Solid as a Rock…

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

Gentle Spirit…

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

Tangled…

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