Soul H2O Devotions Archives - Page 10 of 32

Soul H2O Devotions

Follow Your Dream {Wherever} It Leads
```
“Now give me this hill country
that the LORD promised me
that day.”
~Joshua 14:12 NIV
```
Two night’s ago, I went to the Toronto Film Festival (TIFF) for the first time in my life. I was beyond excited to go because my cousin Dave Walpole, a well-known Youtuber was one of the main actors in a movie that premiered at the festival. The theatre was packed with about 30 of our friends and family there to cheer David on! The night was kind of surreal. I mean, how often are you related to an up and coming movie-star?

Watching him act on the big screen was inspiring. He had chased after his dream and it motivated me to want to follow after mine. When I thought about how Dave had followed his dreams, for a long time, and at great cost, I was reminded of a poem by Larry S. Chengges, my Aunt Wendy (also Dave’s Aunt J ) gave me along with my 16^th birthday ring—yes, she spoiled me! To this day, I have the poem hung up in my office, so I’m reminded to…

Follow Your Dream Wherever It Leads

I would have been proud of any of my cousins if they were in a movie premiere, but I felt extra proud of Dave. You see, I was babysitting Dave’s sister Katie when he was born. I’ll never forget going to the hospital to meet my new cousin when my Uncle walked out of the hospital in a daze. Uncle Bryon told us how Dave had serious heart problems and they didn’t know if he was going to make it. As a family, we were devastated. I remember babysitting Dave and worrying as his lips and skin would go blue.

Dave’s love for movies began as a young boy. Since he couldn’t play outside as much as the other kids, Dave watched his fair share of movies! In his teens, the doctors were able to perform a surgery that changed David’s life. The next year he was doing backflips off of the diving board in our pool! I remember being so overwhelmed that I thought I would cry.

I felt the same way last night as I watched Dave follow his dream on the silver screen while he rode a horse across the South-African plain and charged up a hill. It reminded me of the story in the Bible about Caleb and how he “took the hill country”. Joshua 14:6-15 tells how after forty-five years, Caleb chased after his dream. Something stirred in him to not let go of the promise that was given to him through Moses. Scripture recounts the story of how an 85-year-old Caleb took hold of his hill country. First, he defined it, then he declared it… next, he fought for it… after, he and all his family to follow rested in the blessing of the dream.

So, what is the dream God’s placed in your heart? Define it, declare it, and fight for it, so you and your family can one day enjoy it!

Prayer

Father… Thank you for your dreams. Help me not to settle for mediocrity, but chase after the dreams, the plans and purposes you have for my life. Let me honor You by living life to the full! Give me the courage to take my hill country. In Jesus Name…Amen

————————————————————————————————————————————–

Dave’s IMDb page: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5278955/
You can see the movie today at Tiff Friday at 6:15pm Click Here For Tickets
Dave’s YouTube Channel FTD Facts: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2vcjazcVurVmpn5svBRA-Q

——————————————————————————————————————–

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst-Quenching Devotions for Women.

#Dare2Share
Post in the Comment Section below and bolster the faith of someone else!
1. Joshua 14:6-15
2. John 10:10
3. Acts 2:17
4. Jeremiah 29:11
YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:
MONDAY Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis, Soul Survival – Donna Reidland ,
TUESDAY Cheerleaders of Faith #RARaLinkup – Kelly Balarie ,
WEDNESDAY Coffee For Your Heart – Holley Gerth , Word Nerd Wednesdays — Liz Giertz
THURSDAY Heart Encouragement Thursday – Crystal Storms , Chasing Community – Barbara Bradford Ottinger
FRIDAY Dance With Jesus Linkup – Susan B. Mead , Grace and Truth Linkup – Arabah Joy , Counting My Blessings – Deb Wolf, Fresh Market Friday – Crystal Twaddell ELLEN’S PICKS– Ellen Graf-Martin

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Yes, Jesus Loves Me!

SORRY! I’m still working on my site to get things updated and my images aren’t working properly 🙁
I’m praying I can respond to your emails today.

“I am praying
not only for
these disciples
but also for all who will ever believe in me.
May they experience such perfect unity
that the world will know that you sent me
and that
you love them
as much as
you love me.”

~John 17:20,23 NLT
http://www.sherrystahl.com

Bedtimes for my kids were very routine. By 8pm they were in PJ’s, brushing their teeth. After toys were put away, they would be snuggling down for a story. The kids shared my love for books and knew it was a great way to extend their day, so they would always ask for “Just one more Mom”. The whole nighttime program culminated in face-tickling while I sang, Yes, Jesus Loves me.

Bedtime was a great time to assure the kids of my love and remind them that Jesus loved them too! Nothing brought them more comfort, than to know Jesus loved them. On night’s when they were particularly afraid of the dark, or when they woke up in the middle of the night scared; they would want me to sing, Yes, Jesus Loves me, over and over. Now, they would pay me not to sing! Let’s just say, I have other gifts J

If you’ve ever wondered if Jesus loves you?

His words recorded by John in today’s devotion should make the answer clear…

Yes, Jesus Loves YOU!

In Jesus’ last prayer time before His crucifixion, He was praying for YOU! Seriously, I’m not joking. If you’ve put your faith in Jesus, you’re part of the “all who will ever believe”, He was talking about you! And, according to Hebrews 7:24-25…

He still is!

How does that make you feel, knowing that when Jesus was getting ready to die on the cross, His thoughts were of you? While you’re letting that soak that in, the rest of today’s verse should ‘about knock you over! In Jesus prayer for believers (of all times), He explains how the world will know God sent Him because of the unity amongst believers and then He explains the mind-boggling truth that God loves you “as much as” He loves Jesus. Whaaaaat??? This truth is too much for my brain to comprehend. How can it be true? With all my faults and failings, how can God the Father, love me as much as He loves His perfect son, Jesus? I really don’t get it, but I’m working to help my brain believe, and it’s my prayer that you will too.

You might just want to sing that little song today, Yes, Jesus Loves me!

Prayer

Father… I thank-you for Your love! I’m asking for You to help me understand how wide, how long, how high and how deep is your love for me. May I experience Christ’s love, even though it’s too great to understand fully. Expand my mind to embrace Your truth. I want to know your love that surpasses knowledge, so I can be made complete in You. In Jesus Name…Amen

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

#Dare2Share Post in the Comment Section below and bolster the faith of someone else!
1. John 17:21,23
2. Hebrews 7:24-25
3. Ephesians 3:18-19 (I used the NLT for the prayer)
4. Lamentations 3:21-23
YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:
MONDAY Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis, Soul Survival – Donna Reidland ,
TUESDAY Cheerleaders of Faith #RARaLinkup – Kelly Balarie ,
WEDNESDAY Coffee For Your Heart – Holley Gerth , Word Nerd Wednesdays — Liz Giertz
THURSDAY Heart Encouragement Thursday – Crystal Storms , Chasing Community – Barbara Bradford Ottinger
FRIDAY Dance With Jesus Linkup – Susan B. Mead , Grace and Truth Linkup – Arabah Joy , Counting My Blessings – Deb Wolf, Fresh Market Friday – Crystal Twaddell ELLEN’S PICKS– Ellen Graf-Martin

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Feel Like You Don’t Have What It Takes–You Don’t Need To!
```
Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away.
Each time he said,
“My grace is all you need.
My power works best in weakness.”
So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses,
so that the power of Christ can work through me.
That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses,
and in the insults, hardships, persecutions
and troubles that I suffer for Christ.
For when I am weak, then I am strong.
~2 Corinthians 12:8-10 NIV
```
The Last decade has been a frenzied, whirlwind of activity. My life has so drastically changed from working in finance to writing, speaking, and blogging. In this past year, I took on co-coordinating The Word Awards. Last year, many of you cheered me on as I received the beautiful glass trophy for the Article-Inspirational/Devotional category. Fast forward one year and I was the one handing out the awards. What a change of events! There was more work involved in running the awards than I had ever imagined. All these responsibilities on top of a busy speaking schedule from April to mid-June left me exhausted. Seriously depleted mentally, physically and spiritually. I wrote to you how I knew I Needed To Fill Up My Well because The INfilling must be greater than the OUTpouring, and I didn’t have any What I didn’t realize is that little breather of a break was not enough when you were completely burnt out. I recognized more than ever that; I Don’t Have What It Takes.

Thankfully, I know someone who DOES have what it takes!

I don’t have enough—but HE is more than enough!

Jesus power works best when we’re weak. When I’m weak, He is Strong. It’s a huge comfort to me, to know that I don’t always have to be strong. I don’t always have to have it under control. When I don’t, God does.

In today’s passage, Paul is telling the Corinthian believers about his struggles. To the people, Paul had it all together. To them, he was the voice of God. Since the printing press hadn’t been created yet, Paul’s listeners wouldn’t have their own copies of the Bible. The had to rely on the Rabbis of their day to read and explain Scripture to them. Since ancient times, people have been putting ministers up on pedestals, but they’re just like everyone else. That’s what Paul was trying to explain to them in verses 5-6 of this chapter. He essentially told them, ‘I Don’t Have What It Takes, but Jesus does.’ Paul had his own set of weaknesses, but he didn’t let those weaknesses keep him down. Paul’s life became power-infused when he stopped trying to get out of the difficult situations and realized that God was working through his weakness, to impact the world.

God’s grace was all Paul needed. God’s grace is all you need. Take it, so you can be strong!

Prayer

Father… I thank You for Your power! Your strength brings me hope. So often I feel weak, weary and incapable—like I Don’t Have What It Takes. Help me to take my focus off of my inadequacies, my weaknesses, and my insecurities. Help me to focus on Your strength, Your grace and Your ability to make me strong when I am weak. You are all I need! In Jesus Name…Amen

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

#Dare2Share Post in the Comment Section below and bolster the faith of someone else!
1. 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
2. Ephesians 3:16
3. Daniel 10:19
4. Philippians 4:13
YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:

MONDAY Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis, Soul Survival – Donna Reidland,
TUESDAY Cheerleaders of Faith #RARaLinkup – Kelly Balarie,
WEDNESDAY Coffee For Your Heart – Holley Gerth, Word Nerd Wednesdays — Liz Giertz
THURSDAY Heart Encouragement Thursday – Crystal Storms, Chasing Community – Barbara Bradford Ottinger
FRIDAY Dance With Jesus Linkup – Susan B. Mead, Grace and Truth Linkup – Arabah Joy, Counting My Blessings – Deb Wolf, Fresh Market Friday – Crystal Twaddell ELLEN’S PICKS– Ellen Graf-Martin

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Living In The Tension
```
“The thief's purpose Is
to steal and kill and destroy.

My purpose is
to give them a rich and satisfying life.”
~Jesus
```
John 10:10 NLT

Cheryl Campbell, Melinda Estabrooks, Cheryl Weber and I at the Crossroads Chapel

Months ago, I was asked to speak at the Crossroads Staff Chapel where 100 Huntley Street, Context with Lorna Dueck, See, Hear, Love, A Better Us, Outside the Box and many other Christian shows are taped.

When the news reported the horrifying death of the toddler outside the studio I was saddened, and felt a sense of great responsibility, realizing my turn on the chapel schedule was now falling the week after this tragedy. Knowing I was going to speak to an emotionally bereft group changed the dynamics drastically.

Leadership called and discussed how it was no longer appropriate for me to share some of my John Maxwell training with a motivational message, as originally requested. They asked if I could instead share a word of comfort. I was honored to be the one God had positioned for the task, at the same time feeling scared skinny. I would be speaking with people whose hearts were heavy with the deeper questions of life. Living in the tension of what God wants the world to be like, and how our realities can contradict His promises.

Living In The Tension

My heart was aching, desperately wondering what words of encouragement I might be able to share with this grieving group. Do I just dance around the recent tragedy or discuss it head on? I felt the Lord directing me to address the toddler’s passing right at the beginning. If not, it would be the elephant in the room. Everyone was thinking about it and so many had questions… hard questions. Especially from those who do not have a faith in Jesus Christ but work at the Crossroads Centre in rented office space.

I felt an awesome responsibility to tell how Jesus came to bind up the broken-hearted and explain how this world isn’t running the way God initially created it to function. What happened there, was not a part of God’s plan.

It’s hard to grasp, but the explanation for this truth goes back to Jesus statements in John chapter 10 when He was trying to explain how He was the good shepherd, the Messiah. Jesus taught how the devil’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. It was true back when Jesus’ feet walked the earth, and it’s still true today. Thankfully, Jesus didn’t end his statement in the negative.

Jesus completed his message by assuring everyone that, His purpose is to give us this rich, satisfying, abundant life. The enemy wants to take from you, Jesus came to give. Jesus came with a purpose to bring good into our lives, but then… why do we continue to suffer? Jesus was trying to enlighten people to the reality of spiritual warfare. We can try to pretend it’s not a reality, but we’re ignoring the facts. This battle of good vs. evil isn’t just a fictitious theme for Sci-Fi movies. You see, this war of good vs. evil that started at the beginning of time continues to rage today. The fallout from this clashing of kingdoms leaves us wounded and experiencing heartache.

As long as you exist on earth, you live in the tension of these two, simple truths:
1. God Is Good, and His purpose is to give you a good life.
2. The Devil is Bad, and his purposes toward you are evil.
In times of uncertainty; when your tension wires seem like they’re about to snap and the reality of the devil’s purpose is being played out in your life… don’t lose hope in the truth that, God—IS—good. Whether it happens here on God’s green earth or when you get to Heaven, God will give you the abundant life He promised through Jesus. He’s true to His promises.

Prayer

Father… I’m so thankful that you’re here when tragedy strikes. You are as close as the mention of Your name. Help my eyes to not fixate on the display of evil, so that it clouds the truth of your goodness. Let visions of injustice and examples of pure evil draw me closer to you. Increase in me a longing for heaven, where You wipe away every tear and all that remains is good. In Jesus Name…Amen

[tweetthis]Just because the devil is evil, doesn’t change the fact that… GOD IS GOOD[/tweetthis]

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

#Dare2Share
Post in the Comment Section below and bolster the faith of someone else!
1. John 10:10
2. Jeremiah 29:11
3. John 3:16-17
4. Hebrews 6:17 (Very clear in NIV, NASB, HCSB)
YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:
MONDAY Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis, Soul Survival – Donna Reidland ,
TUESDAY Cheerleaders of Faith #RARaLinkup – Kelly Balarie ,
WEDNESDAY Coffee For Your Heart – Holley Gerth , Word Nerd Wednesdays — Liz Giertz
THURSDAY Heart Encouragement Thursday – Crystal Storms , Chasing Community – Barbara Bradford Ottinger
FRIDAY Dance With Jesus Linkup – Susan B. Mead , Grace and Truth Linkup – Arabah Joy , Counting My Blessings – Deb Wolf, Fresh Market Friday – Crystal Twaddell ELLEN’S PICKS– Ellen Graf-Martin

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I Needed To Fill Up My Well
```
“Once when he was eating with them, 
he commanded them, 
"Do not leave Jerusalem 
until the Father sends you the gift he promised, 
as I told you before. 
John baptized with water, 
but in just a few days 
you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
~Acts 1:4-5 NLT
```
The last two months have been an amazingly awesome blur. I traveled speaking six out of the past nine weekends and went to NYC for another weekend with my mom and sister. Our first ever trip together!

Speaking at women’s events is what fires me up, but also drains me out.

I’ve been experiencing this increase in ministry all while I’ve been co-coordinating The Word Awards for The Word Guild… you know, the one I won an award for my blog in last year (I mention it here and here)? We’ve also had the WIMM Canada website rebuild and that took a lot of work for our team. Anyways, we had the Awards Gala on Friday night, handing out 48 Awards. By the end of the awards, I was completely exhausted. Actually, whatever word is beyond exhausted, that’s what I was! So, I’m getting this devotion out late today because I needed to fill up my well!

On Saturday I tried to write my Soul H2O devotion, but it just wouldn’t come. It was like trying to draw water from a well that was dry. You can keep priming the pump, but the only thing that’s going to come up is crud from the bottom of the well. That’s where I was at.

So, I thought, I’m just not going to send out a devotion until I have time to refill my well.

Saturday night I got a good night’s sleep. Then, on Sunday morning an old College friend Bob Smickiklas and his son Josiah were preaching at our church. Josiah had just come back from a YWAM Missions trip all fired up. As he told about God’s miraculous power at work healing people both physically and emotionally, I got fired up. Josiah told of how one young girl who was born mute spoke for the first time!

Physical rest, preaching, testimonies and being with other believers started filling up my well. The prayer time after the service was a huge wave of refreshing.

I got another good night’s sleep and woke up revived. Reenergized to read God’s Word. I read this week’s verse during my devotions and it popped off the page! I understand what Jesus was saying to the disciples in Acts 1:4-5, and why. He knew what they were facing in life and ministry. Jesus knew it wouldn’t be easy. He knew the mission was great. Jesus doesn’t suggest, the Bible says He commanded the believers to not go out and do any ministry until they received the infilling of the Holy Spirit. An experience I understand as being secondary to salvation since Jesus was commanding believers to wait. Jesus knew we couldn’t do I on our own and that we’d need the empowering of the Holy Spirit to accomplish all God desires for us to do.

[tweetthis]The IN-filling must be greater than the OUT-pouring! [/tweetthis]

God knows what you’re going to face. Only He knows what you need. Only He can fill up your well. Choose today to make choices that will deposit living water in that reservoir of yours!

Prayer

Father…I’m thankful that You can fill up my well. I’m sorry for getting too busy that my reserves are depleted. Help me to make wise choices physically, emotionally, relationally and spiritually, to stay refreshed. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Baptize me like you promise in Your Word. I need your strength. In Jesus Name…Amen

Best Post Comment Below:

God has promised to make us a watered garden, but we can’t keep the hose on all the time!

~From Michele Morin michelemorin.wordpress.com

Where I’ll be filling up my well this summer!
Check the website for the speaker schedule: http://www.braesidecamp.ca

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest
Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

#Dare2Share
Post in the Comment Section below and bolster the faith of someone else!
1. Acts 1:4-5
2. Acts 1:8
3. Zechariah 4:6
4. Luke 12:12
YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:
MONDAY Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis, Soul Survival – Donna Reidland ,
TUESDAY Cheerleaders of Faith #RARaLinkup – Kelly Balarie ,
WEDNESDAY Coffee For Your Heart – Holley Gerth , Word Nerd Wednesdays — Liz Giertz
THURSDAY Heart Encouragement Thursday – Crystal Storms , Chasing Community – Barbara Bradford Ottinger
FRIDAY Dance With Jesus Linkup – Susan B. Mead , Grace and Truth Linkup – Arabah Joy , Counting My Blessings – Deb Wolf, Fresh Market Friday – Crystal Twaddell ELLEN’S PICKS– Ellen Graf-Martin

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God Still Answers Our Prayers

Hey Everyone! Sorry I missed sending out my Soul H2O devotion last week, but my mom took my sister and me on an unplanned trip to NYC!!! We’ve never done anything like that. I had the time of my life! I was glad to hear so many of you missed the devotion and hope this week is a double portion of refreshing to make up for last week’s miss 🙂

~Sherry

God Still Answers Our Prayers

Every year, Braeside Camp runs a Labour Day Weekend camp. It’s such an amazing time of the year. The air is fresh and crisp; not so hot like at family camp in July. There’s just an ease around Braeside as the long holiday season winds down. This one last summer fling is such a treat. But, last year the joy was almost stolen at the Board Meeting on the Thursday before the weekend began.

The Need For A Miracle Revealed

During the meeting, we learned the insurance company wasn’t going to pay for the full price to re-shingle the tabernacle roof. The quote to finish was about 100 thousand dollars… and that was $100,000.00 we didn’t have. The next day as I led pre-service prayer, I had planned that we would pray and ask God to bring in the funds. What I didn’t plan for was how overwhelmed I felt as we started praying, but this was the beginning of my lesson in how

God Still Answers Our Prayers!

As the group assembled, I began looking around the platform. I’d never noticed it before, but the leaks in the roof had left water stains running down the center column of the Tabernacle where the cross is displayed.

God’s House In Ruins

It was as if I could hear God charging the Israelites in Ezra’s time when he said to the people, “Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins?”¹You see, we were just like them. There was no way any of us would have ever let our houses get as bad as we’d let our chapel get. The carpet was frayed; worn threadbare in so many places with more gum stuck in it than a 2nd-grade desk.

A Burden For The Overwhelming Need

I began weeping over our negligence and when I shared with the group what I was feeling, they too began to get emotional. We repented and asked God to forgive us for neglecting to care for His house, and then we asked Him to provide money to finish the roof, get new carpet and fix the water-stained center. It all seemed like an unreachable goal, but we asked in faith believing that God could do it… well, weakly hoped for actually, but God did it all with our mustard seed of faith!

God Still Answers Our Prayers

A few weeks ago, about 9 months later than the last camp meeting, my friends, Mark and Andrea Giancola who run the camp, told me how someone donated over $100,000.00 for the roof! They were excited because God had shown them favor with the contractors so there was money left over to fix up the sanctuary and put in new carpet and the center of the church is getting repainted in a week! When I told them about pre-service prayer on Labour Day weekend we all thanked God for providing in miraculous ways.

Can you tell I’m a little excited 🙂 We even got a new riser to preach from. #futuregoal

God’s Word that we’re focussing on this week in Matthew still holds true today.

“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” ~Matthew 18:19-20 NLT

No matter how big or small our request may be. When people get together and pray; God releases His power… His provision… and His presence.

In a few weeks, the summer camp season will begin again. People will drive in and see how great the Tabernacle looks with a newly shingled roof. They’ll walk through the doors when a whiff of that new carpet smell will awaken their senses as their eyes see a freshly painted tabernacle, that didn’t leak this winter! Everyone will be amazed when they hear how God miraculously provided the funds we prayed for.

I’m asking God to increase our faith so we all believe for even greater things than shingles, carpet, and paint. This year I’m going to join with some friends to pray and ask God for miraculous times at camp where He releases His power… His provision… and His presence!

Prayer

Father…I’m so thankful that You Don’t Change. I’m thankful that you still forgive me when I get my priorities mixed up and forget about You and Your house. Help me to not become overwhelmed with the needs around me but to have confidence in Your goodness. I ask for a release of Your power, Your provision and Your presence in my life! In Jesus Name…Amen

[tweetthis]When people get together and pray; God releases His power… His provision… and His presence. #praymore[/tweetthis]

I knew this Soul H₂O Devotion was getting long,
so I didn’t want to add too much,
but if you have the time and want to learn about
6 Power Packed Prayer Meetings In The Bible
You Can Read Here.
They’ll help you to believe for greater things when you pray!

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.
1. Matthew 18:19-20
2. Jeremiah 29:12
3. 1 John 5:14
4. Mark 11:24
ENDNOTES
- Haggai 1:4
YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:
MONDAY Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis, Soul Survival – Donna Reidland ,
TUESDAY Cheerleaders of Faith #RARaLinkup – Kelly Balarie ,
WEDNESDAY Coffee For Your Heart – Holley Gerth , Word Nerd Wednesdays — Liz Giertz
THURSDAY Heart Encouragement Thursday – Crystal Storms , Chasing Community – Barbara Bradford Ottinger
FRIDAY Dance With Jesus Linkup – Susan B. Mead , Grace and Truth Linkup – Arabah Joy , Counting My Blessings – Deb Wolf, Fresh Market Friday – Crystal Twaddell ELLEN’S PICKS– Ellen Graf-Martin

Read More
Plant For The Right Harvest
```
Then God said, 
"Let the land produce vegetation: 
seed-bearing plants and trees on the land 
that bear fruit with seed in it, 
according to their various kinds." 
And it was so. 
The land produced vegetation: 
plants bearing seed according to their kinds and
 trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. 
And God saw that it was good.
~Genesis 1:11-12  NIV
```
Today, the sun was warmer here in Ontario, Canada than it was in Florida, so the Harley was just calling us to ride. Todd and I answered its beck and call; donning helmets and biker boots for the trip.

Riding around, we saw farmers on tractors working their fields or planting crops. Many fields lined with sprouts beginning to grow. Clearly, it’s the season to plant!

I think it’s safe to say, there has never been a farmer who planted a seed of corn, expecting a harvest of potatoes. Farmers carefully choose what seed to sow, in order to ensure the healthiest plants that will yield the most abundant harvest. Farmers always plant for the right harvest.

Jesus often spoke in agricultural parables because the people of his day very much understood the principles of farming. Even though society isn’t so agriculturally based anymore, you’ve all done the seed planting experiment in school and understand that when you planted your bean seed, a bean plant was going to grow.

You cannot defy the set order of seeds producing fruit according to their kind.

Not for plants, not for animals, not for humans. Even the creation of the mule or finny from a horse paired with a donkey cannot reproduce. No matter how hard people try, they cannot break these original laws of nature God instituted during creation.

It’s illogical then for people to imagine they can plant seeds in their lives and expect the opposite result. You can’t plant seeds of discord and expect to harvest peace, to plant seeds of harshness, and expect to receive kindness, or to plant seeds of injustice, expecting a return of grace.

[tweetthis]If you want to see a harvest in your life, you need to sow seeds according to its kind. Plant for the right harvest![/tweetthis]

If you desire to see a harvest of friends, you must sow seeds of kindness. For a harvest of financial abundance, sow seeds of diligent labor. Want the harvest of a healthy marriage? Sow seeds of love, honor, faithfulness, passion and thoughtfulness. You can only harvest what you plant.

So, what are you planting this season? Make sure you plant for the right harvest!

Prayer

Father… I’m so thankful for how You designed this world to function. Your ways make sense and I choose to follow them. I will plant the right seeds in my life, so in due time, I can reap a good harvest. Help me to discern what it will take to produce the fruit I want to enjoy and I will commit to sowing the right amount of that seed, to ensure an abundant crop. In Jesus Name…Amen

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

#Dare2Share
Post in the Comment Section below and bolster the faith of someone else!
1. Isaiah 28:5-6
2. Matthew 13:24
3. Luke 6:44
4. Galatians 6:7
YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:
MONDAY Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis, Soul Survival – Donna Reidland ,
TUESDAY Cheerleaders of Faith #RARaLinkup – Kelly Balarie ,
WEDNESDAY Coffee For Your Heart – Holley Gerth , Word Nerd Wednesdays — Liz Giertz
THURSDAY Heart Encouragement Thursday – Crystal Storms , Chasing Community – Barbara Bradford Ottinger
FRIDAY Dance With Jesus Linkup – Susan B. Mead , Grace and Truth Linkup – Arabah Joy , Counting My Blessings – Deb Wolf, Fresh Market Friday – Crystal Twaddell ELLEN’S PICKS– Ellen Graf-Martin

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Rest is a Verb
```
Let perseverance
finish its work
so that you may be mature and complete,
not lacking anything.
James 1:4  NIV
```
TOO BUSY TO REST

This Friday I was a guest on the women’s TV Show, See, Hear, Love with Melinda Estabrooks and a few of my incredible, world-shaking girlfriends {I’ll let you know when the episode airs}. At one point in the show, we talked about our hectic schedules and the issues we have with letting ourselves get too busy. As a firstborn, Type A personality, raised in a racing family of over-achievers who owned multiple businesses; rest doesn’t come easily or naturally for this girl and my friends are much the same.

In the last year, God called one of my closest girlfriends to a time of radical rest. Now, the idea of God asking you to not work would seem a blessing… but to my hard-working, others-focussed friend, the task has been daunting and difficult. Attempts at heading back into the workforce before God’s release, have resulted in closed doors and her submission to wait for God’s perfect timing. I believe her answering God’s call to drastic obedience will pave the way for the incredible things God has for her future.

As I was thinking about all this, Todd’s aunt forwarded me an encouraging post about rest. When reading, this phrase popped into my head and hasn’t let go. Maybe it’s because I was a huge DC Talk fan back in the day {Only those who were young Christian in the 90’s will get this connection—check out this fun #musicpics post}, but I had this repetitive thought in my head… Rest is a Verb.

REST IS A VERB

Combining the truth of this week’s verse with a line from the blog post I read, led me to a new understanding I want to share with you! The line in the article that inspired me was essentially saying,

Rest in God’s Kingdom is not inactivity, but total dependence on God.¹

When I read the definition of the original Greek word Hypomoné used in this verse, translated in our Bibles to read as: perseverance, endurance, steadfastness, or patience, it got me to researching a little more. I googled the definition of rest and it all came into clear vision. Rest is defined as “relax, refresh, or recover strength”.²

Sometimes, we need to endure in rest, in order to become strong, getting ready for the next God has for us. We’re like athletes who need to take a break, so they can recover strength in their muscles; or dough you need to let rest, so it can rise. Rest isn’t inactivity, it’s activity out of sight. Rest is a Verb!

I hope this new understanding helps you to be patient in rest, allowing God the opportunity to build you up, make you strong, mature you and prepare your heart for the exciting adventure He has in store!

Prayer

Father… Thank you for being loving enough to keep working on me. I will work hard to stop wiggling my way out of your crucible and rest in you. I’m asking You to produce in me the character and strength needed to fulfill your call on my life. In Jesus Name…Amen

[tweetthis]Rest is a Verb![/tweetthis]

#musicpics dcTalk-Luv is a verb post here

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

#Dare2Share
Post in the Comment Section below and bolster the faith of someone else!
1. James 1:4
2. Luke 21:19
3. Colossians 4:12
4. Psalm 37:7
EndNotes:
1. https://www.google.ca/search?q=definition+of+rest&rlz=1C5CHFA_enCA775CA776&oq=def&aqs=chrome.4.35i39j69i61j69i60j0j35i39j69i65.4437j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 Website Accessed: 2018-05-02 Definition of Rest
2. https://fathersheartministry.net/the-father-says-today-may-3rd-2018/ Website Accessed: 2018-05-03
YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:
MONDAY Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis, Soul Survival – Donna Reidland,
TUESDAY Cheerleaders of Faith #RARaLinkup – Kelly Balarie,
WEDNESDAY Coffee For Your Heart – Holley Gerth, Word Nerd Wednesdays — Liz Giertz
THURSDAY Heart Encouragement Thursday – Crystal Storms, Chasing Community – Barbara Bradford Ottinger
FRIDAY Dance With Jesus Linkup – Susan B. Mead, Grace and Truth Linkup – Arabah Joy, Counting My Blessings – Deb Wolf, Fresh Market Friday – Crystal Twaddell ELLEN’S PICKS– Ellen Graf-Martin

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Truth God Whispered To Me On A Flight To Dallas

Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
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 40:30-31 NIV

Are you a confident flyer?

I started off pretty nervous flying… might have had something to do with the fact that my first trip involved a stint through the Rockies in a small plane. Pockets of air bounced us up and down for the whole flight.

Then came the 911 Tragedy.

My friend Staci and I were scheduled to attend Joyce Meyer’s Women’s Conference taking place just a couple weeks later. We weren’t sure planes would be flying since airports had been closed but days before our trip, it was announced they were open again.

The conference sent out emails letting girls off the hook for registration if they were concerned about flying. As I read, something rose up inside of me. I wasn’t going to allow the terrorists to terrorize me. This indignation helped defeat my flying fear!

Now, I’m a fairly confident flyer, but still pray during take-off and my flight last week to the Global Media Summit was no exception. As I prayed in my head {so people don’t think I’m crazy} a life-changing event happened. God whispered to me on a flight to Dallas!

WHAT TRUTH GOD WHISPERED TO ME ON A FLIGHT TO DALLAS

As the plane was rising into the clouds and the motors leveled off, I began thinking about how amazing it was that such a heavy piece of metal could soar above the clouds with such ease. It was at this point where I felt the Lord remind me of this week’s verse. God kept whispering, “you will soar on wings like eagles”. What an encouraging word!

EAGLE FACTS

This caused me to study a little more on eagles, so I could understand how they soar in the sky¹. Unlike other birds who furiously flap their wings and can fly for shorter distances, eagles can soar for 4-6 hours, traveling up to 125 miles² by simply opening up their wings and gliding on the wind. This is the difference between flying and soaring.³

All too often I’m like a bird flapping around getting tired, only going short distances. From now on, I want to be like an eagle and soar on the Jetstream of where the Holy Spirit is moving! This reminds me of the Word of the Lord to Zerubbabel in Zechariah 4:6, “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.”

So, let’s follow the eagle example. Don’t waste your energy flapping around. Learn from the message God whispered to me on a flight to Dallas, and simply open up your wings and soar!

Prayer

Father… I thank You for taking the heavy load. You don’t want me to carry it. Help me not waste energy trying to do Your will in my own strength but soar on the wind of Your Spirit. In Jesus Name…Amen

[tweetthis]Don’t flap like a bird, soar like an eagle![/tweetthis]

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

Video on how Eagles Fly

#Dare2Share
Post in the Comment Section below and bolster the faith of someone else!
1. Isaiah 40:30-31
2. Zechariah 4:6
3. 2 Chronicles 32:7-8
4. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5
EndNotes:
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM2bC6qNksM Website Accessed: 2018-05-06
2. https://www.quora.com/How-long-can-an-eagle-fly-without-landing-perching Website Accessed: 2018-05-06
3. https://www.differencebetween.info/difference-between-flying-and-soaring Website Accessed: 2018-05-06
YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:
MONDAY Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis, Soul Survival – Donna Reidland,
TUESDAY Cheerleaders of Faith #RARaLinkup – Kelly Balarie,
WEDNESDAY Coffee For Your Heart – Holley Gerth, Word Nerd Wednesdays — Liz Giertz
THURSDAY Heart Encouragement Thursday – Crystal Storms, Chasing Community – Barbara Bradford Ottinger
FRIDAY Dance With Jesus Linkup – Susan B. Mead, Grace and Truth Linkup – Arabah Joy, Counting My Blessings – Deb Wolf, Fresh Market Friday – Crystal Twaddell ELLEN’S PICKS– Ellen Graf-Martin

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Chasing After The Elusive Stanley Cup

His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his delight in the legs of the warrior;
the Lord delights in those who fear him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Psalm 147:10-11

What’s it like at your house this season?

For our family, it doesn’t need to be called Spring, I think we could safely rename it Stanley Cup Season! Hockey is e-vu-ree-thing to my hubbs 🙂 Todd’s one of those hometown hockey heroes; who actually still fits into his team jacket! He’s sad that his favorite team, the Montréal Canadiens aren’t in the playoffs, but that doesn’t stop him from watching copious amounts of TV as teams flex their muscles, skating down the ice, chasing after the elusive Stanley Cup. Grown men fighting and exerting their strength over one another to gain the prize. Often it’s the physically strongest team that wins.

Making an NHL team takes a great deal of determination. Guys have to prove their strength to get a position, and you’re only as good as the season you’re in. Players can’t live off of their ‘glory days’ and stay on the team. You have to continually work out and increase your strength to prove your worthiness. That’s a lot to keep up; constantly being judged and reassessed. Thankfully, God’s not like this and our verse this week makes that clear.

God doesn’t look to your strength, what you have, how good you look, how strong or smart you are or what skills you bring to the table. God doesn’t care what you have to offer Him.

He doesn’t need anything from you, but He wants a relationship with you.

God delights when you put your hope in Him, rely on His strength, and know His love for you is unfailing.

God’s love for you is even stronger than the smell of a hockey bag full of equipment at the end of Stanley Cup season!

So, this Stanley Cup season, and all that follow be reminded as you watch the men displaying their strength over each other, that:

You don’t always have to be strong because your Father in Heaven is ALLmighty!

Stop chasing after elusive goals trying to offer God your strength. Instead, run after the God who loves you!

Prayer

Father… I thank You for Your strength. You are ALLmighty God. Your strength is perfect. I’m thankful that when I’m weak, You are strong. Hopeful because I don’t have to bring anything but my heart to the table. Be strong in me today so I can accomplish all you call me to do. In Jesus Name…Amen.

[tweetthis]God’s love for you is even stronger than the smell of a #hockey bag full of equipment at the end of #StanleyCup season![/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]You don’t always have to be strong because your Father in Heaven is ALLmighty![/tweetthis]

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

#Dare2Share
Post in the Comment Section below and bolster the faith of someone else!
1. Psalm 147:10-11
2. Psalm 33:17
3. I Samuel 16:7
4. Psalm 20:7
YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:
MONDAY Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis, Soul Survival – Donna Reidland,
TUESDAY Cheerleaders of Faith #RARaLinkup – Kelly Balarie,
WEDNESDAY Coffee For Your Heart – Holley Gerth, Word Nerd Wednesdays — Liz Giertz
THURSDAY Heart Encouragement Thursday – Crystal Storms, Chasing Community – Barbara Bradford Ottinger
FRIDAY Dance With Jesus Linkup – Susan B. Mead, Grace and Truth Linkup – Arabah Joy, Counting My Blessings – Deb Wolf, Fresh Market Friday – Crystal Twaddell ELLEN’S PICKS– Ellen Graf-Martin

Read More