Challenge for 2022

Finding God's Purpose in The Midst of Our Trials

9:00 AM


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

Challenge for 2022

Rejoicing in the Future

9:20 AM

 

“She is clothed in strength and dignity; she can laugh without fear at the days to come.” Proverbs 31:25

Have I told you yet how excited I am that our first challenge for 2022 is dealing with anxiety? I am SO excited, for I truly believe anxiety among women is on the rise!

Today’s culture conveys to women that we must be focused on achievements, higher pay, and external beauty according to the world’s fashions, and youthful appearances that comes from plastic surgery, etc.

But a woman of faith loves God with all her heart, soul, and strength (Mt 22:37). She is filled with the Holy Spirit and lives in freedom because of her faith in Christ Jesus.

Because of her faith she walks with strength and dignity in peace and is able to experience overwhelming joy not anxiety.

Because of her faith she is also fearless about the future, for she is ready to face anything with God, and merely “laughing at the days to come.”

So, let’s break down Proverbs 31:15 so that this freedom that is available to all His daughters is found in us.

 “She is clothed…”

We only need to go into any large department store these days to see how much value women place on clothing, but 1 Peter 3:3 says, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornments, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.” Rather, the godly woman will be clothed with her Christ-like character.

 

More of our attention should be set on the conditions of our heart as opposed to our outside shell that is fading away.

 

 “She is clothed with strength and dignity;”
These two traits fit nicely together, for you won’t find strength of character without the dignity, and you won’t find dignity in a person who is weak.

 

Unfortunately, the culture today seems to be defining a “strong woman” as one who is sassy, disrespectful, insolent and truly un-dignified. Our culture seems to call anger- strength and it’s hurting especially the younger generations in my opinion.

 

But God’s word is clear, meek has never been a synonym for weak and true strength of character comes from strength in The Spirit (Lk 1:80) that comes from our faith in Christ Jesus.

 

 “She can laugh without fear at the days to come.”
_She can laugh because she has lived so wisely and is prepared for whatever may come.

_She can laugh for she knows her God is faithful to His promises.

_She can laugh at the aging that is inevitable because she knows her true beauty is her gentle and quiet spirit within her.  

_She can laugh for she is not running after the things the world is after, but carefully looks to trusting and leaning on her Savior, and encouraging others to do the same.


Blessings,


sue


Freedom from Anxiety

Freedom from Anxiety {Psalm 34}

12:00 AM


 Related image
Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Psalm 34

Anxiety = a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.  (Dictionary.com)

Fear and anxiety sneaks into my heart and mind without permission.  It is one of the enemy’s most popular weapons that he uses against us.  Worry, anxiety, fear, whatever you want to call it, can overwhelm us with a thick shadow of darkness, controlling our every move and decision.   It paints a picture of helplessness and hopelessness.  It stops our peace and concentration. 

What causes me anxiety?  I am concerned about the health and safety of my loved ones.  I worry about the possibility of addiction and death (I’ve worked for a drug unit for 16 years and my first husband died at 39 years of age).  I worry about the relationships, careers, and lifestyles my children get into.  I worry that they won’t believe.  What I have found is that fear/anxiety/worry turns my focus inward and reveals a heart that sometimes finds it difficult to trust. 

Just this process of having a topical study has pushed me to address this issue head on – and this is only our second week!!  When the worries strike and I was pressed to study Psalm 34, I realized that we all need to learn to “let go and let God”.  When we pray or hand over to God what is stacking up in our hearts and minds, He sees that we truly believe and trust in Him that He is in control of whatever is burdening us.  Once He knows our hearts and minds have truly surrendered the anxiety causing disturbance, He takes over and we are at peace with Him (2 Peter 3:14). 

“But those who seek the Lord lack no good thing” (Psalm 34:10b).  It all boils down to making a choice, and it’s not always easy.  I can choose not to allow fear and anxiety to control my life.  I can choose to guard my own heart.  I can choose to focus my mind on what is true in the midst of uncertain times.  David wrote the Psalm after pretending to be insane in order to escape from King Achish (1 Samuel 21:10-15) – that certainly was a time of uncertainty!
 Image result for Psalm 34:5

It is true, once you learn to trust God – that means, truly surrendering what doesn’t belong to you, you will be able to claim “taste and see that the Lord is good” and just how “blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” (34:8)

I know that I still have moments of anxiety, but God is truly with me.  I have to make the choice to believe.  I may not be in control, but I can trust the One who is.  I definitely do not know the future, but I know the God who does.

All that stuff that’s on your mind – Give it to Him – again!  Replace those fearful thoughts with His word.  God knows what concerns you – He’s got you covered!



anxiety

Scripture Saturday ~ Philippians 4:6,7 ~ Pray about everything! ~ Freedom from Anxiety

12:00 AM

Saturday, January 12, 2019


Welcome to Scripture Saturday!

This coming week's memory verse is Philippians 4:6,7... 

 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)
Paul does not tell us that all our problems will go away. We aren't told that we will immediately understand the circumstances we are dealing with. We aren't even told that the problem will won't seem to get worse before it gets better. BUT we are told that the anxiety and worry we are experiencing will be replaced with peace.  If we turn to God worry gives way to faith, anxiety gives way to a calm confidence.
Have you ever experienced the peace described in Philippians 4:7? What do you think this peace guards against? How might your life be different if you experienced it more often?

 Have a blessed day and week everyone!