God is good! Have you ever just said, “Thank you, Lord, for holding me thru each day. I love You for Your ever loving faithfulness.”? If not, stop…and do just that😊. You are loved! I’m thankful for my new winter coat I purchased at an antique store this past weekend😏. It’s not just the big things…its the little things too.
!
How many times do you start a project and realize you have the incorrect equipment to complete the job or project properly?
At the the moment of realization, do you keep trudging along our do you stop and assess the changes needed?
My hope is we stop and assess so that “…all things should be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40)
Even before that, I strongly suggest we start our projects, or the work ahead of us, with prayer to “commit our work to the Lord” ,so, our “plans will be established”. (Proverbs 16:3)
And, thus, with our prayer before the Lord, our hearts will be set in the right frame of mind so that “whatever we do, we will work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men”. (Colossians 3:23)
There is a progression in all we do with the starting point being the Lord. “Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.” (Psalm 102:25)
It is so cool to think of God creating! It inspires/encourages/illustrates to me that I must put my full effort into my work and my projects because He created ME, His masterpiece. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well”. (Psalm 139:14)
From the beginning, “the Lord God took man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it”. (Genesis 2:15)
Now, I don’t know what work you do or what projects you are working on, but take a moment to pray about them. Adjust what needs adjusting, and thank the Lord for giving you the sense to do just that. “I desire then that in every place the men should pray…” (1 Timothy 2:8)
So, today, “whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
May your work be fruitful, Sarah Marie:)
Have you noticed that in the midst of chaos some people just seem to have their lives move right along – fairly steady, even though the circumstances surrounding them don’t change, and those circumstances seem like they would just make you want to cry?
Well, there is a Biblical foundation that allows these individuals to stay strong. It’s not themselves! No, it’s the fact they stand on the solid Rock, Jesus Christ! “For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God?“. (2 Samuel 22:32)
Well, I know this God and “there is none holy like the Lord; there is none besides (Him); there is no rock like our God”. (2 Samuel 2:2)
Trusting that our Lord won’t move, shake, or fall out from under us is a process. He asks us to trust Him throughout His Word, not once, but many times! It’s a recurring theme with stories in the Bible. “Trust in the Lord with your whole heart, and do not lean on your own understanding“. (Proverbs 3:5)
I think the Lord knew since sin entered the world our sinful nature would bend away from Him and lean towards trying to control everything, rather, than staying on the foundation He had freely given us once we accept Him. “As you come to Him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious” (1 Peter 2:4)
So, let’s stay on our solid foundation!! “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11)
If you’ve tried building your own foundation apart from God return to the one who created you! “If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth“. (1 John 1:6) So, “today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…” (Hebrews 3:7)
There is nothing like feeling the security of the One who cannot be shaken!!!! “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us!” (Romans 8:37)
So, “thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ“!!! (1 Corinthians 15:57)
May you have a beautiful, secure day and Memorial weekend:)!
With Love, Sarah Marie
Do you know someone with a gentle spirit? They bring calm and steady to your world – in a not so always peaceful place.
They display “…wisdom from above (that) is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17)
It is a blessing to have someone in your life like this! But, I ask, “Are you a gentle spirit to those you interact with?”. “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4)
In no way does this mean you should be a pushover or doormat! People who claim you are “mean” just because they do not get their own way do not know what this means, and in spite of their blindness, “we can confidently say the Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”, (Hebrews 13:6), and speak to them in truth.
Let’s see…BECAUSE the Lord is our helper…hmmmm…did you hear that?! He is WITH US!! We “can do ALL things (being gentle) through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) Even when frustrated.
I think many people say to themselves, “Well, I’m a niiiiiiiiiice person.”
Well, do we want to just be “nice“?
I challenge all of us to be gentle, kind, tender, sympathetic, considerate, understanding, compassionate, and good-natured today, tomorrow, and the next day…whether you feel like it or not. Yup. 🙂 Because, even “after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”. (1 Peter 5:10)
So, if you jump on any band wagon today let it be the GENTLE GIANT band wagon. 🙂
May you each have a MOST beautiful week, Sarah
Do you know individuals who seem to lead “tangled” lives? They are those who create chaos. They ooze fearfulness and their actions speak bitterness. They are bound in the neverending war to “win”. “For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” (Acts 8:23)
So, you nod your head and say, “I know that person…what do I do about them?”
First, “be sober-minded; watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Don’t be fooled. The devil wants your life here on earth to be miserable, and so enters that “tangled” person stage left in your life, but remember this fact, “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) So, even though the devil puts a thorn in your side (2 Corinthians 12:7) it is to perfect you, as “the Lord will accomplish what concerns you; your loving-kindness, O Lord, is everlasting…” (Psalm 138:8).
Secondly, you can pray for those “tangled” people, as they really are way worse off than you. You know this by virtue of their treatment towards you and by their messed up lives, so, “…I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who hurt you.” (Luke 6:27-36) Remember, to “be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Lastly, you can rejoice! You can rejoice knowing Jesus wins every time, so, “…thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)
And, Jesus is in the business of changing hearts so you can keep the faith and have hope! (Psalm 51:10)
May you today and always, “rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Roman’s 12:12)
Love, Sarah Marie
Grand Haven, MI Rob making me smile:)
Ahhhhh…the slight up turn of the corners of your mouth begins, the laugh lines show as your eyes close, then the set of pearly whites are on full display as an hearty laugh erupts – the smile has arrived:).
What makes you smile? Your kids? Your furry babies? Bloopers on TV? Your spouse’s jokes? Even yourself? Or, maybe nothing right now.
What about your joy in the Lord? Does that even exist, you ask?
Well, it either does, or it can if you don’t feel as if you’re experiencing it! “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
We must first trust in Him! “For our heart is glad in Him, because we trust in His holy name.” Psalm 33:21
Our joy is not based on any one thing happening in our lives making it so. Our joy is not based on any one person making it so. No, it is because “…my heart rejoices in God my Savior…”! Luke 1:47
When HE, the only one we seek, is alive in our lives, we can then smile with abandon and say, “May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! May those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great!”” Psalm 70:4
I know a lot of hurting people…some in a short season of sadness and some in a long season.
If you haven’t seen in your smile, nor those around you lately, ask the Lord to “restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit”. Psalm 51:12 Soon, “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.” Job 8:21
If, “The Lord your God is in your mist, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17), then let that smile, that grin, that laughter loose!!! You have nothing to lose, and only joy to gain! 🙂
May you smile BIG! Love, Sarah
Grand Haven Snow, April
Job was hurting. Job had been thru it all. Loss of children. Loss of home. Loss of possessions. Illness. Questioned by friends over his lot in life as it all seemed to fall apart.
Yet, thru this Job says to the Lord, “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Job 42:2
What a statement from a man who was currently in a state of suffering!
I find myself asking, “Do I trust in the Lord enough to say that in the trials I face, big or small, “Lord, I know your hand is in my life. You see all that goes on and I trust you to lead me thru each day?” Hmmmm…sometimes, I don’t “give the Lord enough credit”. Pretty embarrassing, right?
I think we all fall into that trap of believing He cannot be thwarted, but when it comes to the details we want to step in and take control. As Steve Brown (Key Life) says that’s not believing in His sovereignty (I paraphrase.)
So, as you tackle life, muddle thru it at times, or sail thru it without a care, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, and nothing can stop the Lord from doing the absolute best for you in your life – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
The Lord’s will cannot be overcome by anyone or anything. Hallelujah!! 🙂 Remember, “For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?” Isaiah 14:27
And, whether you think your in control or you are fearful of others control/influence/affect in your life, remember this too, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21
May your day be bright, Sarah Marie:)
The Lord’s light always shines thru the clouds. Grand Haven, MI
It can be tiresome to hear daily, “When circumstances are grim…look up!” So many around have one thing or another affecting the peace in their lives. It’s every where. In the world. In our nation. In our own personal lives. This is not say good isn’t around because it is! It really is. But, sometimes the good seems like that dim light at the end of the tunnel. Barely there. Sometimes just a ray of light.
The question then is, “How do I feel the warmth of that light?”.
“How do I see the fullness of that light?”.
That is when I say, “Look up!” Look to Jesus. Look to the cross.
I do not say this lightly (no pun intended:)).
It is a simple saying. Yet, one harder to do unless YOU DO IT!
See, Jesus, never promised us from struggle. He promised us freedom IN Jesus.
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
2 Corinthians 3:17
Who comes into our lives and circumstances around us are what they are. We can set boundaries, but we cannot control their actions. As we give those individuals and the circumstances to the Lord He promises, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
How encouraging to know if we give our troubles to Him, HE then lifts us up. “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22
See, others can do their best to cause chaos, but HE reigns. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Now, can I get an AMEN on that? 🙂
So, now! Look up! For, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
As you go through the day, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16
May your day be brighter, Sarah Marie:)
As we start to close 2015, smile at the good, learn from the rough spots, pray for those who hurt you, cherish those who love you, thank Jesus for His ever present help in all you do, and SMILE at 2016! It’s coming whether you want it to or not:)
Will be blogging more in 2016…:)
In my mind (when I’m in my car) I feel like a rock star belting out the tunes:).
Man, when I’m driving down the road, and I technically can’t hear my own voice (thank goodness) because of the music,
I feel like the world should hear my voice…lol…I mean who wouldn’t want to hear this angel singing? lol
Ok…no one would want to hear my voice:).
I really can’t carry a tune.
BUT, to the Lord’s ears my voice singing praises to Him is precious.
He delights in hearing us thank Him through song.
He delights in hearing us surrender to Him through song.
He delights in hearing us pray through song.
I found recently that singing songs over my myself and for my family is powerful.
The Lord hears my awful screeching and turns it into beautiful worship!
Yea, I know…prettteeee incredible!
So, when you get in your car this week…
…crank up your prayer through praise!
…dial up the Lord through song!
You will be blessed!
...moments 2 remember... 