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“When you are convinced that all the exits are blocked… either you take to believing in miracles or you stand still like the hummingbird.”
— Henry MillerThis past weekend has been a whirlwind of emotions for sure! I had this dream Thursday night, that I was wearing a beautiful, formal gown at a party. I remember looking for other dresses and feeling a calm despite my usual striving. I am a warrior! My nature is to go head first at things and it can usually be a good thing, but often I forget stillness and calm. Friday was a day that I had been dreading, court about divorce. I got up singing despite the heavy feelings. “I’ve got the joy of the Lord, on my side!” I danced and sang to motivate me through the task at hand.
The day was as expected awful. I was so emotional, hurt, and angry. I tried my best to keep fighting and pushing back against the unfairness of it all. I knew I needed to be still, but I couldn’t will myself to do it in that moment. Later that day, my head was pounding, gut clenched, and my eyes pouring tears. I had been planning on going to church that evening and everything in me said “NO!” This church service was to be a celebration of our 21 days of prayer ending! There were to be testimonies, lively and upbeat worship music.
As my head pounded and my heart ached, I laid in my bed for a moment. How can I go and sing of God’s goodness, when I feel as if I have been punched in the stomach? I couldn’t bring myself to even eat a bite so my headache raged on. My Spirit telling me that we must push on through and do what we know is best. Our faith is all we have left in moments like these! I willed myself to shower again to wake me up and try and clear my makeup from my face.
The church service was packed, lively and absolutely beautiful despite my raging headache and pain in my heart. I defiantly sang along with the worship and determined that God would still get the glory! Toward the end, I went up for prayer with a guy and he encouraged my heart that things are going to get so much better. I know deep down that it will get better, but it’s not the outcome I desire and for some reason I cannot let it GO! I keep praying and praying for my husband because despite it all. I love him endlessly!
So many times I have begged God to save him, and change him. Now I beg God to change me, because I know I am not without fault. I am learning that the posture of our heart has a lot to do with the receptivity of our prayers. That night I cried and cried and the headache stayed well into the early morning hours. I woke up and went outside to find maybe a moment of stillness and peace. I began to vent to God again, and I finally just went quiet. I looked down at the ground and just hung my head defeatedly. Then a song arose in my Spirit. “How Excellent Is Thy Name.” I couldn’t even believe it after feeling this way yet again my heart longs to believe in God’s goodness!
Pexels Free Library Suddenly I look up and I am right at eye level with a hummingbird! I have never been so close to one and he is looking at me very intently. I cannot move or speak as he is suspended in air! It was such a special moment that I knew meant God had heard me. It is believed that hummingbirds are messengers of God. In that moment I needed God so desperately, but it is in the obedience to keep going to him that he meets us! Faith moves God! Some of you are going through a hard thing too and you need to declare God’s faithfulness and goodness over it despite what you see in the circumstances!
My Roses I bought yesterday. “By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.”
Hebrews 11:11 ESVIn the Bible, Sarah was unable to have children and had long since given up on that dream! She was 90 YEARS OLD when the promise came to pass! Is there anything too hard for God?
The signs of God in nature swirled all around me these past few days. He kept speaking to me and building me back up. The greatest place of discouragement in our lives can often be the catalyst for God to do something supernatural. Friends, call me crazy, BUT I BELIEVE GOD CAN HEAL MY HUSBAND! I hold firm to my position but I keep praying and trusting. I’ve seen too many of his miracles to deny his power! Now my husband and I both have free will that is the reality, so I wait.
Yesterday I was a bit anxious because I had given up on my marriage and was making a resolve to move forward no matter what! Yet in my Spirit I felt over and over God say NO, not yet. I have tired everything to move forward door after door slammed in my face. I was so frustrated and angry with God! Why in the world would you ask me to do this? God often asks us to do things that make no sense in the natural, but that is what faith is all about! I saw a podcast pop up on my phone that said, “What happens when we stop chasing?” I decided to listen because I knew God was yet again speaking about my resisting to stillness.
The first thing out of her mouth on the podcast was, “I’ve always had a deep affinity with hummingbirds.” She talked about how she had desired to hold a hummingbird in her hand and capture the moment just like she has seen on social media. The more she tried it seemed nothing happened. It was when she surrendered that finally as she simply held her hand out, the tiny hummingbird landed there on the handheld feeder. These are the key takeaways that I believe the moment with the hummingbird meant:
- “What happens if I don’t try to improve this moment?’
- Sometimes we don’t need to look for the magic, but to be still enough to experience it.
- Learn when to act and when to wait.
I took a long walk on the wooded greenway and always get this feeling when I know I am going to encounter a snake. I hate them so much because they freak me out. I stayed in the middle of the paved path and from a short distance I saw the dreaded reptile! It was a black racer snake there on the path. Normally, I go the opposite direction or I feel seized with fear. However, this time I didn’t feel fear I just paused and waited for the snake to go across the path into the grass. Then I passed on through and I felt at peace. Somehow it felt tied to the same encounter with the hummingbird that morning.
The world around us is loud, messy and full of opinions. To hear God these days we truly have to create time, space, and stillness. I have been trying to write this blog for two days and each time I have been interrupted. Thoughts of all the things to do, my kids asking for food or arguing, my laundry timer going off, and it’s all so much! And yet I just cranked the worship music up a notch because I will honor God with my life and my time! Even if it’s messy and not perfectly polished! I will sing my way through every battle, and I will hang on for dear life! I will breathe and remember that stillness is not lazy, and busyness is not always productive.
My six year old son hears the music and he comes to watch the performers and listen. He knows that in this season we turn to worship to keep us grounded. We have created space for a nightly routine that I read him a Bible story and we pray. I look forward to that moment, mainly because it is a moment of stillness with him. I can snuggle his little body and calm him for the night. I like to think that ABBA is snuggled up there with us and although I am worried about many things he’s calming me too.
“He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.”
Psalm 107:29 ESV
Find time for stillness today. “Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord, for he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.”
Zechariah 2:13 ESVHappy Reading & God Bless! All rights reserved. ShilohRose77©️
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A poem
“Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice.”
— Psalm 130:1–2This poem is a lament. In the Bible there are many lament Psalms and then there is the book of Lamentations. Lamenting is expressing great sorrow. We can pour out our sins,brokenness and grief. We use this language to express the deep feelings of frustration at not understanding God’s ways and our suffering.
“Do not be ashamed to weep; ’tis right to grieve. Tears are only water, and flowers, foliage, and fruit do not grow without water.”
— Antoine de Saint-ExupéryDay after Day
If I wait long enough
Just pray they say
One more prayer to the sky
My heart hurts I wait to die
Why so long?
How can you tell me to hold my head high?
I try, I try
Day after Day I cry
I have never cried like this
My tears are thick streams
I wonder how many I have left
Will they ever stop flowing?
Don’t worry I have plenty to spare
Grief has become my garment
I sing songs of praise and at times they feel like lies
How can I sing of your goodness
When all I feel is despair
The depth of my soul longing for respite
Cling to me
Don’t let me go Lord
My family all are foes alike
My own people betrayed my hearts trust
The ones I love denied my love
To many sorrows to count
A life I tried to build crumbled to the ground
My loved ones scatter like I have the plague
They leave me to die in the scorching heat
My tongue dry as I gasp for a drink
Abba, I scream give me a drink!
Let me taste of your living water!
Quench my thirst please
I fear I won’t survive many more days
Grief weighing heavy on my bones
I cry out for help
No one comes to my aid
The love I long for has faded
A distant memory of mine
When you held me and I was yours
When my days and nights weren’t filled with sorrow
I look for death but cannot be so lucky
Each day my eyes open and I murmur praise
Halfheartedly grateful because death would mean peace
I cannot find peace
Day after day I search for it
Where can I lay down these heavy burdens
Jesus says come, I go
And yet I call and he doesn’t show
How long will you be?
I thought you were here for me?
Why do you dilly dally?
Come along swiftly!
Don’t not delay!
Rescue me now I say!
Seize my enemies, shut their mouths
Take my case I plead!
Show me how to love those that persecute me!
A love turned foe
A house that’s no longer a home
Where have all my friends gone?
The silence makes me nervous
I squirm under its weight
Here for today, tomorrow is too late
Show me the way
I am afraid of my fate
Will I ever rise from this dust?
My heart longs for you, where are you?
Come home please
I will stay
Don’t take my love away
Give me what I beg of you!
Peace to breathe and start anew
Do not tarry, please don’t delay
God of all wondrous and mighty
Plead my cause hear my plight
Restore my hope, because it’s all I have
Hope for a future with you
Day after day I pray and pray.
All rights reserved. ShilohRose77©️
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“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 ESV) Every story has a beginning, middle, and end. When we sit down to watch a movie we never start from the middle or the end. If we did that it would cause us to miss out on the plot or major details that shape the story. The Bible begins with creation of the Earth, in Genesis Chapter 1. In the first 25 verses God has taken the Earth that was dark, unformed and brought order to its chaos. Then in verse 25 we see that God is not alone in creation.
“Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the Earth.” (Genesis 1:26 ESV) This co-creator revelation was not an added edit in the story.
The moment God created Adam, he created him with great care, attention to detail, and with purpose. We often think of this caveman perception of humans, but from the start we were created with a purpose. We are not some random beings that spawned from monkeys. We are not some spontaneous combustion, we are created beings that are just below the angels in rank. However, unlike the angels we are held in high esteem as beloved children of God. We were to rule on the Earth and live with God amongst us. Another misconception that we often think is that Jesus came as some emergency button hero!
The Bible is clear that the first man and woman sinned against God and he held them accountable. I used to think that God saw that we were fallen and then planned for his co-creator Jesus to come on the scene as our savior. However, as I have matured and read deeper into the scriptures, I see Jesus webbed beautifully throughout the entire Bible! He is not an afterthought or an edited in new character. Why does this even matter? When we realize that God knew all along that we were fallible it shows his deep love and compassion even more.
If your child stole a candy bar from the store, you would of course be angry, disappointed, and maybe even embarrassed! You definitely would not give up on your child, but there would be consequences. God allowed them to face those consequences to learn of his character. If someone tells you something but never follows through, you would live in constant fear. We punish our children to keep them from harm. We show our great love in the way that we try and shield them from pain. The moment that Adam and Eve sinned, it did not surprise a loving God. He had already made provisions for them. Jesus is the living embodiment of God the Father. He is God, he was with God all along.
“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”
Colossians 1:16-18, 20 ESVI am sure some of you may roll your eyes and say, “Why is she always going on about this JESUS guy?” Maybe you do not believe in him. That is okay, but I am here to be a witness of my own experience! I cannot say I was there when this story was written and that I have inside knowledge. What I can tell you that faith came alive to me when I took Jesus up on the offer to be my personal savior. When I saw the brokenness that was in me from just a small girl, I knew there was something wrong. I felt shame, guilt, and I felt dirty. Sin shames us in ways we do not often like to think about!
The Bible says we are born into sin, not one person is innocent. That small baby you bring home from the hospital wrapped in blankets and is the most precious thing to you, already has a sinful nature. By the time a child is two or so you begin to see for yourself! That child will disappoint you at times over the years. You may even see your own foolish behavior coming through from your child, mirrored back to you. I am not picking on you or your children. I am simply stating facts. We are sinful, our children are too. Jesus came for you and them!
Okay so I am sinful, but why in the world would God send his son in human form? He sent his son to show that no matter what he is still obsessed with his precious creation! He desires a close relationship with you. He came to fulfill the Holy Law, that we ourselves are unable to fulfill. We cannot keep our hands clean, and he humbled himself to take on the form of a servant. The GOD OF THE UNIVERSE came off his a throne in glory, to restore and reconcile you and me back to him! To give us a choice to choose him and accept his free gift.
How many times do we have to take away the choices from our children? We tried to offer different meal options only to be met with disgust. We offered several other toys and none appeased them at that moment. What did we do in our frustration? We said FINE, now you don’t get a choice! We say you will eat this or you will play with this toy, end of story! Oh friends, our perfect Father is not impatient with us. He is slow to anger. He allows us time and space to choose him. Although he already knows who will come to him and who will not.
It’s not an impatient parent commanding, it’s a beckoning. It’s a heart cry for connection and relationship. Imagine forcing your significant other to choose you as a partner. You literally gave them no choice, that makes for a terrible relationship! When we sinned against God, we were downloaded with the knowledge of Good and Evil. Simply put Jesus knocks at the door of your heart. Everyday you are faced with many choices, and most of them hold more weight than you fully understand. Friends we can choose whom we serve. Whether it’s a specific god, or just our own sinful lusts. Each day we are choosing something. Or maybe we believe the lie that we are a good person based on our own feeble attempts to be good, law abiding citizens. HA! Yet none of us would want a video recording of our thoughts to be on NETFLIX tonight! Or for people to see what is behind the masks we all wear!
“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live,”
Deuteronomy 30:19 ESVJesus came in the form of a human, to offer a radical message to the world. That messaged has been carried throughout the centuries. God’s great love on display for all of us. We often stand in our own way from experiencing freedom and truth that Jesus offers. Our sinful nature has consumed our minds and we think we know best.
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”
Proverbs 14:12 ESV
The beginning of the story started with the Holy Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit) That same story will end with him! You my friends are apart of that story, way before you ever took your first breath, you were on the mind of God. A beautiful imagination of what you could become. He is so proud of his creation. His disappointment in our sinful choices never can erase his great love! Jesus holds this entire story together. We cannot separate him from our story. Even in our wandering and unbelief. Jesus is the message that no matter how far you have wandered, God still desires you. The Lord spoke the Earth into existence, but with you he got down in the dirt and formed you with his bare hands. Then he breathed his breath into you!Your HOLY, DIVINE, MAJESTIC, creator took on your form to show you in great detail just how much you meant to him. Elon Musk can create all the AI Robots he wants yet he will never turn himself into one to connect with it! He doesn’t serve it because he created it to be his slave! Jesus came to serve you, seek the lost, heal the sick, and restore humanity back to God.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14 ESV
Friends, I hope I was able to articulate this in a ways that made sense. It touched my heart as I wrote this and I was moved to tears and great love for my creator. I realized just how much he loves us and that is worth sharing! I will shout it from the mountains JESUS IS LORD! He doesn’t Lord over me, he stoops to heal my wounds, dry my tears, hold my heart and lead me to what is best. If you will give him a chance he will do the same for you. The path is long and hard but he walked it before you and is walking it with you!Happy Reading & God bless!
All rights reserved. Photos are Pexels Free Library.
ShilohRose77©️
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“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 ESV)
Have you ever felt there were things you were carrying that made you feel weighed down? I am not talking about physical weights, I am referring to the emotional baggage and sins that we have became accustomed to carrying. If we are honest, we all need to lay aside something. How would it feel to take the pressure off and create a space for what is actually important?This is actually wasn’t the message that I was planning to even write about! It’s funny how life works that way. I know for a fact that I have spent way too much time carrying things that I should have laid down a long time ago! The Bible is clear that sin is a killer. It takes joy out of our lives and creates a realm of regret, fear, and shame. Sin keeps us from God’s best. The hard part to accept is that sometimes it’s not only our sins that have caused us heavy burdens. Unfortunately we are living in the choices and actions of others. Things like poverty, family dysfunction, and generation curses are often passed down to us.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
John 10:10 ESVThe encouragement that I have for you today is that no matter what weights we have been carrying whether of our own or not; it can be laid down. It will take work though. It’s an active choice to not hold on to it any longer. How do we lay down what we have always known? Can I really be free? These are the same things I have often asked too. It can seem like an uphill battle. To constantly learn and unlearn, take up and lay down. That’s the exact reason why we need God! He has to literally empower us to do the work.
When I became a Christian, I foolishly thought that it would be a lot easier. I thought once I professed faith that somehow all of my issues would be taken away with a flick of God’s mighty wrist! Unfortunately that in fact is far from the reality. God asks us to willingly participate in our healing and growing process.
What does the Bible say about this stuff? How do I get free? I want to be free. Well the first step is to COME! We accept God’s invitation to follow him and take what he offers. He offers us freedom from our sin debt. However, we are to walk in faith and to work with him.
“For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”
James 2:26 ESV
Faith alone just isn’t enough to be who we are called to be. I believe that I can be set free, but it is up to me to walk in freedom. It’s up to us to make choices that align with freedom from those burdens. If I struggle with alcoholism, then I shouldn’t hang out with people that drink, or go to bars! We think well that’s simple, but how often do we go right into the trap. We assume that we can resist temptation and then end up back where we started? In my own life before I got married, I was practicing celibacy and I had made great progress. Then one fateful day I made the wrong choice! I chose to hang out with a friend who didn’t share my same convictions and I ended up in a situation.Can we blame others for our failures? Of course not but we have to stay aligned with our mission! I felt a prompting of the Holy Spirit before I ever went to her house that day! I chose to go willingly and she had her boyfriend there and his friend. I didn’t feast on the word of God, pray, or think before I made the choice. I walked blindly into the temptation and by the end of the night I had made a terrible mistake. It changed my route immediately. I found myself like a rabbit cornered by a predator! I accept my accountability. I knew that I had been celibate for almost a year and it was very hard! I realize now why it was so hard, I always tried to do things on my own.
We have to have people in our life that are going the same path. Community is important and there are so times that we walk alone but it’s not forever. We don’t get on a diet and fill the fridge with junk food! That is backwards and it makes it harder. Are there things in your life that need to be moved out of reach? What is your goal? What is the thing you want to get free from? Freedom is possible, but it means we have to be proactive.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV
Pexels Free Library The life of a child of God is compared to a race, and it’s not given to the fastest runner! It’s given to the one that endures and is diligent. Sin is considered slavery because its consequences take so much away from us. That sexual sin cost me way more than I received that day, I see now! I brought shame to myself, I got my feelings hurt, and I also hurt others in the process! Please consider your choices friends! God forgives and will always take us back, but we come back even more weighted down each time we fall. Sin multiplies and so do the consequences!
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1 ESV
Sin is only temporary pleasure, but it always has lasting effects! The best thing you can do is find people that will help you be accountable and walk with you. Jesus had his 12 and although they were imperfect, he mirrored the need for like minded friendships. We need to stay close to God and stay in his word. If we make our efforts he will continue to help us. The flesh nature cannot be subject to God so we learn to deny our fleshly nature. We realize that it’s never satisfied. Choose the righteous path as best you can. You will stumble but that’s where God will help you!“So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.”
Romans 8:12 ESVI pray that my words gave you some food for thought. It’s worth it to keep laying down what is causing us and others harm. We participate in making the world a better place. We trust God to give us the help, and guidance we need. His grace is sufficient for us. I hope that you will fight the good fight and run your race!
Happy Reading & God Bless!
All rights reserved. ShilohRose77©️
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“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”
Revelation 3:20 ESVThese are the words of Jesus to all of us. Can you hear the door? How many times have you heard him at your door and was afraid to open it? Maybe you avoided answering, because you anticipated judgement or the feelings of shame to come? Whatever your reason I’m not pointing fingers, I too have looked through the peephole and decided to creep away from the door!
What is this door analogy and why is it in the Bible? The door represents our heart. If Jesus is an active participant in creation, why does he not have a key? I mean he created us right?
“Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.””
Genesis 1:26 ESVJesus was always there all throughout the story of creation, but his identity only revealed later. The prophesied Messiah is at your door!
I heard it like this morning in my devotional: Jesus is a true gentleman, he does not force himself upon us. If his relationship with us was forced it would make for some awkward interactions! Now don’t think that he passively pursues us, because he definitely shows his desire for our heart. He keeps on knocking at that door. It’s a steady, patient and persistent knock.
KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK! ✊🏼
Now for a minute imagine you are totally caught off guard by the knocking. You hear it and you sort of start to panic. Should I answer it? I’m not really dressed right, I’m too busy, I should have cleaned up first, etc. What has been the reason you avoided answering the door? I can tell you mine, because I didn’t want to surrender what I was desperately clinging to. To follow Jesus truthfully means we die to self! Yep I said it, you MUST DIE!
How can this loving guy, expect me to die? Why would he want that from me? Who will take my place when I die? The answer HE WILL. Jesus will come to live inside and through you. This will result in a brand new life, that looks very different from your current one. It means you willingly lay aside burdens, regret, bitterness, unforgiveness, excuses, and take on a new identity.
You may ask why do I need to die and change anyway? What’s wrong with me now? Our famous line: “I am a good person.” We are all “good persons” until we are not! The right situation can bring ugliness out of all of us! There are things that we agree with and Jesus says, to rethink that! For example, if someone killed somebody you love then immediately have an enemy and you want revenge or you hate them. Hey, I get it and sometimes it’s offenses much less than murder that makes us feel those same emotions!
KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK! ✊🏼
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
Colossians 3:12-13 ESVOh BOY! Jesus I think the door may stay shut! You don’t know what they did to me! Did you see how they treated me? After all I’ve done for them? Nope! I can’t answer right now, I have to handle this on my own! How many times have we tried to get even? We cast our disapproval like we made the laws! Again I am not judging, because I still struggle to understand the ways of Jesus. He asks so much of us mere mortals. However that’s the key! When we accept Jesus and die to our old nature we become immortal!
Therefore if we are immortal, this life is but a short while compared to eternity! We can suffer through it, in order to receive a crown in glory.
“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
Colossians 3:3-4 ESVThe beauty of all that Jesus asks of us is that we gain so much more! We die to our old nature and sinful ways and take up his ways. We partake in suffering to prove to the darkness that it has no claim over us! We are made new the shame, guilt, and fear has no power over us! As a result of our new life, and then we go share what we have been given. We invite others to the table. Jesus says that if we open the door, he will come in and share a meal with us. Why would he say that? Your kitchen table is sacred. It’s shared many victories and losses. At that table you have loved your family and friends deeply. You have shared delicious meals and stories.
The image of Jesus saying he is coming over for dinner should be less daunting. However we still get nervous when we think of it. What will I wear? What will we have for this dinner? Jesus desires a close relationship with you and a seat at your table. He wants to be just like the members of your family, a welcomed guest into your day to day life. All he asks of that you allow him to come in. You don’t need the good tablecloth, or the new dishes. All you need is a willing heart and open mind.
KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK ✊🏼
Friend, go get the door. You won’t regret it! He will ask you for more than you think you can handle, but will be there every step of the way. His Holy Spirit and the Holy Word will change your life. It’s time to eat, invite others to the feast. If you are like me I’m tired of eating the same old garbage, I want something new!
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”
Psalm 34:8 ESVAll rights reserved. ShilohRose77©️
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“Above all, don’t lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love.”
― Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers KaramazovIn our world today, we see a great deception that says that evil is good. We see it at every turn, mothers send their children to have fun with friends and they never return home! The very perpetrators make excuses and avoid accountability for their own sakes, while a person is dead! I know many of you have heard about the Nolan Wells case. I did not write this blog to focus on this particular matter, but it makes a point. We have learned as a society to avoid the truth.
“Doom to you who call evil good and good evil, Who put darkness in place of light and light in place of darkness, Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!”
Isaiah 5:20 MSGLIES WE TELL OURSELVES:
- “It’s not my problem.“
- “I don’t have to eat healthy or workout, I can just get surgery or take weight loss drugs.“
- “ I don’t need anyone.“
- “I can live in sin and call Jesus my Lord.“
- “If I had more money I would be happier.”
- “I will rest when I am dead.”
- “Only God can judge me.”
- “I love everyone.”
- “I don’t need to learn anything new.”
- “You are only as young as you feel.”
THE TRUTH WE NEED TO TELL OURSELVES:
- It may not be my problem, but I can see what I can do to be of assistance.
- I can tackle my poor eating habits and workout regularly to avoid harmful effects of medications and surgeries. (I realize there are certain cases that are extreme)
- In fact you do need people, you were created for connection. When God made Adam he realized that it wasn’t good for Adam to be alone. God himself is not alone!
- When we choose Jesus we must learn to denounce sin and turn from them to pursue righteousness.
- Money has ability to bring temporary joy, but our happiness cannot be dependent upon it. Money can be an idol.
- Rest is a necessity for reflection, growth and health. we must incorporate rest in our hustle.
- God may be the only supreme judge, but we are called to correct one another in love.
- We find ourselves believing this and yet our actions speak very differently. Love is a powerful word and should be taken more seriously.
- We should always be ready to learn new things and be open to change. It keeps us full of faith and vision for the future.
- Youth fades, no matter what we do to try and stop it. We must not fear it so much. We must expect to feel it sometimes and that’s a blessing to have lived a long life!
I wrote all these to keep myself accountable and to inspire you as well. Sometimes we all just need a quick reminder. The world has a lot of deception and we need to focus on reality. I know how easy it can be to fade into the background and never challenge what the world calls normal. We must stop inadvertently agreeing to the evils of this world! This list is pretty simple, but what is going on around us will take great courage. It is a matter of speaking up and showing up!
The truth brings liberty and freedom. The more we hide the more bound we become. I am on a mission to live free. I want to live a new life. I want to die to my old ways and evolve. The greatest thing about a new day, is that it’s a new opportunity to become better than you were yesterday! It’s never too late to take a different approach, adopt a new mindset. We all have been the problem in one time or two. Let’s move past the fact that we are fallible and start embracing the truth that we can still change.
“In a time of universal deceit — telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” — George Orwell
Happy Reading & God Bless! All rights reserved! ShilohRose77©️
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Photo by Tanguy Sauvin on Pexels.com The weeks seem to be flying by, and I find myself checking the date TWICE! The journey to becoming the woman I want to be is definitely on the road less traveled! I prayed and prayed for direction then through surrender to God’s will, I knew what I had to do. It has been six weeks since I knew God confirmed that he wanted me to move back to my home state. At first, I was in a way relieved because I had not been back home since Christmas and that’s been the longest stretch away in my life! On the other hand, I had found community, friends, and was getting used to it there in Ohio. However, once God gives instructions, he has a way of making you uncomfortable until you obey the instructions. The week before I officially made up my mind that I was moving back I was so emotional, and homesick.
The longing for home so heavy on my heart that I knew part of me had already left. I like to think it was the future me. The woman I am becoming, beckoning me to come and join her on the other side of the unknown. I did not expect the fear that came, but it hit me like a ton of bricks! What am I going home to? My house is empty, my whole life packed into my van and I am completely trusting God! The weight of a heavy marriage and heartbreak still raw in my chest. I know I deserve better, and yet there is still a deep-set hope. I know it’s probably foolish but that is what makes it hard to be a follower of Christ. We are full of hope, forgiveness and mercy. It can be quite exhausting! In anger, I still want it all to be over and yet my compassionate heart hopes that he will choose to heal and be a better man.
Now don’t get me wrong, I am not making some feeble excuses for his behavior at all! One thing this healing journey has taught me is there is a definite need for boundaries to protect oneself. We can be forgiving, compassionate, and kind but we must guard our hearts. I have learned that I can create firm boundaries and show up for myself. I know what I deserve, and I will continue to stay rooted in Jesus and allow him to lead. I can pray for those who have hurt me and wish them the best. The Bible makes it clear that we have to learn to discern the motives and intentions of the people we interact with.
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life (Proverbs 4:23 ESV).
1 John 4:1 instructs believers: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
The enemy of our souls loves when we walk out of God’s plan and purpose for our lives. That is the place that he can get us back in bondage. The Spirit of God bring us freedom. I am proud to say that I am growing so much! I have consistently been in the word of God and prayer for 130 days! I have never been so rooted in the word of God, and I definitely can feel its impact. I have learned to tell God about my plans for each day. I am learning to truly walk with him and what that entails. I continually ask God to lead me, protect me and show me the way. I am excited about my future even though I am afraid at the same time! It’s amazing what God can do with a surrendered heart and life!
However, I must admit that I know there is much work to be done in me still. I keep hearing a phrase in my heart, “Tear it down and rebuild it better.” That is exactly what I am helping the Lord to do. I have to face myself each day and ask myself hard questions. Is this aligned with who I am becoming? Does this honor God? Friends it is a lot of trial and error for sure! I still find myself thinking in old patterns and wanting to handle things in the same old ways. I have to go before God many times with tears in my eyes and ask for his help. My prayer is that he will show himself as my father in a deeper way.
The move back home was stressful as any moving experience. It felt very uncomfortable and I am still struggling with the shock of being back. I left one way and came back another way! I am not the same woman that I was at Christmas. I have been through intense grief, healing and restoration all at once! The work is not done but it has progressed. I notice I do not cry as much as I did before, and I am learning to lean into the fear. I have had to realize that fear is not the absence of faith, but it can hinder our faith. There are some fears that are irrational and for me, some are downright stubborn procrastination!
I frustratedly have asked God why he sent me back home? I thought foolishly that it would be easier, but I realized that its indeed another test! My favorite tv pastor, Charles Stanley, always said, “Obey God and leave the consequences up to him.” I have always been in the driver’s seat thinking that I was following, but most of the time I was still clinging to my own way. I am striving like never before to trust the process! I truly desire to see what obedience will lead to if I truly walk the unknown path. I have been praying a lot for external circumstances to change and yet God is saying, you have all you need internally. I can tell you I did not want to hear this! Maturing in Christ has great rewards but it really is an act of faith!
Can I be honest? I totally have been seeking high and low for a miracle. However, God gently has nudged me to understand that the miracle has already been performed on that old rugged cross! On Sunday, the pastor preached about “picking up our sick bed and walk!” This sermon based on a Bible story of a man that was paralyzed for thirty-eight years. He openly complained that he wanted healing yet had no help. He was confined to a bed and had to be carried to the place of healing waters but was unable to actually get in the water. Jesus simply told the man: 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. (John 5:8-9 ESV). I knew God had yet again told me what to do! Get up, keep going, do not get stuck, don’t quit.
I believe fully in miracles but in this season, I had to learn to lean into what is already inside. To take hold of the freedom that has already been given to me! The mission now is to go and help someone else get up! In prayer one day the Holy Spirit said to me in my heart, “The water is for forgiveness, but our hands are for mission.” I knew like the man in the story, it was a call to action. It was encouragement that my sins have been forgiven, now GO! To live like I have been set free! It’s funny how old mindsets and patterns can keep us chained. Lord, I love you, because you are so patient with me! He desires for all of us to take hold of what has already been done in Jesus’s shed blood. He paid for you sins past, present and future!
Can I encourage you? It’s really that simple, but we have a true enemy who constantly berates us with lies that we have messed up too much, it’s too late, or we are unworthy. He is the father of LIES! Tell him where to GO! If he can make you think less of yourself and others, he will always win against us! That’s why it is so important to stay in God’s word and stay close to the brotherhood of believers! I am not preaching at you; I am just telling you what I have learned on the journey. I am still learning and growing. While I was worrying he was cool, calm and collected! He wasn’t bothered by my lack of understanding.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
That is exactly why we are to trust the unseen God, into the unknown because he knows what he is doing! There is a timing for everything. The fear pushed me into a new mindset, the failures gave me purpose, and the pain forged a new woman. If God is leading you into the wilderness, the fire, or the darkness allow him! He will use every inch of it to create something beautiful in you! I don’t walk like I used to; I walk with a deeper sense of direction that comes beyond me! I have a journey ahead and I at times my steps may be shaky. I choose to pick up my sick bed and walk! In the Bible story he told the man to take it with him! He no longer needed it, but it was a testament to what he had overcome through God! It was a reminder that God still heals and does miracles! Friends whatever you are carrying, you don’t have to carry it alone, but you must do your part!
Photo by Sergio Fdez on Pexels.com Happy Reading & God bless! All rights reserved.
ShilohRose77©
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“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way;”
Psalm 37:23 ESVWhat is the guiding force in your life?
How do you know if you are on the right road to your desired outcome?
Many of us right now have a calendar full of meetings, family gatherings, trips, and a full To-Do-List.
Have you scheduled time with God? Is he a priority in your week?
I can be the first to raise my hand and say that many times I was far too busy to sit with God! I would rush through my days and spent very little time in solitude or quiet reflection. Until now when the bottom fell out! I had to learn to not rush my time with God. I have always been a person of prayer, but my posture wasn’t in the right place. I had to learn that when I surrender my plans to God’s they ALWAYS turn out far better! We all make many plans and some times they go well and sometimes they don’t.
The reason that so often our plans do not work out is because we may have the wrong timing, priorities, or insight. We have limited vision, we cannot often see what is awaiting around the corner so to speak. We make decisions and hope for the best, while God sees from beginning to end. If you knew all the answers you would not need God. He desires that we entrust our plans to him. It builds relationship and intimacy, each time we lean into his promptings.
It takes humility to ask God for help and guidance. We are often always in a hurry and rush ahead and then get disappointed. I have done this more times than I would like to think about! As I get older, I see in hindsight all the ways I moved too quickly. However, do not be discouraged God is a Good Shepherd, he knows we will get off course and wander. He leads us back gently and sometimes forcefully. The Bible is clear about the course correct that God will put us on.
“If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.”
Hebrews 12:8 ESV“For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.””
Hebrews 12:6 ESV
If you are a parent then you can see God’s heart in these verses. We discipline our children, not to hurt them, but to lead them to what is best. Now imagine if you knew how very detail of your child’s life would pan out! Of course you would try to intervene and help them get back on the right path! You could spot the heartache coming from a mile away! Like us God the Father wants to shield us from the pain of sinful consequences. Many times as parents we know all too well from our own experiences where our children’s choices will lead.Do you remember your child’s first day of school? How excited they were and all nerves. Then you too were feeling emotional as you walked them into the building, not wanting to leave your most treasured possession, in the hands of strangers. You packed their bags, got them dressed, gave them warm affectionate hugs and kisses and sent them off. I can imagine God is the same over us, a doting Father preparing us for our first day. We have no idea the destiny that awaits but HE does!
I implore you to turn your heart to him, repent of sins, and walk in his ways. It will be a choice that despite hardships, will far exceed your expectations! None of us are exempt from pain, disappointments, or suffering but that is what makes the journey worthwhile. If you don’t have children, think about your own parents and how they felt about all of your firsts in life. God wants a close relationship with you. He is not a distant being in the sky, he is a loving Father.
The other night I dreamed of a Father’s love. In my life I haven’t always had a close relationship with my own Daddy. It often made me afraid to trust God’s lead. If that is something you may have, I ask that you give it him a chance. In the dream I was cautious, guarded, and afraid. I felt the desire for closeness but I knew it meant I had to come in closer. I knew it meant I had to let the walls come down. In the dream this Father didn’t look like my own. This man was tall, thin, very intelligent, handsome, and kind, gentle, and one distinct feature: He was deaf. I thought this was so unusual.
It was as if he revealed it to me. It was like my distance had made our relationship one sided. I remember feeling I wanted his love. I laid down next to him and cuddled up to him and felt a great sense of love and comfort. He showed me his high tech hearing aids and I was surprised. Friends, I told you all this to say: Maybe you haven’t gotten to know God because you fear some unknown part of him. I can admit that for so long I did. The greatest love we can ever know and so often we fear him because of what we do not understand about him.
Maybe he was deaf in my dream because I felt like my many prayers were unheard? Or perhaps he just doesn’t communicate the way that I expect and therefore I miss him all together!
As you think about your next decisions on your journey, I urge you to sit before God with your plans in hand. Pray over them, ask for his guidance.
There is none like YOU Lord! (My photo) “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
Follow HIS lead. (My Photo) 
Let God tear down and build you up better. Happy Reading & God Bless! All rights reserved. ShilohRose77©️
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