daily devotional

  • What Could Happen If You Didn’t Give Up?

    Have you ever stopped to ask yourself the question, What Could Happen If You Didn’t Give Up? I’m hoping this devo will be all the encouragement you need to keep on, keeping on!

    Print Out a Soul H2O Journal Page to get the most of this devotion. Download HERE.

    Soul H2O Devotion

    What Could Happen If You Didn’t Give Up?

    Flat tire  changing tire on highway

    Yup! That’s a picture of a flat tire and the picture beside is the amazing Heather Ireland; two truck driver, former Biker TV Host and owner of Silverbird Towing, graciously changing my tire as transports are whizzing by. 

    These pictures were taken on the side of Highway 401 where I had to quickly pull over when I clearly drove over something, causing my tire to blow… after a long day when a relational situation broke my heart just hours before.

    Some days are just like that. I find they happen a lot when you’re pushing through, going to a new level, walking toward what God’s called you to do, or making progress to becoming the person God wants you to be.

    It’s Not Always Easy

    324 Devotion Title Graphic saying What Could Happen If You Didn't Give Up

    That’s exactly what was happening in my life when these pictures were taken. I was getting ready all day to go away, so I could attend an important ministerial event for our denomination way up in Mississauga. It’s my first one since the 1990’s as I just renewed my credentials in 2022 (OOPS I don’t think I posted about that… for another day). Earlier that day, things just kept going wrong and taking longer than they should have, then the relational upheaval that left me hurt,  doubting my identity and questioning if I should be going at all.

    The enemy was trying to wear me down and stop me from going but I was wise to his tactics this time.

    After only getting 4 hours of sleep I headed out for the meetings. Staying awake when anyone prayed for an extended time was difficult, but pushing through and not letting the enemy steal away from me was worth pushing through every struggle I had to. I left on a high, affirmed in my calling, having received a prophetic encouragement from God, reconnecting with old Bible College friends, and being used by God to share a message of encouragement with a fellow minister.

    Aligned PAOC AGM

    Powerful Alignment

    I was aligning myself with the mission of Paul as he said in Philippians 3:14.

    I PRESS ON
    toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
    Philippians 3:14 ESV

    Pinterest Size Pin of Philippians 3:14

    The enemy tried to wear me out and get me to give up on doing the right thing but in the end, it was the enemy who was tired out and frustrated because not one of his tactics worked. 

    I kept moving forward and God was able to do some amazing things. If I’d given up, none of that would have happened.

    What Could Happen If You Didn’t Give Up?

    Has the enemy been trying to wear you down, so you don’t go there or do that? Don’t let him get you down for the count, remind yourself of what God promises in Galatians 6:9, Don’t get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time you will reap a harvest of blessingif you don’t give up.

    Prayer

    Father…I thank you that you’ve put more strength in me than I realize. Help me to grow in faith to believe that I can do all things… In Jesus Name…Amen

    Drawing from the well

    Verses to help fill up your well.

    Print Out a Soul H2O Journal Page to get the most of this devotion by writing out the Scriptures or what God reveals to you as you read them. Download HERE.

    1. 1. Philippians 3:14
    2. 2. Galatians 6:9
    3. 3. Philippians 1:6
    4. 4. Hebrews 11:35-36,39
    5. 5. Philippians 4:13

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    #musicpic

    #musicpic SONG: 
    Don’t Lose Heart by Steven Curtis Chapman

    Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/VAMwqBynjCs
    Soul H2O Spotify Playlist: Online | On App

     

    MUSICPIC SONGS SPOTIFY PLAYLISTS
    Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show Joy Radio Original Sherry Stahl
    Will I Get Through This? | EP #128

    on the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show. You can find the  Show Notes at https://soulh2o.com/128/

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    #musicpic Post: Press On https://www.sherrystahl.com/press/

    #192 Ever Feel Like Someone’s Trying To Wear You Down? https://www.sherrystahl.com/wear-you-down/

    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.


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  • Catching A Vision For The Future

    It’s in taking the time to look back at last year that’s helping me catch a vision for the future and I can’t wait to start living it!

    Print Out a Soul H2O Journal Page to get the most of this devotion. Download HERE.

    Soul H2O Devotion

    323_Catching A Vision For The Future

    Catching A Vision For The Future

    It’s hard to believe that Christmas and New Year’s are behind us.

    This is the time when we tend to reflect on the past year, while envisioning our hopes for the new… and that’s the headspace I’m in right now. Reviewing the past, to catch a vision for the future.

    God Knows You Need A Vision of The Future

    You might have heard Proverbs 29:18 quoted from the King James Version, Where there is no vision, the people perish” but I think the ESV is closer to the original language as it translates this verse to read: Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,” or how the NLT says, When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.” And I think my favourite translation of the verse is from the CSB,

    Pr 29_18 CSB Devo 323

    Wait For The Vision

    When we’re making plans for the next year or trying to set a 5-year plan, it’s imperative that we spend time waiting on God to hear His direction; and then follow it. When I don’t, I feel like I’m running wild, taking shots in the air… and mostly missing. I don’t want to do that this year, and I’m guessing you don’t either. I want to live on purpose, on mission.

    There’s a sense that this year is critical, a pivotal time in the history of the world. I want to make sure you and I are following God’s lead to make the greatest impact.

    Review & Envision

    I challenge you to take some time, like I did, to write out key life events from 2022 and prayerfully envision this year. If you need an example, you can see mine HERE. Then, get moving to make those dreams reality!

    Prayer

    Father, I thank You for giving me dreams and visions for the future. Your Word assures me that you speak to Your people, so I can be confident that you will guide me. Help me to wait for Your Word, hear it, and follow through to completion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    Sherry’s 2022 Year In Review & Vision for 2023

    Check out the plans for Soul H2O Ministries that you can be a part of this year HERE.

    Drawing from the well

    Verses to help fill up your well.

    1. 1. Proverbs 29:18
      2. Psalm 19:11
      3. Exodus 32:25 (in NIV if you can)
      3. Psalm 85:8

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    #musicpic song

    New Day by Danny Gokey
    Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TrKXehB0pg
    Soul H2O Spotify
    Soul H2O Spotify Playlist:
    Online | On App

     

    MUSICPIC SONGS SPOTIFY PLAYLISTS
    Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show Joy Radio Original Sherry Stahl
    Tuning In God’s Voice | EP #69

    Tuning In God’s Voice is Part 4 in the Hearing God’s Voice Series on the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show Episode #69. You can find the  Show Notes at http://www.soulh2o.com/69

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    REPEATS

    Where it all began

    Want to read the first Soul H2O Devotion? 
    Repeats (Do Not Worry)

    https://www.sherrystahl.com/repeats/

    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.


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  • Gather The Girls Together!

    Right from the heart of God… a call to Gather The Girls Together!

    Soul H2O Devotion

    The Lord said, Gather The People Together
    and I will give them water.
    Numbers 21:16

    REFRESH CONFERENCE GET THE GIRLS TOGETHERGather The Girls Together

    I read this verse and was blown away that I’d never noticed it before. It was a timely word the Lord brought to my attention earlier this week. I feel it was just another confirmation that we’re doing the right thing by putting the Refresh Conference on next Saturday. Answering an ancient call to gather God’s people together, so they can be refreshed by Him!

    Where The People Were At

    In the portion of Scripture where this verse comes from, the people of God were tired and worn out. They’d been fighting battle after battle. One of their favourite leaders; Aaron, the brother of Moses had just died. They wandered around the desert, thirsty for water to feed their bodies and souls.

    The struggle was so intense it says in verses 4-5 of this chapter that they began to grumble and complain about how difficult their circumstances were and God got fed up with their bad attitude.

    I know you’d never be like that, but me… 
    I might be a little #guilty of it!

    I Don’t Have It All Figured Out

    I don’t write this to you as someone who’s gotten this right all the time, but someone who keeps picking herself off the floor whenever she falls. God sees your human frailty and loves you in spite of it. 

    This verse is so amazing to me because right after the people failed their test of faith, God still gives them a promise and brings them to the water. 

    I believe God has something great for you at the Refresh Conference. It’s no mistake you bought a ticket, or someone bought it for you. 

    Get Yourself Ready

    I encourage you to start spending time in prayer today, asking God to prepare your heart for what He’s about to do in you! I know He wants to build you UP!

    We’ve been gathering HIS girls online for the past couple of years and now *live* an in-person! If you’re one of the girls who’s answered the call and is coming the Refresh  💧 Conference next Saturday… I can’t wait to see you! 

    Refresh Conference Gather The Girls TogetherIf you know of anyone sitting on the fence about coming or God has brought them to your mind as you’re reading, why not contact them and see if they might join you… but don’t delay, today is the last day to buy tickets (details below).

    Hope to cya soon!

    In His Grip,
    Sherry
    xoxo

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    TICKETS AVAILABLE UNTIL FRIDAY, OCT. 14 @ MIDNIGHT

    Get Your Tickets Today

    Because tomorrow you can’t!

    Refresh Conference
    GRAB A GIRLFRIEND & JOIN US! Saturday, October 22, 2022 | 10am – 4pm EST LakePoint Family Church – Leamington, ON
    CLICK ON REFRESH PAGE

    💧 Sherry Stahl is the keynote speaker 

    💧 Brianne Danter is the worship leader 

    💧 6 Breakout Session Options 

    💧 Lunch & Snacks served 

    ⏰ Tickets on sale *ONLY* until Fri. Oct. 14, 2022 ⏰

    Check the webpage for full details: https://www.sherrystahl.com/refresh/

    Conference put on by Soul H2O Ministries in partnership with Lakepoint Family Church.

    Soul H2O Resources

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    #musicpic

    #musicpic SONG: 
    Overcome by Elevation Worship

    Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/mvF9Hc5XZOo
    Soul H2O Spotify Playlist: Online | On App

    MUSICPIC SONGS SPOTIFY PLAYLISTS
    Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show Joy Radio Original Sherry Stahl
    Tuning In God’s Voice | EP #69

    Tuning In God’s Voice is Part 4 in the Hearing God’s Voice Series on the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show Episode #69. You can find the  Show Notes at http://www.soulh2o.com/69

    REPEATS

    Where it all began

    Want to read the first Soul H2O Devotion? 
    Repeats (Do Not Worry)

    https://www.sherrystahl.com/repeats/

    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.


    DOWNLOAD THESE REFRESHING RESOURCES TO HELP QUENCH YOUR SPIRITUAL THIRST!

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  • God’s Got BIG Plans For You!

    Well, I know it’s been forever since I’ve written. Life has been busy with many side jobs I’ve just been letting go of to focus on the ministry that God’s called me to… like writing you to bring refreshing! Today, I woke up with this strong sense that I needed to connect with you and share the hope that’s been helping me.

    Much love,
    ~Sherry
        xoxo

    Soul H2O Devotion

    For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

    Jeremiah 29:11

    God’s Got BIG Plans for You!

    God’s Got BIG Plans for You!

    Last week was the second anniversary for the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show. I can’t believe it’s been two years! The message I felt God encouraging me to talk about was based out of Jeremiah 29:11, one of the most quoted promises of God going. These have been difficult times for the past two years and knowing that God has good plans for your life, for your future really does change your perspective.

    Trusting in His Promises

    Trusting that He loves you enough to plan for your future is an incredible thought. God, the creator of all things has YOU on His mind! He’s not thinking anything negative or harmful towards you… NO, God’s Got BIG Plans For You!

    Holding On

    Live today holding the promises of God like Jeremiah 29:11 close to your heart and mind. If this isn’t easy for you, I encourage you to download the attached sheet I’ve created called Sherry’s Stash of Promises from God to help provide you with inspiration and collect some promises of your own.

    Prayer

    Father… Thank you for loving me so much that you spend time thinking about me. Help me to spend time focussing on your promises, not on my problems.  In Jesus Name…Amen

    Share With a Friend

    Drawing from the well

    Verses to help fill up your well.

    Download Sherry’s Stash of Promises from God to see her list of promises and write down your own.

    Soul H2O Resources

    #musicpic

    #musicpic SONG: 
    God’s Not Done With You by Tauren Wells

    Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/cVHrkYBEgFM
    Soul H2O Spotify Playlist:
    Online | On App

    MUSICPIC SONGS SPOTIFY PLAYLISTS
    Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show Joy Radio Original Sherry Stahl
    A Ballot, Not a Mallet | EP #81

    A Ballot, Not a Mallet is the title for this week’s Soul H2O Radio & Podcast show to help bring healing after a month of turbulent, divided, and divisive, election campaigning.

    http://www.soulh2o.com/81

    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.


    DOWNLOAD THESE REFRESHING RESOURCES TO HELP QUENCH YOUR SPIRITUAL THIRST!

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  • 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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  • Leadership Leads… Good or Bad

    “...from the prophets of Jerusalem 
    ungodliness has spread throughout the land.” 
    Jeremiah 23:15  NIV

    John MaxwellAll my John Maxwell training is going to be put to the test in three and a half weeks when I’ll be moderating a panel on Leadership at the Women’s Connection District Retreat in Grimsby, Ontario. {If you’re going, make sure to stop by my table and say hello!}

    wod retreat 2019I have some amazing ladies on the panel who hold various organizational leadership roles in business, government positions, church leadership, and home management. The goal is to elevate the confidence of women in leadership positions and practically help improve their skills, enabling them to walk further and faster into the destiny God has for their lives.

    As we’ve been preparing for the panel, I can’t help but look back and rate my skillfulness as a leader. Lots of passes, and plenty of fails.  My thoughts went back to my first leadership position as a big sister. 🙂

    Sisters LoriSometimes, my little sister, Lori would follow me around playing ‘Copycat’.  Remember that annoying childhood game where people followed you around; often one-step behind you, repeating every word you said, copying move you made? Lori used to drive me crazy doing this!  Thankfully, we’ve grown up and now have a great relationship! {Don’t we look cute together now 🙂 }  As a “big sister” I hope I’ve given Lori more good examples to follow than bad ones!  No matter how small your leadership role may seem, it will have a huge impact because

    Leadership Leads…Good or Bad!

    RECOGNIZING YOUR REACH

    Sometimes we minimize the effect our leadership has in the home, school, court, field, rink, church or place of employment.  Whenever God has elevated you to a place of leadership, people are going to follow in your footsteps—It’s a scary thing!

    A friend once said to me,

    “I was forced to go to church and I won’t put my kids through that.
    I don’t want them to be forced to live what I believe but to be able to choose for themselves.

    Since she never took her kids to church, they simply followed her lead and have seldom gone to church because they were never given another option to choose from.  Failure to give guidance is, in fact, leading, since it causes people to blindly follow your example and not know why.

    [tweetthis]You’re leading, even when you try not to lead. #leadership [/tweetthis]

    leadership leads pinterest

    Our leadership in life is followed,
    much more than we recognize.

    Today’s verse comes from the book of Jeremiah.  In his time, many of the prophets weren’t leading well. They weren’t proclaiming God’s word to the people, but instead speaking what they knew the people wanted to hear, so they would keep following them… following them down the wrong path.

    These false prophets were sharing a watered-down message with false hopes that led the people to be disappointed in God; causing them to turn away from Him. Jeremiah had to swim against the tide of his time as their poisonous message,

    “spread throughout the land”.

    Leadership was difficult for Jeremiah, but he knew his responsibility was to clear the path for others, so they could follow the right way; because

    [tweetthis]Leadership Leads… Good or Bad #leadership[/tweetthis]

    So, what’s going to spread in the future as people follow you?

    Prayer

    Father… I’m overwhelmed when I recognize that you have given me such influence in my world.  Help me to be wise with my words and actions so that my life impacts others to know and love you more! May others follow your plans for their lives as they see me chasing after the destiny you’ve set before me. In Jesus name…Amen


    wod retreat 2019I WILL RISE
    Women’s Connection Conference

    https://womensconnection.ca/events/conference

    If you’re in the area, I hope you’ll join us
    Don’t forget to sign up for the Leadership Panel}.


    Drawing From The Well

    1. Ephesians 1:5
    2. Hebrews 13:7
    3. James 3:1
    4. 1 Timothy 4:12

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

     

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


    Other posts about my journey with John C. Maxwell, the JMTeam, or John’s Books:
    John C. Maxwell And God Want You To Be A Talent-Plus Person
    Mentored to Lead by John C. Maxwell

     


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

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  • Divine Multiplication

    “one man chase a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight.”
                         Deuteronomy 32:30 NIV

    “Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall…”
                                  Leviticus 26:8 NIV

    Do you remember the Faberge Organics Commercial with Heather Locklear?   She loved their shampoo so much that she told two friends, and they told two friends, and so on, and so on…until the screen was covered with faces? (For those too young to remember there’s a link to see the commercial at the bottom!) This infamous commercial teaches that profound mathematic phenomenon called multiplication.   It’s an amazing thing, but not as incredible as divine multiplication that’s somewhat like compound interest!

    These scriptures hint at the power of divine multiplication producing unity. In life you can only do so much on your own, but when you join forces with others you can do so much more! The Bible is full of examples where people worked together and saw greater results then when they worked on their own. I have seen in my own life how God has multiplied the effectiveness of what I could do by partnering me with others. Working alongside Todd seems to have engaged that phenomenon of divine multiplication that we know is producing a greater influence than we could see on our own.

    So ask yourself, “Who does God desire to unite you with to create a greater kingdom impact for Him?” Don’t be a Lone Ranger. You might be able to accomplish some good things, but your efforts will kick into the divine multiplication realm “when we all work together” as the song is sung!

    Prayer

    Father…You don’t desire for me to live this journey of life by myself, but in partnership with others. Help me to open my eyes and see clearly those you have placed in my life to partner with and those you do not. May the unity of my partnerships multiply Your glory! In Jesus Name…Amen

    Heather Locklear in the original Faberge Organics Commercials on Youtube

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  • Encircle

    “Mountains encircle Jerusalem, and God encircles his people—always has and always will.”
                                                    Psalm 125:2 MSG

    One of the best perks of being a mom is getting and giving hugs! When my kids were little and would get hurt they would always come running to me for a squeeze. A cuddle seemed to help everything from cuts to bullies on the playground. Like a big hug, God desires to ENCIRCLE us in His care.

    So often the enemy wants us to feel like we’re outnumbered…on the losing side…all alone, but feelings aren’t always in line with reality. This verse brings us back to the truth of where we are and where God is. The writer of this Psalm is speaking to a people who have known what it was like to be encircled by their enemies, and attacked from all sides. God wanted his people to be confident that He was encircling them. Just as God opened the eyes of Elisha’s servant to see the host of angels protecting him from his enemies, God desires for your spiritual eyes to be opened so you know that He has you surrounded!

    Let God ENCIRCLE you today. Close your eyes and feel His warm embrace. Know He’s watching over, protecting and loving you—always has and always will!

    Prayer

    Father…I’m overwhelmed to think that the God of the Universe wants to hold little ‘ole me! May I allow you to encircle me, and shield me from all the enemy would try and do to take me down. Let me walk in the confidence of your protection and love as I feel your embrace. In Jesus Name…Amen!

    Book Signing–Tuesday!

    ICRS (International Christian Retail Show)
    take the 40 day challenge  Tuesday, June 30th   4-5pm
    Anchor Distributing Booth #211

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  • Choose Your Words Wisely

    “You have wearied the LORD with your words…”
                    Malachi 2:17 NIV

    CHOOSE YOUR WORDS WISELY

    “…How have we wearied him?” you ask…” (Malachi 2:17 NIV) Speaking negatively when God has declared goodness wears our Father out! God is making me keenly aware that sometimes my words wear Him out! Do your words?

    REPORTING RIGHT

    Let’s take a look at a great example in the Bible of the effects words can have. After the Red Sea crossing, God directed Moses to send out 12 leaders to check out how good the land really was that He was bringing them into. 10 spies came back and gave reports full of fear; two gave reports full of faith. All ten who gave a bad report died in the desert. The two who spoke positively; Joshua and Caleb lived and were blessed in the Promised Land. It took a long time, but their words bore good, juicy fruit.

    So ask yourself today. What are your words doing? Are they making God tired or are they giving Him the root to bear good fruit in your life?

    Prayer

    Father…help me to guard what comes out of my mouth. I give you permission to “Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Ps 141:3 NIV) May my words be followed by fruit. In Jesus Name…Amen

    [tweetthis]What are your words doing? Are they making God tired or are they giving Him the root to bear good fruit in your life?[/tweetthis]

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  • Come Close

    “The LORD spoke to you face to face out of the fire on the mountain. (At that time I stood between the LORD and you to declare to you the word of the LORD, because you were afraid of the fire and did not go up the mountain.)
                                                                       Deuteronomy 5:4-5 NIV

    Have you ever heard the saying, ‘You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink’? The Israelites were like a horse led to water that refused to drink. God had called them to come close so He could speak to them, but they refused his invitation.

    The scripture surrounding this verse in Deuteronomy gives more detail to the recounting of a time in the life of Israel when God desired to meet with His people. Moses told the Israelites God’s plans and they responded saying, “We will do everything the LORD has said.” (Ex 19:7)   First, they were to prepare themselves to hear from God with a ceremonial cleansing—so, they bathed! Second, God would come down to Mount Sinai; smoke and fire would be all around. Limits were to be put around the mountain to ensure no one came close for three days so—they obeyed. During those three days they could actually hear God’s voice giving Moses the Ten Commandments!- Then, after the three days God had invited them all to go up the mountain. God wanted to meet with all of his people, but they were afraid and refused. The Israelites told God they were content to hear what He had to say through Moses, but they wouldn’t come up the mountain. How very sad for God to be rejected by the people He loved.

    This morning God woke me up very early. I sensed Him calling me to come close so I could hear from Him. I believe His encouragement is the same for you today. His desire is for you to come close and listen to His voice.

    Prayer

    Father…Life is so very busy and it’s easy to stay distracted. Help me to find a quiet place and allow you to speak into my life so that I am refreshed. May my time with you be sweet. Take away all fear and help me to open my ears and my heart to you! In Jesus Name…Amen

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