March 19, 2026

Our Part

February 6, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

We put our hope in the Lord. He is our Help and our Shield.
Psalm 33:20

I absolutely love that God is my Help, Shield, Provider, Comforter, Banner…and the list goes on.  I love when situations seem impossible and God shows Himself mighty! I love God’s attention to detail and seeing, mostly in hindsight, how the pieces were all laid out to accomplish whatever feat God had planned.

One other thing I love, but dislike at the same time, is free will.  Odd?  Since I can remember I’ve had a fascination with how people think, and why people behave and make the decisions they do.  You know that childhood phase when “why?” is the default question to everything?  I never grew out if it.

We put our hope in the Lord. He is our Help and our Shield.

God IS our Help and Shield, but we also have a personal responsibility in our relationship with God.  My pastor says preparation is our part and victory is God’s part.  I have talked to many a women who pray and read God’s word, but who don’t take action.

What I mean is this: I can pray until I’m blue in the face for roses to grow in my front yard, but until I plant a rosebush…it’s not likely to happen.  I have to do something. We can work against God.  Might not be intentional, but we can.  Doing nothing (or if you prefer terms such as laziness, procrastination, lack of self control, simple ignorance) are all counter-productive to God’s work in our lives.

Nehemiah understood that God had a part and he had a part.  During the rebuilding of the wall, Nehemiah and the builders angered some important people!  They angered them so much that those people began plotting against them (Nehemiah 4:8). And what did they do?

…But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.
Verse 9

If you read on, the enemy learns that God frustrated their plans. And from then on half the men worked and the other half were armed, standing guard.  A man part and a God part.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Lord, thank You for being my Help and my Shield. Thank You for providing me with Your Word which is wisdom for my living. You teach me daily how am I to live my life and with the right attitude. And You guide me. Continue to lead me, Lord, and show me areas where You may be waiting for action on my part. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

CHRISTLife — Nineteen: Clean and More

February 6, 2014 by

cl clean and more

Hi there…it’s me, Coleen!  It is snowing here in upstate New York.  As I peeked outside in the early, early morning, I thought, “Oh, yes! It’s all clean again!”  All of the yucky, dirty, gross frozen slush and discolored ice and snow piles blanketed with grime kicked up by road traffic was—clean.  Sparkling, glistening, pure white clean. And then when I looked out again later, after some shoveling and plowing and snowblowing had been done, it was schmutzy again!  And more snow was wafting down…and the yuckiness was covered up again.  And I realized that really the snow hadn’t made the dirty and gross any cleaner…it just got dirty again.  Such is NOT how our hearts and minds are cleaned by Jesus’ blood.  ALL is clean…we are new again.

But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light,
we have fellowship with one another,
and the Blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just
and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar
and His Word is not in us.
1 John 1:7-10

We are justified—just as if we had never sinned (that is CLEAN, I tell you)!  We are redeemed.  We are rescued.  We are made whole.  We are purified.  We are sanctified.   We are forgiven.

However…remember this: none of this is of our own doing.  We could never do enough, try hard enough, be good enough to have made ourselves clean.  We were dead in our trespasses and unholiness, our unrighteousness.

This uncleanness has always been an issue.  God knew it…and He purposed and made a way for the only answer for it.  King David knew of his immense need for cleansing and saving from his own sin. Here in Psalm 51 he cries out to God…knowing that only God could help.

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your steadfast love;
according to the multitude of Your tender mercy
and loving-kindness blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly [and repeatedly] from my iniquity and guilt
and cleanse me and make me wholly pure from my sin!
For I am conscious of my transgressions and I acknowledge them;
my sin is ever before me.
Against You, You only, have I sinned and done that which is evil in Your sight,
so that You are justified in Your sentence and faultless in Your judgment.
Psalms 51:1-4

BUT God has always had this plan to redeem mankind.  To provide the way—Jesus’ sacrifice and death on the Cross, the spilling of His perfect blood—to atone and redeem us back to Himself!  There was only one way…thank God that it already has been accomplished!  This cleansing and purifying is yours to receive!  Have you received it?  If not, will You?  This IS God’s will—His plan, His desire—for you.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

And now…check out another page from Kim’s inner identity album, along with some thoughts she has to share on this subject, too!

CLiiakim020614

This picture is such a great reminder of where I once was—from a deep pit of despair with no hope…to a Redeemed woman with Hope and a future. I absolutely love the Scripture Mrs. Meyers uses in this chapter.

He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west.
Psalm 103:12 NLT

I praise You, Father, that my rebellious acts are as far away as the east is from the west; I am oh so thankful! And I thank You, Father, for this powerful truth for which I am thankful…

I have swept away your sins like the morning mists.
I have scattered your offenses like the clouds.
Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.
Isaiah 44:22 NIV

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Would you pray along with us these inspired words as we praise the God Who purposed all this?

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight.  In love He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will—to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves.  In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.

Ephesians 1:3-7

Filed Under: CHRISTLife Bible Study Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I Got Them to Eat My Mashed Cauliflower Recipe

February 5, 2014 by

final

Recently, I attended a dinner party with my husband that served what I thought was mashed potatoes (which has never been my favorite).  Much to my surprise it was not potatoes, but mashed cauliflower—and I loved it.  Prior to that, I had found several recipes for this dish, but was not brave enough to serve to my family, who love mashed potatoes but are not thrilled to try new vegetables.  However, since my husband loved them as well, I thought I would combine a few recipes and add my own twist. Could I get my family to eat my mashed cauliflower recipe in the name of mashed potatoes? (not a lie, just not telling the truth).

As my daughter sat down at the table with excitement, as she always does at the sight of mashed potatoes, I waited with anticipation for the first bite.  Her words, “Mom, you did something different and they are really good.”  Yes!  But too early in the game to tell her the truth.

Here is the recipe that my 9 year old daughter and husband loved.

Ingredients: (4 servings)

  • 1 head of Cauliflower
  • 3 Tablespoons of skim milk
  • 1 Tablespoons of I can’t Believe It’s Not Butter
  • 2 Tablespoons of light cream cheese
  • 1 Tablespoon of garlic
  • 1/2 cup of shredded cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  • Boil your cauliflower until tender about 15 minutes

Boiling

  • Add all ingredients and blend or mash to your desired consistency.  I have done them in a blender as well as mashed by hand and both were well received.

blender

 

  • Sprinkle with cheese and bake 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees to melt cheese; serve hot.

final

 This easy and quick side dish at only130 calories, 11grams of carbs and 6grams of protein, is not only tasty, but a great way to sneak in a serving of vegetables to your diet and home.

I did come clean with my daughter a few days later when she explained to me how much she did not like vegetables.  I could not resist but to inform her that she does like cauliflower. With the confused look on her face, I reminded her of the tasty mashed potatoes and let her in on the secret.  It was a proud moment for me to know I got her to eat my mashed cauliflower recipe.

In Good Health

Crystal

Filed Under: Coaching w/ Crystal Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

He is Our Help and Our Shield

February 5, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

 

Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy,
To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.
For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name.
Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, just as we hope in You.
Psalms 33:18-22

In November I started studying for my Master’s degree.  And, knowing this would not be the easiest task I set out to accomplish, I began to pray and seek God in this decision because it would be a commitment from myself and my family. I turned to the Psalms because of the message it speaks to the hearts of God’s children. I needed hope, I needed reassurance, and I needed to feel God’s love in all of this.

There are many aspects of David’s Psalms that I truly enjoy! Not only do I enjoy the words, but thrive on them when I go to read them. His soothing words are filled with love and peace, while also reminding me of the realness of the world we live in. The beauty of his songs helps to remind us that what we’ve been looking for our entire lives—hope, security, and joy—are actually gifts given to us by God. Gifts that we haven’t had to search for…gifts that we are entitled to because we are sons and daughters of the Most High.

He IS our Help and our Shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him.

So many changes happen in our lives on a daily basis that the reassurance of these words is almost necessary, and the great thing is that we don’t have to look far. We simply need to open up the manual He gave us and read. Soak in the words He gave to David and allow the hope, security and joy that flow from the pages.
On the nights when I am up writing papers while my house sleeps peacefully, I remember that He is right next to me, {He is my Help and my Shield}. When I am at the grocery store figuring out what to make for dinner, along with all of the other moms in the city, {He is my Help and my Shield}. When I am at work, and the tired feeling sets in, {He is my Help and my Shield}. There isn’t any area of life where He isn’t present.
In the tougher times, as well as on great days, remind yourself {He is my Help and my Shield}.  Open to this Scripture passage and remember that God is always present and always on our side.

Let’s pray: Lord, the things You do for us cannot be counted.  The love You give and the hope and security You provide can never be duplicated by anyone or anything.  Thank You for Your hope and Your love.  Thank You for being our Help and our Shield.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

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Your Love Is A Song

February 5, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

I hear you breathing in, another day begins
The stars are falling out, my dreams are fading now, fading out

I’ve been keeping my eyes wide open I’ve been keeping my eyes wide open
Your love is a symphony all around me…running through me
Your love is a melody underneath me, running to me
Oh, Your love is a song

The dawn is fire bright against the city lights
The clouds are glowing now; the moon is blacking out, is blacking out
So I’ve been keeping my mind wide open; I’ve been keeping my mind wide open

Your love is a symphony all around me…running through me
Your love is a melody underneath me, running to me
Oh, Your love is a song

Oh, Your love is a song, Your love is a song
Oh, Your love is a song, Your love is strong

With my eyes wide open… I’ve got my eyes wide open
I’ve been keeping my hopes unbroken

Your love is a symphony all around me…running through me
Your love is a melody underneath me, running to me
Your love is a song, Your love is my remedy, Oh, Your love is a song


“Your Love Is A Song”
~  Songwriter: Mike Elizondo  / Performed by Switchfoot  ~
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

The love of the Father…a love like nothing I have ever known. Unconditional. Life changing.  A love that changed my life Forever.  A love that saved me from a deep pit of despair and redeemed me and gave me a new future.  A love that is not based on conditions…but that is unconditional.

Do you know this kind of love?  It is the kind of love that is only found in God.

Let me share a few of my favorite Scriptures on God’s love that have been life changing.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers,
nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,
nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:37-39 ESV

Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.
Psalm 36:5 ESV

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son
to be the propitiation for our sins.
1 John 4:10 ESV

God loves us so much ladies…once we grasp and believe this Truth, we will be powerful women for the Kingdom!

When you are tempted to believe the lies of anything
other than the Truth, remember this:
You say: ‘It’s impossible’
God says: All things are possible
Luke 18:27

You say: ‘I’m too tired’
God says: I will give you rest
Matthew 11:28-30

You say: ‘Nobody really loves me’
God says: I love you
John 3:1-6 and John 3:34 )

You say: ‘I can’t go on’
God says: My grace is sufficient
2 Corinthians 12:9 and Psalm 91:15

You say: ‘I can’t figure things out’
God says: I will direct your steps
Proverbs 3:5-6

You say: ‘I can’t do it’
God says: You can do all things
Philippians 4:13

You say: ‘I’m not able’
God says: I am able
2 Corinthians 9:8

You say: ‘It’s not worth it’
God says: It will be worth it
Roman 8:28

You say: ‘I can’t forgive myself’
God says: I forgive you
1 John 1:9 and Romans 8:1

You say: ‘I can’t manage’
God says: I will supply all your needs
Philippians 4:19

You say: ‘I’m afraid’God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
2 Timothy 1:7

You say: ‘I’m always worried and frustrated’
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
1 Peter 5:7

You say: ‘I’m not smart enough’
God says: I give you wisdom
1 Corinthians 1:30

You say: ‘I feel all alone’
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
Hebrews 13:5**

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Heavenly Father,  I pray for each woman reading this blog today that she would choose to walk in the full Truth of who she is in You and that she would reject any lies the enemy may whisper and instead replace them with the Truth of Your great love for each and every one of us, and how very precious we are to You.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN!!!

** I read these beautiful truths in a graphic from ‘The Pocket Testament League‘.  <https://www.facebook.com/pocketpower>

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , ,

Hope For All

February 4, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him,
on those whose hope is in His unfailing love,
to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.
We wait in hope for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
In Him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in His holy name.
May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
even as we put our hope in You.

Psalm 33:18-22

These verses are like a salve to soothe the hurt each of us have endured over time. We never feel like it will at that moment…but it does.  One summer a friend of mine had a visit from her sister, brother-in-law and their three boys.  It was a very sweet time of fellowship and new friendships were developed during the three week visit. It soon came time for them to return to their home and they were sorely missed.

By October, the middle boy became gravely ill.  My friend left everything and went to be with her sister.  Her nephew stayed in the hospital until the middle of November when, by God’s mercy, he succumbed to the disease.  There was a webpage that was dedicated to having others offer prayer and support for this child and his family.  People from all walks of life and from all over the world were praying for his recovery, but God knew better.

Through all of this my friend, whose faith had always seemed to be unshakable, began to question God’s.  Why did He allow this to happen to her nephew, why didn’t He heal him, why are some healed and others die.  What was different in his case?  Did they not pray enough?  Did they allow doubt to enter their hearts?  Did they not ask the right church leaders to offer prayer?  My heart hurt for my friend.  I prayed for healing, but as they cut away the limbs of the child, I knew he might be better off in heaven where he could run and play with his dinosaurs.

1 Peter 5:7  says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”  We may never understand why God chooses to heal one over the other.  But we have to trust that He knows infinitely better than we.  Our hope in these situations is that we will see each other in heaven, with our bodies whole—not scarred or broken—but made whole.  Sometimes all we can do is pray and listen.

 * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Father, we love You and praise You.  Give us the wisdom to know when to encourage, and when we just need to listen.  There are questions we will never know the answer to until we see You in heaven.  Help us to know when we need to question and when we just need to have a child-like trust that You are in control. Help us not to be angry with You, when things do not make sense in our limited human knowledge.  You have a bigger plan that we cannot see.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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CHRISTLife — Seventeen: Desired

February 4, 2014 by

cl desired

We have been called and chosen.  Why?  Just one reason—Almighty God desired to love us.  Paul says that God has set His love on those whom He loves from all eternity (Ephesians 1:4).  If you are a child of God, there has never been a time when God did not know you and did not love you.  Before you were even born He had determined to set His love on you.  He chose us not because we were love-able; but we become love-able because He chose us and desired us.

In this is love: not that we loved God,
but that He loved us
and sent His Son to be the propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins.
1 John 4:10

You see, at just the right time when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person,
though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die.
But God demonstrates His own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:6-8

From the foundations of time, Sovereign Almighty God has desired His children. And He made a way—a very, very hard way—for sinful, not love-able people to be brought to His Holy Self.  And that was through the sacrifice and death of His Son, Jesus Christ.  And then through the centuries leading up to the perfect time when Jesus would come to the earth to show this incredible love, at sporadic times there were a few people who recognized this love that God had for mankind. David the psalmist was one.  He wrote many, many times about the reality of God’s love for himself.

And even Job, through all his worryings and complainings and the very difficult times he had, I believe he knew and was convinced of God’s love for man. Listen…

What is man that you make so much of him and that You set Your heart on him,
and visit him every morning…?
Job 7:17 and 18

God spoke through any number of the prophets declaring to the people He was drawing to Himself of His love, grace, and mercy and His desire for mankind.

Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works,
but according to His own purpose and grace
which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,
2 Timothy 1:9

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.
Jeremiah 31:3

Particularly, through the life of one prophet, Hosea, God showed what the depth of His love looked like…right alongside the depravity of the idolatry and whoredom of His people.  The whole book of Hosea illuminates this truth but in particular I love one verse:

I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love,
and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws,
and I bent down to them and fed them.
Hosea 11:4

And then Jesus came! And showed clearly the depth of God’s love for mankind. He lived love to the nth degree always being the epitome of God’s love.

Now here is Truth (I know it is so because it is in God’s Word)…truth hard to comprehend but true nonetheless!

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities,
nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth,
nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God,
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

Such love is beyond our ability to grasp with our minds, but it is not beyond our ability to experience with our hearts. Only through the power and influence of the Holy Spirit are we able to do so!

…And that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
may be able to comprehend with all the saints
what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge,
that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:17-19

Truly not feasible by our own doing, our own efforts, our own works. BUT, because God tells us so through Paul’s encouragement to the church at Ephesus, we KNOW it to be true! And this is the awesome Truth of God’s desiring us—it is not based on you or me but completely on Him!

May I share something with you?  At the very beginning of today’s chapter, Mrs. Myers asks her readers to “Allow the Lord to fully convince your heart that He desires you.”  I had an extremely difficult time taking that step.  You see, on any given day, I have not been convinced that Almighty God desired me.  Let alone ask Him to ‘fully convince my heart’ of that fact.  But…today I did ask.  And He is doing so!!!  Oh, I have a <prior> lifetime of being fully convinced that perhaps God might desire everyone else but not me.  But that is not too much for our Father to deal with!  For little me, Coleen Ann Brigit McElroy Hayden, “I am <becoming> convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate <me> from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus <my> Lord.”  How about you?

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

God loves you!  ♥  (Don’t ever forget that!)

Filed Under: CHRISTLife Bible Study Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Gluten free, Grain free Zucchini Muffins

February 3, 2014 by

Here on our At Home with GCH blog, Monday’s are always focused on healthy but oh-so-yummy! recipes.  This recipe fits perfectly into the category being it is low in fat (uses greek yogurt and a small amount of coconut oil or butter), is gluten-free, grain-free, and more than one cup of vegetables.

Have you ever used crystallized ginger?  I just love this product and try to always have some stored in the freezer.  (Hint: if you keep it frozen, it is super easy to grate up to put into your recipe.)  It is a great ingredient to add to many spicy dishes.  We especially enjoy it in Thai food!  Try adding a bit to any baked goodies that have cinnamon, or nutmeg, in them.  I buy mine in the grocery store; look for it either in the Asian food aisle, or the baking goods aisle.

Oh…just  a suggestion:  perhaps you might want to make a double batch!  Enjoy!

IMG_1556

Zucchini Muffins

makes one dozen regular-sized muffins

Ingredients:

topping ingredients:IMG_1553
1/4 cup chopped almonds
1 tablespoon sugar (I use coconut sugar)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons almond flour
2 tablespoons very cold butter, cut into little cubes

muffin ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar (I use coconut sugar)
3 eggs
3/4 cup greek yogurt
1/4 cup softened coconut oil
1+1/2 cup shredded zucchini, squeezed dry in a dish towel
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon powdered ginger
1 cube frozen crystallized ginger*, grated fine
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1+1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup coconut flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

  • Heat oven to 325
  • Place muffin cups in muffin tin
  • Make topping ingredients first: mix all dry components of topping together; then drop in the butter cubes and quickly use your fingertips to incorporate the butter; set aside
  • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together first 4 muffin ingredients until sugar is dissolved
  • Add zucchini (and crystallized ginger, if using) to the wet ingredients; stir well
  • In a separate large bowl, mix together the flours, spices, and baking soda
  • Add wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until incorporated
  • Divide batter into muffin cups evenly
  • Sprinkle on almond topping
  • Bake for 30- 35 minutes
  • After removing from oven, let cool for just a minute  and then remove to a cooling rack
Filed Under: At Home w/ GCH Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Rock of Ages

February 3, 2014 by

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless, look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When my eyes shall close in death,
When I rise to worlds unknown,
And behold Thee on Thy throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

~  Written by Augustus Toplady, 1760’s / Performed by Sound Doctrine Band  ~

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

This is an old hymn which many of us have grown up singing in a more traditional setting.  This version is a little more updated.  The story goes that Mr. Toplady was traveling the countryside in England when a violent thunder storm occured leaving him to find shelter in the hillside.  While waiting for the storm to subside and fearing for his life, the poem began to form in his mind.  Having no paper, it is said that he found some playing cards that he wrote upon.  As a young cleric I am sure he was much chagrined about using such a surface.

How many times have we found ourselves in the middle of storms that we have thought we might not survive?  But by the grace of God, He is faithful and true to bring us through them.  I remember growing up and wondering why was I there and why was I with this family who did not love me.  But then I realized that I was where I needed to be.  God had a specific purpose for me walking through the abandonment, abuse, abortion, and later forgiveness.  He helped me to see that there are such things as generational curses that need to be broken, and choices each person is responsible for.

I have come a long way from that little country girl who suffered.  He put women in my life who have walked the same path I had and came out of the fire whole and willing for God to use them.  Grace and mercy is what helps us get through all the hurt.  Speaking life into others brings healing.  Forgiveness brings us full circle.  It gives us the ability to see others as they are, human, despite their role in our life. Whether it is a parental role, sibling role, or as a friend…we are all human.

For of His fulness we all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.  John 1:16-17  ASV

We all have a part in what happens to us, good or bad.  We all suffer consequences of our actions.  It is when we let those actions from our past define who we are now that we are defeated.  We are to put away the old man and fight for the new creation in Jesus Christ to shine forth.  We need to find the passion we had when we first believed.  And we can!

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Thank you, Lord, for Your grace and mercy; and for the Holy Spirit that is within all of us.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.  Amen.

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Those Who Fear Him

February 3, 2014 by

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Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy;
To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
Psalms 33:18-19

While the eyes of the Lord are on all people (as in verses 14-15), they rest in a special way on those who fear Him.  (Also Psalm 34:15 “the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their cry…”)

‘God’s eye’ refers to God’s caring love and providential oversight of our lives—‘to deliver them from death and famine.’  This means that as long as we fear the Lord our hope in Him waits for Him and remains in His will. God will watch over and protect us so that we will not die unless it be according to His plan.

Recently I read a story that is just too good to keep to myself, so I’d like to share it with you this week.
“The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions.
One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt that the worst had happened and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, ‘God! How could you do this to me?’
Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him!
‘How did you know I was here?’ asked the weary man of his rescuers. ‘We saw your smoke signal,’ they replied.”

Sometimes it’s hard to see God’s hand at work in your life.  He may seem hidden, far away, or totally out of reach, yet nothing could be farther from the truth!  Your tender Savior is always watching over you, and always at work behind the scenes.  As you pass through the waters and look back, you’ll see the way He worked on your behalf.  Remember, although you might not be able to see His hand, you can trust His heart.

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Our Father, we thank You for Your eyes that are watching over us as Your own chosen generation, a royal priesthood.  Make us a people of Your heart by increasing our faith and trust in You always.  Help us understand Your oracles and remain under Your wings forever. In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,
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