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Order My Steps

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Here’s my attempt at re-creating the iconic “Footprints in the Sand” image. I took this shot while in Florida last March. It was fun walking in the sand, hopping off to the side to make sure my shadow didn’t appear in the picture and then taking some quick photos before the waves would rush in and erase my footprints. Not bad, eh?

I can’t look at this photo without thinking of the famous poem which ends with the powerful line, “The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, is when I carried you.”

It also reminds me of how all throughout the Bible, God promises to order our steps.

Ever go through a season when you weren’t sure what to do next? Maybe you’re in it right now. Are you trying to decide if you should take that new job? Go back to school? Move to that new city? Marry that person? Visit that exotic place, etc….

Many times in our eagerness to act, we make our plans first and then we ask God to bless them. But if we slow down a bit, we’d realize that we have it all backwards. As Christians, we’re called to pray first and to ask God to show us what He’d like us to do next.

The Bible says, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

How sweet it is when we consult with God before making any major decisions! He is our Creator. He wants to guide us along the path He has for us.

One of the key ways God guides us is through the Bible. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105) The more we spend time in His Word, the more in tune we are with our Maker’s heart.

Want to know the true secret of success? It’s not really a secret. “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3)

There’s no greater feeling than when you’ve prayed about something, talked to wise counselors about it and then had the peace that this is something that God is asking you to do or allowing you to do. Nothing beats living in the center of God’s will for your life. Nothing.

So if you are at a crossroads right now, I’d like to encourage you that God has a good plan for your life. Ask Him to show you what He has in store for you, and ask Him to guide you all the way there. Those are prayers that He’s longing to answer! He may not take you the easy way, but remember that in the tough times He’ll be there carrying you through it.

Feel free to leave a comment below. I’d love to hear how this post helped to encourage you!

A proud part of Bonnie’s Faith Jam this week.

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Promise Keeper

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My 7-year-old nephew came bouncing out of Sunday school during my visit last September, and happily showed me the wallet he had made in class. As he held out his handiwork for me to see, I was so blessed by the simple, yet powerful message, “God Always Keeps His Promises!”

I don’t think my nephew realized that his project was speaking volumes to me. It was the exact message I needed to hear. What a sweet reminder that God is Faithful!

It can be easy to get discouraged or disappointed when things don’t seem to be going your way. Perhaps you didn’t get the job you wanted, your car finally went kaput or someone let you down. The possibilities are endless.

The point is that we can quickly lose focus and take our eyes off of Jesus. When that happens, we start to get preoccupied with our problems and start to obsess over what we don’t have.

We forget all the promises that God has for us in the Bible. The one that is speaking to me right now is, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

That’s right, all things may not be good in our lives but God PROMISES to work it out for our good. So we can thank God for closed doors and start rejoicing over the new doors He’ll be opening!

What are you believing God for today?

I encourage you to open up the Bible and write down, memorize, and meditate on some of the promises that speak to your heart. God has given us so many promises in the Bible. God is the ultimate promise keeper!

Perhaps you’re not familiar with some of His promises for you, or you could use a friendly reminder. Allow me to share just a few of God’s awesome promises for His children:

  • “…no weapon forged against you will prevail…” (Isaiah 54:17)
  • “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
  • “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
  • “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2-3)
  • “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13) 

God cannot lie! Hold on to His promises for you!

“As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

(Isaiah 55:10-11)

Do you have a favorite Bible promise that you’d like to share? Feel free to write it below.

If you’re not familiar with the song “Promises” by Sanctus Real, click here and enjoy!

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Love is in the Air

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I was walking to my car one afternoon last spring when I looked up and saw a small plane right in the middle of skywriting. Most of my fellow shoppers didn’t seem to notice the plane as it maneuvered around in the shape of a backwards question mark. It caught my attention, so I waited around to see what design it would make. To my delight, it formed this beautiful heart in the sky. I just smiled and thanked God for that wonderful kiss from heaven!

MiraculousLovely moments like these are precious, aren’t they? They serve as little reminders that God loves us!

Sadly, I think many times people go through life trying to earn, keep or run from God’s love. Some may be completely unaware that God loves them. Others, who may have vaguely heard about God’s love years ago, doubt that God could ever care about them now.

And some people are so focused on how much they love God that they overlook how much God loves them! Yes, we are called to love the Lord with all our heart, soul and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5). There’s no doubt about that.

But what does the Bible say about God’s love for us?

“We love because He (God) first loved us.” (1John 4:19) Isn’t that beautiful? God Almighty loved us first! We didn’t have to do anything to “earn” His love. He just loves us. Doesn’t that make your heart want to sing?

And God proved His love for us in the greatest of ways. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Yes, Jesus came to redeem us because of His love for us!  And He did so even before we had any kind thoughts towards Him! Talk about unconditional love!

No matter how you’re feeling today, repeat after me, “God loves me!”  That truth is so profound that you might want to say it a few times just so it can sink in.

“God loves me!” Can you say it without it warming your heart? “God loves me!” Doesn’t it make you smile?

Once you get a revelation of God’s love for you, it transforms your life. It changes your perspective. Your friends, loved ones or co-workers may come and go from your life, but God’s love remains. The Bible says God is love!

He may not love everything you say, think or do, but God loves YOU! He longs to be in a relationship with you where you spend time with Him on a daily basis, talk to Him and listen to what He’d like to share with you.

If you’re already a Christian, I pray that you will grow in the knowledge and grace of His love!

If you’re just learning about Jesus, I pray that you will receive His love, walk in that love and pour out that love on others! For more information, please feel free to visit http://peacewithgod.jesus.net/ or the Info for New Believers/Seekers page.

The song “How He Loves Us” by the David Crowder Band is a great way for all of us to rejoice in God’s love. Enjoy!

If you have a MiraculousLovely moment you’d like to share, feel free to leave a comment below.

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A Picture of Perseverance

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This photo that I took last year is very special to me. It’s more than just another pretty flower. When I look at it, I see the power and beauty of one single rose standing on its own.

To me, it embodies what it means to persevere.

This rose isn’t surrounded by a whole garden of flowers. It’s just in full bloom by itself.

Ever have one of those seasons? Where you don’t fit it in with the crowd? When a storm has hit and wiped out everyone else, but you?  When you felt like you were down to nothing?

It’s in those moments that God steps in and meets us. It’s when He reminds us that if we have Him, we have more than enough.

I love how the rose defiantly stands against the odds and gives you no choice but to notice its beauty. Take a look at how barren things look around the rose.

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It’s really a wonder how the rose could even flourish in that environment. What happened to all the other flowers?

I don’t know what you are going through today. Perhaps you are walking through a dry valley or a season of drought or despair. Perhaps you’re feeling like no one else around you cares or understands your struggles.

It could be because of a loss of a job, loved one or your health. It could be a transition time or a time of uncertainty.

Whatever you are facing today, be at peace knowing that God is Greater than your circumstances. He has not abandoned you. He is right there with you giving you the strength to stand and to persevere.

The Bible says, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12)

In short, don’t give up!

When you feel like wallowing in a corner or backing down, I hope you will remember this rose (and the verse above) and that you would be encouraged to keep standing tall. Whatever you’re struggling with, it is just for a season.  God will see you through it.  He will give you the grace to endure it.

If you’d like to share a prayer request below, please feel free. I’d be honored to pray for you.

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Help is on the Way

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I once heard a sermon where the pastor mentioned that we pray one thing and God does 10,000 things in order to bring to pass the answer to our request. The photo above helps to remind me that God does hear my prayers and that His answer is on the way.

Just because I don’t see an instant response to my prayer request doesn’t mean that God is asleep, has forgotten me or is ignoring me.  It just means that some prayers take a longer time to get answered. God’s answer could be yes, no or wait.

During that waiting period, God is growing us, maturing us and testing us. He’s also bringing people and circumstances into alignment.

The Bible says,“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; He who seeks finds; and to Him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7)

We obviously need to be praying according to God’s will for our lives and should repent of any unconfessed sins. As Christians, we can then leave the rest to God.

The Bible doesn’t say how long it takes for the answers to come. It does say we are to be persistent in our prayers and we should pray with faith.

God is not a genie so He doesn’t just automatically give us everything we want exactly when we want it. However, He does like to give His kids good gifts so get ready!

If you’re waiting on some of God’s promises to be fulfilled in your life, I’d like to encourage you by reminding you that God is working behind-the-scenes.  At the appointed time, you’ll receive your answer! When you do, make sure to come back and share about it here!

 

 

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Daddy’s Girl

Daddy's Girl

 

I don’t normally take photos of random people on the streets of New York City, but when I saw this duo walking in Manhattan last summer I couldn’t help but snap some pictures of them. At first glance, this is a sweet shot of a dad and daughter walking hand-in-hand along the streets of the concrete jungle in midtown. It also captures a guy secure enough in his manhood to sport a Hello Kitty bag! But that moment meant so much more to me.

Whenever I look at this picture and I see how the burly dad is gently guiding along his daughter and how he’s even carrying her backpack for her, I’m reminded of my walk with my Heavenly Father. In many ways I am like that little girl who is walking alongside her dad. I don’t have to worry about where I’m going or how to get there because my “Abba” Father is leading the way. He’s not standing far off. He’s right beside me. I don’t even have to carry all the weight of the world on my shoulders because my Heavenly Father is there to carry it for me!

Yes, the Bible says that as Christians who have the Holy Spirit living inside of us we can call God Our Father. “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:15-16).

I don’t know about you, but I love that I can go to the God of the universe and can call Him Dad! And I love that my Father hears me and acts on my behalf. He wants His children to trust and lean on Him. The Bible says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him (God) because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

Jesus tells us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

If you’re feeling tired, alone or weary today, I pray that God would remind you or reveal Himself to you as your loving Father. Your biological father may have disappointed you, but your Heavenly Father will not fail you!

 

 

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