a Mighty Word ~ still

"He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and He (God) guided them to their desired haven."  Psalm 107:29-30

What God did for them, He will also do for us.

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ because

the LORD says...
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

It's true BECAUSE God says so.

Father, in the midst of doubt and hardships help my faith increase enough to keep believing You and Your Word.  You are Faithful, You are Truth, You are in control.  Thank You.


friend, we are love and chosen  by God,
veneal

back off

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Closeup our situations and circumstances in life can appear ugly and daunting.  The hopelessness and darkness of the moment can be like a big black hole, sucking the life out of us and filling us with fear instead.  But God does not intend for us to live like that... in fear and distress.  He has a plan.
 
Father, when  we are overwhelmed and uncertainty is before us, help us to back off from the moment and trust You.  From Your perspective things take on a completely different look. You work beauty out of all things... in Your perfect time.

Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD will be your strength.


friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

The Answer...

“And God said, ‘I will be with you.’” Exodus 23:12

I am in agony, how can I continue?

“And God said, ‘I will be with you.’”

When will this all end?
“And God said, ‘I will be with you.’”

Does anyone understand my loss?
“And God said, ‘I will be with you.’”

This pain won’t go away.
“And God said, ‘I will be with you.’”

I am so tired, i just can’t go on.
“And God said, ‘I will be with you.’”

I am surrounded by temptations, how can i avoid them?
“And God said, ‘I will be with you.’”

I need answers to my problems, right now!
“And God said, ‘I will be with you.’”

The anger inside of me is about to explode.
“And God said, ‘I will be with you.’”

My heart has been shredded.
“And God said, ‘I will be with you.’”

I am afraid.
“And God said, ‘I will be with you.’”

I feel so all alone.
“And God said, ‘I will be with you.’”

The journey ahead of me is long and uncertain.
“And God said, ‘I will be with you.’”

Father help me, you alone know what I am facing.
“And God said, ‘I will be with you.’”

Whatever the issue… He IS the answer.

Thank you, Father, today i choose to believe You are with me at all times... just because You said so.  Thank You, because no matter what is happening in my life, You are the One constant i need to keep going for peace.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,

veneal

the bucket list...

"...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13

Summer is quickly slipping away, and my summer bucket list has not shrunk much.  With vacation days dwindling, there is no way i can complete my list.  I could fume over time wasted or unplanned interruptions or a lack of days off, but what would that accomplish?  Besides feeling defeated and down, there is another option, and i choose it.  I've decided to celebrate and give thanks for what i did accomplish or complete during my break.

Buckets are made to be filled and emptied.  Learning to be content with whatever the bucket does or does not hold is the true treasure in life.

"But godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

are you bait?

Jesus said...
“Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” Matthew 4:19
 "go and make disciples of all nations..." Matthew 28:19

As believers, Jesus has cast us into the world to show, inspire and help bring others to Him.  We are the bait, He is the Master Fishermen.  As a true fisherman depends on a variety of baits to entice and capture fish, God desires a multi-packed tackle box loaded with successful bait too.

Father, You created each of us uniquely, possessing different needs, talents and desires. In growing Your kingdom, each and every one of us is needed to reach others.  May we be alive in You, so You can reel in an overflowing eternal catch.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

before you go...

"If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

stop the newspaper
throw out old food
water the plants
ask friend to get mail
tell your neighbors
adjust the thermostats
pack your bags
get bills paid
reschedule appointments
get a pet watcher
get snacks for the road
pack electronic gadgets and chargers
fill your car with gas

Sometimes getting ready for a trip can almost make you want to cancel your plans. It can be mentally taxing and exhausting. But in the end, we're glad we didn't quit. The to-do list makes for a smoother and more enjoyable trip. But i must say, all the work makes me appreciate and glad to know my final trip will be an easy one. 

The last trip just calls for a simple "yes".  Yes, i acknowledge and accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior and the Son of God.

Thank You, Father, for keeping it simple.  I'm resting in You today.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ sparkle

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it many benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29

May the soap suds of goodness seep in all the dirty cracks and crevices of darkness in my heart and soul -- washing away all hurtful words.

Father, clean me up and fill me with You. I want to be a sparkling, desirable path to You for others.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

summer guilt trip

"The Lord will not let your foot slip—  He who watches over you will not slumber." Psalm 121:3

Question: "Why haven't i heard from you?  Where have you been?"
Response:  "Sorry, i've been on vacation." 

Does this sound familiar to you?

I had thought about it but not been motivated enough to take action.  Then i  started noticing a daily count. My Facebook page stated what i already knew, "you have not posted in 13 days on Teacher Devotions... your friends haven't heard from you in a while."  Of all the trips i have enjoyed this summer, this guilt trip was not one of them.  But i really had no reason to feel guilty. God was still providing for me and all others in need.

Vacation time brings a different routine for most.  With family visits and gatherings and vacation, my time preparing and writing devotions got tucked away.  By the time i found a quiet moment, my eyes failed to stay open.

Thankfully, several friends on Facebook faithfully feed me.  Daily in my "Good" news feed i receive the Word and inspiring posts and encouragements. Our God who never slumbers provides for our needs every second in our day... all 86,400 of them.  Thank you, friends, and thank You, God!

Praying for your day to be filled with rest, restoration and refreshment... and Him.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

are you ready?

"When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, 'If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.'” Exodus 13:17

Are you ready for healing?
Are you ready for a vacation?
Are you ready for a job change?
Are you ready to meet your spouse-to-be?
Are you ready to start a family?

What are you ready for??
God sometimes takes us on a longer journey... for our own good.

God is always for us and with us, guiding us. Our journey in life is continuously led by Him in what may seem as a roundabout way to us. God is not concerned about the quickest route, but in our knowing Him.

Father, increase my trust in You, especially when the path doesn't make sense and appears dark. You see and know what i don't.  Help my faith grow when You take me the longer, rocky route in life. I want to see and experience all You have in store for me.  Please guard my heart and hold my hand and keeping me moving with You.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal