John 1:14 NIV – The Word became flesh and made his – Bible Gateway https://share.google/XntVlkEsgE1C6Wrrw

When I set out to write this devotional,  I felt inspired to focus on the subject of feeling complete.  I have heard many individuals, these days, feeling like they will never measure up.  The Lord lovingly highlighted the fact that our completeness and satisfaction is only obtained through Him (Psalm 37:4).

Yes, friends, once again it goes back to a relationship with Jesus. We are to come to a place where we only want to please God, where we look at how He views us. We are not concerned about pleasing ourselves or others. He is the truth, and He gave of Himself to reveal how special we are. Jesus gave His life knowing that the world would put Him to death; if we were bought by Jesus before acknowledging the Father, we can be certain of our acceptance now that we take the truth as fact.

Our society has unfortunately put too much emphasis on the external.  People are not treasuring being genuine; they feel like they have to hide their imperfections.  Instead, Jesus is giving us a way out of that trap. He is making all things new (Revelation 21:5). This is such an encouragement!

We can now live our lives with the confidence that we are accepted, because of the Son. I pray that this week the Comforter will fill us with completeness and hope.  In Him we move, we breathe, and we have our being (Acts 17:28).

John 16:33 NIV – “I have told you these things, so – Bible Gateway https://share.google/kBonDYxGT6miLbj3P

Jesus does care about us, and has all power to provide for our every need.  He took the time to share what would happen in the end times, and how wonderfully taken care of the birds of the air and lilies of the valley were taken care of ( John 16:33, Matthew 6:25-34). He has everything under control, and it is not right for us to take on all the cares of the world by ourselves. Today has enough issues to get through; so, why add tomorrow’s stresses on top of them!? It just hinders and slows us down.

Matthew 11:28 shares with us that Jesus is there to give us rest; He is calling us to come to Him. It hurts God to see His children burdened and struggling. The Spirit was sharing with me how He wants us to be testifying of His power. How can we be witnesses if we are acting as lost and upset as those of the world?

The Lord knows that these last days are pretty scary and unpredictable.  What we are to be focusing on is the character of God.  He is so awesome and amazing!  I got to thinking about the fact of how He is so unmeasurable. I pray we come to the point where we are growing in Him, experiencing something new each day (Ephesiams 3:18).

2 Chronicles 19:7 NIV – Now let the fear of the LORD be on you. – Bible Gateway https://share.google/T9oyx7iNCCRFIeIqN

In 2 Corinthians 19:7, and in Fight of My Life by Rend Collective, it focuses on the subject of warfare.  To be honest, I bet all of us have wrestled with the question of whether we will receive justice. In these times of physical, mental, and spiritual warfare, it is vitally important that we recall the character of Jesus.

This morning at church, we were studying the book of Ruth.  The pastor brought up the characteristics of Boaz.  Boaz was a prophetic example of Christ being our redeemer. He is there to make us His bride and to constantly provide for us, in all areas of life.

As mentioned earlier, Rend Collective sang about the mental health of individuals and the blessed assurance of God fighting the battle of the mind. He is the only one who is truly for us and will bring joy; through the help of the Spirit, joy will replace confusion and fear (Timothy 1:7, John 4:1, Philippians 4:6-7)

The healthy fear of God should be used to live life. The knowledge that Jesus is fighting our battles should fill our hearts with reassurance.  Our God is just, and He will not fail in His character.  King Jehoshaphat was warning the judges to be just, since Jehovah is righteous; He will not keep company with ungodliness (Psalm 1:1, 1 Corinthians 5:11). Let’s continue to walk out our lives, bringing  glory to Him by trusting the Lord.

Jeremiah 17:14 NIV – Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; – Bible Gateway https://share.google/BaWcTnKBF2lhgdqB6

I am sure that I am not the only one who has come to the realization that we are not able to do everything! It is a very depressing and discouraging feeling!  We may at first feel like we are going under; but, we actually are at a place that God will be able to step in.  We can either stay in our defeated mindset; or, we can let the Spirit come in and restore.

I was recalling that when Jesus was on the Earth, there were times when people came to Him asking if He was willing to heal. One of those times was when a leper inquired if He was willing to heal him. Jesus responded that He was willing (Matthew 8:2-4).  In that same chapter, a centurion came to the Lord begging for his servant to be delivered from paralysis.  When the Lord asked if he should come to the centurion’s place, he made a bold declaration that it only took Jesus’ word to restore the servant. Both of these times, faith was exhibited. Faith is turning the situation over to God.

Yes, we may have a little knowledge of our problems and how the outcome would be most benefitial; but, God is all-knowing and sees the total picture. That leads me to when Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane. He placed the situation of being taken away by the soldiers to death before God.  Instead of praying for His will, He placed it at the feet of the Father (Luke 22:42).  It was faith, the trust in God, that gave the key to the salvation of the world.

I personally have the healings of my husband, mother, and brother-in-law to place before Jesus.  Lord, have your way in my life and in those who read this.  In Jesus’ name, Amen! God bless everyone as they give themselves to Him!

Psalm 34:15-18 NIV – The eyes of the LORD are on the – Bible Gateway https://share.google/EmNWBtlgyG0aOAI6N

This week, one of my questions has been if God will be with me and make all things right.  I have felt like I have been alone at times.  My husband is presently in Harborview Hospital after 2 surgeries on his back.  They are trying to figure out the underlying problems to his swallowing issues and seeing whether or not surgery has to be done to drain infection from the back. 

Psalm 34 shows how fair and judicial the Heavenly Father is.  For those who are following Him and are in need, He hears and will answer them; for those who are ungodly and work evil, He does not acknowledge them, erases any trace of them around.

When we have those moments of questioning God’s fairness, we should stop ourselves.  In actuality, God is right there to balance out the unfairness we experience and see in this life.  We just need to come to the place of being honest and sincere. There needs to be a realization of Christ being the only solution for life’s struggles.  There is no room for pride and pretending (Proverbs 16:18). Pride only leads to a fall due to an unhealthy mindset. It makes you feel like you are above everyone and that there is no danger of falling.

Instead of our focus being on just ourselves, we can with God’s help reach out and be available for those around us.  He will enable us to be able to pay attention to others who are struggling.   We can point them to Jesus, who is the one who helped us in the past and will help us in the future (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).  God bless us as we look to Him!

James 4:8 NIV – Come near to God and he will come near – Bible Gateway https://share.google/ntFH5efVvobuEx4cG

Wow… what a precious reminder, James 4:8 and Draw me Close, by Kutless, give us!  The  only way to go through life is close to Jesus!  He is the one who brings healing, peace, and security!  There is no other way!

Today, my father encouraged me by mentioning a true characteristic of God. He encouraged me when I had to visit my husband recovering from a second surgery on his spine.  I brought up the issue of my having fear and uncertainties.  Dad gently reassured me that when we are truly putting our trust in God, the fear has to leave.  We have to choose what enters our brains (Phillipians 4:8).

That is the mindset I need to have as I go into a new work week, tomorrow.  Of course, I will have moments of dwelling on the fact that my husband is stuck in a hospital room for more time; but, God has called me to a job that He will enable me to get through.  I don’t have to remain in a “flight or fight” mode.

Neither do you, dear friends! God is our security!  Let us have an attitude of abiding in His arms.  Picture Jesus carrying you close to Himself in His arms.  He is the Shepherd ( Isaiah 40:11). Have a great week as you draw close to Him!

Psalm 138:8 NIV – The LORD will vindicate me; your love, – Bible Gateway https://share.google/s9qjMq4TqP6onUTiT

Amen to Psalm 138:8, and to Fear is Not my Future! It is so true about God’s love; He made us and is in love with His creation! Since this is truth, we don’t have to live life in fear. We have a future filled with God’s promises.

I know each of us goes through times of questioning whether God’s purposes are going to materialize.  The key to everything is to walk closely with our God (Micah 6:8).  When we give the reigns over to Him, His will for our lives will become evident. Even David had Psalms that pleaded for God to rescue him before it was too late (Psalm 143:11) ; the important part was that King David acknowledged that God was the one who could rescue Him.

Hearing the study this morning about Israel and Benjamin in Judges, idolatry was talked about.  I got to thinking about how idolatry doesn’t have to involve statues; it can often take the form of placing circumstances, feelings, or people before the Creator.  If we are being realistic, it makes sense.  Our Savior is the only one that remains the same (Revelation 22:13-15).

Dwelling on the fact that Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega should encourage all of us to place our faith in Him.  I wanted to leave everyone with that thought. He is going to make all things right! For me, I presently need to give my husband over to the Lord, as he is getting treatment for dysphagia and spinal stenosis, etc.  Everyone have a blessed week as they trust God!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV – Two are better than one, because they – Bible Gateway https://share.google/yLlH0qgHr6MyAWcLX

This week’s devotional is a rather special and touching one to me.  It is going to be given in honor of my parents, Michael and Elizabeth Honeycutt.  Today, September 21st, marks 57 years of marriage! It hasn’t been an easy road; but, they have been shining examples amidst financial and health struggles.  My Dad has been a rock for my Mom as she has battled schizophrenia,  a cancer diagnosis, dementia, and diabetes. My Mom has always been an encouragement for Dad and the Honeycutt Family;  she reminded us to  give everything over to God in prayer.

Their marriage has been proof of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.  In marriage, not only is there safety and strength in two, but there is the unification given by God.  He is there to hold the couple together. He makes up the three-fold cord talked about in these verses.

Not only is God there to hold a couple together, like my parents; but, He is the one who blesses the family. I always loved reading the Priestly Blessing that was given in Numbers 6:24-26.  The song, The Blessing by Kari and Cody Carnes, has always brought me to tears. The tears are of joy in remembering who is the author of all blessings… God is so faithful!

Let us all remember that here on the Earth, God has given us relationships and family to represent what is goung on in the heavenly scene. Let us pray that His will would be done here on Earth as it is in Heaven ( Matthew 6:9-13)!

Romans 12:21 NIV – Do not be overcome by evil, but – Bible Gateway https://share.google/EKn0xFQasKOgcgpYC

What a week filled with emotions!  I know everyone has heard about the martyrdome of Charlie Kirk, Turning Point’s Founder.  I wanted to touch on the fact that in the midst of a sick and perverted America/world, God is still with us.  Jesus is calling His children to be courageous and to shine for God.  Our Emmanuel is calling and enabling us to be that hope for a hurting society.

Our response to our enemies needs to be like God’s. He spent the time on Earth doing His Father’s will and died for us.  He wants us to have the attitude of serving others; life is not about seeing how comfortable we can get or in how much wealth we can obtain.

Instead, He is there to give us hope and joy, which can be shared with those who are sick (emotionally, physically, or spiritually). Isn’t it amazing how God turns our trials into opportunities to give others hope, 2 Corinthians 1:4! How we respond to buffeting is up to us.

The Lord is there to enable us to get away from the feelings of anger and getting back at our enemies.  He is calling us to be those ambassadors and spokesmen for Christ.  He doesn’t want us to become hardened; but, He is offering to work through our lives. Lord, please use us as we offer ourselves to you!