#thankyouJesus – rootedbythewater.blog

In the “trenches”

July 9, 2026Leave a Comment

This blog may take a bit of time to put together. A friend and his wife who are missionaries in Italy, actually sent me the above picture recently and it resonated with me deeply. I decided to follow “Salt & Light” because inspiring messages are always welcome.

I am not one to complain or showcase my struggles but there comes a time when sharing, although uncomfortable, most likely encourages others also in the “trenches” of life. In all honestly, in my 57 years of life, there has always been some struggle. God has always enabled me to bounce back. If you have ever read my memoir Rooted by the Water many of the chapters begin with the metaphor of water stirring, churning, waves forming then the BIG one. It seems God allows the build up of life issues, as not to totally overwhelm. I told my husband Ron recently, I feel like one of those punching toys, where you hit it, it rears back then bounces back up. I told him I feel like those punches come from all sides in life. So when my friend Jack sent me the above I totally got it. I’m often like Elijah saying “Lord, I’ve had enough! I’m done!” But it keeps coming.

Let’s see if I can briefly summarize the “trenches”: communication lapse with just about everyone…. I don’t hear it all and I dont’ see it all either. Whether I’m with hearing people or deaf people I miss something. Hearing people expect me to “get it”… well I don’t always and it’s not my fault. Deaf friends will repeat and help and I so appreciate that. Then there is the vision limitation…. Oh my goodness. “Lord why in the world do I have to deal with this?” I have not been to the eye doctor in years. At last check my vision was 20/400 (what I see at 20 feet, if you have good vision, you can see it from 400 feet. Let that sink in). There is the church issue. I miss my church. We stopped going so my husband could take our son to work. He has to be at work at the exact same time of the interpreted service. Other churches we visit don’t have sign language interpreters. Sometimes notes are sent and sometimes not. There are things with friends too: friends come and friends go, people go through different seasons in life and you feel left behind. It’s no ones fault, it’s just life.

This past Spring I began to try marketing my memoir again. A professor came across my book when looking for books on resilience. He really liked it and reached out, wondering why I have a good rating but not many reviews. I told the Lord, “You enabled me to write this story, the journey you have me on, but I have no clue on the visibility end or the marketing end. You created me to encourage and inspire for a reason. It’s not meant to sit buried online.” So, I hired a “Book Strategist”. I throughly checked the references she gave and everyone spoke highly of her. She seems very knowledgeable and kind, but we’ve hit a “hiccup”. I purchased Tier 3 which would greatly help with visibility. She is now insisting I need a professionally designed website (by her team) in order to fulfill what I pad for. This is not part of our agreement. My son Joshua created a wonderful website with all the features she said my first one lacked. We now need to add my social media links and it should be pretty much finished. She says it’s not enough for a long term career. This is not a career, but more a ministry. She and others think I will write more books. While I would love that and I’m full of ideas, alas… my vision is a real issue.

Now here comes the technology issue. Two days ago I was sent a some forms to fill out. I wanted to do it digitally because it looks more professional. I spent more than four hours trying to fill out these simple forms. More than FOUR HOURS to no avail! It would not work for some reason. The font went back and forth between small and large. The large font wouldn’t fit the line due to being cut off every single time. . It was the most absurd experience. Even Ron tried and it didn’t work for him either. He finally said, just give up. I said, “If I gave up in life I would not be standing here right now.” I finally caved, printed and filled the forms out by hand. My handwriting is not pretty. I have to use a video magnifier to be able to see what I’m writing. I carefully filled it out and Ron took it to get it uploaded for me to send off as an attachment. Guess what? The attachment wouldn’t come through! Seriously?!?! Ron caught me talking to myself and he asked, “What did youn say?” I replied, “I said I can’t do this.” And wow, I never say that! Ron went back to ask what the issue might be and he tried again. It still wouldn’t come through. They finally sent it to our son and he sent it off for me.

It seems like life is a joke at times. The struggle comes from every single side. I’m like “Hello God, I could really use some help down here”. Everyone wants something. Unsolicited advertisements come in all the time and I’m learning to trust no one. I’m the kind of person that aims to be kind and appreciative to all, but there is a fine line when it’s too much. I respond to many of the emails and many comment on how kind and pleasant I am. I try to reflect Jesus. “But Lord, I’m not meant for all these marketing pitches.”

Three days ago I was looking through Bible devotions on the Bible App. There are many plans to choose from on many topics. I found one of “EquipHer’ It talks about the “trenches” in life and how God does not waste these times. Yesterday’s lesson talked about when the trials are a long season. One of the quotes is : Faith is the glue that holds your journey together, even when everything feels fragmented. – Christa Crawford. Faith does not cancel difficulty or deny your exhaustion, it gives you strength and courage to walk through it. (Bible App reading plan. EquipHer Devotional series Volume 27, Day 3)

This devotion has been a breath of fresh air for a weary soul. Yes, I was already aware of these truths, but reminders are so helpful. Even the people closest to me don’t realize the struggles, I don’t complain. Ron is probably the only one that sees it. (Most of it) But God sees it all! He knows and he equips. This season is some sort of training for what lies ahead. All I can do is “be still and know He is God”, take some deep breaths, dig my heels in and steady myself with the deep roots of faith that have gone deep over many years of struggle. God’s got this!

Today I’m heading out for a refreshing time with good friends. Lunch, time by the pool and laughter is just what I need. Thankful for this “break” in life. If you too are struggling and can’t seem to catch a break, know that God doesn’t waste these “life trenches” He is training you because He knows you will rise up to declare His glory. Hang in there. I’m hanging with you!!🙏🤟🏼

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Happy 250 Birthday 🇺🇸

July 4, 2026Leave a Comment

A friend sent me this picture this morning.

What an incredible day for the United State of America in celebration of its 250 birthday! I’m forever grateful for the wisdom of our foundling fathers, but most of all to God, for His tender mercy to our country. Our country was created on Christian principles and I truly believe that is why we have prospered.

I have attended and celebrated many July 4th celebrations over the course of my life. I remember the bicentennial celebration of our 200th birthday. I was 7 at the time. I also keenly recall the nations 225th birthday celebration. Our son was a toddler at the time and we all participated in a July 4th parade at the beach. There was one lady who dressed up as the Statue of Liberty. Such fun memories. In every celebration Americans join together to celebrate our freedom. Today’s celebration will be with neighbors.

Our son Joshua ready for a parade celebrating America’s 225 birthday.

Growing up we learned many patriotic songs in school. Those were the good ole days. I wonder if they still do that in public school? I loved the song God Bless America by Irving Berlin (copyright 1938) Surely you know it but if not, part of it it goes like this “God bless America, land that I love Stand beside her and guide her thru the night with a light from above. From the mountains, to the prairies, to the ocean white with foam. God Bless America my home sweet home.” Have a wonderful July 4th. I came home for a short while to check on the dogs. Heading back out. Thank you Lord for watching over us and for our freedom. Everyone stay safe with the fireworks and the heat. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭(ESV‬‬)

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Times of refreshing

June 28, 2026Leave a Comment

It’s officially summer here in upstate South Carolina and it’s already been hot. This year our grass has looked better than it ever has but, yes there is a but, with the heat and little rain it’s starting to turn brown. The last three days we have had short periods of rain and it has been so refreshing. It not only cools things off a bit, but provides much needed hydration. I love the short periods of rain.

Today I not only got the short rainfall but also a much needed spiritual rain. You might wonder what I mean. Let me explain life a bit. While there are many solid Christian churches around here, I only know of one with sign language interpreters for the hearing impaired. One!! Today I got to go “home” to that one and it was refreshing to my soul. My husband and I got married in that church 32 years ago. It will always be “home” to me. Life has us in a different season right now where we can’t make it to the service that is interpreted but today I went with a friend. Oh the joy of worshipping among friends that are like family. The joy of understanding the message in a way that I could gleam from.

While I greatly appreciate notes from Pastors of churches we have gone to, it’s not the same as understanding. Being a part of worship, where I can actually participate is so refreshing. I love to worship the Lord and know many worship songs, both old and new. Being both hearing and visually impaired, I can’t see lyrics on a screen even if I’m on the first row. So worship through sign language is a huge blessing. My friend told me to go again with her sometime and my husband encouraged me to go as well. He can hear and see so he doesn’t have the comprehension issues.

For anyone in ministry, I highly encourage you to provide services for the hearing impaired where they can fully participate in the service, receiving of the Word of God and worship. Because of language barriers many deaf people do not know Jesus. Many churches send teams for mission work when there might be mission work right under your roof. Just saying. While I always appreciate any kindness, any notes or assistance, it honestly is truly refreshing to fully be able to participate. I’m so thankful for this church and the hearing impaired family there. The interpreters are like family. Such an amazing blessing to all who enters their doors or watch online. You can check them out at http://www.centralnc.org

I pray you too have times of refreshing coming your way. The daily grind of life can wear us down, but time in prayer, God’s Word and worship brings rest to our hearts and makes the burdens lighter. Have a blessed week.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Deeply touched💙

May 25, 2026Leave a Comment

First let me say, Happy Memorial Day. I’m beyond thankful for the service men and women who have given it all for our freedom here in America. Take time to reflect on the “cost” of the freedoms we enjoy. 🇺🇸

I was not planning to write today but my heart was deeply touched this morning. Since working with the “Book Strategist”, reviews and ratings are beginning to trickle in on Goodreads. When my book first came out five years ago a few friends wrote reviews on Amazon. I greatly appreciate them taking the time. It’s a completely different thing when perfect strangers read and put into writing how the book moved them. I was in tears as I read the review this morning on Goodreads. Below is a screenshot of the review. This is why I wrote the book. Marion “nailed it” in the review. Just wanted to share. During my quiet time this morning I prayed, “Lord this is your story. Take it where you want it to go and reach those whom you desire to encourage.”

Another quick note….shout out to my son Joshua. I mentioned some things that I’d like to add to the basic website.It’s now a work in progress as he has taken over the website for me. He too faces visual and hearing limitation challenges, but it’s not as severe as mine. (Thank you Got and God willing his won’t worsen) He is a smart guy and wanted to see if he could figure out the website management. He was able to add my new book video trailer. He was so excited. You don’t realize how we use the computer….. we have to zoom in so we can see. I had not seen him on a computer in a while and it made me pause to watch him and his determination to figure it out. The “apple surely doesn’t fall far from the tree” He face timed a friend who is very talented with these things and his friend was laughing, telling him what he had accomplished wasn’t easy. Joshua wants to try to figure it all out for me. I’ll tell you, he can be a prankster though. He told me he thought about changing the name to “Rooted by the Booger”. I said, “You better not!!!” We have that playful kind of relationship. Anyway, check out the website link below if you’d like to see the book video trailer. We will see where God takes this. I am humbled and beyond grateful for this experience.

Blessings to you all!

Www.shannonkhinson.com.

Trusting God in uncertain times.

May 14, 2026May 14, 2026Leave a Comment

I wore these on my wrist all through 2020 The orange bracelet said Psalms 91 on the other side. The “miracles happen” bracelet I wore out.

Last night I spoke at the homeless shelter on “trusting God in uncertain times”. This is for everyone walking through times of uncertainty. You know those times when changes can and do occur in an instant. When life’s storms seem to be a whirlwind, an important question comes up, Who or what can we really trust? I can share from experience itself but most importantly from the Bible that God Himself is the best and most reliable source we can trust.

From my personal perspective, nothing speaks of uncertain times like the year 2020. It wasn’t just the COVID-19 pandemic! Oh no…. It was much more. I can try to break it down as briefly as possible. Let’s see….. mid March 2020 COVID-19 broke out. I remember it well because I was on a little trip with my parents at Hilton Head, SC. The oddest thing was that toilet paper seemed to disappear from stores! Seriously? That was weird! In my personal opinion, it was a glorified cold or flu. Why was toilet paper scarce? Were people using that to blow their nose? Sorry, I had to throw some humor into this trying time That was March. Mid April 2020 my older brother was diagnosed with acute leukemia. Saying the family was shocked is an understatement. My brother pretty quickly started chemotherapy. Because of Covid-19 no one could visit him in the hospital in Charlotte. He had a window in his hospital room so “visits” were from the parking lot below. His family, church and friends are incredible. Hold this story briefly for another major hit that came a few weeks later…..

Around May 4, 2020 (I recall the time but not exact date) A friend of our son Joshua had spent the night at our house. A group of friends were going on a day trip a couple of hours away to hike the highest waterfall East of the Rockies. My husband Ron and I went about our day, but when the guys didn’t return home, I began to worry. They were several hours late and we had not heard from them. I was praying and texting to try to find out information. Ron was making calls. Since the group was in the mountains cell service was sketchy. We got in touch with another parent and they heard someone was missing. It was the scariest experience. The group made it home the next day, minus one friend. (The one who had spent the night before the trip.). The details began to unfold. The group had taken off their shoes at the bottom of the waterfall and started hiking their way up. At one point, they stopped due to safety but two brothers continued the climb. The oldest slipped and fell down the waterfall. No group of friends should endure this type of tragedy but it is what happened. Some of the group went down for help, the others stayed in place. Search and rescue found the missing friend’s body in a cave under the waterfalls. This was early May 2020. Joshua and one of his friends needed to clear their mind after this experience and stayed in Florida with a friends dad for a couple of months.

Meanwhile, back in Charlotte, it became clear that my brother needed a bone marrow transplant The hospital in Charlotte didn’t have that program at the time so he was admitted to Duke University hospital. I ended up being a perfect match for his donor. Towards the end of August 2020, me, Ron and my parents went up to Duke for the harvesting procedure. My brother had been in the hospital there and his wife was staying up there with him. My dad was also battling cancer at the time. It was such a whirlwind of uncertainty. Dad died about 6 1/2 months after the transplant.

During this time, my brother and his family clung to Psalms 91. The promises in this chapter are like a “beacon of hope” during a dark storm. Psalms 91:1-2 says, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (ESV‬‬) This is an affirmation of trust in the eternal God in whom we can find a safe dwelling place. A safe place with extraordinary strength. I’m not talking about your own human strength, rather divine “beyond you” strength.

If you have never really taken Psalms 91 to heart, I challenge you to read it and make it personal. My mom taught me years ago to insert my name into the passage to make it personal. If I insert my name into Psalms 91:14-16 it would read like this: ““Because (Shannon) holds fast to me in love, I will deliver her, I will protect her, because she knows my name. When she calls to me, I will answer her; I will be with her in trouble; I will rescue her and honor her. With long life I will satisfy her and show her my salvation.”” (This is an example of how you can insert your name and pronouns into the ESV). It becomes personal.

May I challenge you to consider how God is your refuge, your guide in uncertain times, your strength and ever-present help in trouble. Consider these things and how this scripture can become a lifeline for you in your trials and storms. In doing so, you can find confidence in God to walk boldly in times of dark trouble. This reminds me of Psalms 23:4 that says, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (ESV‬‬)

Indeed God was with us in 2020 and continues to be with us today. My brother is a walking testimony that miracles still happen. Today he is cancer free and serving the Lord in his church and community. God is faithful. He takes us through the fiery trials but He guides us through them, refining us along the way so we can be a reflection of Jesus. Bottom line, God is more than trust worthy in the good and the bad. You can cling to His promises. I’ll end with one last scripture, 2 Corinthians 1:20, “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” (ESV‬‬)

Be blessed! Www.shannonkhinson.com

It’s a ruff life

May 7, 2026Leave a Comment

My son Joshua and his dog Moose at Folly Beach, S.C.

Sometimes it’s good to take a break and go away for a reset. A change of scenery with sunshine and the ocean breeze does the soul good. We did this recently. We sort of made a spur of the moment decision to go somewhere different for some rest and relaxation. For some reason we picked Folly Beach just south of Charleston, S.C. This is a quaint little beach town. We made sure to find a dog friendly place so Joshua could bring his dog Moose, Tides at Folly Beach was a perfect spot and everything was within walking distance. Once my husband Ron parked the car, we didn’t get back in it until it was time to go home. It was refreshing to not be in traffic. Even the local restaurants were dog friendly. Rita’s was across the streeet from the hotel. They even had a dog menu and the items were served on frisbees. Joshua ordered Moose scrambled eggs one morning and he loved it. The restaurant was even playing the song Who let the dogs out.

We thought we were going to be there before “peak season” but we just missed it. Peak season started on May 1 so Moose was only able to go on the beach before 10 am and after 6 pm. He really loved it though and enjoyed meeting the other dogs. I’m glad we brought him along. He did really well.

Our old 15 year old rescue Joy had a “staycation” A friend came to stay with her while we were away. She too got some rest and relaxation without Moose always trying to play with “Granny Joy”. My friend sent a picture and video of Joy enjoying her rest while she played “dog music” off YouTube. I’ve never heard of “dog music” but it apparently made Joy relax and fall asleep. (I played it on my iPad this afternoon and both Moose and Joy looked at me like, “what are you playing?”)

I’m truly thankful for the time away with my little family. Sometimes life become kind of chaotic with the constant same routine. It’s good to take time to get away to rest and refresh, then you return ready to “go at it again”. The weather was perfect and the sounds of the ocean, so refreshing. We need to do this more often and we will definitely return to Folly Beach. If you have never been and would like a family friendly low key place to enjoy, this is it. (Especially if you want to bring your fur babies too)

It’s important to take a break and take care of yourself so you can continue pouring into others. Be blessed!!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Tarry in the stillness

April 29, 2026Leave a Comment

Yesterday I thought about writing on the much needed peaceful rain we were getting. We’ve been in a drought here in the Carolinas and needed rain so much. It was peaceful to sit on the porch and listen to it fall (I’m thankful my cochlear implant allows me to hear such beauty. ) However, I decided not to write and just be still and enjoy it.

This morning, I’m sitting on the porch again for my quiet time with the Lord and once again it is lightly raining. As I was reading scripture I came across Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭49 that says, ”Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”” (NKJV‬‬) Tarry means to linger or stay longer than expected. I needed to look up the meaning of endued. That word means to provide, invest or clothe someone with a particular quality, power or talent. So, we are to
“stay put” until the Holy Spirit “clothe” us” with power for what lies ahead.

I think we need to take this to heart and do it more often. Honestly, I’ve been burned out with life recently: just trying to do too much with my limitations. I’ve always pushed myself but there is a “fine line” when you push too hard. I (we) must realize, we can’t “save” the world, only God can do that. I (we) must realize that being still in God’s presence is refreshing. I (we) must realize it’s okay to say no. I (we) must realize that breaks are good and fortifying. I (we) must realize we have to take care of ourself before we can take care of another. We can’t pour into others when we have exhausted ourself. We chat learn balance. These are things I’ve learned lately.

When I started out the year God impressed on me to “be still and know that He is God”. I can’t make things happen. I can pray and try my best but only He can move mountains. My job is to pray, trust and evidently tarry.

I find it quite amazing how God aligns things in our lives to gently teach us and reinforce those teaching points again and again. He’s done that with me lately. I’m so thankful for a sensitive and teachable heart, where I see my faults, confess, repent and show grace to others.

I’ve been reading a fiction book recently and the characters try to manipulate situations and make the biggest “mess” in their lives. Then they realize the need to surrender to God their own “wills or desires” and trust God has a perfect plan. Then this morning in a group text, one friend shared words of encouragement and wisdom that our prayers are never wasted. God hears and remembers our prayers. We are to work on relationships and trust God. Then again coming across this scripture on “tarrying”. Just one gentle reminder after another to wait on God and be clothed with His power not our own.

So many try to do things on their own. We live in a success driven world of “get it done” and “moving on up” and “look at me”. A world of “impress everyone with all you’ve done and all you have”. In the grand scheme of life, those things don’t have eternal value. We need to build up our riches in Heaven. Check out Matthew 6:20-21, “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

Humility is so so very important. So many people are all about “ME”. Jesus was about “others”. We need to be the same.

Another thing I’ve noticed recently and this too was “reinforcerd” through a character in the book: we all make mistakes. I see and hear people talk about each other and I am reminded that NO ONE is perfect. We MUST pray for one another. It is vital! When you pray for people it’s hard to be critical of them. We aren’t made “judges”, only God does that. Love one another and pray. God is working among us, making a way in the dry places in life. Trust Him! Lay your “load” down and be still in His presence. Tarry in the stillness, it’s there we will find refreshing for our souls. Be blessed.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

All He’s done~

April 1, 2026April 1, 2026Leave a Comment

Jesus’ nail scarred hand ~ picture found on Pinterest

We are right in the middle of “Holy week” and I can’t help but reflect on all Jesus has done for us. This is the 56th Easter of my life and for some reason it hits closer this year than before. Easter is not just an annual Christian holiday when we observe the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It’s not about the pretty outfits, the egg hunts and chocolate bunnies. It’s about what Jesus endured for us and what He powerfully overcame in order to reconcile us with God.

I know the story well but when you have to teach it, it does something to your heart. It was just so personal tonight as I shared “All Jesus has done”. I teared up as I shared this with the homeless people at the shelter. Some of them are believers but I don’t know just how many believe and how many have yet to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

As I studied and prepared for tonight’s devotion, I studied Mark 14-16. As I reflected, I recalled seeing it as a prophecy in the Old Testament. Sure enough I found it in Isaiah 53:3-9. So thankful my husband Ron read it for me. I don’t like to read in front of people due to my low vision. It is so amazing how Isaiah wrote this prophecy hundreds of years before it took place. The prophecy is so incredibly accurate.

As I shared, I told the people that Jesus fully understands our struggles. I shared how Jesus was falsely accused, deserted by his closest friends, verbally abused, horribly physically abused, spat on, mocked, pierced and whipped then crucified for OUR sins. He who had never sinned, bore ours sins. What an incredible Savior who is so full of loving compassion, mercy and grace! All He’s done….. all the glory and the honor is His and His alone.

Let’s think about this. Jesus told his disciples He would be betrayed and would die. Peter boldly said he would die with Jesus, yet he denied Jesus three times before the night was over. Jesus prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, fully knowing what was ahead; ““Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”” Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭42‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Then Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus with a kiss, while leading a mob to arrest Him. This was followed by harsh questioning by the High priests and teachers of the law, where they brought false witnesses whose stories contradicted each other. Jesus stood trial before Pilate the governor who found that Jesus had committed no crime. It was Pilates tradition to release a prisoner during the Passover. The Chief priests and teachers of the law incited the crowd to ask for another prisoner and shouted to crucify Jesus. Earlier, John the Baptist called Jesus “the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29) and that is exactly what Jesus did.

The crucifixion was not the end but set the stage for the miraculous resurrection of Jesus 3 days later. I love the old hymn “Because He Lives”. 🎶Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future. And life is worth the living just because He lives.

Looking back at my own life, I see so many things that Jesus has done for me and my family. So many things He has protected us from. Sure, there are many unanswered prayers as well. Honestly it is those times of uncertainty when we can’t understand God, but choose to trust Him anyway, it’s then that our faith really “takes root” and grows. He is a faithful God, an on time God, Always knowing what’s best. He’s my Abba Father. I trust Him with my life, even though it’s got some broken pieces with the hearing and visual issues. In all honestly, I’ve learned when I’m weak, He’s my strength. It is He who makes me strong. That is a miracle in itself.

As we draw closer to Easter, I pray you will truly reflect on all Jesus has done for you. For us all! It’s personal. Take the time to humble yourself and seek His face. Share with others the fact that Jesus is Alive! He has overcome! He’s just a prayer away! If you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, His nail scarred hands are open wide to you saying, “Come to me! The gift of salvation is paid for and free.” Jesus loves you! Let Him help carry your load.

Share the good news of the Gospel with someone this week. Be blessed! You are loved.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Matters of the Heart

March 18, 2026Leave a Comment

Once again I’m prepping for tonight’s devotion. It’s my hearts desire that the “Word” takes root in such a way that when I stand in front of the homeless people that God’s Word flows. Tonight I am going to share about Jesus’ parable of the Farmer sowing seed. As I have meditated on this it seems such a matter of the heart.

What’s in our heart is so important. For example, whatever is in your heart, your mouth speaks. (Matthew12:34) The Bible also tells us to guard our hearts above all else, because it determines the course of our lives. (See Proverbs 4:23). As I’ve thought deeply on matters of the heart, I realize that over time our hearts can become incrusted with hardness due to hurts, un-forgiveness, bitterness and struggles. I know someone who as a child and youth had such a tender heart. However hurt after hurt, accident after accident, witnessing a tragic accident, health issues, and relationship issues…. You get the “Picture” ….has developed a hardness over that once tender heart. I’ve witness that “wall” being torn down as well. Glory to God! This is a real life illustration. This “matter of the heart” sets the stage for how I see this parable of the sower found in Mark 4:1-20. (Tonight I plan to summarize it because with low vision I’m not going to read 20 verses in front of a group of people.)

Here is my summary –

Jesus is once again teaching a large crowd of people on the lake shore. He got into a boat, sat down and began to teach them by telling stories called parables.

A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it in his field some fell along the footpath and birds came and ate it. Other seeds fell on shallow soil that had underlying rock, It sprouted quickly because of the shallow soil but the plants wilted and died under the sun because the plants lacked deep roots due to the underlying rock. Other seed fell among the thorns that grew up and choked the plants so that it didn’t produce any grain. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, that sprouted and grew and produced a harvest, 30,60 and even 100 times as much as was planted. Anyone with ears, let him hear and understand.

Later Jesus explained the story to his disciples. The seed is the “Word of God” shared with people. The seed that fell on the footpath, as soon as the people hear the Word of God, satan snatches it away. The seed that fell on the rocky soil, represent those that hear the Word, receive it immediately with joy, but since they lack deep roots they fall away when problems come in life and they are persecuted. The seed that fell among the thorns represents people who hear God’s Word but all too quickly the cares of this life, desire for wealth, and other things crowd it out so it doesn’t produce fruit. Cares of this life can be many thing: over concern about what people think about you and your situation. The cares could be getting ahead and doing more, living for yourself etc. Cares of life are just that, things that burden you and distract you from what’s really important. The seed that fell on good soil are the people who receive God’s Word accepting it and it produces a harvest 30, 60, and 100 times more than what was planted.

Let’s make some connections. Do you understand what spiritual fruit is? Galatians 5:22-23 tells us, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” (NLT‬‬)

Let’s make a couple more connections here. Our hearts are like the soil. Our hearts need to be ready to accept and apply God’s message to our lives. Sometimes when we are listening to a message or reading God’s Word (the Bible), our minds are on other things or problems and we don’t really gleam from the message. We need to ask God to help us prepare our hearts so we can receive His Word and produce a harvest for His Glory. I have thought about this illustration in the past of checking in your “baggage” at the door before you come in to church, your bible study or fellowship time. What I mean is, when we come in with a heart uncluttered and weighed down with life “baggage” struggles, worries, problems then we are more likely to receive the life transforming Word of God. So let’s check in our “life baggage”, leaving it at the Lord’s feet so we can truly receive.

I often pray “create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me”. David wrote and prayed that in Psalms 51:10. Let us learn from this mighty man after God’s own heart, and ask God to cleanse us and prepare the “soil” of our hearts to receive His Word so we will produce fruit for His Glory!

Be blessed today and pray as I share this with the people tonight.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Courage in the face of fear

February 24, 2026Leave a Comment

This past Sunday afternoon I told my husband Ron that I had no clue what God wanted me to teach on this Wednesday. Sunday afternoons are usually the day I work on the devotion to share but I was drawing a blank. I prayed and for some reason a ship came to me. At first, I thought perhaps it was the account of one of Paul’s ship wrecks. Monday morning I woke with the word “courage” in my heart. I felt prompted to study Mathew 14:22-33. In this passage Jesus walks on water and Peter did too briefly.

Prior to the account of Jesus walking on water in Matthew 14, He had just performed an incredible miracle of feeding the 5,000 with just five loaves of bread and two fish. There were 12 baskets of leftovers too. It was evening and Jesus directed His disciples to get back in the boat and cross the lake while he dismissed the crowd to their homes. (They were in a remote place.). Jesus then goes alone into the hills to pray. Later that night the disciples were caught in a terrible storm far from land. The strong winds and heavy waves were terrifying.

Matthews 14:25-32 says, “About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.”(NLT)

There is a parallel here to our lives today. Often times “storms” and uncertainties arise and we feel overwhelmed. Just like Jesus said to His disciples “Take courage, I am here!’ Jesus still says the same to us today. Jesus wants us to trust Him with our concerns. Anything that concerns us, concerns our Savior. He wants us to “come” to Him just like He told Peter to “come”. And, just like Peter, we often times take steps of faith towards Jesus, then see the “raging winds and waves” and begin to sink. I’m so thankful that when we cry out, “Lord help me!” Indeed He does.

From the first book of the Bible to the last book,God is inviting us to trust Him! I found quite a few scriptures on courage in the face of fear. Joshua 1:9 is one of my favorites. It says, “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) For some reason the word “IS” stood out to me. God IS with us wherever we go! Just like in Matthew 14:27 Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid! Take courage. I am here”. HE IS HERE with us in our storms. We don’t need to be discouraged. God is with us. He will up hold us and bring us victory. His kind of victory, for His glory. I’ll never understand it but I will cling to His truth!

There are two more scriptures that stood out to me. In Psalms 31:22 David says, ““In panic I cried out, “I am cut off from the Lord!” But you heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help.”‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Do you ever feel “cut off” from the Lord? Unreachable? Like you’ve fallen so far you just can’t find your way back? I’ve come across people like that before. Let this scripture encourage you. When we cry out to the Lord, He hears us in His mercy and compassion. He answers when we call for help!

Another scripture I found is Isaiah 41:10: it says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” (NLT‬‬) Let these scriptures build you up with courage to stand in the strength God gives you. We all face “storm” and uncertainties in life. Life happens and I encourage you to invite Jesus to calm your fears, calm the mental and emotional storms. He is able to do far more than we ask or imagine. Will you trust Him? If you have never given your heart to Jesus and asked Him to be your Savior, He is waiting with open arms. Call out His name and He will answer you. That reminds me of a song we sing at church. I’m not the best with lyrics because I can’t hear well and sign language and English don’t always go “hand in hand”. (One sign can mean multiple words.) I think it goes like this, “whisper His name Jesus, whisper His name Jesus, whisper His name and He will answer you.” You can look up “Whisper His name/The name of the Lord” lyrics by William McDowell. It’s beautiful. Another song just came to mind that I used to play on the piano. “It is well”. I will attach the music video at the end of this post. The waves and wind still know His name. Let Jesus bring His peace, calm and strength into your life so you too can say “it is well with my soul”. Be blessed!!