Tag: Jesus

busyness verses worship, taking time to reflect, prayerful picture, remembering the Reason for Christmas inspirational picture

“Busy, Busy, Busy”

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All busyness is not good. Any productivity expert will tell you that if your busyness pulls you away from your goal instead of toward it, then it is just that—busyness. In the end, it amounts to nothing when it works against the results we desire.

So let me ask you: What are your desired results for this season?
Is your busyness bringing you closer to them?

This time of year is always full—and often too full. As Christmas approaches, our schedules tend to get thrown off balance. There are extras of everything: extra celebrations, extra events (especially if you have children performing in pageants, plays, or musicals), extra shopping with extra thought given to meals and gifts, and extra planning for all the details surrounding this special season.

These “extras” have become synonymous with Christmas. And while celebrations are wonderful, it’s worth asking: If all these extras distract us from our main reason for celebrating, then what is their purpose?
Have they drained the joy from the very reason we should be joyful?

Everyone carries their own expectations for this season, but perhaps it’s time to realign our hearts. Maybe we should adjust our perspective until we can look beyond all the preparations and remember the true Reason for the season: the birth of Christ.

Maybe it’s time to set the busyness aside and carve out quiet moments of reflection. We might reread the biblical account of our Lord’s birth slowly and meditatively. We could spend time with writings that highlight the true story of Christmas, or watch films and performances that tell the narrative of the nativity. Immersing ourselves in these stories can reawaken the wonder we often lose amid the rush.

Celebrations are good, but the reason for celebrating is greater, and it should never be overshadowed by our agendas. Let us remember where our true joy comes from:

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
—Isaiah 9:6

May He be the desire of our hearts—not only in this season, but all year long.

Blessings~

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Isaiah 7:14 – “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

Matthew 1:18-23 – “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

Luke 1:30-35 – “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.
He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”

Luke 2:7-14 – “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

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Promises That Are Still True!

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Promises. Oh, my dear ones, the Bible is full of them. Each one is a God-breathed word to His people: “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us” (2 Corinthians 1:20). And let me reassure you, not one of them will ever fail or fall to the ground as a non-existent thing.

Today, as you face this day, you may encounter things, situations, or even people who speak against those God-breathed promises for your life. You may even wrestle with thoughts regarding His promises for yourself. Nevertheless, as true as they were when He originally inspired them. As true as they were when those heavenly assurances were written by the Spirit into the heart and by the hand of the one whom He spoke through, they are still true today.

Not only are they still true today, but they are still true today for you!

Don’t get comfortable with the idea of believing that somehow God’s promises are more for others, disqualifying yourself from accepting His holy offers.

No, my friend. As His child, those promises are just as much for you as if your very name were written in the Holy Book next to them. As He spoke for all of His children, so He speaks His promises to you.

With the possibility of facing many ups and downs in the day, the foundation of God’s Word doesn’t change, and in that Word live these promises we hold so dear. For they are our light even in the dark days.

Is there a word you need spoken over your life today? Is there an area where you feel depleted of strength? Is there an encouragement of hope you need to anchor yourself in during these moments? Search for it in His promises. Whatever issue, wisdom, encouragement, or guidance you seek, the answer is in His Book. It’s in the Holy Bible.

Lean upon His Word today. Let His promises fill the crevices that may need extra support. He won’t fail you. His promises will always remain true and in effect.

My Friends, there are sooooooo many promises of God that still remain true to this day, and they always will be. I chose these few to share with you from my heart to yours. I pray that each one will speak life into your life today, and you will feel the embrace of the Father through His written word. May your heart be strengthened as you click on each one and read the encouragement they offer. Blessings~

PROMISES THAT ARE STILL TRUE!

You Are Held: “By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.” Psalm 71:6

You Are Special: “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalm 139:14

You Are Not Alone: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world,” Matthew 28:20b

You Are Important: “How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!” Psalm 139:17.

And, You Make a Difference to God: “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” Luke 15:7

Top Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, X, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc, to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. 

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Perfect Weakness

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“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9a

“I am my own worst critic.” How many of us have made that declaration?

And yet, it can be so true. We begin an endeavor with a certain picture in our minds of how it should work, but when it doesn’t, we think we have failed. We feel like we haven’t done that good a job.

Recently, I struggled with this feeling when delivering a sermon. And before I could get into a total pity-party about it, I felt what I believe to be a nudging from the Holy Spirit, reminding me, it’s not about me. What if the way I delivered that sermon was the exact way someone who was struggling needed to hear the message? What if, where I felt weak, was the place God wanted to use during that moment?

People really do not like to talk about personal weaknesses.

Why? Simply put, because it makes them feel imperfect. As if there is some sort of lack or deficiency.

Society celebrates strength. The world celebrates strength. History celebrates strength.

Look around our world, and you won’t have to go far to see signs of strength and ingenuity everywhere. Actually, I am more impressed by the works of our forefathers than some of the modern-day advances. They, because they started, engineered, and built societies, systems, and marvels without the history, know-how, and help of the things we heavily rely on today.

They were the pioneers of inventions that set the course for many others to follow. Yet, with them and the advances of today, geniuses, strongmen, and influencers, what many don’t recognize is that there is still a lack. The imperfect cannot dole out the perfect.

And while we appreciate their efforts and work done, if they become a source of fixation for us, as if they are a measuring rod of success, know that they are a fallible source to compare and lean upon.

So, what do we do when we need that true measuring rod? Where do we lean in the hard times? When we can’t figure out the next step, who shows us the way? When we feel like we are at the end of our rope, with no more strength to continue, then where do we turn? Where does our help come from?

The psalmist very plainly reminds us, “My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth,” (Psalm 121:2). A truth the apostle Paul had come to know when God spoke to him in his time of hardship, saying, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness,” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

For all of his advances, works, missionary journeys, and more, that great apostle had come to know that he could never lean on his own strength, human intellect, and inventiveness. In fact, he had matured significantly in his faith. As he plainly stated in Philippians 3:8, the worthlessness of all his successes was overshadowed by the “excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ.”

And when it came to the testimony of being “caught up to the third heaven” (2 Cor. 12:2), an experience that could well make one want to vaunt himself, he suffered a “thorn in the flesh” moment (2 Cor. 12:7) where only leaning upon God’s grace and strength could see him through.

We can easily become fixated on the great stories and accomplishments of others, and we tend to view their experiences through rose-colored glasses. Yet, what the apostle Paul’s experience teaches us, along with many others, is that they are still just humans like us. Although their stories may astound us at times (and rightfully so), for them to see the end God intended for them, they still had to rely, not on their performance or know-how, but on His grace and strength in those moments.

It is not only okay to work in the gifts, callings, and strengths God has blessed each of us with – it is expected. But know, at the end of the day, it is never about us. Even with the most promising feats of ingenuity, if God and His purposes are not at the center of our resourcefulness and strength to carry it through, then we are drawing from a well that will soon run dry.

But when we lean into Him, and recognize that His “strength is made perfect in weakness,” – even what appears to be failing can turn into a fantastic end of our story when it is God we lean upon and not ourselves or others.

Whenever you feel weak, my friend, consider this: this may be the perfect thing that God wants to use at the moment. Let your weakness rest in God’s perfect strength and do as Proverbs instructs: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding,” (3:5).

“Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:9b-10

Blessings ~

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, X, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc, to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. 

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There’s Beauty in Work

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As we are coming down to the end of the week, most are ready to divorce themselves from the idea of and the word work. Looking forward to the weekend ahead, attaching oneself to the daily grind is the last thing on the mind.

But today I want to encourage you just in case the daily grind has been grinding too hard, and you may feel a little discouraged – there is beauty in the work that you do. Your labor, assignments, business, and service you do for others matters and is to be respected.

Now, before you take a weary second glance at the words beauty and work coming together as one in the title, I want you to consider a few things that make work beautiful. But before we get to that, I want to reassure you that work is something many struggle with daily. Even the most stout-hearted and dedicated individuals will have times when they must muster up their willpower and grudgingly, get on with their day.

Work is honorable. In the very beginning, when God created Adam, one of the first things He did was give Adam jobs to do such as grounds to till and animals to name (Genesis 2:15, 19, 20).

Our Heavenly Father is a worker, and He has never promoted laziness or idleness amongst His children (see Proverbs 6:6, 9-11; 2 Thessalonians 3:10, and many more).

He is a very on-purpose God, and I believe being made in His image that we are people of purpose. We each have tasks that we can do and, in their doing, we can bring glory to our Heavenly Father (Colossians 3:23, 24).

Work produces. One of my favorite things to watch on streaming devices is videos about modern homesteading. And if I have learned anything from them it is this, if you are going to venture into this lifestyle, to have any sort of farm or productive garden and the like, it is going to take work, and lots of it.

But at the end of it all, my friends, there is a harvest. And it is only through the effort one puts into what they do that will allow them to see a reward in the end.

Your work doesn’t have to involve farmwork to reap a harvest of produce. Production comes from the efforts of any work be it at home with the kids, behind a desk in the office, in the operating room, walking the police beat, or any of the multitudes of services of employment offered through and to people.

Whatever and wherever your place of employment finds you, you will produce a result from what you put into a job well done.

And when that job is well done, it brings not only productivity and harvests, but it brings its own measure of satisfaction.

Two of my favorite times of the day are in the morning when the day is still new and there’s nothing but possibilities ahead. And then there is the tucking in at night when the jobs of the day are done. It is with great satisfaction that I put the day to rest knowing that I did my best, knowing that none of my work is in vain.

Work is not an ugly word. It is very beautiful and what comes at the end of it, no matter what form it takes, is very beautiful as well.

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Ecclesiastes 9:10

Text Free Image by congerdesign from Pixabay

Head on over to “You Have to Work It!” for another encouraging read and be blessed.

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, X, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. 

Inspirational and encouraging picture about trusting God even when we can't see it based on Joseph's story of being sold into Egyptian slavery

“Your Behind-the-Scenes Success!”

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Genesis 37-41

Details. You either love them or hate them. When it comes to daily tasks, details can be a bit overwhelming when you are trying to figure out the minutest specifics of all that needs to be done.

Yet, when it comes to our future, especially regarding its outcome, details can be beneficial in planning and preparing. Our hopes are to receive a favorable ending to our story. And while details help us along toward specific goals in the natural world, when it comes to our spiritual walk, specific details of every move we make or every journey we walk through aren’t often given to us.

Take the story of Joseph, for instance. He was next to the next-to-youngest of twelve exceptional boys born to Jacob. Exceptional because they would become known later as the twelve tribes of Israel.

Being the firstborn of Rachel (the woman whom Jacob loved and willingly worked for to marry), Joseph received favors and preferential treatment from his father. If the evidence of his being treated favorably wasn’t there before, surely the multi-colored coat given to him signaled it loud and clear.

Joseph was not only unique in being Rachel’s firstborn and Daddy’s favorite. He was also blessed with a special gift revolving around dreams. Unfortunately for him, this gifting led to acquiring ire from his older brothers, who were more than likely already miffed at his exalted treatment.

This, in turn, provoked a plan of deception that would rid them of their problem with this bothersome brother. Deviating from killing him because their hatred so stirred them, they sold him into slavery.

There, his story pans out over several years of slavery, work, favor, and imprisonment. It seemed that when Joseph tried to do right, he was rewarded with lies, accusations, and being forgotten by those he helped. But while he was doing right and being a help to others, God was working behind the scenes to bring his story to a successful conclusion.

God was marching Joseph forward, unknown to himself, to the place of his maximum usefulness for that era. Whether it is readily apparent or not, God was with him even in a place where he may have felt alone, forgotten, and abandoned.

The details we see before us are obvious. They are obvious because they are visible. But like Joseph, our stories have more layers to them than just what the eye can see or human reasoning can understand.

In Genesis 39:2, we read, “And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.”

In Genesis 39:21, it tells us, “But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”

And in the New Testament we are told, “And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him” (Acts 7:9).

Joseph lived his life in an honorable manner. He did not have the benefit of Scripture that would let him know that everything was going to work out in his favor; that the LORD was with him in the unseen details.

But He was. And God is with us also. Numerous times Scripture reminds us of this beautiful fact:

“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee…” Isaiah 43:2

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God…” Isaiah 41:10

“… I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20

“… the upright shall dwell in thy presence.” Psalm 140:13

“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16, and so many more.

In the extraordinary moves of life, we may readily point out, “God is with me!” But what His word assures us of is that in those moments where we cannot easily feel Him or understand the hardness of the situation we are dealing with, He is there.

Joseph’s story shares this truth with us, as well as Job’s, and many others who endured hardship, suffered trials, fought battles, and more.

But even when you can’t see how God is working things out behind the scenes, know that He is. What may not be apparent in details to others or even to you is clear before God, who knows the beginning from the end.

He has a plan for you (Jeremiah 29:11). Just keep living honorably and in faith. Grab hold of the truth of Scripture laden with the promise of His presence, and believe, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

In the end, Joseph, who was sold, accused, and forgotten, was elevated to the second-highest position in the land. I can’t promise your story will end with such exaltation. But what I can tell you is that no matter how your story unfolds, keep your faith in God, not in the details you can see, and know that in the end, God can make it work for good (Romans 8:28).

Your behind-the-scenes success is in God. Trust Him even when the details aren’t apparent.

More Inspiration:

“God is Working It Out!”

“Forget, and Be Fruitful!”

“You Don’t Need to Know Everything!”

“… Because of God”

“Dream Big!”

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, X, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. 

Romans 1:20 inspirational picture, Psalm 19:1 inspirational picture about God and creation,

“Look Around, and See!”

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Oh, dear ones, creation has a story to tell.  It tells the story of God (of what He wants disclosed), and it gives one ample grounds to believe.

From the beginning of time, people have tried, and are still trying to explain away the creation story.  With everything from unproven theories to speculative claims, they lead many on a lost road of unbelief, erasing God from the picture altogether.

Yet, when we raise our windows and experience that fresh air He produces, there is no man-made scent in the world that can mimic it and give you the same sense of peace and well-being as what He created.  All of creation is put together by His intelligent design, and there is not one area that lacks the touch of His wisdom.

Everything from the intricacies of the human body, with all of its systems and how it works right down to the food chain of the world and how every species created is covered. Taking into account that if one link of that chain is missing, the system around it begins to suffer and crumble.

Looking out into our vast universe and even in the realm of our own planet, we see everything aligned perfectly in place to give us what we need to be nurtured and not harmed. 

Take into account the Earth’s positioning. It is close enough to the sun that we are cared for in warmth and food and all those other good benefits, but not too close to damage us.

That’s all because God perfectly called these things forth and placed everything in its optimal place of functionality by His divine power and wisdom.

It was Martin Luther who said, “God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees, and flowers, and clouds, and stars.” Can you see it?

My friend, everywhere we turn, there is evidence of God moving throughout creation: “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse,” (Romans 1:20).

Some may try to attribute what they feel or experience to “being one with the universe” or “mother nature,” or some other misguided belief, but all evidence of creation points to God and God alone. 

The world we live in tries to contradict not only the beauty He originally designed in the creation, but it also comes against the idea of God as the author of it all.

The interruption of evil in this world and in the hearts of man may have caused a separation from the divine truth, but because of the evidence that Paul states is “clearly seen,” it leaves all mankind “without excuse.”  

God has always been “before all things, and by him all things consist” (Col. 1:17), and it is up to each human heart to accept that truth or not.  No exceptions.  No excuses.

The very skies, trees, flowers, wind, and weather – and even our own beings- tell creation’s beautiful story. Take a deep breath in. Open your heart and consider. Open your eyes and discern. Look around, and see! The Creator of all of this is awaiting your believing response.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” Psalm 19:1

Photo by Andre Moura on Pexels.com

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, X, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. 

“Therefore, I Have Hope!”

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Inspirational picture of hope from Lamentations 3:21

As I was praying this morning, I was walking back and forth, as I sometimes do, and my eyes settled on a special plate and saucer set mounted on my shelf. It is from the Liberty Blue collection. I acquired these pieces years ago at Goodwill because I loved their aesthetic. Not knowing their value, I only picked up these few pieces and left the others there. And yes, I’m still kicking myself over it today.

I have a fondness for things of the past. If you were to describe the aesthetic of my home, I would call it “cozy vintage.” I love to incorporate things of bygone years into the design of my house. And while my whole home doesn’t emanate this style, there are many pieces that do. They remind me of simpler times. Their beauty, for me, is in the feelings they evoke of a bygone era.

Sadly, all our days of remembering are not filled with such fondness. When we look through our history, there may be experiences and events we wish we could change. Things that we would desire the outcome to be different.

Unfortunately, we cannot undo history. But what we can do is lean into the faithfulness of God and remember how He brought us through.

The Book of Lamentations was written by the prophet Jeremiah. In it, he expresses his grief and sadness over the now fallen Jerusalem. The people had turned a deaf ear to the warnings of God sent through the mouth of the prophet, and now tragedy has taken hold of the land. Destruction, hurt, and pain are mixed in the rubble of the ruins from the invasion of the enemy. Their future as a nation looks dismal at best.

But then there comes a shift in Jeremiah’s thinking. Something beautiful began to rise in his heart that could not be extinguished by the disaster that surrounded him. And that beautiful uprising is called hope. This prompted him to pen the familiar words of Lamentations 3:21: “This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.”

Jeremiah could have continued to wallow in sorrow with the belief that their case was beyond help, without hope. Instead, he chose to lean upon the faithfulness of God, Who always gives us a reason to hope. Rather than letting the feelings of dismay and despair overwhelm him and execute their language into his life – in the middle of this rehearsal of the negative, he chose to rewrite the narrative of how he would personally view this story. He chose to interject a praise of the positive, which was the faithfulness of God (Lam. 3:22, 23).

And we can do the same. While there may be hard parts of the story, there is a wonderful part: God Himself. The daily news may be littered with hopelessness, but our story declares that because of God, we still have hope.

“This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope!” Like Jeremiah, we can have a made-up mind to focus on all that God had previously done, remembering how He had moved in times past. Recalling the positives of His faithfulness will help us to store an arsenal of truth for the days ahead.

More Inspiring Articles:

“Remeber What the LORD Thy God Did!”

“His Promise!”

“Encouragement While Enduring”

“The Great Acts of the LORD”

“A Trip Down Memory Lane”

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, X, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. 

Limiting God | Reposting Encouragement

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Today, I am reposting encouragement. May you walk in the fullness of God’s unlimited blessings, because almost everybody wants to see a mighty move of God in their life.  But often, some things get in God’s way; obstacles that act as barriers to blessings.  There are two very specific items I want to deal with in this article that the Bible clearly shows us to be things that limit God’s power to work in an individual’s or a people’s life.

But, before I move any further in this article, I want to clarify a few things: 1) Just because one may be in the waiting process, it doesn’t mean these items that are going to be discussed apply to that individual or their situation.  Sometimes, for His own wise reasons, God just has us waiting for His right time to move.  And, 2) The two items that are going to be listed here are not the only things that form themselves as a blockade to one’s blessings.  A truly seeking heart will prayerfully peel back the layers of self for a close-up examination of the inner man to see if there is anything else that may be getting in the way.

As I was reading my Bible, I came across Psalm 78:41, which states, “Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.”  This psalm recites Israel’s history, and it highlights several of their rebellious moments.  Particularly, God’s deliverance of them from Egypt, and their provocation of Him in the wilderness, through sin.  The verse above brings out those same disobedient actions as limiting God.  Their sin made a mark or drew a line, prohibiting them from the fullness of God and what He had to offer.  Rather, they ended up provoking Him to anger.

Disobedience is one thing that will definitely limit God’s ability to work in you, through you, and for you.  Disobedience evicted Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-11) when God’s blessing was for them to live in paradise.  Disobedience turned Lot’s wife into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:17, 26) when God’s blessings wanted to deliver them from that city of sin.  Disobedience caused Jonah to end up in the belly of a fish (Jonah 1:3, 15-17) when God’s blessing was for him to be a great witness to a great city.  And, there are oodles of more cases noted in the Bible.  Disobedience will always forfeit God’s best in one’s life.

As I was pondering this verse in the Psalm about limiting God, I was reminded of a time when Jesus wasn’t able to do great works in Nazareth, His hometown.  Matthew 13:58 tells us, “And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.”  He was limited by their unbelief.

Now, we all know by now Jesus’ ability to do absolutely anything.  One thing He won’t do is infringe, encroach upon, or overstep one’s belief.  Mankind is a creature made with free will.  It is His hope and desire that one would fully believe who He is and all that He says He can do.  But it is a choice that every individual must make, by faith, for himself or herself.

The Bible tells us in no uncertain terms that, “Without faith it is impossible to please him:” (or, to agree with Him), “for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him,” (Hebrews 11:6).

God is the God of all possibilities, but a lack of faith and belief will hinder those possibilities.  Unbelief caused the first group that attempted to enter the Promised Land to be made to turn back (Hebrews 3:19).  God’s best wasn’t for them to wander in the wilderness for forty years.  His blessing was for them to go in and possess it at that time.  Their own unbelief refused the blessing for them.  Going back to Psalm 78 in the recitation of their history, there are other noted instances where the unbelief of the people came to the forefront (Psalm 78:22, 32).

In the New Testament, if it had not been for Jesus on the boat with His disciples, they may have perished in the storm.  Jesus had already done miracles and even taught many powerful parables, but when the storm blew, they freaked out and asked Jesus, “Master, carest thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4:38).  But after Jesus stilled the storm He asked them this one question: “How is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:40).  Faith matters.

Back to Jesus’ experience in Nazareth, in parallel verses found in Mark, the Bible tells us, “He marvelled because of their unbelief” (Mark 6:6).

God, throughout the Bible, wants the best for His people.  God would rather add blessings to our account rather than subtract them.  If God blesses and takes care of the birds of the air and the grass in the field (Matthew 6:25-29), “shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith,” (Matthew 6:30).

But He says in Matthew, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you,” (Matthew 6:33; emphasis added).  Go after a life of obedience and faith!  Reject those hindrances to the blessings.  The things that stand in one’s way and limit God’s moving in their life have to be put down so that He can raise His people higher.

We hear a lot of inspirational messages dealing with the subject of “No Limits.”  And, that’s wonderful!  But, in order to have a life of no limits, one needs to make sure God isn’t being limited in their life through disobedience and unbelief.

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“Don’t Romanticize Life!”

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Cultivating Slow Living

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If you have ever spent time in a garden, you know to get the most out of what you are planting, you must first spend time cultivating the soil. This involves preparing the soil to support the life of the seed or the plant. It is about nourishing and amending the soil. This ensures it will have all the healthful benefits needed to reach full maturity and fruitfulness.

Many want fruitfulness. However, the way we have been pursuing it has left many less than satisfied. They feel deflated, worn out, and frazzled because of all it takes to reach it in this world of demands.

Our modern culture allows us to do many things. This increase in perceived productivity has been helpful in some areas while taking its toll on others.

The physical, emotional, and mental burnout that people have come to equate with success has created dissatisfaction. This has awakened a not-so-silent call for a better way to live. There must be more than this constantly rushing about.

Many have become aware of the unhealthy way our over-rushed and overworked culture has pushed us forward and the term “slow living” has regained our attention. Dealing with constant busyness and hurried lifestyles has caused some to take a step back. In this, they reflect and reevaluate what is really a priority for them to have a wholesome, balanced, and healthy life. And what many are finding out is that there is a real need to put space on the calendar or the everyday routine of life to let go, and get slow.

Slow, misunderstood, and used wrongly, can be viewed as laziness. But slow can be beautiful because you are deciding to be purposeful with your life. Moving forward at a hundred miles an hour is not your goal, rather you account that people and life, in general, are made for so much more than mere zooming by without the time for deep connections. So, you take the time to love, nourish, be intentional, and simply live and enjoy all the ways God has blessed you.

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You are cultivating, on purpose, the ground of your life to support more than agendas and achievements. The abundance you are desiring cannot be confined to such trivial things. The greatest example is in our relationship with Christ.

Jesus promised us an abundant life (John 10:10). That abundance is not about forcing or focusing on things we can gain in this world or material wealth. The richest thing one can invest in to be more intentional with the life they have been given is more of Him. That cannot happen if we are always distracted by constantly doing and never taking the time to sit and be where He is (Luke 10:40-42).

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10).

Cultivating slow living is not about shirking responsibilities or approaching life with a lackadaisical attitude. This is about valuing everything I have been given, especially the people in my life, and I want to care for each and honor each in a way that lets them know I esteem them, I am here for them, and I love them. I want to use this life in a way that pleases God by stewarding well what He has given me and not have my focus continually on climbing some invisible ladder of success.

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Think about what pursuit has you running about at a hurried pace today? The Bible tells us, “He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour” (Proverbs 21:21).

It is so easy to get caught up in what has been dubbed “the rat race,” but our daily living is made for more. These days, people, and moments are gifts to us by our Heavenly Father and we are encouraged about how we spend our time with each (Ephesians 5:15, 16).

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven”
Ecclesiastes 3:1

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Changing what we pursue and how we pursue it will make our lives a lot less stressful. Take time today to slow down, prioritize, and recenter on what matters most. There is so much more to life, and we don’t want to miss it.

So, how do we make this change?

  • Prioritize – Look where you are now and what you want your tomorrow to look like. To achieve your desired outcome, what can you let go of or shave down some so that you don’t always feel at your wit’s end. I can attest to the fact that often we take on more than we are capable of in any given season. Laying something aside right now doesn’t mean it’s not important; it just means it doesn’t fit in with the season of life I’m in right now. So we prioritize, bringing out the best without being overburdened with things that can wait.
  • Recenter – Once you have strained out the main priorities for your right-now season, you can recenter and mark your path forward. When using a GPS, sometimes I look at the overview screen of the trip to see the highways and streets we must travel ahead of us. But when I need to get back to dealing with where I am currently on my journey, I need to hit the recenter button. While it’s okay to think about the future (the Bible encourages this often), we must also pay attention to where we are in our present moment. What needs our immediate attention right now? How much strength, time, and commitment can I put into this right now? These are important questions to ask. We often get hurried and over-stressed because we want to deal with all the right-now stuff the along with the what-ifs of the future stacked on top of it. Most of the daily things we deal with can be broken down into more manageable tasks and delegated to other times. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing (an attitude that overworks us).
  • Go slow – take a deep breath and move forward at a manageable pace. There have been times I have prayed and asked God to help me steward this day or for the best way to handle the tasks in front of me. He, who is the “Ancient of Days” (Daniel 7:9), has the wisdom and strength your day needs. Trust Him with your schedule. We are given gifts to be productive, but remember, God, who is the Author of those gifts, is also the Author of rest (Genesis 2:2,3). Not just with the Sabbath, but throughout Scripture, His call to rest is a call to trust in what He is doing in your life during this season. We become filled with ideas and inspirations and want to put the pedal to the metal and give it our all. And that’s fine. But if you are feeling burned out and extremely overwhelmed, you have to question is this what God has for me in this season, or is it me rushing ahead? And if we feel it is the Lord’s leading, perhaps we need to revisit steps 1 and 2 to be sure we have shaved unnecessary things away for now.
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Don’t be disheartened. Schedules often need to be revisited to see if everything we have going on right now is for our optimal good. Recently, I have personally had to revisit how I approach certain tasks, and it is helping me see that although I love my routines, some routines or expectations may not work for certain periods of life. We must be willing to move and adjust when feeling led or if we feel like this particular thing isn’t working for now, and trust God with the outcome.

We want to cultivate a life where we are productive under God’s grace without completely feeling exhausted and stressed as if we are being buried under the burden of each day’s demands. Sometimes, slowing down will help us to do just that. Enjoy this life God has given.

Blessings ~

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, X, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details.