Don’t you love it when people are short and to the point? In today’s world of demands, one’s time is a priceless commodity. So, here’s my prayer for you today. Don’t rush, reflect on it, and share your heart with God as you read. I can’t begin to tell you how excited He is to hear your voice and to see His daughter draw close to spend some time in His presence. There’s something beautiful in it for you.
At first, when reading the book of Job, I felt like it wasn’t a story I needed to be reading right now. I’m already aware of the downward spiral our country is currently experiencing, and I prefer to have my heart encouraged during times of uncertainty. For some reason, I kept reading even though it was incredibly sad and heavy on my heart. I could even put myself in his wife’s shoes in that she took out her pain and anger on him. His friends were no help, and his God seemed nowhere to be found.
Tell me you get this … you have a heart that knows God loves you and genuinely loves Him in return, but your mind still struggles to be “all in.” You question your ability to be faithful to what He calls you to. Maybe your self-talk is negative and never gives you a break. Or perhaps your heart finds it a little too good to be true that God would still love you with the things you’ve done, thought, said. And, if not that, what about the people who speak into your life and tell you (maybe they don’t even use words) that you’re unworthy and unlovable.
What would a love note mean to your heart right now? To hear there is One who pursues you with a love that asks for nothing in return? A love you can never offend, that isn’t selfish or prideful. He pursues you with an insatiable hunger for love and calls you His beloved, His friend. He’s so wild, crazy in love with you He’s constantly calling to your heart and drawing your soul with His own bold heart that aches for you to surrender to His love.
A couple of weekends ago, I drove west for about 5 hours. I was headed to a friend’s house to be with them for the most difficult time in their life. As I drove, for the majority of my trip on my right side were black clouds with various attempts at forming tornados. To my left was sunshine and gorgeous skies. But I managed to stay between the two with an occasional shower and/or downpour. It wasn’t lost on me that the weather was the perfect example of life.
This morning bright and early I had the chance to sit with a sweet friend, a young momma who shared an amazing miracle that she and her family experienced this past weekend. True to the nature of a miracle, something horrific presents itself and, despite everything saying there should be a tragic ending, the story turns out to be completely different. Their four-year-old son is perfectly fine, and everything points toward there being no concerns regarding his physical condition from head to toe. I left our short visit in awe of how God shows Himself faithful.
If I had to guess, I’d say Christian worship songs comprise about 97% of the music I listen to every day. I’ve listened to praise music for so long that, when I try to listen to current popular songs or some of the music I grew up with, I’m good for only one or two songs. I realize my age may be filtering my preferences, but words have a powerful effect on our minds and, therefore, our lives.
What the enemy means for evil God will work for your good and His glory. In my lifetime, I cannot remember when the evil desires of men were so blatant and bold about their agenda. But I must question if the level of evil has escalated, or does it seem more excessive because it’s the only angle that is covered in the mass media?
One of the most loving things you can do for the people around you is to set and hold boundaries. The only boundaries that are truly effective are those made with love. Loving boundaries keep relationships healthy. People are held responsible for their own stuff, and others don’t have to carry burdens never intended for them. Love is truth, and truth is love. And both are rooted in the steadfast love of God.
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