Soul H2O Devotions Archives - Page 13 of 32

Soul H2O Devotions

Defeating Anxiety By Counting Your Blessings
This #soulh2o devo is coming as a result of my recording with my adventerous friend Ruth Thorogood!
I’m so thankful for this girl!
Recording the Thanksgiving episode with her got me thinking about my need to get back into the habit of Counting My Blessings in an effort to defeating anxiety in my life.
I vaguely remembered writing a devo about that and saw that I sent it out exactly 2 years ago today! How crazy is that! As I read it, I felt so strongly that I needed to resend out this devotion instead of the one I had written for this week. I thought if I had a hard time remembering it and I wrote it, that it would be pretty-much new to you too! I’m late getting it out again but hoping I have things regulated with all the new on my plate since starting the Soul H2O Radio show real soon 🙂 Girls, I’m loving it and hope you are too.
Praying you have a blessed Thanksgiving weekend!
Defeating Anxiety By Counting My Blessings
This post was featured on Crystal Twaddell’s FRESH MARKET FRIDAY Linkup.
This weekend, we Canadians will celebrate Thanksgiving. Our houses will be filled with the delicious aromas of turkey, stuffing, gravy, sweet potato mash and pumpkin pie. I’m responsible for bringing the Green Bean Casserole and my Thankfulness Journal.
COLLECTING THANKFULNESS
Years before I tried to get people to share what they were thankful for around the table and that never worked, so I bought the book and began collecting the gratitude of my family and friends at Thanksgiving dinner. This year I’ve stepped it up a notch and again began Counting My Blessings each morning. This practice always helps change my outlook on life.
In Philippians chapter four, Paul is writing to help people struggling with anxiety. He says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” He then teaches how to keep this kind of peace in verse 8 by keeping our thoughts fixed on things worthy of praise.
Science & Scripture
I love when science backs up Scripture. Recent studies have given fact to Paul’s theory on defeating anxiety with thanksgiving.
In a Psychology Today magazine article called The Grateful Brain; The neuroscience of giving thanks”, Alex Korb, PhD tells how practicing thankfulness
“has the power to reshape your neural pathways….
help you exercise more, sleep better and be happier…
So gratitude had a direct effect on depression symptoms
(the more gratitude, the less depression)
and an indirect effect on anxiety
(increased gratitude led to improved sleep, which led to lower anxiety).
Either way, with gratitude you’re better off, and you get a good night’s sleep.”¹
In a scientific study of 293 adults with mental health issues, people were put into three groups. The first group received counselling. The second group went to counselling, but also had to journal about
“their deepest thoughts and feelings about stressful experiences”.
The third group
“wrote letters expressing gratitude to others”
along with counselling sessions. This last group incorporated gratitude writing in their health regimen
“reported significantly better mental health“ by four weeks and still at twelve weeks.²
God’s ways make sense. He knows what works.
So, start defeating anxiety in your life by daily Counting Your Blessings.
Prayer
Father…I’m thankful for Your Word. It speaks right into my life with the same relevance to me as the people in Paul’s day. Defeat anxiety in my life as I express Thanksgiving to You and those around me. Let me experience Your peace when I focus my thoughts on Counting My Blessings and not my losses. In Jesus Name…Amen
Start defeating anxiety in your life by daily Counting Your Blessings Click To Tweet
If you think you may be struggling with clinical depression or anxiety, check out my MENTAL HEALTH page for some guidance and links to great resources.
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. Philippians 4:6-8
2. Psalm 103:2
3. Ephesians 5:20
4. Psalm 118:1
#Dare2Share
Post in the Comment Section below and bolster the faith of someone else!

ENDNOTES

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/prefrontal-nudity/201211/the-grateful-brain Website Accessed: 2017-10-09
2. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10503307.2016.1169332?scroll=top&needAccess=true&journalCode=tpsr20 Website Accessed: 2017-10-09

WHERE YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP MY BLOG WITH OR PLACES WHERE MY WRITING HAS BEEN FEATURED
Read More
Blogging With Help

If you’ve ever thought about starting a blog
or need help moving yours forward,
and you don’t know what to do?

I understand how you feel. When I started into this blogging adventure I had no clue what I was doing. For years I floundered and felt like I was a fish out of water, swimming on my own. I was not Blogging With Help, I was blogging alone in my office. Last year that started to change when I found out about linking up, then…

When I bought the the Genius Blogger’s Toolkit, everything started to change.

I began to learn from the best. I read ebooks, watched videos and learned that I could actually make money from my blog. As a minister this is something I need to be concerned with. I love how my Soul H2O devotions and other blog posts encourage people in their faith, but the reality is, we all have bills so if I can make income doing what I love, while helping others, so it funds ministry…HOW GOOD IS THAT??!!??

Even Better…
It didn’t cost me a bundle!

This years worth of life coaching and practical training in one package for you to have for a lifetime. I thought it was too good to be true, but I wouldn’t be telling you about it a year after if it was. It’s even better than it looks.

WINNING WEBINARS

When I bought the Toolkit last year I joined the Mastermind Group and loved the video training. It was invaluable! This year you get a sample of what the webinars are like. So, why not log on and check out for yourself. BUT, don’t wait too long to purchase your toolkit, It’s only on sale until Monday, October 9th…Thanksgiving for us Canadians.

60 Second Genius Blogger’s Toolkit Video

I know it feels like high-pressure sales when there’s such a quick deadline, but that’s just the way they do it. They prepared all year to put the Toolkit together and it’s only available for a few days. But it’s Oh, so worth it. The safety is that Ultimate Bundles give a

****No-Risk, 30-day Happiness Guarantee****

FLAS SALE Only on Sale TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2018
(Closes at midnight)

Don’t Miss Your Opportunity!

[imic_button colour=”btn-success” type=”enabled” link=”https://us154.isrefer.com/go/TGBTK2017/a11728/” target=”_blank” extraclass=”” size=”btn-lg”]SHERRY, I’M READY TO ORDER NOW![/imic_button]

Here’s my Affiliate Information

Quick Facts
- Date: Tuesday, May 15th Closes at 11:59 pm
- Bundle price: $97
- Total value of the bundle: $5802.51
- Contents: 28 eBooks, 43 videos & eCourses, 16 printables, workbooks & templates, 1 conference, 1 membership site
- Bonuses: 10 digital bonuses, $1,193 value
[imic_button colour=”btn-success” type=”enabled” link=”https://us154.isrefer.com/go/TGBTK2017/a11728/” target=”_blank” extraclass=”” size=”btn–lg“]SHERRY, I’M READY TO ORDER NOW![/imic_button]

[imic_button colour=”btn-success” type=”enabled” link=”https://us154.isrefer.com/go/TGBTK2017/a11728/” target=”_blank” extraclass=”” size=””]NEED THE DETAILS of WHAT’S INCLUDED[/imic_button]

Read More
God Loves a Cheerful Giver
```
“Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give,
 not out of regret or compulsion.
 For God loves a cheerful giver.”

2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV
```
When I went to Guatemala in 2010 I fell in love with the people. They’re some of the most giving people you can meet. Our group worked with “the church under the bridge.” Leaving at the end of our week was so difficult. We’d all become so close to the people in the community and especially the pastor, his wife and their adorable daughter.

Just before we got on the bus the pastor made a presentation interpreted through Hector, our missionary. The pastor’s wife had bought gifts for each of us girls on the trip in gratitude for our help and to let us know how she loved our time together. The huge smile on her face revealed a very cheerful giver.

It was difficult to accept gifts from someone who had so little, but we could tell she was thrilled to bless us. A truly humbling moment for me. You see, I love gift-giving but I’m not always the best at receiving. She presented us all with key chains made in Guatemala.

I still have mine today because a present from a cheerful giver is a treasure, no matter what the dollar value. You see, there’s a BIG difference in receiving a gift from someone who wants to bless you rather than being the recipient of a present from someone you can tell, felt ‘obligated’ to gift you. Even if it’s something you want; it feels empty, almost awkward.

I can understand why God had Paul write this verse. God doesn’t want anything from us that is coerced. The NLT words it like this, “And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure.”

When you truly understand how much God loves you and how much He’s given on your behalf, having the heart of a cheerful giver will come naturally and you’ll end up with the heart of this amazing Guatemalan woman!

Prayer

Father…I thank You for the gift of Your love. It overwhelms me to imagine how difficult it must have been to follow through on Your plan to save the world when You knew it would cost You Your son. Help me to have your heart so I give, not out of duty, but purely out of love. May I have the heart of a cheerful giver and find joy in blessing others. In Jesus Name…Amen

[tweetthis]God loves a cheerful giver :)[/tweetthis]

I’d love if you would join me and some other amazing women on the mission’s trip to Guatemala, focussed on helping the women of Guatemala.

Saturday, February 24 – Sunday, March 4, 2018

[imic_button colour=”btn-success” type=”enabled” link=”https://www.iam1ru.com/thewomansproject.aspx” target=”_blank” extraclass=”” size=”btn-lg”]SIGN UP HERE TO GO TO GUATEMALA[/imic_button]

[imic_button colour=”btn-warning” type=”enabled” link=”https://sherrystahl.com/dreams-taking-flight-in-guatemala/ ” target=”_blank” extraclass=”” size=””]MORE INFO ON THE GUATEMALA MISSIONS TRIP[/imic_button]
1. 2 Corinthians 9:7
2. Deuteronomy 15:10
3. Proverbs 11:25
4. 1 Chronicles 29:9
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!

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
The World’s Biggest Game of Simon Says
```
“Whether THE CLOUD stayed
 above the Tabernacle for two days, a month, or a year,
 the people of Israel stayed in camp and did not move on. But
 AS SOON AS it lifted,
 they broke camp and moved on.
 So they camped or traveled 
 at the LORD's command,
 and they did WHATEVER the LORD told them through Moses.”
Numbers 9:22-23 NLT
```
When I was a kid on the playground the game of Simon Says was the bomb. Some people called it Follow The Leader, but whatever you called it, I’m sure you played it at school. Acting as ‘Simon’ was an amazing role; you felt like the King or a Queen with everyone moving to your command.

This child’s game became so popular that they made video games out of it. First came the Simon, next the Simon Air and then my favorite, the Bop It! In all of these “Simon” type games you have to follow the action performed by the leader…or video programmer. The longer you play, the faster the actions go and you eventually get tripped up and do something Simon didn’t direct you to do.

SIMON’S GOAL
is to trick you into doing something that will make you lose.

When my Brandon was growing up I gave him a copy of the newest Guinness Book of World Records every Christmas Eve. The adjudicators for these world records hold that 12,225 people at the Utah Summer Games in June 2007¹ make the record for the most participants in a game of Simon Says, but I think they’ve got this one wrong! When I read Numbers 9:15-23 It sounds to me like,

The World’s Biggest Game of Simon Says.

It’s so easy to see the failings of the Israelites in the desert, but this section of scripture reveals how they learned to follow God’s lead. The Israelites were even better at following their leader than Joel Berger, and in case you don’t know; he’s the guy who holds the record for the longest completed sequence of moves on a Simon game.²

Scripture tells us how God’s people would break camp ‘as soon as’ the cloud lifted or stay, when the pillar of fire remained, never knowing how long they would be there. It says, “day or night, when the cloud lifted, the people broke camp and moved on. Whether…two days, a month, or a year”³. Now that’s trust! God’s leading will take you to all the right places, He’s not trying to trip you up and watch you lose. God is for you!

When you read this, doesn’t it make you question how strong your faith is? Maybe it’s time to ask,

Do I trust God enough to follow Him without a game plan?

Prayer

Father…Thank You for revealing your directions so I can know how to follow You. I read instructions in Your Word, I hear them when I’m quiet enough to listen to your voice, and sometimes I there’s a pounding in my chest when you want me to move. Please help me to be more sensitive to Your leading. Give me courage and a gift of faith to follow wherever and whenever you lead. In Jesus Name…Amen

[tweetthis]God’s leading will take you to all the right places. #Godis4U[/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.
1. Numbers 9:22-23
2. John 10:4
3. John 8:12
4. Proverbs 3:5-6
#Dare2Share
Post in the Comment Section below and bolster the faith of someone else!
1. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/largest-game-of-simon-says/ Website Accessed: 2017-09-19
2. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/longest-game-of-simon Website Accessed: 2017-09-19
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
Stay Connected To The Power Source

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you.
No branch can bear fruit by itself;
it must remain in the vine.
Neither can you bear fruit
unless you remain in me.”
John 15:4-5 NIV

GETTING DISCONNECTED

Last summer was one of the hottest summers on record in the past 75 years so, it was still hot when we got to Braeside on Labor Day weekend. We arrived at 1am and opened the door to an overwhelming stench. I thought something died in the trailer but it was just the fridge.

The electrical plug to the trailer had somehow been disconnected from the pole. Shelby had been gone from the trailer for two weeks and everything she left in the fridge had rotted. Meat in the freezer was rancid. A bag of spinach had liquefied into a stinking black fluid. Frozen bananas were a reeking goo.

Stay Connected To The Power Source

When I read this portion of scripture in John I can’t help but remember the results when our fridge didn’t stay connected to the power source. I’ll remember forever the foul odors it emitted. They’re a great example of what happens to Christians when we don’t remain in Christ.

I know that when I don’t spend time with God daily my life starts to smell. Things go foul and the days just get all messed up. Often in the busyness of life we think that we don’t have time to read the Bible or meditate on it. We can get too scheduled to spend time in prayer, but the reality is, life’s too hard to live disconnected from God. Days go by much easier when we spend time in personal daily devotions.

Start this week off right. Take time to stay connected to the power source. Decide to spend daily time remaining in relationship with Christ, so you can live a fruitful life.

Prayer

Father…I’m overwhelmed with the thought that God who created the universe wants to stay involved with me. Help me never to take that for granted. Let me not get casual with Your love. May my life produce some juicy fruit as I stay connected to the power source; to you Lord and Your Word. In Jesus Name…Amen

[tweetthis]Life’s too hard to live disconnected from God.[/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!

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
Get Ready for God to Amaze You!

“Consecrate yourselves
for tomorrow

the LORD will do AMAZING things among you.”
Joshua 3:5 (NIV)

Too many people don’t get to see the amazing things God has planned for them because they don’t
get ready in advance.

Sometimes we have a movie theatre attitude.
We want to just sit back, relax, and watch the show when God asks us to perform vital roles.

[tweetthis]Life is not a spectator sport.[/tweetthis]

God desires to partner with you to see His plans and purposes released in your life.

When the Israelites were crossing over the Jordan River into the Promised Land, God required that they consecrate themselves.

They had to do it, not God.

Their acts of consecration were a sign that they were dedicating their lives for a sacred purpose. God promised them that if they did this, He would follow up by doing amazing things among them—and He sure did stick to His Word! After they consecrated themselves, God parted the flood-stage waters of the Jordan River and let them walk across on dry ground. Then God caused the walls of Jericho to crumble as the Israelites marched and worshipped around them.

How amazing is that?

Why did all these miracles take place?

Because God’s people PREPARED themselves

in advance.

During the hard times,

while still IN the desert,

they lived out the words of Isaiah 40:3, which says,

In the wilderness,
get it ready!
Prepare the way;
make it a straight shot. The Eternal would have it so.
Straighten the way in the wandering desert to make
the crooked road wide and straight for our God.
(The Voice, emphasis added)

Get ready in your desert times and you’ll be preparing the way for God to amaze you!

PRAYER

Father, thank You for Your power to do amazing things in my life! Help me to prepare the way in my heart so You’ll have a roadway into my life for the miraculous! In Jesus’ name, amen.

[tweetthis]Get ready in your desert times and you’ll be preparing the way for God to amaze you![/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]Get Ready For God to AMAZE You![/tweetthis]
1. Joshua 3:5
2. Exodus 19:10–11
3. Isaiah 40:3
4. Matthew 3:3
#DARE2SHARE
POST IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW AND BOLSTER THE FAITH OF SOMEONE ELSE!

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
```
This devotion ‘Get Ready For God To Amaze You’ 
was originally published on my blog (May 5, 2014)
It was later published as "Prepare The Way", 
Devo #27 in my book:
 Soul H2O: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions For Women
 (c) 2016 Word Alive Press Winnipeg, MB
I republished on September 11, 2017 with new graphics because I just felt like I should :)
Believing you will find refreshing as you read!
```
Read More
Does Work Bring You Satisfaction?

“That each of them may eat and drink,
and find satisfaction in all their toil
—this is the gift of God.”
Ecclesiastes 3:13 NIV

Do you like taking personality assessments? I hesitate to let you know I do because a neuro-psychologist friend of mine, raised a brow when I told her! Maybe I’m crazy, but I find them fascinating. Perhaps it’s because taking a Birkman Method Personality Assessment in 2008 changed my life. At the time I took the test, I was a Director of Finance and Operations for a company I co-owned in the Automotive Industry. I dreaded work and felt drained most of the time. This girl had a fancy title, yet very little satisfaction for her toil!

MY BIRKMAN BREAKTHROUGH

When I got the results back from my Birkman Assessment the lights came on and I understood for the first time why I felt so dissatisfied. The first section of the test rated the ten areas of work activities or interests to see what brings you the most fulfillment in life. Any area scoring above 50 energizes your personality, while scores below 50 are draining.

My top three Areas of Interest were:
1. Persuasion (Selling, Communicating) at 96
2. Social Service (Helping Others) at 94
3. Literary (Writing, Formal Persuasion) at 92.
Somehow Musical was next on my list at 75, which seems illogical given that I can’t hold a tune! (Wondering if I answered something wrong there???) Clerical was last on my list above 50.

The Birkman rep explained how anything above 90 was considered necessary activities, in order for you to feel fulfilled. They weren’t just things you liked to do, they’re things you needed to do!

My job at the time barely included any activities that were in my top three Areas of Interest. No wonder I felt frustrated! I could see how I enjoyed the Operations side of my role and not the Finance side since Numerical scored below 50 on my list. Sure, I can perform the role as a bookkeeper; I’ve done work like that since I was twelve, helping in my parent’s business. It was clearly a learned activity, not an innate ability.

Fast-forward four years from taking the Birkman and I published my first book, Water In The Desert, followed by Soul H2O…and hopefully many more books to come (Literary).

I now travel internationally and speak to women’s groups (Persuasion). This position allows me to help people I’ve never even met (Social Service). It’s so much beyond what I could’ve ever imagined for my life. Working as an author, speaker and blogger is my dream job. At this point, there is great satisfaction for my toil and I consider that an invaluable gift from God.

Does Work Bring You Satisfaction?

Jeremiah 29:11 tells how God’s plans for your life are good. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” When you’re fulfilling the activities God uniquely created you to do, you’ll feel satisfied. The more you spend time in relationship with God, the more your desires for the future will line up with God’s good plans for your life. It’ll become natural.

On this, day after Labor Day, take the time to ask yourself: Am I fulfilling Ephesians 2:10 through my paid job or volunteer activities? If not, it may be time you got crazy like me and completed one of those Personality Assessments!

Prayer

Father…I believe you’ve placed a divine destiny within me because, the Bible tells me so in Ephesians 2:10. Let the desires of my heart help me discern Your purposes for my life so I can experience Your gift of satisfaction. May I use my time and my abilities for Your Glory, and enjoy every minute of it! In Jesus Name…Amen

[tweetthis]Does Work Bring You Satisfaction?[/tweetthis]

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.
1. Ecclesiastes 3:13
2. Jeremiah 29:11
3. Psalm 37:4
4. Ephesians 2:10
#Dare2Share
Post in the Comment Section below and bolster the faith of someone else!

IF YOU LIKED THE REFRESHING IN THIS #SOULH2O DEVOTION, YOU’LL LOVE MY LATEST SOUL H2O DEVOTIONAL BOOK: 40 THIRST QUENCHING DEVOTIONS FOR WOMEN.

YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:
MONDAY Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis , #SoulSurvival – Donna Riedland
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
Are You In The Middle?

I’ll get to my Are You In The Middle? Devotion below, but I have to settle something first 🙂

Here’s a link to the Facebook live I taped on Monday, August 28th 2017 where I drew the ballots for the 200th #SoulH2O Contest and read this devotion, with a bunch of extras! I wish I could have you all in a room and study right alongside you.
Hope this video leaves you strengthened to hold on in the middle and stay true to the end.

Congratulations To:
Nicole Kauffman–Blogger at http://www.couragehopelove.com
Katie Reid–Blogger at http://www.katiemreid.com
Soul H2O Readers–Stephanie Hewer and Ana Calderon

Are You In The Middle

At the end of 2016 I began praying for 2017. I was asking the Lord to give me a word to declare over the year and I felt Him whispering VICTORY in my ear.

My first reaction was elation, but it was quickly replaced with a holy fear. As soon as I thought about it my naivety was displaced with reality. Victory is not achieved by sitting in your lazy boy with the remote in your hand. Victory is won on the battlefield. I knew that God was promising me Triumph, but gaining ground would involve a fight…not a physical one of course 🙂

Psalm 44:3

It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them. NIV

For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them. KJV

I didn’t want to accept this word, but God confirmed it through a set of circumstances and used this verse, Romans 8:37 to seal the promise.

[tweetthis]Victory is won on the battlefield[/tweetthis]

So here it is, August 28^th and I’m in the middle. It’s just past the middle of the calendar year and victory isn’t in sight, not even if I squint my eyes. I was reading Holley Gerth’s upcoming release, Fiercehearted for my next Ellen’s Pick book review and this paragraph encouraged my heart. I’m guessing it will do the same for you!

“But that middle place is the hardest—it’s the furnace and the refinery and what remakes us. It’s the labor and the sweat and the groaning. It can’t be skipped or minimized, diminished or forgotten. It matters and is to be honored.
But it is also not the end.”¹~Holley Gerth

So, if you’re in the middle and can’t see the victory God’s promised, does it make the promise any less true…any less reliable?

No, Despite ALL these things
It’s not the end!
OVERWHELMING VICTORY
is ours through Christ!

Last week I talked about how long it took for God’s promises to Abraham, David and Joseph to come true. Paul wrote about Abraham’s faith in God’s promises and this is what he said:

Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God,
but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,
being fully persuaded
that God had power to do what he had promised.
Romans 4:21-22 NIV

If you’re in the middle like me, don’t give up….don’t give in. Strengthen your faith, build your courage and be fully persuaded that God will do what He said! Victory is on the way!

[tweetthis]Victory implies your battle’s already been won.[/tweetthis]

Prayer

Father…I thank You for Your promises. Please help me not give up in the middle but to see how You’re at work refining me…preparing me for the future and let me trust you to the end so I can see the victory you have in store. In Jesus Name…Amen
```
HOPE TO SEE YOU TODAY
Facebook Live at 12:15pm EST 
on my Personal Facebook page 
TODAY: Monday, August 28, 2017
```
1. Gerth, Holley. Fiercehearted: Live Fully, Love Bravely (Advanced Reading Copy). © 2017 Holley Gerth. Revell Books: Grand Rapids, MI. pg.56
1. Romans 8:37
2. Psalm 44:3
3. Romans 4:20-21
4. Luke 1:37
#DARE2SHARE
POST IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW AND BOLSTER THE FAITH OF SOMEONE ELSE!

IF YOU LIKED THE REFRESHING IN THIS #SOULH2O DEVOTION, YOU LOVE MY LATEST SOUL H2O DEVOTIONAL BOOK: 40 THIRST QUENCHING DEVOTIONS FOR WOMEN.

YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:
MONDAY Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis , #SoulSurvival – Donna Riedland
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
Hold On Third
```
This was my 200th Soul H2O Devotion!!! 
In order to Celebrate
I ran a contest and gave away 
3 signed copies of the Soul H2O Devotional. 
```
“Since we are living by the Spirit,
let us follow the Spirit’s leading
in every part of our lives.”
~Galatians 5:25 NLT

In the last month I’ve had it good…I was taken to not just one, but two major league baseball games!

The first was a Toronto Blue Jays game {my favorite team} with all my family. Now that was an extra special time, bordering on a miracle, I mean how often is everyone in your family available? Last week we got to see a Detroit Tigers game at Comerica Park because my athletic hubby won two tickets for the longest drive at a golf tournament. This baseball lovin’ girl was so happy…as you can see!

HOLD ON THIRD

In the spring I had a dream where I was playing baseball. I saw myself running from second base towards third, looking to the baseline coach for direction; do I keep running to home plate, or do I stop? Since I kept waking up seeing myself on third base, I knew it was more than a late-night-pizza-dream and felt it was God wanting to speak to me.

Run Home!

As I prayed, the Holy Spirit whispered Hold on Third.

From my years of playing baseball, I knew what this meant and I didn’t like it.

My personality doesn’t like this sort of message. I want to hear “Run home baby, run home!” I believe there will be a time where I look and I see the coach motioning me to keep running, but today’s not that day. It’s not that time.

So often in life, we want to keep running the bases, not paying attention to or even listening for the direction of our coach. We can see what’s ahead and want to go for it but there’s no way we can see that a right-fielder is throwing the ball into the catcher and will take us out if we don’t hold up. This play would be happening behind our back, but the third-base coach would have a clear view of the whole field from his vantage point.

We have to be in tune with the Holy Spirit so we know when to hold and when to run. Just like a baseline coach who has a better visual of the field, God knows the times and seasons of our lives better than we do; so we need to trust him.

TRUST HIS TIMING

When I had the dream, the enemy wanted me to feel defeated, but I had to remind myself that God didn’t say “Go back to second or quit the game”; He simply said Hold on Third.

Sometimes you have to strategically hold on third, to get the run.

God’s pause is to prepare you for His purpose!

Abraham was 75 when God gave him the promise of having a child…
He was 99 when Isaac was born. That’s a 24 year pause.
David was anointed as king… 20 years before he wore the crown.
Joseph had a dream of ruling…
He had more than a 20 year pause before he was made Prime Minister of Egypt.

The Bible is filled with stories where God started doing something in someone’s life and then there was the pause. God seemed to tell them to, Hold on Third for quite a long time; often to the point where it seemed like their promise would never be fulfilled… but God is faithful to His word. His “delay” is not His denial.

[tweetthis]God’s pause is to prepare you for His purpose! Trust His Timing.[/tweetthis]

Prayer

Father…I thank You for the way You direct us. You speak to each of us in a language we understand if we open our ears to hear. You spoke to me in baseball terms; I ask you to speak to my friends in whatever ways are close to their hearts. Speak to them through dreams and visions, whispers and words, in unexplained ways that are confirmed by Your Word. Help them stay in step with You Holy Spirit, so a greater work can be accomplished through them. I ask this, In Jesus Name…Amen

[tweetthis]God’s “delay” is not His denial. Trust His Timing.[/tweetthis]
1. Galatians 5:25
2. Philippians 1:6, 10
3. John 6:63
4. Philippians 2:12
Thanks everyone for entering the contest and I hope you love the books!
~Sherry
xoxo

Published: August 21, 2017

Read More
Opening The Curtains

“God sits above the circle of the earth.
The people below seem like grasshoppers to him!
He spreads out the heavens like a curtain
and makes his tent from them.”
Isaiah 40:22 NLT

One of the first things in my morning routine is to open the curtains and all the blinds. At the trailer, it takes me much longer than at home to open the blinds and curtains because almost every wall is covered in windows. I do it because, I love light. Even with the increased amount of window coverings at camp…

Opening The Curtains Is One of The Easiest Things I Do All Day.

When I was reading this verse in Isaiah last week the third line jumped off the page. I re-read the verse and thought about what it was really saying. God is so big that He’s sitting above the earth and when He looks down at us we’re like grasshoppers in His sight.

We’re so small…God’s so big!

Isaiah then writes about how God spreads out the heavens like a curtain and makes his tent…the place where He lives…from them.” So, God creating the heavens takes as much effort for Him as it does for me to open the curtains in the morning. Think about that. When you understand what this verse is saying, your problems should seem small to you. What issue could you have that would be too difficult for a God who exerts this kind of power?

NO PROBLEM
is too great for our God,
who opens the heavens like He’s opening the curtains.

[tweetthis]What is difficult for me, is easy for God! Isaiah 40:22[/tweetthis]

I challenge you to add something to your morning routine. As you open the curtains and let the light in, declare “My problems are easy for God to handle.”

Prayer

Father…I thank You for being who You are! You are all powerful. No matter how big the problems in my life may seem, NOTHING is too difficult for You! Help me to keep this perspective as I face the trials in my life. Let me apply the truth of Your Word to my situation and walk the confidence of Your character. In Jesus Name…Amen

[tweetthis]NO PROBLEM is too great for our God![/tweetthis]

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you 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 40:22
2. Genesis 1:1
3. Isaiah 45:12
4. Jeremiah 32:17
YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:
MONDAY Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis ,
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