Soul H2O Devotions Archives - Page 30 of 32

Soul H2O Devotions

Ask, Don't Assume

“…when the Israelites heard that they had built the altar…the whole assembly of Israel gathered to go to war against them.” Joshua 22:11-12 (NIV)
Texting is both the best and worst invention of the century! How often are texts read with the wrong message being received? We can read them with the wrong tone and misunderstand what was trying to be said. Auto correct makes our lives even more difficult! When it comes to texting we would be good to “Ask” before we “assume” the worst!
The Israelites sort of followed the “Ask, Don’t Assume” motto. After they got into the Promised Land 2 ½ tribes settled across the Jordan River, by their choice. They’re called the Trans-Jordan Tribes. Immediately build an “imposing” altar the Bible says. It was big enough that it could either be seen across the river or was such a spectacle that it became all the talk. Somehow, the other 9 ½ Israelite tribes found out. They assumed that their relatives had left the faith and built an altar to another god. Infuriated, they were ready to go to war against them. Thankfully, they sent over tribal leaders to check out what was going on before sending over the army. Instead of asking though, they began telling the Trans-Jordan tribes off for leaving the faith in building the altar. How embarrassed they must have been when they finally let their brothers explain and found out that they built the altar to be a memorial that God brought them there. Their discussions brought the truth to light and strengthened their relationship with each other.
So, learn another lesson from watching the Israelites do it right and wrong. The next time someone upsets you, before you let your mind go crazy…Ask, don’t assume!
Prayer
Father…Thank-you for being with me in every circumstance of life. Please help me to control my thoughts and ask before I assume the worst. I need your help to wisely discern the situations of my life. In Jesus Name…Amen.

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Is it Too Late?

“Caleb said, ‘I was 40 years old when Moses sent me to explore the land…I followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly. On that day, Moses swore to me, “The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and the of your children forever because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.” He has kept me alive for forty-five years. I am today, eighty-five years old! Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day…the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said…Then Joshua blessed Caleb and gave him Hebron as his inheritance since he followed the LORD wholeheartedly…Then the land had rest from war’.”
Joshua 14:6-15 NIV

What an incredible story! Because Caleb followed God wholeheartedly, God gave him the strength to “take the hill country” that was promised to him through Moses 45 years earlier! Simply amazing that a man at 85 could fight and win an uphill battle!
We may feel too old or that the promise is too old, but God’s promises don’t have expiry dates! We can’t let the lies from the enemy or our feelings keep us from the promises that God has for us! Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength”. If Caleb wasn’t too old to go fight an uphill battle at 85 and win, then neither are we to do what God has called us to do!
“Fight the good fight” by living wholeheartedly for God and you will have the strength to take your hill country! May the Lord bless you as you wholeheartedly live for Him and see His promises fulfilled!
Prayer
Father…thank-you for your faithfulness! Help me to not give up hope on seeing your promises fulfilled in my life. May I be willing to stand up and fight for what you have for me! In Jesus Name…Amen.

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The Closeness Of God

“They will be my people, and I will be their God.”

Jeremiah32:38 (NIV)
Isn’t it amazing how the more you love someone the closer you want to get to them? From the beginning of the Bible in Genesis 3 we can read how God would come down and hang out with Adam and Eve in the garden. God originally created us to have fellowship with Him and even went so far as to create the perfect place to fellowship with us. Sin messed that all up.
In the Old Testament, it tells us that God dwelt “among” His people. There are so many scriptures that talk about it. All of them say the same thing. God came to dwell “among” us. Exodus 25:8 affirms this and then the following section of scripture gives instructions on how to build the Ark of The Covenant. The Ark was a symbol of God’s presence amongst the people. The priests were to put the Testimony—the record of God’s laws and promises inside the Ark.
As time passed God desired to come closer in relationship with us. Jesus came down to earth to live “among” us full-time. Even that no longer satisfied God’s desire for relationship with us. He wanted more. He wanted closer. In John 16:7 Jesus tells the people that it is better that He goes so that the Counselor, the Holy Spirit could come. The Holy Spirit came so that God could dwell “in” us! 1 Corinthians 3:16 tells us that we are God’s ‘temple’, His place of fellowship with others and that God’s spirit dwells “in” us.
God desires to grow closer in relationship with you! Open your heart today. Spend time with Him reading His Word and listening to His Voice. Allow the spirit within you to fellowship with Him, and He with YOU!
Father…May you enable us “Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us” to “carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to” us (2 Tm 1:14 NLT). May we move closer to You as you draw closer to us. In Jesus Name…Amen.
OT—God dwelt “among” His people
(Genesis 3:8; Exodus 25:8,29:45-46; Leviticus 26:11-12; 1Kings 6:13)
NT—God dwells “in” His people
(2 Timothy 1:14; Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 2:22,3:17)

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My Resurrection Story

“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
Romans 8:11 (NIV)

I love Easter. It’s a season to spend time thinking about what Christ did for us on the cross. Throughout Lent, St. James United in Waterdown, ON has been going through my book. From the youngest to the oldest person attending they have taken the past 6 weeks to direct their focus to all that Christ went through to bring us I grew up in a denomination where they didn’t observe Lent. I never knew much about it until this year. It has me thinking so much about all that Christ has done for me… for my salvation… for my Resurrection Story!

My “Resurrection” Story

The reality is that…

Something has to die for there to be a resurrection.

When I went through separation and divorce it was such a difficult time of my life. I had been in an unhealthy 20 year marriage that involved decades of counselling and many times of separation. I lived for a long time separated and didn’t let my friends know.
I was embarrassed, full of shame. I had a broken heart and a broken spirit. I absolutely thought my life was over.
Every dream I had died with the death of my first marriage.
When we’re going through hard times we’re often thinking, no one else has been through it this bad… it’s not fair…I don’t deserve this… God can’t understand me… but He can.
ISAIAH 53:5 tells me that:
“he was pierced for MY transgressions,
he was crushed for MY iniquities;
the punishment that brought ME peace was on him,
and by his wounds I am healed.
ISAIAH 53:5
Jesus was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities. He suffered and it wasn’t fair. He didn’t do anything wrong.
IT’S MY FAULT HE SUFFERED
IT WAS FOR HIS GREAT LOVE OF YOU AND ME THAT HE SUFFERED

When I went through separation and divorce it was such a difficult time of my life. I lived for a long time separated and didn’t let my friends know. I was embarrassed. I had a broken heart and a broken spirit. I absolutely thought my life was over.
If it wasn’t for my kids I don’t know what I would have done. They were my reason for living. They were struggling so much and needed a mom—more than ever before.
Before all of this heartache, I had been a “Cup Half Full” kind of person, always being described as “bubbly”.   There was nothing left in me to “bubble over”. I was depleted of every resource I had. With my marriage ending I thought any good plans I had for my life were over. I thought I would never be able to fulfill the call of God on my life. I thought I would die never having been truly loved. I felt dead inside. Through so many avenues God brought healing into my life: good friends, books, music, counseling, Divorce Care, Church, but mostly through His Word! His Word was always the place I ran to for refuge. I’m SO thankful that I made that my practice when I was younger. Reading the Word was my knee-jerk reaction to pain normally but with all the heartache I at first shied away from reading and praying. I actually had to force myself to read the Bible for a while. The book that had been so alive for me was just words on a page.
The more I read, the more faith began to rise up! I began to understand that no matter if I never experience the true love of a man, my Father in heaven loved me and His love is more than enough!
I was attending and amazing church and each week it felt like the pastor spoke right to my heart and need. A song that was sung often by the worship team was “Healer”. As I sang, the words washed over me and Daddy healed my heart.
“Healer”
You hold my very moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
And heal all my disease
I trust in You, I trust in You
I believe You’re my healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe
It goes on to say:
Nothing is impossible for You… You’re my healer
When my heart was strong again, God saw fit to bring a wonderful man into my life. His life and love have brought a deeper level of healing to my heart that is such a blessing to me! Todd’s encouragement has helped me to move forward and walk into the calling God has always had on my life. You reading these words are proof of that!
Since Todd came into my life I have published one book that he illustrated and have more in the works. God has opened the doors for me to travel and speak. My husband is publishing his first book. We’re helping each other to follow our dreams. Dreams God placed in my heart as a 19 year old girl! Writing, speaking, one in marriage and ministry, my children doing well…these were all dreams that had died for me!
God resurrected them all!
The Bible is true when it says that,
“if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” Romans 8:11 (NIV)
This Easter, if you’ve never opened up your spirit to Christ I beg you to invite Him in. Once you allow Him in, the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead will be at work inside of YOU, bringing those places that you thought were dead to new LIFE in Christ!
If you are a believer, allow My “Resurrection” Story to increase your faith to believe for YOUR “Resurrection” Story!
May you have the Most Blessed Easter!
With love,
Sherry Stahl
#musicpic
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE HILLSONG CHURCH SINGING “HEALER”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7M6nTV1tFs

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Contentment That Leads To Victory!

“Contentment makes poor men rich, and discontent makes rich men poor.“
Benjamin Franklin

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances…I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV) 13 (NLT)

Contentment That Leads To Robinson’s Victory

One of my favorite childhood memories from Disney World was climbing up the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse! The attraction was the best adventure at Disney for me! I was mesmerized by all of the inventions that helped them survive. The SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON book and TV series was an adaptation of the book, ROBINSON CRUSOE. The story inspired so many plays, movies and clearly Walt Disney!

In the original book, Robinson ends up shipwrecked on a deserted island. He finds a Bible inside one of the pirate chests. Reading the Word changes his life! As he reads, he begins to accept his situation and learn to live in his circumstances. Amazingly, after coming to peace while living in hard times, God blesses Robinson and provides a way out. He eventually breaks free of his captivity and returns to his homeland of England.

Paul Learned To Be Contented

Paul describes it well when he talks about how he “learned” to be content. It is NOT something that comes naturally! Well, at least not to me! Hebrews 13:5 says “be content with what you have because God has said ‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you!” True contentment comes when we learn, like Paul and Robinson Crusoe that God is with us no matter what desert, or deserted island we face. When we are at peace in the middle of the storm, that’s when Victory has come and Freedom is following close behind!

Prayer

Father…Thank-you for always being with me. Thank-you for walking with me in every circumstance I face: When thing are going well, or when trouble strikes. Help me to always live in the confidence that You are with me so I can truly be content and see your Victory! 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.

WHERE YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP MY BLOG WITH OR PLACES WHERE MY WRITING HAS BEEN FEATURED

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40 Days In The Man Cave

Can’t seem to find a ‘Mans Man’ Devotional?
Well search no more!
My husband Todd—the firefighter, author, artist and illustrator of WATER IN THE DESERT recently completed a NEW Men’s Daily Devotional.

40 DAYS IN THE MAN CAVE is scattered with humorous, interesting stories about the importance of men carving out a few minutes within their crazy schedules to spend time with God and ‘Crave The Cave’.

After years of searching the book shelves Todd feels God has placed in his heart the need for a “Man’s Man” devotional.

This is for the guy who wants to uncover more out of the bible without having to hand in his Man Card!
If this describes you, or someone you know, consider reading a pre-published copy.
We NEED your input before 40 days in the Man Cave hits the shelves!
7 guys will be chosen.. all we ask is..
- Email: toddstahlart@gmail.com Subject Line: Book Review
- Tell us why you want to be included for this selected group
- We will be happy to send you a manuscript and a small questionnaire to complete so we can receive your honest input.
- Simply fill out the questionnaire and email/mail it back to us so we can make the book even better!
For your time and assistance you will receive a signed copy upon publication!

http://WWW.TODDSTAHL.COM

SAMPLER

CLICK HERE TO READ A DEVOTIONAL SAMPLER

YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED!

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Fight The Urge To Repeat

“When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, who are Levites carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before.”

Joshua 3:3-4 NIV
Just because the problem looks the same, doesn’t mean that God’s solution is the same.
The Israelites were again at the place where they had to cross over a raging body of water to break free. To some it might have looked like a similar situation, but God was telling them that it wasn’t. He said they had never been there before. Moses got into trouble when he tried to just do it the same way as he did before when the people were crying out for water again. Moses had even taken the time to ask God what to do, but he ignored the directions God gave to him. God instructed Moses to speak to the rock and water would gush out. Instead, Moses struck the rock, like he had done before. The choice to repeat instead of follow cost Moses the right to enter The Promised Land.
God’s desire is that we be in relationship with Him. He wants us to consult Him, to spend enough time with Him that we know what His direction is. He doesn’t want us assuming we know what to do, even if we’ve “been that way before”. So, fight the urge to repeat and ask God what He wills for you today!
Prayer
Father…I want to thank-you for speaking. I’m so glad you’re alive and able to direct me where I need to go. Help me to always ask for Your direction and follow Your lead! In Jesus name…Amen.

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It Ain't Always Easy!

“Choose 12 men from among the people, one from each tribe, and tell them to take up 12 stones from the middle of the Jordan from right where the priests stood and to carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight…to serve as a sign among you…These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:2-3,6,7
A counselor I saw one time said “If God asks you to cross the road, you can bet there’ll be a parade on the street”. God’s plan is often simple, but it ain’t always easy!
The Israelites didn’t know easy!
This request from God was to me the most difficult in the desert exodus to the Promise Land. At first all they had to do was dip their toes in the Jordan River and then God parted the waters for them to walk across on dry ground with a strong wind. Scripture tells us that the river was at flood stage. A rushing river and strong winds would make for a scary crossing over! I would think the Priests first thought would be to get to the other side and away from the danger, but twelve men had to go back into the middle of the parted river and pick out twelve stones. Research suggests that where they crossed the river would have been about 360 feet at that time. To give you perspective, that’s the distance of an NFL Football field with raging water heaped up on either side of you! Gulp. Take a deep breath, and go back in there boys! Imagine the faith they had to muster up to fulfill the task God called them to? They probably were thinking, “This is stupid. It doesn’t make sense. What difference is it going to make if I get a stone and we pile them up? Why is God making me do this?”
They had no way of knowing how many sermons and books would be written about their heroic task. No idea that their seemingly unimportant step of faith would motivate others for centuries! Take a step of faith, no matter how difficult and follow God today! You’ll never know how many people’s lives you will inspire!
Prayer
Father…I thank-you for all the examples you give in your Word that let me see real people, living out real faith. Help me to go beyond the easy and press forward to what you’ve called me to do. Let me not shrink back when things get difficult but accomplish what you’ve called me to do so that others will be inspired. In Jesus name…Amen.

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VICTORY
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This devotion ‘VICTORY’ was originally published on my blog (March 14, 2014):  
 It was later published in Soul H2O: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions For Women:
                             (c) 2016 Word Alive Press Winnipeg, MB
The devotion was also featured on Danielle Macauley's Blog (January 9, 2016)  
www.frommilktomeat.com
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Watch my spontaneous Facebook Live “ON THE WAY TO VICTORY” where I read through this devotion and share what the Lord spoke to me as I read it for my devotions when the book published. Not my professional best work, but from the heart <3 and encouraged so many. Praying it encourages you! (November 2, 2016)

VICTORY

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV

The previous Soul H2O devotion; Obedient Faith…Brings Rest ended with today’s verse, some encouragement and a quote from Winston Churchill.

“To keep your promise, you need to live out the words of Winston Churchill and
“Never, never, never give up!”

Reading the quote by Churchill led me to research his life. He was such an inspiring man in a potentially depressing time.
In 1941, while World War II was raging and Europe was being held captive by a murderous madman, “Victor de Laveleye, former Belgian Minister of Justice and director of the Belgian French-speaking broadcasts on the BBC”7 encouraged Belgians to form their hands into the V shape to represent victory. Months later, Winston Churchill began using the V sign in a speech.
For four more years, through great tribulation and much defeat, Churchill continued to use this hand sign to address the people of England.¹ This was a visual sign of his confidence in their victory. To their enemy, it was also a visual defiance and a clear message of their perseverance as a nation. The character trait that most impressed me about Churchill was his optimism.

[tweetthis remove_url=”true”]Churchill impacted a nation to not throw away their confidence and persevere ON THEIR WAY to victory.[/tweetthis]

Let this same mindset be yours. Signal to your enemy that you will endure until victory is achieved and you receive all that God has promised!

PRAYER:

Father, May a spirit of confidence in Your promises sweep over my spirit so I can persevere through anything the enemy throws my way. Help me to signal confidence and victory that will inspire others around me to great faith! 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.

DRAWING FROM THE WELL
- Hebrews 10:35–36
- Genesis 17:5
- Romans 4:17-18
- Ephesians 3:12
¹ Wikipedia, “V Sign.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V_sign Date of access: March 23, 2014
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Watch my spontaneous Facebook Live “ON THE WAY TO VICTORY” where I read through this devotion and share what the Lord spoke to me as I read it for my devotions when the book published.   Not my professional best work, but from the heart <3 and encouraged so many. Praying it encourages you!  (November 2, 2016)
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Keeping The Promise

“By the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho the LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you cross the Jordan into Canaan, drive out all the inhabitants of the land before you. Destroy all their carved images and their cast idols, and demolish all their high places. Take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have given you the land to possess.” (Numbers 33:50-53 NIV)
“I HAVE TO DO WHAT???” I’m trying to imagine how the Israelites felt when they heard this direction from the Lord. I can see them saying, “I have to do what? Don’t you know we just got out of the dry, difficult desert? Shouldn’t we be on easy street now?” The Israelites once in the Promised Land had to continue battling nations that opposed them. We have to stop being shocked that once we get our promise it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. The battle we had to fight to get our promise is sometimes easier than the battle to keep our promise, but there will be blessings to balance out the hardship.
Think of David’s life and the progression of enemies he had to face—Lion…Bear….Goliath…Saul….ABSOLOM. At first you would think that the biggest battle he had to face was Goliath, but I think having to stand up against the leader he served and then having his son as an enemy would be far worse than a 9 foot giant he never knew. His last battles were closest to his heart.
The bigger the battle won, the bigger the reward. “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:35-36) Live out the words of Winston Churchill and “Never, Never, Never Give Up!”
Prayer:
Father…I thank-you that you are with me. You give me what I need to face every enemy that comes against me. Help me to push forward and take hold of and keep the promise you have for me. In Jesus name, Amen

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