A to Z Blogging (I can't believe it took me this long to complete it) Z!

Zeal 

I knew I was not quite done with the A to Z Blogging Challenge and it’s been on my list to complete it. But when I went to the blog to see where I was I thought:

Seriously, Shelly?

I mean, really???

You go t through the letter “Y” of the “A to Z Blogging Challenge” way back in APRIL, and you just couldn’t get to the letter “Z” until today, almost the end of JULY???

Next time I think I should blog about “procrastination.”

For your reading enjoyment, long, long overdue, the completion of the “A to Z Blogging Challenge.”

Thanks for reading—and ENJOY!

Zeal

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

Romans 12:11

The section in which this verse appears is titled “Marks of the True Christian” and the verses before this verse read, “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly (and sisterly!) affection.  Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:9-10).

These are action words: abhor means to despise and be repulsed by. Hold fast implies grabbing tightly. My study notes say being fervent in spirit means boiling over with the Spirit. Outdo one another implies everyone working as hard as they can.

Do you abhor what is evil…or just dislike it a little…or even allow it in your life once in awhile?

Do you hold fast to what is good…or let it flow through your fingers or maybe just hope it lands in your life occasionally?

Do you outdo one another in showing honor to the Lord…or are you glad to let someone else do it, whatever it is?

Are you fervent when doing your work for the Lord…are do you do it half-heartedly?

How can you actively show the “Marks of the True Christian” today?

(I’m also finishing up the blogging the A to Z Challenge at www.achristianmomsguide.blogspot.com.

Check it out!)

A to Z Blogging--{Almost all the way caught up!} Yesterday

Yesterday

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Matthew 5:37

In our lives here on earth there is very little we can count on to be the same from day to day. Often our circumstances change dramatically in a very short period of time, with an unexpected death…or the loss of a job…or a devastating betrayal.

Society changes take place almost day-to-day as well. Not so many “yesterdays” ago, it was a given that marriage was between one man and one woman. Life—from conception to death—was sacred. Children were rarely born out of wedlock. Honesty and hard work were something to be proud of, something expected of everyone. Sunday activities included church and Sunday School before anything else.

I am a nurse and in my job at a surgery center—we do mostly eye surgeries—I have seen many changes in the last year—changes in medications, changes in surgery techniques and changes in how different eye problems are treated.

Within the last few weeks I took several classes—ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support). These classes teach the steps to take and medications to give when an adult or child is critically ill. Many times during the classes we talked about the changes that had been made in diagnosis and treatment over the last few years. 

When your head is spinning due to the changes in your life—be they good or bad—be reassured that one thing will not change—Jesus. His Word remains the Truth. You can always count on His promises –He will always keep them—no matter what. His grace and forgiveness will always be free to us, just for the asking. Thank Him today, for not changing.

(I’m also blogging at www.achristianmomsguide.blogspot.com. Check it out!)

A to Z Blogging...{Almost Caught Up!} X-Tra

X-tra

And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. And God saw that it was good…

Genesis 1:11-12, excerpted

I am amazed, at this time of year especially, all that the Lord has blessed us with.

He gave us plants, trees, fruit trees.

But not just one single kind of plant, or tree, or fruit.

He blessed us with many, many kinds of growing things. Just in a walk around my neighborhood I see trees bearing white flowers…pink flowers…bright pink flowers. I see flowers of every shape and color. When I go to the grocery store I have many varieties of fruit from which to choose.

The Lord could have given us just one kind of plant, one kind of flower, one kind of tree,  one kind of fruit.

But He did not.

He gave us an almost countless variety of growing things. And we are so very blessed that God gave us so much x-tra—so much more than we deserve or even need.

Thank You, Lord, for the x-tra you give us in variety. You have blessed us with so much; help us to appreciate Your love for us.

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at www.achristianmomsguide.blogspot.com. Check it out!)

A to Z Blogging {Almost Caught Up!} Wait

Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage;

wait for the Lord!

Psalm 27:14

I am not a very good wait-er--I don’t like to wait.

I want all of the answers, right now.

I want to know—now!-- the direction in which I’m to go in life.

I want to know how situations are going to resolve themselves and I don’t want to have to wait to find out.

I am so often tempted to jump right in and act—call someone!! Do something!! Send an e-mail!! Speak my mind!!

Sometimes I react quickly—in anger, in retribution, in fear and depression.

But the above verse reminds me—twice in one verse, to “wait for the Lord.”

And it doesn’t tell me just to wait, it gives me something to do while I wait: “be strong and let your heart take courage.”

I can be strong, by reading the Bible and praying to the Lord to guide and lead me. I find strength in knowing that He is with me every single step of the way, no matter what. And He is stronger than anything, any circumstance, that I will encounter during my life.

I can have courage while I wait because I know the Lord knows what is happening. He knows every detail about every aspect of my circumstances, even when I’m blindsided by something. He is right beside me, every second.

He knows the direction in which He wants me to go. He knows all the details. He knows the bigger story.

And truth be told, I know the bigger story too. I know the end of the story. At the end of the story, no matter what happens to me here—I will spend eternity with Him.

Knowing that enables me to “wait…” with courage in my heart.

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is . Check it out!)

A to Z Blogging Challenge {Still Catching Up!} Vine

Vine

I am the vine; you are the branches.

Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

John 15:5

Apart from Him, I can do nothing.

With Him, I can do anything.

For fruit to grow, it must be attached to the vine which nourishes it. For me to grow, to do His will, I must be attached to Him, or as this verse says, I must abide in Him.

How?

By reading His word. By going to church and Bible study. Through prayer. By listening for His still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12, King James Version) to lead and guide me. By being still, and knowing Him (Psalm 46:10).

Abide in Him, and bear fruit!

How will you abide with the Lord today?

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is . Check it out!)

A to Z Blogging: Understanding

Understanding

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Are you trusting in the Lord today, or leaning on your own understanding?

Trusting Him means asking Him before you make decisions, before you take action. Your understanding is limited to what you know, at this moment. He knows absolutely every aspect of your situation, every single detail of your life. He knows what will happen as a consequence of your decisions in a day…a month…a year…a lifetime. He knows how your actions will affect those around you…even those you might not even know. He has a plan that you do not know…but His plan is always better than yours.

Are you acknowledging Him in everything you do, in all your ways?

Thank Him, give Him credit for your life. When you go about your daily life, ask Him to guide you, ask Him to show you what to do, strive to live a life that honors Him.

I see the final part of this verse as a promise. When you acknowledge Him in what you do, He will keep you on the straight path. He will keep you from making mistakes. He will guide you.

With what will you trust in the Lord today?

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at www.achristianmomsguide.blogspot.com. Check it out!)

A to Z Blogging Challenge T is for Tribulation

Tribulation

Jesus said, “…in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation.

But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

What are you troubled about today?

Your financial situation?

A serious diagnosis or illness?

A challenging relationship with someone you love?

A difficult decision that you have to make?

These are all worldly  things, a result of the sin in this world. We will never be free of the trials and tribulation and chaos of this world.

But Jesus has overcome the world and He assures us in the verse above that we can have peace. The peace only He can bring, a peace not of this world but a supernatural, spiritual peace.

Take heart; He has overcome the world, and despite the troubles here on earth, we will spend eternity in perfect peace and joy.

What are you troubled about today? 

Ask the Lord to give you the peace that only He can give.

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is. Check it out!)

A to Z Blogging Challenge -- S is for Small Things

Small Things

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.”

Zechariah 4:10

This verse is part of a vision the prophet Zechariah is recounting to the people,  regarding rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. The temple had been destroyed years before and the people had been in exile. They were now returning to Jerusalem from exile and would rebuild the temple.

The plumb line was a weight, attached to a string. The plumb line was hung down to make sure the walls of the temple were being built straight. The string and weight were very small, but very important; If the walls were not straight, the temple structure would not be stable.

God rejoiced to see the work on the temple begin, and He rejoices when we begin our work, too. The small steps may not seem to be much but they are a foundation to what you will accomplish.

What is one goal you are working on? Losing weight? Exercising regularly? Paying off a credit card? Establishing an emergency fund? Cleaning your whole house? Growing your relationship with the Lord?

What “small thing” can you do today? Ask the Lord to bless and guide you upon your quest, take a deep breath, and begin. Take a walk around the block. Plan healthy meals. Make a credit card payment. Clean a closet. Read a Psalm. The Lord rejoices to see the work begin!

What “small beginning” are you going to make today?

I’m also blogging at Home is Where the Mom Is . Click to check it out!

A to Z Blogging -- N is for Near

Near

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace,

that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

Do you ever hesitate to pray about your problems, your fears, your mistakes, your concerns?

Do you doubt that the Lord understands?

Do you wonder if He can really forgive your sins? He H

Hebrews 4:14-15 tells us, “For we do not have a High Priest {Jesus} Who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one Who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

So you see, He does understand.  You can draw near to him, knowing that He was tempted as we are; He did not sin but He knows how we feel and He shows us mercy and grace when we fail, no matter what our failures are.

Take comfort in drawing near to the Lord today; experience His mercy and grace no matter what your need. 

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is. Check it out!)

A to Z Blogging -- M is for Measure

Measure

Jesus said, “…give, and it will be given to you…

For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.

Luke 6:38

With what measure are you giving today? It is easy to “give”—of our time, our talent, and our treasure—to those we love, to those who have given to us.

But with what measure do you give?

Reluctantly, because you don’t want to take the time?

Resentfully, that someone demanding yet something else?

Angrily because you “have” to?

The Lord gives to us every day with a measure of generosity and love, more than we can imagine, more than we could ever deserve. Shouldn’t we do the same?

But it is not so easy to give to those who have measured out to us betrayal, or hurt, or maybe nothing at all. With the Lord’s help, however, we can do so. Pray that He will open your heart to forgive, to be generous and giving to others—even if they have not given to us in like measure.

Ask the Lord to help you give with love and generosity today.

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is about 

The Morning Blues—Beating Them.)

A to Z Blogging -- L is for Light

Light

Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works,

and give glory to your Father Who is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16

What does it mean to let your light shine before men (and women and children too)? It means to let others see who you are in Christ.

When you let your light shine, His love for you and for others will show in your attitude, in your words, in your actions. When He is an integral part of your life, every day, your light will naturally shine.

Your light will shine when you let someone go ahead of you in the line at the grocery store, when you give a smile to the mom whose kids are acting up in public, when you invite a friend to church, when you offer encouragement to someone who is going through a down time, when you visit someone who cannot leave home. Then, when you have the chance, give the glory to the Lord. Share that you are able to shine because you know the Lord and His forgiveness, love and peace.

Every day I ask the Lord to guide me to show His love, no matter what I am doing—working at the surgery center, or the college, or just going about my every day errands. I want everything I do to reflect His love. I desire for others to know His love, His peace, the joy of knowing Him. Ask the Lord to be with you, to shine through you.

How are you going to let your light shine today?

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is.

Click over and read “Life Skills to Teach Your Kids”.)

A to Z Blogging -- H is for Hope

Hope

Paul said, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Romans 15:13

What are you hoping for today? An easy day at work? Spring to get here and stay? A shorter to-do list?

Or are you hoping for something much more important, like the restoration of a broken relationship, relief from financial stress, or the return of health in yourself or someone you love?

Look at the Lord’s track record—He has kept every single promise He ever made. He offers us, through the Holy Spirit, hope; hope that gives us joy and peace. Of course we hope for things here on the earth—health, financial stability, relationships. But because of sinfulness in the world we will probably never have everything we hope for.

However, even in difficult times here on earth we can find true joy and deep, abiding peace because we do believe in Him. We believe in God the Father, who made the heavens and earth, who made us, and who blessed us with His Son, Jesus, who came to earth, died, and rose again. Jesus conquered death so that we have, by the power of the Holy Spirit, the absolute hope, the absolute knowledge that we will live in heaven, our true, eternal home, with Him.

What are you hoping for today? Pray about that hope, knowing that “…for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is , where you’ll find some put-to-use-right-away tips for Health, Steps to Improving Yours.)

Remember to comment on this post or any other post between now and Saturday at midnight to be entered to win the gift basket pictured below! 

A to Z Blogging -- D is for Desire

Desire

“Whom have I in heaven but You?

And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Psalm 73:25-26

This Psalm was written by Asaph, a song leader in the tabernacle, appointed by David. Throughout the Psalm he laments how the wicket and arrogant seem to prosper. As the Psalm concludes he realizes that the value of what we have as believers is eternal. His faith in the Lord is strengthened when He looks to the Lord, not to the world.  Things of the world will end and fail, but God is eternal.

What do you truly desire?

 Is is the Lord? Are you sure?

What do your words and actions show that you desire the most?

Take some time today to think about what you truly desire—and if/how your words and actions show this. How do you show your desire for the Lord through your words and actions?  

  

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is. Today’s list will provide suggestions for "Deepening Your Relationship with God." Check it out!)

New Beginnings

By Shelly Burke

“Remember not the former things,

nor consider the things of old.

Behold, I am doing a new thing;

now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Isaiah 43:18-19

On this final day of 2013, what do you want to “remember not”?

·    Unkind words—said by you or to you

·         A broken relationship

·         Bad decisions

·         Persistent sins

·         Regrets

In these verses God assures us that He can do a “new thing” in us. My Bible study notes say that we should not forget the “former things” but instead focus on the future. We cannot (and should not) ignore the “things of old”—many, if not most of those things can teach us valuable lessons. However, we cannot perceive the “new thing” God is doing unless we change our focus to what is ahead.

No matter what you have done, God will forgive—all you have to do is ask. He removes our sin “as far as the east is from the west.” (Psalm 103:12).

And no matter what you are facing—an illness, financial stress, relationship troubles, a crisis of faith—even when there appears to be no possible path through it—God can “make a way in the wilderness.” He can do the seemingly impossible—like make a river in the dessert. Nothing is impossible with Him.

And most importantly remember that no matter how difficult the path, He is always, always with you (Matthew 28:20).

What “new thing” is God doing for you in 2014? 

A to Z Blogging: T is for...Thoughts

By Shelly Burke, Editor

For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…” 2 Corin. 10:5

My thoughts, especially in the middle of the night, can take me to scary places. “What if I lose my jobs—both of them…can’t get another nursing job of any kind anywhere in the whole state (or country!)… and I eat alllllllllll of the food in my cupboards….still don’t have a job so get evicted…and my Envoy breaks down….so I have to have it towed down by the river so I can live in an Envoy, down by the river…?(Like whatever that song is, about “ living in a van, down by the river”).

Or, even darker…”What if I can’t get insurance when our COBRA runs out…and then I get cancer (I’ve had two friends diagnosed with breast cancer in the last few weeks)…and I’m all alone…and NONE of my friends will take me to ANY appointments…and anyway I’m living in my broken-down Envoy, down by the river…”

OK, in the bright light of day, and even during the night, I realize how ridiculous these thoughts are. For one thing I am blessed with many wonderful friends who would help me out, just as I would help them.  But I think everyone has had those dark and racing thoughts at some point—especially during a time of transition and in the dark of night.

I think the devil likes us to have these thoughts—he wants us to live in fear, both to take away our joy of living, and to make us doubt what we know about God, and the promises that God has given us.

What Paul is telling us here is that we have more than just ourselves—our flesh—to fight these thoughts. We do not have to do it alone! We have the divine power of the Holy Spirit, working through God’s Word, the Holy Bible, on our side, to dispute these thoughts. We can look to His word and destroy the thoughts that are contrary to what we know of God.  

And what does God’s word say about His character and His promises to us?

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified…for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

     Deuteronomy 31:6

“And He will give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.”

Psalm 91:11

“Cast all your anxiety upon the Lord because He cares for you!”

1 Peter 5:7

Pray to be discerning, to be able to tell when your thoughts are going into those dark places. When dark thoughts enter your mind, take them captive. Compare them to what you know about God and about His Word. Claim His promises. Accept His peace.

For FREE verse cards of the above verses, e-mail your request to shelly@shellyburke.net. I’ll get the verse cards in the mail to you, to encourage you when those dark thoughts intrude on the peace that God wants you to have, in Him.  

Would you like to read articles to “encourage, inspire and motivate you in your Christian walk”  every month? Subscribe to the Nebraska Family Times and you’ll find local, Nebraska

and national news from a Christian point of view, as well as devotions, columns by

Nebraska and nationally-known Christian authors, and much more, in your mailbox every month!

A one-year, 12-issue subscription is only $20! See the

right sidebar on this page to order, or e-mail shelly@shellyburke.net for details.

Shelly is also the author of the book “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home. Click to find out more!

F is for…Fear

By Shelly Burke

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”  2 Tim. 1:7

What are you afraid of today?

Perhaps your financial situation is not stable or you have overwhelming debt or are in danger of losing your job.

Maybe you’re worried about test results, or a family member or friend suffering from a disease or illness.

Are you apprehensive about a relationship that is going through a hard time? Maybe a child is making bad decisions in his or her life and you fear the consequences, or your marriage is rocky with the future uncertain.

It is normal to have a healthy fear of things that could, realistically, happen. In 2 Timothy 1:7 Paul writes to Timothy from a Roman prison; Timothy could be persecuted and  imprisoned as well, for his preaching. But God does not want us to live with a spirit of fear; fear is not to dominate our emotions.

Paul says that God gave us a spirit…of “power and love and self-control.”       

We are not powerless in the face of fear; we have power in our faith, in prayer, and in action appropriate to the situation. Remember, “I can do all things through Him Who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13). We cannot do it through our own power, but through the power the Lord gives us.

We are to have a spirit of love. We can love the person who has done wrong; we can ask the Lord to show us how to do so through His love for us.

And we are to have self-control. Even when we cannot control a situation, we can control how we react to it. Rather than lose control or react in anger, we can count to 10, or not say a word. Rather than withdraw in fear, we can reach out to Christian friends and ask for prayer. Rather than sit helplessly we can open our Bibles and read God’s word, and ask Him to take away our fear.

You are not alone in facing your fears. We are never, ever alone, even during the times that we are the most afraid. God says, “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; It is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the One Who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13

Would you like to read articles to “encourage, inspire and motivate you in  your Christian walk”  every month? Subscribe to the Nebraska Family Times and you’ll find local, Nebraska

and national news from a Christian point of view, as well as devotions, columns by

Nebraska and nationally-known Christian authors, and much more, in your mailbox every month!

A one-year, 12-issue subscription is only $20! See the right

sidebar of this page to order, or e-mail shelly@shellyburke.net. 

B is for…Be Still

by Shelly Burke, Editor

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

From the time I get up in the morning until the time I go to bed at night, I’m moving. Maybe not very fast or very far, but I try to be productive. I’d imagine you do the same!

But God tells us in this passage that to know Him, we must “be still.”

Unless we concentrate on Him, we cannot know Him.

God wants us to stop our multitasking, stop our scurrying and errands, stop checking FaceBook and texting, stop working on our long to-do list and…be still.

When we’re mentally making our to-do list during Bible study time…when we’re planning supper during prayer time…when we’re anticipating the “big game” that afternoon, during church, we’re not being still, and not concentrating on Him.

I think most of us are all about multi-tasking, but research is finding that when  a person multi-tasks, he or she is actually  less efficient at both tasks, than when concentrating on the tasks individually.

It seems that God really knew—thousands of years ago, when this Psalm was recorded-- what He was talking about when he said, “Be still.”

How can you “be still” during your time with God when you’re used to non-stop activity from the time you get up to the time you go to bed at night?

     *First of all, make time with Him a priority. Designate a time when you’re less likely to be interrupted; early in the morning, right after the kids leave for school, or late at night, just before you go to sleep.

     *When it’s your personal Bible study or prayer time, read this verse to focus your thoughts: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

     *Get rid of distractions—turn off the TV, your cell phone, and anything else that will tempt your thoughts away from the Lord.

     *Practice focusing your mind and shutting out distractions. When you notice your mind wandering, consciously bring your focus back to what you’re reading, or prayer.

     *If random thoughts of groceries you need, that bill that hasn’t been paid, or that phone call you need to make tend to interrupt your concentration, keep a pad of paper or sticky notes near where you’re studying. That way you can jot it down and push it out of your mind, knowing you don’t have to try to remember it.

The devil does not want us to strengthen our spiritual life, and he will do whatever he can to distract you. But with practice, you’ll become better at being still and knowing God. Don’t give up—the time you spend getting to know Him will pay off in a closer relationship with Him.

Dear Lord, please help me today to concentrate on my relationship with You. Help me to be still, that I can know You. Amen.

I’m also blogging at www.achristianmomsguide.blogspot.com

Hope For When Darkness Threatens

By Donna Pyle

(This devotion was reprinted in the March issue of the Nebraska Family Times. If you would like to read more to “inspire, encourage and motivate you on your Christian walk,” request a

FREE sample issue of the Nebraska Family Times

 by e-mailing your address to shelly@shellyburke.net or calling (402) 750-3496.)

Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky boasts a specific claim to fame: it's the world's longest known cave system. Containing more than 390 explored miles, early cave guide Stephen Bishop called it a "grand, gloomy and peculiar place."

Twenty years ago, I visited this amazing labyrinth. An adventurous person by nature, I signed up to experience a cave excursion first hand.

The morning dawned crisp as our huddled group awaited to descend into that strange and wonderful world. The tour guide greeted us, counted heads, and our adventure began. With great care we descended 250 feet below the earth’s surface on steep steps through narrow crevices.

Talk about creepy!

Our leg muscles shook from overexertion as we reached the bottom of the cave. The ground leveled off and we found ourselves in a large, cavernous space lit by electricity. Once the tour guide ensured everyone had descended safely—and after issuing the proper warning—he turned off the lights.

Few words can adequately describe the absolute blackness that engulfed us.

The thick, oppressive darkness felt as if it was literally pressing in on me. My chest felt heavy. My breathing came in short gasps. I blinked my eyes frantically. I put my palm in front of my face, but couldn't see it.

I began to panic and stretching out my arms into the darkness. I needed assurance that I wasn't alone.

The tour guide continuously spoke to us in low, smooth tones to remind us of his presence. After a few minutes when our eyes adjusted to the absence of light, he struck a solitary match.

The effect was astounding.

We could clearly see every person in our group and the cave walls and ceiling. The small light had completely expelled the cavernous darkness.

That experience left an indelible impression on me. It illustrated far better than words where the blackness of sin would have taken mankind had Jesus not freely offered His light in the place of our darkness.

We may panic when dark seasons occur, but God's soothing voice speaks volumes of comfort and assurance to us through His Word: 

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you
nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

                                            

"You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light." 2 Samuel 22:29

If you are walking in a dark season, lean in and trust God. You may be shaking from overexertion. Your chest may feel heavy. Take a deep breath and listen for His gentle whispers reminding you of His presence.

The Lord himself will be your light. The only light Who can expel that darkness completely.

You are NEVER alone.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reprinted by permission of the author.

Donna loves blogging about faith-based issues on her blog Hydrated Living. You can also read more at Artesian Ministries She’s also on Facebook at “Donna Pyle” and “Artesian Ministries”.  Donna has authored 18 Bible studies, and published several shorter Bible studies and magazine articles. In November 2011, she released her first DVD-based Bible study series, "Your Strong Suit", based on the armor of God. (I just completed the “Your Strong Suit” Bible study and learned so much! I highly recommend it.) 

I Can Do All Things Through Him Who Strengthens Me

Philippians 4:13

By Shelly Burke

From Google Images

~I~ I am the one who has to take responsibility for the things I need to do—no one else can.

~Can Do~   “Can.” Not “might” or “possibly could” or “can do the easy things” but can take the actions necessary. I might not like it, I might not want to do it, but I can do, with God’s help.

~All Things~ Not “some things” or “most things” or “the easy things;” not just “fun things” or “pretty things” but all things—the ugly things, the things that I never imagined I’d have to do, the sad things, the unfair things—all things that I need to do.

~Through Him~ Not by myself, but through Him, with His help—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We—God and I—will do it together.

~Who Strengthens~ I don’t have to feel strong; I don’t have to be strong. He will do the strengthening that allows and enables me to do what I need to do.

~Me~ He strengthens me when I need it. He cares enough to help me do what I need to do, when I need to do it.

Thank You, Lord, that You care enough about me and what I’m going through to give me the strength to do what I need to do. Thank You that I am not alone in anything I need to do. Amen.

Tired

Tired
by Shelly Burke, Editor and Publisher, and author of Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home

(from Google images)

Are you tired today?

I don’t mean physically tired, I mean tired of enduring challenges, emotional and spiritual.

Tired of being hopeful in the face of financial troubles.

Tired of setting a good example for your kids, an example which, at almost every turn, is contradicted by the world.

Tired of praying for a spouse or friend to become closer to God.

Tired of working so hard for what seems to be so little.

Tired of praying for a long-time difficult situation to change.

Tired of struggling with illness.

Tired of an ever-growing prayer list that friends and relatives facing serious illnesses or devastating situations.

Today my Bible reading was from 2 Corinthians 9. I tried to pick just one verse that represented the “tired” theme, but I quickly realized that verses 6-11 all represent encouragement for the tired in spirit.

This section starts with these words: “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” We usually think of this verse as meaning to “sow” with money, but it also refers to our spiritual gifts like love and encouragement. When we give generously to others--of our love, our encouragement, our patience--we will then reap bountifully.

The next verse says, “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” As a writer, I try to avoid repetition of a word in a paragraph or sentence unless I want to emphasize a point. Paul repeated the word “all” four times in this single verse, so I think he wants us to focus on the fact that God is truly gives us His grace in all of our works, all the time.

A verse later we read the promise that God “will supply and multiply your seed for sowing…You will be enriched in very way to be generous in every way” not just financially, but with our time, our encouragement, our love, our patience, our work.The more we give, the more we will get, so we can be even more generous! I am so thankful that when I am tired of praying, tired of struggling, tired of just enduring…I don’t have to do it by myself. I can know that God’s grace is sufficient, know that He will multiply what I want to give, that He will enable me to meet the needs of others.

Thank You, Lord, for enabling me to endure when I am tired. Please continue to give me Your grace so that I can sow generously in all ways, to those around me.

(I’m also blogging at Home is Where the Mom Is. Read

today’s post, titled “It’s not Written in Cement.”)