Sunday, March 18, 2012

Fostering Faith (Replacing Fear with Trust)

Along the way I’ve discovered that when trust in God replaces fear in my life, my days become sweet and filled with peace. Fear has often been a factor in my life. Usually it’s subtle and behind the scenes, whispering in the darkness, conjuring up the unknown, insisting that I rely on its eerie presence instead of putting my trust fully in God—the God W...ho has promised good to me.

I haven’t always viewed myself as a fearful person, but recently, upon closer examination, I’ve begun to realize that fear is often a major catalyst in the decisions I make; but, thankfully, God is steadily pulling me away from this dangerous mindset; He’s faithfully returning my feet to His firm foundation and lovingly planting them on the solid rock of faith and trust in Him.

This past week, God has been whispering comfort to my soul, saying, “I am enough.” “There is nothing I cannot satisfy.” “There is nothing I cannot do.” “I am cradling you in My arms, Trena.” “My love is sufficient.” “I am enough.”

Daily, I am still learning these beautiful truths, and I’m embarrassed to admit how long it has taken me to embrace these important lessons; however, when I am a willing student, God has an amazing way of teaching, guiding, and gently leading me into a deeper, fully trusting relationship with Him.

So join me as I continue to lay my troubles at the feet of my loving, compassionate God, resting assured in His ability to work all things for His good. Join me as I fully turn my life over to God, trusting in His divine plan, allowing Him to fulfill His plan in my life in His perfect timing.

Final Thought: Daily trusting in God builds and strengthens my faith.

Between the Blogs

Personal Epiphany: It’s not always easy to trust God, but it’s always worth the effort—always!

Between the Blogs

Personal Commitment: Today, I am renewing my commitment to put my trust fully in God and God alone. I refuse to allow anyone or anything to dissuade me from this all-important and life-changing commitment

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Discovering God’s Faithfulness (Living God’s Promises)

Along the way this beautiful truth has come alive in my life: God always fulfills His promises.

It’s not that previously I didn’t believe in God’s faithfulness or that I ever doubted His Word; however, it is one thing to believe in God’s promises and a completely different thing to experience the fulfilling of His promises for yourself.

Recently, I had someone ask me a difficult question—one of those questions that stops you in your tracks, making your heart beat a little faster—but in that moment I discovered another promise in a long string of promises that God has fulfilled in my life. John 14:26 says: “But when the Father sends the Counselor as my representative—and by the Counselor I mean the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I myself have told you.” At that moment, with that difficult question hanging in the air, the Holy Spirit reminded me of all the things I had read in the Bible pertaining to that particular subject, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit I was able to give a God-inspired answer.

It is truly exciting to live a life in Christ, to experience His truth living in my life day after day. I find that my mouth is continually filled with praise and my heart is always overflowing with love. What an awesome experience to live in God and have God live in and through me.

So join me as I continue reading God’s Word, seeking out the beautiful truths tenderly tucked away in its precious pages. Join me as I continue allowing God to reveal Himself to me, working in and through me to bring about His perfect plan for my life.

Final Thought: God is always faithful; and He still fulfills His promises in the lives of His people today.

Between the Blogs

Personal Commitment: I am committed to allowing the unfailing love of God to be the filter that I use to view my every interaction with those around me. I am committed to allowing God to be my guide, to daily ask Him to put the right words in my mouth—the words that will reflect His character of unfailing love.

Between the Blogs

Personal Epiphany: I am daily amazed at God’s ceaseless work in my life; I am overwhelmed at His persistent faithfulness in fulfilling His promises in my life.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Glimpses of God (Embracing Variety)

Along the way I’ve discovered there are a lot of unique personalities in this world and their uniqueness creates a beautiful kaleidoscope of temperaments—a rainbow of personalities.

I’m ashamed to admit it, but sometimes, instead of celebrating these unique qualities in others, I find them to be an annoyance, an inconvenience. I’ve mistakenly believed that if ...people’s interests are different than mine, they are boring, shallow, or tedious.

Recently, God has been working with me on this subject, opening my eyes, showing me a new way to view others. God is in the process of revealing the splendor of His creative prowess that He uses to create a stunning array of personalities. He continues to encourage me to step outside my tiny circle and experience the beauty of people’s diversity.

Yesterday, a lovely friend shared this amazing truth to me: The personality differences in others give us new glimpses of God and His perfect character. You see, God is extremely creative (just look at the world around us); but He’s also a mathematician, a biologist, a chemist, a poet, and so much more.

So join me as I embrace the amazing variety of personalities that God has graced the earth with. Join me as I look for glimpses of God in the people around me.

Final thought: God is the architect of diversity.

Between the Blogs

Personal Epiphany: I’ve discovered that with every opportunity to fail and with each moment of fear there’s a new reason to trust God.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Between the Blogs

Personal Commitment:   Recently, God and I have been on an intense journey—a journey of transformation. Even though the road isn’t always smooth, and change is not always easy, I am committed to embracing God’s refining process; I am committed to the absolute surrender of my life to God, allowing Him to give me a complete transformation.