A truly beautiful thing

Our Bible study group last Spring

I’m laying here on the bed considering “calling it a day and hitting the hay“ For anyone reading this outside the USA, thats just a figure of speech meaning I’m tired and ready for a good nights sleep. My heart is so full right now though and while the day is fresh on my mind, I figured I would get some blogging done.

It seems like this is going to be one of those really transparent blogs. From time to time those are good to share. I love when people are real and genuine.

Towards the end of summer my Bible study group decided to pick up with our Fall study. The only setback was our leader was a part of a different study and wasn’t able to join us. When the girls asked if I would lead the study, I remember slowly responding, okay. Inwardly I was asking God, “Are you serious Lord? How can I do this? I cant see the book. “. There are four girls in our Bible study group: one hearing and three deaf. I am also legally blind. We all have different reading skills and different ways of learning. I knew the book we were planning to do was a bit difficult for a couple of our members but they wanted to try anyway. Over the summer one had told me she liked it best when someone explained things to her. Kind of like acting it out in story form. I have kept that in mind.

Funny thing, when you tell God He’s got the wrong person for the job, He will prove you wrong. I cant tell you how many times I’ve flat out said “Lord help me. I cant do this”. Every time I buckled down to give it my best try, I end up standing amazed at how God is working.

I can’t see the book unless it is under my video magnifier machine. So I sit in our home office in from of my machine with the book zoomed in so I can see. I have my ipad notes ready to take notes to teach from and use the iPhone to look up scripture on YouVersion app. I like being able to see different transplations,when trying to interpret into sign language. Some translations are easier to interpret than others. Sign language is in a different word order and conceptual. As I prepare my notes I’m trying to see it from their perspective and word the notes in such a way they can really gleam from the study. Since it’s hard for me to even see my ipad notes unless they are zoomed in large, going over the notes again and again so I dont have to look frequently has been the best approach so far and the girls are participating. That is so so beautiful.

Over the last two weeks we have been studying Leah and Rachel who were both married to Jacob. To be honest, I’m not a fan of speculation. God has given us His Holy Bible that was inspired by the Holy Spirit. In my point of view, you don’t add anything to it nor take anything away from it. While we are getting a lot out of the this study, some things the author says doesn’t quite sit right with us. Meaning we aren’t in total agreement, simply because the author speculates about certain aspects of the study. This really creates some awesome discussions among us. Today one of my deaf friends took the open Bible on the table and began searching for a certain scripture to prove her point. My other deaf friend thought she knew what she was looking for and they found it together. Talking about awesome. These two girls just bought their bibles last fall and now they are digging in deeper to see what God has to say about something. That is a truly beautiful thing. There is nothing more beautiful that a person fully surrendered and submissive to the Lord.

I would have never thought I’d ever be teaching a bible study. However I am a willing empty vessel that God is choosing to prove He can use. It is so humbling and exhausting. God can use anything He wants to full fill His divine purpose.

Just about every week I find myself saying, “God help me. I can’t do this. It’s too much.” Then in response, each time I say that, God pours His grace, enabling God to get it done. I am in awe of how God works. He chooses the broken things to bring about His desires.

Moral of this blog, never say never. In everything do it for the glory of God. You’d be surprised at how many people are watching how we handle situations. Make it a priority to shine for the Lord. It’s a dark world in need of light. Be willing to be a light for Jesus.

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Always be ready

Picture found on the internet.


Years ago when my son Joshua was 6, we took tae kwon do lessons together. I loved it but he never really took a keen interest. Before each class we had to recite some “reminders”. I still remember two: Always finish what you start and always be ready or prepared. To this day, nearly 20 years later, these reminders still apply to every day life. Whether you are training to spar, preparing to teach a Bible study lesson, preparing cookies for book club, or spiritually training to be ready for what the enemy daily throws, you must be prepared. You must be ready.

I haven’t written a blog post since the war began in Israel. The conflict is alarming and much prayer is needed. I’m not extremely familiar with end times prophecy, although my husband Ron is knowledgeable. He has always been intrigued about prophecy and the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I do much Bible study but it’s more for daily living. Daily preparation to get through life’s struggles.

With the events unfolding in Israel our conversation has turned more to prophecy. All my life I have seen signs of the times and prophecy is a roadmap to current events. It’s like labor pains in pregnancy. As the time nears for a woman to give birth her labor pains increase in intensity and that is what we are seeing in the world today.

Luke 21 verses 5 through 36, is full of information and I urge you to read it. Israel became a nation in 1948. According to Luke 21:32, “I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things have taken place.”( ‭NLT) ‬‬The last time Israel declared war was in 1973, 20 years ago. Take into consideration that Israel is surrounded by enemies that want to see them destroyed . They are Gods chosen people. Also consider the scripture, “You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! 2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭1-5‬ (‭NLT‬‬). ‭‭Folks this is where we are today. Scripture is unfolding right before our eyes.

The question must be addressed. Are you ready for Jesus Christ soon return? Do you have a relationship with Jesus? Are you anticipating His soon return? Are you living in such a way to bring glory to God? Are you ready?

About a week ago Ron was watching a pastor on YouTube talking about the end times. The pastor said he believed many in the church would leave the service unable to tell you what the message was really about . I believe many play the part of being a Christian. What it really boils down to is who you belong to. Do you belong to Jesus or do you belong to the world? God calls us to be set apart from the world. We have to live in the world but we don’t have to be like the world. God wants us to be true to Him, not just play the part.

Always be ready. 1 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭12 says, “ Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” (NLT‬‬) There comes a time when we need to take inventory of our lives and honestly think about why we do the things we do. Sometimes we must ask ourselves the hard questions and finish what we star. This present world is passing away. Eternity is forever. Do you know where you will spend eternity? Stop, drop and roll doesn’t work in hell!

If you have wandered away from Jesus, He is always willing to forgive us when we confess our sins and repent. He is waiting for you with open arms. If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus, there is no time like the present to surrender toHim. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (NKJV‬‬)

I invite you to say this simple prayer if you desire to surrender to Jesus. Dear Heavenly Father I come to you in the name of Jesus. I believe that Jesus is the son of God. I confess my sins to you and ask you to forgive me and wash me clean. I desire to have a relationship with you and learn your ways. I need your help and trust you to help me every step of the way. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins and thank you for coming back to life on the third day. Thank you for the victory and free gift of salvation. I invite you into my heart. I love you Jesus Amen. Welcome to the family of God.

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

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Shall we dance?

Funny Snoopy Daily ~Instagram

I love a good rain storm and don’t mind walking in the rain. A little rain never hurt anybody. Although I have yet to actually “dance” in the rain.

What about life’s “storms”. With as many “life storms” I’ve gone through in my 54 years, I should be a professional dancer by now but of course I’m not. Each “life storm” has its own “song” and this one has left us trying to catch the “beat”.

It’s kind of ironic because yesterday during Bible study we talked about how God always sees what we are going through. He is sovereign. Absolutely nothing takes Him by surprise. We have to trust God in the waiting. That’s a lot easier said than done. We also talked about how God knows our breaking point. He knows exactly how much we can take. God is not going to give us more than we can handle and He is right there with us.

Another thing we discussed in Bible study was things that seem impossible. The irony of it all, I’m sitting there teaching about El Roi, the God who’s sees and I begin to share what all is going on in life and ask, “God do you see all this?” My friend Tami was sitting across from me and started signing “Abraham, Abraham. Abraham”. You might wonder why. Abraham had to wait a LONG time for his promise. But God made a promise to him and all Gods promises are yes in Christ Jesus.

We aren’t thrilled about this current “season”. Geez it is hurricane season of life. One after another, they come through. May we have this dance? No choice but to get out there an boogie. Although I am changing the music here. Today I told my husband Ron, I wish I could sing because he would like the song playing inside me. He said to sing it anyway. The lyrics I sang we this: “Almighty fortress, you go before us. Nothing can stand against the power of God. You shine in the shadow, you win every bottle. Nothing can stand against the power of God”. ( Battle Belongs, Phil Wickhan) Yes we will dance to that. And the next song will be, Yes I Will (Vertical Worship) “I count on one thing, the same God that never fails , will not fail me now, you won’t fail me now. In the waiting, the same God who’s never late, is working all things out, your working all things out.”

So in this apparent hurricane season of life we will praise God through it all and watch Him work it out. I’m attaching the YouTube song video links below . Take a listen and join us in our “dance”. Perhaps we should create s whole playlist of worship songs. Comment any suggestions.

Battle Belongs
https://youtu.be/johgSkNj3-A?si=equV8L1G6gqTCuMc
Yes I Will
https://youtu.be/ryFS_3eBq6s?si=oBnadmCsrfX9

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

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He sees me!

Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

When you dig deep, revelations come to light. Some people read the Bible on a “surface level”. You know just read a few verses and give yourself a check mark for the day. One check off on my to do list. God wants us to go deeper. He wants to bring things to light as we study. When I read the Bible I invite the Holy Spirit into my quiet time. I invite Him to bring things to light that are hidden. I invite Him to change me for His glory.

My Bible study group has started up again, studying women of the Bible. Lately I have been studying the account of Hagar in Genesis 16. What a fitting place to start. The girls have asked me to teach this go round. It is through Hagar that God reveals Himself as “The God who sees.”

God sure has a sense of humor. If you only knew the inadequacy that I feel in accepting this role. My hearing loss is not an issue since others in the group are deaf and one is hearing. However with my low vision I can not see the book without my video magnifier. Okay Lord you are going to have to really help me! (And that is such an understatement). This is just a little “scratch on the surface”.

As I began the study, I had my iPad out to take notes, iPhone out to use YouVersion for scripture reading and the study book itself. I put it all under the video magnifier except my iPad. (which is always zoomed large.) I figured I could use the notes to teach. As it turned out, I felt led to simplify the notes to also share with the group. In all honesty it is a time consuming process but when one friend said it helped her to understand better, it made it worth all the effort. When somone is deaf at a young age, it affects their language skills. This is going to be a team effort. Where I lack good vision, they see well. Where they may lack fluent English skills, I can help there. My friend Tami said she would be my eyes. So this week we will go over our first chapter on Hagar.

Speaking of Hagar, what an ironic place to start. Let me briefly sum up Genesis 16 if you’re not familiar with the story. God reveals Himself to Abraham and tells him to leave his place of birth for an unknown land God would give him (Canaan). Once Abraham and Sarah reached the land, there was a severe famine so they lived temporarily in Egypt. Abraham asked Sarah to tell the Egyptians she was his sister because she was very beautiful. Using this deception shows Abraham did not fully trust God with their protection in Egypt. Sarah was brought to Pharaoh and he gave Abraham servants and animals. This is how they gotHagar, Sarah’s servant. God sent a plague on pharaoh because of Sarah, so he sent them away. They returned to Canaan and settled there. God had made a promise to Abraham, that he would be the father of many nations yet Abraham and Sarah had no children and were very very old. Sarah came up with a plan to “help God out” by taking Hagar and giving her to Abraham as a wife so she could have children for her. This was not God idea but a shortcut to the goal. God doesn’t want our help. He wants our obedience. Hagar conceived then despises Sarah, who then blames Abraham for the problems with Hagar. Sarah mistreats Hagar and she flees to the wilderness. There the Angel of the Lord finds her and reveals Himself to her. God reveals Himself as El Roi, the God who sees.

That was the shortest version of Genesis 16 I could share. Please refer to the scripture if you aren’t familiar with the story.

One of the key lessons I learned from Hagar is “God sees me”. He sees me when I hurt. He sees me when I fall short. He sees when my attitude isn’t right. He sees the good, the bad and the ugly, yet He loves me.

Recently I came Isaiah‬ ‭48‬:‭10 that says, “Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.”(NKJV) Yeah Lord I surely know. In all honesty I do find myself wondering, “God do you see all this? There are many afflictions in life that not only touch me but also my family. Like Hagar I find myself crying out to God. Yet I know God is sovereign. He is in complete control. I can fully trust Him. He is with us regardless of what we go through. We are never alone. There is scripture in Isaiah that touches me deeply. “But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.” Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭1-2‬ ‭(NKJV)

I find this to be very encouraging. I know I’m not alone. There are many going through hard difficulties right now. God sees us. I don’t know the whys. All I know is to trust Him and live in obedience for His glory. When He opens a door, even if you don’t feel adequate, step forward! He will meet you there. So this week I’m going to be obedient and lesd Bible study. Well honestly, I’m going to be a willing empty vessel for Him to fill and pour into others. God is doing a deep work in my heart. It’s hard and humbling but I’m grateful. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

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Picture in my pillow

Thee picture in my pillow,

Yesterday while changing the sheets I felt the rectangular shape inside the lining of my pillow. Several years ago I put a picture inside the lining of my pillow. (I honestly don’t remember exactly when I did it.) Yesterday when I was changing the sheets I decided to open the pillow liner and see which picture it was. Lo and behold, it was was our son Joshuas “Identi-Kid” 2009 id from elementary school. No, it hasn’t been in my pillow liner for that long. I guess I picked that one because as an id, it’s thicker and would last longer than a normal picture.

You might be wondering why in the world I did that and it’s still in there. Hear me out! I strongly believe in prayer! You could even label me a“radical prayer warrior”. You wouldn’t be far from the truth. Truth be told, when I wake up at night and feel that picture, I pray for our son.

Just yesterday I saw an Instagram video story of him and a friend in Florida in the Atlantic Ocean. He’s helping a friend move back to Charlotte. You know Hurricane Idalia is brewing off the gulf coast of Florida. I showed my husband Ron the video and asked if it was Joshua and his friend and he said it was. I texted him and said, “I saw that video. Isn’t the surf rough? Looks very rough!” I was relieved when he responded, “Yes it was rough but it was fun.” I texted back, “Y’all are crazy! Be safe!” He replied, “You know it!”

He is ALL boy! I could tell you some nerve wracking stories. Some good and some I want to forget. Always seeking one adventure or another. As a mom of course I worry. Over the last twenty five years, I’ve learned that worrying does nothing but prayer changes things. He told me this summer that I’m a little over the top. I bet deep down in that tough guy but sweet heart of his, he’s glad he’s got a praying momma.

Im going to keep that picture in my pillow. When I feel it at night, I will continue to lift up a prayer for our son. As parents we can’t always be there physically but our Abba Father sure can. I found the perfect little sign a while back. It says “Give it to God and go to sleep”. It’s the perfect reminder for me.

My sign and daily reminder.

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

A plate FULL = Life

Me wearing my new reading glasses to blog.

Today on the way to my optometrist appointment, Ron and I were talking. He mentioned people having “a lot on their plate”. I responded, “Yes life is like a full plate of issues… Lord I want to go on a “Diet”. Will you take away some things on my plate?” I know others would like less problems and more joy. In this fallen world though, we will have struggles and trials. I guess it’s all in how we respond and who we cast the burden on.

Seeing an optometrist was a new experience today. Walking into Target to get my eyes checked was much less intimidating than seeing an ophthalmologist. The examination room was pretty much the same set up as my other doctor. This doctor was so kind and took the time to listen to my concerns and try to optimize what I presently see. We started with the chart on the wall. I could see the big E and the next line. The third line I could partially see. I explained I don’t see it all. Some of the letters I don’t see. If I look to the right of what I am trying to see, it looks a little better. Same thing happens when I look slightly below what I’m viewing. We tried different lens which brought a little clarity but not much. We went on to check to see if reading glasses would help. There is a slight improvement but she said prescription glasses were so pricey it might not be worth the cost. She said to try 3.25 strength reading glasses. There was the temptation to shed some tears because once again there was really nothing that could help much. She said to speak LIFE over my eyes and vision. I sure did appreciate that! In 49 years of eye exams, that was a first! My doctor actually spoke life into my situation.

Ron and I left the appointment and we’re heading to get groceries. We decided to stop at a Walgreens on a whim, to try out some 3.25 reading glasses. Ron found some and I went around the store seeing if I could see any better. There was a slight improvement. In the greeting card section, I could read the category markers: birthday, baby boy, baby girl, etc. We decided to buy the glasses and Ron immediately opened them for me. I was excited to try them out in the grocery store. In the produce section I noticed “Pink lady” apples. I had never seen that before. Ron usually finds most things in the store but with the glasses I was trying. I found the fresh shredded parmesan cheese in the deli. Although Ron saw a cheaper variety so he helped me with that selection. I wanted to see if I could notice differences on canned tomatoes. I asked Ron if it said fire roasted diced tomatoes and I was right. When he was checking out, I looked at magazine covers and was able to make out more than usual, although still not a substantial amount. But these tiny improvements made my heart happy.

When I got home I tried them out while texting my mom. I wanted to let her know about my appointment. I can see the iPad keyboard a little bit better. Usually I have so many typos it could crack you up with laughter or make you cry. I typed a text and sent it without editing it. I explained what I was doing to test out if I could see while texting better. There ended up being just a few typos and it wasn’t too much of a puzzle. Each of these tiny improvements are a win.

If you have good vision, you have such a huge treasure. If you have good hearing as well, then your cup of blessings runneth over. Seriously! Sometimes while reading on social media, I notice when people complain about every little thing. I just shake my head and think, if they only knew. Life happens to us all. Don’t sweat the small things. Live in the moment and don’t worry about tomorrow or what people think. I told the doctor today that some people don’t understand I look slightly beside them when talking to them. I’ve had people to try to get in my “line of vision”. I just happen to see a little better when I am looking to the side or slightly down. I’m not being rude, it’s just how my eyes work. She said not to worry about what people think. She’s right.

So tonight I am wearing my new reading glasses while blogging. I see my iPad keyboard slightly better. Ron took thee picture of me blogging. This is me! Every little victory is worth a celebration dance, I’m so thankful for my husbands support. He actually might understand a bit more about the way I see now because the doctor took the time. He is such a big help and doesn’t complain about taking me places. I’m thankful to the Lord for my many blessings. I’m also thankful that God can fix what’s broken in my body. All in His perfect tim, according to His perfect will.

On another note, I hit my two year blogging anniversary recently. In two years I have written 150 blog post and had 4,459 views. The blogs have been read in United Kingdom, China, India, Ireland, Canada, United States, Kenya, Philippines, Ecuador, and so many more. I am totally shocked and humbled. I don’t have a proud bone in my body. I know it’s only through God it has come this far. Many weeks I wonder if it’s my last week because I feel there is nothing to say, then the Lord speaks to my heart once again and I begin to type. One blog at a time, spreading encouragement and God’s light to a world in need of HOPE. Yes it can be tough but God has us and leads us every step of the way. To God be the glory!

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Unwavering faith

Picture found on Pinterest.

The word unwavering seems to be stuck in my mind lately. To be specific, unwavering faith. What would it take to have resolve to take God at His Word? Is there really any reason not to?

I am a part of a few prayer groups. We share prayer needs and pray for each other. Lately there have been some amazing answers to prayers. It is so encouraging! We give all glory to Jesus!

Truth be told, it is easier to pray and believe for someone else’s needs than my own. I’ve had people tell me before that I need to be realistic. Come on now! Our son, Joshua has told me, “Mom this is just the way it is”. I beg to differ! Faith is not realistic. According to Hebrews 11:1, faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see. Therefore, faith is not realistic! It is believing God and taking Him at His Word.

Faith stares circumstances in the eye, believing God. Faith digs your heels in the “Word of God”, meaning you read it and believe it! Stand on His promises not the facts. Now you do need to open your Bible and spend time reading it and praying. The Holy Spirit brings revelation as we read.

Faith moves mountains! I reminded a friend of that today. She shared a praise report on something we’ve been praying for for over a year. Breakthrough is happening and it’s simply amazing.

Every morning I start the day in prayer and studying Gods Word. Recently I was reading in Romans 4:17-21, “(as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be. And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.”Romans‬ ‭4‬:‭17-21‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬) Wow! God’s Word is amazing! These particular verses speak on Abraham’s unwavering faith. The circumstances screamed NO WAY! But God said otherwise and the rest is history!

Why don’t we take God at His Word? Facts and circumstances shout at us. It’s impossible! In my own life I’ve been dealing with hearing and vision loss as long as I can remember. God has taught me so much through the hardship and difficulties. I’m 54 and it does not look like anything will change BUT I BELIEVE MY GOD IS ABLE! You can call me crazy, I don’t mind. I choose to believe!

Don’t put God in a box! “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, “to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬).

Will you join me in prayer, believing God for His perfect Will. When my son was just a little boy he used to sing, “My God is great. So awesome and so mighty. There’s nothing that my God can not do”. Precious memory and oh so true. Let’s join together with unwavering faith to believe God for the impossible. There is nothing too difficult for God!

I would love to pray for you. Feel free to add a prayer request in the comments. Let’s unite in prayer and watch God move. If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. Speaking engagements are always welcome. It God opens a door, He will give me what’s needed to walk through it. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

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About Mary~

Gabriel and Mary ~ Found on Pinterest from Artpal

The older I get and more I grow in my relationship with Jesus, I find myself thinking deeply about what it would have been like to be an eyewitness of biblical events. I especially marvel at the events surrounding the birth of Jesus.

As a member of a book club, last December we read Two from Galilee by Majorie Holmes. This is such an incredible book about Mary and Joseph. The author incorporates traditions and customs of the times when writing this book and it really brings the events to life. I encourage you to check it out, especially at this time of year.

As I think on Mary, the mother of my Savior Jesus Christ, I marvel at her faith and obedience to God. God chose her, a young virgin engaged to be married. Mary’s response to the angels greeting is remarkable. “Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.” Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭38‬ ‭(NLT‬‬). Imagine all that she endured. A virgin, she had to tell her fiancé she was pregnant but by Gods doing not her own. Just think of the gossip mills and what she experienced. In my mind I see a young teenage virgin confused and yet in awe at the angels message to her. She responded with such great faith and obedience. This was a hard assignment and it was just the beginning.

Just like God chose this young teenage virgin to give birth to His son Jesus, He chooses each of us to spread the news about Him. Jesus birth is Gods gift to us.

I’m sure Mary wondered how God would use her to bring about this most wonderful event. She had to have seen the enormous task before her, yet she responded with great faith and obedience. I pray that we too will rise up with great faith and obedience to tell everyone of this greatest news of Jesus birth. This is the gift of Gods love for us. ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭(ESV‬‬)

We have a job to do! Let’s spread the news of Jesus birth. You may be intimidated by the task but God will use you if you are willing and obedient. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger bringing good news, Breaking the news that all’s well, proclaiming good times, announcing salvation, telling Zion, “Your God reigns!” Voices! Listen! Your scouts are shouting, thunderclap shouts, shouting in joyful unison. They see with their own eyes God coming back to Zion. Break into song! Boom it out, ruins of Jerusalem: “God has comforted his people! He’s redeemed Jerusalem!” God has rolled up his sleeves. All the nations can see his holy, muscled arm. Everyone, from one end of the earth to the other, sees him at work, doing his salvation work.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭52‬:‭7‬-‭10‬ ‭(MSG‬‬)

Note: I am so thankful for You Version Bible app. It allows me to see many translations of the Bible. I can no longer see well enough to read the Bible in book form but this app allows me to zoom on on my iPad so I can see the powerful Word of God. Check out You Version Bible app. It is amazing.