#pray – Page 8 – rootedbythewater.blog

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

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Before Breakthrough Comes

June 23, 2023Leave a Comment

As I think of blog ideas, I actually type the title then come back to it as more comes to me. During my daily Bible reading if I come across scriptures that fit a title,I add those in and wait for more to come. Truth be told, I originally titled this blog “ When Breakthrough Comes” but I’m still waiting….. so….”Before Breakthrough Comes” is going to have to do.

Life seems like a waiting game. We are always waiting for one thing or another. Whether it be losing weight, finding the right job, waiting for a good report from the doctor, healing, salvation of loved ones, peace…. The list can go on and on. What do we do when waiting for that breakthrough or goal to finally happen?

Move forward. We have to start somewhere and there is no time like the present to get started. Keep your eye on the prize. Never lose sight of what you’re hoping for. “I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds.” Psalms‬ ‭77‬:‭12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Difficulties are greet teachers. Romans 5:3-5 tells us, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.” NLT
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Sometimes you’ve just got to push through. You can find the strength to press through discouragement and pain. Things worth accomplishing in life usually aren’t easily attained. You will have to work for it and be consistent. Faith is active. This applies to the physical as well as spiritual.

For illustration purposes and your amusement, heres a little recent story. Last week my husband Ron got me back in the gym. It has been over five years since I worked out consistently at the gym. Sure, I’ve been active on and off but not consistently trained in years.

On my first day back it wore me flat out. I was excited I could see the scale, although I did not like the number. I haven’t been able to see a scale in years. I could also see the time on the cardio machines. With this being day one, I didn’t do that much, some cardio and some weight machines. I came home and slept for two hours. A side note, it was a new environment and with the combination of low vision and hearing issues I was drained afterwards. Slow and steady, I need a balanced approach. I didn’t get here overnight and wont get back in shape overnight either. My first week I had a couple of gym days and one kayaking day. (Great upper body workout. ) That was plenty for week one.

This is week two and we’ve already stepped it up a notch. Two gym days have been cardio then weight machines. I’ve added in some three plus mile walks as well. Ron has me doing three sets of fifteen reps each on the machines. Let me tell you, there are no shortcuts with these exercises if I want the right outcome. Ron told me to do a full extension with the weigh, all the way, not just part of the way. Slow and full extension. Whoa… doing it right I felt my muscles burn that had not been used that way in far too long.

I was tired and ready to stop. Ron said, “ I want to show you one more thing.” If you know my husband there is no such thing as just one more thing. It ended up being three. The last exercise he gave me two weighted kettle balls and had me doing something for my legs. He said I wasn’t doing it right but I was copying what he was doing and told him so. He changed his form so I did too. Life application, copy what your teacher is doing. If you’re teaching set the right example. There are so many life lessons to gleam from training your body for results. It takes time and you’ve got to be consistent and put the work in. Slow and steady, breakthrough will come.

When it comes to faith and spiritual breakthrough these same principles apply. In my heart and spiritual vision I see healing coming. I had titled this “When Breakthrough Comes”. When I typed that title I meant healing and deliverance. I’ve been in this place for a LONG time and I BELIEVE God still heals. My neuro-sensory nerves and optic nerves need a touch from God. Why He has not yet, I do not know. Is the wait discouraging? YES! Is it frustrating? YES! Can God still heal? Absolutely YES!!

A group of friends and i have been praying for another friend from church. I do not know exactly what her health issues are. I just know she has serious health issues with her lungs and heart. Yesterday there was a remarkable praise report. Our friend’s lung capacity has increased 25%. That is answered prayers! Hearing praise reports like this encourage me to never give up believing in healing. Never give up and keep believing for breakthrough for things that SEEM IMPOSSIBLE! God is able! As I type this tears are streaming down my face and I softly sing: You deserve the glory and the honor. Lord we lift our hands in worship as we praise your holy name. You serve the glory and the honor. Lord we lift our hands in worship as we praise your holy name. Lord you’re great, you do miracles so great, there is no one else like you….there is no one else like you…. Lord you’re great, you do miracles so great. There is no one else like you…. There is no one else like you.

As you and I wait for our breakthrough, keep believing. Keep looking to Jesus. Faith is active. You’re going to have to do something even if it just crying out to God for help. He will meet you where you are. Step forward. Keep. moving. You are never alone. He’s got you. “You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭77‬:‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬

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

Www.shannonkhinson.com

You choose

June 1, 2023Leave a Comment

Two blog posts have been brewing: You Choose and Take A Stand. Both are similar but the first having a gentler approach, while the latter is more straight forward. Tonight I will address the gentler stance.

Do you ever come across passages that you highlight one thing after another? Colossians chapter three was like that for me recently. Part of the chapter addresses the character of a new man. Every single verse in that section of the chapter is highlighted in a different color. As I read the bible, I ask God to give me a teachable heart.

Read Colossians 3:12-17 with me.“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” ( ‭NKJV‬‬)

Do you see what I’m seeing? We are encouraged to PUT ON; tender mercies, kindness, meekness, long suffering etc. I’m reading this as an admonishment to choose the things of God. God wants us to choose to put on His character. We can choose to let Gods Word dwell in us richly. We can choose the eternal or the temporal pleasures. What do you choose? (As you can see emphasis is added by capitalization, using bold and italics.)

As the times we live in are becoming increasingly more evil we must choose the things of God! You can choose to be a light in this dark world. We can choose to speak life to all around us. Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭21‬ ‭says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.” (NKJV)
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Everyday God blesses us with a free will to choose Him. We can choose to deny the flesh and submit ourselves to the ways of God. We can choose words to build others up rather than tear down. Now more than ever we must focus of Jesus and submit to what He desires to do through us. It’s time to choose Him all day, everyday! It’s time to take a Stand. God willing, that will be the next blog I tackle. I’m just waiting on the Lord to give me the words for that important topic. As I close this blog, I would like to pray for everyone reading this.

Dear Heavenly Father I come to you in the precious name of Jesus. Lord I thank You for Your grace and mercy that is new every single day. I thank You for Your faithfulness. Lord forgive us when we fall short. Help us to have teachable hearts that are tender to Your Holy Spirit’s leading. Bring to our remembrance Your powerful Words and give us the strength to live according to Your Word. I thank You and praise You that Your alone are sovereign over everything, I thank You that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. In the mighty name of Jesus. Thank You for loving us and equipping us for all You desire. We praise You that there is power in the name of Jesus to break every single chain. I give You all the praise, honor and glory! In Jesus name I pray Amen!

Good night everybody! To read more of my previous blog posts check out my website http://www.shannonkhinson.com You can find two years worth of blog posts in the menu. Be blessed

Lifting you up❣️

May 13, 20233 Comments

Over the past two weeks I’ve come across scripture and have saved verses to use for this blog. I knew in my heart I would be writing on this topic soon. Today is the day.

Depression and anxiety are a heavy weight. There is absolutely no shame in reaching out for help. I’ve heard this is mental health awareness month. If I can encourage someone to keep pushing forward then hear me out.

I personally deal with depression and anxiety at times. It can grip you so suddenly and you feel a weight of despair. Mine is more or less due to the limitations I face and the sheer frustration to do all I “think” I need to ne doing. The feelings of inadequacy can pull me down. Sometimes thoughts will battle in my mind. “You aren’t good enough! You can’t do all they can do. It’s getting harder so why don’t you just admit it?” These demeaning thoughts are countered by; ”Be quiet in the name of Jesus! Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. I might not be able to but God works in my weaknesses! I can’t but let me tell you something, He sure can!” You know the drill? Sometimes these thoughts battle in my mind. How do I counteract against it? I speak God’s Word over myself. I pray and sing praises to Jesus who is Victorious over it all.

When you feel these negative emotions, shutting yourself off from people is the easiest thing in the world but I don’t recommend that. Surround yourself with support. If you don’t have a strong support system ask God for one. Be there for others and watch as they in turn are there for you. Drop your pride. No one has it all together! We all need each other.

God has given me a gift of encouragement, prayer and discernment. I can pick up when someone is struggling. Last night I was reading some social media posts and I saw an old college friend post “I give up”. This persons postings usually range from humor to despair, back and forth. I noticed people commented encouragement but I also noticed his lack of response. God touch this person and give them a reason to keep pressing on. This is not the first person I’ve noticed. There have been many over the years. If I sensed they were suicidal, I prayed and encouraged. One of these people I gathered recourses for so they could get help on their limited budget. Some of those I’ve encouraged are now thriving. Praise God. God surrounded them with strength and encouragement and now they are encouraging others. This is an example of 1Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬‬:‭11‬,“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” (‭‭‭‭NKJV‬‬)

If you are a Christian you must realize that God empowers you with His Holy Spirit to fulfill your purpose for His glory! He also strengthens us and anoints us against the attacks we face. Check out Ephesians 6:11, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (NKJV‬‬). For more on the Armor of God check out verses 10-20. These verses are powerful.

God wants us to bring all out concerns to Him. There is nothing too little or big to bring to Him. “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving“ Colossians‬ ‭4‬‬:‭2‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬) Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.” (‭NKJV‬‬)

Gods Word is FULL of life giving encouragement. Use it everyday. Pray! Speak life over yourself! Do NOT give up! God has you! Keep pushing forward and keep trusting Him. You’re going to make it!!

A while back I did a short video clip of me signing”In Jesus Name”. I will try posting the video clip link here. Praying for all that read this. God has us!

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0c33-vZfRxx-sH0ZySGUWg5qw

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I write when God puts something on my heart. 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. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

If you only knew😳

May 6, 20232 Comments

I’m debating whether to even put this in writing. I occasionally give a true, honest, transparent look at life as a visually and hearing impaired person. Today was one of those days when inwardly I’m like..
Oh great! 🤦🏽‍♀️ Yet outwardly I am hopefully all smiles! Did I pull it off? I think I did but who knows.

Before I even went out the door I was praying and thanking God that His joy is my strength. As I prayed I said Lord, you fill my heart with joy and peace despite the circumstances. Help me! How the day would unfold if I did not start off in Gods word, prayer snd praise , I don’t want to ever find out. It’s tough. Mental and spiritual preparation is so helpful especially when I know I’m going to be feeling like a “fish on dry ground”

Put me in a group of any size and it’s challenging. Mom picked me up to take me to my nieces baby shower. I’m 54 and my 80 year old Mom is driving me around. It’s a fact of life I don’t think I will ever be used to. We arrived at the beautiful shower honoring my niece and many showed up to bless her. At most showers of any type there are fun activities. One was to write a note for the baby that he would see on his 18th birthday. Trouble was the pieces of paper wete small with tiny lines to write on. I can’t see well enough to read my handwriting any more, not to mention writing on lines. Oh Lord help me! What to do? I closed my worse eye and tried to legibly write on the lines. I asked Mom if she could read it, thankfully she could. One down a couple more to go. Next was four jars to guess how many items were in each. I told Mom to just write some numbers. We went out on the deck and there was another activity I did not even see until I was close up. Everyone worked on making baby’s first ABC book. I used to love to color really detailed sketches but I can’t see well enough to do that anymore. Oh the joys of having low vision… NOT! (But I did one anyway. Although I did not sign my name on it. If my niece reads my blog… the one that looks like a kid did it was done by yours truly…. Aunt Shannon 😂 ) That’s just the activities, now let’s talk about the food. I could not find the forks on the table. They were right in front of me but transparent, so I did not see them. Okay…. next! I could see the deviled eggs, crackers, chips and fruit. The kabobs were another story. It took me a second to figure out how to pick it up. Lord have mercy! If people only knew the challenges it would blow your mind. This is just the visual part, not to mention the hearing part. My hearing loss is noticeable but my visual issue is not. What am I to do? Stay home? No! I live life and just hope to play it off! It’s not about me. It’s about blessing those around me. Is it uncomfortable? You bet! Is it cringe worthy? Absolutely! Did anyone notice? Hopefully not except Mpm of course. Even she doesn’t realize how bad my vision is.

Some things in life I don’t think I will ever understand on this side of eternity. It takes a lot of grit on the inside and smiles on the outside. It takes a lot of prayers and small pep talks to get through it. Only God understands. It’s hard. I can’t give in. I must get out and live life even though the normal things are so frustrating. I want to particulate and bless those around me.

If you saw me typing up this blog you would get a good laugh. Part of it I type and part of it I speak. Typos are everywhere because touch screens are so tricky. I use my iPad for blogging. However artificial intelligence can’t understand me half the time and I speak clearly! I say one thing and it types another. I say “ You can’t hear! And it says, “ I’m sorry you feel that way!” I’m over it!

Whether I will publish this or delete it is going through my head. On one hand, it’s helpful to see the difficulties people have to face, difficulties that are for the most part invisible. On the other hand, the truth can be terribly embarrassing. Peoples lives are so different. This is a reminder to be kind, considerate, and helpful. Today is almost over and tomorrow I will step into whatever God has for me. I won’t do it alone. He is with me every step of the way. Treat people the way you want them to treat you. Until next time…

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
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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
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“Thrown under the bus?“

January 23, 20234 Comments

What do you do when you get “thrown under the bus” by life? Lately I’ve been studying the life of Joseph in the Bible. His life story is full of life lessons.

I began working on this blog last night. As I was trying to sum up Joseph’s life for the blog, I felt overwhelmed with the details. I’ve read it so many times over the years but for some reason this particular time is showing me life applications I missed before. If you aren’t familiar with Joseph’s story, please find a Bible and read Genesis chapters 37, 39-48.

As I studied this life story I began to see how he dealt with situations from what the Bible shares. I also began to think of loved ones and friends facing one difficulty after another, including myself, and how his story can encourage us.

Joseph was a beloved son and his brothers called him a dreamer. ( Genesis 37:19). They were jealous of him and threw him in a pit, then sold him into slavery. Talking about a real nose dive detour in life.

In Egypt he was purchased by Potiphar the captain of the guard of the Pharaoh of Egypt. The amazing thing was, God was with him in all this hardship. He prospered in his service and everything he did. Potiphar noticed this and put him in charge of his household. Potiphar’s wife began to lust for Joseph. Day after day she tempted him until he fled. After hearing her scandalous lies, Potiphar puts Joseph in prison. Wow! Talking about one bad thing after another!

Once in prison, God continued to bless him there. Genesis‬ ‭39‬:‭21 says, “But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden.” (NLT‬‬). While in prison God enabled Joseph to interpret two dreams, which ends up bringing him before Pharaoh when no one could interpret his dreams. Pharaoh promotes Joseph as second in command over his kingdom to oversee the the years of plenty and years of famine that were coming. There is so much more to this story but space and time are limited.

One thing I want to point out is, God was faithful to Joseph in the land of his grief. Whether it was in the pit, in slavery, prison or the palace: God was faithful to Joseph in all these things. Talking about making a way in the wilderness. He went from beloved son, despised brother, slave, prisoner to second in command of Egypt. Psalms‬ ‭12‬:‭7 says, “Therefore, Lord, we know you will protect the oppressed, preserving them forever from this lying generation.” (NLT‬‬)

Another point I got from all this is Joseph remained faithful to God even in his numerous trials. While the Bible doesn’t tell us that Joseph cried out to the Lord, I’m certain he did. During all these difficulties God was preparing Joseph for his next assignment. God is always working in our lives, hearts, and situstions even when we don’t understand. Focus on Jesus! Cry out to Him and He will answer. It may not always be the answer you want but it will be the best answer concerning His will for your life.

I see this at work in my own life. There have been so many trials over the course of my life that sometimes I really wonder what God is up to. But God tells me to not lean on my understanding but rather trust Him in every single detail. I must learn to be faithful in the land of my grief, frustration and difficulties in order to be ready for the next assignment. I don’t know what the next assignment will be but I must trust Him. My purpose is to bring Him glory whether it’s through writing, blogging, encouraging, serving at the food pantry, etc.

As I’ve been writing this I have thought many times of my brother. For the majority of his life he has been very healthy. God has blessed his family and blessed him professionally. I was often jealous. He was the “golden child” and I was the one with all the problems. (God has changed my perspective over the-years.) I’ve never told him this. I was the one born with vision issues and later loss some of my hearing and comprehension. I often wondered why I had to endure so much for so long but he was so blessed. I too was blessed but in different ways.

In 2020 he was diagnosed with acute leukemia. When it became apparent that he needed a bone marrow transplant I asked God to allow me to help. God allowed me to be a perfect match for his bone marrow transplant. The transplant was successful. However there were many set backs. It was like one step forward, two steps back: over and over again. Right now he is dealing with sinus infections and his ears are full of pressure. Pray for his complete healing. We continue to trust God in each step of his healing. My brother has remained faithful to God in all this and God is using him to minister to others, In all these difficulties I know God is preparing him for a big assignment. I’m so thankful to have a front row seat to see what God will do. ** Forrest I know you will read this. I love you and pray for you daily. I am so proud of the way you are enduring! Hang in there. God is working and preparing you for what lies ahead. You are His child so you can rest assured it will be good and bring Him great glory! Keep on looking to Jesus! He’s got you!🤟🏼🙏

“But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

Keep on!

January 10, 2023Leave a Comment

This is day 10 of 2023 and I’m just now stopping to blog. I decided to read through the Bible again this year in the New Living Translation. As I’ve been reading I’ve made notes on a few possible blog topics. Today I will focus on “Keeping on”. I came across this verse as I was reading recently. It’s a perfect verse for this first blog of the year. “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Keep on asking! God wants us to bring our concerns to Him. He delights when we choose to pray and acknowledge His Lordship over our lives. I love how God has revealed aspects of my relationship with Him through being a Mom. It warms my heart when my grown son seeks me out just to talk and share his life with me. God is my Heavenly Father, and He delights in me praying and seeking Him out to share my heart.

Keep on seeking! I want to know God more and more. Through studying the Bible, learning in church, worship and fellowship, I desire to grow into all He desires for me. Never become satisfied with where you are in your relationship with Jesus. There is always room to grow closer in our walk with Him. Study Jesus character and how He handled situations. I want to be a reflection of who He is. As I seek you Lord, change me!

Keep on knocking! As we ask, seek and knock He will reveal more to us. I want to walk in God’s will for my life. I desire to be the woman He created me to be. I desire to fulfill His call to shine for Him.

Keep on being You! I love when people are real and genuine. We are all human and make mistakes. We all need grace. As God freely gives us grace, be sure to give it to others.

Keep on finding joy in the little things in life. Last Sunday there was a young mom sitting behind me in church with her precious baby daughter. After the service I was marveling at the sweetness of this precious child and she let me hold her. Oh the simple joy and delight in holding a tiny baby.

Keep on finding fun in the ordinary things. My husband and I went to get our hair cut today. The same girl does both of our hair. I was showing her a picture of what I wanted and as I zoomed in ( I have low vision) we saw it was a wig. We all started laughing and I said to Ron, “A wig would solve your problem of having to bring me to get haircuts!” We were all laughing. I turned to our hairstylist and said “This is us!” Life is life, but you can find joy and laughter in the ordinary.

So whatever you do as you start off this year keep on keeping on. God has us. Keep looking to Him and He will direct you.

Gods got you!
“What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10‬:‭29‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Wrap it up

December 28, 20224 Comments

As 2022 winds down to a close, where do you find yourself? Some people take inventory of their lives at the close of the year and make goals for the new year. We live and hopefully learn along the way so we can move forward. Experience is a great teacher.

Whatever happened in 2022, it’s in the past. We all stumble and fall short. I’m so thankful for the grace of God! When I confess my sins to Jesus, He forgives me. Sometimes we get hung up on past mistakes and defeats. We have to forgive ourselves too and show ourselves grace so we can move forward.

The devil is constantly bringing up our shortcomings so we feel unworthy and unloved. Let me remind you that the devil is the father of lies! (John 8:44)

If you find yourself in a pit of despair, climb out! You might like your little comfort zone. Im speaking to myself here as well. When I close myself off to people and stay comfortable in life, I don’t grow. God has ordained us to make a difference for His kingdom. I believe my purpose in life is to bring God glory. I can’t do that in my comfort zone.

Is God saying to you, “Why are you walking in defeat?” Don’t let this world define you! Rise up to be all God is calling you to be. You might be saying, “But no one understands what I’m going through. “ Let me tell you something,, Jesus fully understands! He left His throne where He had full authority. He chose to be born as a baby to poor young parents. He was fully God and fully human. He understands. Turn your eyes on Jesus. Look to Him in every situation. He cares about every detail of our lives. Nothing is too big or too small to take to Him in prayer. He is always there waiting for you to come to Him. You are never alone.

Recently I was reading Isaiah 40. I love the whole chapter but the last verse struck me as I read the New Living Translation. “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭31‬ ‭(NLT‬‬). For some reason the word soar really stood out to me. It was like the Holy Spirt dropped that word into my heart for 2023. I’ve heard people say before that God gives them a word for the new year but this was my first experience with this.

I’m not sure exactly what God is trying to tell me but I know this: as I fix my eyes upon Jesus, and wait upon Him , He will renew my strength for whatever lies ahead. He will enable me to soar. It won’t be in my own strength but in His. If you know my story you might be shaking your head. This girl is legally blind and deaf, hearing with a cochlear implant. What in the world can she do? On my own… nothing! But all things are possible with God! (Mark 10:27). I love this next verse as it is so encouraging to me. “Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

As we wrap up 2022 and prepare for 2023, don’t be afraid. Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Read these next two verses. I love this so much. “But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭1-2‬( ‭NLT‬‬)
Here is another verse that I love. “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

I have truly shared my heart with you as2022 is coming to a close. Let me speak truth over you as you step into the new year. “So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.” 2 Thessalonians‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬ ‭(NLT‬) I love God Word. Now rise up and soar into the new year! ‭‭

All scriptures are from, You Version app. I love this app so much because it makes reading the Bible assessable with my low vision.