Category: Fear

What if we actually Believe in God’s Work?

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IMG_0148By: Jessica Huber

“We try to take life back, right out of the hands of The King of the world.”

This is from a beautiful song by Natalie Grant.

I really like a song that will basically allow for a good self check.
And this one does just that.
It’s So true! We do it. Seriously..,Who do we think we are? We try to take our lives out of the hands of God.
Anxiety, Stress, Worries, they all stem from very real situations. There is no lie about that. So often we put more confidence in the severity of the problem, rather than focusing on The Severe and Powerful God we have!
It’s true that many of these worries are about struggles that can be life altering, there is no arguing that!
What if during the process of this alteration, we learn to embrace the shift. What if Instead of expecting the situation to change when we want it to or how we want it, we set our focus on a sure bet. God’s Goodness, His Love, His Provisions!
I CAN Expect God to be Who He IS!
I know what I’d like to happen, I know how I would hope for this to turn out, but better yet, I want to see God’s Expectations fulfilled!
The situation may not be ideal, but I Can expect God to do something extraordinary In it, Through it and From it!
Look at it in this way! This is happening in an imperfect life, in an In perfect world, it its ugly, but My God is Perfect!
He Is The The Master at working All things for the Good of those who love Him!
He knows the yuck of the world, but more importantly He knows The Beauty of what He can do with it.
I’m not saying there won’t be pain or uncertainty, but what if we Trust that God will do something Glorious? What if, we Trust that out of this darkness there will be a clarity like no other. What if, while In it, we accept the peace and security that He freely gives, and we remind ourselves that God is just.
What if through it, we learn something? What if from it, we are positioned for something that is for a far greater purpose, one that our limits can’t fathom? What if from enduring, we come out of the other end and we are able to see others in a different way? What if through this darkness, God is creating opportunities for the scales on our own eyes to fall? What if this is the moment  to cultivate compassion? We know that His plans are to prosper not to harm, what if we Trust that? What if while in the dark, He is polishing us in a way where we can reflect his light more than we could have before we entered? Think of a Diamond, its found in a dark cave but once it’s been cleaned chipped and shaped, it’s buffed and boy does it shine! We are the same, He finds us in the dark and What he can do with our mess is incredible. We need to stop trying to make sense of the process and instead expect that there will be something that shines! A blazing instrument that He can now use for His Perfect Purpose. What if, we believe the scriptures that we read Day In and Day Out?
Trust In The Lord with all our hearts and lean Not on our own understanding.
The next part is a Promise!
He will make the path straight!
Hand it to the King and leave it there!
Put The Power where the Power Belongs!
Through Him!
Thanks Be To God we are given the Victory Through our Lord Jesus Christ!
1 Corinthians 15:57

1 Peter 2:9
But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

Psalm 21:11
Though they intended evil against You And devised a plot, They will not succeed.

Isaiah 41:10
‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Psalm 91:14-16
14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”

 

The LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you because the LORD your God loves you. . Deuteronomy 23:5

Do Not Be Afraid He Hears You

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By: Jessica Huber

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I opened to Daniel this morning and I was drawn to a portion I had highlighted from a previous reading. For me it’s such a beautiful reminder that God IS LISTENING! Not Only that, but He Answers.

Dan 10:12
Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words.

Do Not Be Afraid! Your God is on the job!
From The FIRST DAY that he set his heart on understanding, Daniel’s words were heard. From the first day!
I love that reassurance. Then a little further down in Dan 10:19 Daniel is told again Do not be afraid. Peace be strong now, be strong.

His response comes with His Presence. His Peace whispers do not be afraid, it opens our hearts to His counsel. It leads us into a rest. His Strength lifts us into a secure and fortified position. Our feet are set secure and Firm on His Name!

The Lord Continues to remind us all through out the scriptures to Seek Him and to remember that He is a God of deliverance.

Jeremiah 1:8
Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD.”

I Am with you.. To Deliver you.

James 1:5
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

When the Lord is In our Midst there is no reason to fear. He wants us to Boldly come to the throne. It was His doing that made that possible.

Hebrews 4
14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us 16Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Matthew 14:27
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Matt 7:7
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Psalm 105:4
Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.

I hope That whoever reads this today is blessed with the understanding that His Love is For You. May you come to His throne with Confidence. He is Listening, come KNOWING That He Will Answer!

The Sweet Aroma

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By: Jessica Huber 

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2 Corinthians 2:14-17
14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. 15 For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; 16 to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?
17 For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God.

 
Have you ever warn a shirt that belonged to your love? You can’t help but smell them all around. Or maybe you have lost a loved one, picked up an item of their clothing and held it close. Drawing in that familiar sent you closed your eyes to envision their presence. When your child went off to summer camp or college, you couldn’t help but walk into their room, and find that the familiar aroma brought on a comforting hug.
The sense of smell can flash a moment of history right before your eyes. The smell of Grandma’s cinnamon buns or Pappy’s pipe, can have you sitting in their kitchen, reliving the smiles and the laughter all over.

Psalm 141:2
May my prayer be counted as incense before You; The lifting up of my hands as the evening offering.

Song of Solomon 1:3
“Your oils have a pleasing fragrance, Your name is like purified oil; Therefore the maidens love you.
The Aroma of Christ is the most pleasing fragrance, it is the haze of an offering that seeps into our soul. His sincere followers can’t help but give off this aroma, because it is Him Who moves and dwells within. It is lifted to the Heavens every time prayer is released and the moment praise is proclaimed. This aroma fills the air whenever and wherever His Name is spoken. When the aroma of Christ is given out, it has an affect on everyone, believers, non believers and The Father Himself.
The Sacrifice of Christ, is the aroma of His Love. When we bear that reflection in this world, it does not go unnoticed. You can not have a relationship with Jesus Christ and not be affected, you cannot have a relationship with others where they are not affected by Him. In one way or another it is either received or rejected.
Just as 2 Corinthians 2:16-17 explains.
16 to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?
17 For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God.

John 9:39
And Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.”

For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and to those who are perishing. This is what it is to witness within this world, to be an ambassador for Christ. The knowledge of Him manifests in every place.
When Christ is present within us and working through us, it is an aroma creating an offering of Salvation to all!

In every place! The next time you go out, the next time you engage in conversation, think about the witnessing you are doing. Think about who you are witnessing for. What is the essence that others will experience from this encounter ? Do they walk away with that fragrance? Is it lingering in their midst, can they shake it? Can they tell that the aroma is Of Him? Do you give credit to where credit is due?
Or is it a fragrance of confusion?

I recently saw a picture of a celebrity and underneath were the words “correct a fool and he will hate you, correct a wise man and he will appreciate you.” There was a caption that said ” the Truth is here” and following that, it said “wise words.” Well, the statement quoted was wise. And actually I recognized it from Proverbs 9:8
Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. This proverbs 9:8 was nowhere to be found on this picture, just the face of a celebrity. I feel like this was an opportunity missed. Yes the information given was great, but when we start leaving out the true source, the fragrance becomes tainted.

JESUS is the Way the Truth and the Life!
The Truth Has been here!
No one comes to the Father unless it’s through Him.
Ultimately, the goal is for all to know Him and experience the Gift that He offers. Words of wisdom are wonderful but they mean nothing if the Gold is not backing the paper.

May you surround yourself with the Aroma of Christ. May the fragrance that you give off be the evidence of the closeness that you share with Him.

 

Prayer
Lord thank you for providing a way, for giving us Life and for surrounding us in your presence. Thank you for the personal relationship that we share. Submerge those who desire to share you with this world, douse us with your Love. Help us to remember your true character and most of all help us to reflect it on to those who do not yet know you. Lord bless us and protect us while we serve in the mission field. Keep us humble and remind us of Who we belong to. Remind us of who we are to be giving the credit to, and each time we do, may it be an Aroma to your senses! All Glory and Honor to You Our Lord and Savior!
In JESUS Name, Amen

God Does Not Over Look

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By: Jessica Huber

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I was looking for my veggie peeler the other day and In my mind I had a picture of what it looked like. I spent some time in one drawer shuffling around until I finally gave up and went onto another. I did the same thing in that drawer, rummaging around, picking up the divider, looking to see if it could have slid under. It was nowhere to be found. I knew this peeler had to be somewhere in the kitchen. I remembered using it not too long ago so I was determined to find it. I went back to the drawer that I had previously scoured, I thought, maybe I overlooked it. I searched and I looked and I looked and I had this picture of a white peeler in my head and then it dawned on me. Maybe it’s not white. My eyes started to scan for a peeler, any peeler and Bam, there it was! A black peeler that could have bitten me if it had been a snake. Maybe I had owned a white one in the past? Who knows.

Why am I telling you about my kitchen utensil dilemma?
Well, immediately a thought came to my mind, we insist on our own image and it causes us to overlook or underestimate the position that God has placed us in.

Great determination, focused in the wrong direction leads to frustration.
So often we have a preconceived plan in our head. We have an image for what our life should be. Many times that image is derived from our past experiences. We insist on it and when it doesn’t turn out, we get frustrated and anxious. We argue with God, we tell Him we are in the wrong place. We stomp our feet and we demand to be positioned where we think we need to be. After all we prayed about it! Right?

Our tunnel vision blinds us from important factors. We have to remember that we only see a very small portion of the picture to begin with. Why not rely on God’s protection and provision through this time? Trust that God’s love does not over look your desires, he knows your heart, he receives your thoughts and he gathers your prayers. But all in all it’s not really about us, is it? We forget that. Now he’s not a puppet master, but His ways are far above and beyond what we can accept at times. It’s a normal human mindset, but it causes us to be unappreciative of the work going on behind the seen. Instead of insisting that God jump into our vision, let’s open our hearts and come alive in His. Let’s gain a Spiritual mindset, by Trusting in the Lord with All our heart and leaning not on our own understanding. That verse can’t be used enough.
Habakkuk 2:3
“For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.

I can’t imagine how many times I might have passed up a good opportunity because I insisted that the peeler was white. How many times did my eyes glaze over God’s blessings? Or worse, how many times did he want to use me to bless someone else, but instead I was too busy complaining that I was in the wrong place.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
You are not your own. Repeat that to yourself.

John 15:5
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
We know that a good pruning is needed for a healthy production of fruit.

1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”

It wouldn’t hurt too clean out that drawer. Get rid of the things that are limiting the situation, ask God to weed out the areas in your life that are blocking your view, not just people but anything that may cause you to pull down the shades.

In All ways Acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.
Acknowledge His Plan, Acknowledge His Truth, Acknowledge His Promises and His Love. Acknowledge His Patience and Let Him Guides you beyond this nearsightedness.
If there is something you want, don’t force it, line it up with His word. Then, leave it to him to filter and sift. Don’t battle the No!
Why am I here, what good is this? Why aren’t things moving as fast as I hoped, what am I doing wrong? Doesn’t God love me? Yes, He loves you! Simply Trust in His Will. Rest in that thought right there.

Your plans may sound pretty good, but God knows the talents he wants to use in you, He knows the areas that need strengthened, and he knows what it takes to bring this to completion, be patient. Try looking at it this way, I may not be comfortable, but I can’t wait to see what my God will do with this moment!
Who will he introduce me to along the way?

James 1:4
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

John 13:7
Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

If you have received a No, be certain that God has purpose for that no.
It is possible he planned that no, way in advance.

Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.


Prayer
Dear Lord, this is the day that you have made, thank you! Thank you for your patience with me, when I struggle against your will. Help me walk with Spiritual eyes of faith. I may be going through something that I do not understand, but God I know you have it all figured out. You make beauty out of ashes, and I am excited to see what you will do with mine. Help me to look beyond my vision Lord and clear out whatever may be blocking me from accepting yours. No matter what disappointments come along, help me to continue to see each day as an open opportunity to introduce you to this world. Help me to reflect your love and kindness. Help me use this time to be selfless and help me to focus on what is most important in your eyes.
In JESUS Name I pray

I’m Over it! Done, No More!

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By: Jessica Huber 

I am over it! I’m Done! I’m tired of being taken for granted, I’m tired of being used and taken advantage of! Im tired of only being called when it’s convenient for the other person.

Have you ever been tempted to just call it quits? No more chances? Done and Done? When we find ourselves in a position where we are being taken advantage of, it can lead to the feelings of resentment and bitterness. Our hearts may be little hurt and conflicted. You want to do the right thing, but at the same time.. it just doesn’t seem fair to be a doormat. Right?

So it is important that we seek our counsel from The Lord and not what our heart is telling us to do.

Proverbs 14:12
There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

Proverbs 4:23
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Our hearts can be so easily swayed by our emotions, so how do we guard our heart?
How can we protect our heart and how can we be sure to react in a way that is appropriate and pleasing in God’s sight?

Proverbs 23:26
Give me your heart, my son, And let your eyes delight in my ways.

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When  I think of the frustration that comes along with being wronged in this way, when I hear the words “I’m Done”, “No more chances”. My mind jumps to The voice of The Lord!
My children cry out in their convenience, they call on me when they are in need and as soon as I Work in their favor, I hear silence. They use me, they take me for granted, I AM unappreciated! I Give and I Give!

Can you hear him saying that? We have to acknowledge that this is true. How many times did we deserve to hear I AM Done? No More Chances and Yet He Loves.

We can be Grateful that He is Never Done! He is Faithful he is Grace Filled, He is supernaturally Patient and slow to anger.
How Great is His Love?
How Beautiful are His Ways?
Let us learn from The example that he sets.
If God responded the way we do, then we would all be in big trouble.
It’s hard to be the person being taken for granted but know this, what you do for others, is never unseen or unappreciated by Him. Whatever we do in this world we do as if we are doing it for Him. In that, there is no offense.

Now scripture does address taking advantage of a brother or sister. It also says that God will deal with that person.

1 Thessalonians 4:6
and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantages of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before.

Remember we are to seek the kingdom first. Does this mean we lay down and allow for people to mistreat us? Well, Galatians 6 says, that if a brother is caught in sin, then you who are spiritual should restore him gently.
Be open and honest, express your concerns to this person, but do it with love. From then on, it is between them and God. Remember that He is your defender, use this experience to practice your servanthood. Allow for this occasion to bring out your best, instead of your worst.

Galatians 6:8
For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Pray and ask The Lord for His eyes on this situation, ask him to fill you with his gentleness, His compassion and His Love.

Give to others what you receive from God!

Galatians 6:9
Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
Matthew 5:41-48
41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Prayer
Lord I am giving you my heart, teach me your glorious ways! When I am in the position of being wronged, help me to lean not on my own understanding. Help me to turn to you for guidance, calm my heart and allow for this to be an opportunity to Glorify you!
In JESUS Name I Pray, Amen

Joy Comes In The Morning!

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By: Jessica Huber

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JOY comes In The Morning!!!
Let’s be honest the moment we open our eyes, it’s not always a burst of Joy, we may not hear birds singing a Disney song, or have rays of sunlight lifting us out of bed. We may have actually had a horrible experience from the day before or through the night. We may wake and the first thought is disappointment, when we discover that it wasn’t a nightmare after all, but a reality that we will soon face again.
Images and words recorded come flooding, recapping all of the hurt. The should have, could have, the why and the IFs come spinning like a little tornado over your head.
If you are facing this day with out first capturing your thoughts and directing them to God, then yes your tornado will follow you out of bed. The dark clouds from yesterday will loom and seek to destroy your fresh start, causing an out of control forecast of the day. Truth, we have moments that literally cause aftershock, little rumbles that try to take our God given joy away. Even if we were certain, we already handed this situation over to God the night before, the enemy likes to creep in first thing. He catches us off guard, trying to instill doubt, reminding of us of our struggles. In this moment we have the opportunity to hold onto God’s truth! Not Today satan, Not Today!

We have Joy in the morning not only because it is New, but because we Have a God that has the power to make all things New! He is Faithful and In Him we can have confidence of deliverance.

2 Thessalonians 3:2-3
2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

Don’t let Yesterday discourage your Today! It’s Gone, done and over with!
Don’t give up, you have only experienced a speck of this journey, and there is so much that is waiting to be revealed.
It’s a NEW Day! A Fresh Start! It is filled with New Hope, and New Opportunities!
This day comes with The Fathers love and strength, this day comes with the truth that you are not Alone in this.

Many times we wake and it’s our own guilt and regret that starts a storm brewing.
In JESUS Name You are Forgiven today, regardless of your yesterday. If He has forgiven you, then you have permission to forgive yourself.

Psalm 103:2-4
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

His Love has you covered! Now let him Position you towards your best.
I know that it is hard to comprehend or understand a love like this, but it’s real and True and it’s here for you!
You do not have to make sense of it, just know that there is a Life and a Plan for You In This New! Embrace it, Appreciate it, and Multiply All that is Given!

Jeremiah 31:25 
 I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”

Proverbs 11:25 
A generous person will prosper;
    whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Let Go, Learn from it and move on, step into His Grace. Dance in that Beautiful Light! Smile, Laugh and Be Thankful!!!
I pray that you will walk with your eyes fixed on The Perfecter of Faith, that you will know and hold onto The Love that He has for you. There is Nothing that He is unaware of, place all thoughts and concerns into His capable hands.
The scriptures say to take all your thoughts captive and hold them accountable to The Knowledge of God! So the moment you wake up, clear the air, with Prayer! Capture the recap of yesterday, before it spirals out of control! When the storm comes brewing over your head send it through The God filter. Anything that can not hold to God’s truth, anything that replaces doubt in the space of his promises, it needs to go!

Start your day by reflecting on God’s Truth and Arm yourself with Prayer. Choose Joy!

 

Psalm 51:10-12

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

God Bless You today as you soak in His Love! Be reminded of His Strength, wrap up in his peace and comfort. May you be filled with The Spirit as you Look forward to the Joy of second chances and New Beginnings!

The Table Has Been Set, Will You Sit?

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By: Jessica Huber

IMG_5178Psalm 23:5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.

Let’s ask Him to fill us so much that it pushes out any lingering doubt, …
It’s one thing to have self doubt but its entirely another thing to have God Doubt! Our capabilities do not have to be tested or proven, but our Faith in God’s ability will stand against the greatest of Giants.

We want our cups to be gushing over with nothing but Him! His Truth and His Promises! When we stand before our enemy, we need only to think of the table that has been prepared, the oil that has anointed and the cup that overflows!

When I consider the verse above, My mind immediately goes into movie mode.

IMG_5179Imagine you are in the middle of a battle, a major conflict .. picture Braveheart type Warriors running at you with clubs and axes in hand! Despite everything going on, out of nowhere a table is set before you. Its beautiful, fine china, a gorgeous place settings, adorned with peace and serenity. The finest table you could ever imagine just plopped smack in front of you on a grassy battlefield. Candles lit, flowers arranged, this is a strange place for such a seen. Silence surrounds and your enemies move in slow motion. You are standing in a dome of calm. A gentle breeze leads you over to a chair, It’s pulled out and positions just for you. The voice of The Lord, “Time out, this is your place of rest.”
“But Lord!” “look around me!” “I have so much against me!” “I have to figure out my next move!” “I can’t” “I will be plowed over for sure!”
Again
“Sit my Child and Trust.”

“But” “But” “Did you see the size of”

Again
“Be Still and Believe.”

This struggle of putting our own capabilities before God’s has been repeated and repeated from the ancient of days! It Boils down to a lack of belief! Faith that is directed To Fear!

Exodus 14:13
And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, STAND STILL!
You will see the salvation of the Lord!

Be Still And Know That I AM God!

Check this,
In Numbers 13 It talks about how God told Moses to send out men to spy out the land of Canaan, which God chose to give to Israel.
So mosses sent out men from each tribe.
The men went and saw that the land was great, the fruit was plentiful and the land was flowing with milk and honey.
But they also saw that the land was already inhabited. they reported that the people who dwelled in the land were strong, and their cities fortified and very large. Plus they had giants in the land.
The Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim).
The men said that in their own sight they looked like grasshoppers compared to them these giants.
They went back and reported to Moses and Arron and all the congregation of the people of Israel and explained the details of the land and its obstacles.
One of the men, Caleb was ready to go take the land, he believed they could do it. But the men from the tribes said no way! There was no way they could defeat them.

In the KJV it says
we seemed in our OWN SIGHT as grasshoppers.

We place our own sight on our troubles.
Don’t we?
We put our own opinion on the situation. We place our abilities over God’s abilities.

It didn’t go well for these guys, they were so unbelieving, they panicked, and to make a long story short they ended up rebelling against God. They decided to go on with their own plans and eventually met their defeat by facing their enemies without God.
Caleb was commended for believing and God said he would be able to enter the land.

In a sense God set a table in front of the tribes, He positioned them to Go into the land and the table was set with His Promises. Their job was to stand up to unbelief. God was with them and Who can stand against God? He was their backing. They needed only to be still and dine, instead they basically flipped the darn table over!

Our enemy is satan, he is the face of all the troubles that we encounter, the giants of life. Whether it be addictions or financial struggle, sickness, relationship, temptation, fleshy desires, he’s lurking around them waiting. He’s waiting to see if we will accept what God offers, or if we will fall into fear and flip the table. So many times satan uses our own sight to his advantage.

The Table has been set!
Even in the midst of trial, within or everyday troubles and problems of this world, we have The assurance of The Lord’s Provision. His Peace, His Deliverance, His Security, His Promises! This is what the table is adorned with.
Its adorned with The Vision of God!

This Is The Work of God… to Believe!

You are sealed and anointed as His. Never Hunger, Never Thirst.

In 1 Samuel David was anointed and sealed, but in man’s sight he wouldn’t have been first pick, but in God’s sight he was the one. Because God does not look at hight or stature, he looks at the heart.
David is proof of what happens when you take advantage of the Power of God before your enemies.

Pretty sure Everyone has heard of David and Goliath! Right?
David knew God was with Him, He saw through the eyes of Faith and it made that Giant look like a grasshopper. He was able to defeat him In God’s Strength.

Now JESUS is The ultimate proof of what happens when you sit at the table. When you trust in The Work of the Father. When you Dine on his Truth.

He actually sat and dined with his disciples before facing The greatest Battle! In a way he explained the preparation of “the table” His covenant. Giving them the bread to eat as His body and the cup of wine to represent his blood. He explained to them that He was the bread of life. The Living Manna.
He told them that he was sealed and anointed by his father. “He who believes in me will never thirst.”
His Cup was More than full!

Read Psalm 23:5 Again!
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.

Work for the food of eternal life! That’s JESUS! Your work is Belief!
No matter what we face, we are already Triumphant because we have Christ as our Eternal Glory!

This explains it in depth
John 6
27 Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.”
28 Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you BELIEVE in Him whom He has sent.” 30 So they said to Him, “What then do You do for a sign, so that we may see, and believe You? What work do You perform? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread out of heaven to eat.’”32 Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven. 33 For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.” 34 Then they said to Him, “Lord, always give us this bread.”
35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst”

May we always Believe and May We Always have an Over Flowing Cup!

JESUS Was triumphant over the The Giant named Sin. He slayed and defeated the Giant named Death!

When a table is set before our enemies and we choose to dine with God, we are showing the enemy who we belong to. We are showing our faith and our trust in God.

We do the work of the Lord by putting Our Belief into action.
Never mind, when we are faced with a situation and our Cup is full of Christ, this means we will not stoop, but instead we handle our afflictions with Grace and Love.
It’s a WIN WIN!

You are Well equipped!

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

Who?

If you are facing a battle today I want you to picture the table that has been set before you.
Take a deep breath and KNOW who your God is! Instead of worrying about your next move, sit and rest. Take in His Peace and assurance. He has this! Hear his voice, Child you are loved and well cared for. Trust.

God Bless You, In JESUS Name

Show Me Your Glory

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By: Jessica Huber

IMG_4816

Look closely and you can see little spider webs in this photo. God shines his glory even on the the things that we do not always appreciate, for instance that many spiders in one place! I’m not a person that usually appreciates the creepy crawlers of the earth, but I am thankful for God showing me this gift. It is not just a field with spiders waiting to grub on little bugs. No, this message is so much greater than that, in fact there is one similar to it in Matthew 6:25-34
25“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26“Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27“And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? 28“And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 30“But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! 31“Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ 32“For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

When we walk with the Lord Our eyes see with a new light. What can a field of spiderwebs tell us about our God?
Just looking upon all of the intricacy that is woven into His Beautiful Plan. Everything serves a purpose, it’s also a reminder of His Provisions. We can be grateful that we have a God who Provides for our needs in such detail. Yes even spiders, let them praise the Lord!
Psalm 148
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
Praise Him in the heights!
2 Praise Him, all His angels;
Praise Him, all His hosts!
3 Praise Him, sun and moon;
Praise Him, all stars of light!
4 Praise Him,highest heavens,
And the waters that are above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
For He commanded and they were created.
6 He has also established them forever and ever;
He has made a decree which will not pass away.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
Sea monsters and all deeps;
8 Fire and hail, snow and clouds;
Stormy wind, fulfilling His word;
9 Mountains and all hills;
Fruit trees and all cedars;
10 Beasts and all cattle;
Creeping things and winged fowl;
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples;
Princes and all judges of the earth;
12 Both young men and virgins;
Old men and children.
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
For His name alone is exalted;
His glory is above earth and heaven.
14 And He has lifted up a horn for His people,
Praise for all His godly ones;
Even for the sons of Israel, a people near to Him.

It’s not always easy to appreciate the ugly moments in our life, but through faith we can rejoice and have hope within these times.
1 Peter 1:6-9
6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

Christ is The Glory and He is enough! Put your Trust In Him!

IMG_5093.JPGMaybe you are feeling anxious today, feeling lost or just stuck in funk. If you are dealing with something big and having a hard time looking past your situation, start small. Appreciate the little things. Look at all of the blessings around you, as you start to scan this life in a new light, Praise the Lord!
He is So good! If he can equip a spider to spin a web, not just something to catch food in, but an actual masterpiece, then he can take care of you. If he can provide the grass for it to attach to and and then send food and water in its direction, He can do so much more for you. Seek fist The Kingdom! Look for his hand in everything around you. He will illuminate and reveal it, just as he did with this field of webs.

Prayer
I pray that God will cast His Love over your entire situation today. May your eyes catch the beauty that is all around you. As you scan, I pray that you will gain hope and strength. May you look forward to the precious details that he holds for your life.
In JESUS Name I Pray

Where Does Your Help Come From?

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By: Jessica Huber

IMG_5085When our children cry out for us in the middle of the night, do we not come running to their rescue? If they are sick, do we not make them chicken noodle soup, give them snuggles and hold them? If they are sad do we not take that pain on, and comfort them? We Do! They are our precious children. We love them and when they hurt we hurt . We wouldn’t want them to go to a substitute. We wouldn’t want them to knock on a strangers door to find comfort, especially if we are right there ready and Willing to help. We wouldn’t want to sit back and watch them struggling while they try to put on their own bandaid….RIGHT?
Then why do we, as Adults try to put on our own bandages, Instead of crying out and asking our Heavenly Father for Help? He LOVES us, he doesn’t patch, he heals! He can take care of any need, hurt, fear, disappointment, sorrow, distress, or sadness. He does not enjoy sitting back and watching us struggle. He wants to swoop in, hold us, and feed us. He wants to pick us up, brush us off and give us guidance and the tools we need to succeed. All we have to do is Let Him! Say it, I need you Lord!
Oh, Give Thanks for his Grace. No matter what Crazy mess we find ourselves to be in. So many times we put ourselves smack in the middle of the problem, and still He is ready to pull us out.

Psalm 107:20
20He sent His word and healed them,
And delivered them from their destructions.
From who’s destruction??
It was their own!

In Psalm 107:2-43 there are so many accounts were he delivered His people from one pretty big messes after another . We see a pattern of failure and then a cry. He swooped in and saved them. It reminds us over and over to Give thanks to The Lord! For He is always there, Ready and Willing for the Rescue. Although we fail, He is UNFAILING, where we lack faith, He is FAITHFUL . He could have said no, you keep messing up, I’m just done! How often do we mess up, how often do we continue in our unhealthy patterns? Same problem, same outcome!
Here is a little dividing factor, we have to be willing to say, HELP, I messed up, I’m lost, I’m tired, I hunger, I thirst! Cry Out!
Immanuel! JESUS Savior, Might One!
We have to know Where our Help Comes from!
Psalm 121:2
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.

Do not be fooled, satan is always there to give his idea of what help looks like.
he preys on the weak, and he is happy to throw an answer in our direction. We have way too many substitutes floating around, ready to fill that hurt. The temporary relief comes at a price. What’s your poison?
Alcohol, pills, overeating, shopping, gambling, isolation, busyness? Do you project your hurt onto the people you love? Get it out what a release!. temporarily relieved and a path left burning behind. When we rely on the temporary, pain and destruction become the hangover that lasts a little too long. All of these things are temporary and leave us with shame, regret, bitterness, depression, and self loathing.
They dissolve and after they have warn off, we are still left with the original pain and then some. Left with an empty whole that only ONE can Fill, One can complete, The One and only, can Satisfy!
Who will be wise to open his mouth and seek the Lord?
It’s not always a Quick Fix! But God is Eternal! Jesus is the same Yesterday, Today and Forever! He IS Enough!
When we Cry out to Him we receive more than a rescue, we receive freedom from the cycle! Leave it! There is A New Life In JESUS CHRIST! The old is gone, it has proven its purpose! Now Let It Go and let Him Show you Yours Purpose!

Psalm 107:42-43
42The upright see it and are glad;
            But all unrighteousness shuts its mouth.
43Who is wise? Let him give heed to these things,
            And consider the loving kindnesses of the LORD.

Psalm 91:4
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Where does your help come from?
Are you tired, do you desire to be filled? Are you sick of the hangover that won’t end?
Cry out To JESUS and Let Him Step in!
God Bless You In The New!

Go, Be Church

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IMG_5072By: Jessica Huber 

Running on autopilot, I woke up and packed my daughters lunch and sent her off to school. I turned around to make my son’s lunch and I had already packed it! First thought was oh, did I do that? The second was, well that’s out of the way.. on to breakfast. And COFFEE!

Just Program a setting and off you go. This happens a lot when we are tired or preoccupied. I started thinking how our “church life” in and out of the walls can get stuck in repetition mode.

Within The walls

It’s good to have our reservation time with God, don’t get me wrong we can do this anywhere at anytime, but I consider the church building as a reserved setting. Uninterrupted praise, worship, study and fellowship. We can listen to praise music in our car, we can read and study with a couple friends in a group chat, we can have all of that away from the four walls, but think about it. We are so easily interrupted with the day to day. Going to the church building is a much needed reservation time. We go for the audience of ONE, to lay down the burdens carried in from the week. We plug in and charge up for the days to come. We check in with our brothers and sisters, we gather to get a refreshing of the word and most important we honor and sing praise to our King! An uninterrupted time to shut out the noise of the world.

All of that being said, let us not allow this to be a mundane experience. Let’s be honest, some of us push auto pilot within the church setting. We come in, do church and before we know it, the cycle starts again. Done and out of the way.
We allow it to become repetitious.
We forget that The Church is not a building but a People. A Body of believers who are to take the experience from the inner walls and go right out into noise!
What happens within the building should never be taken for granted, it is truly a valuable environment, we need that separation to focus and redirect.
Now, what do we do when we walk out of that environment?
Worship is not just for the inner walls, it should be the way we present and represent the gospel to the world.
What can I take from this experience and how can I apply it?
Our Worship life is played out on the mission field.

Outside the walls

When we are away from the building let’s not forget to continue to gather in thought and in Spirit, it gets busy and hectic yes, but we make the effort to have prayer time, not a laundry list, not a repeated recording of the same prayer over and over. This is our intimate time with God. It would get super annoying to hear your loved one repeat the same conversation over and over… oh wait did I just say this last night? Um ya! Let’s have intimate conversations with God.
Are we allowing enough space and time for the spontaneous calling or are we cramming it all into little blips of time. Let The Holy Spirit be The the one to do the interrupting in this world. Let The Spirit decide the when and where!
Our church experience should not be a confined area within our life. Church should be an on going continuation, a God Infused Life Style! Pray without ceasing, love without limitation.
Society likes stamp a time frame of where the church should be implemented, as if it is meant to stay within an “appropriate” setting. That is not what the word of God says, We are the moving living breathing Church! Our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which God gifted to us. Where we stand there is Holy Ground! We are children of The All Mighty and warriors of the Kingdom! So let’s not allow it to be a glazed over blip in time. Let’s live and breath our church life. Go Be a living example of What God can do! Use Your Gifts, Lift one another, comfort show a little vulnerability, be humble. We can all relate within this life, there is not one here that doesn’t need a savior! Go share the Gospel express the Good News of The One and Only Way, The Truth and The Life of JESUS CHRIST! Before you walk out the door ask God to use you today, regardless of plans, deadlines, whatever you have going on, make it your side job. Lord, I’m all yours!

Ephesians 4
1Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.
7But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
8Therefore it says,
            “WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH,
            HE LED CAPTIVE A HOST OF CAPTIVES,
            AND HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN.”

If you see someone while you are out and about and you notice they are struggling, offer to pray with them, speak God’s Name over their life and their situation. You have no idea how many people out there just need someone to take a moment for them.
Be Bold with Compassion!
Don’t just do church, Be Church!

1 John 3:18
Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.

1 Corinthians 12:27
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

Ephesians 4:16
from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

1 Corinthians 6:19
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?

Romans 10:15
How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD.

Prayer
Dear Lord I Praise your Name on High! Lord I am thankful to be able to have a place to go and gather to worship. I am thankful for the Family that is In You!
Lord Help me to use my church time wisely, while I am inside the walls, help me to truly make the most of this experience. If I am feeling weak or sad guide me to the Altar to receive your grace. Help me to shut out the noise of the outside so I may give you the Glory that you deserve. Lord bless the message and the reading of your word, let it be impressed on my heart. While I am outside the walls Help me to take All your Goodness Along with me!
Lord I am yours and it is an honor to be used by you! Help me to stay humble and gentle within this walk. Lord help me to stay alert to your voice, and when the time is right give me the words, guide my actions and my behavior so that others will see your glorious light and come home to you.
In the precious name of JESUS I Pray