Him, while these positive thoughts and words become a sharp weapon; to pierce the heart of the one who first afflicted us, which is Satan.

A Great Love

Today looks like it's going to be another rainy day but I am so thankful that God knows just what needs to be done, as He cares for all of His creation. As we begin today; I would like to ask a few questions..."Why are there times, when we feel as though we have been rejected or abandoned by God?" Could it be that we are caught up more, in the problems of this life, rather than the love that God has displayed to us, through the cross and His word? In other words, could we be focusing too tightly, on the things that pull us away from God; that we begin to feel as though He has walked away from us? This morning, let's read Romans 8:31-32, which says... "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (32) He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"

We need to realize first of all, that Jesus loved us so much, that He died a brutal death, out of love for us. If Christ never loved us, then why would He go through a time of rejection Himself, along with great pain and agony; before and during the time of His death? Do we realize that He gave up everything for us, with a great love that made Him the sacrificial lamb, for all the sins of this world; while His cross became the sacrificial alter, on which He was laid? Second of all...why would He allow all that He went through, to be in vain, by abandoning us now? In other words...if God was truly for us, during the time of the cross...which He was; then why would He become our enemy now?

I think that there are two things that make us feel, as if Christ has walked away and the first one is; that for some reason, we tend to compare the love of Christ, with the love of man. Maybe it's because of what we see and experience in this world; that makes us feel distant from Christ. We need to remember that Christ's love is a completely different love; for His love is an unconditional love...not a love that sways back and forth but rather, His love, is a love that is ongoing and eternal and if Christ never experienced an unconditional love for us; then He would have given up on us at the cross. You see...His love for us had to be greater than the anguish and pain He experienced; otherwise, He couldn't have taken on the suffering, for the sins, of this entire world.

The second thing that can make us feel distant from God is our circumstances. They seem to have a way, of making a wedge between us and God, until a brick wall of circumstance attempts to separate us, from the presence of God. When we allow these difficult moments to be more predominate, than the powerful presence of God; then each circumstance that enters our life, begins to build a wall that makes us feel distant from God.

If we are going to truly experience the depth of God's love, especially while facing difficult times in our lives; then we must not allow our worldly thoughts and circumstances to get in the way. When we are willing to focus, on the great love that was displayed to us on the cross, while focusing on God's word; then and only then, will we be able to trust a love that has always been there for us, from the very beginning.

Allowing Painful Moments for Better Reasons

It's another rainy morning here but isn't it good to know that no matter how dreary a day can seem; that we have the light of God's presence, shining within us? As I begin; I would like to share a Bible verse that God led me to and it's found in Zephaniah 3:17 and we read... "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing."

Recently, I've been writing on the love of God and how a circumstance can make us feel distant, from His love. As I was sitting here this morning...listening to a song, titled "Amazing Love;" I felt God prompting me to continue our talk, on His precious love for us. I don't think that we can ever get enough reminders, of the love that God has for us; especially, while experiencing the day to day struggles that come, as we face the end times.

One thing that caught my attention in this verse; is where it says... "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves." We need to remember that even though the circumstances in our lives may try to spell out the word defeat; God is not going to give up and allow us or Him to be defeated, while facing a difficult battle in our lives. Often, I have seen God, as a mighty warrior...standing before me, with a large shield...large enough to keep the fiery darts, from piercing my soul.

Even though God is there for us; there may be times, when we experience the wounds that come from these difficult battles but maybe it's because we have tried to fight the battles alone...without trusting in God's sustaining protection. Sometimes, I think that God has to allow some wounds to enter our lives...not because He doesn't love us but rather, it may be His way of loving us; as He may long for changes to take place within our lives...changes that will help us to grow spiritually and become stronger, for the battles we face in life.

We need to remember, as His children; that sometimes God as our Father, needs to correct us and help us in areas that we cannot see, so He can aim us in the right direction and on the right pathway; that He longs for us to follow. Just as an earthly father has to correct his children; sometimes, God's love comes in a different form, with a love that says...I'm only allowing these moments to enter your life...out of love for you, so you can become more like me.

Pursuing Peace

Every day is a day of peace, when Christ resides within us but I like to look at Sunday, as a very special time of peace...a time that God gave us; so His presence could renew us for another week ahead. As we begin; I would like to share a Bible verse with you, from John 16: 33 and we read... "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Why do we allow anxiety, fear, and frustration, to replace the perfect and loving peace that can only be found through Jesus Christ? Personally...I think that we allow our thoughts to be carried away, with the everyday circumstances that enter our pathway, which only allows the negative thoughts and feelings, to have control over our lives. We need to remember that Jesus already overcame everything we would face in life, through His death on the cross and this alone, will give us peace.

We know that we cannot escape the obstacles that enter our path and as Christians; we know that the battle will always be there, as evil attempts to overtake the good in our lives but when we can remove our eyes away from the obstacle or the battle; to look to an old rugged cross, where Jesus paid a great price, for all we would go through and remember that through His resurrection; He overcame all evil; then we will be able to grab hold to His peace, while leaving the excess baggage of problems along the wayside.

I always used to think that we could just pray for peace and it would be, as if God would walk by and drop His peace upon our heads but over time, I have come to see that we must not only pray for peace but we must also pursue it. In other words; our thoughts and actions are either going to take us down a road, where we are continually looking for God's peace...despite the circumstance or our thoughts and actions are going to walk us down a detour road that leads us into further despair...the choice is ours. When God sees that we choose to look for His best, through the difficult moments; then He will pour His loving peace upon us; as a means of calming our spirits and renewing us, for the moments we face ahead.

Rising Above Despair

Monday's can sometimes be difficult, especially for those who have been dealing with a trying circumstance in their life but when we choose to shun the negative thoughts that stem from these moments; to truly believe in the power of God and what He can bring about within our lives, then we will begin to see the dark and dismal moments of circumstance, turn into a bright ray of light that only comes from the presence of God.

As we begin this morning, I would like to share a well-known Bible verse with you, in Philippians 4:13 and we read..."I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." You know...we all have probably memorized this Bible verse but have these words become a part of our daily lives? It's so easy to say..."yes, I know that verse well or I memorized that verse, when I was younger" but have these words come alive within us; to the place where we truly know, that we can do all things through a powerful God, who can give us His mighty strength, as a means of getting us through any trying time in our lives?

Today, we may be facing chronic pain or some form of heartache and the symptoms of our problem could be trying to keep us down and out of commission with God. These moments can begin to whisper thoughts of defeat and attempt to convince our hearts and minds that there is no way out of these moments of affliction. When we choose to believe these thoughts, then we find ourselves feeling distant from God, while we give in to what the problem is trying to convey to us. I have learned that making friends with a circumstance, is the worst thing we could ever do because when we react in this way, then we are being drawn further into Satan's territory, where he not only controls the present problem but keeps adding fuel to a fire that never seems to go out.

If we are ever going to leave the moments of despair behind, to find the best that God has to offer us, then we must first find the strength through God, to rise above despair. Our problem may still be there but when we can allow our hearts and thoughts, to truly believe in a strength that can lift us high and above these difficult moments, than we will soon discover that we can do all things through a God...whose strength is greater than any overwhelming moment of circumstance.

Anticipating God's Best through Prayer

Today, as I was looking for a verse that God would have me base my writing on, He led me to Colossians 4:2 and we read..."Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Even though this is a small verse; it is packed with a lot of meaning. You know, it's so easy to pray or talk to God but how do we feel, once we walk away from these moments of prayer? Do we truly believe that God can do what we ask for or do we spend a single moment with God in prayer; only to turn back and doubt the words we just spoke to Him? When we pray and then choose to go back to our wallowing hole of doubt, than the words we once sent into the heavens, begin to fall powerless to the ground.

When we pray, we should not only mention our needs to God but we should also be watching, for what He is about to do. In other words, we should anticipate His best, above the worst that we may be experiencing for the moment. In addition, we should also have a thankful heart, when we pray...knowing that when we thank God in advance, for what He is about to do, than our thankful hearts, instantly becomes a message to God, that says..."I don't know what you are going to do to help me but God I believe and thank you, for your power...a power that is greater than these moments I'm experiencing."

There are many ways to be thankful in life but when we reveal a heart of thankfulness to God, even in the midst of despair, as we pray and talk with Him, than doubt and fear will vanish, as we begin to anticipate the best that God longs to do for us.

A Powerful Warrior

Just think...this is a brand new day...created by God. As we were sleeping during the night; God was behind the blinds of darkness, to make this brand new day...just for us! We don't have to think about our yesterdays because God has designed a brand new today...a day, where we don't have to think about what's behind us but rather what's before us!

Today, as I was getting around; God was reminding me of His great power. How many of us can say that we are truly connected to God's power...with our hearts, thoughts, and the way we respond to life's trying moments? In Matthew 19:26, we read..."Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

How are we viewing our circumstances today? Do we become so caught up in how the circumstance appears before us that we begin to view our problems, as something greater than the power of God? I have come to see that one of the most dangerous things to do; is to dissect our problems. When we take our circumstances apart...piece by piece, then we find that we are beginning to believe in what the circumstance is attempting to convey to us and when we do this, then we begin to see our circumstances, as problems that can never be resolved.

I think that the first thing we need to realize and come to accept today; is that we cannot fix our own problems. If we could, then why would we need God in our lives? Let's look back to the story of David and Goliath. There were some soldiers in Saul's army that went to fight Goliath, with sword in hand but they never succeeded and that was because they were going in their own so-called strength but when David went to fight Goliath; He took God into battle with Him. Here, we see David...small in stature, with only a sling and stone in hand but if we remember...it wasn't the stone that killed Goliath but it was the power of a great God that entered the stone and brought Goliath down to the ground.

Are we going into battle today, with the weapons of our own thoughts and desires? If so, we are never going to win the battles before us. There may be times, when we feel the need to give up and give in to our circumstances because we see these battles, as something greater, then what we can handle but we must come to realize that we will only win the battles that stand before us, when we are willing to take a powerful God into battle with us.

Laying Out the Welcome Mat for Jesus

I hope you are feeling the presence of God, in this brand new day because I am! It looks like it's going to be another beautiful day here! What a great feeling to know; that the light of God's presence surrounds us each day; even while experiencing the storms of life.

As we begin today, let's read Matthew 6:33 and we read..."But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." The minute a storm of circumstance smacks us in the face, who are we turning to, during these overwhelming moments in our lives? Have we chosen to run directly into the arms of God, where we can share our needs with Him or are we attempting to commune with the problem...thinking that the problem will fix itself?

We need to remember that in order for God to help us...we must first choose to seek Him, for the answers to our needs. It's so easy to fall prey to our problems, while attempting to put the broken pieces of our lives back together on our own but we must come to the realization that this method will never work. The Bible says that first; we must seek God, then all these things we lack, will be given to us by God...in His time.

Let's ask ourselves another question this morning. Do our hearts and lives line up with God? If we have any sin or any other thing within our lives that does not reflect God, then He will not be able to hear our call for help. You see...first, we must have a clear connection, between our heart and God's heart and when the clutter of sin resides within us, then these things begin to block our connection with God, which only keeps us from having a clear communication with Him.

When we choose to do a spiritual cleaning and sweep out all the clutter that is in our hearts, then we will be ready to lay out the welcome mat for God, so He can walk in and fix the broken moments that are weighing us down. When our hearts are clean and free from the clutter, of sin, worry, doubt, and fear; then we are not only welcoming Him into our moments of trial, as we seek Him for His help but we also find that the broken connection we once experienced with God, has been made whole, as He works, to make all things new again, within our lives.

Devoted to God Even in the Midst of Despair

As I'm sitting here this morning; I'm thinking about those who are going through very overwhelming circumstances in their lives. I remember the tough times, within my own life and how there were moments, when I never thought I'd make it to where I am today but through it all; I had to learn how to remain devoted to God...despite the circumstance and sometimes that can be a very difficult thing to do; especially since we are fighting a battle, with the forces of evil.

This morning, as I was talking with God and seeking His word; He led me to some Bible verses that I would like to share with you, in Daniel 6:5-10 and we read..."Finally these men said, "We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God." (6) So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: "May King Darius live forever! (7) The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions' den. (8) Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed." (9) So King Darius put the decree in writing. (10) Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."

In these verses...Daniel had just learned about the kings decree, which stated that anyone, who was caught praying before any other god or human being, other than the king, would be thrown into the lion's den but yet Daniel went home and continued to pray and do, as he had done for so long; despite the circumstance that laid before him. You know, it's so easy to love God and praise Him, when everything around us is going well but the true test, is when we can love and praise God; despite the circumstance that lies before us.

Satan has a way of not only afflicting us but he also has a way of working with our thoughts and hearts, through the circumstance; so we will place the blame on God, rather than him and if Satan can get us upset over our problems, than he also knows that this can become a scheme that will work, as a means of keeping us distant from God...to a place, where he can lure us into a deep, dark pit of despair.

We must remember that God is only allowing the circumstance into our lives, as a means of new growth and new strength. Many times, I experienced this within my own life and I came to see, that what Satan sees, as a means of defeat...God is looking at the circumstance, as a means of drawing us closer to Him because when we have no one to turn to, during these difficult times, than we will have a reason to lean on Him.

I believe that the circumstance is not only a means of new growth and strength but the circumstance also becomes a test of endurance. In other words, can we love and praise God, just as much, when we are facing moments that seem almost impossible to get through? This is where we come to see how deep our love is for God. During an overwhelming moment in our lives, we can ask God for strength, when we are weak and for peace, when we are deeply filled with an overwhelming feeling of anxiety and when we do so; we find that our love and dependence on God is beginning to grow, more and more; despite the circumstance.

Today, we need to ask ourselves a few questions. First, are we blaming God for the problem because if we are, than Satan is winning, which will only make us feel more distant from God; while being drawn closer to the circumstance and Satan's deceiving ways. Second, are we allowing God to work through our problems, rather than fighting His desires for our lives? When we choose to humble ourselves before a great God and lay aside our own thoughts and desires, as to how God should resolve the problem, than we will not only discover peace...new growth and a greater strength but we will also find that our connection with God is becoming greater, then the connection we once experienced, before the circumstance entered our lives.

Renewed through Affliction

There can be moments in our lives, when we feel as though we are being destroyed bit by bit, as we walk through difficult moments of adversity but we must remember that what we see with our own eyes is just the circumstance; attempting to convince us of a lie...a lie that speaks words of defeat. Today, as we begin, let's read a few Bible verses in II Corinthians 4:16-18 and we read..."Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. (17) For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (18) So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Isn't it amazing, how our circumstances can dictate our thoughts and cause us to believe that they are going to defeat us? We must remember that even though our minds and bodies are drained, from these difficult moments; there is a work that is taking place within us. You see, the problem we face, is that our own eyes are viewing the blunt of the problem, by what we are feeling and experiencing for the moment and when we allow our thoughts to be carried away, with what the circumstance is attempting to convey to us, than we will begin to believe the words they speak. This is Satan's way of luring us into a trap and once we enter his trap, then he is able to throw us into a deeper pit of despair, where he can work even more with our weaknesses. Rather than view our problems, through what the circumstance is attempting to say to us; we need to look at what God is doing through the circumstance. In other words, we need to quit looking at what is seen before us and look for the things that are unseen because these moments we see before us are only temporary moments of pain and heartache but the things that we cannot see, which God is allowing through these moments of pain and heartache, are actually going to produce something within our lives that will become eternal.

If we could view our circumstances, as moments, when God is pruning back our lives, to remove the dead and weak areas, as a means of producing new growth and a greater strength, than our circumstances wouldn't affect us so deeply. You see...we have it all wrong. We are too busy looking at the problem; that we cannot see the good that is going to come through these moments. When we are willing to turn our faces away from defeat and shun the thoughts that Satan is attempting to convince us of, than we will be able to lean on God and know in our hearts that God will complete a good work within us that will allow us to come one step closer to Him.

Letting Go

As I sit here today; I am thinking about how easy it is to cling to a circumstance, rather than leaving it completely with God. It seems as though we find our circumstances, to be a security blanket...something we have to hold to and always be in touch with but when we allow ourselves to be wrapped up in our problems, than we find that we only become distant from God and closer to the problem. As we begin; I would like to share a Bible verse with you, in Psalm 55:22 and we read..."Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."

How many times do we say to God..."please Lord...take it all" but yet we leave our prayer time with God; only to take each piece of the problem apart, as we try to figure out, what went wrong or what is going to happen from here? We must remember that we cannot fix our problems and if we could, than we wouldn't need God to reside within us.

I remember a time in my own life, when I was going through a very overwhelming struggle and I just couldn't seem to leave the need with God, until He showed me one day, how I could overcome this struggle in my life. In my mind's eye, God began to show me an empty box, with a lid on it. He spoke to my spirit and said...Diane, take the lid off the box and place your need inside the box. Once you have placed the complete need within the box, then put the lid on the box and hand it over to Me but then He also said...you must remember; that once you hand the box over to me, then you must walk away and not look back or remove the box from me. From there, I took the box and placed every piece of the need inside and after placing the lid on the box, I walked over to God...handed the box over to Him and as He gave me a reassuring smile; I walked away...never to look back again and ever since that day; that box has remained with God.

We must remember that when we give a need to God...only to take it back from Him, then the problem is never going to get better...only worse and the more that we cling to each circumstance...the more we are going to feel separated from God, while becoming more deeply connected to a problem that never seems to come to an end.

How are we handling our problems today? Have we spent time with God about each need...only to turn back to the need and allow it to abuse us? We must remember that our problems will never be resolved, when we choose to hold tightly to them. Trusting God means that we are willing to let go of the need, so He can finish the work that He has begun within us. Can we truly say that we have handed everything over to God today?

Falling into the Arms of Peace

I am sitting in the quietness of my morning, as I prepare to work today. As I look out the window...light is just beginning to shine through the darkness, as a gentle breeze is lifting the tree branches upward, as they praise their maker. What a peaceful morning, where all I can hear is the voice of a gentle Spirit...coming to me today, on wings of love and peace.

How many times do we stop throughout the day, to enjoy the eternal peace that can only come from God? If we were to just release the thoughts that are weighing us down; to look and listen, to nature and the things that surround us; we would definitely feel the weight of the day, being taken far from us, as we begin to feel a peace enter us; that can calm any raging storm.

As we begin; I would like to share a Bible verse with you, in Romans 8:6 and we read..."For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." What is on our minds this morning, as we begin another new day? Have we continued on, from where we left off yesterday, while we fret and worry, over moments that should be left in God's hands? Are we allowing our problems to abuse us, when we could be turning to God for peace? We need to remember that whatever we set our mind on...that will be the outcome, of how we feel, throughout the moments that lie before us.

I remember many times in my own life, when I would not only allow my problems to abuse me but I also remember the many moments, when I would allow anxiety and worry, to dominate my life, over God's peace. Lately, I've come to see that when I'm drained from a busy day; that these become the moments, when I'm more vulnerable to the deceiving lies that Satan attempts to place in my thoughts, as a means of bringing on worry and anxiety. As my life has become busy, with long hours of ministry work; I have truly come to see that I need God's strength every day and His peace every night, before I go to sleep.

Many times, we suffer needlessly, while becoming a puppet on a string that is controlled by Satan because we allow our thoughts to take us to a wallowing hole, where we are only deeply connected with the thoughts and worries of the day. We already know that we are going to face difficult moments in our lives because we live in an imperfect world but just because these moments come into our lives, from time to time; that doesn't mean that we have to allow these moments to torment us. It's time, that we stand up...shake the circumstance from us and take our focus away from the problems of the day. Rather than trying to be tough and strong on our own, we need to admit that we are weak and tired, so we can turn to a strong God; that He may exchange the weak moments, for a strength that can keep us lifted up; above the moments that weigh us down...the moments that draw us closer to the problem, rather than to the peaceful presence of God.

Reflecting on Moments that Give Us Hope

As I sit here, in the early morning hours; I am enjoying the beauty of God's creation outside my office window, as snow is gently falling around me. There can be moments, when we view the changes in weather or any other thing in life, as something that only makes the day seem much more dreary to us but when we can see God in these moments; then we begin to see the control He truly has over His creation, which only allows us to feel His hand at work in our lives and in the things that surround us each day.

Today, as I begin; I would like to share Psalm 13:1-6 with you, and we read..."How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? (2) How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? (3) Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, (4) and my enemy will say, "I have overcome him," and my foes will rejoice when I fall. (5) But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. (6) I will sing the Lord's praise, for he has been good to me."

This has become a favorite Psalm in my life because we all face questions like these. How many times, did I say to God..."How long Lord, must I continue to go through this trial and have you stopped loving me? It's amazing how a circumstance can dictate our thoughts and make us believe in things that really aren't true. I believe that Satan not only afflicts us with a trial but he also hangs around, to wiggle the thorn of circumstance a bit, as a means of enhancing the problem and attempting to make us believe that God has forsaken us, during a crucial time in our lives.

One thing that I truly enjoy about king David and his writings; is that he not only poured his heart out before God but once he laid everything before God; he also took time to reminisce on the moments that God had brought him through, along with the moments, when God had spared his ancestors from many difficult moments of adversity. From there, as king David began to reflect on God's goodness; his faith began to soar, while his trust in God became stronger than the weakness of his problem. As King David poured himself out before God and reflected on God's goodness, while beginning to focus his attention away from the problem and back on God; then the moments that had one time taken him down, were now lifting his heart up to God, with words of praise.

No matter how overwhelming the situation...we must stay away from the negative thoughts that will only keep us distant, from the answers that God can give us. When we begin to listen to these negative questions within our thoughts; we soon will discover that they only bring about worry and doubt. We need to remember that our imaginations can lead us down a dark and dismal path that only takes us into Satan's territory and once we have entered this place; Satan begins to answer these negative questions, with answers that only lead us into further despair.

The only thing that is going to help us today; is to totally lay our circumstance before the cross of Christ and reflect on the past moments, when God has brought us through other difficult moments in our lives. Once we are able to do this; then we will find a reason to praise Him; despite the circumstance.

Listening for the Voice of God

As I sit here this morning and view a beautiful sunrise; I am being reminded that God is in control of all things and when we look to Him, rather than the storm of circumstance; that attempts to surround us; then we will always have the hope; that God will be in control, of everything that concerns us.

As we begin today; I would like to read a Bible verse in John 8:47 and we read..."Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God." Do we have our ears open today; to words of hope, guidance and peace; which can only come from God or is our communication being blocked because we are listening too deeply to words that keep us closely connected to a problem?

How many times, have we said to ourselves..."Where is God and why do I feel so distant from Him?" I think that if we slowed down...relaxed and took another view at our lives; we might just see that we have become too close to our problems. Yes...there are things that we definitely need to deal with in life...especially if we are facing chronic pain and illnesses but how far are we allowing these problems to control us? Have we become so deeply connected with them; that we only hear the voice that stems from what is wrong? Have these moments become so overwhelming that we find ourselves walking down a path, where we keep looking for more to happen?

We need to remember that even in the midst of a powerful storm; we must continue to look for God's rainbow of hope; otherwise, we will continue to remain deeply embedded in the storm. If we truly have a good connection with God; then we will say...Yes, I am dealing with this or that but God, I am longing to hear from you, rather than allowing this problem to dictate my life. Many times, we do not hear God's voice of hope because our thoughts are chasing after our problems. If we are ever going to find hope and the presence of God, in the midst of our circumstances; then we need to reach out to Him and keep a clear connection open, even when it seems as though the storm is attempting to keep us disconnected from His presence.

Following the Example of Christ

What path have we allowed our thoughts to travel down...a path, where God's love lights the way or a path that is ruled by our own thoughts? As we begin today; I would like to share a few Bible verses, that God lead me to, in Matthew 5:43-48 and we read... "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' (44) But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (45) that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (46) If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? (47) And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? (48) Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

As Christians, we are to have the same kind of love, as Christ has had for us, for many years. It's so easy to love those who love us but the true test comes, when we can walk beyond the faults of others, to see the need of their heart and love them anyway. Why do we find it to be much easier to judge someone, by the way they appear to us, rather than to walk beyond the clutter of sin and problems, to see the true need of their heart?

Do we realize that when we bypass others, to only love those of our own kind, then we are not representing Christ, in the way we should? If we truly want to be called children of God, then we must also follow in His footsteps and love everyone, in the way He first loved us.

I love the second part of verse 45, where it says... "He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." To me, this shows that God loves everyone. If He only loved His kind, then he would put the evil and just, in two separate categories and would only give to those that loved Him. Our love for others should not only reflect God but our love, should be a love that is different, from the kind of love that is shared within this world...a love that definitely says to others that God loves them too.

Being Made Complete through Him

No matter what kind of a day we may face; isn't it good to know; that when God is living within us; that we can continue to press on, with the strength of a mighty God; despite the circumstance? Thank you Jesus...for the hope you give us each day!

As we begin...how many of us can truly say that we have confidence, in the things that God can do? Can we say that we live with a settled back feeling, that God is there, to do His best for us or have we allowed the negative thoughts and feelings, to override the truth that can keep us free and distant, from a life of bondage? This morning, as I was thinking on what God would have me write; He led me to a Bible verse in Philippians 1:6 and we read..."Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"

It seems as though we can be enjoying the sunshine of God's presence, while everything seems to be going well but then before we know it, a storm begins to brew and as we view the storm; we begin to also fear the storm. All kinds of thoughts go through our minds, until we have convinced ourselves that the storm is going to destroy the great things we once enjoyed, while walking through life with God. We must realize that these thoughts are only meant to take away the joy, we once had and even though we may experience these moments, when we feel let down by God; that doesn't mean that God has stopped His work within us and walked away.

One thing I have truly learned from God, while walking down overwhelming pathways of pain and heartache; is that God never walks away from an unfinished project. When we allow our minds to escape the view of the storm that surrounds us, we will once more see that God is at work and that He is there, until the project is complete. This is what we call hope!

We need to stop placing our confidence in the storm, while thinking about how it could possibly destroy us and instead; we need to focus on the work that God has already begun within us. When we keep our thoughts focused on the project that God has already begun to do within our lives, then we will always have the confidence to move forward with God, until His project has been made complete within us.

A True and Lasting Love

As we think of all that Jesus, God's Son went through on the cross for us; we can also know the great depth of love He had for us at that time and the love He continues to have for us each day.

Today, as I begin; I would like to share John 3:16 with you and we read... "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Do we realize that we will never experience any other form of love; in comparison to the love that Jesus has for us? His love for us is so great; that He was willing to come into this world and give up His entire life for us. He not only gave up His life for us on the cross but even through the journey He took, here on earth...before the cross.

With each lash of the whip and even through the beatings, ridicule and rejection; Jesus remained silent because His love for us was so great; that the pain and heartache that entered those moments, could never compare to the love He had for us. It's so easy to find ourselves comparing His love, to the kind of love we experience in this world but if we were to put His love on a scale and weigh it next to the world's love; then we would quickly see the depth of His love for us. We need to ask ourselves this question...is there anyone on this earth; that would not only be willing to die a brutal death on the cross for us but also remain faithful to us, until his death? When we think on this question; we begin to experience the deep love that Christ has for us...a love that we will never find here on earth.

Our circumstances have a way of denying God's love, as they pinpoint everything that God hasn't done for us, such as removing us from the problem right away but when we can remember the love that Jesus displayed to us, before and during His death on the cross; then we will be able to trust the love He has for us now, until we safely walk out of the circumstance with Him.

Today, I'm reminded of an old hymn that goes a little like this... "Living He loved me...dying He saved me...buried He carried my sins far away. Rising He justified, freely forever. One day He's coming, Oh glorious day." Jesus loves us so much that He suffered a brutal death but His death wasn't like any other ordinary death; for His death nailed our sins on His cross, so that we could be free forever and now, we can live with the hope that His love continues to grow for us each day, as He works to prepare a home for us, where we can live and experience His great love forever.

A Perfect Love

As we begin the day, there can be some, who wonder if God loves them anymore, due to the circumstances they are facing. The weight of pain and heartache has a way of making us feel distant from God, while our thoughts seem to be convincing us, that God no longer loves us. This morning, I would like to share several Bible verses that will give us the hope we need, so we can continue to press on into this brand new day. Let's turn to Romans 8:37-39 and we read..."No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (38) For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, (39) neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

When we are attached to a love that never let's go...such as God's love, then we soon see that His love becomes much greater and more powerful, than any weakness that can enter our lives. God gives us verses like these, to not only read but He longs for us to draw them deep within our hearts, as water soaks into a sponge. He longs for these words to become words of hope that will pick up our spirits, after a circumstance has brought us low.

It's so easy to compare God's love, with the love we experience here on earth. For example...the love we experience here on earth can be shaken easily, to the place where people walk out of our lives or hurt us deeply but God's love, is a love that went to an old rugged cross...a love that loved us so much; that He was willing to share that love, as a means of becoming the complete sacrifice for our sins. Do you know of any other person, who would be willing to go through the suffering He experienced, just as a means of proving their love to you? When we can view Christ's love in this way, then nothing we experience in life will ever be able to separate us, from His love.

Today, we need to shun the voices that attempt to discourage us and bring us low, so we can reach up to a God, who is already reaching down to us, with a deep love...a love that will always remain, even after the end of time.

Hope...a Key Ingredient to Life

As I was beginning my day; God took my thoughts to the word "hope" and as I was waiting for my computer to warm up; I was thinking, on how difficult life would be, if the word hope, was never a part of our vocabulary...for hope is the key ingredient that gives us the desire to press on, especially while facing overwhelming moments of adversity.

As we begin, let's turn to II Corinthians 4:16-18 and we read..."Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. (17) For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (18) So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

For the longest time, I could never figure out, why God would allow so much pain and heartache into my life but one day, God led me to this verse and He showed me that even though our trials can make us feel, as though we are slowly dying, in a deep, dark pit of despair...we really aren't. It's the circumstance that attempts to take us down, through these negative thoughts but when we focus on God, we see that these difficult moments that enter our lives, are only there to create new growth and a greater strength.

When we can see the circumstances in our lives, as moments of renewal, rather than defeat, then we will also begin to feel the hand of God at work within us. As I experienced the difficult moments of adversity, within my own life, I came to see them as a staircase of steps that would lead me to heaven. For each difficult step I climbed, I was being given a choice, as to whether I was willing to overcome the step and allow God to take me to the next step or to sit on the same step and continue to suffer needlessly. I came to see that the steps were never easy to climb but I found that when I took my attention away from the step above me that seemed so steep; to focus on a God, who could lift me up, with His limitless strength and power, then I was able to overcome that difficult moment.

We must remember that the circumstances we see before us are only temporary, while the things that are unseen to us, such as God and heaven, are eternal. When we think in this way, we will find it easier to take our attention away from a problem that cannot have power, over an eternal God. Focusing on a temporary problem is only going to bring moments of needless suffering into our lives but when we can see how God is using our problems, for something eternal, then we will find a reason to rejoice, during times of adversity, rather than wallowing, in a deep, dark pit of despair that is only there to steal our joy and keep us from pressing on.

The Thorns of Worry, Doubt and Fear

After spending some time with God in prayer, He led me to Mark 4:18-19 and we read..."Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; (19) but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful."

We would never think of planting flower seeds, among a thorny bush because as the flowers mature, the thorns would eventually strangle the plant and kill it. In a similar way, the words that God lays upon our hearts can become seeds that He longs to grow within us...seeds that can mature and produce much within our lives but when we allow the seeds to grow, amongst a clutter of worry, doubt, fear or self-desire, then those feelings and desires begin to destroy the seeds that God has planted within us and they never produce the good things that God longs to give us.

As I write...I listen for God's voice because without His voice in my spirit, there would be no words to write. This can be a battle at times because Satan longs to take God's words from me, by distracting my thoughts and attempting to bring in other thoughts and words that can choke out, what God has given me. If I was to allow Satan's thoughts to have preeminence, over the thoughts that God first implanted within my heart, then God's words would no long be able to produce the hope and encouragement that we all need.

If we truly long to experience the depth of God's presence in our lives and all His benefits, then we must do a spiritual cleaning and get rid of the unwanted thoughts and feelings that have taken over our hearts. When we are willing to sort through the clutter and make room for God, then we will truly begin to see a powerful God at work within us.

Walking in His Footsteps

Many years ago...someone displayed a great heart of love and His love was so great; that He was willing to allow Himself to take the punishment, for the sins of the whole world. With every lash of the whip...He paid the penalty, for every sin that we would commit. He was someone, who was hated, when at one time He was loved and because of that deep hatred; He was spit upon, rejected, despised and ridiculed. Only a handful of people stood with Him and even as a crown of thorns was thrust into His skull and nails were hammered into His hands and feet; His love remained committed to us. He was someone, who had a deeper love for us; then the depth of pain He was experiencing and His name was Jesus Christ.

As we begin; I would like to share a couple Bible verses that God has laid upon my heart and they are found in Ephesians 5:1-2 and we read..."Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children (2) and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

As we read His word, we are taught to walk in His footsteps and follow His example but are we truly doing that? Can we say that we have sacrificed our lives, out of love for Him? When moments become difficult and we are put to the test; does our love for Christ outweigh these difficult moments we experience? Are we committed to Him or our circumstances?

I remember a time in my own life, when I was only concerned for myself but as God has led me deeper into ministry work; my eyes have been opened, to others who are experiencing much worse than me. You know...it's so easy to get caught up, in a world of our own; that we never see beyond that world but if we are going to be followers of Jesus Christ, then we need to experience a similar heart to His...a heart that will allow us to follow in His footsteps...a heart that is willing to stop judging others, so we can walk beyond the faults of others and see their need and truly share God's love with them.

An Unforsaken Love

There are many in this world; that I may never meet; that feel unloved and tossed to the side...many who need to hear that there is someone, who can love them unconditionally and never walk away from them. As I was searching for the right Bible verse that God would have me share with you today; He led me to I John 3:1 and we read..."See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him."

In this life we live; it can be difficult to trust another person's love. We may hear the words that they are speaking but there can be moments, when action doesn't follow the words we've been told...which only leads to a feeling of rejection and abandonment, while living with a shattered heart.

As I was reading I John 3:1 this morning, something really struck me about this verse that I hadn't noticed before. First, the verse speaks of God's great love for us...a love that has made us His children but then we read this part of the verse that says... "For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him." After reading this part of the verse, the first thought that came to my mind was this...how can anyone share a real, true and lasting love with another person, if first, they don't know the One who represents the word love? In other words, if we haven't experienced a true and lasting love that only comes from Jesus Christ, then how can we know how to share a real love, with others around us?

Jesus Christ was the first One, to demonstrate a true love, when He suffered and died for us. In John 15:13 we read..."Greater love has no one than this: than to lay down one's life for one's friends." Jesus demonstrated a great love for us, when He laid His life down for us, on an old rugged cross. He gave up everything in His life, so that we could know without a doubt that He truly loved us. When we are willing to lay our life down, by caring more about the other person, then we have truly received the love within our hearts that Jesus demonstrated to us many years ago.

We do not have to live, with a feeling of rejection and abandonment, when there is a God, who has already proved a true and lasting love to us. All we have to do is receive His love within our hearts and allow Him to be a friend, who can fill the lonely moments in our lives, with His loving presence.

Grace...God's Riches at Christ's Expense

Do we truly know what the word grace means? I remember a time, when I was a teenager and while sitting in a Sunday school class, the teacher taught us that the meaning of grace was "God's Riches at Christ Expense." Ever since that day, I have always held this meaning close to my heart.

As we begin; I would like to read a Bible verse in Hebrews 13:9 and we read..."Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so." Let's ask ourselves this question..."Have we allowed religion to take the place of grace?" How often do we hear people say..."what religion are you?" If we were to look back, to the time, when Jesus walked this earth; there was never any talk of religion...only salvation. In fact, there were times, when Jesus confronted the Pharisee's and Sadducees, about the way they were misconstruing His teachings.

Religion can become an easy way for us to twist God's words and allow them to become a doctrine that is after our own man-made ideas, rather than the true wisdom that comes from God. When we look at the word "grace," we see it as a gift from God...a gift that came at a time, when Christ paid the price, for the sins of the world, on an old rugged cross. God made the way simple and easy for us but are we allowing religion to control our hearts, rather than the true knowledge and wisdom that comes through God's grace?

We need to come to a realization that religion isn't going to strengthen us or help us to grow spiritually...only God's grace. Just as someone idolizes a piece of stone but yet there is nothing there but stone; so it is with religion. Religion only becomes a title we wear on our foreheads but when we truly seek after God's faith and His grace, then we will find that the sign has come down, as we truly begin to experience the presence of a powerful God, living within our hearts.

A Need to Lean on God

As I was sitting here this morning...talking with God; He led me to a couple verses that relate to the word "hope." As many are facing moments of hopelessness and despair, due to pain, illness, and deep heartache; we all need to be reminded that there is a way out of these moments...a place where hope can lift us up and out of the darkness that these moments have placed us in. As we begin, let's read a couple Bible verses, found in Romans 8:24-25 and we read..."For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? (25) But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."

There can be times, when we find it hard to understand, why God allows the difficult and overwhelming circumstances to enter our lives but we must not look into the face of these moments that are brought on by evil. Instead, we must focus on the reason behind these difficult moments. We must remember that God has a reason for everything and just because nothing is going our way; that doesn't mean that He has forsaken us. Just remember that God cannot allow anything to enter our lives, unless these moments can be used in the end, for His honor and glory.

In the verses we just read, it says..." Who hopes for what they already have? (25) But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." In other words, if we always have a perfect life, then why would we need to lean on God? These difficult moments are not only meant, to bring about new growth and a greater strength but they are meant to teach us how to lean in God's direction and trust Him, even when we cannot see the unknown moments before us. The test that God has laid before us today is this...can we wait patiently for Him to work, during these trying times in our lives or have we been convinced that defeat is just around the corner? How we react to our circumstance, will either allow hope, to keep us pressing on or our thoughts will take us to a place, where we remain idle, while we allow our circumstance to surround us and keep us in a deep, dark pit of despair.

It's so easy to be distracted, by what our circumstance is trying to convey to us and as long as we look into the face of trouble, then trouble will always stand before us. This is why we need to lean on a God that is stronger than our problems. When we are weak and we find ourselves tired of the circumstance and we feel that there is no reason to continue on; this should be the time, when we let go of these broken crutches of circumstance and begin to fall into the arms of a god that can be strength for us, when we are too weak to stand on our own. When we can do this, then a glimpse of hope will once more shine clearly before us.

Wounded but Never Defeated

Do we stop to think that God's faithfulness, is not only a means of providing for us but His faithfulness is also a means of standing before us and protecting us, from the evil that attempts to defeat us and take us down? I think of God's faithfulness, as a shield that is set before me and even though I may be attacked or wounded from battle, I am not killed or destroyed, by the fiery darts that come from Satan's direction and for this reason, I can say, with a complete heart that God is truly faithful to me!

I would like to share a verse with you today, from I Corinthians 10:13 and we read..."No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

Sometimes we can become so caught up, in a difficult battle; that we completely bypass the thought that God is there, in the midst of the battle. When we find ourselves caught up in a difficult battle of circumstance; we must remember that no battle of evil that is formed against us can prosper, when there is a merciful, loving and faithful God, standing before us.

The battles we face in life can sometimes have a way of convincing us, of total defeat and even though God may allow these moments to enter our lives, for a reason we may not fully understand; we must remember that He is the One with the greater power and He will not allow the battle, to go to a place, where we cannot come out of it safely. If we would take our eyes away from every detail of the battle and look for the reason that God is allowing these moments into our lives, then we would come through these difficult moments much faster and with needless suffering.

Leaning on God's Understanding and Wisdom

Are we looking to God, for His guidance, as we walk through life or are we looking within ourselves for guidance, while we wander aimlessly, from one day into the next? Today, I would like to share a couple verses with you, from Proverbs 3:5-6 and we read..."Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him; and He will make your paths straight."

When we lean on our own understanding; it's as if we are leaning on crutches that are unstable and at times, are not strong enough to hold us up but when we put the full weight of ourselves, along with our weaknesses, on a God that represents great strength, then we find that He keeps us lifted up and can lead us in the right direction that will keep us further away, from moments of despair.

In order for us to leave everything behind, so we can lean on God, we must first acknowledge Him, rather than ourselves. When we turn inwardly and attach ourselves, to our own thoughts and desires, then we are no longer acknowledging, what God can do in our lives and as we continue to trust in our own thoughts and ways; we soon find that we are going nowhere but down...in an idle position, where there is no growth or strength being added to our lives.

The only way we are going to see the crooked pathway become straight, so we can be guided onto pathways that lead us into God's goodness, is when we choose to quit focusing on what we think and begin to listen to a still small voice within us...a voice that comes from a God that can lead us in His direction.

Anticipating God's best

As I was getting around this morning; God seemed to be putting the word "anticipation" on my mind. In other words, what do we anticipate, as we begin a new day? Are we anticipating, what God has in store for the day or have we already made up our minds that it's going to be a bad day?

Today, I would like to share a verse with you in Joshua 3:5 and we read..."Joshua told the people "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you." What does it mean to consecrate ourselves to something? Today, I looked up the word "consecrate" and this is what I found..."To declare or set apart as sacred." In other words, do we lay aside the negative thoughts and feelings that only weigh us down, to anticipate a God, who can do amazing things, within our lives?

When we begin a new day, by consecrating ourselves completely to God, then our thoughts will become distant, to the things that can discourage us and make our day miserable. For the longest time, I have thought of it in this way...when we go to bed at night; we take off our slippers and place them by the bed, for when we get up in the morning. By doing this, then we are able to step right into the slippers and begin our day. Well, in a similar way, when we go to bed, with the thought, of looking for God's footprints in the morning, then we will arise with anticipation, as we begin our day with God.

We need to remember one thing...our thoughts can only dwell on one thing at a time, so if we are anticipating the worst that can happen, then our thoughts will become a pathway that leads us to destruction but when we anticipate God's best, then we will be lead to greener pastures...still waters and God's richest blessings.

What are we anticipating, as we begin this new day and new week? Have we already decided that the day is going to be filled with the worst or are we looking for God's footprints to walk in, while we are anticipating the best He has to offer us?

Pride...a Road Block that Keeps Us Separated from God

Has pride become a road block that is keeping us distant, from discovering God's wisdom and how do we truly discover God's wisdom, for our lives? In Proverbs 13:10, we read... "Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice." The first question we need to ask ourselves today, is do we look for God's advice or have we allowed pride to separate us from the presence of God? When we listen to our own man-made advice and become stubborn in our ways, then it's as if there is a wall surrounding us that only allows Satan to have further control, over our thoughts and feelings. The only way that wall is ever going to come down; is when we come to the realization that only God's wisdom and advice matters.

Our minds can continually be searching for God's truth and understanding and we can even wonder why God hasn't responded to our prayers but first we must slow down and ask ourselves this question..."when we pray and ask for God's wisdom and understanding; do our hearts match up, with the desire of our words?" In other words, are we praying for one thing, while in the back of our mind, we are determined to handle the situation, in the way that we feel is best? If so, then we have put a road block up and blocked God, from giving us the wisdom we need to have, in order to overcome the circumstance that we are facing.

God is already longing to give us His advice, as to how to how we should handle a problem in our life but are we willing to accept His advice...no matter what direction it may take us in life? If not, then we will always remain stuck, within the circumstance and these moments, will only lead us to further despair.

Falling Prey to Our Problems

Seems like lately; I've been thinking on how easy it is, to fall into a trap of bondage; all because we choose to fall prey to our problems, rather than to follow a strong God that can lead us away, from these moments of despair. Do we realize that when we become idle, while lying in a pit of problems; that we become even more vulnerable, to other problems that Satan longs to afflict us with?

As we begin; I would like to talk on the freedom of the cross and how we can escape the traps that our weaknesses make us vulnerable to; so let's turn to Galatians 5:1 and we read... "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."

Before we became Christians; we were as slaves to the sin and evil things of this world and even though we didn't go through a continual time of suffering; the moments when we needed relief the most weren't there because we had not yet connected to the One, who had the power to free us, from these moments. Many may say...how could One man's death bring freedom to this world? It wasn't the death alone that brought freedom to us but it was a gift of love and with every lash of the whip and with every nail that pierced His flesh; Christ paid the penalty, for every sin that we would commit. In other words; He became the sacrificial lamb; that was laid on an altar, called a cross.

When we choose to believe in Christ and all He did for us, as a means of saving us from our sins; then Jesus enters our hearts and not only does He enter our hearts but He brings the freedom with Him, for which He died and this becomes the moment, when our shackles of sin fall powerless to the ground, while the prison door of our heart is unlocked and opened, as a means of setting us free.

Now that we have been set free; Christ continues to reside within us, as a means of keeping us free because He knows that even though we have Him living within us; we still are vulnerable to Satan and his ways, due the weaknesses we experience in this life. You see...even though we have a perfect Christ living within us; we still live in an imperfect world and that makes us vulnerable to weaknesses and sin.

As obstacles attempt to enter our path; we need to remember that a powerful God lives within us and it's not His desire, for us to be placed back in a prison cell of despair; where Satan can shackle us to our problems. The only way that we are going to remain free through the cross is when we lean on a strong God, rather than a weak circumstance. As we spend time, with our new found friend and share these trying moments, with a God that resides within our hearts; then we find that we are never facing these difficult moments alone. We also come to see that God is more than able to take us above these difficult moments; while sheltering us, under the presence, of His almighty wings and when we truly find God to be a safe shelter, rather than standing face to face with our problems; then the forces of evil that attempt to take us down, become powerless, while we find refuge; away from the snares and traps; that can place us back into bondage.

Guarding the Heart from Evil

I thank God for each new day; whether it is sunny or not because each day that is bestowed upon us, is a gift from above. Just think...as we wake up each morning and view the day; we are opening up a gift; that was sent from God...a gift that will continue to give, as we walk throughout the day.

As we begin this morning; I would like to share a Bible verse with you, from Proverbs 4:23 and we read... "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Do we realize that our hearts become the central working station of our lives spiritually? Whatever we do or do not allow within the heart, will reveal the life we live. For example, if we allow the negative thoughts and feelings; to pass through the door of our hearts; then they begin to clutter the heart, while pushing God out but on the other hand; when we allow the positive things into our hearts...the things that bring a good report; then these thoughts and feelings begin to lead us down a road, of peace, joy and a happy life with Christ.

As we begin each day; do we post a guard; at the door of our hearts? In other words; have we only given the key of our heart to God...the key that can unlock the door to our hearts; as a means of sustaining us and working in a way that can produce better things within our lives...despite the problems we face or are we allowing Satan to enter through the back door of our heart, due to worry, doubt and fear?

We need to realize that everything that enters the heart will either help us to press on or these moments will debilitate us and keep us in a wallowing hole; that only leads us further down, into a pit of despair. As we begin this brand new day; this should be the time, when we post a guard, at the door of our hearts; so only the good things of life, will be able to pass through.

Distracted by a Circumstance

You know...God's presence surrounds us in everything. The sun becomes His light; that is shed down around us each day and even when it rains; He is bringing a moment of refreshment and renewal, to our hearts and souls. If we would choose to look beyond the moments that have weakened us and look for the strength that comes from a strong and mighty God; then we would become more deeply connected to a God that is greater than any weakness we may face.

As we begin; let's read a couple Bible verses, found in Romans 8:24-25 and we read..."For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? (25) But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."

There can be times, when we find it hard to understand, why God allows the difficult and overwhelming circumstances to enter our lives but we must not look into the face of these moments that are brought on by evil. Instead, we must focus on the reason behind these difficult moments. Think of it this way...the circumstance is only a reminder of the difficult moments we face, which will only keep us down and out of commission with God but if we can find a reason for the circumstance; then we will be able to experience a hope that will keep us lifted up; despite the problems we're facing. We must remember that God has a reason for everything and just because nothing is going our way; that doesn't mean that He has forsaken us. Just remember that God will not allow anything to enter our lives, unless these moments can be used in the end, for His honor and glory.

In the verses we just read, it says... "Who hopes for what they already have? (25) But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." In other words, if we always have a perfect life, then why would we need to lean on God? These difficult moments are not only meant, to bring about new growth and a greater strength but they are meant to teach us how to lean in God's direction and trust Him, even while the unknown moments stand before us. The test that God has laid before us today is this...can we wait patiently for Him to work, during these trying times in our lives or have we convinced ourselves that defeat is just around the corner? How we react to our circumstance, will either allow hope to keep us pressing on or our thoughts will take us to a place, where we remain idle, while we allow our circumstance to surround us and keep us in a deep, dark pit of despair.

It's so easy to be distracted, by what our circumstance is trying to convey to us and as long as we look into the face of trouble, then trouble will always stand before us. This is why we need to lean on a God that is stronger than our problems. When we are weak and we find ourselves tired of the circumstance and we feel that there is no reason to continue on; this should be the time, when we let go of these broken crutches of circumstance and begin to fall into the arms of a God that can be strength for us. When we are able to do this; then a glimpse of hope, will once more lighten the path before us.

A Comforter for the Heart

Even though the summer sun can make a beautiful day outside; the circumstances we experience, from time to time, can be telling us a different story. There can be days, when we feel as though we have been shut up, in a prison cell of problems and even though the weather reveals a beautiful day outside; our hearts can be darkened, through the pain and heartache we experience.

As we begin; I would like to share a few Bible verses with you, from John 14:16-18 and we read..."And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; (17) Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (18) I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."

A circumstance can make us feel so alone and even allow us to feel overwhelmed; to the place where we only see the problem that's standing before us. When we find ourselves face to face, with a trying problem, then we only seem to see the darkness that surrounds us. We may even feel that the sun will never shine again, within our spirits; which only makes us feel, as if these moments will become our fate in life.

I remember a time, when I was going through some very difficult moments; while being counseled, for a past sexual abuse. At that time, I had to be hospitalized because I had completely collapsed, under a weight of deep pain and heartache. I remember a time, when Keith had come to visit me and after he left; I began to stare down at the tiled floor...while feeling very hopeless and thinking that I was not going to make it through this very difficult time in my life. Later, as I progressively got better; I began to see that these moments I experienced, where like a season in my life...a time, when God had a lot of work to do within me. He needed to remake and remold my heart into something new that could be used for Him, at this present time.

No circumstance we go through will ever be easy and the storms of life can be fierce, during these seasons in our lives but we must remember that God is there for us. When we are Christians, we have the Spirit of the living God within us and no matter what the circumstance attempts to say to us...God is there to comfort and sustain us, until He has finished the work that He has begun, through the circumstance.

I came to see, through time; that God only allows difficult moments to enter our lives...only because He has a plan and purpose for them. When you feel as though you cannot make it...turn to the God that lives within you and know that He is there...wrapping His arms of love, around your broken heart.

Fixing our thoughts on Christ

Isn't it good to know that God is a god that understands our deepest hurts and when He sees that we can no longer endure a difficult moment in our life; then He comes to us, on wings of love and rescues us. What a God and what a true friend He is!

As we begin; I would like to share a couple Bible verses with you, from Isaiah 26:3-4 and we read... "He will keep in perfect peace; all those who trust in him; whose thoughts turn often to the Lord. Trust in the Lord God always; for in the Lord Jehovah is your everlasting strength."

How many times a day, do our thoughts turn in God's direction? Have we become so preoccupied with life and our day to day problems; that we have pushed God into the background; while we wonder why He isn't working within our lives? A true and lasting peace will only be experienced, when we are willing to focus on the One, who can rise up within our weakness and become strength for us.

Do we realize that when we focus on our weaknesses or problems; then we are being drawn into them, while we begin to feel closer to pain, heartache, anxiety, depression, etc...; while at the same time, we become distant, to a strength that only comes from God...a strength that could be sustaining us, during these difficult times? We need to realize today; that whatever we dwell on; will either lead us to further problems or our thoughts will take us to a place, where we not only experience God's peace but also a strength that can lift us up and above the problems in this life; where God can work with us, in a greater way.

What are we dwelling on today? Do we have our minds fixed on every detail of a problem or have we chosen to rise above the problem and look for a God that is much greater than anything we may face? Yes...we have to deal with certain issues in life but at the same time; God wants us to fix our attention on Him; as He is the only One, who can become the cure and remedy, for an ailing soul.

Hope for a New Day

Isn't it good to know that God is more than willing, to walk us through our day...from morning to night? When we begin a new day, by connecting with the most powerful source, ever known to man; we come to see that God's power continues to flood and fill us, with a presence that helps us to remain standing throughout the entire day.

As we begin; I would like to share a Bible verse with you, from Psalm 42:5 and we read... "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."

We can have moments, when the symptoms of our problems, attempt to convince us that we will never make it. We can feel drained and discouraged, from moments that seem to have no end but what are we doing about it? Are we sitting in these ashes of despair, while we look for everything that could continue to go wrong or are we choosing to rise above these weak moments; to experience a God of strength...a god that has the power to lift us above these moments of trial?

Today, we need to stop grieving over the problem and look deep within ourselves and ask ourselves this question... "Why am I downcast or why am I allowing the problem to have control and steal my joy, when I have a God that is much stronger; then the problems I'm facing right now?" It's about time; that we stand up...shake the dust of the circumstance from us and get an attitude against Satan and what he is attempting to do within our lives. We need to realize; that wallowing in self-despair, will only open up more doors, for Satan to enter, as He attempts to continually afflict us and weaken us. Rather than saying to ourselves..."why is this happening to me;" why don't we look deep within our hearts and say... "Why are you cast down _________? Why are you so disturbed and why are you allowing your life to be miserable, when you have a God that is much greater than the weakness you are facing at this time?" When we can truly come to see, how we are reacting to the problem; then we will once more, be able to place our hope in God and praise Him; even for the unknown moments that stand before us.

Removing Our Thoughts away from the Problem to Focus on God

Do we truly see God, as our shield and protector, during the troubled moments? You know...when we look at the problem that stands before us; we see no hope because we become so deeply drawn to what the problem is attempting to convey to us but when we can aim our view above the problem; to a God that is greater and stronger than our weaknesses; then our thoughts and hearts will soon become filled, with a hope that can continually give us a reason to press on.

As we begin; I would like to share a Bible verse with you; that is found in Psalm 138:7 and we read... "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me."

Jesus never said that we would be completely free from troubles and trials but He did promise that He would walk through the storm with us. One thing we need to be reminded of today; is that God never allows a weakness to enter our lives, unless He can use it, to make us stronger. I remember a time in my own life; when I would easily fall apart; at the first moment a trial hit me head on but through time, I have learned to commune with God, rather than the problem and because of what God has taught me; I am now able to find a greater strength through God, during these difficult times...a strength that can keep me standing; despite the circumstances that surround me.

We are being given a choice through Christ, while facing these trying moments. We can either choose to walk down the road that draws us closer to His presence or we can choose to be drawn closer to the problems we are facing; just by the way we think and react to them. When we can focus on God and detour our thinking away from the problem; then we will come to see that even though we walk through a wilderness of problems; our God is there and He will become our mighty shield and defender, until we have walked safely away, from this wilderness of despair.

Only God

As I was beginning my day; I was thinking about the many times; that we put our trust in things...rather than trusting in God. Do we realize that money and other things cannot save us but it's only through the power of a great and mighty God; that we can walk through each trial we face?

As we begin; I would like to share a couple of my favorite Bible verses with you and they are found in Psalm 44:6-7 and we read... "I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; (7) but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame."

I actually believe that whatever we place our trust in; determines whether we are blessed or not. We need to stop and ask ourselves a question today... "Does money or any other thing, have the power to save us from our problems? Yes...we need money to pay our bills and buy food but when we look at money, in the right frame of mind; we soon see that it's not the god that works for us but rather, it's a means or source that God uses, to bless us and supply our needs. When we begin to put other things above God; we find that nothing seems to go right, while we no longer feel blessed.

I love this reading this morning because even though David had bow and sword in hand; he knew deep down; that these weapons could only work for him, when the power of God entered them. In my mind; I can picture David going into battle and as he pressed onward; he began to speak these words to God... "I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; (7) but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame." Do we react in a similar way to David, while facing the battles that stand before us? Are we trusting in our own means of making it through the battle or are we asking God to enter these moments; just as David did?

We need to realize today; that the only way we are going to win the battles we face in life and be truly blessed; is when we are willing to untie God's hands and allow Him to work. In other words; when we choose to figure the problem out on our own; we can say that we are tying up the hands of God, while making Him powerless in our lives. Isn't it about time; that we untie God's hands and invite Him to enter these moments of battle with us; that we may have the victory over these battles, as we fight side by side, with a great and mighty warrior...Jesus Christ!

Words that Comfort and Sustain

Psalm 118:24 says... "This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." What do we have to be concerned with today; when God has not only given us a brand new day but a day, where His presence surrounds us; even during the dark moments of our circumstances? Wow...what a God!

As we begin; I would like to share several Bible verses with you, from Psalm 119:49-52 and we read... "Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. (50) My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. (51) The arrogant mock me unmercifully, but I do not turn from your law. (52) I remember, Lord, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them." In this reading; David is not reflecting on the moments of suffering that are standing before Him but rather, he is thinking back to the words that were given to him by God, as a means of finding hope and comfort.

Are we willing to turn away from our problems; to reflect on words of hope that can comfort and sustain us, during the difficult moments we face in life? We must remember that the stories we read of in the Bible; like stories of Joseph, Job, Moses, Abraham, etc..., are not only meant, to be great stories of old but I truly believe that God placed these stories in His word; to become examples, of

men and women, who faced great trials but at the same time, were relieved of their moments of suffering; which become stories of hope to us, while we face our own difficult moments of trial. When we can reflect on stories of hope, within God's word; rather than reflecting on the problem that stands before us; then like David, we will find a hope that will sustain us, until we have been removed from these moments of affliction.

Today, are we allowing God's word to comfort and sustain us, during the difficult moments of trial or are we feeling as though we are lost at sea because we have let go of the anchor (Jesus Christ) that can keep us steadfast and strong, while the waves of circumstance billow around us? Are we too busy sizing up the storm that surrounds us or are we turning away from these moments; that only bring anxiety, doubt and fear into our lives; to reflect on God's promises of hope...promises that can keep us standing strong; while sustaining us and renewing us, in a hope that will keep us focused on God?

The only way that we are going to overcome these difficult moments that hit us head on; is when we are willing to remove our thoughts away from the problem; to seek words of hope that will become a shelter...a shelter that can sustain us and keep us safe, until the storm ceases to rage no more. When we are willing to allow God's word, to become a strong anchor of hope, during these difficult times; then anxiety, doubt and fear will begin to leave, as God begins to calm the storm within our lives.

A Limitless Strength

What would we do without God's strength? How could we remain standing, during the difficult moments and do we truly see that it's only because of His strength; that we do remain standing?

As we begin this morning: I would like to share a Bible verse with you, from Joshua 1:9 and we read..."Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Many times, we focus on what is taking us down, rather than what is lifting us up, through these difficult moments we face. When we begin to believe in the power of our circumstance; then we are only going to head downward, into a deep dark pit of despair but when we can shift our sight above the problem and come to realize that there is a God that is more than capable of handling our problems; then we will be able to trust God and remain standing; no matter what battle, we may be facing for the moment.

What does it really mean to be strengthened by God? It's so easy to say..."the Lord is my strength" but are we experiencing the moments of strength that only God can offer us? As I was reading this passage this morning; one of the first thoughts that came to my mind was this...just think, when we accepted Christ to live within our hearts; we not only invited Him to live within us but we also became as one with Him. In other words, when He walked into our lives; His peace became our peace...His love became our love and His strength became our strength. Let's ask ourselves a question today...are we taking advantage of these great benefits that God is offering us or are we falling prey to the circumstance, while we only reap the negative response, from each trying moment we experience?

Our minds have a way of convincing us, that we cannot make it during a difficult moment of adversity but it's only because we are too tightly focused on the problem, rather than focusing on the powerful God that lives within us. When we choose to acknowledge God, rather than the problems we face; then we will come to see that with every step we take; God is there...walking throughout the day with us, while He holds us up with His sustaining strength. Once we are willing to let go of the problem; to experience a sample of His everlasting strength...a strength that is limitless; then we will find that He can be the same sustaining God, through any other circumstance we face.

A Peace that can Calm a Raging Storm Within

Just think...what would we do, if we weren't able to seek, for God's peace in our lives? It's bad enough; that we suffer with the trials of this life but without God's peace; the storm of circumstance would continually rage and have control over our lives, with no relief in sight. What a special gift God gave us, when He gave us, these calming moments of peace.

As we begin this morning; I would like to share a few Bible verses with you, from Psalm 107:28-30 and we read... "Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. (29) He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. (30) They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven."

How many of us cry out to God for His peace, during a time of distress? Why do we choose to suffer with the symptoms of our problems, when there is a God that can calm the raging storm that surrounds us? I don't believe that peace is something that we should only pray for but peace is something that we should pursue. To me; it's like looking for a light, while walking in darkness and when we find peace and take hold of it; then we soon find that no matter what we are going through for the moment; God can calm these moments for us, with a peace that will help us to focus on Him, while reacting to our problems in the right frame of mind.

Many times, after a very busy day; my prayer is for God's peace to enter my night and I have come to see; that when I talk to God, in the quiet moments of my evening; a calmness begins to take over my heart and soul, while I feel the cares and thoughts of the day leave my tired mind; to experience a heavenly rest; that only comes from the presence of God.

A storm of circumstance can cause us to panic, while feeling as though this storm is going to take us down but when we cry out to the Master of the Sea; He will stretch out His hand across the stormy waters that surround us and the raging seas will begin to calm down, while we feel His sustaining peace sooth our weary soul.

A True Soldier of Jesus Christ

This morning; I am sitting here, in a peace that only God can offer me. As I look outside my office window; I am looking out, onto a beautiful day, with a soft gentle breeze; that makes me feel, as though the breath of God is surrounding me this morning. What a great way to begin a day!

As we begin; I would like to share a couple Bible verses with you, from II Timothy 2:3-4 and we read... "Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. (4) No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer."

As I was getting around this morning; I was talking with God and asking Him for His strength, as I was beginning my day. As I continued to talk with Him; I was saying that if He could endure everything that related to His death on the cross...out of love for me; then I could also follow in His footsteps and endure everything that stands before me; as I aim, to daily pick up my cross and follow Him. From there; He began to speak to my spirit and say... "Diane, when you are a soldier in My army; you wouldn't sit in the midst of the battle would you? No...you would stand strong in Me and know in your heart that you can press on, with my strength; despite the fierceness of the battle." My eyes were truly open to His words this morning!

After reading these Bible verses; I was reminded that it can be so easy to become entangled in the affairs of this life and when we do; then we find ourselves distant from God. Let's face it; we cannot be caught up in our problems and close to God at the same time. We will either choose the one or the other...there is no in between.

How many of us can truly say that we are handling our moments of circumstance, as a true soldier of Jesus Christ? Are we remaining faithful, to our commanding officer? Are we listening, for His orders, as to how we should overcome the battles, we face in life or are we attempting to fight each battle alone? We must remember that no one, who chooses to serve or follow God, as a mighty soldier in His army; should get entangled with the circumstances of life. Instead...our aim should always be to please the One, who can walk us through these battles, until we become victorious, through our Lord and Savior and commanding officer...Jesus Christ.

A Mighty Weapon of Power

You know...the circumstances we face, can seem like a never ending storm. There can be moments, when we feel as though we will never see the light of God's presence...shining within our lives again but just as there is a time for rain and a time for the sun to shine; we can live with the hope that God's presence will once more shine forth within our lives.

As we begin; I would like to share several Bible verses with you, from Psalm 44:6-8 and we read... "I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; (7) but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. (8) In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever."

One thing that has always caught my attention about King David; is that he never went into battle, without first taking the power of God with him. Yes...he needed his bow and sword, as a means of fighting the battle but he knew that he could never win the battle before him; without first allowing the power of God to enter his weapons. Even while fighting Goliath; David only had a slingshot and stone, as his weapon but David knew that when the power of God entered that stone; that God's power alone could destroy Goliath.

Are we taking the power of God with us into battle or are we putting our trust, in our own man-made ideas? We need to realize that our ideas or so-called weapons will never save us alone but once we allow God, to go into battle with us; then we will come to see; that we can overcome any difficult moment, we face in life; just as David did. We will not only overcome these moments of adversity, through the power of God but new growth will begin to take root within us, as we begin to take our focus away from ourselves and the circumstance; to completely trust in God.

Handing it Over to God

Isn't it good to know that God is always there for us? When we allow God to become a close friend; we find that He is not only there, during a time of need but we find that we can also run to Him, with a heart of praise, while sharing the good times too. I've learned over the years; that God shouldn't be there for us; as a to-do list but as a God that we can commune with...heart to heart.

As we begin; I would like to share a Bible verse with you, from Psalm 55:22 and we read... "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken." We already know that God is a sustaining God and we also know that God has the power to control all things; so why do we still struggle, during moments of adversity? Could it be that we have not fully given our needs over to God? We need to ask ourselves a question this morning...how can God sustain us and control the problem for us, if He doesn't have the problem to begin with? In other words; have we given God our problem through prayer, only to turn around and take it from Him, as we walk away?

We can find it so easy to say..."God, I give you my problem...please help me" but when we look at our situation; can we honestly say that we have given Him everything? When we walk away, from a time of prayer, what are we doing? From there...are we pressing on with God, as though the problem doesn't exist; or have we gone back to the wallowing hole, from which we first came from? I'm not saying that we should never do anything to help our situation but in our minds, where are we headed. Do we have a settled back feeling of peace; that God has everything under control or have we allowed worry and doubt, to become a security blanket; that we tightly cling to?

As long as we hold tightly to our problems, through worry, doubt and fear; we will never experience the sustaining and powerful touch, of a mighty God, within our lives. Today, we need to ask ourselves one more question..."Have I fully given God everything, in my life?" If we can truthfully say yes, then we have the assurance; that the mighty hand of God, has begun a good work within us but if we aren't for sure; as to whether we have given God everything completely; then we need to go back to God...hand over the need and allow trust and faith to take root; to a place where God can work and produce something new within us...something that will allow our weaknesses to be exchanged, for a greater strength that only comes from God.

Exchanging Good for Evil

Just think...when we are willing to look and listen, for the presence of a mighty God; we will truly find Him; for He is in everything that surrounds us. What a God He is! As we begin this new day; I would like to share a Bible verse with you, from Romans 12:21 and we read... "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Let's begin, by asking ourselves a question this morning. Are we allowing evil and the circumstances we face, to have control over our lives? In other words; have we become a puppet on a string, in the eyes of evil; where Satan can control our circumstances and take us further away from God? We need to remember that when we allow the circumstances that enter our lives, to not only dictate our thoughts but also the way we react to the problem; then we have allowed these trying moments, to have control over us.

You say..."Diane, how can I make this stop...how can I give the control back to God?" The best thing I have found; is to replace something evil, with something good. For example; rather than complaining; why don't we praise God and instead of dwelling on the problem; why don't we shift our thoughts, towards things that will allow us to experience positive thoughts and renewed hope? Do we realize that the greatest weapon formed against evil; is to pursue something good? When we do this; then we are sending two messages...one to God and one to Satan and the one to Satan is saying that his tactics aren't working; while the message to God says that we are trusting in Him. We need to realize that words are nothing without action. I see action, as wings that transport our words into the heavens; where God can replace our desperate cries for help; with words of hope, strength and renewal.

Are we allowing evil, to overtake the good in our lives; like weeds that choke out the beauty of a delicate flower? Isn't it about time; that we allow God to pull up the weeds of evil; that are preventing new growth, from taking place...while weakening us spiritually? We must remember that the only way God is going to be allowed to remove these moments from our lives; is when we allow good, to overtake evil. When we decide to quit wallowing, in the pit of self-despair and rise, with the strength of a mighty God; then and only then, will we begin to see evil fade away; into the background of our lives.

Worry...a Path that Leads us Nowhere

As I look out my office window; I can feel the presence, of a powerful and loving God...surrounding me, with His great peace! What a God! When we truly know and understand, who God is; then we will come to see that fear and doubt cannot remain standing...in His mighty presence!

As we begin morning; I would like to share a couple Bible verses with you, in Matthew 6:28-29 and we read... "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. (29) Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these."

As I was beginning to get around this morning; God brought these verses to my thoughts and little did I know that they are the continuing verses, from where we left off yesterday. I guess that God isn't finished with this topic on worry, so let's continue to learn more; of what God has for us today.

You know...it's so easy for us, to get caught up into negative thoughts of worry, doubt and fear but while we are worrying; we never stop to think that these negative thoughts, are only taking us deeper, into a pit of despair. Why do we worry? Do we find it comforting, to have our thoughts fixed, on the things that always go wrong? If so, then we need to stop and realize that we are headed in the wrong direction and when we choose to follow the path of worry, doubt and fear; we will soon see that we have been drawn further into Satan's territory; where he can continue to abuse us with the problem; we are presently facing.

Do we realize that when we worry; we are allowing Satan to see, that his tactics are working? When Satan sees that we are being bothered, by the problem he has afflicted us with; then he knows how to continue the strategy; that will aim to remove us, from the presence of God. We must remember that Satan is out there and he's lurking around, for just one form of weakness to feed on and when he sees that we are worrying about our problems; then he takes advantage of the moment, while he aims to weaken us further. Have you ever felt that your problem seems to be getting worse, rather than better? If so, then we must check and see where our focus is, for the moment. If we find that we are worrying about the problem; then we need to leave the excess baggage, of worry, doubt and fear behind, so we can leave this detour road of despair; to seek the right path; that will draw us closer to the presence of God.

When we look around us; we see how God not only created everything that surrounds us but we also see how He cares for the things that He has created. Just think...if we mean even more to God; then the birds of the field and the flowers that continue to grow and become more beautiful each day; then why wouldn't God care for us?

A Season for Everything

How many times, do we praise God, during the dark and dismal moments of life? Have we forgotten; that our God is the same...during the good and bad times? We don't have to allow the difficult moments that stand before us; to take us down, when we have a strong God that can keep us lifted up.

As we begin; I would like to share a special reading, from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and we read... "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: (2) a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, (3) a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, (4) a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, (5) a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, (6) a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, (7) a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, (8) a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace."

Dear Hurting One...

I would like to write you a personal letter this morning...from my heart to yours. I know how the difficult moments can bring us down and allow us to feel discouraged but through the many years of pain and heartache that I have experienced, within my own life; I have come to see; that these moments don't last forever. Even though times of affliction, have their way of entering our lives; there is also a time, when they turn around...from the negative, to the positive but one thing we need to remember; is that it has to happen in God's time. We don't always understand the reasons why but this is where trust comes in and when we can truly trust God for the answers; then in His time, we will see these verses in Ecclesiastes come to pass, within our own lives.

As I walked through the many difficult and overwhelming moments of my life; I have come to see that there is always a reason for these moments and until we have found God's answers, to our problems; we may continue to go through these hard times but that doesn't mean that we should wallow in them or allow them to weaken us but rather, we should use these moments; as opportunities, to experience God's strength and allow new growth, to sprout up within our hearts and lives. I came to see that when I quit fighting the circumstance and humbled myself before God; as a child, who truly needed the help and love, of her Heavenly Father; then this is when the work began within my life; which eventually led me to a time, when the seasons changed; from the dark and dismal moments, of no hope; to a new season of new growth, a greater strength and a peace that definitely began to calm the storm; that had been raging within me, for quite some time.

May I encourage you today? Rather than wallowing, in a deep pit of self-despair; stand up spiritually...shake the dust of circumstance from you and look up to God; with a humble heart, rather than a heart that is full of anger and questions; as to why these moments are taking place. Remember one thing...the seasons will only change, when you allow God to change them for you. As long as we hold tightly, to the reigns of self-desire and self-will; we will only find ourselves stuck, in a dark and dismal season, with no renewed growth or strength.

Thoughts that Separate us from the Power of God

Why is it that we find it easier, to fix our attention, on the things that go wrong? We long for God's peace but yet we focus more; on the moments of weakness, rather than a God of strength; which only opens doors, to doubt, fear and anxiety. After a while, of experiencing the worst; we find that we continually shift our attention more and more, on what can go wrong but do we realize that when we do this; that we are only inviting more problems, to enter our lives?

As we begin; I would like to share a Bible verse with you; that God has laid upon my heart today and it's found in Philippians 4:8 and we read... "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

One thing that God has shown me over time; is that when we focus on every little detail of the problem; then these moments only draw us further into Satan's territory. In other words; whatever we follow after with our thoughts; that's where we will be led with our hearts. When we are able to take our sight, to a heavenly realm...far above the weakness; to look for a God of great strength; then our focus will begin to lead us down a pathway; that will take us further away from the problem; to a place, where Satan becomes powerless, while God's power begins to kick in and work for us.

How many times, do we say to God...when are you going to remove this problem from my life; but yet we turn back once more; to every negative thought that comes to mind; while we dwell on the problem, rather than what God can do, through our prayers? It's time that we quit allowing the little negative tactics of evil, to control our lives and say to ourselves...I may be going through the worst right now but my God is more than able to delivery me from these moments. Once we are able to say this, with a true heart; then we will begin to anticipate God's best, as He leads us further away from despair; to a place of renewed hope.

Choked Out by the Thorn of Deception

We would never think of planting flower seeds among a thorny bush because as the flowers mature, the thorns would eventually choke out the plant and kill it. In a similar way, the words that God lays upon our hearts can become seeds that He longs to plant within us...seeds that can mature with time and produce much within our lives but when we allow the seeds to grow, amongst a clutter of worry, doubt, fear or self-desire; then those feelings and desires begin to destroy the seeds that God has planted within us and in the end; the seeds never produce; what God longs for us to experience. For example, when I begin to write...whether it is a devotion or blog...I listen for God's voice because without His voice in my spirit, there would be no words to write. I have come to see that His words become seeds that He plants within my heart...seeds that can sprout and bring encouragement to all of us. Yes...there can be times, when the weeds attempt to grow amongst the seeds; as Satan longs to take God's words from me, by distracting my thoughts and attempting to bring in other thoughts and words that can choke out, what God has planted within my heart. If I was to allow Satan's thoughts to have preeminence, over the thoughts that God first implanted within me, then God's words would no long be able to produce the hope and encouragement that we all need.

Let's turn to a Bible verse in Mark 4:18-19 and we read..."Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; (19) but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful."

If we truly long to experience the depth of God's presence in our lives and all His benefits; then we must do a spiritual cleaning and get rid of the unwanted thoughts and feelings that have taken over our hearts. When we are willing to allow God, to pull up the weeds of negative thinking; then we will truly begin to see a powerful God at work within us; as new growth begins to produce beautiful things; that only God can allow, to spring up within us.

Receiving God's Best through Faith

How many times do we wonder why God doesn't answer our prayers? There can be several reasons why and only God knows the true answer to this question but one thing I have come to see; is that our prayers can sometimes be stronger than our faith. In other words; we can pray and pray and pray but where do our thoughts and actions take us from there. Do we pursue an action; that can relay a message to God; that we are waiting for His answer to our prayer or are we sending God a message for help; only to go back to the wallowing hole, of self-despair? Today, I would like to share a Bible verse with you, from Matthew 21:22 and we read... "And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith."

I have come to see, over time; that the words we speak...the thoughts we think and the way we respond to our circumstance can either allow God to work in our lives or they can stop His power from working altogether. For example; let's say that we looked outside and realized that the lawn needed to be mowed. We could talk about it, until we were blue in the face but until we go out and actually mow the yard; we would never see any results. In a similar way, this is what happens; when we don't put the desires of our heart into action...we never see any results.

Do we realize; that our faith is what allows God to work within our lives? When we choose to succumb to the problem; then it's as if we have tied up God's hands, while we allow Satan to have dominion, over every symptom of the problem. When we pray but yet we choose to follow the thoughts and words; that our problem is attempting to convey to us; then it's as if our prayers have fallen powerless to the ground. The Bible says that whatever we seek...we will find; so if we are looking at every detail of the problem; while we remain idle; then we may never find the answers; that God longs to give us.

Today, we need to stand up and show Satan that we are strong soldiers, in the mighty army of God; rather than allowing him to see us, as weak and wounded animals that he can prey on. Once we not only pray but truly begin to believe in the words we speak; then God will take control and we will begin to see what He can truly do within our lives.

God's Amazing Power

As we I begin this devotion; I would like to share a Bible reading with you, from Mark 6:34-44 and we read... "When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. (35) By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. "This is a remote place," they said, "and it's already very late. (36) Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat." (37) But he answered, "You give them something to eat." They said to him, "That would take more than half a year's wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?" (38) "How many loaves do you have?" he asked. "Go and see."

When they found out, they said, "Five—and two fish." (39) Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. (40) So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. (41) Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. (42) They all ate and were satisfied, (43) and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. (44) The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand."

Here, we see this huge crowd; surrounding Jesus and the disciples. As Jesus spoke to the crowd; it began to get very late; so the disciples suggested to Jesus; that he allow them to leave, so they could go back to their villages and buy food but instead, Jesus answered the disciples and said... "You give them something to eat." When we see what was taking place here; we also see that the disciples were looking at the situation, with their own eyes and thoughts. Can you imagine the look on the disciples' faces, as Jesus spoke these words to them? Here...they are surrounded by a huge crowd of people, with no money to buy food but if we look deeper into this story; we see that Jesus was testing His disciples; to see if they truly believed in the power, of the One; that they had chosen to follow.

As the story continues; Jesus asks the disciples, as to how many loaves of bread and fish they had and the disciples responded to Jesus and said..."five loaves and two fish." From there; the power of God was truly seen, as Jesus prays over the food and as He blesses it; the loaves of bread and fish begin to multiply. In fact, they had so much food that after the people finished eating; there were still two basketfuls of bread and fish.

Are we limiting God, by the way we think? Have we stopped His powerful presence, from flowing within our lives because we have said that this cannot happen or that cannot be? We need to realize that Jesus can take what seems impossible to us and He can multiply it, until our problem is resolved; but first, we must believe that He can do all things for us. We must always remember; that Jesus has the power to not only meet the need but He also has the power to go way beyond the need and continue to work in a powerful way...a way that will allow us to truly see the limitless power, of a god that is much greater than any weakness that enters our lives.

Worry...the Culprit that Steals our Joy

Just think...God has things in store, for each of us today and when we seek Him, rather than our own thoughts and desires; we will truly find the best that He has to offer us. As we begin today; I would like to share a Bible verse in Matthew 6:34 and we read... "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

You know, it's so easy to get caught up in days; other than the one that is standing before us and when we do; we soon find that stress, worry, fear, doubt and frustration begin to take root within our hearts. Why do we think so far ahead, into days that haven't even arrived? As humans, how can we predict what is ahead of us, when a God that is much richer in knowledge and wisdom hasn't even created the days that we worry about? These are questions we should think about because so many times, we suffer needlessly; all because we sit and dwell on moments that haven't even come into existence.

God says in His word; that we have enough to think about in one day and not to worry about our tomorrows. Do we realize that we can draw more problems into our lives; just by the way we think? I have come to see that walking with God; means that we take life, one day at a time. In fact recently; I have come to see that we should actually take life, one minute at a time. When we can step into one moment in time and allow the other moments ahead of us, to become footprints to step into; then we will find that stress, anxiety and all the negative feelings that can stem from worry, will soon be a thing of the past.

We need to realize that when we step outside of the footprints that God has laid out for us each day; just to walk in unknown paths that haven't even come into existence; that there is always a greater chance for a fall. We need to remain in sync with God continually and allow Him to lead us into the moments that await us. A time of needless suffering, will only come to an end; when we are willing to work with God, in the moments that stand before us; while leaving the unknown moments ahead, with God, as we trust Him, for what lies ahead of us.

A Hope that Will Lift us Above Despair

As many are facing moments of hopelessness and despair, due to pain, illness, and deep heartache; we all need to be reminded that there is a way out of these moments...a place where hope can lift us up and out of the darkness that these moments have placed us in. Today, let's read a couple Bible verses, found in Romans 8:24-25 and we read..."For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? (25) But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."

There can be times, when we find it hard to understand, why God allows the difficult and overwhelming circumstances to enter our lives but we must not look into the face of these moments that are brought on by evil. Instead, we must focus on the reason behind these difficult moments. We must remember that God has a reason for everything and just because nothing is going our way; that doesn't mean that He has forsaken us. Just remember that God cannot allow anything to enter our lives, unless these moments can be used in the end, for His honor and glory.

In the verses we just read, it says..." Who hopes for what they already have? (25) But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." In other words, if we always have a perfect life, then why would we need to lean on God? These difficult moments are not only meant, to bring about new growth and a greater strength but they are meant to teach us how to lean in God's direction and trust Him, even when we cannot see anything but the unknown moments before us. The test that God has laid before us today is this...can we wait patiently for Him to work, during these trying times in our lives or have we been convinced that defeat is just around the corner? How we react to our circumstance, will either allow hope, to keep us pressing on or our thoughts will take us to a place, where we remain idle, while we allow our circumstance to surround us and keep us in a deep, dark pit of despair.

It's so easy to be distracted, by what our circumstance is trying to convey to us and as long as we look into the face of trouble, then trouble will always stand before us. This is why we need to lean on a God that is stronger than our problems. When we are weak and we find ourselves tired of the circumstance and we feel that there is no reason to continue on; this should be the time, when we let go of these broken crutches of circumstance and begin to fall into the arms of a god that can be strength for us, when we are too weak to stand on our own. When we can react in this way to our problems, then a glimpse of hope will once more shine clearly before us.

Letting Go of the Clutter to Make Room for God

How often, do we become lost in a day; that we forget to look for the things that relay a thankful heart to God? If we can begin this new day, with a thankful heart; then we will be able to look beyond the moments that bring us down; which will allow us to rise, to a place, where we can deeply connect, with the presence of God.

As we begin today; I would like to share a few Bible verses with you, from Colossians 3:15-17 and we read... "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (16)Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (17)And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Do we realize that when we allow worry, doubt and fear to enter our hearts; then these feelings are cluttering our hearts; to the place, where they take control over our lives? With each negative thought; we are allowing these feelings, to seep through the cracks of our hearts; until they begin to push out the feelings of peace that we once experienced with God.

Why do we allow our actions, to relay a weak God, when the most powerful being lives within us? The only way that we are going to experience a lasting peace with God; is by responding to our circumstances and day to day struggles, with a thankful heart. In other words; we need to look for the good, through the bad, rather than dissecting every part, of a bad situation. The welcome mat to our hearts, will only be laid out before God, when we love Him...praise Him and respond to Him, with a thankful heart. For example...we may suffer with chronic pain and illness but when we come to see how God is there for us; despite these problems; then we begin to see hope, rather than despair, while we display a heart before God; that longs even more for His presence. I have come to see that the worst thing to do; is to look deep into the face of our problems because these moments only lead us deeper into more problems.

If we want Christ to reign in our hearts; even through the difficult moments; then we must allow Him to feel welcome into our hearts. In other words...we would never invite anyone over to our house, if there was dirt and clutter everywhere; so why would we ever want to invite the most powerful and loving God into our hearts; as a means of working in our lives, if the clutter of worry, doubt and fear were there?

When we choose to rise above the bad situations in our lives and praise God, with a thankful heart; then we will soon see that despite the problem; God is there for us, while the symptoms of our problems begin to fade deep into the background of our lives.

Sheltered in the Arms of God

Today, as I sit here and look out, onto another cloudy day; I am thinking about how nice and relaxing it's going to be, as I enjoy my day off. There's something about the cloudy skies and snow that helps me to rest, on a Sunday afternoon. I guess that some of what I feel; is that I am sheltered in a warm home, even though the skies are cloudy and cool, with snow falling down around me. In a similar way; do we truly feel sheltered in the arms of God, while facing the storms of this life? Today, as we begin; I would like to share a Bible verse with you, in Matthew 11:28 and we read..."Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Why do we choose to allow the storms of this life to abuse us, when we have a safe shelter...a haven of rest to turn to, while experiencing the storms of this life? One of my favorite hymns that has stuck with me, throughout many trying times in my own life, is "A Haven of Rest" and here is how some of the song goes..."My soul in sad exile was out on life's sea, so burdened with sin and distressed; till I heard a sweet voice, saying, "Make Me your choice"; and I entered the Haven of Rest! I've anchored my soul in the Haven of Rest, I'll sail the wide seas no more; the tempest may sweep o'er the wild and stormy deep but in Jesus I'm safe evermore."

There was a time in my life, when the wind and waves of my circumstances, were about to take me down but then I saw, in my mind's eye, a vision...a time, when I was out on the stormy sea alone and the wind and waves were billowing around me but as I called out, to the Master of the sea; He began to walk out to me and when He reached me; He sheltered me from the abusive storm that had been brought about by evil. As He stood close beside me; He never left my side, until the storm passed by and once the storm ceased to rage around me; He took me by the hand and led me safely to shore; where He guided me to another new path. From there, He filled me with added strength and a new growth that gave me the desire to continue on my journey with Him.

Are we turning to God, during the storms of life? Are we seeking refuge in the haven of rest, where we can be protected, from the storms of life? When the wind and waves begin to overtake us; are we allowing these moments to abuse us or do we truly know that we can rest from the storm, under the almighty wings, of a great and powerful God? No matter what we may be facing today; we do not have to allow these moments to beat us up, when we can run to a shelter...a place where God will protect and sustain us, until the storm passes by.

Trusting God Enough to Let Go

As we begin today; let's read a Bible verse in Nahum 1:7 and we read..."The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. " How does God know that we truly trust Him? Do our words become the message that allows Him to believe us or is there something else that we could do, as a means of sending a clear message to God; that we trust Him with our needs?

As I was sitting here this morning...reflecting on the words in this Bible verse; I came to see how easy it is to speak words of trust to God. Even though we say..."God, I trust in You," what are we attaching to these words, as a means of sending our message into the heavens? We need to realize that words alone are not strong enough but rather, we need to attach some form of action, along with our words; that can become something powerful; that will transport our message directly to God.

God sees our hearts and listens to our words but can these moments become easily shared with God; only to turn back to the problem and worry and fret? When a form of action is attached to our words; then we are not only relaying a direct message to God that we trust Him but we are also helping ourselves, as we begin to leave the problem behind, to pursue the answers to our questions; of why we are going through these difficult moments of affliction.

Does God truly know that we trust Him, to take care of the circumstances that we may be facing today? Have we sent a clear message to God that we trust Him or have our words only become powerless thoughts that fall instantly to the ground before us? If we are going to allow God to have full control; then first we need to show Him that we trust Him, to take over the reign of our lives and the only way we are going to be able to do that, is not only speak words of trust but also truly show Him the desires of our hearts, by the way we react to these difficult moments of trial.

A God that is Stronger than a Weak Circumstance

As we begin, I would like to concentrate on the power of God, rather than the powerful moments that can attempt to take over our lives, through a weak circumstance; so let's take Psalm 18:2 apart and see what new things we can discover and we read..."The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower." First, we see that God is our rock...something that cannot be easily moved. When we look at a large rock or boulder; we see something that represents strength, by its weight and we also see how it remains steadfast in one place; so in a similar way; we see our God, as a god that remains steadfast and strong...a god that cannot be moved. As we continue on; we find that God is our fortress; in other words, God becomes a fort that surrounds us and protects us from the enemy. From there, we see that God is our deliverer...the One who can lift us up and away from our problems and deliver us to a place of safety or refuge in Him. Then we see that God is our strength; in other words, He takes our weaknesses and exchanges them, for a perfect strength that can never fail us. Next...God becomes our buckler or shield that stands before us; to ward off the fiery darts that Satan attempts to use, as a means of defeating us and from there, we see that God is also our horn of salvation or our strong Savior that becomes greater than any circumstance we may face. Finally, we see God, as our high tower...a god, whose power can rise above any circumstance that attempts to overtake us.

Now that we know what God stands for; how do we view our circumstances now? Do they still appear greater than God? Can our circumstances become strength to us or become a shield that protects us, from further problems? Can we find refuge in our circumstance? If not, then why are we seeking refuge in them, while we allow them to have preeminence over a great and powerful God? When we choose to fall prey to our circumstances, then we can expect to experience even more problems, as they will begin to take root, from the main problem. The more we give into our problems...the more we will be giving Satan complete control...not only over our lives but over our circumstances.

It's time for us to get our focus on a God that is much more powerful and greater than any problem that may arise. We need to accept the fact that our circumstances cannot save us and turn to a God who can help us and free us, from these moments of despair. Once we are willing to remove our focus away from the circumstance and concentrate on the power of a mighty God; then we will be set free and the rooted problems that tried to overtake our lives, will be pulled up and taken from us, by a great and mighty God...a God that is more powerful, than any circumstance.

Jesus...Our Complete Source of Provision

As I sit here today, in my office; I am thinking about God's provisions and how He cares for His own. How many times do we worry and wonder how this is going to work out or how this need is going to be met? Don't we realize that we have a powerful God that not only made us but also promised that He would never leave us or forsake us? Today, I would like to share some special verses in Matthew 6:25-27 and we read..."That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food and your body more than clothing? (26) Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? (27) Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?"

I remember a time, when Keith was working as a civilian for the Air Force and they had cut his hours down and he was laid off, for a whole summer. We had unemployment money coming in at the time but things were really tight. In fact, there was a time, when our check did not come in the mail on time and we went hungry for a day or two but as Keith was walking down the road; he came across a plum tree; that was full of plums, so he picked them and brought them back, to where we were staying. Some may say...well, why did God allow you both to go hungry in the first place? I can say without a doubt, that God was sustaining us but also allowing us to see what it would be like to have nothing and these moments became moments, when we began to have a heart, for those who were less fortunate than ourselves. You see, God doesn't allow anything into our lives, unless He can use it for some purpose and His purpose at that time, was for us to not only learn how to have a heart for others in need but His purpose, was for us to learn how to lean on Him, for what we needed, rather than what we could attempt to do for ourselves.

No matter what we may be facing today; we have the assurance that our God knows firsthand about our needs and even though He may not always provide, in the way we expect Him too; we have the assurance that He will never leave us or forsake us. Many times, we sit and worry and wonder, how is this situation going to turn around or how am I going to be able to pay my bills or provide for my family but you know what...God already knows the answers to our questions and worry is only going to prevent Him, from moving ahead, with the work He has planned for these moments because I have come to see that worry doesn't make anything better...it only restricts God from working in our lives, as worry only sends a message to God that we do not trust Him, to meet our needs.

As we look around us each day; we see birds and deer, along with other animals and even though they have no means to provide for themselves; their creator takes care of them every day; so if God would do that for them, then wouldn't He provide for us, in an even greater way?

Today, we need to leave worry behind and lean on a powerful God that holds every resource, within His hands...as a means of providing for our needs. When we come to the place, where we only see God, as our complete source of provision; then God will begin to remove the weight of worry from us, as He exchanges the moment of trial, for the best He has to offer us.

Are We Adding Fuel to a Circumstance that's Already Burning?

Lately, it seems as though Satan is on a rampage...as he attempts to remove people from God and afflict them with a greater amount of pain and heartache. Today, I'm not going to stand for it and we need to find a weapon, in God's word that can ward off the evil that attempts to overtake us. Let's begin by reading a verse in Romans 12:21 and we read..."Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Do we realize that the greatest weapon formed against evil; is to do the opposite, of how Satan expects us to react to a problem? Satan's power can be very real, as he attempts to bring us down, through overwhelming moments of adversity but when we can take the bad moments that he attempts to afflict us with and allow them to be turned into something that will bring honor and glory to God's name; then we have made Satan powerless.

We know that we can't always instantly reverse an illness or form of heartache in our life; so what can we do, to place the thorn back in Satan's side? What about praising God, through the affliction? The last thing that Satan wants or expects us to do; is praise God or have any positive outlook, on our moments of trial. Satan's plan is to first afflict us, with a weakness that he knows will make our lives miserable; even to the place, where we may get angry at God and put the blame on Him. Once Satan has placed the thorn of affliction in our side; his next plan is to stick around and wiggle the thorn a bit, as he continually attempts to add more pain, to the affliction we are already experiencing...and how does he do that? Satan keeps adding to the stack of hurts and feelings that we already experience, by making the circumstance overwhelming, through the negative thoughts he whispers within our minds. In this way; he can not only afflict us but he can also control the affliction.

The only way we are going to be able to stop the power and control that Satan has over us; is to overcome evil with good and I have found that the best way to do that; is to praise God and love Him, through the trial. In this way; we are giving the control back to God, while we make Satan powerless.

How are we reacting to our circumstances today? Are we adding fuel, to a fire that is already burning, by responding to our circumstances, in the way that Satan longs for us to react or are we removing our focus away from the problem, to praise a God that is more powerful...a god that can remove the thorn of affliction and mend our wounded spirits?

Do Our Problems Dictate our Lives?

Are we allowing the weakness of a problem to dictate defeat or are we turning away from the problem, to see hope, through the power of Jesus Christ? As we begin; I would like to share a Bible verse with you; that is found in I Corinthians 6:14 and we read..."And God hath both raised up the Lord and will also raise up us by His own power." This verse caught my eye; as God was taking me through His word this morning. We all know that God's power is greater than anything. We speak these words and we think about these words but do we truly acknowledge the power of God and know that He has the power, to help us overcome any circumstance that may arise?

Can you imagine the power that God had to have, in order to raise His Son...Jesus Christ, from the dead? I'm sure that when Satan saw God's Son hanging on the cross; he was thinking that he had won the battle and that he would reign supreme. In this instance; Satan wasn't truly seeing the power, of a God who not only created all things but also had control over all things. Can you imagine the look on Satan's face, when Jesus...God's Son, arose from the dead?

In a similar way; we can get caught up in what we see around us; to the place where we concentrate more on where the problem is taking us; rather than, the power that God has, over our circumstances. We need to realize that if God had the supreme power, to raise His Son, Jesus Christ, from the dead; then He would also have that same power, to raise us above our circumstances.

Today, are we focusing so tightly on the weakness of our problem; that these moments have become a dense fog before us...a fog that has blocked out the light of God's powerful presence? Today, let's take a journey back, to the tomb, where Jesus once laid and open our eyes and say to ourselves..."Since Jesus no longer resides within the tomb and has been resurrected, through the power of God, His Father; then that same God can also lift me up and above the problems that have placed me in this pit of despair."

Waiting for God to Work

God is so good...isn't He?! This morning, as I am sitting here...looking out, onto another beautiful day; God has been speaking to my heart about His timing. In other words...how many of us can say that we are patient enough, to wait for God to work; rather than quickly trying to find a solution on our own?

As we begin this morning; I'd like to read a few Bible verses from Genesis 21:1-2 and we read..."Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. (2) Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him." If we were to look back on the story of Sarah's life; we would see a woman that wasn't willing, at one time; to wait on the Lord and the promise He had made to her...a promise that she would give birth to a son, named Isaac. Sarah was so caught up in her age and her own way of thinking that she completely bypassed the promise that God had made to her. Rather than waiting on God; she took matters upon herself and had her husband, Abraham go to her handmaid, Hagar and later, Hagar gave birth to a son named Ishmael. I believe that Sarah actually thought that this was the promise that God had made to her but little did she know that this was of her own making. Later, as Ishmael began to grow up, there were many conflicts between Sarah and Hagar, which eventually separated Hagar and Ishmael, from Sarah and Abraham. Later...Sarah came to truly see and experience the will of God, as she gave birth to a son named Isaac.

How many of us can say today, that we have walked down a similar path, to what Sarah did? Why do we fight God, when we know in our hearts; that in the end; His will is going to be accomplished...His way? We all tend to put ourselves through moments of needless suffering...all because we are not willing to wait upon God.

I have come to see...especially in the past couple of months; that God's desires and will for our lives are the only road to travel down. Before I recently had a series of five e-books released; those manuscripts sat in my files for quite some time. Many times, I felt frustrated, as to how I was going to get those books out, with the heavy work load I have. One day, while I was resting; I had just awakened to hear the voice of God within my spirit and He was saying..."Diane, it's time to get the five books finished." I remember saying back to God..."How?" He said..."I will use Keith, to edit them and I will be there to give you the strength you need, to finish the remainder of the work." Now, as I look back on the past 6 weeks; I have seen a powerful and mighty God, do a great work, in and through me. God not only had a desire for my life, at the time but He also remained faithful and kept His word to me, by standing on the promises He made to me.

As I sit here today; I have come to truly see that we will never experience God at work in our lives, when we are trying to go in the opposite direction. We need to stop listening to our own thoughts and be open to God's still, small voice, within our spirits and when we listen and wait upon Him; we will soon see that God can do a great and mighty work within us.

Viewing our Circumstances through a Godly Eye

Are we viewing our weaknesses in the wrong way? In other words; are we viewing our circumstances through a worldly eye or a godly eye? When we view our circumstances through a worldly eye; I have come to see that we succumb to every symptom of the problem but when we view our circumstances through God's eye; we see an opportunity, for Him to replace our weaknesses, with a greater strength that can only come from His presence.

Today, I would like to read some special words, from II Corinthians 12:9-10, which have become my life verses and we read..."But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (10) That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Do we realize that it's so easy to have our thinking backwards, when it comes to viewing a circumstance in our life? I remember a time, in my own life, when I was so caught up, in the pain and despair I was going through; that I could not even see an ounce of hope. I turned to God one day and asked Him, why He was allowing so much to enter my life. The only response I felt within my spirit at the time was... "Rejoice?" "How am I able to do that, when pain is overtaking my body and I'm feel depressed over my situation?" From there, God took me to these verses and opened my eyes, to a truth that had been hidden by my moments of affliction. I began to realize that when we are experiencing weakness; that isn't a sign of defeat but rather, it's a time, when God is taking our weaknesses and doing a great work, so He can exchange them, for His powerful strength. Let's look at it this way...how can God give us strength, if we are already strengthened in ourselves? The only way we are going to be able to experience an eternal or ongoing strength that can only come from God, is to allow Him to work through our weaknesses, so He can free us from them and replace the emptiness, with a greater strength that can allow us to stand, even during the fiercest storms of life.

Instead of allowing worry, doubt, or fear to enter our lives; we should look at our circumstances and rejoice because a great and mighty God, is beginning to do a powerful work within our lives. Wow...what a God! Do we realize that when we don't take delight in these moments; then we are allowing Satan to see...through our actions; that he is succeeding, at what he longs to accomplish in our lives? Fighting a battle of weakness is never easy but when we have the right perspective in mind and are focused on the purpose behind the affliction; then with God's help, we can win and overcome these battles in our lives, while we allow God to exchange our weaknesses, for His great and mighty strength!

Are We Overlooking the Power of God by Looking Deeply into the Face of a Circumstance?

As I was getting around this morning; I have to tell you; that half of this morning's thought was created in the bathroom, while I was doing my hair and make-up. I have come to see that God doesn't speak to our hearts; according to the availability of our own schedules. I've learned to keep a pen in my brush drawer and I have found Kleenex, as something handy to write on.

This morning; as God began to speak to my heart; He shared a verse with me that we all know and it's found in Philippians 4:13 and we read... "I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me." I have found that this is a Bible verse that we can easily take for granted. Do we truly believe that God's strength is greater; then the strength of a circumstance? Do we truly believe that we can do all things through Christ or have these words; only become an easily memorized Bible verse?

What seems to be the most impossible; is where we truly can experience and see; how Christ can do all things for us...that is, if we are willing to believe these words with our hearts; by the way we react to a circumstance. When we truly believe in the power of Christ; we will begin to look for what is possible, rather than what seems impossible to us, for the moment.

Recently, I have been facing a very overwhelming circumstance, as I have been working, to keep this ministry going financially. Through this past week of work; I have come to see that when I tried to hold tightly, to the reign of my problem; nothing happened, which goes to show that I have no power within myself but when I truly realized that I was the one that was trying to make my circumstance work; I handed the reigns over to God and from that moment on; I began to see how the power of God could work. In other words; I began to live the words of Philippians 4:13 and see that I could only do all these things because of the power of God living within me.

As a powerful circumstance presents itself before us; we can become overwhelmed by its presence but when we are willing to shift our thoughts and focus on a powerful and loving God; we soon will see that God's strength...through us; can help us to achieve anything in life.

God has a Plan

As we share together today; I would like to share a Bible verse that has meant a lot to me, within my own life and it's found in Jeremiah 29:11 and we read... "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Why do we view our lives, as though there is no hope, when we have a powerful God residing within us? Do we realize that when God created us; that He touched us with a special purpose...a purpose that would allow His best, to shine through our lives?

When we are walking down a dark road of despair; it's so easy to view our lives, as something that will never succeed or amount to anything. The dark moments that surround us...moments of pain, heartache and loneliness can take a toll and attempt to make us believe that our lives will never experience anything good. I remember a time in my own life, when I was in the hospital and after Keith had left to go home; I began to stare at the tile on the floor and think to myself; that my life was going to always be the way it was at that time but now, as I look back and see how God has rescued me from those awful moments and has given me the life that He had purposed for me, from the very beginning; I know that I definitely serve a loving and faithful God that stands on the promises He made in this verse.

We need to remember that God would not have created us, unless He was able to love us and use us, in a way that would bring honor and glory to His name. I think that sometimes, we find it so easy, to get wrapped up in the cares of this life and the difficult moments we face; that we begin to believe the words that are being dictated from a circumstance, rather than living the promises God gives us in His word. It's as though the problem places a detour road before us and because we are weak; we get side tracked and fall off the beaten path, while entering a detour road that only reveals a path of no hope.

Time will only pave the road before us; that God had destined for our lives, since the very beginning but in order that He may pave the road before us; we need to quit listening to the thoughts that are being implanted within our minds and hearts, due to a circumstance and reminisce back, to the words that God first gave us...words that became a promise to us that these trials we face, are not meant to harm us but rather they are being used by God, to bring renewed strength...hope and new growth into our lives, which will bring about the plan that God first destined, from the day He created us.

Tears that Speak a Language

This morning, as I woke up; I noticed that it had been raining all night but as I'm writing to you at this time; I have noticed that the cloudy sky is attempting to turn into a sunny day. How many times, do we feel, as though the tears keep coming from within; as though it is raining within our hearts? You know...as I was thinking about our weather this morning; God was reminding me that just as the sun peeks its way through the clouds and rain; we can also live with the hope that God's presence can shine through the tears that are pouring down within our hearts and when the light of His presence shines through the tears of pain and heartache; He will reveal a rainbow of hope that will help us to keep pressing on.

Today, as we begin; I would like to share a Bible verse with you, which is found in Revelations 21:4 and we read... "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Even though our present circumstances may be attempting to speak words of defeat to us; we have the hope, as Christians; that one day; Jesus will wipe the last tear from our eyes. Can you imagine what that will be like? At times, our tears can seem never ending and they can bring about thoughts of discouragement to our hearts but even during these moments; if we were to see our tears, through God's eyes; we would see them, as though they were a refreshing rain...cleansing the heart and soul from within.

Tears can speak many languages...a language that can be relayed, from our heart to God's heart. Our tears may speak a language of pain or they may speak a language of grief and heartache but no matter what language they speak; God can understand every form of language that we are relaying to Him, through our tears and the moment that one teardrop falls; He will be there for us. We may not always feel Him near, due to the circumstance but He is there, with arms open wide; to hold us and love us and most of all to shelter us, until the storm passes by.

A Love that Never Walks Away

Some of you may not know this but it wasn't in God's plan, for me to have children and with growing up, in a very dysfunctional family; Mother's Day can sometimes be a difficult day for me because I have chosen to leave my past behind; to pick up my cross and follow the One I dearly love but even through the heart breaking moments of my life; God continually reminds me of a great love He has for me and I'll tell you...that is a very special love that I hold very close to my heart.

Today, as we begin; I would like to talk on God's love and a verse that God has laid upon my heart this morning, is found in Romans 5:8 and it reads... "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Isn't it amazing, how people and even a difficult circumstance, can attempt to convince us that God no longer loves us? We can feel so torn and tossed to the side at times; that we seem to feel the need; to be reminded of God's true love for us.

As I was reading and re-reading this Bible verse this morning; I was reminded of a god that saw our sin but yet He was willing to look way beyond our fault and see the need of our hearts...what love! When you experience moments, when you wonder if God could ever love you, due to sin and the past or maybe you feel that since others have left you; that God has left you too...be reminded that if God would have never loved you; then He wouldn't have taken the journey He took, to an old rugged cross, where with every blow of the whip and every moment of pain and suffering; He died out of love for you.

We can experience moments in our lives; that make us feel, as though we are a lost ship, on a stormy sea but when we truly connect our hearts, with the love that God has for us and we shift our attention towards Him, rather than looking out on the stormy sea; then we will soon come to experience; a God that has been there for us, all along. Just remember...God's love becomes the lifeline that keeps our heads above the stormy sea of circumstance and when we choose to reach out and grab hold of His loving presence; then we will begin to experience a love that will always remain etched upon our hearts...a love that will hold us safely within His arms; even into all of eternity.

Praise...a Powerful Weapon Against Evil

Why do we seem to find it easier to complain, rather than to praise God? Why do we seem to thrive more on our weaknesses, rather than loving and praising a powerful God that lives within us?

As we begin today; I would like to share a few Bible verses with you, from Psalm 103:1-5 and we read... "Praise the Lord, O my soul. And all that is within me praise His holy name. (2) Praise the Lord, O my soul. And forget none of His acts of kindness. (3) He forgives all my sins. He heals all my diseases. (4) He saves my life from the grave. He crowns me with loving-kindness and pity. (5) He fills my years with good things and I am made young again like the eagle."

Do we realize that power lies, within a heart of praise? I have come to see that praise actually becomes a weapon that can destroy the evil works that attempt to take over our lives. When a word of praise leaves our mouths and hearts; especially during times of adversity; then it's as if these words of praise go directly to our circumstances and weakens them. When we lift up the name of Jesus, rather than complaining about what is wrong; then we are letting Satan know that his tactics are no longer working, while the power from our heart of praise begins to surround us with the presence, of a powerful God.

What can help us to praise God, while facing overwhelming moments of affliction? When we are willing to look back, on all that God has already brought us through and reflect on His goodness; then our hearts will wake up once more and begin to praise God...knowing that if God helped us through a tough time before; then He will do it once more. Also, when we concentrate on the power of God, rather than the weakness of our circumstance; we will soon discover that our weaknesses aren't as powerful, as we first thought; which will bring hope alive within us.

Concentrating on the positive things in life; is what we need, to become the remedy, for an ailing soul and when we focus on these moments, rather than the moments that are attempting to destroy us; then we will be able to stand to our feet...shake the circumstance from us, as we press on, with a heart of praise!! Praise God!!

Worthless to Become Worthy

God continually amazes me; because as I look back on my life; I see a life that represented failure. While my brothers and sister received an easy "A" in school; I always struggled to keep my head above the water, with a "C." While their health was never a problem to them; I faced one knee surgery after another but over time, I have come to see that these were the moments, when God was beginning to work in my life. As for me...all I could see was a worthless life that was heading nowhere but if I would have looked through God's eyes at the time; I would have seen a person that God was working with; as a means of recreating the heart into a humble heart that could be used for Him. Now, as I look back on my life; I see where God was working step by step; to lead me to these moments, I now live.

Today, as we begin; I would like to share a Bible verse in I Corinthians 1:28 and we read... "God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are," You know...our circumstances have a way of making us feel unwanted and worthless in this world. We can become so caught up in what is actually happening; that all we see is the worst of the storm, rather than seeing what can come out of the storm.

One thing that has truly connected my heart, with I Corinthians 1:28; is that God takes the lowly moments in our lives...the moments, where all we experience is a feeling of hopelessness, while He takes the clay of our being and reshapes us, into something that can truly be used for Him. Look at it this way; how could God use a heart that is filled with pride? He couldn't because a person, whose heart is filled with pride; only listens to their own voice, while bypassing God's voice altogether but a heart that has experienced pain and heartache, eventually becomes a heart that has been humbled; so as they cry out to God for help; they are more than ready to listen for His voice. Through time, as we experience other moments of trial; we find that we seem to have a need for God and as we listen, for His still small voice; He redirects our lives and exchanges the painful moments, for the plan He has had for our lives, since the day we were born.

Don't ever feel that you are worthless, in the eyes of God because these deep, dark moments of despair are being used, to recreate a heart that will not only be able to hear the voice of God but will also become humbled, in a way that can be greatly used for Him.

Author Diane K Hiltz Chamberlain

Visit Diane at Risen Hope Ministries – http://www.risenhopeministries.com

