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Refreshing by the sea

May 18, 20232 Comments

Writing tonight from Cherry Grove Beach. Three friends and I came down on Monday for a fun relaxing girls week. We are missing two of our sisters but are having the most relaxing time. There has been lots of laughter, playing card games, listening to worship music and walking on the beach. One friend and I walked over five miles on the beach today.

As we went out on the beach earlier today a song was playing in my mind, It is Well by Bethel Music.and Kristene DiMarco. Part of the song goes like this: So let go my soul and trust in Him, the waves and wind still know his name…It is well…with my soul… it is well…with my soul… it is well, it is well with my soul. My heart was full of worship as I sat there watching and listening to the surf and wind. I wore my Advanced Bionics Marvel cochlear implant processor. I love to hear sounds of nature.

Gods creation declares His glory and majesty. The sovereignty of the Lord is so apparent in nature; it makes my heart swell with joy and delight. The sounds and beauty of the ocean and seeing wildlife is so amazing. Watching the sunset over the marsh has been stunning as well. Today many jellyfish had washed up onshore for some reason. They are interesting to look at. We came across a beautiful bird as well.

There is something about the beach that makes me in awe of God. I often think of Bible scenes as I’m on the beach. Maybe it’s because Jesus taught often on the sea shore. The power of the sea and watching the tide changes is fascinating. As we walked we saw a pier that had been badly damaged by one of the hurricanes. I remember watching online when the hurricanes came through. The raging winds and waves wrecked havoc on shore. I know the God who is sovereign over it all.

In Mark chapter 4 , Jesus is asleep on a boat when a bad wind storm rose up causing waves to crash into the boat and His disciples were terrified. They woke Jesus up becauuse they were so afraid. Mark 4:39 says, “Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.”
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Psalms 65:17 says, “You who still the noise of the seas, The noise of their waves, And the tumult of the peoples.” (NKJV‬‬). Wow! I’m in awe of my God!

Do you need Jesus to quiet any storms in your life? He invites us to get away with Him in quiet time, prayer and worship. Sometimes we just need to be still and trust His sovereignty over our lives. He is faithful and He is able to do far more than we ask or can imagine. Through it all, keep your eyes on Jesus. The waves and winds of life still know His name.

This time away this week is refreshing and much needed. I’m thankful that my husband encourages me to spend time with friends. We are so thankful for the precious family who are letting us stay in their beautiful home. This time with my sisters in Christ is such a blessing as we laugh and talk together. I am so thankful.

I want to see if I can find a video of It is Well to share at the end of this blog. It is a beautiful song that speaks of contentment in life’s storms. It encourages us to keep our eyes on Jesus through it all. With Him, it is well!

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!

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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

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It is Finished

April 8, 2023Leave a Comment

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

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

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

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

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

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The heart of the matter

March 14, 2023Leave a Comment

What’s the state of your heart? It’s a pretty heavy question but begs an answer. All you have to do is turn your tv on, surf the web, see whats getting all the attention in society and the big arguments being heard everywhere and it spells depravity of hear! I’ve always been fascinated by why people act the way they do. More and more things are being twisted out of proportion. It makes me wonder where is logic? Do people even bother to think these days? It’s a relevant question worthy of consideration.

Right now I’m doing a couple of different Bible studies and reading through the Bible as well. It is astounding how stubborn the Israelites were in the Old Testament. One of the studies I’ve done recently talked about sheep and how incredibly stubborn they are. We can be referred to as sheep needing a shepherd. That particular lesson was on the Lord my Shepherd. It gave insight into how sheep behave and how Jesus provides for us, cares and protects us.

The lesson we discussed yesterday spoke on the Lord our righteousness. My Bible study sister asked me what difference knowing Jesus this way has made in my life. I told her it has made all the difference in the world. Because of Jesus sacrifice on the cross for my sins, because of his resurrection, because He forgives me when I confess my sins, He is my righteousness. When God looks at me, He sees His Son Jesus Christ. I’m forever thankful!

This evening I decided to cross reference a few of the scriptures to see how difference translations compare. I don’t typically read the Message but these next few verses I will share from the Message are quite interesting in that translation. “The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful, a puzzle that no one can figure out. But I, God, search the heart and examine the mind. I get to the heart of the human. I get to the root of things. I treat them as they really are, not as they pretend to be.”” Jeremiah‬ ‭17‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭(MSG‬ ) OUCH!! I’ve done some pretending before, how about you?

‬ Here’s another one. “Everyone’s after the dishonest dollar, little people and big people alike. Prophets and priests and everyone in between twist words and doctor truth. My people are broken—shattered!— and they put on Band-Aids, Saying, ‘It’s not so bad. You’ll be just fine.’ But things are not ‘just fine’! Do you suppose they are embarrassed over this outrage? No, they have no shame. They don’t even know how to blush. There’s no hope for them. They’ve hit bottom and there’s no getting up. As far as I’m concerned, they’re finished.” God has spoken.” Jeremiah‬ ‭6‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭(MSG‬‬)

Whoa! Now that’s our present society right there! There are so so many half truths, flat our lies and darkness that people try to “ superficially heal”.

What the world needs is the Light of Jesus shining bright and exposing sins. God knows the helpless state of humanity, that’s why He gave us the new covenant. He wants to take away the hearts of stone and put His laws in our hearts. Ezekiel 36: 26-27 says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” (NKJV)

I find it so amazing how the Bible is so relevant today. It’s God’s love letter to us. It’s our instruction book to get through this life. I don’t know about you but falling in love with Jesus and accepting His free gift of salvation is the best thing I’ve ever done. The prayer of my heart is like King David’s in Psalms 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (NKJV)

God understands our desperate need for Him. Sometimes in the chaos of dealing with life, He seems so far away He is right there with you every step of the way. He can give you a new heart. He desires to be the “lover of your soul”.

The Bible study I refer to in this blog is written by Kay Arthur. It is called Lord I want to know you. I purchased the digital version but have also seen her Bible studies on Amazon. I have done many of her studies. They take you deeper into The Word of God.

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

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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.

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Refining & forgiveness

January 26, 2023Leave a Comment

Several days ago I published a blog titled “Thrown under the bus?” I wrote on life applications from the life of Joseph in Genesis chapters 37, 39-48. There are a couple more things I want to touch on before moving beyond this incredible character in the Old Testament.

It’s amazing to see God at work in the lives of people. Through the successes, failures, triumphs and trials: it takes the Holy Spirits guidance to see Gods hand at work through it all.

When Joseph was younger he had a dream about his brothers bowing before him. Genesis‬ ‭37‬:‭8 says, “His brothers responded, “So you think you will be our king, do you? Do you actually think you will reign over us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dreams and the way he talked about them.” (NLT‬‬)

I may be wrong but I pick up on some immaturity in these earlier accounts of Joseph telling his brothers about his dreams. Once they sold him into slavery, all the many hardships, injustice and trials shaped his character. You see that God was with him during each trial and allowed him to succeed.

Years later when his brothers had to go to Egypt for food because the famine was so bad, his dream came true. At this time Joseph was second in command in Egypt and in charge of all the food. His brothers came before him to get food, not knowing he was their brother because he used an interpreter. Joseph could have gloated over them and reminded them of his earlier dream but he did not. However he did test them by asking questions about their family, if their father was alive, and if they had any other brothers. In this way he could see if they had changed.

When his brothers came back to Egypt a second time for food, he ended up telling them who he was. This is such a beautiful story of forgiveness. Joseph has seen the hand of God in his journey of grief. God has developed his character and he was able to freely forgive his brothers for all they did to him. Genesis‬ ‭45‬:‭5 says, “But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.” (NLT‬‬)

We all could learn something from Joseph’s life of example. Don’t let bitterness take hold in your heart. Forgive those who have hurt you and cause trouble. Unforgiveness and bitterness are like cancer. They eat away at you and spill over into every part of your life. Even if the person who wronged you isn’t sorry, you can still forgive them for your own sake. Forgiveness will set you free and enable your heart to heal. God forgives us and He expects us to forgive each other. I know it’s hard. One sure way to make it a bit easier is to pray for the person who wronged you. It’s hard to stay angry at someone you pray for. Give the situation to God and ask Him to work it out. Ask Him to help you love instead of hold grudges. He will set you free.

Another thing I really admire about Joseph is his ability to see God at work in his trials. He saw God preparing him. Sometimes we don’t have a clue what God is up to. Ok…most of the time! However when you have a relationship with God, you study His Word and who He is, you can glimpse Him working behind the scenes. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”( ‭NLT‬‬)

In todays culture so many people are easily offended. If you want a true sense of humanity just get on a social media platform and read what people have to say. It is enlightening in the saddest way. God did not intend for people to be this way. God doesn’t want us to be judgemental and mean to each other. He wants us to love! Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬ tells us, “For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” ‭(NLT‬‬)

You might ask, “Who is my neighbor? Your neighbor is anyone you encounter. You might be thinking I’m a joke! I’m not! I’m just sharing what God’s Word says. He wants us to have a relationship with Him. He desires for us to live in love and forgiveness. Humanly this is impossible but all things are possible with God! (Matthew 19:26)

“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)

Something new

January 16, 20231 Comment

Over the last few days I have taken some notes of scripture I’ve read, sensing it was something to blog on. As I sat down a few minutes ago, I said, “Okay Lord what do you want me to say?” Seriously I did! I never want it to be about me, but rather what the Lord is doing around me. I delight in the things God opens my eyes, heart and understanding to receive.

I start each day in prayer and reading Gods Word. Well in all honesty, the first thing I do each morning is put my Advanced Bionics Marvel cochlear implant processor on, then feed our dog Joy. She would stare me down if I didn’t. Once she has had her breakfast, I get lost in prayer and Gods Word. Psalms‬ ‭143‬‬:‭8 says, “Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you”.‭‭(‬ ‭NLT‬‬). This routine sets the course for each day.

I am really enjoying the New Living Translation Bible. This week one of the passages I read was Isaiah 43‬‬:‭18‬-‭ 19, “But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. (‭‭‭‬ ‭‬NLT‬‬) The English Standard Version says it this way. ““Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭18-19‬ ‭(ESV‬‬). This is so encouraging! The Lord is telling us He is doing something new. He wants us to forget about the past. Behold, He is doing a new thing. Open your eyes to see what God is up to. He is at work all around us.

Life can seem like a “wasteland” or “ wilderness“. Those words depict a dry season in life where you just push through each day. Every day is just another cycle of the same old thing: Not growing or seeming to go nowhere in life. But in these verses in Isaiah, God is telling us He will make a way in the wilderness. He is bringing forth rivers in the wasteland. God is doing a new thing! Open you eyes!

Forget the past. Be willing to embrace what God is doing around you, in you and through your circumstances. When He said He is making a way through the wilderness, He is leading you. Will you follow Him? He says Hie will provide rivers in the wasteland, that’srefreshing in those hard times. Will you have to go through them? Yes but you won’t go through it alone. The Lord is guiding you and restoring you along the way.

He is always up to something. He is doing a new thing. I will pick up on this again in a few days. I want to meditate on this and ask the Lord to show me more. I’m excited to see what God has in store.

‬‬

About Mary~

December 9, 2022Leave a Comment

Gabriel and Mary ~ Found on Pinterest from Artpal

The older I get and more I grow in my relationship with Jesus, I find myself thinking deeply about what it would have been like to be an eyewitness of biblical events. I especially marvel at the events surrounding the birth of Jesus.

As a member of a book club, last December we read Two from Galilee by Majorie Holmes. This is such an incredible book about Mary and Joseph. The author incorporates traditions and customs of the times when writing this book and it really brings the events to life. I encourage you to check it out, especially at this time of year.

As I think on Mary, the mother of my Savior Jesus Christ, I marvel at her faith and obedience to God. God chose her, a young virgin engaged to be married. Mary’s response to the angels greeting is remarkable. “Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.” Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭38‬ ‭(NLT‬‬). Imagine all that she endured. A virgin, she had to tell her fiancé she was pregnant but by Gods doing not her own. Just think of the gossip mills and what she experienced. In my mind I see a young teenage virgin confused and yet in awe at the angels message to her. She responded with such great faith and obedience. This was a hard assignment and it was just the beginning.

Just like God chose this young teenage virgin to give birth to His son Jesus, He chooses each of us to spread the news about Him. Jesus birth is Gods gift to us.

I’m sure Mary wondered how God would use her to bring about this most wonderful event. She had to have seen the enormous task before her, yet she responded with great faith and obedience. I pray that we too will rise up with great faith and obedience to tell everyone of this greatest news of Jesus birth. This is the gift of Gods love for us. ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭(ESV‬‬)

We have a job to do! Let’s spread the news of Jesus birth. You may be intimidated by the task but God will use you if you are willing and obedient. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger bringing good news, Breaking the news that all’s well, proclaiming good times, announcing salvation, telling Zion, “Your God reigns!” Voices! Listen! Your scouts are shouting, thunderclap shouts, shouting in joyful unison. They see with their own eyes God coming back to Zion. Break into song! Boom it out, ruins of Jerusalem: “God has comforted his people! He’s redeemed Jerusalem!” God has rolled up his sleeves. All the nations can see his holy, muscled arm. Everyone, from one end of the earth to the other, sees him at work, doing his salvation work.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭52‬:‭7‬-‭10‬ ‭(MSG‬‬)

Note: I am so thankful for You Version Bible app. It allows me to see many translations of the Bible. I can no longer see well enough to read the Bible in book form but this app allows me to zoom on on my iPad so I can see the powerful Word of God. Check out You Version Bible app. It is amazing.