Category: Grief

Fire Activated

gloryguidesLeave a comment

Author: Jessica Huber

“Some plants, such as the lodgepole pine, Eucalyptus, and Banksia, have serotinous cones or fruits that are completely sealed with resin. These cones/fruits can only open to release their seeds AFTER the heat of a fire has physically melted the resin.”

Did you read that? Heat fire … trees, let’s just say they were not meant to be best friends. So why would this make sense to have a seed that can only be released after it’s exposed to heat? We look at the devastation of a forest fire, the death and destruction and would think that it stops there in the ashes. We forget what it takes sometimes for a rebuilding. The importance of the process and what needs to happen for a rejuvenated replenishment.

Truth is, there are times when growth can only rise out from the flames.

We have a God that goes so far before us, that he Intricately created little plans to protect, to secure and preserve even after a destruction.
In this case with these particular cones/ fruit.. they need the fire to release the new. This is the same for you.

Keep in mind the scripture about the birds and the lilies? If God can take care of them, then we should have no worries whether or not he can take care of us. Friends, if he can create a plan for a cone hanging on a tree he most certainly has one for us.

Some of us are still sealed up and about to walk into a fire and it’s scary, for the fear is overwhelming. Some are currently in the fire and it hurts .. the pain feels like it will never subside, but when the tears fall like melting resin.., hold on. Your not alone in the flames. Let me reference Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? Yep, 3 went in, but there were 4 in the flames that day. It was a turning point of victory For God’s Glory!

You might just be in the middle of your turning point, but allow me to usher in and project a truth ..You’re going to need to Brace yourself to Embrace .. that the GLORY WILL COME.

Every experience or encounter whether pleasant or unpleasant serves it’s purpose.

We may ask ourselves, why are we allowed to go through terrible moments, pain, loss, and the sorrows of this life? It’s because God will take this situation and use the Heat to refine, and when the smoke fades away there will be a revealing of His power in your life. He has the ability bring about a Beauty from the pain. It is then magnified so that it doesn’t just affect you, but All who whiteness. Our pain is not in vain!

It might feel like this devastation is too much to bear, it might feel like hope is lost behind the thickness of the billowing smoke..will there ever be light?

Rest assured, Just like that cone, you were designed by Him and created for this very moment! I know it doesn’t makes sense.. fire and trees, but for you too, out of the ashes there will be a sprouting of New.

When you come out, dust off the ashes and wear that crown of beauty! Let the oil of joy Glisten upon the mourning. Walk proud as the garment of praise cascades over the spirit of despair. Stand Tall like the Oaks of Righteousness and proclaim this victory In Jesus name.

Repeat after me!
I am not alone, God’s restoration is upon me! There is purpose and reason beyond this season! Proclaim it!

Readings
Mathew 6:26-34
Daniel 3:16-28
Isaiah 61:1-3

A Mountain In My Way!

gloryguidesLeave a comment

By: Jessica Huber

IMG_2976

He is not going to move the mountain, if it will get in the way of something he has planned for the future.

Let’s face it, we have such a hard time with patience, we try to move that mountain on our own. We push and shove and wonder why our backs hurt, we complain about the pain. ..why is this so hard?
“Why won’t this mountain move?” “I’m waiting and waiting, “did I mention I’m getting tired of waiting?”

Does this sound like anything you’ve said before? Maybe you are saying it right now! Honestly, we have no idea what that mountain is keeping us from. Do we ever consider what is on the other side? What is it protecting us from? Maybe whatever is on the other side of the mountain is just not ready yet. The path is still getting cleared.

We have no idea what will happen within this waiting time, my guess is with God..big things, growth, opportunity, possibly a chance for redirection???

Sometimes the only thing needed in times like this is to surrender. I know it sounds weak, it sounds like giving up, as if you are doing nothing at all. Think of it as this, it’s letting go of a tug of war that you were never meant to enter. So many of us are still trying to face our struggles on our own. When All we see is the problem that’s IN THE WAY, we are missing out on Important keys to his process…. His Way.

There is still much so do within a waiting time. Quit looking at the mountain and look around. God may be using this mountain to use you, in someone else’s mountain moment.

Let’s ask ourselves this, do I believe God loves me? Do I believe God can move the mountains within my life? If so, then maybe we just need to Trust that! Trust that if this mountain isn’t budging it’s for a darn good reason! Consider this, Just maybe it’s not the mountain that God is planning on moving? Maybe He’s going to do a move within you.

Don’t be so quick to think God is not working fast enough. Use this time to talk with Him, to receive His peace. What happens when one side of the tug of war let’s go? The other side falls back. Think about that release, every time you are tempted to take this burden back into your own hands.

My God is Capable, My God is Powerful, My God is Loving, My God is All Knowing!
My God has Got This! My God has Me!

 

I pray that today whatever the struggle is, however big or small, I pray that you let it go. Quit pushing, quit pulling. I pray that You receive God’s peace and comfort. Remember He loves you. He cares for you and your loved ones. I pray that when you lift your eyes to the mountain, you remember where your help comes from.
I pray that you remember how precious His timing is and that it IS Perfect.
In The Name of JESUS I Pray… Amen and Amen.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

gloryguidesLeave a comment

By: Jessica Huber 

IMG_2225.JPG

 

John 9:1-5
1As He passed by, He saw a man blind from birth. 2And His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?” 3Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4“We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work. 5“While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.”

The disciples were focused on the cause of this mans blindness, in other words, who’s fault was it? Jesus pointed out that this mans purpose was not to display the disability but instead, it was to show What God could do with it!

Sometimes we do the same as the disciples, we see a situation and fix on the negative. We can change this outlook by remembering

Turn your eyes upon JESUS

Matthew 6:22
“The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light.

Romans 8:28
know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

HIS purpose is Perfect! His Glory will shine out of the darkness!

Write this on your heart and in your mind! the next time you are faced with a difficult situation. Instead of playing the blame game or asking why, ask WHAT? What Will God Do with This!

Instead of staring down the struggle, stand face to Face with our Lord, His Glory shines. Fill your eyes with Faith and let His light be on display for All to see!

 

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.

“Helen Howarth Lemmel”

Get Up!

gloryguidesLeave a comment

By: Jessica Huber

IMG_1572.JPGMark 10:51-52
51“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

52“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

It is the same with John 5:1-9 but the message goes just a bit further.
6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”

8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

He Walked!

There is SO much here!
An extended Offer
A willingness
Faith
Healing
Following

Jesus wanted to know if the men had Faith and also if they were ready for the next step. He could have just walked up and healed them easy peasy. But He made this About Faith In Action, meaning that they had a responsibility on their part. JESUS desires a two way relationship.
When we call out to Him and Ask Him to change our circumstances, He’s Going To Do it, In one way or another. The question is Are We Ready, Is This What We Want?
First Do We Believe He can Do it ! Second Do We Want It? Do we want Him?  It’s not a one and done. He wants to continue on within our lives. He doesn’t walk away after the healing. When JESUS died for our sins he rose from the dead to LIFE! By His wounds we are healed! From transgression to transformation we rise to life! ….we walk!

The blind man didn’t gain sight and go home. He certainly didn’t go back carrying on as he did when he was blind. He Followed JESUS! The Other Man got Up and Walked! He didn’t straighten out his mat and lay back down. He didn’t say thank you …I’m sure these legs will come in handy someday .. no he got up and walked! Both men were healed and they chose to do something with their new beginning.

When He Works IN US He Does it BIG.
SEEK and you will FIND
KNOCK and The door will be OPEN to YOU Matthew 7:7

What Do You Want Him To Do With You?
The Answer is The Showing of Your Faith!
Make IT BIG!
Will it Be to See as He Sees?
To Forgive as He Forgives?
To Love as He Loves?
To Walk as He Walks?
What ever it is, just like the men, KNOW that God Can! Then understand that Christ wants you to take it on the road and use it to Follow Him! Whatever Blessing you receive, Use it to show others Who He IS.

Faith IN Action!!!

James 2:17
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

How long have you been in this condition?
Do you want to get well?
Open your eyes and receive!
Get up and walk!

Revelation 21:5
And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”

 

Let’s us Pray

Dear Lord,

Thank you for All that you Are! Help me to put my trust and Faith in your abilities. I want to receive the gifts and opportunities that you have planned for my life. Remove all the fear, and negative clutter that is keeping me from getting up and taking my first step. I look forward with new eyes! Help me to remember when My foot slips or when I get knocked down you are right there to help and support as we walk together. Help me to listen to your voice telling me to Get Up!
In JESUS Name Amen

turn down the volume of the world & TURN UP THE VOICE OF GOD!

gloryguidesLeave a comment

By: Jessica Huber

IMG_1551.JPG

The scripture says draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

What happens when we forget about His Word? What happens when we neglect our relationship with God? What happens when we draw closer to The world and we set The Word aside?

First off, we are not loved any less, let me just say that! But….
we are hampering ourselves. We set ourselves up to be played by the enemy and we become a disservice to God’s mission.

2 Timothy 3:16 says
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;

When we keep ourselves away from that truth, we allow ourselves to conform to the things going on around us. The world rings louder and louder. We forget the part about His Way and we start looking at other ways.

The world has plenty of opportunities or distractions to fill our own desires.
Little by little we ignore our discernment. We begin to put false gods in our sights, working towards goals to accomplish the desires of the world. We end up falling for the patterns of deception. In turn, we are tricked into building an earthbound kingdom. Some of the materials used for a kingdom such as this are doubt, worry, fear, stress, bitterness, anger, jealousy and pride. Pretty much all the things that consume us. Not only does this keep us from receiving God’s Best, it keeps us  from being  productive Warriors for God.

James 4:7
Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Deception is not ugly, it’s pleasing, it seems right in our own sight.
But we know that satan hides behind light. He prowls around looking for someone to devour and what better prey, what better target, than Someone who is left unarmed?

When we are away from the truth it’s much much easier to fall for the half truth, which by the way, is a full on lie. Guys these lies are soothing, they tickle the ears in a way that justifies the half truth.
If we have lost our ability to tell the difference between The Lord’s voice and the god of this worlds voice, then we might as well have never known the truth in the first place.
We have A Present God, The Holy Spirit Has been Given. He guides and leads us along God’s path.

We can be in the world, raising our families, working and living life but we must be careful not to be of the world.
Don’t let it distract you from your role within the Body of Jesus Christ. Don’t forget Who you belong to, you Are a member of a UNIT and without your presence it doesn’t function to the full potential. No matter what you are involved in, no matter where you are, there is always an opportunity to reflect and project the voice of God. That means we need to turn down the volume of the world and Turn Up The Voice of God.

Listen and Test

1 John 4:1 talks about not believing every spirit, it says test the spirits, so we know if they are from God.
You see, the enemy has a voice and he also has spirits.
The way we test the spirits are to measure them with The Word Of God. If it doesn’t match, then it’s a deception. We know that people make mistakes, we have a loving forgiving Father, but if we continue to cover our spiritual ears, we disregard His guidance. We are then the ones who hurt ourselves and the people who we could potentially be of service to.
There is no one that can be hidden from God. Not even in the darkest of times. Still we tend to push Him away when we are in the dark, We trip over what we do not know and often end up dragging others along with us .. blind leading the blind.

Get Into The Word, read what God has given. Weave it within your life. This will be what keeps you equipped to live in this world as a Follower of Christ.

1 John 5:21,
1 Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.

Jonah 2:8
“Those who regard vain idols Forsake their faithfulness

They Forsake their Own Faithfulness!
It’s a choice we make and we need to take responsibility for that.
Not something we want to forsake.

When Faith is brought to the table Miracles happen! We need to watch out for who and what we put our faith in.
Tap into that discernment, listen for the Voice of The Lord to guide. If it does not match with God’s Word  then we need to adjust the volume and Seek God’s counsel.

Now Today

gloryguidesLeave a comment

By: Jessica Huber

IMG_1537NOW…,TODAY

2 Corinthians 6:2
For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

Not after, not later!
Now! Today!

First!
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33

TODAY!

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34

The reason we are not to worry about tomorrow is not because from here on out its perfect!
No, Jesus said there Will be trouble! But When we have a personal relationship with Him , we are putting our thoughts, concerns and ALL of our unknowns into His Secure Hands. The Worry is to be Replaced with Trust! Its not a Trust in the world or ourselves or any other person, that will end up in failure for sure!
It’s a Trust IN HIM, no matter what it looks like around you! The assurance is That your God Has this! The bible says He goes Before us! With this knowledge comes the gift of Faith and From that The Gift of Peace!

First of all earthly life is Not promised. Second He Knows the Plans and Has Known them before We were Born. A plan to Prosper, and not harm, a Plan for Hope and a Future.

A Future of a Promised Eternity!
There is no greater assurance than that!

So Why wait to Begin something that was set Before You existed? Why Postpone a Personal Hand Crafted Life? Why waste that Beautiful Gift of Peace?
Life here is to be lived with all your heart, soul and mind pointing Right at Him.

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
Matthew 22:37

There is One Way and No Better Day, Than Today!
TODAY, Accept Jesus as Your Savior and Lord Of Your Life!

Too much time and energy has been wasted on Worry and uncertainties! I hope that Today, If He knocks you will Open and let Him Step In! Seize the day while it is still called today!

But God!

gloryguidesLeave a comment

By: Jessica Huber 

F6FCAA74-562A-439F-BFD9-22B35DDC36C8

I read this question on a social media page the other day.

*What drink made you never want to drink again?

There were several comments of people chiming in with all different kinds of alcoholic beverages .. along with stories of horrible experiences and how sick it made them.

There was a time where I would have jumped right in!

BUT GOD! And I find myself saying this more and more lately!

But God!
God is Amazing! He is a Chain Breaking, Freedom giving, Life Saving God! He is the ultimate healer!

I saw this post and immediately my thoughts went to a completely different direction. My first thought was .. and without hesitation I might add…The Living Water of Jesus Christ .. After I tried that I never wanted to drink anything else.
I am from a family where drinking was always our way. Always our way to celebrate, our way to deal with disappointment, depression, it was our way of fun and excitement, to let loose to have confidence as well as an answer to stress relief. You name it alcohol was always invited.

This became my way for so long. Until I had that One Drink that Changed Everything!
Now My WAY IS JESUS
THE WAY The Truth and The Life!

It is true that sometimes a negative experience will drive us away from something harmful. But for how long and to what extent? My point is that the goodness of God did this for me in more ways than one bad, or even several bad experiences could have.
For example, I lived through my cousin being killed by a drunk driver, I watched my family grieve and have their lives torn apart. I lived day after day wishing it were me, trying to make it through and comprehend a life with out my best friend. Yet, still I did not quit drinking… I took a break only for a brief time. I vowed never to drink and drive, but I still found myself stepping into vehicles with people behind the wheel who were under the influence. That negative experience should have been enough, after all it was the worst pain to this day that Iv ever felt. Nope, it became my excuse to drink more. My answer to the question could have been many different drinks that I have consumed over time, truth is I’v been sick more than I’d like to admit and still went right back to that kind of poison. I’v had moments of shame and regret that still bring tears to my eyes… and I have to listen for His voice.. saying you are forgiven my love!

The worst drink, the worst experience could never override What God DID in my life!

The Power and Love Of Jesus Christ is more than enough to break through. More than any nasty tasting drink more than any terrible hangover or tragic trauma! He Alone Was the answer for me!

The Drink that He offered was the drink that made me want to quit drinking.
The Living Water of Jesus Christ!

If there is something that has a strong hold on you today.. or if you unsure of your stability.. I would like to offer an invitation to drink from The Eternal Well.
If you do not know JESUS CHRIST as your Lord and personal savior, then there is no better time than right Now. I don’t care if it’s alcohol, shopping, drugs or food, I don’t care if it’s needed attention from people.. what ever it is that allows you to reach for ______________ fill in the blank. If you reach for This before you reach for God then I’m here to tell you.. God is Greater and We need Him! We can not do it on or own or in our own way. He knows How to fill that empty spot! This fullness will not end in shame or regret, it won’t end in self loathing, it won’t end in disappointment or a spiraling cycle. Instead He Gives LIFE, HOPE, FREEDOM, LOVE, JOY, PURPOSE, and so much more!
Will you be free from troubles in this world? The answer is an absolute no, but you will be free from the burden of them. You have a God that says ..are You weary, are you hurt, are you struggling? Come here, let’s swap, give me your burdens and I will give you rest, strength and hope. You have the opportunity to fill the blank with Him! I’m weak …BUT GOD! I’m tired.. BUT GOD! I’m sad and lonely.. BUT GOD! I’m scared.. BUT GOD! I hurt.. BUT GOD! BUT GOD IS GREATER!!

Romans 5:8 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

John 4:10
Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

John 4:14
but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”

Now is the opportunity..
Maybe you feel like you were on the path to having a relationship with him and you’ve allowed the world to have a little too much space in your heart, now is the time to re dedicate. Maybe you really never gave it a thought at all or maybe it’s something you’ve said you will do… somday. Well are you tired of being tired?
Let Him be the one to fill your blank space!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,
for too long I’ve kept you out of my life. I am tired of doing things my own way. I know that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. I am taking this step to repent and turn to you. No longer will I close the door when I hear you knocking. By faith I gratefully receive your gift of salvation. Fill the emptiness in my heart, help me to trust you. Help me to understand your love, grace, your mercy and peace. Help me to receive the Knowledge, That From this point on I am Holy, Righteous and Redeemed… yes…Clean!
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming to earth. I believe you are the Son of God who died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead on the third day. Thank you for bearing my sins and giving me the gift of eternal life. I believe your words are true. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, I invite you into my life as my Lord and Savior.

Thank You Jesus! Amen!

If you have prayed this prayer in sincere faith, You ARE a New Creation In Christ Jesus! The old is gone the New has come!
Get into his word, get to know WHO your SAVIOR is! Learn about Him! Get to know Who YOU are to Him! This relationship will be the most important you will ever have!

What if we actually Believe in God’s Work?

gloryguidesLeave a comment

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

gloryguides2 Comments

By: Jessica Huber

IMG_8625.JPG

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!

God Does Not Over Look

gloryguidesLeave a comment

By: Jessica Huber

IMG_5297

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