Looking for God to do Something New?

Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19, NKJV)

With a new year apon us, we hear a lot about people wanted something new. For some, it may be a weight loss. For some, it may be a new job. Or still, for some it may be a new car or house. But ladies, God is doing a new thing in us. It has nothing to do with material things; but it has to do with our heart. He says that "I'm doing a new thing in you." In this new year, what new thing will we allow Him to do?

Father, thank You for this new year you've allowed us to see. We ask for Your spirit to reign fresh in us. Whatever new thing You wish to do in us, may we be open to allow You to work. In Jesus name, Amen. 

You're More Valuable than You Know

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them! (Psalm 139:17, NKJV)

The vision the Lord gave Cheryl Salem was more powerful than anything I've ever heard.

"It was as if the Lord was going from garage sell to garage sell of life. At He walked along, He noticed the devil selling everyone. After He had went by all the fancy and ornate itims, He came to a pile of dirty rags. The rags were so bloodied and dirty, no amount of washing by human hands were clean them. As He came to this pile of bloodied rags, He looked at Satan and said, "I'll take her." I value her so much, that I'll give my life."

Ladies, do you realize that's how valuable we are in the eyes of God? It didn't matter that at the garage sell, there were all the fancy itims to choose from. But, He didn't want any of it. He wanted you and He wanted me. That's just how valuable we are to a Holy and magnificent God. Are you struggling today with your value and worth? Let me encourage you, remember just what God did for you. And you know something? If you were the only one on earth, He still would've went to that cross and gave His life.

Father, thank You for reminding us of where we have our value. It's not in material and earthly persuits. But it's in You. Help us to remember just how high of a price You paid for us. In Jesus name, Amen.   

Change the Victory Chant

No child needs to be disciplined by having a gun held to their head. Having to sit in the ditch next to a highway is not a safe place for time out as your mother gets through a hangover. Lit cigarettes should never be used on the bare skin of anyone for punishment. Ever hear of a parent heating a belt buckle to sear their child?  Subjecting a little girl to the hands of men just so that the parent can play with the same man a little while longer is disgusting. How can a mom ignore the fact that their little girl is being violated by men and walk away...even into the same man's bedroom seems so unforgivable. It all seems so unforgivable.

I turned my back with my arms closed and rejected all possibility of regaining respect for parents, men, authority, myself and God. Satan doesn’t care how we react to the sinfulness of any abuse including sexual abuse . . . as long as we don’t turn TO Jesus. I did exactly what Satan wanted. As an adult I continued to find my value in bedrooms. I drank. I accepted abuse in my marriage. I became mutilated by self and by others. Self esteem was low and suicide planning kicked in over time.

The enemy knows when we find our identity, security, and dignity in Christ, we can live in victory.

Victory? What was that? For all I could see, Satan had held me in his hands and was dancing the victory chant over me. I had my part in this. When things were out of my control, it was one thing...but what about the other part, when the choice was mine? I had to make a choice.

I sobbed in my pillow when I just couldn't look at myself in the mirror any longer. My life was ugly and so was the reflection that I wanted to spit on. I was tired of being hurt, mad, sad, disgusted, ashamed, hurt and angry at myself and God.

My everyday life had to change. I crashed to the floor and cried out to God. I purposely had to let God handle all my emotions. I had to stop running from Him in anger but toward Him. The intent of the evil one was to be against me and to create distance between me and God. My intent was to return to Him and let God embrace my hurting soul.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I am healing from the past and live with peace and joy in the present. I continuously pray that God will help me find the way to set boundaries in my thinking, letting go of the past, forgiving myself and others and move forward in peace through Him. '

Daily progress is being made. Each day I am filled with His Spirit. Ugly is being replaced by the beauty of forgiveness. I know God is holding my hand and healing that inner child. The adult sees through God's eyes now and Satan turns his head. There is no room for him where Jesus is.

Healing came when I made a deliberate willing choice to put away things of the past and look forward to the now and the future in Him. I accepted in my heart that Jesus knows each pain I went through. He took it to the cross. He is aware of my feelings. He is aware of my growth. Papa God shares with me every good promise of healing and victory in Him.

I no longer have to hold onto the pains of this world but I embrace the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Are you hurting? Are you absorbed in things of the world. Is the child in you feeling rejected and holding onto bitter hurt? You no longer have to stay in Satan's abuse. Let me encourage you to turn away from what Satan chants and sing victory in Jesus. No need to  keep feeling trapped and  empty when you can be free and filled in Him.
      

 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10, NIV)

Mary Edwards is a writer, speaker and photographer. She is a member of the Encourager's Christian Writer Group and a 2013 graduate of Christian Communicators. Mary owns Photo's By M.E. Where she combines both her writing and her love for photography. You can find submissions of her blog at www.writeblessings.blogspot.com and contact her at: wordsbyLOU@yahoo.com

Comparison, a Death Trap

For who in the heavens can be compared to the Lord?
Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the Lord? (Psalm 89:6, NKJV)

"The greatest failure you'll ever have is comparing yourself to others. We're made in the image of God, not in the image of people." Cheryl Salem's words hit me square in the face. For the longest time, I've struggled with the death trap of comparing myself with another. I've compared myself with other writers, with other singers and with other speakers. I've thought all of them were better than me. What I didn't realize is that each time I do that, I'm failing. I'm failing because I'm pretty much saying God din't do a good enough job. And ladies, He never makes a mistake. I wasn't to be Beth Moore or Cheryl Salem. Those ladies have a style all their own that noone else on earth can have. And, the Lord meant the same for you. Whatever your gifts may be, noone else can do them quite like you. Today, what are you comparing to another person in life? Is it finances? Is it talents? Is it magerial things? Let me encouraging you, stop playing that game. Get out of that trap, because it will eventually take you down a road you really don't want to go.

Father, please help us to get out of comparing ourselves. Give the strength to know that whatever you call us to, it's for us alone. Noone can perform the task as good as the indevidual person called to it. In Jesus name, Amen.  

Never To Old

But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. (Luke 1:7, NKJV)

Elizabeth was a prime example of how, in God's eyes we're never to old to do anything. I learned that she was in her early 80's when she became pregnant. When this happened, it was a miracle because as the verse tells us, she couldn't have children. Obviously, God had a purpose in this. Have you ever been told that because you're a certain age, you can no longer do a task? Ladies, let me remind you today that you're never to old to do what God calls you to.

Father, thank You for giving us the strength that even though some of us may be up in age, it doesn't matter to You. You remind us that our age doesn't matter to You. Thank You for your grace. In Jesus name, Amen.  

A Persevering Faith

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. (James 1:2-3, NKJV)

The news was life-changing. The family's life would never be the same again. During a routine eye exam, the couple found out one of their girls had a life-threatening disease. The found out later that their other child has this same disease. The prognosis was fatal for both. The couple have lost one of their children-only 36. The time of waiting has now come for the other. During all this, these parents' faith has remained in tact. They've persevered in spite of the devistating turn of events their life has brought them. Today, let me encourage you that whatever you're going through, persevere. Don't give up. Just as God has continually been with this sweet couple, He is also with you. What do you have in your life that you're tempted to throw in the towel? Ladies, be strong. God is with you and will never leave your side.

Father, I lift up each reader. Give her the courage and strength to keep going in the midst of whatever she's going through. Give her peace in her heart that you're able to give like no other. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Lord, Your Desire, Not Mine

Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4, NKJV)

This past Sunday, I made my second visit to a friend's church. This was the first visit I'd made where I was able to hear the senior pastor preach. I absolutely loved this church! My desire is to start attending permanently. The problem with that is that my friend would be unable to give me a ride there each week. There's another catch here though. This is my desire. This may not be the desire God has for me. Ladies, do you have a great desire that you feel God isn't granting? Remember, it may not be His desire for you.

Father, I pray each reader. Grant her the desire of her heart. Amen.

TO GO!

Our writers group, The Encouragers, had been given the prompt “To Go” and it was due tomorrow! I was annoyed and frustrated because I had not been able to come up with a solid idea. Writer’s block seemed to be taunting me. Finally, I plopped down on the couch and tried to calm my fears. Once again, I prayed for inspiration. I typed a tentative title at the top of the Word Document page and waited for God’s creativeness to begin. It wasn’t long before this declaration came forth.

Going

I’m going to be a writer

Whether you like it or not.

Place the words in motion

In the order of my thoughts.

God will guide the process

As I search to find His will

He knows the lives He wants to touch

With the strokes of my holy quill.

There…I had something written down now.

What I noticed next, only God could have orchestrated. As I centered the poem, a teacup/saucer shape appeared.

I’m going to be a writer

Whether you like it or not.

Place the words in  motion

In the order of my thoughts.

God will guide the process

As I search to find His will

He knows the lives He wants to touch

With the strokes of my holy quill.

I was shocked and joyously surprised. Then, when I realized that the lady who had given the prompt collected cups and saucers, faith continued to fill my soul! God had answered my prayer with a flare in order to maintain my focus on His guided provisions and my ability to hear. Now, when the doubts and fears invade my mind, I only need to remember this poem to encourage the juices to flow again.

Are you going through something that has challenged your abilities to proceed? Have you allowed the threat of failure to invade your soul in the final hours? God knows our situations better then we do and He is committed to giving us all the encouragement, wisdom and resources we will need to overcome. Talk to Him…then be still and know that He is God.

Mary Jane Downs is a writer, teacher, and speaker. She was recently published in Pearls of Promise devotional. You can visit her blog called Joy In The Morning at www.maryjanewrites.com where she posts weekly. Mary Jane lives at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina with her golden lab, Buddy and her cat, Action Jackson.

The Story of the Chairs

So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. (Revelation 3:16, NKJV)

I want you to imagine something with me for a moment.

You're sitting in the church pew during a Sunday morning service. It comes time for the invitation time. The ushers bring 3 chairs to the platform. Now, take a close look at these chairs. The three chairs are a representation of our life. Chair 1 is for the one who has never accepted Christ. Chair 2 is for the one who has accepted Christ, but their life isn't showing the fruit of it. And, chair 3 is for the one who is fully surrendered to the Lord. No matter what, you're completely sold out to Him. So ladies, let me ask you a question. Which chair are you in? Are you the one who has never accepted Christ? Are you the one who has accepted Christ but the fruit doesn't show? Or, are you one that can say you're fully sold out and surrendered to the Lord? If you're one that has never accepted Christ, let me encourage you that today is the day. It's time.

Father, I pray for my readers. I pray that this will be the thing to draw her closer to You, or perhaps for the first time. In Jesus name, Amen.

***If you need prayer to accept Christ or anything at all, please email me at: jamiebritt2006 {at} gmail {dot} com*** 

Who or What Validates You?

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Romans 8:29, NKJV)

"Your devotions is in the upcoming book." "Here's your exceptance letter. You'll be published in January."

These were 2 emails I've received in the last few weeks letting me know that I've been published as a writer. I've waited three years to get to this point. But, in all of that I've realized something. Though I'm thrilled to now be able to say that I'm a published author, these accomplishments don't validate me as a writer. Only one validates that calling. And His name is Jesus. I thought for a long time that because I wasn't being published, I wasn't good enough. I thought that's what defined me. But, it wasn't. God defines me...He is my validation. Ladies, what validates you today?

Father, thank You for validating each of our callings. I pray for my readers today...that you'll give her the validation she longs for. Amen. .

When We Doubt

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. ~James 1:6 (NKJV)

Doubt. It can be paralyzing.

For a long time, I doubted myself as a writer until dear friend's words changed all that for me. Did it totally erase the doubt forever? No. Would those thoughts assault me later? Absolutely!

I'm excited to be a guest at a friend's site today!

Join me over at Susan Stilwell's for the rest of today's devo: 
When We Doubt.

The Joy of being Sisters

A man who has friends must himself be friendly,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24, NKJV)

The service came to the altar call as the congregation around us stood to their feet in reverence to the Lord. As the first note was sung, my "sisters" and I headed down to the altar for a time with one another and with God. We'd spent the weeekend in laughter and having fun. It was now time to re-afirm our faith and also our individual callings to the Lord and to our friendship. We prayed blessings over one another as well as for strength to face what lay ahead. Little did either of us know, the very next day one of us would need that strength and blessing poured back into us once again. And again, the others were there to give that hope and peace. Ladies, there's nothing like the joy of having a sister. A sister in the Lord is sometimes the only thing that keeps us standing. What are you facing today that only the joy of a sister can get you through? God designs us to have close relationships. Let that relationship begin with Him, but then let a sister come along side you to help carry the load.

Father, thank You for our sisters. Thank You especially Lord for these two women that have enriched my life over the last 3 days. I pray for each reader. If she doesn't yet have a sister she can call on, I ask You provide her with one. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Perfect Peace

You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You. (Isaiah 26:3, NKJV)

My frustration was at a peak. The week was hard and long. My mind was anything but peaceful. And perfect peace? That wasn't anywhere to be found.

Until, that is, God spoke to my heart through a dear friend. Through Mary's words, she reminded me what perfect peace actually was.

Perfect peace at times means keeping harmony in a family.

But...

Most of all, perfect peace means that we fully trust in the Lord. And as Mary reminded me, my trust had slipped into my own mind and away from God. My mind wasn't stayed on Him, so I couldn't get through the day without frustrations. Today ladies, what are you facing that you need God's perfect peace with? Let me encourage you, keep your mind on Him. And He will give you that perfect peace you long for.

Father, thank You for the peace only You give. Thank You Lord that when we get off course, You send friends and Your words to get us back on track. I pray for my readers today. I ask You to help her keep her mind on You.

***Do you know a pastor's wife or love one? My friend, Nan Jones is looking for inflencers to post reviews on Amazon. Her book, The Perels of a Pastor's Wife is now in the editing process. If interested, please email her at: nan@jubilantlight.com Thanks!*** 

Pain With a Purpose

We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, and are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28, NKJV)

Do you ever wonder if there'a really a purpose in your pain? Maybe today you're going through a divorce. Maybe you're going through the loss of a loved one. Maybe it's ahealth crisis. Or, maybe it's not even physical. Maybe it's spiritual or emotional. The fact is ladies, sometimes we just don't see why we're hgoing through the struggles in life. I pray that as you read the following words by my dear friend, Mary Denman, you'll find peace and comfort. This is from a precious lady who, over the last few months has been walking through some very painful circumstances. But, Mary hasn't lost hope.

I don't like pain.
Apparently, I wouldn't make a good Marine.
One of their mottos is: "Pain is just weakness leaving the body."
That's where they'd lose me.
More power to them. I appreciate the fact that they train hard to protect our country. Their pain has a purpose. But I couldn't join their ranks. (We won't even go into my age which would prevent me....)
But back to the point.
I don't like pain. But I've learned a lesson because I deal with it regularly.
Take my shoulder for example.
For several months, it hurt. I finally mentioned it to my doctor. She gave me cortisone shots. A couple of times.
It didn't help.
Then, I went to physical therapy. For a few months.
It didn't help.
Then, I went to a chiropractor. For a few months.
It helped other things, but not my shoulder.
I gave up and just figured I had to live with the pain.
A couple of years later, my hubby fell and hurt his shoulder. A month into it, he went to the doctor. She sent him to an orthopedic doctor. He ordered an MRI. My hubby had a torn rotator cuff. They scheduled surgery.
I asked, "What does your pain feel like?"
He described it. The lightbulb went on. I returned to my doctor. I saw an orthopedic doctor who ordered an MRI, and guess what?
Yep. I had a torn rotator cuff. And had lived with it for over 2 years at that point.
Hubby had surgery first. Two months later, so did I.
Then came rehab! It's a long recovery. But worth it when it works.
Unfortunately, my body didn't heal properly. A year ofter surgery, I was back in the doctor's office complaining of the same pain. I had another MRI. I still had a tear......No one's fault. Just bad shoulder genetics. I needed surgery, AGAIN!
This summer, I finally had the more extensive open rotator cuff surgery. I had put it off since January. The pain was just getting too much to ignore and it hampered my day to day living. (And driving our Miata!)
I've now dealt with 4 1/2 years of shoulder pain. My ortho assures me I'll feel great once rehab is over and the pain finally goes away. (He also fixed my bicep tendon which was about to snap. It was causing pain along with the torn rotator cuff.)
I'm choosing to trust him.
So what have I learned about myself and pain in this process?
First of all, I'm not the wimp I assumed I was. I've thought I'm a wimp because I feel pain. Now I know I'm strong because I keep going in spite of it.
Secondly, I learned you just can't ignore some pain. It's there for a reason. To tell you something is wrong. My shoulder didn't get better on it's own. I needed a surgeon.
Thirdly, I've had to trust the doctor that the pain I now feel is okay and that I have to press through it to get strong again. It still hurts like the pain of a torn rotator cuff. Except worse.
So how can I tell the difference?
Well, I had to have someone look inside of my shoulder and find the tear, the cause of my pain.
Only after that could we come up with a plan to deal with it.
After this surgery, you'd think I wouldn't trust my doctor. But I do trust him. He explained why it didn't work the first time and how he went about fixing it completely differently this time.
I push through the pain now. And I'm getting stronger, not weaker.
So how does this apply to life?
We all have pain. Either physical or emotional. We have hurts, sadness, losses.
Pain actually does serve a purpose. We need to be aware of it.
What's behind the pain?
Is it something broken that needs to be fixed?  Like a broken relationship. Unforgiveness.
Or is it a season of pain to make us stronger? Like exercising. Mourning.
How can you tell the difference?
This is where you need a surgeon.
And a heart MRI.
Go to God and ask Him to show you why you're in pain.
I'm in a season of mourning. It hurts. The pain of losing my mom will never go away. But understanding that I can either let it stop me from living or learning to go on and comfort others is a decision I have to make.
I'm learning to trust God to get me through.
God is the great Physician.
Ask Him for guidance.
Then listen for His answer.
The pain you're in may be for the purpose of strengthening you or teaching you to depend on Him.
He'll be there for you.
He has been for me....

Father, thank You for our pain. Lord, it's hard to pray that prayer at times, but as Mary wrote, there's always a purpose in what we go through. I pray for my readers today. I ask You to give them peace, assurance and comfort. In Jesus name, amen.


****If you're a pastor's wife or know and love one, would you consider being an influencer for my friend, Nan Jones's book? It's entitled, "If God be for Me: The Perrels of a Pastor's Wife
She'll be looking for readers to read and post reviews. If interested, please email her at: nan@jubilantlight.com
Thanks!***

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
(Proverbs 18:24, NKJV)

I have a dear friend by the name of Nan Jones. Our story of the way we started communicating was nothing more than a God-thing. I'd sent one email to her asking a question about writing. I really didn't expect a response from her because she was a writer and speaker. I thought she'd be too busy to answer an email from me, especially not knowing me. Sometimes, we think Jesus is that way. We think He's too busy for little 'ole me. This verse tells us that He sticks closer than any friend or brother. I know that Nan loves me and I know she encourages me, but at the same time, even she can't take the place of the sweet encouragement that the Lord gives. She loves me, but He loves me even more than she ever can no matter how hard she tried. Sweet sisters, if you're in search of a friend today, let me encourage you to run to the greatest friend you'll ever have!

Father, thank You for the friends you've blessed us with. More than that Lord, we thank You for the greatest friend, Jesus. Lord we love and praise You. Amen.