Soul H2O Devotions

  • Nehemiah–Wash Behind Your Hears

    todd stahl nehemiahGood Morning!  In the past few months my computer has been in the shop a few times and it decided to crash again.  I know from many of your emails that these Monday morning devotions are a boost to your week so even though I can’t access my devotions I’m still posting one.  It’s the first devotion from my hubby’s book (Details below) and it’s really good!  Be encouraged today as you read and no matter what happens…DON’T GIVE UP!!!

    Nehemiah--Wash Behind Your Hears...

    God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down…Already I’m singing God-songs; I’m making music to God.
    —PSALM 27:6

    Many times in my life, I have given too much thought to background noise. Those voices attempt to make you think aspects of your life are falling apart. You anticipate that the future will be a scary place, or the walls feel as if they’re pressing in on you like a vice. Do not allow those sounds to be played. God has provided courage and faith to confront your fear and anxiety.

    Nehemiah, a mighty man in the Bible, encountered an excellent example of this dilemma. At a time when he could have been comfortable with his highly honored position of cupbearer for the king, God spoke to him, confirming that he would be the lead man to reconstruct the walls around the city of Jerusalem.

    During the physical work, Nehemiah heard sounds of criticism, verbal attacks, and false accusations day in and day out. Nehemiah refused to listen. He kept his focus. Not only did he refuse to crumble to the background noise, he and his construction crew completed the job in record time!

    Don’t be surprised if the devil starts heating up the adversity when you pursue a goal that God has confirmed in your heart. In your own life, scrub away those  words or thoughts that have held you back from spiritual growth. Listen for the  voice of encouragement.  Open your spiritual ears to hear what God is saying to you today.

    The enemy desires nothing better than to play the sounds of negativity, doubt, and confusion in our minds, hoping we’ll lose focus. These words are attempts to smother the dreams God placed in us to fulfill. Turn off the old playlist of doubt and fear. Download the new sounds God has given to you—lyrics of hope, anticipation, and excitement towards a future that is music to your hears!

    Prayer

    Father…Help me today to focus on You and Your plan for my life.  Please help me to “tune in” to your station so I hear Your voice of encouragement and not the negative voice of the enemy as I move forward towards Your great purposes for my life!  In Jesus Name…Amen.

    Man CaveTodd’s book, 40 Days In The Man Cave  is available everywhere books are sold! 

    Check Out Todd’s Website  http://www.toddstahl.ca

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  • Does Forgiveness Equal Restored Relationship?

    forgiveness restored relationship“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example…”
                                                                                 Ephesians 4:32-5:1 NIV

    Life is so generous to give us lots of opportunities to extend forgiveness to people who hurt us. What’s the proper response to offence? Do we always have to forgive?

    Does forgiveness =equal= restored relationship?

    If we are to follow God’s example, as this verse instructs us, then forgiveness is a must and restored relationships need to be our intent.

    Sadly, I don’t think forgiveness can always lead to restored relationships, and we see that in Jesus’ relationship with the Pharisees.

    Isaiah 59:2 explains that our sin is an offence to God, separating us in our relationship with Him. The more we sin and the longer we continue offending Him, the more distant our relationship with Him becomes. Forgiveness can take place in an instant when a prayer is whispered, but it takes time to rebuild a relationship with God.

    Restoration happens when we take ownership of our offense and change our ways. We have to go through a process to rebuild our closeness with the Father.

    The same principle needs to be applied to our earthly relationships.
    We must forgive others for their offenses towards us. If we don’t, it keeps us bound in bitterness. It’s healthy to learn that a restored relationship is separate from forgiveness and requires a healing process.
    When approaching relationship restoration, we need to consider the whole counsel of scripture.
    Proverbs 4:23 warns,

    “Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life” (NLT).

    Proverbs 22:24 cautions,

    “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person,
do not associate with one easily angered...”
    Forgiveness + Ownership + Repentence = Restored Relationship

    Sometimes you’ll need to forgive and protect yourself from unhealthy or even toxic relationships. In the best of times, forgiveness leads to a better, stronger restored relationship.

    Prayer:

    Father, I thank You for Your forgiveness. I ask for the grace to forgive others in my life who have hurt and offended me. I take myself out of the judge’s seat and release them to Your judgement and justice. Please help me to guard my heart, without closing it in the area of relationship restoration. May I walk in Your wholeness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
    Drawing from the well
    1. Ephesians 4:32
    2. Isaiah 59:2
    3. Proverbs 22:24–25
    4. Proverbs 4:23

    Soul H2OThis post was first published on January 19, 2014 and then included in my first Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.
    Devotion #17 – Forgiveness and Restored Relationship.  The original devotion also inspired a #musicpic post called, The Forgiveness Song

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  • Where You Are Is Preparing You For Where You’re Going

    Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.
    ~Exodus 3:1 NKJV

    Where You Are

    Have you ever felt overlooked? Like you were living on the back side of the desert where no one noticed you? Wasting your life, squandering your potential? Do you question your life wondering, what am I doing here?

    There are times in life when you don’t understand your circumstances. The difficulty doesn’t seem to have a purpose. I imagine this is what Moses might have thought when he was tending his father-in-law’s flocks “on the back side of the desert”.

    Moses was born with a purpose and raised to rule. Miraculously drawn out of the water by Pharaoh’s daughter, Moses was the one boy under two years old spared from the genocide of Israeli baby boys sanctioned by her father. Then, Moses grew up in the Egyptian palace as Pharaoh’s grandson and we know he looked the part because when he ran away to the desert, the girls he protected said, “An Egyptian rescued us.”1

    “As shepherd of his father-in-law’s flocks, Moses gained first-hand geographical knowledge of the territory surrounding the Gulf of Aqabah. Little did he realize that through this area he would one day lead the great nation of Israel.”2

    The Desert Is a Place of Preparation That Produces Purpose

    Moses ended up back on Mount Horeb when leading the Israelite’s towards The Promised Land. In this very spot God used him miraculously to strike the rock and water gushed out.3 Moses also encountered God on this very mountain in powerful ways and was used by God to bring the 10 Commandments to His people.4

    Where Moses Went

    Moses had no clue that this time at the back side of the desert was preparation for his purpose… you have no clue how God is preparing you for your purpose. Like Moses, the place you serve could one day be the area where you lead.

    Where You’re Going

    So, today, choose to see your circumstances as training grounds, not punishment or places of neglect. God hasn’t abandoned you in the desert. Know that where you are, is preparing you for where you’re going.

    Prayer

    Father… I thank You that the desert is a place of preparation that produces purpose. You don’t waste the struggles in our lives but instead, if we submit ourselves to You in the midst of them, You will bring about beautiful things in the desert. Produce Your purpose in me! In Jesus Name…Amen

    • Drawing from the well
    1. Exodus 3:1
    2. Philippians 1:6
    3. Jeremiah 29:11
    4. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
    Soul H2O

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

    ENDNOTES

    1. Exodus 2:16-19
    2. NIV Archaeological Study Bible, New International Version.  © 2005 Zondervan: Grand Rapids, MI. Note on Exodus 3:1 pg. 88.
    3. Exodus 17
    4. Exodus 19-20, 34

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

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  • Easter and The Number Seven

    Today’s post was written as I reflect on Jesus sacrifice and a piece of my hubby Todd’s art this Good Friday afternoon. It’s all about Easter and the number seven.

    Seven Artwork Todd Stahl

    The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
    ~John 1:29 NIV

    Every year, we celebrate Good Friday, that doesn’t seem like a good day for Jesus. We’re taking time to remember the day Jesus willingly gave Himself up, allowing them to beat, mock, disfigure, and eventually crucify His body on a cross as a sacrifice for our sins… for my sins… for yours.. Every Good Friday I’m overwhelmed by all that Jesus endured to provide complete salvation for my sin. I really don’t understand it. I struggle to comprehend how my life was worth the cost… but it was.

    To Jesus, your life was worth the sacrifice.

    And what a sacrifice it was. By the time Jesus offered His body on the cross He had already given us so much.

    Jesus’ first sacrifice was leaving heaven to come down to earth. He left the most perfect place of complete unity to experience ultimate rejection; a position of power to acquiesce his rights; ruling as King to serve as the saviour. Jesus gave extravagantly even before He went to the cross.

    JESUS WAS THE PERFECT, SPOTLESS, SACRIFICE

    But you know that he [Jesus] appeared
    so that he might take away our sins.
    And in him is no sin.
    1 John 3:5

    A couple of years ago, Todd created a piece of art that hit me powerfully and I hope it does the same for you. It was one of those pieces he felt God inspiring him to create. This artwork conveys the power, perfection, completeness, and victory in Jesus sacrifice on the cross as the image of Christ is represented in the number seven.

    For some meaning behind the art, I’d love to share a few insights from Todd that might make this artwork even more impactful for you.

    The Art of Seven

    “During the sketch stage, I believe God gave me a few key elements to combine that would create a strong visual of who Christ is.”
    ~Todd Stahl

    The Story Behind The Art

    • The crown expresses Jesus identity as the King of Kings.
    • Jesus is the Lion of The Tribe of Judah
    • Rings symbolize covenant, favor, authority, and affirmation
    • The framework of the cross is comprised of the word seven in various sizes.
    • The fact we all have individual various stories and backgrounds is the reason why I drew the body of Seven in mosaic pieces. No two are the same.
    • The number Seven is found 735 times within the Bible.
    • Seven is the number of completeness, rest, blessing, victory, and perfection; which is a representation of Christ on the cross.
    • The actual number seven on the cross is such a strong statement.

    All these components come together to fuse a visual impact.

    Praying you have a blessed Easter focussed on Jesus the perfect, sinless, spotless, sacrifice who gave it all for you

    Much love,
    Sherry
    xoxo

    Drawing from the well

    Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,
    who, existing in the form of God,
    did not consider equality with God
    as something to be exploited.
    Instead he emptied himself
    by assuming the form of a servant,
    taking on the likeness of humanity.
    And when he had come as a man,
    he humbled himself by becoming obedient
    to the point of death—
    even to death on a cross.
    Philippians 2:5-8 (CSB)

    See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.
    Revelations 5:5 NIV

    God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
    2 Corinthians 5:21

    You know that Christ appeared in order to take away sins, and that there is no sin in him.
    1 John 3:5 GNT

    You can check out more of Todd’s art on his website: http://www.toddstahl.ca
    To Learn More About Christ’s Sacrifice, Watch Joe Amaral’s Good Friday Online Teaching.

    Related Soul H2O Devotions

    My Resurrection Story https://www.sherrystahl.com/resurrection-story/
    Celebrating Passover And Communion https://www.sherrystahl.com/celebrating-passover/
    My Resurrection Story 
    How To Let Go and Live Free  https://www.sherrystahl.com/how-to-let-go-and-live-free/

    {PASSION WEEK} Jesus Knows What I’ts Like To Go From Cheers To Jeers  https://www.sherrystahl.com/passion-week-cheers-to-jeers/

    Why You Can Trust God https://www.sherrystahl.com/why-you-can-trust-god/

    Why I’m Always Overwhelmed on Good Friday https://www.sherrystahl.com/why-im-always-overwhelmed-on-good-friday/

    Want A Great Idea On How To Observe Lent? https://www.sherrystahl.com/want-a-great-idea-on-how-to-observe-lent/

    Jesus Was Full of Passion https://www.sherrystahl.com/passion/

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  • Celebrating Passover & Communion

    Today’s Devotion is talking about the power of celebrating Passover & Communion Together.

    “This day is to be a memorial for you,
    and you must celebrate it
    as a festival to the LORD.
    You are to celebrate it
    throughout your generations
    as a permanent statute.
    ~Exodus 12:14 NIV

    TODAY IS THE BEGINNING OF PASSOVER

    Celebrating Passover & Communion

    When you sit down to have lunch today at 12noon Eastern Standard Time on Wednesday, April 8, 2020; people in Israel will start their Passover celebrations and continue until Thursday, April 16th. Hebrew people living outside of Jerusalem will start their celebrations the next day.  Every year the Jewish people set aside 12 days to remember how God delivered their nation out of Egyptian bondage and how the angel of death passed-over their homes after the 10 plagues when they applied the blood to the doorframes of their homes.

    This Year Is Monumental

    This year’s Passover celebrations have much more in common with the first Passover experience than most as Jewish people and others join in to pray and ask God to stop the spread of this corona virus and let it pass-over our homes.

    TODAY IS THE BEGINNING OF PASSOVER! Learn about joining Passover & Communion.

    When I was growing up in church there wasn’t a whole lot of talk about Jewish traditions.  It wasn’t until I was a late teen that I heard the term Seder meal when our pastor brought in a special speaker in to show and explain this Jewish Passover meal; revealing Christ as the sacrifice of Passover.

    I remember being awed at the parallels of Jesus’ life and the Passover traditions. Jewish people were instructed to take a 1-year old sheep or goat (sorry to my vegan/vegetarian friends) without any blemish.  They had to shelter it for 5 days and then they would roast it in bitter herbs, serving it with bread that has no yeast.

    How Passover Is Celebrated Today

    Today, the Seder meal is most often lamb served with bitter herbs and vegetables dipped in salt-water to remind them of the bitter sufferings they experienced in Egypt or that life brings.

    They eat matzah bread, breaking the middle piece in half to remind them of how God parted the Red Sea for them to crossover. Half of the broken matzah bread is wrapped in a cloth and hidden for children to find later.

    At one point in the meal, the children ask four questions that lead into a retelling of Israel’s history, the difficulties they’ve faced and how God miraculously set them free! They tell the stories in a way that connects them to their ancestors experience.  The Jewish website Chabad.org gives direction that…

    “At the Seder, every person should feel as if he or she were going out of Egypt… We are with them as G‑d sends the ten plagues to punish Pharaoh and his nation, and follow along as they leave Egypt and cross the Sea of Reeds. We witness the miraculous hand of G‑d as the waters part, allowing the Israelites to pass, then return to inundate the Egyptian legions… As we eat bitter foods of affliction and poverty, the Exodus becomes a reality—as real as the festive meal and celebratory toasts that follow.”1

    With thankfulness they drink four glasses of wine to pronounce blessings with (something we might call a toast), that end in pronouncing their faith in a coming Messiah. They end the Seder with songs of worship.

    Passover & Communion Connected

    It’s with the broken bread and glasses of wine where the connection with Jesus work on the cross powerfully connects the celebration of Passover and the observance of Communion. Jesus makes this clear during the last supper with His disciples in Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26 & Luke 22:14-23.Jesus explains how He is the promised Messiah and how Christians are to take communion to remember the freedom He brought us through His shed blood on the cross.

    It’s only in the past few years where I’m coming to understand the importance of commemorating Passover and Communion combined. I feel strongly that this year is more important than ever for us to take part in Passover celebrations and take communion, asking God to have Covid-19 pass-over our homes, our countries, our globe.

    Prayer

    Father… I thank You for your heart that hears your children in their distress. You hear our cries for health and healing in the midst of Covid-19. I join my voice together with believers around the globe in thankfulness for Your saving grace. Jesus I’m so thankful for your willingness to come down to earth and die on a cross for my sin.  I plead the blood of Jesus over my life… my household and the nations… may You cause Covid-19 to pass-over our homes, our countries, our globe. In Jesus Name…Amen

    Joe amaral on 100 huntley street
    Joe Amaral on 100 Huntley Street with Ron & Ann Mainse explaining the Seder Meal
    Joe Amaral Good Friday

    Joe is sharing a special Good Friday message on Facebook Live that you’re all invited to watch. Click HERE

    Drawing from the well

    1. Exodus 12:14
    2. Exodus 12:17
    3. Matthew 26:26-30/Mk 14:22-26/Lk 22:14-23
    4. 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

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  • Dealing With The Disappointment of Delays

    Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves
    rests between his shoulders.
    ~Deuteronomy 33:12 (NIV)

    Today I was supposed to be flying to Kenya. 

    This is something I’ve dreamed of for decades.  I’ve felt this holy call to help the people of Africa since my thirties and God has opened up opportunities through giving in Kenya and Uganda.

    A portion of the profits from my book Water In The Desert went to a project in Turkana, Kenya with Crossroads Relief and Development. You can watch a short video that Cheryl Weber and I created to share about this project that blessed hundreds of families living in the desert with a Quarter Acre plot of irrigated land that is growing gardens in the desert! View on my website here.

    So, when I was invited to go on a Missionary Ventures Canada trip to Kenya with some friends I was excited to say yes, but that was long before the Corona Virus.

    Before Corona

    delays

    Even before the Corona Virus hit Kenya, there were locust swarms.  We had been gauging the locust situation for a while and decided we’d go regardless because locusts wouldn’t kill us, but by the time the virus hit Kenya it had been renamed COVID-19 and our missions trip had to be indefinitely postponed.  Darlene, Doreen, Judy, Carla and I were heart-broken by this delay. 

    I thought I had grieved the trip when we had to cancel two weeks ago but I found myself mourning it again yesterday and very much today; so much so, that I bumped the devotion I wrote for this week and will send out next week.  I thought maybe there are lots of you who are feeling what I’m feeling right now? Maybe you’ve had big life goals or dreams delayed. 

    Delays

    My daughter has friends who had to delay their weddings… an author friend of ours, Mark Buchanan had to come home after just arriving in Europe for his two-year-in-the-making writing trip to complete research for his next book… I had to delay the launch of my two-year-in-the-making REFRESH group… many of us are dealing with the delay of work and getting paid. 

    There are delays all around us and they can really get you down. 

    Sometimes you just have to lean into the pain and let it out.  The safest place I know where to do that is mentioned in this week’s verse… square in between the shoulders of our God; finding refuge from disappointment, laying in the hollow of His chest.

    Deuteronomy 33:12

    If you’re struggling with the disappointment of delays like me, don’t keep trying to act like it doesn’t bother you. Let it out with God and stay there long enough, so the peace of His presence washes over you and dissolves the discouragement.

    Prayer

    Father… I thank You for the invitation to place head on your chest, to nestle in and bring You my hopes, fears, triumphs, tragedies and disappointments. I’m so glad you’re not a fair-weather God who’s only wanting relationship with me for what I do for You.  Your Word makes it clear that You just want to be my friend.  So, I’m asking You to be my refuge, to be my hope today.  Help me take all that’s disappointing and discouraging me and leave it with You because I trust You’re working all things out for my good! In Jesus Name…Amen

    1. Deuteronomy 33:12, 28
    2. Psalm 60:5
    3. James 2:23
    4. John 15:15

    #musicpic SONG: Cody Carnes – Run To The Father (Live at Motion Conference)
    Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/HTHS4W1bPj8

    Soul H2O

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

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

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  • I Need a Sign!


    DOWNLOAD THESE REFRESHING RESOURCES TO HELP QUENCH YOUR SPIRITUAL THIRST!

    Soul H2O Devotion

    I Need A Sign

    “What sign, then, are you going to do
    so we may see and believe you?”
    they asked.
    “What are you going to perform?”
    John 6:30 CSB

    Long before Covid-19 entered this earth, God put in my heart to share some miraculous stories on Soul H2O Radio to build up your faith in a series of what I called “Miraculous March”.  Three powerful teachings coupled with three miraculous interviews featuring Kimberlee Moran, Lena Cebula, and on Saturday the most mind-blowing of supernatural miracles shared by Alley Dunn.

    I had no clue how timely these interviews would be… no way to know that the world would be experiencing a crisis of epic proportions in health, finances and faith.  It’s no mistake the episode releasing on Saturday is about God’s supernatural intervention to bring about His divine purposes, healing and goodness into your life… no coincidence at all. 

    The Book of John

    As I researched for these shows my church started a timely series on the book of John which is sometimes called, The Book of Signs1 because it includes so many of Jesus miraculous works. John made it abundantly clear in his gospel that Jesus performed all these supernatural acts as signs “so that you would believe” (John 20:31). 

    I hope the miraculous sharing in these radio/podcast episodes and this devotion help you to believe in Christ.  I pray you have the gift of faith to believe God for miracles.  I also pray you don’t become like some of the people in John’s day who witnessed these signs and miracles. John and the other gospels record how Jesus pulled back from the crowds when he recognized they didn’t just want Him… they wanted what they could get from Him (John 6:14-15). Seeing signs became more about experiencing the ‘goose-bump effect” and getting their needs met more than signs to draw people to God. 

    You don’t want to be like the people in Jesus day who needed a sign to believe.

    The Bible records how Pharaoh, the Pharisees, Thomas and others all needed a sign, and sadly only a few stayed believing after God performed the sign.

    Let’s be like the people Jesus talked about in John 20:29 when he said, “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Look for, ask for and seek out God’s miracle working power but don’t let it be a requirement for your faith.

    Prayer

    Father…

    In this time of uncertainty, I ask for a spirit of faith to rise up in me.  May I have the child-like faith needed to ask for and believe for… global healing… global believing.  Father I need Your gift of faith to trust that in the midst of global crisis… that if we, humble ourselves, seek your face, turn from evil ways, and call on you… you will hear from heaven, forgive our sins and restore our land. 

    God, I ask that you stop the spread of the Corona Virus and heal those suffering from its effects.  May nations turn to faith in Jesus and see your hand turn the tide of sickness, disease, financial ruin and emotional trauma.  May this miraculous turn-around be seen in our world like the drying up of the Jordan for Your people to cross-through into the Promised Land. May the world see your miraculous hand at work, and may we all believe.

    In Jesus Name, Amen!

    Drawing From The Well

    1. John 6:30
    2. John 20:31
    3. John 20:29
    4. Matthew 17:20

    #musicpic SONG:
    Official Youtube Video With Lyrics:
    Miracles In This House by Michael Delgado of Grace City Florida

    Soul H2OIf you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

    Episode # 24 Releasing Saturday is the last in the “Miraculous March” Series talking about God’s miraculous at work in our world today and features an interview with Alley Dunn. You can find the  Show Notes at http://www.soulh2o.com/24

    ENDNOTES

    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Signs Wikipedia Website Accessed:  March 25, 2020

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

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  • Who Are You Wearing?

    Last week’s #soulh2o devotion was called My Flawless Razor and today’s message builds on that thought.

    The King’s daughter is all glorious within;
    Her clothing is interwoven with gold.
    ~Psalm 45:13 NASB

    From January to March, our tv sets are filled with film, tv, video, and music awards programs. There are so many like the: Oscars, Golden Globes, SAG Awards, Critics’ Choice, BAFTA, iHeartRadio Music Awards, Grammys, American Country Music (AMC) and tomorrow, Friday, March 15th, the Canadian Juno Music Awards will be all over our screens.

    I like watching these awards programs to see how people respond to winning, but let’s be honest girls… I really watch to see the red-carpet parade of beautiful people dressed in fairy tale-esque or sometimes science-fiction inspired clothing when you’ll inevitably hear the tv reporters ask, “So, Who Are You Wearing?”

    In Psalm 45:131, the king’s daughter is wearing her royal robes; interwoven with gold… not too shabby! In my study of the original wording, the impression I was left with was that this dress is almost a delicate lace made out of gold or embroidered with braided gold threads. If someone wore this to an awards ceremony they would hands-down, make the Most Iconic Dresses Of All Times list.

    What’s In A Word?

    I chose to use the New American Standard Bible translation for today’s verse because I felt it best matched the intent of the original writer. I love how this version captures the message that the daughter of The King was beautiful from the inside out. The word used for ‘within’ or ‘in’, as some versions translate comes from the root word ‘kalel’2 meaning ‘perfect or complete’. This is absolutely how God sees you… beautiful, perfect, glowing, adorned in gold.

    Some of you read this and a warm feeling of confidence is beginning to rise, while others might be thinking “Cut the crap Sherry, I’m no princess. I’m sitting here wearing yoga pants and I haven’t even fit into my jeans for years.”

    The reality is, not many of us will ever wear such beautiful clothing but we all are seen by God as if we’re Cinderella at the Ball—I’m serious! This reality has little to do with you and everything to do with what Christ has done. You just need to get dressed the right way. Let the Apostle Paul be your personal stylist and follow his advice in Romans 13:14 when he says, “put on the Lord Jesus Christ”, or “clothe yourself with”, Him as the NIV translation says. Scripture confirms that God provides this clothing for us. It’s gleaming white and pure, all we have to do is put it on.

    So, Who Are You Wearing?

    When you get dressed, remind yourself that you’re ‘putting on Christ’ so when people look at you they see His beauty shining through and are compelled to ask; “So, who are you wearing?”

    Prayer
    Father… I thank you for loving me unconditionally and seeing me as perfect… even when my thoughts tend to focus on my failings. I’m thankful for the clothing you provide. Help me to ‘put You on’ every morning, so when people look at me, they first see You. In Jesus Name…Amen

    DRAWING FROM THE WELL
    1. Psalm 45:13
    2. Romans 13:14
    3. Galatians 3:27
    4. Revelations 19:7-8

    #musicpic Songs

    Line I love in James Blunt’s song: “You’re beautiful, it’s true”.

    Soul H2O

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

    ENDNOTES
    1 https://biblehub.com/psalms/45-13.htm Biblehub Accessed: March 12, 2020
    2 https://biblehub.com/hebrew/3634.htm Biblehub for Kalel Accessed: March 12, 2020

    JUST FOR FUN!

    My Pick Favorite Academy Awards Dresses:

    1. Lupita Nyongo’o in Versace; 2018 Academy Awards
    2. Kate Hudson in Atelier Versace; 2014 Academy Awards
    3. Farrah Fawcett in Stephen Burrows; 1978 Academy Awards
    4. Jennifer Lopez in Atelier Versace;
      ~I just couldn’t pick only three!

    My Pick of Strange Awards Dresses:

    1. Björk in Marjan Pejoski Swan Dress; 2001 Academy Awards
    2. Jennifer Lopez in Atelier Versace Fish Gill Dress; 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
      Dress was weird, but her hair and make-up was the best ever!
    3. Lady Gaga in Armani Prive Jetson’s Inspired Dress; 2010 Academy Awards
    4. Z LaLa in Heather-Anne MacCarahan Octapus Dress; 2015 American Music Awards

    GREAT AWARDS DRESS PAGES

    https://www.heart.co.uk/lifestyle/iconic-oscar-dresses/charlize-theron-dior-oscars-2014/
    https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/red-carpet-dresses/g8397/best-oscar-dresses-all-time/
    https://www.elle.com/fashion/celebrity-style/news/g25786/the-most-iconic-oscar-gowns-of-all-time/

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

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  • My Flawless Razor

    My Flawless Razor

    You are altogether beautiful, my darling;
    there is no flaw in you.
    ~Song of Songs 4:7 NIV

    Flawless Razor

    A couple of years ago I was shopping at the “As seen on TV” store and saw this facial razor called “Flawless”.  I hadn’t seen the commercials, but the display and packaging enticed me enough to purchase. As I age, I’ve been collecting quite the 

    extensive collection of products and tools to help stay looking my best.  The razor does work really well and makes my face feel amazingly smooth, but it doesn’t make my face flawless as the name implies.  It’s still me, just without the peach fuzz. 🙂 

    You Are Flawless

    Flawless just seems like something that can only be achieved by a magazine graphic designer skilled with an airbrush and a picture of a model, so when I read today’s verse while doing my personal devotions, I was kind of shocked. 

    I’ve read through Songs of Songs before but never noticed what this verse said, and what that implies for you and me.  Since the book is partly an allegory of the relationship with Christ and the church this holds a lot of weight in your relationship with Him.  To think that God sees us as flawless is almost incomprehensible… but true.  Girl, you are fearfully and wonderfully made! When God looks at you, He sees ‘no flaw in you’! 

    Today, look in the mirror with new eyes.  Ask God to help you see what He sees… like the face, not the fuzz!

    Prayer

    Father…Your Word blows me away. There’s so much in it that I just can’t wrap my brain around. How You love me seems undeserved, but when I try to understand that you see me as your daughter, your ‘son’ I’m overwhelmed by the way You include me in Your family and how You see me as flawless. In Jesus Name…Amen

    IF YOU’RE STILL STRUGGLING TO BELIEVE THAT GOD SEES YOU AS FLAWLESS…

    Make sure to listen to the #musicpic below and check back on the blog next Monday to read the Devotion, Who Are You Wearing? I think it will help you believe it a little more. This is what God’s using to help me believe this truth. I am flawless in His eyes. YOU are flawless in His eyes!

    Much Love

    DRAWING FROM THE WELL

    1. Song of Songs 4:7 (Loses meaning in the NLT Translation, just sayin’) If you only have an NLT Bible, check here for the verse in many translations: Bible Hub
    2. Song of Songs 1:15
    3. Psalm 139:14
    4. Genesis 1:26-27
    (This one I love in the NLT Translation!) If you don’t have an NLT Bible, check here: Bible Hub – just click the arrow forward for verse 27.

    #musicpic SONG: Flawless by MercyMe

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  • When Valentine’s Day Hurts

    Above all else,
    guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.
    ~Proverbs 4:23 NIV

    When Valentine's Day HurtsValentine’s Day has the potential to be the most euphorically sweet or the most painfully hurtful day of the year. 

    What you’re experiencing today most likely felt in direct proportion to where you sit on the relationship spectrum.  If you’re single, the day of love can conjure up questions deep inside your heart that can lead to self-doubt and loneliness. Widowed, and the self-pity can well up leaving you feeling blue. If you’re in an unhealthy marriage, or just experiencing a rough patch, Valentine’s can be downright painful making you feel rejected, unloved, and unwanted. 

    This one, emotionally charged day has the potential to feel like the best or worst day of your life. VDay can prime your emotions to euphoric love or drop to the depths of despair and then Valentine’s Day hurts… if you let it.   

    Above All Else, Guard Your Heart

    Proverbs 4:23 is a crucial verse to memorize. There’s so much wisdom jam-packed into one little verse that can help guide, direct and protect you.  The importance of guarding your heart is monumental to staying emotionally healthy.  If you allow life’s circumstances and your relationships dictate the condition of your heart then Gurl, you’re in truuuuuubble! Whole lotta experience goes into that statement. 

    I’m joking to make this difficult issue palpable.  I know this isn’t easy, but it is necessary. You have to allow your heart to feel emotions, but you have to know when to tell them to heave-ho and go!  

    A gate guarded by military personnel knows who to let in and who to keep out.  Do you know who’s who?  Well, let me help you know whose voice you definitely should let into your heart by showing you The Passion Translation’s version of Proverbs 4:23, the three verses before it and their footnote from the word “heart”.  I hope the words I put in bold hit you like they wacked me upside the emotional head. 🙂

    Proverbs 4:20-23 The Passion Translation (TPT)

    Listen carefully, my dear child, to everything that I teach you, and pay attention to all that I have to say. Fill your thoughts with my words until they penetrate deep into your spirit.a]”>[a] Then, as you unwrap my words,b]”>[b] they will impart true life and radiant health into the very core of your being. So above all, guard the affections of your heart,c]”>[c] for they affect all that you are. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life.

    (c) The Hebrew word levav is the most common word for “heart.” It includes our thoughts, our will, our discernment, and our affections.

    Above all else, guard your heart because your emotions (from your heart) conjure up thoughts inside your mind that are turned into belief systems, inspiring your behaviours.  Your heart is that important.

    PRAYER

    Father… I’m so thankful that your love is constant.  I don’t need to fear that it will end or be taken away from me.  Help me to live in the truth of Your Word and not the anxiety of my heart.  I choose to guard my heart and let Your Words sink deep into my spirit. I am loved, I am valued, I am wanted. In Jesus Name…Amen

    Facebook Live Image
    CLICK IMAGE TO WATCH VIDEO


    Jumped on Facebook to share about this and hope it encourages you!

    If this devotion struck an emotional nerve and you have my book Water In The Desert, I encourage you to read Devotion #31 Who Are You Listening To For Your Worth?  When I got to the end of writing this Soul H2O Devo I went to my book because the Study Guide section for that devo is filled with 8 pages of Scripture that you can look up to affirm you in God’s love for you and how He sees you.  I’ve also created a few Tips on How To Help Your Lonely Heart Below.

    TIPS ON HOW TO HELP YOUR LONELY HEART

    • Don’t fill the void of a wounded heart with unhealthy things, less than God’s best for you!
    • Know what God’s Word says about you.
      • If you have my book Water In The Desert, I encourage you to read Devotion #31 Who Are You Listening To For Your Worth? And complete the study pages related with more verses.
      • God loves you: Romans 5:8; John 3:16; 1 John 3:1
      • God accepts you: Romans 15:7; Colossians 1:21-22
      • God chose you: Ephesians 1:4; Romans 8:29-30; 1 Peter 2:9; John 15:16
      • You are part of God’s family: Ephesians 1:5,11, 2:4-7; Romans 8:14; 1 John 3:1
      • God says you belong: Psalm 100:3; Romans 14:8; 1 Corinthians 6:19; John 10:27-28; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
      • God made you in His Image: Genesis 1:27; Romans 8:29
      • God thinks you’re wonderful: Psalms 139:13-14; Isaiah 43:1
      • God delights in you: Zephaniah 3:17
      • God created you for a purpose: Isaiah 43:7; 1 Peter 2:9; John 15:16; Jeremiah 29:11; 2 Corinthians 5:20
      • God will not reject you: John 6:37; Psalm 147:11
      • God won’t let anything take his love away from you: Romans 8:37-39
      • God doesn’t forget about you or neglect you: Isaiah 49:15
      • God wants you: Jeremiah 31:3; 1 Peter 1:18-19
      • God sees you as valuable, worth everything: 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 Corinthians 6:19
      • God cares about your feelings: Psalm 56:8
      • God understands you: Hebrews 4:15-16
    • Focus your thoughts on what God says about you.
    • Let the truth of God’s love toward you penetrate deep into your spirit.
    • Speak out over your life the truths mentioned above. It helps your brain to make those thoughts automatic over your negative neural pathways (thought patterns).
    • Listen to music that affirms God’s love and His thoughts towards you.
    • Don’t just listen to slow music, put on something that will make you Dance!
    • Do something special for yourself that doesn’t cost money, or much money. If you spend a bunch of money you may get an initial high followed by credit card bill dread!
    • Do something or just let yourself ‘have a day’, but only a day.

    #musicpic Wanted By Danny Gokey

    DRAWING FROM THE WELL

    1. 1. Proverbs 4:20-23
    2. 2. Isaiah 51:1-3
    3. 3. Ephesians 1:5
    4. 4. Colossians 3:16

    From My Heart to Yours, I wish you a Happy Valentine's Day!

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