Ways To Approach the New Year with Jesus

And so it that the calendar has (finally!) flipped and we have begun a brand new year. Last year, 2018 - with its mix of joys and sorrows, goals met and goals missed, friendships gained and friendships lost- is behind us. 

For so many New Year's is just another holiday. For other's, it's a time of deep reflection, both on the past year and on the one ahead. For follower's of Jesus, it has no unique significance. There's no central biblical narrative informing our celebrations. 

But this doesn't mean Christians shouldn't pause and reflect on the turning of the calendar. Moses asked of the Lord, "Teach us to number our days, so we may get a heart of wisdom" (Ps.90:12). Time-seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years-is a gift to us from a good God. To wisely follow Him, then is to redeem our time (Eph.5:16).

New Year's can also remind us of the new birth. In a sense, each day with Jesus is a chance to turn the page on an old way of life and embrace a new one. But before we write out our goals, we should begin in the heart. The temptation for Christians is to make out plan and add a dollop of Jesus on top, rather than allowing Him to form in us the desires and motivations to do His work. 

So whether or not we're making concrete goals or more abstract ones, whether we're writing down resolutions or foregoing them altogether, here are some  important things to think of as we peer into 2018.

1. Remember

A wise man of Ecclesiastes said, " Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near to which you will say, 'I have no pleasure in them'" (Eccl. 12:1). As Christians we know the fragility of human life. We know that every breath is a miracle, a gift given to us by our Creator. 

In a cursed and tumultuous world, creation itself reminds of God's great faithfulness. Every new season is a testimony, a signpost, to grace. So the proper response to the past year, whether good or bad, is not "I made it through" or "Look what I achieved." It is "Thank you, Lord."

2. Repent

How can we begin new plans and journeys in 2019 without first allowing His light to penetrate the darkness of our hearts and to reveal areas in need of growth? How can we start hustling and working and dreaming without first renewing our joy in the One who directs our steps?

3. Renew

New Year's should also be a time of renewing old commitments, like marriage, family, and church. Before we begin those grand plans of losing weight or developing a new skill-begin by renewing the core commitments we already have. 

4. Rest

First, we rest in the reality of our identity in Christ. We may have failed to meet our heady goals in 2018. Jesus still loves us, despite our failures, unchecked boxes, and disappointment at the scale. The gospel tells us that He loves us in the midst of these. 

It's not the voice of your Savior, but the whisper of the enemy that says you have less worth because you blew your resolutions. A "more successful 2019" will not make Jesus love you any more. He's the One, after all, who calls broken sinners and empowers them for his mission. Failed apostles, former persecutors, recovering Pharisees-his body is full of them. 

So as we make our plans for 2019, Let's remember that even in our failures, we serve the One who remembers our frame and know we are dust (Ps. 103:14). We make plans, but we hold them lightly. We entrust our future not to Google Calendar or a reading list, but the the King who holds the world in His hands.

Love, 

B

Let's pray:

Father God, We come to you in a time when we feel we need to improve upon ourselves. But in doing so we must remember that you are the one who controls what happens. We need to lean on you to help us understand your plans and timing. In Jesus name I pray, 

Amen.

Asking ..Why....

So…. Here I am still not able to fully function in life. I can’t go and do the things I used to enjoy without the fear of bursting into uncontrollable tears and embarrassing myself or my family. Not wanting to do anything outside my own four walls. I just want to sleep so I don’t hurt or have to think. In the midst of all this I keep asking why God is not helping me……sadly I come to the conclusion that maybe I am not good enough….

I know this may all sound silly to you, but it is very real to me. Anxiety and depression have taken such a role in my life that I am not the person I used to be. I cannot do the things I once loved any longer. Sure I get up and go to work just like you, I study during the week to make sure I pass my college courses, but at the end of the day I feel am worthless to everyone and so always feel it’s just best to go to bed. I know that this effects my husband and son, as it has made me involved less in activities even around the house. But I again ask why? Why has God not stepped in and helped me?

So let’s throw in on top of this the fact that I suffer from Fibromyalgia. For those of you who do not know what that is, it’s a disease that makes your nerve endings and muscles to constantly over react. When this happens it makes you hurt 24/7 and there is no cure. So couple severe anxiety, depression and horrible pain together…it’s a breeding ground for disaster.

So you are probably thinking that I am writing this looking for sympathy….to be honest I am so lost I don’t know which way is up…but I am sure that I cannot be the only one in the world who is going through this. But each day I continue to ask God….why…..and yet still no answer…..why is that?

Love,

B

Prayer:

Father God,

I come to you seeking relief from these illnesses that are making me to not be able to function. I am asking you to bring me some kind of peace to at some point rise up again. I know you do all things for good…but please place in my heart to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel somehow. I ask so little from you and hope for so much. For it is in Jesus name I pray.

Amen.

I struggle...a personal story

 I am a Wife, Mom, Mentor, Business Woman, College student, a child of God....yet I suffer from anxiety and depression. It's not something that I asked for, it came with the territory of suffering with Fibromyalgia. I don't think anyone just goes to the store and asks for a dose of anxiety along with a side of depression. It happens and it is very hard to cope with. It affects not only me, but my whole life.

I can remember when I was much happier and could participate in life. Now it is a constant struggle every moment of the day. I have days when I just want to lay there and see or talk to no one. It would be fine by me to come home and go straight to bed from work. I have done so, because my anxiety and depression have consumed me so much that I struggle each moment of the day. 

I find myself in a place of exhaustion, sadness, almost to the point of panic. There are times that I just cry for no reason and its frustrating. I know if it is frustrating to me it definitely is for the rest of my family. Especially since I don't know how they can help me. I find them in a state of confusion, because I choose to be alone, even though they have done nothing wrong. 

I can remember when I used to love to go shopping all day. Didn't have to buy a thing, just be out doing something. Now...I don't want to leave the house...don't want any interaction with people. That is so not me...but apparently it has become me. 

My husband will tell you that I have always been an introvert, which is true, but not like I am now. I am sometimes so grumpy I can't stand myself and find it best to just go to bed and sleep. Sleep....that is all I want to do...it helps with my pain, lowers anxiety, and don't feel the depression. But what kind of life is that? It's not a life...

Yes I take medications to help me, but it is not a cure all. I have often even asked God why am I going through this? I have missed church because I can't do what they call "people today." But I can always God....

John 12:46 states, "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness."  This is a verse that I recall each day in hopes of some kind of positive step forward. It is a reminder that I'm not alone in this battle. 

Each day I have to force myself to do the normal daily routine....I just don't want to, but something in me says put on that fake smile, the "I'm Fine...and move forward. I feel guilty in having these issues, but they are real and I continue to fight these demons 24/7. So I look for scripture that uplifts me for even a moment. 

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

I realize that I am not the only woman who suffers this kind of debilitating illness, that makes you not the person you used to be. 

But in writing this post I hope that people can pray for not only me, but others as well. 

In time God, will somehow help me rise up again and when he does it will be a beautiful day. 

Love, 

B

Things to Remember When You Question God...

One of the worst feelings for me is when I have a very important question that goes unanswered. It is an overwhelming feeling of being unfinished or incomplete.

There are moments in life when unanswered questions seem to leave holes in the truth as I know it. But there are also moments in life where unanswered questions revealed more than I was actually searching for. 

If you're stuck in a season of How, When, or Why, you can relate to what I'm talking about.

Here are 4 things to remember when you question God:

It's For a Purpose
One of the things I've realized is that questions lead us to our purpose. And understanding the nature of purpose, of Christ in us, is just short of knowing everything important in life. 

That is why I believe Paul said, "Christ in us the hope of Glory." Whose glory? The Fathers Glory! Why? Because of who He is and what His Kingdom represents.

So, when we become imitators of Christ, we are acting as His shadow so to speak. Our purpose is the same as His. To show a dark and broken world life, love, and hope.

Or as Bill Johnson would say: "Jesus has a one-step program: out of darkness into light."

Questions will always lead us to our purpose, even when it seems like our life is directionless at the moment. 

Trust God Even When You Don't Understand
Questions bring us to a place of needing God for answers we don't have, or strength to move past answers we won't get. Hence Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding."

I think we could all agree that there are things we are just not meant to know this side of Heaven. I'm not saying unanswered questions are easy. In fact, they are the worst! I'd rather suffer and have closure, than suffer and not know why. 

And while I know that God knows everything, including the reasons why we don't get answers sometimes, trusting Him anyway can get beyond the "why?" to see something greater.

God Cares About Your Questions
If you have more questions than answers, God sees that and cares. The absence of the one thing you need that you know He could give you may seem harsh.

But know that answers don't always change things. And it does not mean He doesn't care.

The Lord Never Withholds Good
It is against who He is. We don't always see it that because our understanding of "good" is vastly different than what it really is. He has the eternal perspective of our lives. There is a reason He leaves room for questions.

But this I can promise you: His design and purpose for your life is far better than anything you could ever imagine. And if you trust Him regardless of unanswered questions, He will lead you to your Promised Land.

Abraham went out at The Lord's command, not knowing where he was going-no map, no directions. And he landed right where he needed to be.

Jesus said we should keep asking, seeking and knocking, and understanding would come to us.

Sometimes, when we ask better questions, we get better answers. Sometimes the unanswered question is the answer.

Let questions guide you on your unique journey; don't let them prevent you from starting or experiencing it to if fullest capacity.

Let's pray:

Father God, 

We come to you now knowing that everything you do is for the good. Encourage us to write our questions down that we have for you and talk to you through prayer about them. Help us to be patient in receiving the outcome. Allow us to fully open up to you and ask why, who,when, what, and how. For you have long known our story before we ever could. In your name we pray.

Amen


With Love, 

B

Coffee and Jesus-Finding Time to Meet with God

The grey branches of a once luxuriant tree outside the front door looked like small hands reaching into the milky dawn, and I could find motivation to do what I knew I ought to do. 

Winter wears on me.

The darkness, the long hours inside the house, the lack of outdoor time-it all leaves me just a little bit gaunt in every place except my waistline.

Watching the limbs of the tree out front blow in the winter wind, I walked into the kitchen to brew coffee and told myself that it would be worth it. 

Getting up thirty minutes before everyone, leaving the laptop closed, and committing to seek the face of my Heavenly Father would be worth every ounce of effort. 

It didn't feel like it in the sleepy hour of daybreak, but experience told me it was true. 

Most of us struggle to find time to meet with God. We talk about our busy schedules, our exhaustion, how prayer always turns to sleep, and how it's just not practical in this season of life.

I've made each of these rationalizations more than once. What I really mean when I say these things is this: Finding time to meet with God will cost me something, and I don't want to pay the price.

When I say I don't have time to get alone with God, what I'm really saying is that it will cost me sleep to set aside time with God, and I'm not willing to pay that price. I'm saying I won't pay the price of less screen time, schedule-setting, or trying and failing and trying again.

If we want time with the Lord to be a priority in our lives, there will be a cost. The cost will probably include cutting out a comfort or eliminating a hindrance. There was never a guarantee it would be easy, but when we are compelled by love, the cost becomes well work the effort.

Often, the love that will compel us becomes most real to us after, not before, we pay a price and step out in faith with the assurance that God really will draw near to us when we draw near to Him.

For anyone willing to embrace the cost, here are a few tips for finding time to meet with God....

1. Get up earlier.
In the most demanding season of our lives, set an alarm to get up early so that you can meet with God every morning.

Will you be tired by lunchtime? Absolutely.

Was the sacrifice worth every weary moment? Absolutely.

For many of us, early morning is the optimal time to find time alone with God. 

There is a cost, and it is entirely worth the price if we will simply trust God to hold good on his promise.

2. Limit technology and entertainment.
At the end of the day, digging into God's Word sometimes feels like work.

I've been working all day, and I want nothing more than to veg out in front of the TV and watch a thoughtless sitcom.

While there's nothing wrong with a little bit of thoughtless vegging, if this activity is occupying hours of the day, it's worth swapping out some tech time for some time alone with God.

3. Start and end with Him.
The Lord wants to walk with us throughout every part of our days.

The more we intentionally set aside time to focus our thoughts on him, the more our mind will return to him in stressful, difficult, and even peaceful moments throughout our days.

The disciplines of starting and ending the day with the Lord are like bookends to our lives, and this practice holds the power to transform our entire lives.

4. Schedule it.
If time with the Lord isn't a part of my daily schedule, it simply won't happen.

I'll put it off for later. I'll save it for when I have a "down minute," but these minutes are few and far between.

I have to schedule my time with the Lord at the beginning and end of the day.

When it's part of the daily rhythm of my life, I don't have to wrestle to make room. It's a simple part of what I do, and it feeds my soul like the meals I eat three times a day.

5. Take the first step.
If you've struggled to find a consistent time to meet with the Lord, begin by coming up with a reasonable plan and taking the first step.

Every habit begins with one simple step in the right direction. The more you meet with the Lord, the more your soul will crave the nourishment of time set apart in his love. 

Realize that you can decide to begin each day with two essentials that absolutely has to go together: coffee and Jesus. 

Let's Pray:

Father God, 

We come to you to realize that we are to spend time with you alone. We are to set a daily devotional and prayer time with you. Help us to learn to make time for you. Help us to realize that we can talk to you like you are our best friend. That you will never laugh at us nor discourage us but only encourage, inspire, guide, comfort, convict, and help. 

Jesus name we pray.

Amen

With Love, 

B


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7 Practical Ways to Create and Meet New Goals for the Year

It's that time of the year again! Along with it comes the onslaught of new dreams, fresh goals, and minds committed to getting it all done!

With that being said, we all know we won't always meet all the goals we set out to accomplish. This can be for several reasons; Sometimes, life simply gets in the way. Unexpected events, good, bad, and indifferent, pop up in our timelines and we have to pause or stop our goal chasing all together. For those who are with this currently, I totally empathize with you. 

Then, there are some people who just don't know where to start when it comes to setting goals. Setting goals sounds like an easy thing to do, but I believe some extra thought is needed to create goals that are measurable, attainable, and reachable! Maybe you don't know where to begin because you have a bunch of wonderful ideas, and you want to narrow things down, but you don't know where to start. Or, perhaps you had a difficult year and you're not sure how to pick yourself up to give goal-setting another go. This can leave us feeling drained and overwhelmed before we ever really begin.

Praise God that we serve an awesome, strong, and wide God who can help us pull together this New Year and run after each thing He places on our hearts. Might I add that because of His grace and mercy, we can do so in excellency!

If your in the process of planning your 2018 New Year goals, wonderful! Grab a pen and paper and jot some of these tips down so you can reflect on them and incorporate them into your New Year strategizing. 

Her are seven practical ways to create and meet your goals for the upcoming year:

1. PRAY
This is at the top of the list because it's most important. God knows our entire 2018 from this moment. Scripture tells us that, "the moment of our lives has been laid out before a single day has passed." Psalms 139:16. WOW! Since God knows each of our days, we should pray and ask Him for his input regarding our goals and dreams for the New Year. God is more than a genie or fortune-teller. He is able and willing to show you the things on which he wants you to focus. 

2. Decide to Continue Running After Your Unmet 2017 Goals.
Let's be honest. sometimes we don't knock off all the goals we set at the beginning of the year, by the end of the year. Hindsight truly is 20/20, and since we have the advantage of looking at all our goals from the end of the year, we can see the ones that we didn't reach and then start vetting through them. We can ask ourselves questions like, "Does this goal still align with where I am in my life right now or does God have me focusing on something else.". OR, "Is now the time to complete this goal, or is this something that I can plan for down the line?" You don't want to scrap all of your unmet 2017 goals altogether just because the New Year is coming because there may be things you didn't finish that just may take longer than a year to complete!

3. Create a New Year Tradition.
Traditions are a fun and practical way to create your New year goals! They breathe fun back into to the process and can be as low key, or not, as you'd like! There are people who turn this goal setting into an opportunity to get together, learn about each other and make boards for the year! Whatever you decide to do will get you excited to crush your New Year goals!

4. Tell Someone Else About Your Goals!
Telling someone else about your goals can be like striking a goldmine. Accountability partners are wonderful assets to our lives because they help to keep us on track after the thrill of goal setting is gone. Sometimes, if we are fortunate enough, we have more than one trusted friend to help us remain accountable to the goals we've set. When people believe in you and help cheer you on, you can accomplish amazing things simply because you are supported. 

5. Make Visual Reminders.
Making goals and writing them down is a wonderful way to make things plain and get the thoughts out of your head. But I say, why not take it one step further than simply writing your goals down in a notebook somewhere, or in the "Notes" app of your phone. Your goals can easily become distant memories if you aren't looking at them on a regular basis. Maybe try writing the goals in multiple places; one of those places being one that you see on a regular basis, that way you can be reminded of your goals. Research shows that we are more likely to achieve our goals if we see them on a regular basis. 

Another cool thing to do is to create pictures of whatever goal you're currently focusing on and making that thing the background image of your phone or computer, or print out a picture and tape it to your vanity mirror. The more you see the things you are working towards, the more motivated you can get about completing those things!

6. Create Annual Pit Stops.
The things we say we want to accomplish in January may take on a different shape or form by August. If we aren't careful, we can be working tirelessly on a goal that has changed from the thing we originally told ourselves. It's wise to keep up to date with our goals by creating pit stops throughout the year. For example, I try to look at where I stand with my goals every three months. This is the time that I look to see what things are currently working and which things I need to adjust, that way I can measure my actual progress. There's no point in creating awesome goals if we can't measure ourselves and the progress we make to meet them along the way!

7. Break Your Goals Down.
There are bound to be a few big goals on your New Year list. Things that will have major impacts on your career, family, and day-to-day life. For those goals, the task at hand can seem so incredibly large and you can get overwhelmed easily with trying to get it all done. Try breaking those big goals into smaller, mini goals! Then, as you complete those smaller goals, do something to celebrate the completion of it and to mark the fact that you are one step closer to meeting your goals than you were before. That is something to be proud of and will give you the push you need to keep going so you can crush those other mini goals!

The reality is that yes most of us tend to set New Year goals, but you can also remember that you can set new goals at anytime. Whether you do it at the first of the year or middle, or even end, remember these steps to help guide you to do God's will.

Let's pray:

Lord, 

Thank you that you make all things new. Thank you for all that you've allowed into our lives this past year, the good along with the hard things, which have reminded us how much we need you and rely on your presence filling us every single day. Shine your light on us, though us, over us. May we make a difference in this world, for your glory and purpose. Set you way before us. May all your plans succeed. We may reflect your peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs your presence and healing. 

In Jesus name we pray.

Amen

With Love, 

B

Asking God Why...

"Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?" - Job 38:4

When tragedy strikes, questions follow. Our loss of a loved one may lead us to ask God any number of pointed questions: "Why did You let this happen?" "Whose fault was this?" "Don't you care about my pain?" Believe me, as the grieving daughter of a Mother who suddenly passed from an illness I have asked these very questions. 

The book of Job records the questions Job asks as he sits down with friends to lament his suffering. He had lost his family as well as his health and possessions. At one point, he asks, "Why is light given to him who is in misery, and life to the bitter of soul?" (3:20.) Later, he asks, "What strength do I have, that I should hope?" (6:11). and, "Does it seem good to You that You should oppress?" (10:3). Many have stood near a headstone placed too early and asked similar questions. 

But when you all the way to the end of the book, you get a surprise. When God responds to Job (chs. 38-41), He does it in an unexpected way. He turns the tables and asks Job questions-different questions that show His wisdom and sovereignty. Questions about His magnificent creation-the earth, stars, and sea. And the questions all point to this: God is sovereign. God is all-powerful. God is love. And God knows what He is doing. 

We comprehend him not, 

Yet earth and heaven tell, 

God sits as sovereign on the throne,

And ruleth all things well.  - Gerhardt

Our greatest comfort in sorrow is to know that God is in control. 

No one ever said it was going to be easy to lose a close loved one. Yes we are going to ask God why and that is ok. We just need to realize God is in control and is with us all the way during this time of mourning. 

Let's Pray, 

Father, We come to you in a time of great sorrow and ask that you remind us that you are right here with us. Here to comfort those of us who have yet to mourn, those of us who don't know how to mourn, and those of us who are still asking why. May your grace remind us that you are in control. 

Amen.

With Love, 

B

Time of Grief

"...To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion--to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit--that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified..." - Isaiah 61:3 (AMP)

There are times in our lives when we go through grief- whether through the loss of a loved one or a major trauma, or through disappointments and rejections. Whatever it may be that has brought grief into our lives, we can be assured that God will bring us comfort. He can turn our mourning into praise and give us the garment of praise for our spirit of heaviness. In our time of grief- God is there with us. He feels the sadness we feel and fully understands. He wont leave us to go through it on our own.

Know that if you are going through a time of grief at the moment, you know you can share it with the Lord. He is there for you and He loves you so much.

Your Heavenly Father holds you when you weep in those times of your loss and grief. 

I am asking for prayers for my family during a hard time right now. That we will heal and accept that God's will is being done.

With Love, 

B

Overwhelmed Spirits

....when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. - Psalm 61:2.

Being overwhelmed sometimes is from our own making. There may be things piled on us that are out of our control for some extent but the majority of stressing out and facing burnout is a combination of bad decisions in our time and management of our life. 

All of a sudden everything has snowballed and we are weighted down in so many areas that everything starts to crumble. On top of that there are sometimes fears that come along with it. Life can get very complicated in a very big hurry. 

When working in any type of organization it is easy to get caught up in piling on too much. We have to work at scaling things so that they are manageable. Nobody can do it all--all of the time. As leaders, we to make better choices.

Here are 10 things that you might have heard before to help guard against stress and burnout, but I think once in a while we all need reminded of them.

1. Consistent Bible Reading and Prayer.

The thing that helps me the most when I am feeling overwhelmed is just to get in the Word and go to the Lord in prayer. When it is a daily part of my life, the weight of the many things that press down on me is so much lighter.

Talking to the Lord about our troubles and concerns can give us some much needed peace. 

2. Rest.

One thing we all need is enough rest. We need a good night's sleep, especially when we have a lot on our plate. We can't accomplish anything if we are worn out before we start out day. 

Even Jesus knew the value of rest. 

3. Eat Healthy.

I always feel better when I eat better. It's a simple thing but we have to eat what's good for us. We have to take in the right things spiritually too because that can have an effect on whether our spiritual lives are healthy or not. 

4. Exercise.

Exercise can release stress in a big way even if it is just walking. When we are leaders, how can we help anyone else if we aren't doing those things that enable us to keep on going?

5. Do Something Pleasurable.

There is nothing wrong with doing something fun. We are not to get caught up in the pleasures of the world but we can have fun and relax as a Christian. 

We need to do something that makes us laugh sometimes. We need to do something that interests us and inspires us. It might be a hobby or just something that you have always wanted to try. 

6. Spend Time with Family and Friends.

Our family can help ease our stress. Being around those that love us can be such an enjoyment and blessing to us.

7. Learn to Say "No".

It's a hard thing for some leaders I know, but learning when to say no has got to be something we learn to do. It will save us so much heartache. 

We don't want to be mumbling, "I should have just said no!" when we end up not coping. 

8. Set Boundaries on Your Time:

Guarding our time helps us avoid that overwhelming feeling. Sometimes we just need to pace ourselves. We need to take things one day at a time. 

It never does anyone any good to try to do a week's worth of work in one day. Set clear boundaries on when you will and will not work on projects.

9. Learn to Delegate.

We have to learn to share the load in ministry and everything else we are involved in. The best leaders find capable people to help. They acquire that knack in delegating tasks and responsibilities to others. 

10. Manage Wisely.

I think we need to manage all areas of our lives a little better. Part of that might be simplifying and uncluttering areas of our ministry or perhaps even areas of our personal lives. If might be organizing, learning to budget, or rearranging activities and events.

The more things flow in our lives, the less stress we pile on. 

Having too much on us can really wear us down. That is why as leaders in life we really need the support of others. There is always so much to do. We need help from others who will help with planning and tasks. We need the support of prayer. 

Above that support though, we really need to make better choices in what we do with our time and how we about our planning. Most importantly we need to rely on the Lord for our strength. 

I think of David and how he relates several times in the Psalms about being "overwhelmed". At each instance he knew where to turn to. He turned to God to help him through and be his strength. I know I need to do that more.

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. - Psalm 61:2.

I cried unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah. - Psalm 77:1-3.

I cried unto the Lord with my voice; with my voice unto the Lord did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then though knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.- Psalm 142:1-3.

If you haven't read through all of Psalm 142 lately, I encourage you to do so. It can be a real blessing when you are stressed and to the point of breaking.

So, do you have an overwhelmed spirit? 

Let's pray.

Father God, 

We come to you today to thank you for the many blessings that you have given us. Thank you for providing us guidance and reminders to use your words when we feel overwhelmed and can't handle anything else. Thank you for lifting us up when we most need it and providing us with people in our lives who are willing to do the same. In Jesus name.

Amen.

With Love, 

"B"

Soul Sisters..We Need Them.

And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. - 1 Samuel 18:1

I've always loved the story of Jonathan and David's friendship and recently when I read in 1 Samuel, that part about their "souls" struck me. It says "the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David". You know, I hear so much about "soul sisters", "soul mates"' and what we consider those "deep friendships". I began thinking about my relationships and friendships with other Christian sisters in the Lord.

I think the friendships between Christian sisters can be so much more than what the world can offer. Talk about Soul Sisters! Our hearts and souls belong to the Lord so we can have wonderful, encouraging, deep and meaningful relationships like the friendship of Jonathan and David.

Those Christian women in my life and who I've known over the years are some of the people who've encouraged me and motivated me the most. 

S...Silly.

When thinking about my sisters in the Lord, what sticks out the most to me? Well, I have some sisters that are just silly. Not a serious point to start with but I think it's so important that our friends bring some laughter and a little humor to our lives. I know some sisters that just make me laugh and sometimes I just need that laughter so much.

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. - Proverbs 17:22.

I think part of it has to do with the joy in their hearts. The Lord gives us that joy and sometimes I think it bubbles out of some people more than others. I love being around people like that, don't you? Especially my sisters in the Lord. I also love the fact that they allow me to be a little silly myself sometimes.

I...Inspiring.

I love those sisters in Christ that inspire. They make me want to do more, do better and sometimes just get involved in something. Sometimes it's not by what they say but what they do.

It might not even be an inspiration to do something spiritual. It just might be by how they are organized or even how they keep their house. 

I need all that inspiration for my spiritual life that my sisters give to me as well. I need to be encouraged to love Christ more, read the Bible more, pray more, and all those things from my sisters that inspire me to be a better Christian.

S...Strong.

I've had many sisters in Christ that seem to have such a strength. So many Christian women I've known and met over the years have had some real struggles and heartache in their lives. I always think that mine seem so small and trivial when I see what some women go through. 

I appreciate all that strength they have found in the Lord to just keep going on and on and I love it when they share some of that strength with me. 

T...Talkative.

I couldn't pass up how much we women like to talk. It's not a bad thing. It's one of those good things. When we don't talk and share, there's something missing from our lives. Talking about things out-loud with our sisters helps us to cope.

Communication is so important. How can we fellowship without talking and sharing? When we share our joys and struggles with each other, it builds us up. And what comes along with that is my sisters listen to me as well.

E...Encouraging.

Praise the Lord! I love it when my sisters in the Lord encourage me. I, like everyone else, have days that I'm down and there's nothing better than when a friend and sister in Christ comes along and cheers me up, perhaps gives me a pep talk, and brings me that encouragement that I am so in need of. 

Using people in our lives to encourage us is one of the wonderful ways in which God works. 

R...Real.

One of things I love about my sisters in the Lord is that they are real. I need some real friends to keep me grounded. Have you ever been around superficial people? It makes me so uncomfortable to be around people like that. 

I need my friends to be real and genuine and that's what other sisters in Christ are to me.

S...Saved.

One thing that all of my sisters in the Lord have in common is that they know the Lord. They've been saved by the power of Christ's blood.

Isn't it great that our sisters in Christ are all in one family? We all have our Heavenly Father in common and that makes our sister relationship special.

I trust I'll be that soul sister that my sisters in Christ need around them. I really don't know what I'd do without my sisters in the Lord. I don't really think it's all about being good "soul sisters" as much as it is about being good for each other's souls. 

My sisters in the Lord encourage me and keep me grounded by their faith, friendships, and love.

So, sister, have you been good for another sister's soul lately?

Let's pray:

Heavenly Father, 

We come to you today to remember that you gave us one another to lean on in times of need, in times of fellowship, and in all times of life. You have made us into one family bonded by the blood of Christ. Let us each reach out to a fellow sister that we have not talked to in awhile and see how we can help their soul. For it is in your name we pray.

Amen.

With Love, 

"B"

Delighting in the Word

I've been studying the 119th Psalm and I kept looking at that word "delight" that runs through it. It all revolves around delighting in the word. 

So many phrases caught my attention.

I will delight myself in thy statutes... (vs. 16)

Thy testimonies also are my delight...(vs. 24)

...for therein do I delight. (vs. 35)

And I will delight myself in thy commandments... (vs. 47)

...but I delight in thy law. (vs. 70)

...for thy law is my delight. (vs. 77)

Unless thy law had been my delights. (vs. 92)

...yet thy commandments are my delights. (vs. 143)

...and thy law is my delight. (vs. 174)

I was going through that Psalm and marking all those "delights" with a highlighter and as I was doing that it struck me, well, how can I really "delight" in the Word? I mean, how do you do that?

I know highlighting the words and having all that yellow just jump out at me might help me to remember that it's important, but just how do I go about really "delighting" in the Word?

So I began reading and re-reading that Psalm and some things really struck me throughout it. There was all this advice just laid out for me. Don't you just love it when the Lord shows you something you need right there in front of you and it's been there all the time?

Long For It (Psalm 119:40,131)

I think when we really start longing for the Word that we will make time to read it every day or more than just once a day. 

Memorize it (Psalm 119: 11,52)

I don't think we are ever too old to memorize Scripture. God's Word can comfort us and help us deal with temptation. Bringing Bible verses that we've learned to our minds can help us through so many circumstances in our lives.

Learn it. (Psalm 119: 73, 125)

Studying the Word will help us to learn it. Look up verses. Compare passages n a subject. Use your concordance and really dig into the Word.

Trust it. (Psalm 119: 42, 89, 114)

There's nothing like trusting in the Word of God. It is something that we can cling to. 

Respect it. (Psalm 119: 128. 140,161)

If we are going to really start delighting in the Word, we have to respect what it is.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. - John 1:1,2.

Love it. (Psalm 119: 97, 159)

When you love somebody, you usually delight in them. It's not any different with the Word of God. If we love it, we are going to find delight in it.

Keep it. (Psalm 119: 4, 33, 106)

Keeping the Word is so important as a Christian. If we aren't following what the Word says, we can't be delighting in it very much. 

Rejoice in it. (Psalm 119: 162)

God's Word should be a joy to us. 

They words we found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. - Jeremiah 15:16.

Live it. (Psalm 119: 5, 6)

Another outcome of delighting in the Word had to be living it. That verse in James 1:22 comes to mind. 

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Share it. (Psalm 119: 27, 46, 172)

I think about how we share and talk about baseball teams, books, and even TV shows. We even may have to tell someone about a deal we got while out shopping. We excited about and have to tell our friends. 

I hope I get that excitement about sharing God's Word. Its' so much more important. I think  if we delight in it, sharing it has to be an outcome of that delight. 

We can't really even begin to delight in the Word unless we get it out and read it. Just pick a spot and start reading or enjoy a story of on of the Old Testament heroes. Maybe read through the writing of Paul in the New Testament. Start reading through a particular book or chapter. 

Use a daily Bible reading chart if it helps you. Just choose something and read the Word.

I challenge you to read this Psalm and really look at what it is saying. Maybe even read it out loud. You can just see the delight about the Word coming through. 

How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!- Psalm 119:103.

I would love to have a delight for the Word of God like that. I have read a lot of Scripture over the years, but after reading through this Psalm several times lately, I really question if I'm really delighting in the Word like I should be.

I think I'm going to maybe have to start making time to read more, memorize more, and really dig more.

So, are you delighting in the Word?

Let's pray:

Father God, 

We come to you to help us to spend more time in Your Word daily. To help us to delight in all that you have planned for us and to share this delight with others. Place it in our hearts to reach for Your Word on a daily basis, whether in our quiet time with you or with family Bible study time. Thank you for giving us the Book of life and helping us see that we should delight in You.

Amen

With Love, 

"B"