Proverbs 3:5-6
Christianity · Devotional · encouragement · found · free · guidance · Jesus · no longer lost · power of God · Prayer · searching · still fighting · True Joy

Proverbs 3:5-6

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Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

[5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

This. This right here. This verse.

We listen to it. We pray it. We quote it. We get it tattooed on our arms. Yet. Do we listen to it?

Trust in Jesus. Do not rely on what you understand. Submit your ways to Him and He will make a way.

We see this verse as a soft, cuddly verse. A feel good verse. This is not a feel good verse. This is a battle cry in the midst of tragedy and sorrow. This is not a spot light on a highway, this is a torch in a tunnel. 

We don’t need to be reminded to trust God when life is good. We need to trust God when life is a dumpster fire! When we can’t take anymore. When we want to scream and cry and throw things. That’s when we need to be reminded that our understanding is not His understanding. Our understanding is limited to what we know and what we see. His understanding expands beyond thought, time and reality as we know it. God knows how the book ends. We don’t. God knows how we are going to continue on. Get by. See the end. See the reward. See the plan, maybe we never see the plan, maybe we just live the plan. But God. God knows. Trust not in your understanding because it is subjective. Trust in God’s understanding because He created your understanding.

Sometimes, the rock you are trying to move unsuccessfully is the right rock. You are just moving it in our own power and not Jesus’s.
encouragement · found · guidance · Jesus

Sometimes, the rock you are trying to move unsuccessfully is the right rock. You are just moving it in our own power and not Jesus’s.

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When something is a struggle to succeed at and it feels like we are pressing through a steel wall, people want to say that that means that God has closed that door and does not want us getting through it. Now, sometimes that’s true. However, there are many times when you are oushing to open a door that God has not closed, but the devil has stood behind it, holding it shut so you can’t get it open. Don’t be deceived. The devil can keep the door shut from you, but he can’t keep it shut from Jesus. If you give every struggle over to Jesus and let Him push open the doors that He wants you to walk through, then not only will you walk the right the path, your struggle will lessen, because the one who wants you to walk that way will let you through the most stuck doors.

Mother’s day
Christianity · Devotional · Love · mother's day

Mother’s day

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Thinking on the day, being mother’s day, I can’t help but think of what really makes a mom. This thought took me to flowers.

Flowers nurture their babies, primarily by providing nourishment and protection until they are ready to grow independently. This is achieved through the development of fruit and seeds, which contain stored food reserves and protective structures. Additionally, some plants have mechanisms to ensure their offspring remain near favorable environments, such as sending out runners or developing seedlings while still attached to the parent plant.

It’s funny to think of. A plant that cannot think or feel is God designed to care for and grow it’s seeds. It does it naturally, automatically, because that’s how God made it to function.
Human mothers aren’t so fortunate. They have to make a choice to be a good mom. These women have decided that raising and caring for their children even at risk and cost to themselves is more important than being free to do as they please or to live for themselves. Because as a mother you never live for yourself, you are always living someone else. Not all women can handle this, so they choose not to have children or keep their children. Foster care is full of kids whose mothers cared more about themselves then about their children. There are a few who gave their children up for the sake of the child. But not many. I say this because being a mom is hard work. It’s not always fun, in fact it is mostly hard work and stress. So to the mothers who chose to brave this path and to stick it out to the end. You are amazing! You are rare and valuable. Keep at it. Keep going. What you do is important.
When I think of how and mother cares for her children in that way of sacrifice, I obviously think of my mom. Especially lately. I have been so busy with school I don’t always remember what day it is or to brush my hair. I know that sounds terrible, but this is truly how busy it’s been. Then today came. Mother’s day. My mom made our family a nice breakfast. I should have made her breakfast. She had baked a cake for mother’s day. I should have made it for her. I did recall to have a present for her. But she cleaned up the kitchen. It was supposed to be her day. She made it special for everyone else. When I told her how sorry I was, she smiled and shook her head. Then she limped to her chair because the day had caused her pain.
That’s a mom. That’s what it means to be a mother. Sacrifice. Love. Determination. Faith. Mothers rely of Jesus to pull them through these tough days and they thank Him each time they get to smile or laugh with their child.
Anyone can be a mom. Even a plant. But it takes someone whose power comes from the savior, someone who keeps going despite the pain and weariness, someone who protects and cares for those around her, to be a mother.
Happy Mother’s day.

https://www.shademetals.com/blog/plant-moms
The life cycle of flowering plants
Acts of Acts 2
Christianity · Devotional · encouragement

Acts of Acts 2

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Acts 2:1-4, 7-8, 13 ESV
[1] When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. [2] And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. [3] And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. [4] And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
[7] And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? [8] And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?
[13] But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”
When the Holy Spirit came the first time some were amazed and others scoffed. This is not unlike today. Even fellow believers sometimes scoff at the suggestion of the Holy Spirit (I think they will have some answering to do when they see Jesus). Just because people laugh at us and call us crazy for our beliefs does not mean we should leave them behind or be silent about them. God will do His work, some people will see and believe and others won’t. Don’t worry about those who hate you and laugh at you, be blessed by the way God works through you and helps those who will listen come to Him through what He says and does through you.

Acts of Acts 1 part 2
Christianity · Devotional · encouragement · holy spirit · power of God · Prayer · searching

Acts of Acts 1 part 2

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Acts 1:6-9 ESV
[6] So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” [7] He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. [8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” [9] And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
Jesus has so often had to tell us to stop asking questions. He says it nicely, but basically His words say, “stop asking why and when and just trust me.”
Somedays we must be like untrained children following their parents around saying, “Why? Why? Why? Why?” Not because they really want an answer, just because they want to ask why?
Jesus tells us to be patient. To stop asking why? And to start waiting on Him and trusting in Him. The day will come when we finally say, “oh, that was why.” But it’s not yet.
Our job is not to know all the answers, but to simply be witnesses of what we do know. Jesus came to thos earth to die for our sins so we can be His family and be received into Heaven with Him. Why? Because God so loved the world.

Acts of Acts 1
Christianity · Devotional · encouragement · found · free · guidance · Jesus

Acts of Acts 1

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Acts 1:1-5 ESV
[1] In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, [2] until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. [3] He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. [4] And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; [5] for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”


Acts is the beginning of the first church. The beginning of the first church started with Jesus showing himself to the disciples and explaining that the Holy Spirit would come. Jesus says to wait for the promise of the Father. This is very important for the coming of the Holy Spirit in the way that God intended. However. Let us focus for a moment on that word wait. Sometimes Jesus says to wait, when all we want to do is run ahead. Think of it. Imagine Peter and the Sons of Thunder being told to wait. They were excited! They would be wanting to run to the nearest place to tell of the return of Jesus and all He had told them. But He said to wait. Waiting can be so that we are in a certain place we need to be. Waiting can be to protect us from something or someone. Waiting can simply be a provided time of rest. I hate to say it, but it can also be a time to grow our patience. In Acts 1 Jesus told the disciples to wait for His promise to come. To wait for His gift. Wait on the Lord, and see all He will

Following the fourth Wiseman- Continuing on
Christianity · encouragement · found · free · guidance · Jesus · lent · Love · no longer lost · power of God · Prayer · searching · still fighting · The Bible · True Joy

Following the fourth Wiseman- Continuing on

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Several years have passed since our traveler’s experience meeting the Messiah. He has seen many miracles and many hardships. He had know when Jesus had sent him into the world to tell people about what he had seen and heard regarding Jesus, that it would not be easy. Yet there were days when he thought he could not continue on. He often wondered about the other disciples. He had heard stories about them and even the works of a man named Paul. He wondered if they ever felt worn down and hopeless? Yet every time he felt he could not carry on, our traveler recalled the words of his Messiah.

John 16:33 ESV
[33] I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

These words and the presence of his Messiah kept our traveler going. Telling the good news of Jesus everywhere he went. Until the end of his days.

We often feel like we just can’t keep going. We don’t have enough faith to tell one more person about Jesus. We don’t have enough courage to continue on the path He has put before us. We are just too tired to keep trying. The hate against us is so strong. The mockery, so constant. Why talk to people when they don’t believe?
Then the words of Jesus come back to us. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the Earth. Jesus has already overcome it all. I like the thing I saw that said, Jesus has walked on the tops of the waves you thought would bury you. There have been so many waves I thought would bury me, but when I felt I was going under I looked up and I saw the hand of the savior reaching down, that hand has kept me going. I’m sure it has kept many of us going. There’s no promise things will be easy. But He has risen, and because He is risen. We have a reason to keep on trying to trust him to go forward in faith.
This world is hard at times, but God.

John 3:16 ESV

[16]  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Following the fourth Wiseman- The coming of the Holy Spirit
Christianity · Devotional · holy spirit · lent

Following the fourth Wiseman- The coming of the Holy Spirit

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Our traveler has moved on from the city of Jerusalem. He has walked for several days and has been telling all he has seen and heard as he has followed after the Messiah. As he let’s his camel drink at an oasis he is reminded of his first time seeing Jesus. Standing in water, surrounded by people, with a dove coming down and a loud voice saying the He is God’s son. A voice that sounded like thunder and frightened his camel. As he rests he over hears two men speaking and can’t help but listen in.

Acts 2:1-4 ESV
[1] When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. [2] And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. [3] And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. [4] And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The two men were so excited.
“They spoke even in our language! How could this be anything but a sign from God?”
“Yes. But a sign of what?”
Our traveler smiles and stands up. He walks over to the two strangers, “would you care to hear my story? It might help you understand yours?”

The coming of the Holy Spirit is something that many people overlook. However, I cannot imagine my life without him. The Holy Spirit is our comforter and our friend. He’s the one we talk to when we have confusion or questions. He guides us and helps us. The thing is, even Christians who want to deny that the Holy Spirit is still here are being guided by him, even if they don’t realize it. Because you cannot be a Christian without the guiding of the Holy Spirit. When you are alone at night, reading your Bible and something doesn’t make sense. It is The Holy Spirit who explains it to you within your mind. When there is a situation and you are unsure of how to proceed it Is the Holy Spirit who shows you the right path. We are so very blessed that when Jesus ascended, He didn’t leave us all alone, he left us with His spirit. What a precious gift.

Following the fourth Wiseman- Breakfast on the beach
Christianity · Devotional · encouragement · found · free · guidance · Jesus · lent · Love · no longer lost · power of God · Prayer · searching

Following the fourth Wiseman- Breakfast on the beach

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Our traveler has tried to remain with the disciples ever since the upper room. He lost track of them a couple of times but has now managed to follow them to the sea. They decided to go back to fishing. They don’t know what else to do. He asks if he can join them and they agree. As he works to become used to fishing he sees something that changes his world forever.

John 21:1-7, 9-10, 12 ESV
[1] After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. [2] Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. [3] Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. [4] Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. [5] Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” [6] He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. [7] That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.
[9] When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. [10] Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.”
[11] So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn.
[12] Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.

Our traveler waits at a short distance and watches as the Messiah goes off with one of the disciples. Then He returns and he looks at our traveler and smiles. Our traveler goes to Him and falls to his knees.
“My Lord, you do not know me…”
The Messiah kneels in front of our traveler and takes his face in His hands, “I know you.”
Our traveler’s eyes fill with tears one more time and he is embraced by the Messiah.
“I could not get to you sooner.” Our traveler weeps.
“You have arrived when my Father planned for you to arrive.”
“I was meant to be here?”
“You were meant to go and tell the other Magi who had followed the star all those years ago, what you have seen and heard so they can tell others. Spread this as far and wide as you can travel. You are my traveler, after all.”
Our traveler smiles. In the end. He was not late. He had not missed his chance. He was where his Messiah had always meant for him to be.

In the calling of the deciples all those weeks ago, our traveler had wondered if he too could follow Jesus? Despite his inadequacies. Now, because of the cross he has his answer. Yes. Yes he cam follow him. Yes you can follow Him, more than that, He is calling you to.

Following the fourth Wiseman- the upper room
Christianity · Devotional · encouragement · guidance · Jesus · lent · Love · no longer lost · power of God · Prayer · still fighting · True Joy

Following the fourth Wiseman- the upper room

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Our traveler is making his way through the dark and deserted streets of a night where both men and women were afraid of what might come. The Roman’s were searching, convinced someone had stolen the body of the Messiah from the tomb. There was a strict curfew and the deciples were being hunted for questioning. Our traveler is careful to dodge all light from the torches in the city walls as he walks. Suddenly a man bumps into him. They look at each other in fear. Then they realize that they are in safe company. Our traveler recognizes the man as one of the Messiah’s followers. The other man invites him to join him, he is going to meet the other deciples in an upper room. Our traveler happily agrees. When they arrive the room is in a buzz as the deciples discuss excitedly an event that had just taken place.

John 20:19-23 ESV
[19]  On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” [20] When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. [21] Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” [22] And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. [23] If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
Our traveler is amazed he has so many questions, but to his shock the man with him denies what the others have said. He will not believe unless he sees it with his own eyes. Our traveler places a hand on the man’s shoulder. He had been the exact same before his time spying on the tomb in the garden. The hurt from what he had seen had made him doubtful, this man felt it too. By the looks on the faces of the others, our traveler can see that they too had veen skeptical at one time. But now that they had seen Him they could never doubt again.

When we have had a horrible situation it is easy to doubt that anything good can come from it. Even when we see something similar arise it’s easy to fear because of the past. We have been Thomas. Standing in the upper room full for grief, thinking the pain of loss has driven his friends crazy. Then Jesus appears and puts all the doubts to shame. Jesus is with us in the bad times and the good. We cannot cling to old pain, we must last it go and focus on what Jesus is doing now.  He is always working something new,  for our good.