Each day, I try to read from my daily devotional Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. I loved everything in the devotional today - so much that I figured I would just post it here: December 26 I am the gift that continuously gives—bounteously, with no strings attached. Unconditional Love is such a radical concept that even My most devoted followers fail to grasp it fully. Absolutely nothing in heaven or on earth can cause Me to stop loving you. You may feel more loved when you are performing according to your expectations. But My Love for you is perfect; therefore it is not subject to variation. What does vary is your awareness of My loving Presence. When you are dissatisfied with your behavior, you tend to feel unworthy of My Love. You may unconsciously punish yourself by withdrawing from Me and attributing the distance between us to My displeasure. Instead of returning to Me and receiving My Love, you attempt to earn My approval by trying harder. All the while, I am aching to hold you in My everlasting arms, to enfold you in My Love. When you are feeling unworthy or unloved, come to Me. Then ask for receptivity to My unfailing Love. Can you believe that? That right there is the concept of grace. Grace is incredible and sometimes so hard to wrap our minds around. Here's another acronym I have come across over the last few years that I loved:
We don't deserve God's grace. But He has given it to us anyway. We cannot do anything to earn His grace. I mean, don't get me wrong, it feels great to do wonderful things in the world - I feel like a "better" person when I am doing good things. But that isn't what gets me grace. We are able to receive God's riches at Christ's expense. He died on the cross for us. We cannot DO anything that would provide us with God's grace that is more meaningful than that.
It can be hard for me to remember that I cannot do anything to earn God's grace. EARN my way to Heaven. But it is also not acceptable to use God's grace as an excuse. Christ died on the cross for us but when we spend time with Him and grow in our relationship with Him, everything He went through is made worth it for Him.
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Bryce and I have been spending the week with my parents in Montana. The drive was 13 hours up with our little Scarlette and we were gifted a white Christmas with about 8 inches of snow. I forgot my devotional and have been pretty preoccupied with traveling this far with a 10 month old and the hustle and bustle of preparing for the trip and Christmas. Busy. ha! I finally spent some time with the Lord today, on Christmas. Jesus was sent into this very ruined world on a mission - to relate to man but also to show us how faithful and true God is. How blessed we can be, if we choose him. I have many friends and family members that do not choose him. It has always been a touchy subject with anyone who doesn't believe, has turned from God, or just simply disagrees. I have not come to a place in my faith yet where I feel confident ministering to my family. I will here and there, but mostly, if the subject comes up (which is doesn't very often) I try to just express how good my life is with Jesus on my side and hope they ask more questions or try to lightly answer common questions or concerns without being too pushy. It's a weird thing though. Why would I need to be worried about feeling pushy about my happiness that I have found in the Lord? It's not that I think we all need to have the same beliefs but the fact that I WANT my friends, family, acquaintances and even STRANGERS to find the same comfort and happiness I have been able to find through God. Isaiah 6:8 - And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me." |
Bound |
What does this mean? Well a yoke was a sort of necklace/leather strap type of thing that was around the neck of a large animal to connect the animal to a cart so they could pull the cart. The symbolic meaning of yoke is slavery or captivity. So when we are bound under Satan's yoke, we are being a slave to Satan's tricks. We are becoming distracted and focusing on the unimportant aspects of life. We are staying BUSY.
We are letting our minds be overstimulated. Becuase of this, we cannot hear His voice when he speaks to us. Isaiah 60:2 - See, darkness covers the earth and thick darness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you | I desire to talk with all My children, but many are too busy to listen. |
Why do I wander from God and then continuously make excuses when I should get back into His word? My life is happier, more peaceful, and just BIGGER when I allow Him to live within me. I think it comes back to control. I want to believe I have control over my life and the decisions I make all while having a relationship with the Lord. Those things are not possible together, but I am MUCH happier giving it all to God. I will continue to work on that each day.
While you journey through life in My presence, My Glory brightens the world around you.
Folks, I have been devouring the Word lately, especially in regard to the Book of Revelation and the Old Testament Prophets. I’ve also been re-reading a lot of Sutton and Capps. Just sharing a little of my reading and research.
I believe this short read (America In Bible Prophecy by Britt Gillette) to be the most biblically accurate and level-headed explanation of America in the end-times. Make no mistake about it… America cannot be a Super Power when Isreal is attack to start the Great Tribulation. And we are close, folks… really, really close. We will not know the hour, day or month… but we are supposed to know the season and I believe we are at the front end of the season.
I for one have adopted the explanation that the down-fall of America will be the Rapture. Let’s consider some data...
But not to bore you with further data…..at the end of the day, it is fair to say that at least 25% of the population of America are “practicing”, true Born-Again Christians…..which equals about 92 Million People. If 92 Million people….hard working, society contributing, leadership oriented folks, disappear today…..American would tumble Immediatly.
I hold to the belief that the Rapture will cripple America and that is why America is not mentioned in the Bible in regard to the End of Times. There is no America to come to Isreal’s defense when Gog and Magog (Russian, Iran, etc.) attack, which is at the front end of the Tribulation. America will be realing in the after-math of loosing 92 Million of her best citizens.
I believe this short read (America In Bible Prophecy by Britt Gillette) to be the most biblically accurate and level-headed explanation of America in the end-times. Make no mistake about it… America cannot be a Super Power when Isreal is attack to start the Great Tribulation. And we are close, folks… really, really close. We will not know the hour, day or month… but we are supposed to know the season and I believe we are at the front end of the season.
I for one have adopted the explanation that the down-fall of America will be the Rapture. Let’s consider some data...
- In an ABC News poll earlier this year, 83% of Americans identify themselves as Christians. But according to Way Life Research, 75% of these “Christians” do not take God seriously. This would indicate that there are 68 Million true Born-Again Christians in America.
- Pew Research found that about 70% of evangelicals identify themselves as Born-Again. (ie. 49% of Methodists say they ARE NOT Born-Again and amazingly, 22% of Baptists say they ARE NOT Born-Again.) This would indicate that 77 Million are truly Born-Again.
- Pew and Gallup both state that about 110 Million Americans state strongly that they are Born-Again.
- Barna Research (which I take as the best Christian polling organization), states that 35% of America is truly Born-Again, or 115 Million.
- So probably between 70 and 115 Million Born-Again Believers in America. ……maybe 92 Million?
But not to bore you with further data…..at the end of the day, it is fair to say that at least 25% of the population of America are “practicing”, true Born-Again Christians…..which equals about 92 Million People. If 92 Million people….hard working, society contributing, leadership oriented folks, disappear today…..American would tumble Immediatly.
I hold to the belief that the Rapture will cripple America and that is why America is not mentioned in the Bible in regard to the End of Times. There is no America to come to Isreal’s defense when Gog and Magog (Russian, Iran, etc.) attack, which is at the front end of the Tribulation. America will be realing in the after-math of loosing 92 Million of her best citizens.
"The need to see America in bible prophecy stems from a common mistake in the study of bible prophecy – trying to fit bible prophecy into the current headlines, rather than reading current headlines in the context of bible prophecy." - Britt Gillette |
Now... if this reasoning and wisdom bashes anyone’s desire to be the best Prepper in their community, don’t take offense and certainly forgive me. Just find another reason to purchase your next AR15. I strongly believe that I will not be on this earth during any part of the 7 year tribulation.
Come on back soon, Jesus!!!!! Your Word has been preached around the globe in every tongue, nation and tribe and we are ready to reunite with You and start the 7 year party in Heaven. | I encourage you... become a more active evangelist….and pray for the lost that surround you. Now is not the time to be bashful or lacking in prayer time. My heart is heavy for my unsaved friends and family... but I am also excited to see a quick and aggressive flurry of newly born-again folks in the months leading up to the rapture. |
Be courageous and be strong in the Lord.
John
For the past 2 years, my husband Hunter and I have been struggling with infertility. It’s not something we planned for and it certainly has its share of good and bad days. Recently though, I found myself in a constant state of worry and anxiety.
I worried about my husband and our marriage; wondering how we were going to get through another month of let downs if the pregnancy tests came back negative. I worried about our finances and how we were ever going to afford all the doctor visits, treatments and procedures. You name it, I worried about it.
I then foolishly tried to stop the worrying and anxiety by focusing on other aspects of life; household duties, errands, shopping, activities etc. Sure I was praying some, but even my prayers were filled with worry.
After reading todays devotional, I was immediately reminded that God is in control and that He has one very simple request:
I worried about my husband and our marriage; wondering how we were going to get through another month of let downs if the pregnancy tests came back negative. I worried about our finances and how we were ever going to afford all the doctor visits, treatments and procedures. You name it, I worried about it.
I then foolishly tried to stop the worrying and anxiety by focusing on other aspects of life; household duties, errands, shopping, activities etc. Sure I was praying some, but even my prayers were filled with worry.
After reading todays devotional, I was immediately reminded that God is in control and that He has one very simple request:
Rest In Me My Child
Focus On Me.
Obviously, for myself, it doesn't feel that simple because I constantly revert back to worry and fear. I forget to let go and let God; to let Him take my worries and feel secure in knowing that He is:
The same yesterday, today, and forever.
I don’t know about you, but I find so much comfort in that. My life and circumstances may change but God never will. Todays reading served as such a reminder to me that when my worrying starts to set in, thats when my praying needs to set in even more; and not a worrisome prayer but a prayer of confidence that God is greater and stronger than any problems I may face.
Worrying doesn't change anything but trusting in God changes EVERYTHING.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. -Proverbs 3:6
Rachel
The Lord asks us to be still in his presence. This means to meditate on His word and lean on His comfort. How can we seek the Lord's wisdom if we do not take time to listen to him? We cannot hear what the Lord is telling us if we talk about things more than we pray about them.
Emotional and physical healing are enhanced by your soaking in the Light of My Presence.
Before I knew God, I was lost. If I was having a hard time with something, I would seek the advice of my family or friends. This only ever provided me with temporary comfort. Instead of solutions, I found myself seeking approval from my family, then from my friends, and then further from people I hardly knew. I wanted everyone to approve of my decisions.
1 Corinthians 6:19 - Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?
You are not your own.
u are not your own. You are God's. He is residing in you waiting for you to stop talking and listen.
I have always considered myself an intuitive person. As my relationship with Christ grew, I was able to identify stronger intuitive feelings. I believe that my intuition is directly related to my relationship with the Holy Trinity. If my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, why else would He not communicate with me that way? In order for me to hear Him, I have to meditate on his word and draw closer to the Lord.
I have always considered myself an intuitive person. As my relationship with Christ grew, I was able to identify stronger intuitive feelings. I believe that my intuition is directly related to my relationship with the Holy Trinity. If my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, why else would He not communicate with me that way? In order for me to hear Him, I have to meditate on his word and draw closer to the Lord.
You experience a nearness to Me that strengthens your faith and fills you with Peace. | He is so much closer to us than we may realize. He is so close, He is within us. It's incredible. When you are feeling overwhelmed, stop worrying, thinking, and stressing and speak to God. Pray to him. Cry your worries to Him. He is always listening. |
Every detail of your life is under My control. |
He provides comfort, warmth, and security. He is present in every moment. It is so easy for me to forget He is near. Easy for me to become insecure or anxious or frustrated about something miniscule.
He knows every detail, path, encounter that you may have. I am a firm believer in living relationally through Christ. You are chosen to help bring his plan to life. He put people in our lives for a reason. We need to build each other up through the Lord and remind each other that we are all here to love. | People tend to thing that chance governs the universe. Events may occur with randomly, with little or no meaning. |
If someone is feeling stressed about something little [or something big!] it can be as simple as being a listening and sympathetic ear and gently reminding them (or yourself) that God has got this. He is bigger than everything. I have to constantly remind myself of this. We are called to love, but the way that we love may be different depending on the person. Listening and being sensitive to someone's worries can be difficult for me but as I remind myself to seek and reveal Christ through relationships, it becomes easier and more enjoyable to face the challenge.
Romans 8:28 - We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.
For weeks, even months, Bryce and I have been waiting to hear about a short sale house we made an offer on. Just when it seems like we are getting close to getting the big news, something else comes up to stall the process. On a slow Sunday like today, things get particularly difficult for me to accept the waiting. There is only so much that I can do to keep myself busy around the house.
I always find myself wanting to plan the rest of my life. Okay maybe not ALL of it but I would like to plan months in advance. I feel more in control if I plan things. I feel like things can't go wrong if they are planned down to every option and every detail. I finally reached the point today where I had nothing else to distract my mind with. I picked up a daily devotional I have and read today's devotion.
I know - I shouldn't wait until there is nothing else left to do but I did. And I do, too often. And of course, the first thing I read jumped out at me:
I always find myself wanting to plan the rest of my life. Okay maybe not ALL of it but I would like to plan months in advance. I feel more in control if I plan things. I feel like things can't go wrong if they are planned down to every option and every detail. I finally reached the point today where I had nothing else to distract my mind with. I picked up a daily devotional I have and read today's devotion.
I know - I shouldn't wait until there is nothing else left to do but I did. And I do, too often. And of course, the first thing I read jumped out at me:
I AM WORKING ON YOUR BEHALF. | God was like "Woah, Aften, calm down. I am working on it." I'm a little fiesty today (what's new?) so as I read that I thought "I appreciate that, but can you work on it a little faster?" I kept reading. |
And then there was more. When I read the next part, I actually gave a sigh because it was not what I wanted to hear, but what I NEEDED to hear:
IF YOU WANT TO WORK WITH ME, YOU HAVE TO ACCEPT MY TIME FRAME.
Woah. Why do I keep thinking I can rush God? That somehow, I can control Him and HIS time frame? I can't. I don't want to. I want his timing. He already knows what's going to happen a week, a month, a year.... down the road. His timing is right. Not mine. I need to work on being patient but I also need to work on trusting God while I am waiting.
Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is being sure we will get what we hope for. It is being sure of what we cannot see. |
Writer:
Aften - mama, worker, DIYer, and lover of Jesus.
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