Tag: #Godatwork

CELEBRATING GOD’S GOODNESS

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works—and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.  –Psalm 145:3-7  (NIV)

It is important to share and celebrate God’s goodness with each other to help build our faith. I need to boast about God’s faithfulness in providing weekly inspiration to share for 10 years through this website, with this reflection being #484!  

 

For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you.  –Psalm 71:5-6  (NIV)

I celebrate God’s goodness, which has always given me a love for Him, even as a child.  In the last four years, that love has grown stronger and more intimate.  I have always enjoyed going to church for as long as I can remember.  When looking back on my life, I also reflect on the fact that I experienced God’s presence when I was at the ocean, and that also continues to this day. Seeing the beauty of the natural world has awed me and brought me closer to God.

 

Growing up, I never realized  until my late teens it seemed that God gave me a connection to and love for the written word. It was then that God put two people in my path who shared their faith with me, which helped me see God’s presence more. Through those interactions, I came to realize that I could better process and express myself through the written word rather than by sharing verbally. That began my journey of penning thoughts. I had no idea that 30 years later, God would lead me to begin writing weekly on a website and publish four books to date.  It was never something I even remotely considered. I am not an English major, but we know God uses all of us in different ways if we have a willing heart to say “yes” to Him. I do recall, though, that in my early teens, God told me some day I would do something greater for Him. I believe that these past 10 years of writing were the something greater.  He can use our ordinary lives to bring Him glory.

 

 

Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods.  –1 Chronicles 16:24-25  (NLT) & –Psalm 96:3-4  (NLT)

God used the Christian band, Third Day, to inspire me to join social media, which is when I met some online Christian bloggers who wrote to share their faith. One person had started penning short daily reflections that helped to inspire me to see if I could write weekly inspiration. This person also gave me information on how to start the website that I still have today.  I remember stepping out in faith on September 5, 2014, publishing my first reflection—a “test” to see if God would provide weekly inspiration. As we know, God has been faithful for 10 years and counting.  What a beautiful adventure it has been.   

 

 

God has taught me three main lessons throughout this time:

1-God provides.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  –Philippians 4:19  (ESV)

It has been a beautiful journey to see how I’ve grown in confidence and trust that God will provide inspiration each week as I seek to share His goodness. Some weeks are more challenging than others, when doubts arise, but God provides a level of peace in my spirit when it seems “right.” I have learned to let go of some of the control that I think I have and put my faith into action.       

2-God is always working in our lives, even though we don’t see it.

So, because Jesus was doing these things [healings] on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders began to persecute him. In his defense Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.”  –John 5:16-17  (NIV)

This Scripture tells us that both God and Jesus are always at work in our lives, whether we see it or not. Through the first five years of writing, I always felt it was difficult to get people to take time and read each week. I had no idea God, working in my life, was orchestrating people to encourage me to publish a book and also to meet, in person, an author from Texas, who would later self-publish my work. Publishing books has led me to share my books with strangers I meet, which has provided a way I am able to reach more people and help spread God’s Word. Everything is in God’s perfect timing, even if we are not aware.

3-God provides beautiful orchestrations.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.  –Romans 8:28  (NLT)

This has always been my favorite Scripture verse since I was a teen. God wants the best for us and provides beautiful orchestrations in our lives. He can even make good come from evil things in our lives. Throughout the last 10 years, I have been blessed to meet and learn many people’s stories, which is so beautiful. The people I have encountered continue to inspire and encourage me as we journey together. Stepping out in faith to share a book with a stranger often leads to a beautiful, spiritual relationship.  

Be encouraged this week to…
…celebrate a way you see God’s goodness in your life.
…thank God for a need He provided.
…trust God is working on something in your life that you aren’t aware of yet.
…wait with expectation to see God’s beautiful orchestrations.

 

REFLECTION:
What great deed of God do you need to proclaim?
What orchestration did God provide that you noticed later?

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.  –2 Corinthians 9:8  (ESV) 

Note: I will take a week or two off in order to spend quality vacation time with my family. Feel free to visit the site and read a reflection or two at any time! God bless~

HOLY MOMENTS

If you know me personally or have read many of my weekly reflections or books, you probably know that I often experience God moments. For me, a God moment is something that happens that reminds me of God’s presence, His love, or His goodness. I describe it as something that can’t just happen by chance but rather is the result of a greater power called God at work. Continue reading “HOLY MOMENTS”

STRANGER BLESSINGS

God brought a new spiritual friend into my life through His divine orchestration. I was at a church event where we watched a video, had table discussions, and had a time of communal prayer. The leader mentioned there was a gentleman at his table who would be returning to Florida, where he lives. During the prayer time, I heard the man from Florida share a prayer request. It was then that I had the inkling to share a book of mine with him at the end. He was busy talking with two or three people, so I was just going to leave. That was until the lady next to me at my table said, “Did you bring your book to give to someone specific or just in case you needed one?” I replied, “Well, thanks for asking; it was just in case, and at prayer time, I felt I was supposed to give it to the man from Florida. Thanks for inspiring me to follow up on that inkling.” Continue reading “STRANGER BLESSINGS”

TRAGEDIES

Do you sometimes question what God is doing in your life especially when tragedies come along?  Do you cry out to God asking, “Why are you doing this to me?”

The book of Job shares insights into a good way to view and handle tragedies in our life.

 

The forty-two chapters of the book share the story of a wealthy, upright, and faithful man, Job.  Satan, the accuser, was roaming the earth seeking whomever he could destroy.  God and Satan were conversing:

Then the Lord asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil. And he has maintained his integrity, even though you urged me to harm him without cause.”  Satan replied to the Lord, “Skin for skin! A man will give up everything he has to save his life.  But reach out and take away his health, and he will surely curse you to your face!”  “All right, do with him as you please,” the Lord said to Satan. “But spare his life.”  –Job 2:3-6  (NLT)

We learn Job lived a blameless, holy life and had much respect for God.  His life embodied integrity.  Satan was sure he could get Job to curse God if he sent tragedy to his life.  God had faith in Job, and His only request was Satan could not take Job’s life.

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Job owned a large number of oxen, donkeys, sheep, camels, and servants. They all perished tragically through attacks, lightning strikes, and a tornado.  All of his children also died.

Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship.  He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!”  In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God.  –Job 1:20-22  (NLT)

Job, honestly acknowledged his pain and grief, yet exemplified faith. Despite all the “things” in his life being taken away, Job praises the name of the Lord and does not blame God for any of the tragedies!  He persevered and did not get angry with God.

Photo courtesy of Lewis_Satini under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0)

 

Satan inflicted painful sores, from the soles of Job’s feet to the top of his head, in another attempt at getting Job to curse God.

His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!”  He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.  –Job 2:9-10  (NIV)

Even Job’s wife believes Job should curse God.  Job stands firm in his faith, knowing God is with us through the good and the bad. Under no circumstance would Job give in to curse God.

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 Three of Job’s friends told him he was suffering because of some sin or evil in his life. Job remained steadfast in his resolve to God. Job knew God was still in charge, despite the tragedies happening in his life.

At last Job spoke, and he cursed the day of his birth.  He said: “Let the day of my birth be erased, and the night I was conceived…”  –Job 3:1-3  (NLT)

Job sinks a bit into despondency listening to his friends, but Job refuses to curse God.  Instead, he curses the day of his birth.  He reasons the bad things happening are simply God’s will.  God is still faithful and good.

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The ending chapters of Job are conversations between God and Job, occurring in a storm.  Through this, Job experienced God’s presence in his suffering.  Ultimately, God blessed the latter part of Job’s life even more than the first because of his faithfulness.

Then Job replied to the Lord:  “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”  “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.  Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”  –Job 42:1-2; 5-6  (NIV)

Job remained faithful and trusted God, despite any circumstance in his life.  Not once did he blame God for the bad.  Job’s faith was in God, who he knew had the power to do anything and everything in his life.  He shows us how to persevere through any tragedy, knowing that everything works for the good of God.

 

Photo courtesy of Sapphire Dream Photography under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC 2.0)

 

Did you notice Job, not even once, asked

WHY the tragedies were happening?

 

Job modeled

“WHAT can I do with this tragedy? 
HOW can I glorify you, God, in this difficulty?”

 

 

May these lessons from Job’s life be a source of encouragement for you this week~

  • Live with integrity, knowing God is working in every situation, whether it is good or bad.
  • Acknowledge the tragedies in your life, rather than pretending they aren’t there.
  • Try praising the Lord and not blaming Him for the tragedies.
  • God is present in both the good and the bad.
  • Do not curse God for what happens in life.
  • Look for God’s presence in the storms of life.
  • God’s purposes always prevail.
  • Remain steadfast in faith and trust in the Lord.
  • Focus on “WHAT can I do with this tragedy?” and “HOW can I glorify God?”

 

 

I called on your name, O LORD, from the depths of the pit; you heard my plea, ‘Do not close your ear to my cry for help!’ You came near when I called on you; you said, ‘Do not fear!’ –Lamentations 3:55-57 (ESV)

LEARNING PEOPLE’S STORIES

God made each of us unique and thus we each have our own stories that make every one of us God’s special creation!

 

He is the potter and we are the clay as He molds and shapes our lives in different ways.  It is something that makes each of us His masterpieces with no two of us being alike; something that I am in awe of.  How it fascinates me to take time to listen and learn people’s stories. Continue reading “LEARNING PEOPLE’S STORIES”

IN THE WAITING

As you think about your faith journey have you experienced some seasons of waiting?

Waiting for the Lord to act or direct in some way, waiting for something to happen before you could take the next step in your life?

 

Was it a season of waiting….

…for the Lord to open doors for a ministry

…for healing a broken relationship

…for a prodigal’s return

…for chains of addiction to be broken

…for physical healing in your body

…for the Lord to bring your life partner into your life? Continue reading “IN THE WAITING”

A DECK OF CARDS

A Deck of Cards~~~

 

Did you ever think about how a deck of cards can remind us of the Bible and even help us to pray?

 

 

 

 

 

I will be honest and say I never did until a friend of mine shared a video with me where a magician was talking and performing a trick using a deck of cards. Hence this week these thoughts are expanded upon what was originally shared with that video. Continue reading “A DECK OF CARDS”

WORD OF THE YEAR

This week I will start with another confession…I am not one of those people who has a list of New Year’s Resolutions!  Ideally, it is a great idea—a new year, a fresh start, new resolutions. Maybe it has a little to do with not wanting to feel like a failure, if by chance, I don’t follow through with those resolutions.

One thing that I try to keep in mind though is that actually every day is a new day, a fresh start, new chances to improve our life in whatever way we feel led by His Spirit.  God’s mercies are new every day!

 

Toward the end of 2014 a friend of mine introduced me to a new concept; something called a “word of the year.”  I have adopted this practice since New Year’s 2015 and wanted to share it with you in the hopes that you will be inspired to implement this practice as well. In my humble opinion, it is something you can start and do at any point in the calendar year.

Doing this allows me to focus more on the positive, how I see God working in my life, rather than looking at the possible failure of not obtaining the resolutions I might have made.

 

 

The way this has worked in my life is, especially during the month of December, you start thinking and praying for the Lord to direct your “word of the year” for the following year.  Look for what theme or word the Lord brings along your path, in your Bible reading, people you interact with.  Maybe it is something you were struggling with the past year or that the Lord showed you to be more open to.

Once you have that peace about your word for the year the task is to keep on the lookout for how God will use that word powerfully in your life throughout the coming year.

 

Photo courtesy of Leonard J Matthews under Creative Commons License (CC BY-ND 2.0)

 

This year, the same friend of mine, introduced me to a Facebook group called “One Word 365 Community” where people share their word of the year, ways the Lord has used that word in their lives, even collages people make with their word and about the significance of their word in their lives.  It has been inspiring and very interesting to see all the different words and sharings that people were led to choose.

In fact, the thought has occurred to me that it would be an interesting thing to change the word each month as there are so many great and meaningful words that can inspire our walk with the Lord.

 

 

What is a blessing is to see how God will open your mind and heart to see how your word jumps out at you in different circumstances in your life throughout the year.  Be open to see God at work!  It always brings a smile to my face when I see Him!

In fact, at Christmas time this year, a friend sent me a card with only the word “Believe” on the front of it.  Continue reading to see why I had to share with her after how much it meant to me.

Depending on your word of the year, it is possible God would bring one of these passages to your sight throughout the year~

 

Photo courtesy of Charlotte90T under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

 

 

In case you were curious as to some possible word choices, I will share my words of the year, and what the word meant for me personally in my life journey, to give you an idea and maybe inspiration, in case you decide to try this practice in your life starting one day soon.

 

 

Helped me realize with Christ, I am empowered to do more than I ever thought or knew. It helped me gain confidence in who I am in Christ.

 

 

 

Helped me see I could grow in my faith, in my abilities, in my actions and have more faith in myself with Christ.

 

 

 

Helped me keep forefront in my mind that only with Christ do we have true hope; hope that everything works out for our best with Him.

 

 

 

Helped me focus on believing more than worry; put my faith and trust in Christ being in charge of all.

(Did you catch why the Christmas card I received was so meaningful? :))

 

2019-This year I ended up with TWO words!

 

was the first word I felt strongly about…

 

Action to follow that small, still voice right away; not delaying and merely thinking about it.  As Nike says, “Just Do It!”  Send a quick text or note to someone telling them you are praying for them, say that prayer right away for that person that comes to mind.

 

Shortly after, I felt strongly about the phrase…

 

 

 

Showing love not judgement for all people that I meet. Share that unconditional love that God shares and has for each one of us!  He does not judge us; He loves us unconditionally and is always waiting for us to return to Him.

 

I was confused a little in my mind about having the two words and as I was sharing that with my friend that started me on this word of the year, it occurred to me that in reality the two words work in unison as well as individually…..

I can put into ACTION that UNCONDITIONAL LOVE!

 

As an added bonus for me this year, because of joining the Facebook group I mentioned above, I found there is a gal there that has an etsy page, called Beautiful By His Design. She lovingly will create your “word of the year” using the calligraphy and water color combination that you request.  I think it is such a nice touch to have that simple reminder right before your eyes and love how mine turned out!

 

Can you help me finish this post?

If you are a person who already does this  word for the year, if you feel so inclined, please share your word and what it means to you, in the comment section below.

Conversely, if you are inspired to start this practice and in a few days of reflection come up with your word for the year, please stop back and post that as well.  It is a blessing to share and learn from each other!

 

The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease.  Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.  –Lamentations 3:22-23  (NLT)

PS I will not be posting next week as I am slated to be away; feel free to stop by anyway and read an old archive post or two!  Blessings~Hope to Inspire you!

 

THE LITTLE DETAILS

This holiday season, once again, I was reminded of how God is always at work even in the littlest of details in our lives~~a never ending ripple effect of Him.

Can you relate to that thought?

 

May my simple sharing help encourage you to see God working in the little details of your life as well.

Continue reading “THE LITTLE DETAILS”

OUR SUPERNATURAL GOD

As humans, don’t we tend to live and view life focusing on things that relate to our five senses in a humanly way?

The way we perceive life through our senses affects and influences the way we see God working.

Have you ever thought that God callS us to see Him working using our “spiritual” senses?

 

 

SIGHT…..What we can physically SEE with our eyes is what is usually our reality.

Maybe God is calling us to develop spiritual eyes to see how He is constantly working in our lives even if we do not physically see Him.

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”  –John 20:29  (NIV)

 

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SOUND….The things we can audibly HEAR with our ears from so many others is what we believe.

Maybe God is calling us to develop spiritual ears to hear His voice only; the only voice that matters.

“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.”  –John 10:27  (NIV)

 

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TASTE…The food we actually TASTE is what we seek more of.

Maybe God is calling us to develop spiritual food to seek more of Him…to taste how good He truly is.

Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!  –Psalm 34:8 (NLT)

 

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TOUCH…..With the sense of touch we can FEEL a gamut of emotions from anger to happiness.

Maybe God is calling us to develop a spiritual sense of His touch, with His compassion, in our lives.

Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!”  –Mark 1:41 (NLT)

 

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SMELL….The aromas we can SMELL can influence our moods.

Maybe God is calling us to develop a spiritual fragrance that is pleasing to Him.

For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.   –2 Corinthians 2:15 (NIV)

 

Continue reading “OUR SUPERNATURAL GOD”