If You Listen

Photo credit Casie Steele 

 In the midst of the chaos and madness of the world you may find it difficult to hear anything positive. There is much talk about what you can't do, what is wrong, how bad things are and what trouble looms in the future. Hardly ever do you hear words of optimism and encouragement. If you listen to the world you hear anger, fear, mixed messages and how life is changing for the worse.

 If you listen to God you will hear something very different. Yes, things are changing but God is not. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He hasn't given up on you nor has he stopped being the God of mercy and loving kindness. The issue isn't that things are so bad. The issue is that you are listening to the wrong source of truth.

If you listen to God you will hear the truth that the world can never tell you. Sure, you will need to shut out the world to hear Him and when you do you will hear and have hope. God says that he will protect you, restore you and always love you. He says you are a masterpiece and you have a divine purpose. He says that love and mercy are the answer and that you are the just the person to bring them to others. 

When you listen to God you will learn that if you delight in his word you will be blessed. He promises that all things will work out for God and that you will have comfort in your trials and peace when you pray. He promises he will supply your needs, lift your burdens, and give you power from on high. Best of all, in Him you have salvation and eternal life through his son Jesus Christ.

Stop listening to the world! Make it your goal to listen to and spend time with God every day. Turn off the TV, social media and those friends that are wearing you down. Turn to God and listen closely because he has so much to tell you. He will really make your heart smile and restore your soul. 

"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God." 2 Corinthians 1:20

The Fabric of Faith

Photo Credit Steele A Peek Photography

Life's journey with Jesus is filled with great riches. Not the kind of riches the world honors, but rather, riches of the Heavenly realm of the Spirit of God. The deepest of these are the ones born out of faith. Through faith, the weaving of life's blessings are the fabric of your journey. The Holy Spirit, your Comforter, provides the power for your faith. For you are not covered in shame, fear and hopelessness. You are covered in the full and complete grace of Jesus Christ. In Him you live, and move and breath. 

For the grace of the Lord and your faith assures you of the fulfillment of every promise God has made. In time you will be before Him face to face for eternity. For now, continue your walk with Christ in faith and peace, as you come into the fullness of your purpose. For only you can complete the work God designed you to fulfill. Your faith and the power of the Holy Spirit will be your guide.

But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. Hebrews 10:39

God's Peace

Photo Credit Casie Steele 

When asked, "If you could have anything in the world what would you ask for?", there are literally hundreds of responses one could give. Fame, fortune, health, freedom may be among the most popular. Most people would ask for these and even more to improve their current life and secure their future. Of late, I would venture to guess there is another reply that is popular and people are seeking and praying for every day. That simply would be, peace. 

Peace is defined as "freedom from disturbance" or "tranquility". Another definition is "a stress-free state of security and calmness that comes when there's no fighting or war, everything coexisting in perfect harmony and freedom". Well, that sounds unattainable for sure, right? Not exactly. 

 Trouble with the kids, job matters, financial challenges, and daily life stressors all will take aim at disrupting your peace. You can insulate yourself from all of that and more when you receive God's gift of peace. See, beyond the worldly definition of peace there is peace that God provides. He offers peace in the midst of chaos. His peace doesn’t change with circumstances; it is secure no matter what is happening in your life or around you.

Sound too good to be true? Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Those weren't empty words but rather an absolute promise. When Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit lives in you and peace does too. 

Maybe you aren't living in God's peace. You may be needing to reaffirm and claim it for yourself. Here is a prayer and link to verses about peace:

Lord, thank you for your promise and gift of peace. Thank you that YOU are my PEACE — my perfect Prince of Peace who died on my behalf so that I could live in peace, because you have conquered the king of fear. You have trampled the enemy under your feet. Help me not to be afraid when trouble comes my way. Help me trust and rest in you at all times, regardless of what my feelings try to convince me to think. I joyfully receive your peace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/peace-bible-verses/

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart sand your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

Rooted

Photo Credit Casie Steele 
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We are living in unprecedented times. There is change, fear, and for some even panic, as the world adjusts and reacts to the threat of disease and an unraveling economy. During this time of significant life adjustment there is confusion and turmoil across the globe. 
How are you doing in all of this? Are you handling things with grace or have you been in a frenzy, feeling troubled and worried?

The way you react during these times reveals a lot about what you are rooted in, where you draw your strength from and your view of life. If you are rooted in the world and all its treasures, conveniences and niceties you may be quite unnerved. You actually may be feeling hopeless, paralyzed and frustrated. You aren't sure who to believe or trust. 

The media messages are much different from the message delivered through God's Word, prayer and a relationship with Jesus Christ. When you are rooted in Jesus, the Word and God's promises, you are likely to be feeling a bit awe struck.You realize the events unfolding are not a surprise to God. He has a master design for good and has things well in control.  

Stay rooted and grounded in Jesus. When you are, you will be steadfast in your daily journey with sure footedness and grace. As you trust in God and have a deep connection to Him, you will be provided divine direction and wisdom to navigate the chaos of the world.

"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" 
Genesis 50:20

On the Other Side of Tomorrow

Photo credit Marilyn Drone
Times right now may be hard, confusing and quite worrisome for most of us. There are what-ifs, hows, whens, and some very candid I don't knows. If only, we should have and whys are part of the virtual and literal conversations. Truth be told we are all only human. Even with all of the fancy technology and state of the art advances we still are not, and never will be, God. 

God knows all, sees all and understands all. He is the source of life and orchestrator of the universe. His ways are different than human ways. We can never comprehend the complexity of life as God knows it; nor are we in the position to even try. Instead, we look to him in faith for grace, favor, peace, and wisdom that only he can provide. 

Yes, today may be hard, confusing and worrisome but on the other side of tomorrow there will be greater clarity. People will have discovered their purpose. Families will be stronger. Relationships will have more meaning. Things will certainly be different, however God will remain the same. He will continue to be the God of miracles and wonders and His Son will still be Savior of the world. 

On this Easter, rise up and know without a doubt that your future with Jesus Christ is gloriously secure because He is already in your tomorrow and forever.

Then Joshua told the people to purify themselves, "For tomorrow", he said, "the Lord will do a great miracle." Joshua 3:5

Happy and blessed Easter to you and your family.