JESUS – Page 3 – rootedbythewater.blog

Finding Joy

December 14, 2023Leave a Comment

Just a little while ago I was in the kitchen brewing a pot of tea and all the sudden I burst out laughing. My husband Ron heard me and wanted to now what was so funny. I told him, “You never know whats going through my mind.” I was going to leave it at that, but he insisted to know so I told him. The Christmas carol, “Deck the Halls” was playing in my head but with a slightly different twist. Singing in my off key voice: Deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la la blah blah blah Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la la blah blah blah. We both started laughing. Why in the world does my mind work this way? Who needs Hollywood when the mind can be so comical?

I know… I’m not right but I am real. There is no pretense with me. I’m one of those : “take a situation and make it work” kind of people. We can’t fix people or situations but we can adjust our approach and expectations.

This is the most wonderful time of year simply because we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The greatest gift ever. When we keep to the true meaning of our celebrations I’m good. When we throw the hustle, chaos, shopping, events, gatherings, and traditions in, it can overstimulate and overwhelm me. Don’t get me wrong, I do love it. Dealing with all of it and having visual and hearing limitations makes it hard. I’m most content in going with a smile and doing my best to make sure everyone else is enjoying themselves. That is just the way I “roll”. It brings me joy to see others enjoying themselves.

While there is cheer and joy all around. I also see suffering and people struggling. There are people with limitations whether it be physical, financial, relational or emotional. There are people not eager to experience this holiday without a loved one who is no longer with us. I know some people who are grieving and others with health issues.

So how can we find joy in the midst of it all? I will share with you what works for me. First, I keep my focus on the true meaning of it all. It’s all about Jesus. Plain and simple. Every single day when I wake up Jesus gets my first fruits of the day: time for prayer and study of the Bible. It brings me such peace, joy and strength to face whatever the day throws. Often times it throws some curve balls. All I can say is “batter up”.

Another thing that brings me joy is giving. It doesn’t have to be things. I can be giving of my time or a listening ear. Encouragement is one of my spiritual gifts and I take great delight in encouraging others. Today I asked Ron if we could give a gift card we received for a local ice cream shop, to a single mother of four. He was all for it. It made us happy to pass on the blessing to her. There is such joy to be found in giving. It is much more blessed to give than receive.

Another way to find joy is being okay with saying no. You don’t have to go to everything you’re invited to if it wears you flat out. Prioritize! You must take care of yourself so you can take care of others. Finding balance is key.

Find a way to get your shopping and errands done without totally depleting yourself. I will tell you I am not a shopper. I’m not the best with gift giving simply because stores overwhelm me. With my low vision and the way everything is so high tech, going to the store is down right over stimulating. There is too much to look at and when I see something thats a possible gift idea, then I need to see the size. I get my ipad out and use my camera to find the right size. I know… I’m stubbornly independent. I just never want to be a bother. Thank God for Amazon and online shopping. I don’t need to drive to get it and I’m not overloaded with images. I can just search what I’m looking for and scroll through the selection. This year I had most of my shopping done before December 1 thanks to Black Friday online deals and cyber Monday deals. It worked for me. Find what works for you and don’t stress about it. Joy is not found in a gift under a tree.

Find joy in the special people in your life. God blesses us with family, be it big or small. God also blesses us with friends to enjoy and laugh with. I honestly had the best time with a group of friends recently. We decided to have a pajama Christmas Mexican party. We all wore our Christmas pajamas and brought something for a Mexican dinner to share. We all drew a name and brought one gift that was color themed. Whatever color the person we drew wanted, we found something that color. It was a neat and fun idea. Each person opened their gift beside where I was sitting so I could see everything. I did not ask them to do this. They are just so thoughtful! Such a blessing! We also played Uno with EXTRA LARGE cards. My friend Leasa bought them on Amazon, thinking I could see them better. It was hilarious and I surely could see them better. It was the best time I’ve had in a long time. Their thoughtfulness and friendship is such a gift and most of them are in my Bible study group.

My prayer for you all is that you find true joy this Christmas season and in the coming year. Life is not perfect. There are always challenges of some kind to face but you dont have to do it alone. I love Matthew 1:23, “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”” ‭(NLT)‬‬. Isn’t that beautiful. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are not alone. Find true joy this Christmas in the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Oh come let us adore Him… Oh come let us adore Him… Oh come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

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

Full court press

December 6, 2023December 6, 2023Leave a Comment

A few Sundays ago the term “ full court press” dropped in my spirit. I’m talking out of the blue this basketball term came to mind and I haven’t watched a game in quite a while. I was pretty certain I knew what it meant but asked on social media anyway to see what people said. As different people described the strategy, I realized that it’s kind of like ALL OUT DEFENSE, all the way down the court. I sensed there was a spiritual element to this which was why I began thinking about it. Opening up my “notes app”, I typed “full court press” and left the note blank.

As a few weeks passed by I came across scripture in my daily reading and added them to my note, not knowing how I was to pull this together. Not only has this basketball strategy been on my mind, also a few different events have happened. Last Sunday my Pastor preached a message titled Next Generation. Then yesterday my husband Ron was talking to a friend at the gym. As they walked side by side on treadmills the man told Ron about people in his church. Sounds like many went to church but their everyday lives weren’t lived as Christians. That’s what I call a “Sunday morning Christian”. Then another person shared with me that her adult son says all she talks about is God.

Truth be told, my own son has said the same about us before. If I remember correctly, I explained it by saying when someone fully completely surrenders to Jesus, He is all that matters. Israel & New Breed have a song titled Jesus at the Center. The lyric as so moving. I will post a YouTube music video at the end of this blog so you can listen.

So how does this all tie in together? We need a ”full court press”, all out defense, when it comes to life and dealing with the devil and his deception. The devil sits on the sidelines eating popcorn, while Team Christian are playing their own game, not listening to The Coach Jesus! Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭says, “Dear friends, I’ve dropped everything to write you about this life of salvation that we have in common. I have to write insisting—begging!—that you fight with everything you have in you for this faith entrusted to us as a gift to guard and cherish. What has happened is that some people have infiltrated our ranks (our Scriptures warned us this would happen), who beneath their pious skin are shameless scoundrels. Their design is to replace the sheer grace of our God with sheer license—which means doing away with Jesus Christ, our one and only Master.”(MSG‬‬). Folks, this is serious business. It’s time to pray like never before. Being a Christian is all about having a relationship with Jesus. You can’t have a relationship if you don’t spend time with someone and value time spent together. God wants all of you. Not just the parts you are willing to share with Him. Come on! Generations are at stake. The world needs to see our love for God and our surrender. Our walk needs to match our talk. 1 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬ ‭ tells us, “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” ‭‭(NLT‬‬)

It’s past time for a “full court press”, all out defense. I see people struggling to live victoriously. In all honesty, we can’t do it alone. We need to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. Today I read the following scripture: “But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.”Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬-‭23‬ (NLT‬‬)

I know life is tough. It’s easy to focus on struggles and problems. What we need to do is get over ourselves. Thinking of ourselves less, frees us to focus on Jesus and the things that are of Him. 1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭6 -9‬ says, “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.” (NLT‬‬)

Let’s rise up and seek the Lord like never before. Walk in unity and love. Pray and praise your way through each day. Build up your brothers and sisters in Christ. Let’s let our light shine for Jesus glory. Full court press, all out defense…. from the moment you wake up until you lay your head down at night. Defense! All throughout your day. Let’s go! The world is watching. Team huddle…1,2,3…all for JESUS!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Fix your eyes

October 30, 2023Leave a Comment

In the daily grind, what do you fix you eyes and thoughts on? Today I realized that my daily Bible reading, parts of my weekly Bible study group lesson and a recently message from our Pastor have all aligned. That is a sure sign to pay attention.

Life happens to all of us. There are good times, not so good times and all together tough times. Remember at times our circumstances are beyond our control, but they are never beyond the control of God. We always have Jesus. If you are a Christian you have the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, alive and working in you who believe. Rise up and fix your eyes on Jesus.

I was talking to someone today who is a strong believer. As Christians we walk around with a target on our back. The enemy wants to trip us up so we fall flat on our faces. He is good at his deceptive schemes and lies. We have to stay in the Word of God, reading it daily so we can put him in his place. When Jesus was tempted by the devil, every single time He used scripture to rebuke the enemy. Jesus set an example for us. Read the Word of God, memorize it and use it.

As I was listening to this person, they related some things from the past. (And I do mean PAS). I asked, “Have you confessed these things to the Lord and repented from these things?” The answer was “yes”. I saw the enemy at work and told the person to take authority over it in the name of Jesus. Don’t let the devil dangle your past in your face when your Heavenly Father has forgiven you and forgotten all about it. Whew! That enemy has some nerve!

Brothers and sisters in Christ, we have to pray without ceasing, in this perverted world we live in. Jesus Christ died for us on the cross. When we confess our sins He is faithful to forgive us from unrighteousness. Stay in prayer. Stay inn fellowship with other believers. We need the community of believers. We need to encourage each other. Hebrews 12:1- 2 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”(‬ ‭NLT)‬‬

When facing life’s struggles it is best to turn your eyes on Jesus Christ and allow His life in you to overcome your flesh. Check our Galatians 2 20, “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”(NLT‬‬)

You see it is Christ living in us that allows us to rise above the circumstances of life we can’t handle. We can’t handle them but He can. Everyday read the Bible even if you don’t feel like it. Do it anyway. Everyday pray. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. James‬ ‭5‬:‭16 says, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”(‭NLT‬‬) Stay in fellowship with believers. With Jesus we have already overcome. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Stay the course. Stay strong. You will overcome. Be Blessed.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

‭‭

Deep Roots

September 6, 20233 Comments

I’ve been wanting to write this blog since last week after watching coverage on Hurricane Idalia. One particular video I saw on X (formerly Twitter) social media platform was astonishing. Someone in Florida had videoed tall trees under the distress of strong hurricane force winds. Some of the trees were literally bending until two snapped. It was stunning to watch.

This made me think about root systems. I also wondered if those two tall trees that snapped in two under the pressure of strong hurricane force winds would sprout new life and eventually grow back. It probably depends on the type of trees and how healthy the root systems and soil are. While I am writing on physical root systems and the damage of hurricanes, it really strikes me on a much deeper level.

What about the “hurricanes” in our personal lives? You know those “depressions” that turn into category 1, category 2, category 3 and category 4. Life storms can build and seem relentless. The “storms” can come in so many forms; health issues, disabilities, death of loved ones, lack of concern, issues with kids, finances, the list goes on and on. Just yesterday a friends cousin died unexpectantly. His aunt lost her husband this past Spring and now has lost four of her five children. Another friend recently told me that things seem to improve them wham! Something worse happens! So many stories of people I know going through tremendous struggles. It makes one wonder how much people can take before they feel like they will just break. That’s where strong roots are needed.

Rooted in what you might ask? For me personally it’s being rooted in Jesus Christ. My hope, faith, trust and future are all in Him. He is the one who sustains me when I just can’t. All the people I mentioned with hurricane forces in life are all Christians. With prayer, a steady dose of the “Word of God”, unity in fellowship and worshiping through it all: they will make it. Their roots run deep.

I don’t know how people make it through life without a relationship with Jesus. There are so many who take their eyes off Jesus and become distracted in life. They need a touch from the Holy Spirit to get them back on track. I hope it doesn’t take a life storm to get them focused on what truly matters.

2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭7-10 says: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” (NKJV )

My prayer for you all is summed up in Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬-‭19,: “My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.”( MSG‬‬)

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Unwavering faith

July 17, 20232 Comments

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

‭‭

It is Finished

April 8, 2023Leave a Comment

It is Finished! These are the last words of Jesus when He was on the cross before He gave up His spirit. How can I even put this into words? Jesus Christ was fully God yet He was also fully human, since He was born of a virgin. All His life He was intent on doing everything His Heavenly Father desired! Jesus prayed in the garden in Luke 22:42, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” (NKJV). Let that sink deep within your heart. He knew what was coming, yet He loved us so much He was obedient even unto death on a cross. He who knew no sin, took all our sins upon Himself on the cross. He took our punishment. He suffered the most horrible torturous death for us, so that we would have victory in His blood and resurrection!

How in the world can people reject this free gift of salvation? Jesus has already paid the price for our sins. “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.”Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭5‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬). Thank you Jesus! I can never thank you enough!

Jesus did not remain in the grave but rose again on the third day. Tomorrow we celebrate Resurrection Day! “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” I Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭55‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

While yesterday we remembered Jesus crucifixion, let me remind you that a lot can change in three days. Tomorrow as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord, rejoice with exceeding gladness! “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭57‬ ‭(NKJV‬)

While there is so much more to be said, I am not a Pastor. I am a child of God, declaring to you about what Jesus has accomplished for me and you. If you don’t know Him as your Lord and Savior, surrender your life to Him today! Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”(‭NKJV‬‬) Choosing Jesus is the best decision you will ever make. Celebrate this Resurrection Sunday by accepting Jesus free gift for you. Thank you Jesus for all that you’ve done for me!!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

‭‭

Don’t spill the beans!

March 17, 2023Leave a Comment

While I normally don’t “spill the beans”. Yesterday I did. Allowing others to see brokenness is never a fun thing. It’s uncomfortable and vulnerable. Because of my hurts and brokenness I have a passion for encouraging others and praying for them. If I can bring a smile and lift someone’s heart, directing them to Jesus, its worth it. Trouble arises when I look at my brokenness rather than Jesus.

Yesterday at my Bible study we covered two women of the Bible: Ruth and Hannah. The study on Hannah hit me hard. I’ve never thought of myself as barren. God has blessed us with a son. As we did the study this week on Hannah, I saw there are other kinds of barrenness. As I sat at my video magnifier two days ago finishing up the lesson, tears were rolling down my cheeks. I thought, “Lord why do I have to sit at this machine to do this study? I’d like to be able to see the book and write the answers without something largely magnifying it. So like Hannah, I was focused on what I couldn’t do: complete the lesson without aids. I want to see well, comprehend well, not constantly be trying to fill in the blanks of what I’m not seeing or hearing/ comprehending. I thought I’d dealt with these things but it appears to be deep rooted. This study on Hannah “picked the scab off of my wound”.

It was hard showing my Bible study sisters the items I had checked off for my areas of barrenness. Four of the items I checked were employment, ministry, health (visual and hearing) and pleasure. I think my sisters were surprised I checked off ministry since I blog. The thing about writing, I do it home alone. It doesn’t really seem like ministry because I don’t see the fruits from it, however God does. I told them I can’t do this alone. God gives me the patience for the process that is so frustrating, it is downright amusing. Maybe one day I should get someone to video the process of me blogging on a touch screen iPad. Type, then zoom to see what I’ve typed, see typos galore, zoom, unzoom, over and over until God has enabled me to pour it out in writing. It’s not a fun process and it is time consuming, but if it encourages someone to keep putting one foot in front of the other, you know, keep moving forward… its worth it. It still hurts.

They were also surprised I checked off pleasure. I have learned to be content in my situation. Well in all honesty I guess its more like I try to be content. I can’t see like normal people. It’s so hard to explain. I see some but I don’t see it all. I miss a whole lot! I am blessed with sweet friends. My friend Leasa is especially sensitive to what I might not be seeing. S he texts me to go to the store or lunch. I ask her the different things opening in the shopping centers. I can see the signs but I usually can’t read them. I guess I don’t know half of what I’m really missing.

I could go on and on here but that’s not the point. The point is that I realized, just like Hannah I was looking at the ”barren” issues instead of Jesus. I don’t consider myself a bitter person but deep down there are things I strongly desire: Good vision, connection with people, being able to hear and comprehend.

This morning as I prayed I said, “Lord can you trust me with healing?” In my spirit I heard, “Can you trust me without it? Lord get me to the place of surrender where I can honestly say YES! I always say Jesus is more than enough. After this study He has much more work to do in my heart so I can fully surrender. One day, God willing, I can totally put it all on the altar and leave it there. Just looking to Jesus and all He is and not on what I perceive I’m missing.

What about you, do you have areas of barrenness in your life? It could be in relationships, finances, love, respect just to name a few. As I type this a song has come to mind that I have not heard in years. It’s amazing how the Lord brings music to my heart from years ago when I could hear much better. If I can find the song and video I will add it to the end of this blog. Let’s pour out our hearts, our hurts, our brokenness to Jesus and allow Him to do what only He can do… bring peace and joy once again.

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. Be blessed.

Now let me go find that song. Went online and even texted a friend, trying to find the song. It was a little “ goose chase” but I found it. Friend Indeed by Billy and Sarah Gaines. Take a listen. Whew.. it’s a old one and might show my age but the lyrics are spot on. Here’s the link. Enjoy!

Www.shannonkhinson.com
‭‭‬

A Truth Bomb

February 25, 2023Leave a Comment

Often times inspiration for a blog comes in the morning. However, I don’t always have time to sit down and get it typed up. Today was one of those days.

Last night and this morning were kind of odd because some old old songs popped in my head and kept playing. The one that came last night, I wasn’t even sure about the lyrics so I typed in what I remembered and Dionne Warwick’s song I’ll never love this way again popped up. It’s ok to laugh. It was quite odd. I didn’t even remember all the words but “ I’ll keep holding on, I’ll keep holding on…” played over and over in my mind. What in the world set that off? Again this morning another old song played in my mind and it’s been playing all day. At the risk of exposing my age, it was the Carpenters song You. I looked this one up on YouTube when I finally got home today and the music is so different than how I remember but the words are so beautiful.

Have you ever had a secular song stick to you but it’s like a song of worship to the Lord? “You” does that to me. I was getting ready for book club meeting and I nearly cried ! Ponder these beautiful words – I woke up to this song. You are the one that makes me happy when everything else turns to gray. Yours is the voice that wakes me morning and sends me out into the day. You are the crowd that sits quiet listening to me and all the mad sense that I make. You are one of the few things worth remembering. And sense it’s all true how could anyone mean more to me, than you. Sorry if sometimes I looks past you, there’s nothing beyond your eyes. Inside my head wheels are turning and sometimes I’m not so wise. You are my heart and my soul my inspiration just like the old love song goes. You are one of the few things worth remembering. And since it’s all true how could anyone mean more to me, than you. You lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

As I sit here typing this, tears are streaming down my face. Isn’t it just like God to be our very heart and our very soul, our very inspiration? I’m still trying to figure out why all this came on all the sudden. Last night I was reading some social media posts. God has given me discernment when I read posts. I can pick up on desperation, hopelessness and depression. It makes me just want to reach through the screen and give them a big hug and say it’s going to be okay. Keep holding on, keep holding on. This old friend from college came across as utterly down last night. I told him to saturate his mind with the Word of God and surround yourself with praying family and friends. We need friends who will stand in the gap when we are weary. This person lives in Florida and I have no clue the details of the situation. However, God knows and God is right there with this guy.

The enemy whispers lies to us all day everyday. You know the drill: You’re not good enough, God can’t use you, You will never measure up! Etc… baloney! I love love love the example Jesus set for us when he was tempted in the wilderness. Everythime the devil came up with his twisted lies, Jesus responded with what Gods Word says. It is vital and I do mean VITAL in all caps. Know the Word of God and use it! Especially in this time where lie, deception and half truths abound everywhere. If you know what the Bible says, you have a come back every single time. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

Dig into Gods Word everyday and pray without ceasing. John‬ ‭8‬:‭32‬ says, ‭ “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (NLT‬‬) Another verse is Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬,‭ “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (NLT‬‬) The Bible is FULL of scriptures from cover to cover that will equip you for any situation., “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ (NKJV). That’s POWERFUL right there and we need it daily!

As I read my old friends post, I understood. Life is a battle field. I don’t understand why it’s more difficult for sone but ultimately God has a perfect plan. When we surrender to Jesus Lordship over our lives we can walk in the victory He gives. We don’t need to understand but we do need to trust Him and keep holding on. Never give up! Never throw in the towel! Keep on keeping on. When you experience the comfort of walking with Jesus, be willing to pour that comfort into others. Be an encouragement. The world needs Jesus!

If you liked this blog post please subscribe. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. Be blessed.

Www.shannonkhinson.com
‭‭‬

‭

“
‭‭

Change Me

February 19, 2023Leave a Comment

As I recently heard about the Asbury Revival in Kentucky, it got me thinking. We are in such a dire need of revival. Our world and culture are so evil. We are bombarded daily by sin and people’s indifference to it. I “sat on” this blog topic all last week because it seemed an overwhelming task to even address. There is a fierce spiritual war going on and many people just sit on the sidelines and do nothing. We must repent and pray! We ALL sin and fall short of the glory of God.

This is not about going around judging people. It’s about allowing God to really examine our hearts and motives. Last week in my Bible reading I came across two verses in Psalms 24 verses 3-4: “Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies.” (NLT). We need to ask, Lord are my hands clean? What abound my heart?

What people seem to forget is how Holy our God is! People are bombarded so much by sin they begin to accept it. Sex, violence, deception, pride, idolatry, worship of self, racism, disrespect and hate are constantly thrown in our faces by the media and entertainment industry. I personally don’t watch tv so I am careful what I expose myself to. When I am exposed to things of the world it really bothers me because I’m not used to it. I know what Gods Word says is right and wrong. I don’t water it down. It is what it is. Recently I finished a book that my book club was reading. It was a somewhat good book. However, for some reason the author shared the sex life of one character. It was so unnecessary. It would have otherwise been a good book without the casual sex encounters. That is a reflection of the society in which we live.

It’s not only spiritual warfare it’s psychological warfare as well. When people are exposed to some things so constantly over and over, it’s like they begin to just accept it as the way it is. However, Gods Word does not change. Since the beginning in the Garden of Eden, satan has twisted the Word of God. It is Imperative that we know the Bible and let it transform us through and through.

We need a revival and it starts with each individual person. Pastors must stop watering down the living Word of God! Preach the Cross! Preach the blood of Jesus! Preach repentance for sin! Preach resurrection! In Psalms 139, David cries out to God. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

This is War! It is crucial that we put on the armor of God every single day. (Ephesians 6:11-13) I recently was pretty annoyed by someone and was tempted to respond in the flesh which would not have been honoring to God. I asked my Bible study sisters to pray for me to resist the temptation. One reminded me to put on the helmet of salvation which included a mouth piece. I told her I needed a finger guard too to keep me from texting exactly what I thought. Just being real. No one is perfect. I never did say what annoyed me. I just needed prayer to not react in the flesh. The next day “Don’t rain on someone else’s parade” popped in my mind. When someone shares their experiences with me, I should not think of implications they might miss. If God wants to convict them, He will. I need to mind my own business. I‘m thankful for a teachable spirit.

I could go on and on with this but I’m going to wrap it up. Lord change us! Purify us and let revival come!
“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

A worship song is playing in my heart and I probably don’t have the words exactly right but here is what I’m singing right now. I’m going to praise you with everything in me. I’m going to lift you on high for all the world to see. I’m going to worship in every way that I can and when I’ve done it all, I’ll do it all again.

Www.shannonkhinson.com
‭‭‬

What do you reflect?

February 3, 20231 Comment

Seeing the sky reflected on water is one of the most captivating sights to me. One of my favorite things to see is the moons reflection off the ocean. It’s the very simple things in life that I find compelling and nature always speaks of the things of God.

Just like physical things are reflected in a mirror, shiny surface or water: what’s in our heart is reflected by our attitudes and actions. Proverbs 27:19 says, “As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person.” (‭NLT‬)

Being hearing and visually limited, I often find myself thinking of deep things. When I am out in public, what am I reflecting? Do I reflect my Savior? Can people tell I am a Christian by my responses to situations? Am I reflecting love, kindness, gentleness and self control, just to name a few. Don’t get me wrong, I am far from perfect. I just tend to think about these types of things.

Human nature is so fascinating. I often wonder what makes people tick. We all deal with the desires of the flesh and struggle with responding in ways contrary to the flesh. Alone we can’t make these better choices. However the Holy Spirit is always willing to guide us forth in victory when we surrender our desires and seek to reflect Jesus. It’s a daily challenge we all face. We will fall short but Jesus is always willing to strengthen us to rise up again to reflect all He is.

Let me encourage you this weekend to be a reflection of Jesus! The world desperately needs to see God in us. If you liked this blog post please subscribe. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. Be blessed.

‭‭‬