Welcome to my MicroBlog. I don’t write full blog posts as often anymore. Instead, you can find brief, “micro blog” posts on Instagram! They are short reads. These are my most recent posts. To view the entire post on Instagram, simply click on the image. I window will open with the post!
THERE IS NOTHING QUITE LIKE THE FEELING OF LOSING YOUR FOOTING.
I should know. I’m an expert at the slip-and-fall. In the rain with flip flops that have lost their tread. On frozen snow in hiking boots that are supposed to have grip. Even in my kitchen when I’m wearing my slippers. (Why are they called that???) Then there was that time I trekked out across some sand to grab a bucket and ended up knee deep in drilling mud.
In those times we are NOT in control, and we know it. We take a few steps, falter, and realize we are going down.
Suffering can be like that—but there is no humor in it.
We all walk through suffering. Sometimes it feels so dark and deep we can’t see what’s ahead.
🎵I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (Ps 40:1-2)
Our road seems slippery, and we may feel we have no hope. But God is near, and He hears our cries. As we draw near to Him, He gives us a new perspective and firm footing. He also gives us a song of joy amid our suffering.
🎵 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. (Ps 40:3)
This song of praise is for the express purpose of encouraging others who are suffering so they too can draw near to the Lord and experience His peace and the abundant life He came to give.
This is how a watching world comes to know God. They see our suffering. But they also see a heart that trusts God during it. A heart that is not bitter, but one that sings for joy.
Do you know a fellow sufferer who willingly shares their song of joy? How has their example encouraged you?
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AS HIS FAITHFUL SERVANT, GOD HAS **SET YOU APART** ➡️ FOR HIMSELF!!
Wow. That's powerful.
Do you have something very special that you keep in a special place -- just for you? (I'm not talking about hiding those special cookies. 😉😂)
I love coffee mugs. But certain mugs are different than the others. One was a gift from a special friend. One looks a lot like one my grandfather let me drink from when I visited my grandparents. One is from Disney, and I don't let ANYONE use that one!
Yes, these are "just things." But they are special to me, and anytime I pull one of these mugs out of the cabinet, I remember why it's special. Why it's different from the mugs that match my dishes.
In the Old Testament, “set apart” means to be ...
=> distinctly different.<=
You are God’s faithful servant. He made you distinctly different from everyone else—for His purposes. God’s purposes for you are distinctly different from anyone else’s.
In the New Testament when we read the words “set apart,” they have the added meaning of being sanctified, or holy.
God created you => to be holy for holy purposes. <=
One such purpose is to be a messenger of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15)--showing others how they can be reconciled to God. What a privilege we have to be His messengers!
My prayer for you is the same as that of Paul's at the close of his letter to the Ephesian church:
Whenever you speak [or write], may God give you words so you will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel and that you may declare it fearlessly, as you should. (Ephesians 6:19-20)
Be blessed today as you proclaim the gospel of peace to a world that is crying out for it!!
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✨ What other holy purposes has God called you to?
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PSALM 15 IS SHORT, YET JAM-PACKED WITH GOODNESS.
Tough goodness, but goodness all the same. I had to include all of it in my images. Scroll through the pages so you don't miss any of it.
When I journaled through this Psalm, I was knee-deep in the edits for my Bible study, STANDING FIRM IN CHRIST: Biblical Principles for Fighting Spiritual Battles. Edits from my awesome editor and edits from my sweet friends who wanted this Bible study to be its best.
Let me tell you, allowing trusted friends inside your writing world is scary! It's a good thing, but it can also sting. As I read through the psalmist's words, God brought a principle to my mind. You know the one--what's in our hearts shows up in our words (and even our thoughts!!).
Psalm 15, explains that the *blameless person* enjoys a close relationship with God, and describes this person in detail.
This person SPEAKS TRUTH FROM THE HEART. In other words, it's not just the words this person speaks, but the response to difficult words! I wrote the following in my journal:
"A blameless person's speech is wholesome. She doesn't just not curse--she encourages. AND she accepts criticism without being critical."
Wow. That can be hard to do. Receiving edits can be a challenge. But what about when someone who cares about you confronts you (in love) about a difficult life issue?
How we respond to criticism is a test of what's really in our hearts.
When our hearts are tender and match up with God's truth, our lives are built on a firm foundation that will never be shaken.
✨ What other truths can we remember to keep our hearts tender instead of tough and critical?
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OUR THOUGHTS OF GOD ARE NOT GREAT ENOUGH. -- J. I. Packer
The Scripture focus for Chapter 3 of ENJOYING INTIMACY WITH GOD, is Isaiah 40, which holds many favorite passages, including:
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31, NIV)
Isaiah 40 is lengthy, but oh, so beautiful. It was written to encourage Israel after her discipline (captivity in Babylon) was completed. God wanted them to know that He was fully worthy of their trust.
It is an interesting contrast. It describes man’s utter weakness—and God’s transcendence. But this God who is so other than anything we know, LOVES **US**. The God who made the universe, who holds the oceans in His hands, who never grows weary—is our friend.
Sanders shares the first verse from “How Great Thou Art.” It is fitting.
O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
In what ways, as you move forward to serve our King, do you need to fully depend on God?
I've been on somewhat of a social media hiatus--working tirelessly with my husband on some much needed household repairs/updates. Finding my way and rhythm back into this special world is a bit overwhelming!
Let's remember, God goes before us and strengthens us for all He calls us to do.
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HOLY FATHER, GIVE ME GREAT LOVE FOR YOUR WORD AND THE TRUTH IN IT.
May the Holy Spirit illumine truth as I read its pages. Teach me to use your Sword as my weapon against Satan.
Help me to study it well, hiding its treasures in my heart.
Bring to mind truth from Your Word for my needs today.
In Jesus's Name,
Amen!
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Collecting Scriptures as we read God's Word can be a great help for when we face temptation. Writing them in a journal on an index card or a sticky note keeps them "at the ready" for when we need them.
If you struggle with memorizing Scripture, I have a resource to help you hide God's Word in your heart:
The PSALMS Meditation Method is a set of worksheets that guides your meditation process so that you know a verse thoroughly, even though you may not have "memorized" it.
You can find it in my SHOP under "Bible Study Helps." (See the Instagram links in my bio.)
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HOLY FATHER, PROTECT MY MIND WITH THE TRUTH FROM YOUR WORD. Bring to mind Scripture I have stored in my heart for my needs today.
Where my mind is too busy, remind me to be still and know that You are God (Psalm 46:10) so I can sense the Holy Spirit's leading.
For any thoughts that do not honor You, remind me to
--set aside these thoughts
--shift my thinking
--and focus on things that are true, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise.
In essence, I choose to worship YOU rather than anything else. (Philippians 4:8-9)
As I study Your Word, please move that truth from my mind to my heart so I experience life change.
Help me think properly about my circumstances today.
In Jesus's Name,
Amen!
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Think about how your thought life affects your spiritual battles. Do any thoughts need to come under the authority of Jesus Christ?
Drop an emoji if you are wearing the Helmet of Salvation today! 🙏🙏🙏
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DO YOU CARE FOR LITTLE ONES OR AGED ONES?
Do you teach students?
Do you move within the corporate world?
Are you walking through a valley of suffering?
What task has God given you in your arena of ministry?
It doesn’t matter what it is, God wants us to give ourselves *fully* to the work He assigns us.
And here’s the “why.”
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58-59 NIV)
Our labor is in not in vain! Because, as the verses prior to these say, Jesus has conquered the sting of death. Through Him we have victory.
Everything we do can point to Jesus so He receives glory in all our tasks.
So if you’re feeling discouraged today, take heart. Victory is yours. God will use your efforts for His kingdom. He loves you so.
What work has God given you today?
Double tap if you agree!
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HOW TO CULTIVATE AN ATTITUDE OF THANKSGIVING ALL YEAR ROUND.
If you're like me, your mind is spinning with all the craziness of this week. You might even be a bit afraid of what the future holds. I know that I am doing a good amount of "instructing my heart" to trust the Lord.
The best cure of worry and fear is a shift in focus -- from our circumstances to the One who controls them. With Thanksgiving approaching, this shift can include listing all the the wonderful ways God has cared for us in the past -- which builds our trust that He will continue to care for us in the coming days.
Would you join me in focusing on the wonderful deeds of the Lord as Thanksgiving approaches?
This 5-Day Mini Bible Study is a special Thanksgiving treat that will help you cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving (and trust) all year long.
🦃 Get your copy from the Instagram link in my profile. 🦃
Psalm 77:11-12 “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
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HOLY FATHER, I'M GRATEFUL THAT YOU PROTECT ME WITH THE SHIELD OF YOUR FAITHFULNESS (Psalm 91:4).
Where the enemy tries to get me to doubt, remind me of the truth in Your Word that ...
... although much in life changes, You remain the same (James 1:17).
Thank You for meeting my needs in the past. Because You are our Faithful God, I know You will meet my needs today.
I know You can grow my small faith.
In Jesus's Name,
Amen!
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In your spiritual battles, where are you tempted to doubt God's plan? How has God met your needs in the past? Trust Him meet you now!!
Drop an emoji if you are using the Shield of Faith today!! 🙏🙏🙏
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