“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” -Colossians 2:6-7

Have you noticed that the Christian life continues the same way it begins – through faith? I believe the apostle Paul gives us three practical ways here in these verses to keep us  moving forward and growing in our walk with Jesus

Abide in Him

Jesus told us Himself in John 15:4, “Abide [remain] in Me, and I [will remain] in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself without remaining in the vine, neither can you [bear fruit, producing evidence of your faith] unless you remain in Me.” (AMP)

We are to remain in Him in order to be rooted and built up in Christ. Imagine a large oak tree that is able to withstand the wind, rain (the storms of life) and even seasons of drought! It is able to flourish no matter what life throws at it because of its strong root system.  What we see above ground is only a fraction of the tree; the most important part of the tree is hidden underground.

David saw that as well when he says in Psalm 1, “…That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither whatever he does prospers” (Psalm 1:3 Emphasis mine).

Our root system is to be built on the Lord Jesus and one another. Notice what Paul says in Ephesians 2:19-20, “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens [outsiders without rights of citizenship], but you are fellow citizens with the saints (God’s people), and are [members] of God’s household,  having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the [chief] Cornerstone,”

 According to Paul a strong faith is also dependent on a strong support system around you as well as your walk with Jesus!! Which leads to the second key in Paul’s message:

Being Strengthen in Faith

 

Esther 4

Esther was a young queen in over her head. Told by her cousin Mordecai about the prime minister’s plot to kill the Jews, the fate of her people laid heavy on her small shoulders. Yet Esther knew where to go; straight to God. For three days and nights Esther sheltered in His presence through prayer and fasting. And as she grew closer to the Lord, Esther received the wisdom and courage she needed to save her people. 

Life is hard. And trying to do it on our own is near impossible. But thankfully, as Christians we never have to face anything alone. Because God is there welcoming us to come to Him. To spend time in His presence, bathing in His strength, mercy, and guidance. A place of refreshment, the arms of the Lord is where we experience His perfect peace. Where we find the answers we seek, the wisdom of God’s counsel, and the warmth of His unconditional love. 

That’s why it’s vital we make our relationship with God a priority. For it's the most important one we have. So today I challenge you to be intentional. Set aside some quiet time for just you and God. Soak in the rays of His presence and make it a ritual. Did you know science now says it takes around 66 days to form a habit. Through perseverance and consistency we can make growing in our relationship with God not just a habit, but second nature! 

Don't forget to head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 and join in on the discussion!

 

As we get ready to say goodbye to January and our challenge of picking up God’s peace, we wave hello to February which brings with it a new challenge! How’s your relationship with God? Is it growing, thriving, and in full bloom? Or is it parched, weedy, and in need of tender loving care? Join us each day as we share a devotional aimed at growing in our relationship with God. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to do some gardening! Be sure to invite all your friends, and join in on the discussion over at https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2

 

Father, Your name is a strong tower that we can run into and be safe.  As we take refuge in You and put our trust in You, we can rejoice and ever sing for joy because You cover us and shelter us.  Father, You cause all things in our lives to work together for good because we love You and are called according to Your purpose.  You, the Lord our God is in our midst.  You are a warrior that saves us.  You rejoice over us with shouts of joy! 

Selah

Lyn

When we know our Pastor, we can surely trust Him with our lives and our needs. This is when we can find peace and rest for our weary hearts (minds).

David as a former shepherd can express in Psalm 23 how a pastor cares for his sheep, and also how he personally experienced the loving care of his Heavenly Pastor:

“He looks for a place of rest and refreshment for his sheep.” “…sheep do not lie down easily and will not unless four conditions are met. Because they are timid, they will not lie down if they are afraid… Rest comes because the shepherd has dealt with fear, friction -among them-, flies, and famine.” (Philip Keller -A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23)

“…whereas the shepherd lives with his flock and is everything to it: guide, physician and protector.” (Kidner)”

 

This is how our Heavenly Pastor deals with us, too. His blessings redeem the days of our affliction, fears, insecurities, etc. When we look back over our past, we can realize how His precious love has covered and healed the painful experiences. For: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

We cannot find peace and rest in mind and heart until we have poured out all that troubles us: the guilt, the shame, the bitterness, the pride, etc.

Our God not only heals us, but He forgives our sins. There in our quiet place with Him we can find the food that satisfies –His Word- and when our souls cry out: 

“As the deer pants [longingly] for the water brooks, So my [a]soul pants [longingly] for You, O God. 2 My soul (my life, my inner self) thirsts for God, for the living God.
When will I come and see the face of God? (Psalm 42:1-2 AMP) 

He will quench our thirst from the cool, still waters of His Holy Spirit! And by these blessings to which the great Shepherd leads us, we will find our souls restored; our whole being invigorated, and our spiritual life reborn.

Challenge: Meditate and bring to memory a time or season in your life when your Heavenly Pastor brought you out of an affliction, to lie you down in the stillness of His Peace. Can you trust that He is Able to do this for you again? Write this on you journal as you write down the Bible verse(s) to help you stand firm on this Promise.

Blessings,

Mari

A mindset is important. Here we are studying about anxiety and just a few days ago I allowed so much anxiety to flood my inner being that I developed a severe stomach ache. I was stressing about whether or not to try driving to work in a snow/ ice storm. It wasn’t a smart idea but I wanted to be a dutiful employee. My husband had to remind me that I was focusing on earthly matters instead of trusting the circumstances to God. I’m glad that he did that. It helped me to change my mindset.  

The Bible often addresses the importance of having a spiritual mindset. According to the World English Dictionary, a mindset is about the ideas and attitudes with which a person approaches a situation, esp when these are seen as being difficult to alter. Often in life, there will be circumstances beyond our control.  God wants us to look beyond the circumstances and focus on Him.  We have to trust the results and outcomes to Him and care about our duty to Him more than our duty to man. Instead of fretting until it affected my health, I should have been praying and resting in Him.  

Although it is a good testimony to be dutiful, hardworking, dependable, etc., we have to be careful not to make our priorities about pleasing others or performing for others.  Sometimes, we have to focus on the bigger picture and seek guidance from God about our decisions, and our priorities. 

“Who should we be trying to make the proudest? Our family? Our friends? Our teachers or bosses? What about the one who molded us out of the earth itself, who formed us like clay, and instilled within us the very breath of life that shaped the universe?” James D. Maxon

God wants us to stay focused and dependent on Him. Not only is this spiritual mindset important for our day to day circumstances but also for our grander perspective on life. By focusing on our eternal purpose and destiny, we can be freed      

from the anxiety of wasteful toil and effort focused on earthly gain and recognition. 

“He who lays up treasures on earth spends his life backing away from his treasures. To him, death is loss. He who lays up treasures in heaven looks forward to eternity; he’s moving daily toward his treasures. To him, death is gain.” Randy Alcorn

 

Trying to discern God's perfect plan for our life can make us anxious at times. We've prayed, weighed the pros and cons, sought the advice of others and still we're not certain. What then?

Psalms 43:3, "Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!"

Psalms 25:5, "Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long."

 

John 14:27

After suffering a childhood trauma, I was diagnosed with PTSD. And as a result, I know first hand the debilitating effects anxiety can have mentally and physically in a person’s life. Feelings of panic. Spiraling irrational thoughts. And paralyzing fear. I used to deal with the anxiety by hiding myself away from the world. The safe little bubble I created kept the anxiousness at bay. But that’s no way to live. Because God wants us to live full abundant lives. To experience the peace that Jesus died to give us. 

I wish I could tell you there was a magic pill, a fool proof therapy, or a sure fire yoga pose to combat fear. But there’s not. Because what works for one may not work for the next. And even as a Christian, I fight the battle of anxiety every day. But I don’t fight it alone. This is a war I wage together with God. The moment I feel the fear start to creep in I cry out to my Father, sharing with Him every thought and feeling. I visualize His hand firmly gripping mine. And I recite out loud Bible verses reminding me of the Lord’s promise of peace. A promise that tells me if my fears never come to pass, or if my greatest dread is realized, Jesus is there.

We can’t just wish our fears away. We need to act on God’s Word instead of reacting to the situation. Today I challenge you to dig deep in finding the root of your anxiety. Begin with your doctor. Make sure there isn’t an underlying physical issue causing your symptoms. Talk to your minister, rabbi, pastor or priest. Ask around for recommendations for a good counselor. Share your feelings and struggles with those around you. And above all else, turn to the Lord. He loves you and wants to see you living in His peace. A peace, that dries our tears, quiets our fears, rejoices during trials, and sings in suffering.

Be sure to head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 to join in on the discussion!

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Cinnamon Mix

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon

Bread 

2 cups all purpose flour 

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 large egg, at room temperature

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup (vegetable oil

1/3 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt/Greek yogurt)

2/3 cup whole milk

1  1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

vanilla glaze, optional 

Glaze 

1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted (sift after measuring)*

2–3 Tablespoons milk or heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

optional: pinch of salt

(Instructions for glaze- Whisk the confectioners’ sugar, milk or heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Taste, then add a pinch of salt if desired.)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray. In a small bowl mix the sugar and cinnamon together. Set aside. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg and 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar together until combined. Whisk in the oil, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then whisk to completely combine. Avoid over-mixing. You will have about 3 cups of batter. Pour/spread half of the batter into prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle almost all of the cinnamon sugar evenly on top (reserve about 2 Tablespoons for topping). Carefully pour/spread remaining batter evenly on top. Sprinkle with the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Using a knife, make a large swirl down the loaf pan. Bake the bread for 50 minutes to 1 hour, covering loosely with foil about halfway through to prevent the top from over-browning. Bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Poke the center of the bread with a toothpick. Cool bread completely in the pan set on a wire rack. Drizzle with icing, if using. 

 

 

Father help me to keep my mind focused continually on things above and not on things of this earth.  Keeping my focus on You brings me peace and joy.  Help me to listen to Your voice telling me the way in which to go.  You are the One who makes me to lie down in green pastures, restoring my soul.  In You alone my soul finds rest.  You give me Your peace that quiets my heart.  I do not need to be troubled or afraid.  You perfect peace calms me and gives me courage and strength for everything I face in my life.  Keep me in Your word everyday so that I can know the truth and not follow the ways of the world. 

Selah

Lyn

 

            

Father help me to keep my mind focused continually on things above and not on things of this earth.  Keeping my focus on You brings me peace and joy.  Help me to listen to Your voice telling me the way in which to go.  You are the One who makes me to lie down in green pastures, restoring my soul.  In You alone my soul finds rest.  You give me Your peace that quiets my heart.  I do not need to be troubled or afraid.  You perfect peace calms me and gives me courage and strength for everything I face in my life.  Keep me in Your word everyday so that I can know the truth and not follow the ways of the world. 

Selah

Lyn

 

 

From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy.   Let me dwell in Your tent forever; let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.
Selah. Psalms 61:2-4

During the times when our life is uncertain or we are dealing with anxiety, worry and fears, where do you run to?  Do you run to a friend, food or anything else that will for a time quiet your mind and heart? 

The Lord is a strong tower that we can run into and be safe.  How do you do that?  Spend time in His Word everyday seeking Him, praying His Word, and resting in His promises.  It is a matter of faith, belief, trust, hope and perseverance.  Run to Him first and let Him quiet you.  He only is the One who gives us peace that passes all understanding and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 

Selah,

Lyn

Have you ever been in an emergency situation and needed a place of refuge? I have. It was the year 1995. My husband was 230 miles away being cared for by his parents as he recovered from being in a plane crash. I was in Pensacola, Fl working and caring for our 20 month old daughter.  I woke up that morning to discover a strong hurricane had suddenly turned in the night and was heading directly for our coastline. I picked up my mom and a quick pack of things to head to where my husband was. 8 hours later we were only 40 miles north of Pensacola and traffic accidents had bogged down all of the major roadways. We kept hearing on the radio it wasn’t safe to stay in your car. We were tired, hungry and it would be getting dark soon. This was before cell phones, GPS or internet. I prayed for God’s intervention. I needed a rescuer and a place of refuge. How relieved I was to see a police officer’s car on the side of the road. I stopped and asked for help and he gave me directions to a high school that had been turned into a shelter. I never would have found this place located in a very rural area on my own. We were able to get a warm meal, stretch our legs, contact my worried husband and watch coverage of the storm on TV. God watched over us that day and night, providing who and what we needed. I am confident of that. And oh, how my heart rejoiced! 

What is a refuge? A refuge is a place that provides shelter or protection or it can be something to which one has recourse in difficulty. Perhaps you’ve seen in a parking garage a designated “Place Of Refuge”. These are places you can go in times of emergency and they often have 2 way communication with the rescuers. The Scriptures tell us in many places that God is our refuge place in the midst of the difficulties and dangers we face. But, we have to seek His refuge. We can’t stay exposed and vulnerable spiritually, trying to make it on our own in the midst of the dangers. To make God our refuge means we seek Him and have connection with Him so that He can guide us, and provide His spiritual resources for us.  He delights to help us and have us depend upon Him. Perhaps you have your own personal experience of finding refuge in a perilous circumstance. If so, please share on our fb page. 

Challenge: Are you depending on God to be your place of refuge? Are you staying connected to your spiritual lifeline? If not, make a point to intentionally seek Him in some way and make this a daily connection. It could be through prayer, Bible study, fellowship with other Christians, etc. 

In this fallen world, disappointments and discouragements are an unfortunate part of life. After all, we are all sinners, living among sinners, therefore we're bound to experience trouble in our lives, which is why this verse is one we should not only memorize, but hold unto tightly, for in this one verse there is H.O.P.E!

 I truly believe if we will only rest in this massive promise, our lives will be more solid and stable and when Satan sends those negative thoughts that will try to bowl us over we will be able to stand strong!

How you ask?

When trials come if we would we stop and seek to discover God’s purpose for it all, we will be able to stand in the midst of the trial and come out that much strong on the other side.

When you are hurting find God’s purpose in your suffering, by prayerfully asking yourself:

• Could God be using this trial to increase my faith?
• Could God be using this trial to build my character?
• Could God be using this trial to prepare me to better serve Him and others in some way?

Answering these questions will require prayer, for you want God’s plan for your life, but I can honestly promise you, that when you see the “big picture” (the one with God in it and on it!), you not only will be able to stand, but may find yourself getting happy and even rejoicing and giving thanks for it all!!

Blessings,

Sue

Zephaniah 3:17 

We all have fears. Some rational, others not. And all have felt the grip of panic that comes with anxiety. The one that feels like a storm raging inside. A violence which causes our thoughts to swirl madly, our hearts to beat wildly, and our chests to tighten beyond breathing. But as with any storm, there is an eye. That place of stillness. A calmness which always appears in the middle of even the strongest hurricane. God is that eye of the storm. A victorious Savior, He calms the seas and quiets our storms with His love.

When we’re filled with fear and anxiety, unable to shut off our thoughts, we crave God’s quietness. To be able to just let it all go and rest in His perfect peace. Peace stemmed from the deep, unconditional love He has for each of us, His precious children. His love for us is so great, our Father in heaven rejoices with great shouts of joy, and songs of everlasting devotion! 

And because of His gift of the Holy Spirit, He now lives inside each of us forever. Never again do we have to face the storms of life alone, nor give in to fear and anxiety. For when we stand in the eye of the storm, there we will find the blue skies and sunshine of God’s perfect peace. All we have to do is be still, and focus on His quietness, promises and love.

The next time you find yourself struggling with your thoughts and spiraling out of control with fear, I challenge you to go to God in prayer immediately. Ask Him to calm your spirit and fill your heart with His peace. Receive His gladness. Let His quietness push away the storm clouds of anxiety. And let God’s love shine upon you like the rays of the summer sun appearing after the rain. 

Be sure to head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 to join in on the discussion!

 

 Hamburger Soup

1 pound ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

1/2 large green pepper, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

8 cups beef broth

2 cans (14 1/2 ounces) Italian steed tomatoes

1 package (9 ounces) frozen cut green beans

1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce

1 cup ditalini or other small pasta

1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/ teaspoon pepper

In a Dutch oven, cook the beef, onion, and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until vegetables and pasta are tender. 

 

             

Father as we draw closer to You, let us ever be present of coming before You with a clean and pure heart.  Guide us in Your truth and teach us for You are the God of our salvation.  It is for You and You alone that we wait.  We give thanks to You Lord, for You are good and Your loving kindness lasts forever.  Increase our faith in You!  In Jesus name, Amen!

 

In these past years all humanity has been involved in some way in the turmoil of the pandemic. It has affected us in so many ways that anxiety has taken its toll in the lives of so many people! But we cannot let it oppress us and enslave us! There is a solution and in God’s Word, Jesus taught His followers. –who were also dealing with oppression- the steps to follow: (Matthew 6:25-34 AMP)

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, stop being worried or anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted) about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, as to what you will wear. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing?

Yes, we should stop being worried= perpetually uneasy, distracted, about anything! You might say it is easier said than done, but when you realize WHO you are putting your trust in, than you can freely rest on Him and put ALL your confidence in your Heavenly Father!

³⁰ But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive and green today and tomorrow is [cut and] thrown [as fuel] into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!

Jesus wants us to take a close look at how God pours out His blessings over nature, and asks us to ponder: “Aren’t we as His children, of far more value?” Remember just how much you are loved for He gave His Son in ransom for us! (John 3:16)

³² For the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; [but do not worry,] for your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

When we are worried and anxious about the material things of life we behave like pagans… like idol worshippers! We set our trust on our own efforts and set out hearts on our needs.

Our Heavenly Father knows exactly what we need and in the exact time He will provide. But can you trust Him enough to let go? What is distracting you from receiving the blessings of His Provision for each aspect of your life?