#faithoverfear – Page 3 – rootedbythewater.blog

Glimpse of His Glory

September 17, 2025Leave a Comment

My view while laying on the beach today.

There is just something about nature that really gets me tuned in to God. Between watching the sunset, watching the tide go in and out, seeing the ripples of the water currents, crashing of waves and seeing the antics of the seagulls makes me think about God our Creator and sustainer, the Author of life itself. Psalms 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”(ESV‬‬) That scripture is so very true. Between the colors God paints the sunrise and sunset with to the cloud formations, it’s stunning!

This week away has been much needed, especially after last week with things going on in our nation. Looking in the book of Romans it all comes together. Let’s take a look. “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceive, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭(ESV‬‬) That’s where we are folks. Creation clearly proclaims God’s eternal power yet people are spiritually blind as a bat. With the assassination of Charlie Kirk last week and seeing people actually celebrating murder was the most evil thing I’ve ever seen. BUT…. Of course there is a BUT…… from what I understand, church attendance is up and people are turning to prayer. My friends and I sat on the deck last night and watched Central Church of God livestream prayer service. It was amazing! While the enemy tries to keep us divided with misinformation, many are choosing to unite in prayer to seek the face of God!

This morning as I sat on the porch overlooking the canal at the beach, my heart turned to prayer and praise. As I sat there a song I used to play on the piano came to mind and tears came to my eyes. I will add the music video at the end of this blog. It is Well by Kristene Elizabeth DiMarco and Bethel Music. I will put some of the lyrics but the YouTube video has lyrics added. Grander earth has quaked before. Moved by the sound of his voice. And seas that are shaken and stirred, Can be calmed and broken for my regard. Through it all, through it all. My eyes are on you. Through it all, through it all. It is well. Through it all. Through it all. My eyes are on you and it is well, with me. Far be it from me not to believe. Even when my eyes can’t see. And this mountain that’s in front of me, will be thrown into the midst of the sea. I especially love the “bridge”: So let go my soul and trust in him. The waves and wind still know his name. So let go my soul and trust in him. The waves and wind still know his name. (2014 Beth Music and Kristene Elizabeth DiMarco)

That song sure does move me to tears. Having low vision and being hearing impaired, I understand having to depend on faith, even when my eyes can’t see what I am hoping for. I can honestly tell you there are quite a few mountains I’d love to see God throw into the midst of the sea. As I wait, I can be sure that the waves and winds still know His name and because of that fact I can say it is well with my soul.

As I laid on the beach today, I was watching the cloud formation. It was a sunny day but a few clouds rolled in blocking the sun. As I watched the sun would break through different “holes” in the clouds and the sun would shine through. As I watched, the clouds moved together to once again block the sun but there was a “glow” that seemed to come from behind those clouds. It was like glimpses of God’s glory shining forth despite the clouds. That’s just like life. Things happen in life that seem to cloud our vision and bring despair, but we must remember that we might not “see” God, yet He is still there just behind that problem or situation. He is always working behind the scenes to bring about His perfect Will. He always has our best interests in mind. Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus! He is the author and finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2) Jesus begins it, sustains it and brings it to completion. Keep on holding on. Even when life gets “cloudy”, look for glimpses of His glory. They are there. Be blessed! I better go to sleep. It’s almost 1:00 in the morning. Good night.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Forrest “Rang the Bell” 🙌🏼🙌🏼

August 26, 2025Leave a Comment

Today marks a significant day! It was my brother Forrest’s “Bone Marrow Birthday”. Today marks five year since his bone marrow transplant back in August 2020. All Glory to God! Such a miracle and the family is so thankful. Today as he and his wife went to Duke for his appointment, everything turned out great. From what I understand, Duke no longer has a bell to ring so when they left Duke, they drove to Charlotte and rang the bell there. Forrest sent me this picture and I love the inscription beside the bell.

I remember clearly sitting on the porch praying for him back in 2020 when they found out he would need a bone marrow transplant. I am so thankful God enabled me to play a small role in his miracle by being a “perfect match”. Thank you Jesus for the many miracles that have happened along this journey Forrest and his family endured. It was a hard journey for them but to see all the blessings God has bestowed on them makes it a beautiful masterpiece of God’s handiwork to behold. Indeed, Miracles do happen!

I wore the “Miracles Happen” bracelet until it wore out.

Many of you have followed my blog from the beginning. Every year on Forrest “Bone Marrow Birthday” I have asked permission to share the joys of another year. This year is no different. We give all praise and glory to God for all He has done! We stand amazed and humbled at His grace and mercy. Thank you Jesus! And thank you all for your prayers along the way.

If you or your loved ones are facing a hard, seemingly impossible situation, let me encourage you to pray and trust God for His best. I love the follow scripture. “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭(ESV‬‬)

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Thankful for the prompt

August 17, 2025Leave a Comment

A while back a young lady sat on the pew behind us in church. She had been the victim of a terrible act of violence that she survived. It is a miracle she is alive. I remember the video testiomony at church, I’m thinking it must have been in the Spring. This young lady almost died BUT GOD! As is my case in life, I don’t always get all the details because of the way I hear and see but when I saw her a few weeks ago sitting behind us, I texted my friend and ask what her name was. Ever since she told me, I’ve had this young lady’s name on the top of my prayer list and in my daily prayers.

Today she was sitting on the pew behind us again. With my low vision I wanted to make sure it was her because I felt prompted to talk to her after our service. She wears a mask I’m guessing due to the violence she endured. After church I told her I was praying for her and she was at the top of my prayer list. She began typing on her phone and as it turns out was communicating that way. At this point she is unable to speak so she typed on her cell phone. I told her I can’t see or hear well but my husband Ron read it and my friend Lauren interpreted for me. This young lady is going to NY tomorrow and mentioned a possibility of some kind of transplant. She didn’t give details but I was able to share about my brother’s transplant miracle. Next week my brother will be five years post bone marrow transplant. I told this young lady it was no accident that we were talking this morning. God prompted me to encourage her. God did an amazing miracle for my brother and I’m praying this young lady’s miraculous journey continues. Please pray for her. I will just call her ”S”. May God open doors of opprtunity for her and her family as they seek Him and healing.

Our walk of faith is an active walk. God wants us to come along side others to encourage, speak life, pray and lift them up. We are to be the “hands and feet” of Jesus. I am so glad I wasn’t timid this morning because of my own issues. I am learning to step out boldly in faith and do what God calls me to do. So many people need others to encourage them and let them know they are not alone. Let’s not forget those around us struggling. We can just sit back and let someone else do it but don’t you do that! You be a part of encouraging and blessing because it will make your heart swell with amazement at how awesome our God is. I texted my friend after church and said “ I love how God works. Talking to “S” after church, that was such a “God thing”. Such a sweet girl”.

Don’t miss opportunities to be a blessing to others. It’s just the little things that let people know they are not forgotten. Look for someone every day to uplift and pray for. We may never know the impact we have on them with words of life, encouragement and acts of kindness. I can tell you it will bring such joy to your heart. Have an amazing week.

http://www.shannonkhinson.com

When you want to Run ~ DON’T

August 13, 2025Leave a Comment

Me doing devotions a few weeks ago at our RiceNBeans location in Rock Hill. Photo credit Terry P.

Have you ever been given an opportunity that you never thought you’d do? Un-nerving opportunities that you can’t do on your own? That’s been me. The RiceNBeans location that I serve at had to change locations for unforeseeable reasons. In the Rock Hill location we are now serving inside where there is a large kitchen. The people can come in and get cooled off in the air conditioned meeting area and have ice water and a meal. At this new location we also get to do a short devotion with the people. It’s a chance for “spiritual food” along with a warm meal. Pastor Daryl asked me if I would lead the devotions. I didn’t realize he meant every week. I honestly texted him recently to let him know I was thinking about stopping with volunteering. Let me explain a bit. Before we were meeting at a bust stop and I was busy doing “hands on” things that didn’t require me to hear people. The cooking and passing out food was easy for me.

In our new location it is a new dynamic where we let our wonderful volunteers to really get involved so they are busy and enjoy their experience. I’m not gifted with “directing” people so I felt like it wasn’t a good fit. I was asked to do the devotions and that is something I can do, with a lot of direction and help from the Lord. The thing about doing the devotions; I can’t see well enough to see the peoples response, I can’t tell if I’m speaking loud enough in the large room, I have a hard time seeing what I’ve prepared and have to zoom in large on my iPad. Bottom line…. it is un-nerving. With all these things, the devil had a good time of making me question if I was reaching the people and if I made any sense at all. A few weeks ago I asked Pastor Daryl if we could give out Bibles and that night we gave them all out except for one. Another night I felt so uncomfortable when the Lord prompted me to tell the people I’d be glad to pray with them if they wanted to accept Jesus. I was obedient and did what the Lord asked but not a single person approached me for prayer but one lady gave me a hug. In a sense I kind of felt like Jonah, wanting to run far away from this challenge but I didn’t. Every time I have spoken the Lord has given me the scripture to share.

Earlier today I did not know they wanted me to do devotions today but when I found out, scripture immediately came to me. I spoke briefly on our “thought life”. Our minds are bombarded with all kinds of thoughts all the times, but we don’t have to let them make a “nest” in our heads. I shared with the the following scripture. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭(ESV‬‬). I looked at a cross reference and saw the New Living Translation says to “fix your thoughts”. We have a choice in what we allow to stay in our minds. Choose what is lovely, pure, just, commendable, praise worthy etc. I also shared 2 Corinathians 10:5 with them that says, “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,”. 2 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭5‬ ‭(ESV‬‬) We have authority to take our wayward thoughts captive. I always try to throw in a true story or two to demonstrate the point. Tonight I shared about when we went to a little place within the campground at the beach last week to get some hamburgers for lunch. We ordered then sat at a picnic table to eat. The cashier was a “ray of sunshine”. She was so sweet and friendly and that set the stage for the experience. The food was NOT good. The hamburgers were cold as if they had been cookened then put in a refrigerator. However the lettuce was crisp and the tomatoe was also good. I laughed and told Ron the lettuce and tomatoe were the best part. It’s all a matter of perspective. Choose to find the good in things and it helps things go better.

Not sure what God is preparing me for, but I’m thankful for His grace, strength and wisdom to know when the devil is trying to make me “throw in the towel”. Not a chance. I’m going to keep serving as long as the Lord keeps this door open. It’s stretching me but He’s growing me for something and I’m honored and humble to be along for the journey. Don’t give up! Don’t quit. Be strong and courageous. God is with us wherever we go. Be blessed and better yet, Be a Blessing! Good night!

http://www.shannonkhinson.com

Multi-Tasking kind of Day

July 15, 2025Leave a Comment

We all have those days when we’re on a quest to get it done. Thank God for the ability to multi-task, or shall I say the willingness to attempt it. Just being real. I am also so thankful for a crockpot to help get dinner together. This is the second day this week I’ve used ours. Our son Joshua asked for “Pain in the butt” chicken for dinner. Well honestly I have another word for it but butt is much nicer. The recipe is actually called Marry Me Chicken but when you see like I do, it gets another name. I have a zoom meeting tonight and wanted to tweak the recipe and use the crockpot so the guys can eat when they want and it’s easy clean up. Sure hope it turns out good.

This is also my cleaning day but I’m apparently only getting half of it done. Was trying to catch an afternoon zoom meeting, challenging myself to tune in via “Bluetooth” while I cleaned but that was a bust. Couldn’t follow without actually watching. #goals One day I’ll get it but it won’t be today. Moved some things around a bit while stopping to send texts and check messages. Now that dinner is in the crockpot, I can move on to another chore and continued prayer before this evenings zoom meeting. I have no clue how I will do, but I will show up and be a “fly on the wall” while attempting to gleam a bit and stretch myself a bit further. Not to mention writing a blog and mid way through catching Joshua’s friend before he left to ask him a tech question about Google Documents and spreadsheets. Well, I did say I was multi-tasing and he helped me figure it out!! Woo Hoo!

Also so excited that Pastor Daryl asked me to do the devotion for our homeless friends tomorrow night at RiceNBeans Rock Hill. Truth be told, this morning during my quiet time a scripture dropped into my heart. I’m going to continue praying through the day for confirmation from the Lord. I don’t know what these precious people need to hear but God knows and will direct me in what to say. I’d appreciate prayers for guidance and confidence / boldness. I am not qualified to do these things; the devotion for the ministry outreach and these zooms BUT God doesn’t called those already equipped, rather He equips us despite our abilities or lack there of. So, onward I go….. I need to accomplish a bit more today so I will leave you with this….. let’s finish out today STRONG IN THE LORD and in the POWER OF HIS MIGHT! Be blessed!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Where is your heart?

July 9, 2025July 9, 2025Leave a Comment

You can tell so much about a person by observing what is important to them. Our “treasures” can be so many things from God, family, health, serving, special interests, friends, animals, vacations, careers and even money. While some of those are better treasures to pursue, finding a balance is so important. Matthew 6:21 says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”(NKJV‬‬) For me, my treasure is serving God. I’ve found that when I put God first, then everything else falls into place. That is my heart, serving God and serving others. Almost everything I do is about helping someone, encouraging them and praying for them. My treasure spills over into the choices I make each day.

Sometimes situations change though and I find myself feeling “out of sorts”. Right now I am challenging myself with a new opprtunity I am trying to embrace. What’s that you may ask. Well after three and a half months of using the phototherapy stem cell technology and experiencing first hand the benefits, I’m now sharing the technology with others by being a “Brand Partner”. I would never consider this unless I believe in the product and I can just say WOW! These patches are truly amazing. So the last few weeks I have been reading testimonies, talking to people, attending zoom meetings and watching recorded presentations to learn. It is indeed stretching me BUT I am learning. You might also wonder why I decided to get behind this product. Honestly, everyone can benefit from the technology. I want to see people experience freedom in their lives. Freedom from pain, both emotionally and physically. I also have prayed for a way to help my family for years. Over the years some people have asked Ron why I didn’t work. That goes to show how well they don’t understand my visual limitations. I’d love to work but honestly all jobs require vision or the ability to understand people. This new opprtunity is something I want to give my best try. And bottom line, it goes right along with my “servants heart” of wanting to help others.

My husband Ron has always supported me and supported things I wanted to do. He supported me through the writing of my autobiography, Rooted by the Water. He supports me in my blogging to encourage others. That is a totally out of pocket expense I have done for almost four years. I don’t make any money with it but I know God is pleased and glorified and that is all that matters. Ron is behind this journey using the X39 patches as well. When I first talked to my college friend Kellie about the patches, it was the renewal of our own dormant stem cells that intriqued me the most. Since no doctor has ever been able to help with my optic nerves, we thought it was worth trying. I’m so glad we did because I have more energy, I’m sleeping better and emotionally much more balanced. I’m taking just half of my anti depressant medicine I’ve taken for over 25 years. Thank you Jesus!

You might wonder what this has to do with my treasure and heart. This is a way to help others. If I have talked to you about this or invited you to a group to see the testimonials it is because I care and believe it could benefit you also. The patches are nontransdermal and contains no drugs. They don’t conflict with any medications. They help your body do what God designed it to do, heal itself.

As I seek to put God first and serve others I am excited to see what lies ahead. God is using this opprtunity to stretch me for the better. If you know me you know I don’t like zoom and I don’t like facetime, but here I am joining zoom meetings and giving it my best try. Tomorrow Kellie is going to FaceTime me to help me one on one and I’m so thankful. I’m getting over my insecurities and pushing forward to grow. In doing so I know God will be glorified as He knows my heart. A heart for Him and for helping others.

http://www.shannonkhinson.com

I can’t but HE CAN and DID!

July 2, 2025Leave a Comment

What can I say? This morning I texted my friend Tami to see if they needed my help with RiceNBeans tonight: a ministry that feeds the homeless. Tami and I had been away from serving for over a month and last week was our first week back helping at a new location.

It’s amazing how God works! We are well familiar with the previous location at the bus stops but the ministry in Rock Hill is now serving from an indoor location. If we had not gone last week, we would have not known what to do. God foreknew Pastor D would be called out of town, even though we had no idea. God’s ways are awesome!

This morning Tami texted me and asked me if I would do the devotion tonight for our homeless friends. I have learned over the course of my life, when God opens a door, He will provide and see you through it. So I said yes and asked if I could talk on whatever God gave me, which of course was fine. I began praying for direction and asked others to pray as well. God answered! 🙌🏼🙌🏼

He put Philippians 4:13 on my heart: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I live this verse day in and day out. God also brought Hebrews 11:1 to my heart.: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”. I said a quick quiet prayer before starting then began to pour out what God gave me, using a bit of testimony in how He strengthens me. I don’t remember all I said and it was a short devotion. I had about ten minutes and my prayer was for divine direction to speak encouragement over them all. We can rise up over our circumstances, not in our own strength but in the strength God gives us. I told them God has given me such faith to move forward even though I honestly don’t have what it takes. I can’t hear or see well, but that did not stop God from enabling me to do His Will tonight. I am honored to be a vessel for His glory.

I often feel inadequate. I like to be doing something, encouraging, helping, writing or whatever. I love to use my abilities for the glory of God. No i don’t have all it takes, but God does. What we lack, He brings, plus more. He just wants us to make ourselves available. I can share from a true sense of lack, because I in myself can’t do it, but He can and He will. It’s not about our abilities or our resources. It is about our surrender. It’s about having an attitude of submission. I told Tami and her husband tonight, I’m open to doing this again if needed. I felt like a fish out of water, but honestly when it’s a God thing, that’s the best way to feel. It’s not about me but about Him and what He wants accomplished.

Let me encourage you to be open to being used by God for His glory. It doesn’t matter what you can or can’t do. If He opens the door for you, He will equip you to do whatever is needed. All glory to God! Be blessed and better yet, be a blessing. Good night! This girl is tired, but a good kind of tired.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Seeds of Grace

June 10, 2025Leave a Comment

As I sat on the back porch yesterday morning, this blog topic came to me. Grace is such a treasured gift God gives us daily and we have opportunity aplenty to pass grace along to others. My prayer time is something that is a daily constant. I love my morning time with the Lord when I pour out my heart and ask Him to examine it and prompt me where I need change and surrender.

I absolutely love the ministry gifts of prayer and encouragement God has given me. It moves my heart to see prayer requests and hear of others needs and struggles in life. God brings people my way who need prayer and I’m honored to lift their needs up to the Lord. Recently I had two people share with me about two ladies dealing with vision loss. Another person accidentally messaged me, but as it turned out they needed prayer after being in three car accidents in a short period of time. I marvel at how God brings people into my life through social media and He moves my heart to cover them in prayer. It is a privilege to lift others up to the Lord. It’s like planting seeds of grace and He will nourish and answer in His perfect time.

God has brought me through much in life and He continues to guide me forth with strength I otherwise don’t have. It’s only through His Holy Spirit that I am able to rise above whatever and I know this is due in a large part to the prayer covering I have. I know many people pray for me and Jesus Himself intercedes for us! What a tremendous blessing. Because I know and have experienced the power of prayer, I desire to plant those seeds of prayer and grace for others. If you need prayer, I invite you to comment to this blog and I will pray for you.

Another thing I pray for each morning is revival. We need revival and it starts within our own hearts, and overflows into our marriage, our children, families, our communities, churches, cities, states, nation and world. It starts with me and you. Prayer and revival changes us and sets our hearts anew with hunger for the things of God! Let’s challenge each other to plant seeds of grace, to seek the Lord in prayer for ourselves and others. Lord let revival and healing come. Be blessed!

“Never stop praying.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Life Celebrations

March 13, 2025March 13, 2025Leave a Comment

Ron, me and Joshua serving at RiceNBeans.

Yesterday was a full day of serving and just celebrating being together and my husband Ron’s birthday. Ron’s birthday and my Dad’s Heavenly birthday are on the same day. It’s always bittersweet as we celebrate Ron’s life and reflect on Dad’s life and new life in Heaven with Jesus.

Ron is very low key with celebrations. He says, “I have you and Joshua. God gives me all I need.” That’s true but we wanted to celebrate him anyway and we have been all week in little ways. If you knew the course of his life, he has overcome so much. A lifetime of stories and testimony, but those are his to share. We are beyond thankful for him and all he does for our family. He is also a great friend to others. I’ve never seen anyone who will listen to others problems just to let them “vent”. I admire that he takes the time for people and to listen to their troubles. I have much patience but that one is beyond me. I’ll stick with serving and encouraging and he can be the
Tele-sounding board. I know he worries about me and Joshua, with our visual and hearing issues. I always tell him, we are fine. God has us all. Nothing surprises the Lord. Just give each day to Jesus and let Him take care of it all. Sure enough, H e does.

Yesterday was also a time of reflection. Grief is one of the oddest things as it hits everyone differently. Some grieve so deeply and mourn. I’m different but don’t know why. My grief is more a reflection of Dad’s life and all the memories made: good and bad. Life happens to all of us. Dad was one of the best listeners. I reflect on his love for Mom, and our family. I reflect on his love for people and serving. I reflect on the hidden kindness he showed people. He loved to bless people as God had truly blessed him. In all this reflection, my heart was full as our son Joshua joined us in serving with RiceNBeans last night in Rock Hill. Ron and I serve our homeless friends each Wednesday but this was Joshua’s first time. Serving as a family is something special, as I used to serve with my parents at a Food Pantry. Loving on others who are hurting is a priceless gift.

Yesterday when I woke up the photo memory that was on my iPad screen was a picture of Dad reading to Joshua when he was about three. Ron says I keep too many pictures on my iPad but I love these photo memories. They make me smile. I looked back over many photos with Dad in them and oh my goodness, the memories! These reminders bring joy to my heart. I also have a lot of mental snapshots in my mind of things experienced in life. There are so many life lessons in those memories.

The one thing I really want to emphasize here is we never know when we will take our last breath. Everyday we have new mercies and opportunities to show mercy to others and walk in God’s love. Are you doing that? The day Dad died, it was a shock. We had taken him to the hospital then went down the road to celebrate Ron’s birthday dinner, fully expecting to go back to the hospital and take Dad back home. God had other plans: He changed Dad’s residence to Heaven. Dad was spiritually ready. He loved the Lord and lived for Him. We didn’t get to say goodbye though. Make sure you are ready to meet Jesus. He loves each of us so much. None of us are beyond the reach of His forgiveness. Check out Romans 10:9-11. “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”” ‭(ESV‬‬). I would also like to emphasize that no matter the age of your children, we should live out our faith in God as a testimony to them. We pass along a legacy of strong unwavering faith and service to God. Children see that, no matter their age.

Bottom line, celebrate today, those who are with you and those who have already finished their race. We can be a blessing everywhere we are. That does take humility and a JOY (Jesus first, Others second and Yourself last) mindset. It’s the best way to live life. If you like this blog post, feel free to subscribe and share. I write at least once weekly but sometimes more. Sometimes it’s funny, other times deep but always transparent. I love when people can be REAL with no pretense. What you see is what you get. That’s the way I live. My hearts desire is that I will be a reflection of my Savior and bring glory to His name. Be blessed!
Www.shannonkhinson.com

The FIRE Hydrant

February 6, 2025Leave a Comment

For several days FIRE Hydrant has been on my mind. I’m not exactly certain why but I’m going to attempt piecing this together. Two days ago the wildfires in California were still ablaze. Watching the footage, it was astounding that the fire hydrants were empty at one point. How in the world were firefighters supposed to fight this monster of a fire with empty fire hydrants? I refuse to go in a political direction here so let’s head in the spiritual direction.

Fires can certainly erupt in our lives. Our enemy is always on the lookout to strike us down in our weak moments. Not long ago I was reading about how fire fighters fought fires before there were fire hydrants. It took a lot of people passing buckets of water from a water source to a fire in a attempt to put it out. Once the fire hydrants were invented, hoses were able to tap into the water source, making the process much better.

In a sense, the fire hoses are like our prayers. We attach to the Holy Spirit / fire hydrants for a powerful steady flow to extinguish the fires the devil sets in our lives. ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭says; “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” (NLT‬‬)

It is vital that we stay connected to the Holy Spirit during these last days. We need the Holy Spirit’s steady flow of discernment, wisdom, strength, restraint and reminders of Scriptures to be able to STAND FIRM! We do need to always be alert and sober minded, putting on our spiritual armor each morning so we can face what the day holds.

What about fighting fire with fire. It the physical that won’t work but in the spiritual, oh yes indeed! Let’s take a look at what John the Baptist says in Matthew 3;11, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (NKJV‬‬) So you see the Holy Spirit is also considered Fire. In the early church, after Jesus had ascended into Heaven, Jesus’ disciples and followers gathered in an upper room in Jerusalem. In Acts chapter 2 we find the following verses. “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

I know not all Pastors preach on the baptism of the Holy Spirit but I can testify that it is real and oh so powerful. How can I explain the joy and strength the Holy Spirit gives me each day to force life. (Living with hearing and visual limitations is not easy.) The Holy Spirit brings to my remembrance scripture at various times to help me through situations. I know God goes before me, follows me and puts His hand of blessing on my head. (See Psalms 139:5)

Before Jesus assended into Heaven He said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”” Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) God has equipped us with everything we need to live this life victoriously! He gives us the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

So don’t be discouraged when you face fiery trials in life. There is such a wealth of Scripture to support you. Check out the following scriptures. “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Here is one last scripture to wrap up this blog. “But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded.”” 2 Chronicles‬ ‭15‬:‭7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

Let me encourage you to stay connected to the Holy Spirit to empower you to extinguish every fiery arrow of the enemy. We will overcome by The Blood of the Lamb and the power of our testimony(see Revelation 12;11). I’m going to leave you with the following music video by CeCe Wianans I love her song Fire. Be blessed