Soul H2O Devotions Archives - Page 14 of 32

Soul H2O Devotions

Fight like a boxer

Staying in the theme of last week’s Facebook Live and blog post, DO YOU NEED TO TAKE DOWN A GOLIATH?
I’ve written today’s #SoulH2O Devotion, Fight Like a Boxer.

FIGHT LIKE A BOXER
```
“I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.”
                                                   1 Corinthians 9:26
```
If you’ve been reading my posts for a while, you know I’m not your typical girl. You know I grew up in a drag racing family, but that isn’t the only tom-boy part of me. I’m going to tell you something only a few of you may know about me…

My Family

The hot-rod, drag racing family of mine was also into boxing. My Great-Uncle Ray started a boxing club in Welland, Ontario that is still run by his side of our family.

Selling T-shirts with Lori, Matt & Leo at one of Uncle Ken’s Boxing matches in Niagara Falls.

Uncle Ray was well-known for training a boxer named Tommy (The Bomb) Glesby. Tommy and I were only a year apart in age, so I remember him coming over to our house. For a long time, Tommy pretty much went wherever Uncle Ray did. Performing his role as an Olympic Boxing Coach for Tommy in the 1988 and 1992 Olympics was one of the highlights of his life.

Uncle Ray was inducted into the Welland Sports Wall of Fame along with the Canadian and Ontario boxing Halls of Fame.

Another Uncle of mine was a boxing ring designer and his son; my cousin Kenny, won the Golden Gloves a few times. My sister and I loved going to our cousin’s fights. We were the two, cute little blonde girls sitting along the ropes yelling, “Jab, Uppercut, Jab, Uppercut.” Lori and I laugh now when we reminisce.

Paul Instructs us to Fight Like a Boxer

I think it’s safe to say that Paul must have been an athletic guy because he uses a lot of sports analogies. In 1 Corinthians 9:26, he compares fighting against the enemy of our souls to boxing. Paul knew that beating the air was a waste of energy, taking shots in the wrong direction.

Boxers who win in the ring,
are cut from a different cloth
than those who just spar in the gym.

Training is the key to longevity as a fighter, but you have to get into the ring if you’re going to defeat your enemy. I spent enough time around boxing clubs and matches to know that you can’t be a “one-trick pony” in the ring.

The Title Boxing website¹ gives an extensive list of maneuvers you need to master in the ring: the jab, uppercut, footwork, cross or hook punch, body shot, defense, and it’s essential to have the right heart. If you want to take home the belt, you must be trained to handle both the physical and mental elements a fight demands. I couldn’t word it better than the Title Boxing website when it says,

“Being a fighter takes a special combination of skill and will, power and finesse and an unmatched physical and mental toughness. Boxing requires a resolve to not only survive, but thrive in any situation you’re faced with. From technique to tenacity, these are the most important characteristics of any great fighter.”²

I hope you think of all the spiritual applications as you read that paragraph. When you approach the battles you face I hope you learn to…

FIGHT LIKE A BOXER

“Being a true fighter, you are made up of so much more than a set of skills…you are made up of a set of wills. You possess an inner belief in yourself, an intense need to compete, unwavering determination to overcome and the desire to win at all costs. You are not a fighter by choice, but by determination and destiny. Having heart isn’t just about being able to take punches, absorb punishment and keep coming back for more. It’s about digging deeper than most can, more than what’s common or comfortable…no matter which side of the beating you’re on. A physical heart may beat solidly in your chest, but a fighter’s heart echoes through his soul.”³

So, to fight like a boxer you’ve got to: stop beating the air, get into the ring, and take down your Goliath!

Prayer

Father…I thank you for teaching me how to fight the Goliaths in my life. I know that Your Word confirms I’m seated in the winning corner. Help me to take my position as an over-comer and fight till I see the victory you have in store. In Jesus Name…Amen

[tweetthis]Fight like a boxer…get into the ring & take down your #Goliath![/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]Fight for Victory![/tweetthis]

#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.

Napper’s Boxing Club Official Documentary

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
1. Title Boxing Website Accessed: 2017-08-07 https://www.titleboxing.com/
2. Title Boxing Website Accessed: 2017-08-07https://www.titleboxing.com/news/the-attributes-of-a-fighter/
3. Ibid.
Read More
Is Your Believer Broken?

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea blown and tossed by the wind.”
James 1:6 NIV

Believing is a big thing in the Christian faith. In the NIV translation of the Bible there are 448 versions of the word believe, not including all the times it uses synonyms like the words trust or faith. Have you ever asked, “Are they a believer?” to find out if someone was a Christian? The term used to describe people who follow Christ holds a fundamental assumption that ‘we believe’. But if that’s true, then why does James address doubt?

The reality is that we all struggle with doubt in varying degrees.

In this portion of Scripture, James is encouraging believers to ask God for something and then he tells us we need to believe and not doubt. Verse seven warns us that anyone who doesn’t believe and doubts what they asked God for won’t receive it. OUCH! James calls doubters ‘double-minded’ people and says they are “unstable in all they do”. OUCH again!

Sounds a little harsh doesn’t it? So, was James just being mean or was he showing the ultimate concern for his fellow believers when he penned this portion of Scripture? This “come to Jesus” message is James’ loving wake-up call for us all. He’s trying to jar us out of the numbness that doubt causes and challenging our hearts to trust God will fulfill what we’ve asked of Him.

Let me ask you, “Is your believer broken?”

If the answer’s yes, then let’s work to build up your faith in the promises and faithfulness of God. Read through the 10 VERSES TO HELP YOU KEEP BELIEVING listed below and join in this prayer with me.

Prayer

Father…Today I choose to believe in You! In those areas where my believer is broken I ask you to put a spiritual cast on and heal up my doubt. Help me not to be double-minded. I ask for boldness to speak out faithful words of confidence trusting you will do all I ask that’s in line with Your will. If You said it, You WILL do it, and I BELIEVE IT! In Jesus Name…Amen

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!

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

Read More
Don’t Eat What The Dog’s Eating

In honor of my dog-loving kids I’ve decided to run a 3 Part Series called LESSONS FROM THE FAMILY DOG. Here’s the last one, Lesson #3 Don’t Eat What The Dog’s Eating. If you haven’t gotten to read the others, here is Lesson #1 Live with Doggie On The Bone Tenacity & Lesson #2 Don’t Be Found Yanking a Dog’s Ears.

Don’t Eat What The Dog’s Eating

“As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.”
Proverbs 26:11 NIV

Every time I read this verse I kind of laugh. I grew up on a farm so I’ve gotta admit, I’ve seen it happen and it’s as gross as you’re thinking.

People say they don’t read the Bible because it’s boring or outdated and I just don’t get it? I feel God likes to speak with shock-value at times, and this is one of those verses. It’s like He’s trying to jar us awake by His words; using the most vivid and yes, most disgusting imagery possible, but doesn’t it get the message across like no other statement could?

Don’t Eat What The Dog’s Eating

I know that goes without saying, but let’s apply this principle of not going back to something even your body knew was bad for you, to your everyday life. This quote from Albert Einstein might clarify things and say it in a gentler, maybe more politically correct, yet forward way:

Recently I’ve had to make changes in my personal life and business that were hard to do, but I have accepted they were ways that weren’t working. It would be foolish to continue repeating my actions and expect it to work out.

Ecclesiastes 3 teaches there is a time for everything and verse 6 says there is “a time to search and a time to give up.”

My personality is great at the first part of this verse. I love to search out new things, but I don’t always know when it’s time to give up and try something new. I don’t like ‘quitting’, but…

Sometimes giving up isn’t quitting;
it’s closing one door so you can open another and find the way that’s right for you.

I believe the message God wants to speak to some of you today is…

Stop Repeating Things that don’t work.

And then…ask God what He does want you to do?

Prayer

Father…I’m struggling with this word today. I like to know what I’m doing and have consistency in my life. I’m not a fan of change and I don’t like admitting something I’ve been doing isn’t working. I think I can fix it but I can’t. Please help me to open up my ears, listen for Your direction and walk through the right door. I will stop what you say to stop and start what you say to start, for Your ways are higher. In Jesus Name…Amen

[tweetthis]Don’t Eat What The Dog’s Eating…Read: PR 26:11 in this post #nodogfood [/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!

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

Read More
Don’t Be Found Yanking a Dog’s Ears

Last week I wrote a devotion called DOGGIE ON A BONE TENACITY. The day after I wrote it I read today’s verse and then began thinking about another verse in the Bible that reference dogs. So, in honor of my dog-loving kids I’ve decided to run a short 3 Part Series called: LESSONS FROM THE FAMILY DOG. Here is Lesson #2, Don’t Be Found Yanking a Dog’s Ears. If you’d like to read them all, here is Lesson #1 Live with Doggie On The Bone Tenacity and Lesson #3 Don’t Eat What The Dog’s Eating

Don’t Be Found Yanking a Dog’s Ears

“Interfering in someone else’s argument is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears.”
Proverbs 26:17 NLT

Years ago I became friends with a girl who was about 10 years older than me. Through our relationship I also became friends with her adult daughter. Because of their past history they often had relational issues and my friend regularly asked for my advice.

One time the daughter came to me with a situation between the two of them and because of the commonality of them getting me involved, I sent my friend a note with my ideas on how to help resolve this current conflict.

I expected her to respond in gratitude for my love, care and insight into their problem. The response was as gentle as what would happen when yanking a dog’s ears!

I learned a valuable lesson through this experience, but sadly it cost me a friendship; actually, two of them. I hope that sharing my story when I interfered in someone else’s argument will spare you the same consequences. When we’re in relationship with people it’s so hard not to be involved with what’s going on in their lives.

The closer our relationship to a person the easier it is to have the boundary lines blurred as to what is our business and what isn’t.

We need to exercise wisdom and discernment to know the difference and stay constantly alert to the borderline. Wisdom is holding back when giving advice until it’s requested.

This is something I struggle with. The teacher in me wants to help guide people, but some haven’t signed up for my course; if you get what I mean.

So, learn from my mistake…Unless you feel a clear direction from the Lord, Don’t be foolish and rush into someone else’s argument, unless they’ve invited you in, and sometimes not even then. You might just save yourself from getting bit!

Prayer

Father…In so much of life I need your discernment to make the right decisions; especially when it comes to human relationships. There often aren’t clear boundaries and I can unknowingly cross the line. Please help me to question more and jump in less. Let me walk in divine guidance in the words that I speak, the emotions I express and the relationships I involve myself with. In Jesus Name…Amen

[tweetthis]Interfering in someone else’s argument is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears Pr 26:17[/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!

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

Read More
Do You Have ‘Doggie on a Bone’ Tenacity?

I wrote this devotion called DOGGIE ON A BONE TENACITY and the day after I wrote it, I read today’s verse and then began thinking about another verse in the Bible that reference dogs. So, in honor of my dog-loving kids, I decided to run a short 3 Part Series called: LESSONS FROM THE FAMILY DOG. Here is Lesson #2, Don’t Be Found Yanking a Dog’s Ears and Lesson #3 Don’t Eat What The Dog’s Eating

“See, the LORD your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 1:21 NIV

My son Brandon loves dogs so, when we got an Australian Shepherd he spent hours training her. Brandon had this routine with Roxy where he would hold out her rawhide dog bone, have her ‘sit’ and then he would tell her to ‘stay’. He kept saying stay for different intervals of time and then, with excitement in his voice he would say, “Come get it” and with tenacity she would run at him and grab the rawhide in her mouth. When Brandon would try to get the bone back so he could go through the routine again he had a hard time, and almost lost a finger on a few occasions!

Do You Have ‘Doggie on a Bone’ Tenacity?

As I read this scripture in Deuteronomy I believe that God wants you to have the same tenacity to take possession of all that He has for you as Roxy did for getting her rawhide bone from Brandon.

First, you need to open your spiritual eyes and see what God has given you. It’s not a new age practice to visualize a goal. Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish”. You need to keep God’s promise in front of you, you need to see it with your mind’s eye.

The next step is to believe that God has given it to you. If you understand that God has given it to you then you won’t easily let others take it away from you, just like Roxy.

The last step is to “Go up and TAKE possession of it”. God doesn’t want weak-willed, soft Christians. He desires for you to be strong. He tells you in this verse to not be afraid and not be discouraged.

There’s no room for excuses, no place for backing down,
just a command to go get all that God has for you.

So, take some lessons from Roxy.

Stay until God gives you the command and then when He says ‘Go’ have that Doggie on a bone tenacity and take possession of all God has for you!

Prayer

Father…I know Your plans for me are good and I know they’re going to be exciting. Open my spiritual eyes to see what you have prepared for me so I don’t question it when times get tough. I will tenaciously chase after all that you have for me and not give in, go back or quit. I will take possession of every good thing You have for me. In Jesus Name…Amen

[tweetthis]Do You Have ‘Doggie on a Bone’ Tenacity?[/tweetthis]

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

After I wrote this devotion encouraging you to live with Doggie On A Bone Tenacity I read another verse in the Bible that mentioned dogs and THAT led me to think about another verse in the Bible that reference dogs. So, in honor of my dog-loving kids I’ve decided to run a short 3 Part Series called LESSONS FROM THE FAMILY DOG. If you’d like to read them all I’ll add the links once they’re posted.
Lesson #2 Don’t Be Found Yanking a Dog’s Ears & Lesson #3 Don’t Eat What The Dog’s Eating.

#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 ,
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

Read More
Feel Like Someone’s Trying to Wear You Down?

This morning I was getting ready for church and I went to sharpen my eyebrow pencil but there was nothing left. I had sharpened it so many times that it was completely worn out, there was nothing left inside. I looked at the pencil and thought it was a pretty good representation of how I was feeling.

“He will speak out against the Most High
and
wear down the saints of the Highest One”
Daniel 7:25 NASB

Have you ever Felt Like Someone’s Trying to Wear You Down?

Issues unresolved in my life for almost a decade have left my energy depleted. It’s frustrating because in so many areas of my life I have seen such tremendous growth and increase, yet in this area the enemy ‘seems’ to have the upper hand.

Proverbs 17:22 says, “a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.”

You see, there literally is someone trying to wear You down. The enemy of your soul is trying to break your spirit so he can sap your energy and get you to quit. When talking about the devil, Jesus reminds us that he comes only to steal, kill and destroy. The devil doesn’t have any good plans for your life…but God does!

God has planned for your victory.

Understanding victory is only achieved through a battle helps you accept that although victory doesn’t come easy, it will come!

If you’re feeling worn down, worn out, and sapped of strength today…please don’t give up! Fight the urge to “become weary in doing good, for at the proper time” you “will reap a harvest if” you “do not give up.”³

Prayer

Father…I thank You for promising me victory. The enemy will do his best to try and wear me down, but Your joy will be my strength. You have given me everything I need for life and I trust that you will use this current battle to bring about overwhelming victory in my life! In Jesus’ Name…Amen

If you’re feeling worn down, worn out and sapped of strength today…please don’t give up! Click To Tweet

VICTORY doesn't come easy, but it WILL come! Click To Tweet

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!

¹John 10:10
²Jeremiah 29:11
³Galatians 6:9
⁴Romans 8:37

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

Read More
You’ve Got to Run at The Enemy

“As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him.”
1 Samuel 17:48 NLT

When I was young my parents auto mechanics shop was located in a rough area of downtown Hamilton. German Shepherd guard dogs kept the building safe.

Some of the people who worked for our family had what you might call ‘interesting backgrounds’. One of my favorites was a guy named Jimmy; my sister Lori and I loved him. He was an excellent employee trying to cut all ties from his former connections when a dangerous biker gang started putting pressure on his little brother. In confidence Jimmy went to the clubhouse to confront them and warn them to leave his brother alone. When Jimmy turned to walk away they shot him in the back.

The Funeral

Lori and I were distraught at Jimmy’s funeral. As a little girl I wondered why there were so many police in the funeral home and parked along the road to the cemetery, but my adult self fully understands.

Jimmy’s Fatal Error

Jimmy’s error was in turning his back to the enemy. All too often we run away from the enemy, leaving ourselves open for attack.

[tweetthis]All too often we run away from the enemy, leaving ourselves open for attack.[/tweetthis]

You’ve Got to Run at The Enemy

David was a born warrior so he knew not to do this, he knew exactly how to defeat the enemy. Scripture tells us that “David quickly ran out to meet” Goliath. He didn’t sit back, cower back or turn and run away. David ran towards the enemy.

Comparing this verse with another set of warrior verses in the Bible, it’s interesting to me that when Paul encourages us to “put on the full armor of God” in Ephesians 6¹ there isn’t one article described to cover your back. It makes me ask, Why would God leave us unprotected?

I believe God never intended for you to turn away from the enemy. God knew that you would only be safe as you move forward and run at the enemy.

Prayer

Father…Today I choose to put on a full set of armor.

On my head, I place the helmet of salvation to guard my thoughts. I’m wrapping the belt of Your truth around my waist and cinching it in tight. I’m protecting my heart, with the breastplate of Your righteousness and tying up my shoes getting ready to run with the gospel of peace. I extinguish all the enemy’s darts as I raise up the shield my faith in You provides. In my hand I place the sword of Your Word and it is Your Word I will declare as I run at the enemy! In Jesus Name…Amen
1. Ephesians 6:13-17
The Armor of God

¹³Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

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!

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

Read More
Saying The Right Thing

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23 NIV

“I just can’t take it anymore!” These are terribly hopeless words of complete surrender to defeat. Years ago, in a place of brokenness I quoted them too much. At some point I felt the Holy Spirit speaking to me and encouraging me to be careful with what I allowed to roll off my lips. So, when those words came spilling out of my mouth recently, alarms started going off in my head. I knew that I no longer was saying the right thing.

The confession of my mouth was negative, void of hope or faith. The opposite is what I needed to declare.

Only days later, my daughter reminded me how to speak in hope. Shelby was talking with her friends and professed about her future in hope and faith. Shelby spoke words to the direction God gave her a few years ago for her life.

The writer of Hebrews was encouraging believers to profess their hope. Since profess isn’t a word I normally use (and maybe you don’t either) I looked this verse up in the original Greek. Strong’s concordance explains that profess means to “speak to a conclusion”¹. Our profession; our spoken words need to speak to the end…not to our current situation. Profess hope for your future in the words you speak.

So…

What are you professing?

Are you releasing your faith through what you say or binding it up?

Are you saying the right thing?

Prayer

Father…let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You. Help me to set a guard around my mouth so I can eat of the good fruit that my words produce and not the bitter. I will hold unswervingly to the hope I hold in You and profess it with my words because YOU ARE FAITHFUL! In Jesus Name…Amen

#Dare2Share
Post in the Comment Section below and bolster the faith of someone else!

¹ https://biblehub.com/greek/3671.htm

DRAWING FROM THE WELL
1. Hebrews 10:23
2. Proverbs 18:21
3. Matthew 12:36-37
4. Psalm 19:14
5. Romans 4:17
Read More
Do You Feel Adequate For The Task?

“And who is adequate for such a task as this?”
2 Corinthians 2:16 (b) NIV

This Sunday was a big day for me. I preached at my home church in Hamilton, ON with a crowd that included a lot of family, friends, former members of my teenage youth group and members of the Jr. High youth group I led. Preaching from the pulpit that brought me a large majority of the sermons I’ve heard seemed quite surreal. People may find this hard to believe but in the morning of the day I spoke I was a nervous wreck. I began to question whether or not I was adequate for the task.

[tweetthis]Do You Feel Adequate For The Task?[/tweetthis]

Do You Feel Adequate For The Task?

Before I spoke, thoughts of inadequacy were running through my head. Phrases were flitting through my mind, mocking me: “I’m divorced”, “These people knew me when I was young and immature”, “My family knows all my flaws”, “who am I to stand in the pulpit where so many great men and women of the faith have stood?”, did I mention, “I’m divorced”. I questioned my right to do anything for God.

The truth is, I’m not adequate and neither are you.

None of us are. Paul came to this conclusion when sending the letter to the Corinthians. Just a few verses after his question “And who is adequate for such a task as this?” Paul settles the answer in his mind when he says, “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.”¹

If you haven’t heard it said, you need to hear it…

God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.

Today, don’t let yourself question if you’re adequate for the task. Walk in confidence to do all you’re called to, knowing your competence comes from God!

Prayer

Father…I’m relieved to know the pressure is off of me. I don’t have to be good enough, because You are! Help me to walk with lighter steps today trusting in your all-sufficiency. Your divine power has given me everything I need for life and godliness.² Thank You for making me, adequate for the task. In Jesus Name…Amen

#Dare2Share
Post in the Comment Section below and bolster the faith of someone else!

¹ 2 Corinthians 3:5 NIV
²2 Peter 1:3

DRAWING FROM THE WELL
1. 2 Corinthians 2:16 (b)
2. 2 Corinthians 3:4-6
3. 2 Peter 1:3
4. Genesis 41:16
You Can Buy The Posters Here:

LifePosters:
https://www.lifeposters.org/shop/christian-posters-youth-seriously/

Slingshot Christian Products:
https://store.slingshotchristianproducts.com/blogs/shotsfromthesling/12501905-do-you-seriously-think-god-cant-use-you

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

Read More
Why Mothers Are Always So Tired

This post is to help any non-moms understand why mothers are always so tired!

“…in humility value others above yourselves, let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
PHILIPPIANS 2:3-4 NIV

When I became a mother, I never knew how much work was involved! You see, I had babysat a million or so times and thought I’d be a pro… but, good moms, are much more than babysitters.

Really good mothers are selfless and, they take Scripture to heart.

The Job Checklist

Loving moms live out these verses on a day-to-day basis, putting the needs of their children before their own. Moms are willing to stay up late or get up early; to wash clothes, cook a meal, prepare lunches, sit with a sick child, clean the house, work from home, ‘help’ do homework, listen to a broken heart, wipe away tears, and other questionable substances.

For many moms of littles, tweens, or teens right now, you know that being what your kids need takes a lot of effort and Covid-19 has added the role of teacher to the litany of job requirements.

And that’s why mothers are always so tired!

In Philippians 2:3-4 Paul was encouraging believers to treat each other well. He reminded us all to have the same attitude of Christ in the way we interact with one other. He instructed with these words:

“don’t be selfish and…
think of others as better than yourselves…
take care of the interests of others…
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”

Leading By Example

As a great leader, Jesus never asks us to do anything He hasn’t already shown us by example. The selfless characteristic of a mother comes from being made in the image of God. At no other time do we reveal the attitude of Christ better than when we place the needs of others, before our own.

But sometimes it’s hard to know when to stop helping and take a rest. It seems Jesus was very discerning with his need to balance work and rest, but I don’t think many moms have mastered this divine dance.

Moms would be wise to heed the advice in Galatians 6:9 and discern, where to draw the line, taking to heart these words that say,

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time… we will reap a harvest… if we do not give up.

Wise moms rely on God’s strength to help them be the best mother they can be, not wearing themselves as thin as the carpet on their floors. Oh! How I wish I’d been a wiser mom when my kids were little.

Mothers, it’s my prayer that you understand how valuable your labour is. You are truly the hands of God extended to your child. Believers everywhere, follow in the attitude of Christ to be His hands and feet to those around you.

Prayer

Father…I thank You for showing me how to love self-lessly by sending Your one and only son to earth. Let me not become weary in well-doing as I follow Your lead. I ask You to help me love in the attitude of Christ, placing proper value on those around me and providing for their needs. In Jesus Name…Amen

Related Soul H2O Radio/Podcast Episode

Ep#39 The Weary Mom Syndrome

I hope this conversation with Heather Rodin and Becki Baxter help provide some practical tips to break the crazy cycle of The Weary Mom Syndrome in your life and leave you refreshed!
http://www.soulh2o.com/39

Read More