Proverbs 29:25

"Fear of a man will prove to be a snare, 

but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe."

Why is it easier to speak hope than to keep it in our hearts?

"Let us hold fast the confession of our HOPE without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." - Hebrews 10:23

I praise God that His Holy "Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." - Romans 8:26

Just last night I was encouraging a dear friend and the Holy Spirit gave me words - HOPE - just came out of me. An now, just hours later I am doubting, trying to take control, and fearful of my own circumstances. How often that happens...we know the truth deep in our souls - yet we let our circumstance steer our thoughts far from it.

Today let's ask God to help us live out the hope we have confessed.

Lessons from Africa Remembered

All of a sudden I realize how "American" I have become again - it has just crept into my soul.  Jesus, please help me remember the truths you revealed to me.  Help me become more selfless; more focused on Your good and perfect will.

Truths I need to remember:

1. Because of the fall - Life is suffering, life is pain – so learn to live with it, expect it, and learn how to cope with it.

Job 1:21 “And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

2. When something good or joyful does happen, embrace it, cherish it, remember it.

Luke 2:19 “But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” Revelation 3:3 “Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent.”

3. Always keep your eyes on the Cross – our only hope in this world is Jesus Christ. 

Romans 8:18 – “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

4. Remember that His ways are “higher” than ours– that His plan is far better than ours.   

Isaiah 55:9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” 

5. Regardless of our current circumstance, we are in our maker’s hands.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

6. God loves us and wants the best for us.

Romans 8:31 “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He sent His only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

REALity

With so many sad things happening in the World, it is easy to be sad. Right now, the Lord is reminding me that these things "are a shadow of the things that (are) to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ." (Col 2:17)




So, while we can only see what is right in front of us - allow the Holy Spirit to remind you that there is another reality where there is no more pain or brokeness, and where all these sad things fit into the Lord's sovereign plan. Focus on that REALity today.

"And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Jesus Christ." Ephesians 2:6

Wedding!

I just saw a magazine Ben and I are in - so fun! It makes me remember how perfect and BLESSED our wedding day was:)

Alabama Weddings : Booksamillion.com (Magazine)

Happy Valentine's Day!

I have heard it said that reading the Bible is like reading God's love letter to us ... so wouldn't it make sense that the verses are just like valentine cards?! Happy Valentine's Day!