Sleep Well!

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Too often we miss the joys . . . and the opportunities . . . of today because we are worried about tomorrow. How that must sadden God’s heart. He has already taken care of tomorrow. My grandson once wrote about embracing the journey. We need to embrace the journey of each day, accomplishing all God has called us to do–that day. Embracing the grace and peace and love Jesus has for us–that day. And when we go to sleep each night, we need to rest in peace, knowing that He is already in the tomorrow.

“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT

2018-9-17

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Give It All to Him

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2018-9-12So often when we are hurting, we ask Jesus to help us . . . but we cling to some of the painful or ugly pieces. Unforgiveness. Anger. Fear. Hopelessness. Our healing can’t be complete until we give all the pieces to the Healer . . . and trust His way. His plan. His unconditional love.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Isaliah 26:3 NLT

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.
Psalm 18:2 NLT

 

 

God Is Always Greater!

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But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.

1 John 4:4 NLT

For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God is my strong fortress, and he makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights.

2 Samuel 22:32-34 NLT

2018-8-28

Only Through Christ

Karen BurkettLeave a comment

joseph-before-pharaohJoseph was one of my late husband’s favorite Bible people. I think he is one of mine too. You are probably familiar with his story. His jealous brothers sold him into slavery and told their father he was dead. But Joseph kept his eyes on God, no matter what his circumstances. Serving Potiphar as a slave, Joseph accomplished so much that he rose to being Potiphar’s “right hand man.” Because God was with him and God blessed him. Then he was unfairly accused and thrown into prison. Again, God was with him and he became an assistant to the head jailer. He succeeded wherever he was.

By now, Joseph could have been feeling pretty good about himself. He could have started patting himself on the back for all his accomplishments . . . especially in difficult circumstances. But we know that didn’t happen. He continued to recognize that God was in control and it was only by His hand that Joseph had excelled and been promoted wherever he was.

How do we know Joseph still credited God for blessing him? Pharaoh had him brought out of prison to interpret a dream that troubled him.

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream last night, and no one here can tell me what it means. But I have heard that when you hear about a dream you can interpret it.” Genesis 41:15 NLT

If Joseph had fallen into the trap of crediting himself for his successes, this would have been a prime opportunity to tell Pharaoh, “Sure, I can do that” and hope Pharaoh would reward him. But that is not what Joseph did.

“It is beyond my power to do this,” Joseph replied. “But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease.” Genesis 41:16 NLT

He honored God. And God rewarded him in unimaginably marvelous ways.

God has given each of us gifts and talents. As we develop those gifts and talents, it is so easy to allow a lie to oh so subtly invade our minds. The lie that we are pretty good. The lie that says, I’ve accomplished so much. The lie that perhaps whispers to us, I can do pretty much anything. I am really good at this. Just look at my track record.

When that happens, we need to humble ourselves before God and seek forgiveness. We need to recognize our dependence on Him.

Yes, we can do anything He is calling us to do. But only through Christ.

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NLT

 

 

Home

Karen Burkett2 Comments

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Recently at church a chorus we sang include the phrase, “You are my refuge, my home.” You are my home. That resonated with me. I recalled the way I feel during my quiet times with the Lord. I feel at home.

Home is supposed to be our refuge. A place we feel safe. A place we can relax and be ourselves. A place we can be encouraged and comforted. A place where we are loved unconditionally. Being in the presence of God offers all that and more.

I know that ultimately our eternal home is in heaven. This earth is not our home. But we can sense that feeling of being home during those moments we quietly spend with Jesus, letting the world fade from our thoughts and focusing on Him.

I encourage you not to neglect your opportunities to be “home.” Don’t get too busy to spend time with Jesus. Be willing to shut out the world and truly experience the joys of spending time at home with Him.

“Be still, and know that I am God!”
Psalm 46:10