First let me say, Happy Memorial Day. I’m beyond thankful for the service men and women who have given it all for our freedom here in America. Take time to reflect on the “cost” of the freedoms we enjoy. 🇺🇸
I was not planning to write today but my heart was deeply touched this morning. Since working with the “Book Strategist”, reviews and ratings are beginning to trickle in on Goodreads. When my book first came out five years ago a few friends wrote reviews on Amazon. I greatly appreciate them taking the time. It’s a completely different thing when perfect strangers read and put into writing how the book moved them. I was in tears as I read the review this morning on Goodreads. Below is a screenshot of the review. This is why I wrote the book. Marion “nailed it” in the review. Just wanted to share. During my quiet time this morning I prayed, “Lord this is your story. Take it where you want it to go and reach those whom you desire to encourage.”
Another quick note….shout out to my son Joshua. I mentioned some things that I’d like to add to the basic website.It’s now a work in progress as he has taken over the website for me. He too faces visual and hearing limitation challenges, but it’s not as severe as mine. (Thank you Got and God willing his won’t worsen) He is a smart guy and wanted to see if he could figure out the website management. He was able to add my new book video trailer. He was so excited. You don’t realize how we use the computer….. we have to zoom in so we can see. I had not seen him on a computer in a while and it made me pause to watch him and his determination to figure it out. The “apple surely doesn’t fall far from the tree” He face timed a friend who is very talented with these things and his friend was laughing, telling him what he had accomplished wasn’t easy. Joshua wants to try to figure it all out for me. I’ll tell you, he can be a prankster though. He told me he thought about changing the name to “Rooted by the Booger”. I said, “You better not!!!” We have that playful kind of relationship. Anyway, check out the website link below if you’d like to see the book video trailer. We will see where God takes this. I am humbled and beyond grateful for this experience.
I’m sitting here on the porch this morning working on the devotion to share with the homeless ministry later on today. I find it so amazing how God brings these topics and scripture to me that are just as much for me as they are for the precious people who will hear it later. Today I’m going to teach on not despising the small things or small beginnings in our lives. That can surely apply to anyone.
We all have those day, weeks and even seasons when thins seems so small and progress seems so slow. You know, “two steps forwards, three steps back”. These times can feel very frustrating and we can often wonder, “Lord, how is this going to play out?” The Old Testament prophet Zechariah could probably relate. He was a post – exile prophet.
Here’s a bit of history in a “nutshell”. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquered Israel and sent the people into exile for approximately 70 years. During that time King Solomon’s magnificent Temple of the Lord was plundered and burned to the ground. Later the King of Persia defeated Babylon and he allowed the people of Israel to return to Jerusalem to rebuild. So the people of Israel returned to Jerusalem and began the process of rebuilding the temple. However what was coming up was nothing compared to the former glory of King Solomons temple. The progress was slow with limited resources and incomplete walls. It was unimpressive and likely discouraging. However God sent a strong message to Zechariah through a vision. Zechariah 4:10 says,“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” (The seven lamps represent the eyes of the Lord that search all around the world.)” (NLT) So you see, God rejoices in small beginnings, in the work in progress. We need to do the same.
We can often feel frustrated with small beginnings and small things in our lives because it exposed our impatience. People are driven to see results. We want to see impact and often times get discouraged with slow progress. However God rejoices in our faithfulness and the work in progress. We must stay the course and keep looking to God for guidance.
One thing about people, we must look up to God for direction and validation. When we look around, we become distracted and discouraged by comparing ourselves to others. The world and culture are always telling us what our lives “should look like” or how we “should look”, what we “should be wearing, driving and doing”. It’s all distraction that deflated your peace and joy. Keep looking to God for direction. Proverbs 16:9 says, “The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. (NKJV)
Many people try to do things in their own strength, possibly out of a sense of pride. I’ve done this before by saying “I can do it myself, thank you.” Can you hear the sassy? Been there, done that. Just being honest. There are many things I can’t do because of my hearing and visual imitations. The things I can do, I like to do myself. God has worked with me on this and I am much better. God wants us to rely on His strength not our own. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (That is from memory. Not sure which translation). I also came across a verse in Zechariah that I love. “Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6 (ESV). I really have to take these scriptures to heart and let them sink deep within. Here’s a little testimony for you. When I signed up to help with the homeless ministry, I signed up with a friend who could help me understand through sign language. Yes, I can understand some with my cochlear implant but it depends on the situation and when you add my low vision to the mix, it is challenging. Well, right now my friend is out of town so I’ve been cooking the rice and beans and also teaching the devotion. Last week two ladies at the shelter approached me with health issues. One I could partially understand. The second lady I had great difficulty understanding. I asked her name and she pointed to her name tag, but with my low vision, I couldn’t see it. I explained that I couldn’t see her name tag, and I equally couldn’t understand her prayer request. However, I told her, “God knows your name and He knows exactly what you need, so let’s pray together and ask Him to meet your need”. I prayed with her and have to release it into the Lord’s care. I often wonder, “Lord, you know I can’t see that well and you know I have great difficulty understanding, why am I here doing this?” His answer seems pretty apparent, “It’s Him, not me” Not by my might, or my power, or special talent etc, but “By my Spirit says the Lord of Hosts”. From a human perspective it’s an uncomfortable place to be, but from a spiritual perspective it’s the best place to be…. Fully relying on God not on myself.
I will wrap this blog up with one last scripture: Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (ESV) Did you see that? It’s a “good” work and He will bring it to completion. God finishes what He starts. Let me encourage you to “stay the course”. Keep looking to Jesus in all things. He’s for you!!
I wore these on my wrist all through 2020 The orange bracelet said Psalms 91 on the other side. The “miracles happen” bracelet I wore out.
Last night I spoke at the homeless shelter on “trusting God in uncertain times”. This is for everyone walking through times of uncertainty. You know those times when changes can and do occur in an instant. When life’s storms seem to be a whirlwind, an important question comes up, Who or what can we really trust? I can share from experience itself but most importantly from the Bible that God Himself is the best and most reliable source we can trust.
From my personal perspective, nothing speaks of uncertain times like the year 2020. It wasn’t just the COVID-19 pandemic! Oh no…. It was much more. I can try to break it down as briefly as possible. Let’s see….. mid March 2020 COVID-19 broke out. I remember it well because I was on a little trip with my parents at Hilton Head, SC. The oddest thing was that toilet paper seemed to disappear from stores! Seriously? That was weird! In my personal opinion, it was a glorified cold or flu. Why was toilet paper scarce? Were people using that to blow their nose? Sorry, I had to throw some humor into this trying time That was March. Mid April 2020 my older brother was diagnosed with acute leukemia. Saying the family was shocked is an understatement. My brother pretty quickly started chemotherapy. Because of Covid-19 no one could visit him in the hospital in Charlotte. He had a window in his hospital room so “visits” were from the parking lot below. His family, church and friends are incredible. Hold this story briefly for another major hit that came a few weeks later…..
Around May 4, 2020 (I recall the time but not exact date) A friend of our son Joshua had spent the night at our house. A group of friends were going on a day trip a couple of hours away to hike the highest waterfall East of the Rockies. My husband Ron and I went about our day, but when the guys didn’t return home, I began to worry. They were several hours late and we had not heard from them. I was praying and texting to try to find out information. Ron was making calls. Since the group was in the mountains cell service was sketchy. We got in touch with another parent and they heard someone was missing. It was the scariest experience. The group made it home the next day, minus one friend. (The one who had spent the night before the trip.). The details began to unfold. The group had taken off their shoes at the bottom of the waterfall and started hiking their way up. At one point, they stopped due to safety but two brothers continued the climb. The oldest slipped and fell down the waterfall. No group of friends should endure this type of tragedy but it is what happened. Some of the group went down for help, the others stayed in place. Search and rescue found the missing friend’s body in a cave under the waterfalls. This was early May 2020. Joshua and one of his friends needed to clear their mind after this experience and stayed in Florida with a friends dad for a couple of months.
Meanwhile, back in Charlotte, it became clear that my brother needed a bone marrow transplant The hospital in Charlotte didn’t have that program at the time so he was admitted to Duke University hospital. I ended up being a perfect match for his donor. Towards the end of August 2020, me, Ron and my parents went up to Duke for the harvesting procedure. My brother had been in the hospital there and his wife was staying up there with him. My dad was also battling cancer at the time. It was such a whirlwind of uncertainty. Dad died about 6 1/2 months after the transplant.
During this time, my brother and his family clung to Psalms 91. The promises in this chapter are like a “beacon of hope” during a dark storm. Psalms 91:1-2 says, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (ESV) This is an affirmation of trust in the eternal God in whom we can find a safe dwelling place. A safe place with extraordinary strength. I’m not talking about your own human strength, rather divine “beyond you” strength.
If you have never really taken Psalms 91 to heart, I challenge you to read it and make it personal. My mom taught me years ago to insert my name into the passage to make it personal. If I insert my name into Psalms 91:14-16 it would read like this: ““Because (Shannon) holds fast to me in love, I will deliver her, I will protect her, because she knows my name. When she calls to me, I will answer her; I will be with her in trouble; I will rescue her and honor her. With long life I will satisfy her and show her my salvation.”” (This is an example of how you can insert your name and pronouns into the ESV). It becomes personal.
May I challenge you to consider how God is your refuge, your guide in uncertain times, your strength and ever-present help in trouble. Consider these things and how this scripture can become a lifeline for you in your trials and storms. In doing so, you can find confidence in God to walk boldly in times of dark trouble. This reminds me of Psalms 23:4 that says, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (ESV)
Indeed God was with us in 2020 and continues to be with us today. My brother is a walking testimony that miracles still happen. Today he is cancer free and serving the Lord in his church and community. God is faithful. He takes us through the fiery trials but He guides us through them, refining us along the way so we can be a reflection of Jesus. Bottom line, God is more than trust worthy in the good and the bad. You can cling to His promises. I’ll end with one last scripture, 2 Corinthians 1:20, “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” (ESV)
Tomorrow May 13, 2026, marks five years ago that I published my autobiography Rooted by the Water through Westbow Press. In hindsight, I shake my head in wonder, not at myself but at how awesome God is. As I look back at the writing process and publishing journey I am in awe of God. He enabled me to put into writing this unique journey He has me living with visual and hearing limitations. The resilience and grace He enables me to live out on a daily basis blows my mind. I remember writing my book with the font greatly enlarged on our computer. I mean seriously, it was like “pencils” it was enlarged so big. It is very hard for me to see the difference between comas and periods and I did most of my own editing. When I submitted the manuscript to Westbow Press, I was informed that I had used some strong language. I thought, “What in the world are they talking about? There is no bad language in my story!” Turned out the “strong:” language was using the world CRAZY! Seriously!!! They wanted me to go in and make changes to the word “crazy”. I can’t make this stuff up! I was like, “Can you give me a hint where it is in the book? You realized I’m visually impaired!” Somehow with God’s help, I got the changes made and submitted for publishing. It was indeed a journey and I’m so thankful God walked me through it. It’s His story as my life is lived out for His glory. It’s always been my desire to encourage others to not give up, to keep looking to Jesus for help. All of my help comes from the Lord! I could never live this life in my own strength.
After publishing my book in 2021, I realized that my story did not end there. Life continues and I continue to navigate life’s “waves”. It’s a never ending adventure, so my blog was born a couple of months later in the summer of 2021. I faithfully share my life and what God is teaching me. There are hundreds of posts available to read and be encouraged by. One thing that brings me great joy is pouring into others. God pours into me and I must share what He gives. One very interesting thing is to see the countries around the world that see my blog. It’s become a ministry that obviously is read on the other side of the world. Today there are views in Hong Kong, Singapore, Belgium to name a few. I just shake my head in wonder. I’m not saying I have MANY views but they trickle in and I often think, “What in the world.” I am a humble person, never thinking more highly of myself than I should. I know without doubt it’s God who has enabled me and not myself. I’m just trying to be obedient.
Something interesting occurred a couple of months ago. I got an email from a Professor who happens to be an Israeli historian. It was the oddest thing. He had done a search on the word resilience and that’s how he discovered my book. He asked me what I had done to market it because he felt it should have more reviews. I was completely honest. I had done nothing to market my book. I am an encourager, a prayer warrior but I don’t know anything about marketing a book. He encouraged me to ask authors I know how they market their books. He also shared that he too had been in my situation when he had written books in the past. He shared the person who did his own book strategy planning. I reached out to her a while back and she has been a joy to work with so far. I’ve been very hesitant to share any of this because it’s hard to trust people. I get scam e mail daily regarding my book. I have prayed through this process and it’s definitely an exercise of faith. I told her that I would love to reach more people, to encourage and share my faith. I haven’t held back one bit on sharing my faith in Jesus and even told her I was praying for guidance for her as she works on my project. We will see where this goes. If nothing more, I’ve touched one more soul for Jesus.
If you haven’t yet read Rooted by the Water check it out. You can scan below to see how to purchase. It is my life story, insights I’ve learned, wisdom gleamed through the struggles and encouragement to bloom where you’re planted. There are moments of humor, much transparency and even some raw moments. God is so incredibly faithful and my hearts desire is to bring glory to His name. I would be honored if you would write a review if it touches your heart.
If you go to my website http://www.shannonkhinson.com you can find all of my blog posts from the menu in the upper right hand corner. The website itself is a work in progress. I’m beyond thankful for the journey and for the Lord’s guidance every step of the way.
My son Joshua and his dog Moose at Folly Beach, S.C.
Sometimes it’s good to take a break and go away for a reset. A change of scenery with sunshine and the ocean breeze does the soul good. We did this recently. We sort of made a spur of the moment decision to go somewhere different for some rest and relaxation. For some reason we picked Folly Beach just south of Charleston, S.C. This is a quaint little beach town. We made sure to find a dog friendly place so Joshua could bring his dog Moose, Tides at Folly Beach was a perfect spot and everything was within walking distance. Once my husband Ron parked the car, we didn’t get back in it until it was time to go home. It was refreshing to not be in traffic. Even the local restaurants were dog friendly. Rita’s was across the streeet from the hotel. They even had a dog menu and the items were served on frisbees. Joshua ordered Moose scrambled eggs one morning and he loved it. The restaurant was even playing the song Who let the dogs out.
We thought we were going to be there before “peak season” but we just missed it. Peak season started on May 1 so Moose was only able to go on the beach before 10 am and after 6 pm. He really loved it though and enjoyed meeting the other dogs. I’m glad we brought him along. He did really well.
Our old 15 year old rescue Joy had a “staycation” A friend came to stay with her while we were away. She too got some rest and relaxation without Moose always trying to play with “Granny Joy”. My friend sent a picture and video of Joy enjoying her rest while she played “dog music” off YouTube. I’ve never heard of “dog music” but it apparently made Joy relax and fall asleep. (I played it on my iPad this afternoon and both Moose and Joy looked at me like, “what are you playing?”)
I’m truly thankful for the time away with my little family. Sometimes life become kind of chaotic with the constant same routine. It’s good to take time to get away to rest and refresh, then you return ready to “go at it again”. The weather was perfect and the sounds of the ocean, so refreshing. We need to do this more often and we will definitely return to Folly Beach. If you have never been and would like a family friendly low key place to enjoy, this is it. (Especially if you want to bring your fur babies too)
It’s important to take a break and take care of yourself so you can continue pouring into others. Be blessed!!
Yesterday I thought about writing on the much needed peaceful rain we were getting. We’ve been in a drought here in the Carolinas and needed rain so much. It was peaceful to sit on the porch and listen to it fall (I’m thankful my cochlear implant allows me to hear such beauty. ) However, I decided not to write and just be still and enjoy it.
This morning, I’m sitting on the porch again for my quiet time with the Lord and once again it is lightly raining. As I was reading scripture I came across Luke 24:49 that says, ”Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”” (NKJV) Tarry means to linger or stay longer than expected. I needed to look up the meaning of endued. That word means to provide, invest or clothe someone with a particular quality, power or talent. So, we are to “stay put” until the Holy Spirit “clothe” us” with power for what lies ahead.
I think we need to take this to heart and do it more often. Honestly, I’ve been burned out with life recently: just trying to do too much with my limitations. I’ve always pushed myself but there is a “fine line” when you push too hard. I (we) must realize, we can’t “save” the world, only God can do that. I (we) must realize that being still in God’s presence is refreshing. I (we) must realize it’s okay to say no. I (we) must realize that breaks are good and fortifying. I (we) must realize we have to take care of ourself before we can take care of another. We can’t pour into others when we have exhausted ourself. We chat learn balance. These are things I’ve learned lately.
When I started out the year God impressed on me to “be still and know that He is God”. I can’t make things happen. I can pray and try my best but only He can move mountains. My job is to pray, trust and evidently tarry.
I find it quite amazing how God aligns things in our lives to gently teach us and reinforce those teaching points again and again. He’s done that with me lately. I’m so thankful for a sensitive and teachable heart, where I see my faults, confess, repent and show grace to others.
I’ve been reading a fiction book recently and the characters try to manipulate situations and make the biggest “mess” in their lives. Then they realize the need to surrender to God their own “wills or desires” and trust God has a perfect plan. Then this morning in a group text, one friend shared words of encouragement and wisdom that our prayers are never wasted. God hears and remembers our prayers. We are to work on relationships and trust God. Then again coming across this scripture on “tarrying”. Just one gentle reminder after another to wait on God and be clothed with His power not our own.
So many try to do things on their own. We live in a success driven world of “get it done” and “moving on up” and “look at me”. A world of “impress everyone with all you’ve done and all you have”. In the grand scheme of life, those things don’t have eternal value. We need to build up our riches in Heaven. Check out Matthew 6:20-21, “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (NKJV)
Humility is so so very important. So many people are all about “ME”. Jesus was about “others”. We need to be the same.
Another thing I’ve noticed recently and this too was “reinforcerd” through a character in the book: we all make mistakes. I see and hear people talk about each other and I am reminded that NO ONE is perfect. We MUST pray for one another. It is vital! When you pray for people it’s hard to be critical of them. We aren’t made “judges”, only God does that. Love one another and pray. God is working among us, making a way in the dry places in life. Trust Him! Lay your “load” down and be still in His presence. Tarry in the stillness, it’s there we will find refreshing for our souls. Be blessed.
My two Bible promise books under my Optelec video magnfier
Have you ever been in a “hard place” and had to find a way to thrive in the midst of it all? I realize this blog is read in countries around the world: mostly the USA but quite a few in Europe and Asia as well. A “hard place” to me might look very different from your “hard place”. What are we to do in these difficult situations when we must keep putting “one foot in front of the other”? Hope has kind of been the topic of the devotion at the homeless ministry recently. As I have continued to share on having a “hope that thrives” I can only pray the precious people apply the truths to their lives.
Last night I shared on God’s promises and how we can cling to those promises. The Bible is FULL of God’s promises. When I graduated from high school back in 1987 someone gave me a book of God’s promises. I found it the other night and put it under my video magnifier so I could see it. Back when it was given as a gift I could actually see it without assistance but now in order to see such luxuries, I say that because you have no idea what a luxury you have when you can read without a machine to magnify it so you can see it. Low vision is a hard place. Anyway… back to the point…. I put that little book of God’s promises under my machine and started to read. It’s organized by topic and gives many many verses per topic to share the promises of God in the bible.
Last night as I taught, I started by sharing 2 Corinthians 1:20; ”For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.” (NLT). I started with that to establish the fact that God’s Word is a firm foundation that we can rely on. We can anchor our hope in God by hiding His Word and promises in our hearts. I have to do that daily. It is a struggle but I cling to God’s Word and it enables me to bloom despite the difficulties. Sometimes my “bloom is watered with a few tears” but those are cleansing. I just wipe them away and continue on.
So here we were last night at the homeless shelter to bring food for nourishment and a devotion to nourish the soul. It was not our typical night. We usually have five staff members there plus up to ten volunteers. Two of our staff are traveling at the moment and one had hand surgery the day before. With my hearing and vision issues it’s a real “stretch” for me in the kitchen with the volunteers: trying to understand what they were saying and dealing with the commercial size kitchen. It was a bit overwhelming for me. I always slip away to pray before the devotion and to review my notes, enlarged big on my iPad, for the lesson. As I took that private moment in the storage room to offer up a prayer for assistance from the Lord, I’ll be honest, I blinked back tears of frustration. But what a perfect place to be as I “totally” depended on God to fill me in that moment. I know the precious homeless people are dealing with their own frustrations and I am to be an example of someone facing difficulties with God’s help. Fortified by that prayer, I went out and shared what God had given me. I shared 10 promises from the Bible that they could anchor their hope in God. I told them that God is bigger than any problem we might be facing I also encouraged them to use their words to affirm God’s goodness and promises over their life, rather than using words to magnify their problems. God is BIGGER than any trial. We can bloom in hard places. We must be obedient to step forward in faith in how God wants to use us. These teaching moments on Wednesday night are way out of my comfort zone but God never ceases to show up and enable me to pour in to the people. Before we even left the house yesterday my husband Ron found me outside sitting on the deck stairs. He said, “Are you praying?” I replied, “I’m just soaking up a bit of sun and yes, I’m praying a little since I don’t know how today will play out.” I’ll say,God answered my prayer because it all worked out for His glory. Ron said the people really listen as I share and two ladies accepted a Bible last night. That always warms my heart when they accept a free Bible.
Where does God want to use you? You can bloom anywhere with God’s help. It doesn’t have to be something extra-ordinary. It could be a shift of attitude, taking focus off yourself and seeing where you can serve others. It could be pouring into your family, friends and even strangers. It could be as simple as offering words of encouragement to people around you or perhaps responding with grace instead of the pent up frustration. God sees it all. He is cheering us on. You can “bloom in the hard places”, it just takes dropping all pride and sense of “self” and fully relying on God. He’s waiting for you. Just BLOOM!
Sometimes in life we get pressed from every side and need some “down time’. Years ago there was a chewing gum commercial jingle that said “When you need a little lift but you just can’t take a break, chew Wringleys spearmint gum”. Oh…. the things I remember back when I could hear well. But seriously, sometime we do need a “little lift” in life.
For me, I feel the tension through my shoulders throughout the day as I deal with ‘life” with vision and hearing issues. The attempts to see what I can, to see where I’m going in unfamiliar places, not missing steps, crossing steers and so on, and the constant need to understand speech with my cochlear implant processor. It can be a lot. What can I do when I need that ‘little lift” but “can’t take a break from life”? Honestly, I will go to my bedroom and lay down with a good book to unwind. Speaking of which, I recently started a new book that I borrowed from the library app. The thing is, the largest font on the app was not quite large enough to comfortably read it. I checked Apple Books app and saw the book there with adjustable font so I could actually enjoy the book. Oh the things I have to do. Sometimes I sip out on the back porch to pray and mediate on God’s Word. I have to be conscious to relax my shoulders and breathe. I’ve told the Lord I’d like to go far away by myself and sit on a beach: just me, myself and I. To soak in the warmth of the sunshine and ocean breeze. But alas, I’m stuck. Just have to learn to “let it roll”. Let the tension go.
As I was praying this morning I just poured out “life struggles” to the Lord What amazed me is when I finished praying I opened my Bible app and a new seven day reading plan was on the screen. I thought, “Okay, let’s take a look at this.” It was about the widow and Elisha in 2 Kings 4:1-7. The widow had a lot of problems coming at her and she asked Elisha for his help. He asked her what she had inside. He gave her practical instructions to use the oil she had to pour into empty vessels. This made me think, what do I have? How can I use what God has already given me to pour into “vessels”. What about you? What do you have that could possibly be multiplied to pour into others? For me, it could possibly be my writing, encouraging others and serving my family. One thing about serving others, whether it’s through writing blogs, sending encouraging text or commenting on posts, it takes the focus off yourself and seeks to uplift another. In so doing, you end up uplifted yourself.
In seasons of trials, because sometimes it is a SEASON. We have to be mindful to “bloom” in that hard places. Smile anyway! Serve anyway! Write anyway! Use what you have to the best of your ability then release it to God and allow Him to use it for His glory. At the end of the day, that is a day well lived, even in the midst of struggles. God is with us. 2 Timothy 1;7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind (NKJV) Let’s be mindful to grasp on to the power, love and sound mind that God gives us. We are equipped for every good work. Press forward! It’s a new day with new mercies. Be blessed.
Let’s face it, we’re all flesh and blood. We can and do fall short,simply because we have fleshly responses. We say one thing yet we do another. In this world so much is said yet never carried out. I suppose it’s a human flaw. As I’ve been thinking on this recently, the disciple Peter came to mind. Although many biblical people can fall into this category, I think Peter has been on my mind simply because we just celebrated Easter, the resurrection of our Lord Jesus.
Peter had much human weakness in need of divine grace. When Jesus told the disciples about His coming death Peter boldly protested. Let’s see the series of events. In Mark 14:29-31 we see, “Peter said to him, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I never will.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” “No!” Peter declared emphatically. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the others vowed the same.” (NLT) Whew! Such courage until things start happening. Following Jesus arrest, while warming himself in the courtyard of the High Priest, Peter does indeed deny Jesus three times in one night. So much for the bold words. Let’s see what Mark 14:72 says: “And immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he broke down and wept.” (NLT) Can you imagine the anguish Peter must have felt? He did love Jesus very much but in those fleshly moments of fear, he caved in and denied His Lord.
Last Sunday we went to Life Pointe church for Easter. The Pastor there touched on the following scripture. Mark 16;6-7, “And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.”” (ESV) Pastor underlined that and in his notes. (I’m thankful they shared the notes with me since I can’t hear him very well. ). I had never noticed the “And Peter” either. Why do you think the Angel singled Peter out? I mean, Peter was one of the disciples. Why not just say, “Go and tell Jesus disciples?” The more I think about it the more I realize that Peter may have been “beating himself up” over his fleshly denial of the Lord. Perhaps he thought, “Yes, Jesus is alive but would he want to have anything to do with me, especially after I deserted him?” It’s a valid assumption. However, Jesus is FULL of divine grace and John 21 tells us that Jesus restored Peter to ministry.
How many of us fall short? Come on, you know we all do. Romans 3;23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (NLT) We mess up sometimes and need to humble ourselves, seek Jesus face and ask for forgiveness. Jesus will meet you where you are in your situations if you surrender to Him. He met Peter at the Sea of Galilee. Where do you need Him to meet you? Let Him restore you and get you back on track to living the life He created you to live for His glory. He often meets me on my back porch in the mornings when I pour out my heart to Him. You see, this hearing/visually impaired life is no joke. It takes tremendous patience with all I encounter. Sometimes I just don’t feel up to being merciful and respond to frustration in ways the Lord probably doesn’t approve of. Just being real. That’s one thing I’m real good at, being real. But quite often I pray, “Lord help me die to the flesh and live according to Your Spirit. Help me respond in ways that please You.” And you know what, He sure does! I’m so thankful His divine grace meets me in my human weakness.
May I challenge you to examine your heart before the Lord? Ask Him to take a look at your heart and clean up what He sees that needs to be cleansed for His glory. The song Worth com to mind (by Anthony Born 2015) It goes like this: You thought I was worth saving, so You came and changed my life, You thought I was worth keeping, So You cleaned me up inside. You thought I was to die for, so You sacrificed Your life. So I could be free, I could be whole, I could tell everyone I know. I’m going to find the lyrics video and add it below. It’s Wednesday. We’re right smack in the middle of this week. Get your praise on and let God meet you where you are with a heart surrendered for His glory. Be blessed
Once again I’m prepping for tonight’s devotion. It’s my hearts desire that the “Word” takes root in such a way that when I stand in front of the homeless people that God’s Word flows. Tonight I am going to share about Jesus’ parable of the Farmer sowing seed. As I have meditated on this it seems such a matter of the heart.
What’s in our heart is so important. For example, whatever is in your heart, your mouth speaks. (Matthew12:34) The Bible also tells us to guard our hearts above all else, because it determines the course of our lives. (See Proverbs 4:23). As I’ve thought deeply on matters of the heart, I realize that over time our hearts can become incrusted with hardness due to hurts, un-forgiveness, bitterness and struggles. I know someone who as a child and youth had such a tender heart. However hurt after hurt, accident after accident, witnessing a tragic accident, health issues, and relationship issues…. You get the “Picture” ….has developed a hardness over that once tender heart. I’ve witness that “wall” being torn down as well. Glory to God! This is a real life illustration. This “matter of the heart” sets the stage for how I see this parable of the sower found in Mark 4:1-20. (Tonight I plan to summarize it because with low vision I’m not going to read 20 verses in front of a group of people.)
Here is my summary –
Jesus is once again teaching a large crowd of people on the lake shore. He got into a boat, sat down and began to teach them by telling stories called parables.
A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it in his field some fell along the footpath and birds came and ate it. Other seeds fell on shallow soil that had underlying rock, It sprouted quickly because of the shallow soil but the plants wilted and died under the sun because the plants lacked deep roots due to the underlying rock. Other seed fell among the thorns that grew up and choked the plants so that it didn’t produce any grain. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, that sprouted and grew and produced a harvest, 30,60 and even 100 times as much as was planted. Anyone with ears, let him hear and understand.
Later Jesus explained the story to his disciples. The seed is the “Word of God” shared with people. The seed that fell on the footpath, as soon as the people hear the Word of God, satan snatches it away. The seed that fell on the rocky soil, represent those that hear the Word, receive it immediately with joy, but since they lack deep roots they fall away when problems come in life and they are persecuted. The seed that fell among the thorns represents people who hear God’s Word but all too quickly the cares of this life, desire for wealth, and other things crowd it out so it doesn’t produce fruit. Cares of this life can be many thing: over concern about what people think about you and your situation. The cares could be getting ahead and doing more, living for yourself etc. Cares of life are just that, things that burden you and distract you from what’s really important. The seed that fell on good soil are the people who receive God’s Word accepting it and it produces a harvest 30, 60, and 100 times more than what was planted.
Let’s make some connections. Do you understand what spiritual fruit is? Galatians 5:22-23 tells us, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” (NLT)
Let’s make a couple more connections here. Our hearts are like the soil. Our hearts need to be ready to accept and apply God’s message to our lives. Sometimes when we are listening to a message or reading God’s Word (the Bible), our minds are on other things or problems and we don’t really gleam from the message. We need to ask God to help us prepare our hearts so we can receive His Word and produce a harvest for His Glory. I have thought about this illustration in the past of checking in your “baggage” at the door before you come in to church, your bible study or fellowship time. What I mean is, when we come in with a heart uncluttered and weighed down with life “baggage” struggles, worries, problems then we are more likely to receive the life transforming Word of God. So let’s check in our “life baggage”, leaving it at the Lord’s feet so we can truly receive.
I often pray “create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me”. David wrote and prayed that in Psalms 51:10. Let us learn from this mighty man after God’s own heart, and ask God to cleanse us and prepare the “soil” of our hearts to receive His Word so we will produce fruit for His Glory!
Be blessed today and pray as I share this with the people tonight.
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