#pray – Page 3 – rootedbythewater.blog

Get out of that pit

January 23, 2025January 23, 2025Leave a Comment

It’s been about a week since my last blog post on joy. This week has found me being more physically idle so my compression fracture can heal. It’s been one week in the back brace and three more to go. The intriguing thing about being idle physically is that my mind has gone all over the place. There was the historical inauguration of President Trump on Monday. Tuesday I had an appointment with my audiologist for a mapping for my cochlear implant processor. A few changes were made in my processor programs via computer and volumn turned up so I can hear my husband Ron better Side note ~ I told her I might end up complaining about hearing him better because he is a talker 😂 I did score better on word comprehension. However sentences are still a challenge because of the rate of speech. My audiologist will send my mapping and test scores to Advanced Bionics specialists in California and get their feedback on how to help me progress. The rest of the week has been uneventful.

I did decide at the end of 2024 to read through the Bible this year with the English Standard Version. I chose a Chronological online Bible and was surprised when it went from Genesis to the book of Job. That’s definitely not in order but I’m seeing a pattern here. Genesis ends with the end of Joseph’s life. He went from favored son to despised brother,, slave, prisoner, to ruler of Egypt. The next book the Bible reading plan had me read was the book of Job. Again I see favored Job , then trials, tribulations and afflictions, to richly restored again. Today as I was reading the following verse stood out to me. “He has redeemed my soul from going down into the pit, and my life shall look upon the light.’” Job‬ ‭33‬:‭28‬ ‭(ESV‬‬). Pit… for some reason that stands out to me. After reading about Joseph’s account of actually being thrown in a pit by his brothers: Then I see Job literally being in the pit as one thing after another happened to him, but he maintained his integrity.

God’s way’s are so much higher than we can begin to understand. Why do bad things happen to people? That’s one of the questions of life for all ages that no one can really answer. The book of Job goes on to say : “Behold, God does all these things, twice, three times, with a man, to bring back his soul from the pit, that he may be lighted with the light of life.” Job‬ ‭33‬:‭29‬-‭30‬ ‭(ESV‬‬) There’s that word Pit again. Sometimes God has to bring us out of the “pit” we get ourselves in. Sometimes we have to make an effort to get out of the “pit” we find ourselves in. Other times we need a helping hand to get out.

I’m going to veer slightly off topic here but you will see how it connects so bear with me for a minute. I recently finished reading an awesome book. I believe I mentioned it a few blog posts back, so if you follow me you might remember me mentioning the book. At this moment I’m not going to name the book because if you read it this will give away a suspence filled moment. Two young girls snuck out of the house and went running carefree through a grassy field. They didn’t see a hidden pit that had once been a well, which had dried up. The girls fell to the bottom and one of the girls died from the impact. The other girl couldn’t get out. She noticed a bit further up the inside of the dried up well were steps along the wall, but she was not big enough to reach them. She called and called for help but no one heard her. Then came to torrential rains and the well began to slowly fill with water. She thought she would drown, but the rainwaters lifted her until she was able to reach the steps and climb out. I found that bit of story so intriguing! How many times do we find ourself in a hard situation, then something else happens and we think that will be the end of us, but somehow God uses it for good. Sometimes (okay oftentimes) life just doesn’t make sense. There are so many Pits people find themselves in. It could be an ugly divorce, losing a loved one, having a disabled child, living with limitations, accidents, mental health issues, health issues, suicide…. The list goes on and on. I know some people who have multiple issues above. How can people get out?

First let’s look at another verse in Job. “For his eyes are on the ways of a man, and he sees all his steps.”
‭‭Job‬ ‭34‬:‭21‬ ‭(ESV‬‬) God sees us where we are. He is El Roi the God who sees me. He is with us always. We are never alone. Second, God is ready to help you. It might be a supernatural kind of help. It may be help coming from a friend, family member or co-worker. Be willing to receive help if you need it. Third, God gives us strength to help ourselves. Faith takes action. I’ve seen some people who fall in a pit but do nothing to get out, instead they give excuse after excuse. You’ve got to learn to move forward and do your part. Lastly, I want to remind you that God brings peace. You may feel turmoil in your life but God is Prince of peace. Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬ says: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
‭‭( ‭ESV‬‬) He is mighty! He is our Peace! He is a wonderful Counselor. Call out His name, Jesus. He will help you out of your pit. He will set your feet upon the rock. He will promote you and sustain you through your trials. I don’t know how but He will. Trust Him. I have to do the same.

This morning as I was praying, I just opened up and was very real with the Lord. He knows me completely anyway and I believe He delights when we come before Him with honesty. It was a little bit of a rough morning. I woke up with some pain in my back from the fracture. My eyes were very dry and crusty because I had trouble getting the eye ointment in that I have to use nightly, due to five eye surgeries. I went into the kitchen trying to open my very dry eyes. Squinting, I turned on the coffee maker to make a pot of coffee. I thought the pot was in place but it was not. Before I knew it coffee was all over the counter. I quickly turned it off. Grabbing the back brace I put it on then proceeded to clean up a big mess. Finally getting the mess cleaned, the dog fed and let outside, I sat down and just poured out my heart like that coffee that went all over the counter. My lament went up to my wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace. I began to praise God for all He is, for His provision, for His healing that we’re still waiting to manifest in the physical. People will never know the things we go through. We don’t complain, we just do it. We all need healing. We only have one driver in our family so some things are pushed aside. God knows and as I poured out my heart I felt His peace. He is the Prince of Peace.

In the next two days I will finish the book of Job and I know how his story ends. God restores him and blessed him beyond his original blessing. God will bless us too. Be faithful in the pit and make efforts to get out of it. God will see you through. Don’t give up! You are loved!

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Set Apart

January 5, 20254 Comments

I came across this picture on Pinterest.

We are five days into the new year. My hearts desire for 2025 is to align myself with God’s Will / purposes and be useful for bringing Him glory. Several churches I know of are beginning a 21 days of prayer and fasting. I feel lead to participate in this time of setting myself apart for the things God desires. It’s like giving God your first fruits of the new year. It’s a time of studying God’s Word, seeking His face in prayer, fasting and worship. It’s not me attempting to strong arm God in answering my prayers. God is our Heavenly Father and He desires for us to long to be with Him and listen intently to His heart.

I know as a parent that it warms my heart when my adult son just wants to spend time with me. Not asking me for anything particular but just spending time together. Of course he knows that we would do anything for him but that’s not always what’s best for him. That must be slightly how God sees us, but that’s from my limited human viewpoint.

Many people in the Bible fasted and prayed humbling themselves to seek God’s face. In those accounts in the Bible we clearly see God is touched when we seek Him first and above all else. He empowers us to do what we can’t do in our own strength. He strengthens us to face difficulties and unforeseen challenges. He answers prayers and brings deliverance. Sometimes those answers might not be exactly what we asked for, but He sees theBIG picture and keeps our best interests in mind. That’s my God!

I don’t know what you are facing right now but I do know this, when we align our hearts with God’s Will and purposes the Lord moves in miraculous ways. If you would like me to pray for you in some specific way during the next 21 days, feel free to comment or reach out. I would be honored to lift you up to the Lord. He sure does love each one of us.

I’d like to end this short blog with a worship song:
You deserve the glory and the honor, Lord we lift our hands in worship as we praise Your holy name. You deserve the glory and the honor, Lord we lift our hands in worship as we praise Your holy name You are great You do miracle so great. There is no one else like You… There is no one else like You. You are great, You do miracles so great. There is no one else like You… There is no one else like You 🙌🏼❤️

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Need Reviving?

October 31, 2024Leave a Comment

Saw this on social media months ago and took a screen shot.

As I sat this morning thinking. I prayed for revival to come. Do you need reviving? I do and I believe we all do! Trust me! We definitely do! What better day to Set the SPIRITUAL FIRE of revival than on halloween (not capitalized on purpose. It’s insignificant to me. The high holy day of evil.) For many years I didn’t know the origins of the holiday but once I discovered what it’s really about, that was it, no more halloween for me. Now on to the point of my blog…..

As I was checking text messages this morning I saw there is a call to national prayer on November 4, 2024, starting at 6 pm all across the United States. Great American Prayer Event. I’ll be participating and why not start early? They especially want untied national prayer during the event though. Just take time to stop where you are and pray for our great nation. The Bible says, “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” 2 Chronicles‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

Check out the picture below closely. It’s the back of a one dollar bill that I put under my Optelec magnifying machine. This machine helps me see print that I can’t otherwise see with my low vision, as the machine enables me to ZOOM in large and see. Do you see “In God we trust”? Honestly ask yourself, as a nation when did that change? How many Americans can honestly say, “In God we trust”?

The spiritual health of our country, the values of family and integrity have slowly diminished over the years. I’d even go as far as saying it’s “nose DIVED” in the last few years. Let’s be honest, the One True God has been slowly taken out of society and replaced with the false gods of society: the god of pop culture, the god of money, the god of pride, the god of perversity, the god of sex and lust, the god of feel good and do what you want….. I could continue the list, but do you see my point? As a nation we have fallen and it is time to “RETURN TO THE LORD”. It’s time to repent of our nations sins. Great sins! It is time to HUMBLE ourselves and PRAY and SEEK GOD’S FACE! Think about our children and those who have grand children and great grandchildren. Think of their future. This is what the Lord says in Jeremiah 29: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”” Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬-‭14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Those are God’s words to us. Will you join me in prayer for our nation? Revival starts with me and you. It starts in the hearts of each believer, and fans into flame in our families, churches, communities and nation. Let’s change the world by falling humbly before the Lord in prayer. He is a Holy God of great mercy and love.

Lord set a fire down in my soul that I can’t contain, I can’t control….. I want more of you God, I want more of you God. …. Will you sing with me? That’s kind of how my heart works. It’s a mix of worship songs(and I don’t always get the words right) , scripture and heart cries to the Lord….and here I go again….. Lay me down Lord, here at your feet. All I have Lord is yours. Lay me down Lord, my heart if yours to keep, all of you is all I need.. Keep it going and feel free to add your own worship. Keep the prayer and praise rising up to the Lord.

As individual, family, churches, communities and nationally we need revival. Praying for you all and sincerely hope you will join this call to prayer. Not just today, not just Monday for the Great American Prayer event but every day. Let us cry out to the Lord. He will hear us and He will answer. Amen.

Be blessed and better yet, Be a blessing ! You are loved!

http://www.shannonkhinson.com

Check your Foundation

October 7, 2024Leave a Comment

It’s been a week since I’ve published a new blog post. Sometimes It just seems life sucks the liveliness out of you. Not that my personal issues are any more than usual. My life pretty much stays stable. However the devastation of Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene has left me unsettled.

I am one to think deeply on issues and that can be good but it can also been a burden. I am also one to question everything and that is not a bad thing. I’ve read about the devastation of this hurricane and I’ve also read about the lack of response from our government. That is very troubling.

While I am no weather person, so many aspects of this recent hurricane seem “of”. Who would have ever thought that such a horrific outcome would occur from this disaster? Whole towns have been wiped out from flooding and “rivers” of water than rushed through. How in the world do these things happen? Don’t even mention “climate change” All those”tooting that horn” go jetting around the world. It’s a “do as I say, not as I do” kind of thing. I know that ultimately GOD IS IN CONTROL! But…. I know… I know… I’m never to question God’s ways and why bad things and disasters happen. God has a way of bringing “beauty from ashes” or in this case “beauty from devastating floods and mud”. I will get to that later. Right now I want to highlight a few things.

Why why why did it take FEMA a week to be on the scene? Why have Americans been told not to fly drones, that can take accurate footage of whats really going on? I’ve read that the media is not fully reporting on what’s happened. Why has the government not helped with the rescue? Why has our military who want to help been told to stand down? Why? Why has our government spent tons of money on illegals and thrown a mere $750 to the victims of the horror? Some of which are even denied that. All the while sending loads of our tax payers money to Ukraine! Why? Thank God for a few platforms that continue to allow for our American right of “Free Speech”. Those shouting about misinformation are the ones wanting to control the narrative. Are you awake yet?

Dare I say, this administration cares nothing about the American people. Yes I do dare to say it! All in an election year, when they have tried every possible trick, weaponized our justice system and lied to keep Trump off the Presidential ballot, yet he stands! That’s a whole different blog, that I will try my best to refrain from writing.

Now back to the “beauty from the horrific flood and mud” , while our government cares nothing for the victims, the beauty of America rises! I have read story after story of people pulling together to take supplies, help rescue, pray and show love. Churches, businesses and American citizens pulling together to help. That is the beauty in this horror.I read of one crew going up to help. They dug six people out from a collapsed house. That is a beautiful thing. I know someone who was able to get food up to a family who had not eaten in three days. (That was last week) Another beautiful thing. Churches and businesses collecting clothing, food, water, generators and fuel. If you do feel lead to help please give to a church or a trusted organization.

In all this devastation what can we do? How do we deal with these things? Our best weapon in dealing with anything is PRAYER! We must PRAY! It’s true we can’t fix everything but we can PRAY and I assure you that nothing is impossible with God! It boils down to our foundation. What are you built on? I will admit that my foundation is built on a strong relationship with Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. I have had many things in life that “rocked my world” and shook my faith, but I know at the end of each day, at the end of any situation I can fully depend on God! 1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭10‬ says, “In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.” (NLT‬‬).

Having a firm foundation is so incredibly important. When things happen and devastate you, your foundation is what you fall back on. When you trust God’s sovereignty it grounds you to trust that He will ultimately work things out for your good and most of all for His Glory. Having a firm foundation enables you to trust in His Word. Scripture like Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭7‬ that says, “The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.” (NKJV‬‬) strengthens our faith to trust God. There is so much I don’t understand but I am encouraged to trust in the Lord with all my heart and not to lean on my own understanding.

A firm foundation can make or break you. A few weeks ago as I was riding with my friends to serve the homeless in Rock Hill, we passed by this massive structure of metal. It was the oddest looking thing. I noticed it as I sat in the back seat of their truck, looking out the window. I said “W in the world was that?” My friend took a quick picture and sent it to me so I could see it better. It appears to be a building that looks like a complete failure. It appears to be a building with metal framing that collapsed. I’m not an engineer or builder, however common sense tells you something was wrong with the structure or its foundation to cave in like it appears to have done. Your foundation is everything. Whether you “stand up tall” after a “massive blow in life” or if you crumble; it’s going to depend on what you’re built on. If you are build upon a firm foundation of faith in Jesus, when the “winds and waves” hit you will ultimately remain standing because you are “grounded in Christ” There is no time like the present to check your foundation.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Fan it

September 28, 2024Leave a Comment

Wow! I have not published a blog in almost two weeks. In the three years I have blogged, this is definitely a “first”. I have been overly stimulated with life lately. Two weeks ago I had another adjustment (Map) to my cochlear implant processor so my brain has been adjusting and I’m trying my best to do everything on my part to “understand speech”. Bible study with my deaf friends has also started back up with a new video format which is challenging for me. (Reading closed captions when I have to zoom in on the caption and it moves so fast). Visual stimulation from that and seeing more sign language. Sometimes I wonder if my vision is worse. No time to really figure that out. Life moves to fast and I just have to “move with it” There has also been some other stuff going on but it’s nothing anyone else doesn’t face…so face it…. I do! (Just with less vision and hearing than most) I have also been printing out all I’ve found with “life stories” on Anestry.com and Wow… it’s a book. 😂Fascinating information about my ancestors but I need to stop this subscription, so I’ve been tediously printing. Half the time I stop and wonder , why am I doing this? Then remember , I’ve put too much time into this to lose this treasure. Last night I finished! Glory to God! Happy Dance! (Now what to do with all of this is a whole different thing for another day.) In the midst of all that,Mom had an appointment to remove some skin cancer on top of her head. The biopsy revealed cancer cells. When the day came for her procedure to remove one layer of skin at a time to test, the surgeon could NOT find the skin cancer! The Dr could not even find the scar from where the biopsy was done. Nothing! Praise God! So thankful for those obvious “God things” and answered prayers to encourage me to keep moving forward. Keep digging in my heels, one step at a time.

So late on September 17, below is what I wrote but never finished……. (I will add more in and sent this off)

~~~~~~~

It’s Tuesday night and I should be going to bed but I wanted to get some notes down for this blog so I don’t forget. I actually wanted to write this morning when several things spoke to my heart, but there was no time to writ today until now. I really should be asleep but I don’t want to lose these thoughts as tomorrow is likely to be another busy day cooking and serving with RiceNBeans ministry.

True to form, I wrote this blog title about two months ago. I wrote “Fan it” then the following scripture. 2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬-‭7‬, “This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (NLT‬) Also check out 1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”( ‭NLT‬‬) Wow and now two weeks after writing that I’m actually going to finish this blog and put it out there to “fan into” someone’s life (For some reason a picture of a wild dandelion blowing, came to mind. The little seeds blow where ever God desires. )

Do you know your spiritual gifts? I took a test with my Bible study group a couple of years ago and discovered mine are intercession, faith, encouragement, discernment and evangelism. I love the idea of “fanning” these gifts God has given me to bring Glory to His name. I try to use my gifts through blogging to encourage others and serving my family, the Lord and those less fortunate.

Today the Bible study group I’m in met up to study “When you pray”. It’s a six week study on prayer. We talked about some distractions we might face while trying to develope a daily prayer life. I am pretty consistent in prayer but I need to spend more time with the Lord. I made a little confession to the group that things going on in our country with it being election year, the two attempted assisination attempts of Trump and the division among people because of lies and deception of the media and politics, really upsets me. I saw a short video reel on Facebook today that Julie Green ministries posted. I don’t remember exactly what it said but it something about God wanting us to have joy. The Joy of the Lord is my strength. She mentioned if you don’t have joy, then you need more of God’s Word in your heart. That is so spot on. As I told the group today that society events can leave me feeling unsettled. I explained that I was starting to get away in a quiet place and just focus on God. Taking deep breaths in through my nose and releasing it slowly though my mouth, is a way to bring a sense of calm. I then begin to focus on the Lord, thanking Him for various things. I want my focus to be on thanksgiving and rejoicing in all God is, rather than focusing on problems. God knows my heart and what troubles me. He can handle it. He just wants me to bring these things to Him. I truly want to sit at Jesus feet and learn from Him. There is power in His name, healing in His name: there is no other name but Jesus. Hosea‬ ‭6‬:‭3‬ says, “Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.””
‭‭ ‭(NLT‬‬)
~~~~~~

The above was all I had written. As I just reread it,editing some typos, I spoke to me yet again. Oh Lord, help us to not look at the “storm/chaos/devastation from this recent hurricane” and just find peace in Your sovereignty. Knowing You are in control. Trusting You with our whole hearts and not leaning on our understanding. Help us Lord to “fan into flame” the gifts You have gives us. To PRAY PRAY and PRAY some more, to intercede for our country, our world, for Israel. To serve others with sincerity of heart because when we do so, Your light shines through us! Enable us to reach beyond our own shortcomings, and limitations to receive strength and courage to be useful vessels for Your Glory to this dying world. In Jesus name I pray~ Amen

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭(NLT)

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🔥While in the FIRE

September 7, 20242 Comments

True to my nature, I wrote the name of this blog well over a month ago. Little by little I added scriptures as they came. For some reason today seems the day to pull it all together. I don’t understand why God has me in this process but I trust Him to accomplish whatever it is that He desires.

First let me say, I have a deep empathy and compassion for those enduring trials of various kinds. I totally understand what it’s like to feel fed up with the medical community. I know what it’s like to see doctor after doctor and to just loose hope in the medical field. But then again, I see how God orchestrated the best care for my brother when he had acute leukemia and is now cancer free! Glory to God!! I’ve seen both sides of it, and I understand.

Right now a childhood friend is enduring one diagnosis after another. I can’t even begin to understand the suffering she is going through and I’ve promised to cover her in prayer. There is another lady that I have never actually met, but is a friend of a friend. This woman is going through extreme pain in her body, her stomach does not work correctly and she has other health issues I can’t even comprehend. Yet these two people have remarkable faith and Jesus is what gets them through the fiery trials they face. While mine have been lifelong, they have not been physically painful like these two precious ladies. My trials with hearing and vision loss have been greatly frustrating and taught me perseverance on a whole different level. I don’t complain. Complaining does nothing good. I told a friend recently I was praying for patience. She wisely counseled me to pray for grace. Developing patience is most often through tribulations. *Lord I’ve had enough of those, I’ll go with Grace if that’s okay. * This same friend has sent me scriptures on miracles and healing. I was reading through those this morning and it brought peace and encouragement. I will post the links to these verses at the end of my blog.

It seems to me the fiery trials of life, whether they be physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, with family or even financial: either make you or break you depending on what you do while “In the fire”. So what do you do when you face hardships?

It is human nature to complain and murmur about what ails you. Try to refrain yourself from doing this. Complaining drags people down that are around you and it changes nothing. Over-thinking is also a big no no! That’s a confession of an “Over-thinker”. My son Joshua often says, “Stop thinking!” It’s become an ongoing joke of sorts. He will hold up his hand right in from of my face indicating “Stop” then finger spell the word “thinking”. It cracks me up every time. Yes I am a “Thinker”. Maybe I should write a blog on “Confessions of a Thinker”

I’ve come across some great Bible verses to guide and direct in these trials of life. Let’s first take a look at I Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭14‬, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.” (NKJV‬‬). Did you catch that? Don’t think it’s strange this thing is happening to you but rejoice that you partake of Christ suffering. *Wow! Ok Lord, I’m trying to listen and learn here. *

Let’s look at Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭18‬, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (NKJV) This tells me to not focus on the trial, but to focus on Jesus and all that is to come through faith in Him.

And still another verse to gleam from is ‭‭I Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬ which says: “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” (NKJV‬‬) Here is another verse I’d like to share. Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭71‬, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes.” (NKJV‬‬) This is a hard lesson to learn, but it’s true we learn in the trials of suffering. We can learn humility as we look at how Jesus endured whipping for our healing and the cross for our salvation. He who knew no sin, bore our sin for us on the cross so we can be saved through faith in Him.

Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ teaches us another beautiful truth. “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:3-5 (‭‭ ‭NKJV‬‬). Keep in mind that your trials are producing eternal things as we continue to focus on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

While we endure various trails, let us hold tight to Jesus and His Word. I will tell you from experience that it soothes my soul to pray, praise and soak up God’s Word while “in the waiting”. Let me share one last scripture to boost your faith. I love this one so much. Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭31‬, “But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” ( ‭NKJV‬‬)

My dear friend Lauren from church has sent me verses on healing and verses on miracles. It is so refreshing to read what God has to say about these topics. She has sent me three different links that are filled with scripture. I have them saved in a note so I can find them and read them easily. I will share them with you here. The first link has 100 verses on healing. https://biblegen.com/healing/ The second link also shared Bible verses on Healing. That link is https://get.tithe.ly/blog/33-bible-verses-about-healing The link she sent yesterday was verses on the topic of miracles. https://dailyverses.net/miracles/kjv I am thankful for her friendship and Godly counsel. That’s another thing, while in the “fires of trials” surround yourself with Godly people who will pray for you, speak the Word of God over you and speak life. I truly believe these friendships make God smile.

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I really enjoy using this gift God has given me to encourage others. He has me on this life long journey of living with hearing and vision issues. I published my autobiography Rooted by the Water in 2021. You can find it on Amazon in hard cover, soft cover and ebook formats. God has seen me through much and I give Him glory for it all. Be blessed and better yet, be a blessing.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Happy #4 Bone Marrow Transplant Birthday to my Brother

August 26, 2024Leave a Comment

I didn’t want to end this day without giving Glory to God for the amazing miracle of my brother Forrest’s life. God is good and so so faithful! Not many people have three birthdays but my brother has three: the day he was born, the day he accepted Jesus as his Savior and the day he had a bone marrow transplant. Today marks his 4th birthday and we are so thankful! Some of you have followed my blog from the beginning and were part of the team that prayed for him. Thank you! Today he continues to be cancer free. He is thriving and quite frankly, it’s hard to keep up with him. He’s a busy family man who loves God, loves his family and serves faithfully. Four years ago, God brought him through the fiery trial of acute leukemia. He now is PopPop times 4. His fourth grandbaby was just born.

As I was cleaning up the dinner dishes tonight, I began to sing the chorus of “Say Amen”. I will post the music video for you below. The chorus goes like this… Has anybody here found Him faithful? Anybody here knows He able? Say Amen! Has anybody here seen His power? Anybody here brought through the fire? Say amen! Has anybody here found joy in the midst of sorrow, peace in the storm, hope for tomorrow and you’ve seen it time and time again, just say Amen! I love that song and the testimony that it shares.

We all have a testimony and are called to testify and give Glory to God. I couldn’t let this day end without doing just that. Life is unpredictable. My brothers acute leukemia diagnosis back in 2020 came like the “meanest curve ball” out of no where, but today I can say “God knocked that ball out of the park!” Don’t stop praying! God’s ways are so much higher than our ways. All we can do is submit to God, pray, worship, serve and trust Him for His best. You are loved! Keep looking to Jesus! He will see you through! Thank you Jesus for the Miracle of my brother’s life and thank you for blessing his family over and beyond!
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Finding Peace on the Battleground

August 15, 2024August 15, 2024Leave a Comment

Do you ever feel like the “odds” in life are stacked up against you? Life can feel like a battleground from a spiritual perspective (and political and cultural as well. Just being real but back to the topic) Society’s acceptance of evil as good is constantly thrown in our faces. It wears on those who desire to live with integrity. You know the lies, the propaganda, sexual nonsense and just down right “darkness”. What are we to do? Read on~

There are all different types of “battlegrounds”. Mine can be a constant drip from the enemy… you can’t do this, you can’t do that, you will never be enough, and the list goes on. You know the drill. Surely I’m not alone. You can take authority over the enemy and tell him he’s a liar and to go back to hell where he belongs! Just being honest here. We can and need to do that. There is power in the name of Jesus to break every single chain, lie and deception. It’s our right as Children of God, to stand in the authority and power of the name of Jesus.

There is the battleground of anxiety and depression. Sadly, in this day that’s always lurking. You take one look at the world around us, see the lack of leadership, censoring of speech , the thrust of acceptance of evil things, etc. and worry raises its ugly head. Listen to me here. I recently felt anxiety rising in me and I immediately confessed it to the Lord. Having hidden God’s Word in my heart over the years the following scripture came to mind. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬ ) You see, I knew I was feeling anxious about something I had absolutely NO control over. I realized God did not want me to be anxious but rather confess that anxiety, thank Him for the ability to bring it to Him in prayer, knowing that He was the one who could change whatever. Sometimes that change is me, and trust me, I’m all for a divine change from my Abba Father. In that particular case, God gave me such peace when I bought my worries to Him in prayer and He did work in the situation and I’m trusting Him to continue working it all out.

These are just a few examples of battlegrounds. God does not leave us helpless to face these things alone. Check out the following scripture: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,”2 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ (NKJV) We’ve got to guard our hearts and minds.

I came across a really grea devotion in Read&Pray devotion from August 13 (they are all awesome and you can find information about the devotion book at the following link ) https://centralnc.org/read_prayer_devotional One statement that really stood out to me was: “Sometimes earthen vessels have to be broken , so the enemy sees the light and knows he doesn’t stand a chance. “ That is so true. You see, it’s when we are broken and the light of Jesus shines through us, that’s when the enemy takes notice. The enemy can defeat us in the flesh BUT when the Holy Spirit operates within us, the enemy doesn’t stand a chance. Thank you Jesus!

That does take admitting our need for Jesus. We have to drop our pride. There is no place for pride in life, especially on a battleground. We surrender to Jesus and He empowers us to overcome. The Bible tells us in Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭21‬, ”Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. (‭‭ ‭NLT‬‬) God never said it would be easy, but rather we are to take up our cross daily and follow Him. Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭12‬ tells us “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.”(NLT‬‬)

The multiple battlegrounds are inevitable, but we can rejoice in it all knowing the battle is already won! Glory to God! We can rest in the assurance that Jesus is with us, we will not fall. I actually bought a bracelet recently to remind me of that when I’m out in the world, doing life. When that sense of overwhelming weariness strikes, I need only to look at this bracelet and be reminded that God has me. He has you too. Sometimes we just need to sit quietly in His presence and soak up the peace and strength He pours into us. Rest in Him! Keep reading God’s Word! Pray continually and give thanks in all things! It makes all the difference in the world! Be blessed!
Www.shannonkhinson.com

My new stainless steel bracelet. “God is within her, she will not fall” Got it on Amazon

Stuck at a high Mountain? Pray

August 6, 2024Leave a Comment

I woke up this morning planning to go work out with a friend but that plan got scratched. So here I sit, praying and having my quiet time with the Lord. Funny how He uses early morning quiet times to nudge my heart and bring hidden things to light.

In dealing with life, I have the tendency to just ”dig in my heels” and push through. Living with hearing and visual issues is hard enough but watching your grown son deal with similar issues is a very HARD thing. This morning I read a devotion about taking on Jesus yoke. One of the scriptures was Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬: “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (NLT‬‬) Do you carry a heavy burden too?

Ok I’m going to be a little “Raw” here. Rest? Life is a daily struggle just dealing with my own issues but then to see our son deal with his….It’s like running into a mountain that is too HUGE to even imagine getting around. Something insignificant came to light recently but it was like a “cork”popping off a well of hurt, disappointment and anguish. I can deal with my issues but I can’t really help someone deal with theirs. That’s something God has to do.

This morning when I opened my iPad, it had created a video from some pictures in my album. It was like going down memory lane in our family and watching Joshua grow into a remarkable strong young man. The video had pictures of our little family of three and Grandma and Grandpa, our prayer Team. Grandpa is no longer with us, and that still leaves a “hole”. Joshua sure did love his Grandpa.

So as I prayed this morning, I let it out. God knows! He wants us to bring our burdens to Him and find rest in Him. I also came across scriptures I had put aside in my notes section of my IPad. One of those scriptures was Zephaniah‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ that says, “The Lord your God is in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”” (NKJV)

Last Sunday Larry Green was singing a song that says “there ain’t no mountain high enough, to keep my praise from going up. In everything give thanks”. Wow! That sure is a challenge but starting each day with the Lord in prayer and His Word is the way to go. Last night I got on amazon to order a bridal shower gift. I decided to browse Christian bracelets and came across one that says “God is with her, she will not fail”. I ordered it and will wear it as a reminder that God is indeed with us, strengthening us. He foresaw our whole lives before they began. He knows the ending and every step until we reach that point. Deep breath! It’s ok to show your vulnerable side. It shows your humble and human. I take comfort in transparency because it shows me I’m not alone. It’s sad a lot of people have too much pride to show weakness. It’s a blessing to be able to genuinely be there for people knowing what it’s like to endure. I truely believe that brings joy to our Lord when He sees us love, encourage, listen and pray for each other.

Mom and I recently went to a little shop in Pineville NC. We had passed it many times and Mom wanted to check it out. (Truth be told, I can’t see well enough to read the signs of stores well and had no clue what it even was.) We went in and saw the loveliest lady. She said she sells things for elderly people when they downsize their home. The items were a beautiful mix of home furnishings and antiques. As we went into one room there was a beautiful prayer tree. I had never seen one before. There were tags that you could write a name on of someone needing prayer, then attach it to the tree. Mom wrote on a tag and placed it on the tree. I wrote on my tag and handed it to her to place on the tree. We wrote the same persons name. 💓God knows and I know He will answer with His very best.

I do not usually share such personal things, but perhaps this will encourage you. I also don’t typically share prayer requests with just anyone simply because some people just want to know your business but don’t really care. It’s just the truth. But God knows. As I’ve been writing this another song came to mind. I had the honor of learning how to play this on the piano and I so wish I had stuck with it but my piano playing season ended. But the memory of the song still remains. I will attach the YouTube video below. It’s an Elevation worship song , titled “Do it again.”

Be blessed. Keep praying. Never give up!
Www.shannonkhinson.com

Transformed

July 25, 20242 Comments

A little over a week ago, the title “Transformed” came to me. As I read the Bible I came across different scriptures and added them to my notes but wasn’t sure how the Lord would enable me to tie it together. Instead of an overload, I think I will break it up over a few days.

From my own perspective, transformed is being totally changed, hopefully for the better. There are so many things that can bring about transformation in people: friends, influencers, your interests, music, entertainment, what you immerse yourself in, etc. There are too many things to name. What you allow to mold you is evident in your choices, attitudes, speech and responses.

Last Sunday, I listened to our early church service online as I was getting ready for the late service. Thank God for Bluetooth technology. With my recent cochlear implant processor adjustments, I’m doing a little better comprehending but I’m not consistent. On the way to church I told my husband Ron and son Joshua, what I thought the service was about. Afterwards we realized I had done pretty good following. (I missed some big chunks of it but got the main things.) Joshua asked why there are so many different teachings on Jesus. I answered, “There are false teachings thrown in with scripture. The devil is the father of lies and deception. He will give you a “grain’ of truth and twist it. You will know truth if it’s from the Bible; adding nothing and taking nothing away. When opinions, politics, special interests, etc. are thrown in, that is a “RED FLAG”.

Our society and world are full of deception and lies. There is the redefining of marriage and sexual nonsense. There is the watering down of truth to not offend. It is imperative that you read the Bible and know the truth. 2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ tells us,“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NKJV‬‬) Do you see it? Scripture transforms us, not the other way around. Be careful the Bible translation you read. They don’t all have the same verses and some verses are left out completely in some translations. Have you ever noticed that there are updates to translations in the Bible App? That troubles me since the Word of God does not change.

If you profess to be a Christian, let me ask you this. If people observe how you live during the week, the things you post on social media, your speech, how you treat others, your attitudes: do they see Jesus in you? We are to “Shine for Jesus”. It is Jesus in us who transforms us. Check out 2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭10‬,
“For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.” (NLT‬‬)

I challenge you to spend more and more time in prayer and studying the Bible. It will change you from the inside out. 1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭17‬ says, “And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.”(NLT‬‬) That should be our goal.

I’m going to stop here and pick up on this soon. Take the time to pray over and digest these truths. Don’t take my word for it. Open up your Bible and seek the face of the Lord. He will meet you there. You are greatly loved. Be blessed and better yet, Be a blessing.
http://www.shannonkhinson.com