Niccolò Paganini was a virtuoso violinist and composer who lived in Europe in the early 1800s and was thought to be the greatest violinist of all time. His technique while playing was unparalleled. His compositions, unique and of vanguard style. His playing of gentle passages was so beautiful that his audiences often burst into tears, and yet, he would perform some pieces with such vigor and velocity that one listener at a concert in Vienna became half-crazed and declared for days that he had seen Satan himself helping the violinist on stage.

Paganini was known to have owned some of the most prestigious violins of his day and collected a myriad of interesting stories about how he won and lost some of his precious violins.

One particular story stands out.

The musician had just stepped on stage to start a particular concert. As the audience greeted the virtuoso with fierce applause, he noticed that there was something wrong with the violin in his hand. He looked at the instrument and realized that he wasn’t holding his best violin.

He excused himself to go backstage and fetch the right instrument and was shocked to find out that his precious Stradivari had been stolen.

After remaining backstage for a while, he stepped onstage again to address the audience. With resolute confidence, Paganini declared: “Ladies and gentlemen, I will now demonstrate to you that the music is not in the instrument but in the soul.” He then rendered a most dramatic piece, bringing the audience to a euphoric standing ovation at the end.

Some Trust in Chariots…

As I read this particular story in the life of the composer, I thought about Psalm 20, written by King David, where he attributed all his successes in battle to God’s strength, not his own. In verse 7, he wrote: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God – Psalm 20:7
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Victory. There’s nothing sweeter than being able to fulfill a dream, win a hard battle, or simply attain success by exercising a God-given gift. There’s nothing quite like it. But I believe that as exciting as some victories can be, they also hold a serious danger.

We may fool ourselves into believing that our success was obtained solely by our own merit and strength, often forgetting that we are recipients of God’s matchless favor and grace. Although we can rightfully say that our hard work, skills, and diligence help us fulfill our goals and dreams, we must never forget that our trust should not rest solely on our resources.

Rather, we must remember to put our trust in something that diseases cannot destroy and circumstantial lack of resources cannot detain – the unchangeable power of a limitless God.

We must remember to put our trust in something that diseases cannot destroy and circumstantial lack of resources cannot detain – the unchangeable power of a limitless God.
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God’s Power and your circumstances

Just as Paganini’s majestic music did not change with an inferior instrument, I’m challenged to remember daily that God’s purposes and His power to fulfill them do not change with life’s circumstances. And just as David acknowledged that his victories were not won by his tangible resources and the strength of his army alone, we must remember to recognize God’s hand and favor in each victory we win.

It’s a personal, deliberate choice, really. And I personally choose not to put my trust in instruments that may get lost or stolen or in horses and chariots to win the battles I face. I choose to trust in the Name of my God, whose character never changes, whose plans for me are perfect, and whose strength in battle is matchless.

Whether I am in the valley or standing on the mountaintop, that truth is always the song of my heart and the strength of my soul.

I personally choose not to put my trust in instruments that may get lost or stolen or in horses and chariots to win the battles I face. I choose to trust in the Name of my God, whose character never changes, whose plans for me are…
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The post My Victories, My Battles – Not Really Mine {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Do you love to hear a good story? I enjoy stories passed down through generations and in literature. And I’m especially fond of stories told as first-hand accounts of actual events. But what about the Christmas story?

Have you read the Christmas story in the Bible? How have others told the story? 

I wonder how Mary, the earthly mother of Jesus, felt and experienced the birth of the Christ child. Or, what it was like to see Jesus grow into a man and fulfill His mission. 

Perhaps Mary’s thoughts went something like this.

Christmas Story : First Breath of Grace

He took His first breath. The first breath of grace. Wrapped in a swaddling cloth, though adorned with royal titles. Wonderful. Counselor. Prince of Peace. Holy King. Immanuel. The Ancient of Days.

The Lamb of God created the star placed in the heavens to announce His arrival. The light of the world.

I held Him in my arms, so overjoyed. Barely minutes old and seemingly fragile. But this baby embodied the fullness of the Godhead. Such power later demonstrated when He cast out evil spirits and even raised the dead to life again.

I  studied every feature as mothers do when handed a newborn. Gazing intently at Him, I saw the goodness and greatness of God.

Christmas Story: Child to Man

Looking into His eyes, they would one day see into the hearts of men. I watched His mouth when He yawned or cried, wonderful, powerful and life-giving words He later spoke. Commanding even the winds and waves to obey Him.

Placing my hand on His chest to sense a strong heartbeat. The day was coming when His heart—broken and betrayed by many—offered forgiveness to all.

I held His hands and noticed His little fingers. The same hands would gently caress those who needed comfort and healing. Touch eyes restoring sight. His hands stretched out to give us love and life, pierced by nails.

I examined His feet. Yes, five toes on each one. I’d felt them kicking inside me. These feet carried Him to speak to the masses, walked on water and were pierced with nails.

Embracing Him as a mother tenderly draws her child close, snuggling Him near to my chest. Yet, His embrace offers us more warmth and security than any earthly mother ever bestows.

How ironic I nursed Him to sustain His physical life, whereas He is the very Bread of Life.

I delighted in watching Jesus grow from child to man. There was no one like my Jesus: His smile, voice, presence and spirit. Possessing great compassion, humility, love and tenderness.

Christmas Story: Calvary’s Cross

Then, I found myself at the foot of the cross sobbing. Why, son?

“Though he was in the form of God…he emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men…he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:6-11 (ESV)

Besides being His mother, I also welcomed Jesus into my life and heart. I worshiped Him as Lord and Savior. And He desires that you welcome Him into your life and heart. 

Because His Holy Word shouts, “Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah” Psalm 24:9-10 (ESV)

(Mary, the mother of Jesus)

“Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah” Psalm 24:9-10 (ESV) #Christmas
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The Lord of Hosts

The Lord of hosts came that first Christmas night in Bethlehem for all who are willing to welcome His glory into their hearts and lives.

Lord, we swing open wide the gates of our life and the door of our heart for your grand entrance as we worship you, the King of glory. 

Featured image courtesy of Adobe Express.

Last week’s post by Patricia Holbrook: The Best Christmas Gift You Can Give.

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Join us as my friend @FridayKaren looks at how Mary, Jesus' mother, might describe the Christmas story from that first night in Bethlehem throughout her Son's earthly life. Share your blog! #blog #Christmas
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‘Tis the season for writing out wishlists, filling the calendar, and stuffing our stomachs! Our to-do lists our longer than usual. At this time of year, we tend to spend more time thinking about we need, want, or plan on than usual.

Sometimes it’s refreshing and helpful to remember what we already have.

What We Have as God’s Children

• The Spirit

“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” –Romans 8:6

• God’s Own Word

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” –2 Timothy 3:16

• The Riches of Christ

“Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ.” –Ephesians 3:8

• A Place in God’s Kingdom

“Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?” –James 2:5

• Faith, Grace, Hope, and a Testimony

“Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.” –Romans 5:2

Ideas for Thinking on God’s Good, Perfect Gifts

• A few years ago I heard someone on the radio say that when they found themselves dwelling on lists of hurts or worries, they tried to switch and think on a list of blessings from God.
• Memorize Scripture! God gives His Word to us as a good gift and we can never spend too much time learning from Him through it.
• Focus on someone you love- thank God for them, pray for them, consider what a blessing they are to you.
• Recall your testimony. Remember how God has saved you. Praise Him for answered prayers and times when He has especially apparently worked in your life.
• Look up one of the names or character traits of God and consider the glory, matchless implications of God being who God is.

What else would you add? Any tips for re-orienting your mind to think on what you already have in Christ?

{A version of this post was previously published here}

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Let's pause to think on what we already have. Join my friend @BethanyMcIlrath as we take a moment to praise God in a busy season. Share your blog! #rechargewednesday #Grateful @bethanymcilrath
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“Deep within the universe, inside a large spiral galaxy, hidden among its billions stars, there exists a dwarf star named ‘Sol’.  It is a fiery furnace in the center of a beautiful solar system… a Solar System with 8 amazing planets,  5 dwarf  planets, 176 moons and billions of comets and asteroids. A place where a small blue planet may be the most special world in all universe.”

These words accompanied the most compelling four-minute video that I have watched in a long, long time. The production, posted on the internet to introduce our Solar System to elementary students, showed videos and still pictures of our galaxy that made my heart skip a beat.

The music was moving. The words, gripping. My younger daughter sat on my lap, eyes fixed on the video. My eyes filled with tears – God’s magnificence can become overwhelming when you see the universe from the lenses of a potent telescope. I was reminded of the perfection of it all, as celestial bodies hang perfectly in space, separated not an inch farther than necessary in order to keep our Solar System balanced for the sustenance of life on our planet. Many people become more skeptical when contemplating the stars. I personally become ever more convinced that there has to be a God who designed it all.

Many people become more skeptical when contemplating the stars. I personally become ever more convinced that there has to be a God who designed it all. @AJC #RechargeWednesday #universe #GodCreator
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As I pondered about the vastness of creation, images of things that are currently happening in this tiny, blue planet of ours started running across my mind.  COVID. Social unrest. Economic issues. We live in a world that is permeated with pain, anger, lust and selfishness. We think our own troubles to be the center of the universe, whereas in truth, even every major issue that this world is currently facing pales in contrast with the magnitude of the God who created it all.

Life is but a vapor and yet, we stubbornly make it all about us, our agendas, our ideologies, instead of thinking about what God would have us do.  Many don’t ever stop to think that it may just be true that one day we will all stand before the One who created the stars, placing us, by design, on this earth to accomplish his plan. That day could even be today.

I don’t know about you, but I tremble at the thought. I tremble at the thought that every action and everything I have ever stood for or against will be accounted for. I tremble at the thought that there is a higher plan, a higher purpose in life than just my daily routines, my concerns and cares. I tremble at the thought that God has placed me on this tiny planet with a specific purpose in mind and that I may just miss it if I get so engrossed with my own agenda that I fail to seek him. Do you ever think about that?

I tremble at the thought that God has placed me on this tiny planet with a specific purpose in mind and that I may just miss it if I get so engrossed with my own agenda that I fail to seek him.
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I believe we all should. Because as we look at the vastness and perfection of our universe, we must be confronted with the fact that, if it was indeed created, there is a God who is so perfect and particular, that He doesn’t want us to treat our lives and society as another cosmic accident.

He created life in an orderly fashion and He does care about how we live it.  What if he does have a blueprint for us to follow? What if there is right and wrong and one day He will hold us accountable for our actions? Would that change the way you see life and everything you believe in?

What if God does have a blueprint for us to follow? Would that change the way you see life and everything you believe in?
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A version of this article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Click HERE to read it on the AJC’s website.

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LINKUP is open! This week, a science video for my daughter's school made me think about people who do not believe in Creation. Join us and share your blog!
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Tears fell down my face as I worshiped Him through song.

Just a couple of days before, I had been diagnosed with kidney cancer. Surgery had been scheduled for a few weeks away. Life as I knew it had changed with a doctor’s visit. Yet, as the song “Behold the Lamb” played on, my heart was filled with peace, gratitude and thanksgiving.

No, nothing had changed around me. We were still trying to figure out how we would manage without my income for over a month while recovering from surgery.

We were still trying to help our children understand and not be fearful because mommy had cancer.

And, yes, I had moments when I felt scared. But in the midst of it all, I found something new: A new song of praise. And I am not talking about the beautiful melody that was playing on the speakers that day. I am talking about a shift in the praise paradigm as I knew it.

For the first time in my life, I understood, deep down in my soul, what praise is really about. And I would never be the same.

It’s easy to praise God when life is beautiful.

When we have money, secure relationships and health, we usually find ourselves grinning from ear to ear and praising Him all day.

And then… there comes a valley; a deep, dark one. We instinctively find it hard to continue our songs of praise. That’s just, well, normal human nature. It is indeed hard to praise God in the face of our troubles. It takes work. It takes diligence. It takes faith to see past our predicaments and into the immutability of a loving God.

It is indeed hard to praise God in the face of our troubles. It takes work. It takes diligence. It takes faith to see past our predicaments and into the immutability of a loving God. #trustGod #TuesdayMotivation #RechargeWednesday
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A New Paradigm

If we are able to move our eyes from our ever-changing circumstances and fix them on the unchanging nature of our God, we change our praise paradigm from focusing on what God does to who God is. We change it from focusing on that which continually changes to the One who never does.

Instead of dwelling on the hardship of unemployment, we fix our eyes on the promises of Jehovah Jireh, the Provider. Instead of focusing on the dread of cancer or any other physical illness, we worship Jehovah Rapha, the Healer. Instead of looking at our uncertainties, we fix our eyes on God’s attributes, which never change and never will.

If we are able to move our eyes from our ever-changing circumstances and fix them on the unchanging nature of our God, we change our praise paradigm from focusing on what God does to who God is. #trustGod #TuesdayMotivation…
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We start worshiping…

Yahweh… the All-Knowing God – Who knows exactly what is happening to you. (Job 37:16)

Yahweh… the All-Loving God – Who loves you so much that He gave His only Son for you. As a loving Father, He will uphold you in the dark hour. (1 John 4:8)

Yahweh… the All-Powerful God – the One who spoke the stars into existence is more than able to mend your broken life. (Genesis 18:14)

Yahweh… the All-Present God – He is there for you when everyone else leaves. (Deuteronomy31:6)

Yahweh… the Sovereign God – who rules all creation and therefore knows what is best for us, even though we don’t always understand. (Isaiah 40:21-23)

Yahweh… The Holy God – who wishes to reveal to us flaws in our character that need to be changed… sins in our lives that need to go. It is through the fire that these impurities come to surface… that we may be molded, renewed, re-done. For His glory and our good. (Leviticus 20:26)

2012 was a year filled with long, dark valleys. So was 2020 to so many of us.

My husband and I often mentioned that we would happily bid 2012 goodbye when December 31 finally came. And so we did. Among other things, that was the year when we faced trials with cancer and the tragic death of my brother-in-law.

As I look back, however, as hard as that year was, the joy of finding stronger faith far surpassed the pain that these valleys brought along.

We witnessed God at work like never before. We sensed His presence and found the joy of worshiping Him “in spite of”. We learned to worship Him for who He is and therefore found an incredible peace in the midst of each storm. All because we have learned to shift the object of our praise from God’s gifts to God alone.

Shifting the praise paradigm = learning to change the object of our praise from God’s gifts to God alone. #trustGod #TuesdayMotivation #RechargeWednesday
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Maybe 2020 was to you like 2012 was to me. And maybe the challenges have not changed at the dawn of this New Year. Maybe they have only intensified.

If that is the case for you today, it is only natural that f you find yourself having a hard time worshiping, weighed down by heavy burdens that threaten to steal your peace. If so, try praying for a shift in your praise paradigm: A re-focus on the object of your praise: from the gift… to the Giver.

Gifts, happiness and peace are so very fleeting. But the Giver, Sustainer, and Peace Maker is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebbrews 13:8)

May His Presence overwhelm you in the midst of the storm.

May you know the peace that surpasses all understanding as you lean on Jesus to be your all.

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“Lord, I’m too tired to figure this out. I don’t know if we made the right decision.” With that prayer, an Old Testament passage came to mind.

If a young woman makes a vow…and her father hears of the vow or pledge and does not object to it, then all her vows and pledges will stand. But if her father refuses to let her fulfill the vow or pledge on the day he hears of it, then all her vows and pledges will become invalid. …because her father would not let her fulfill them” (Numbers 30:3-5 NLT).

Relief flooded me. I didn’t have to figure it out. Like a good father, my Abba would protect me. “Father, you heard our words. If we jumped too soon, please rescue us. I’m giving this to You.”

I didn’t have to figure it out. Like a good father, my Abba would protect me. #RechargeWednesday @DebbieWWilson
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I asked the designer to wait while we did more research. She understood. In the end, we chose a different option that saved us money. Once I let go of bearing the burden of making the perfect decision and trusted my Father to lead me, I enjoyed the adventure.

The Role of Faith

I know I’m saved “by grace through faith,” but sometimes I forget I’m to live by faith (Romans 1:17). God wants me to include Him in every aspect of life. Jesus modeled this. He relied completely on His Father (John 14:10). Jesus wants us to walk with Him the same way (John 15:4-5).

Living by faith protects us from regret, pleases God, and satisfies us (Hebrews 11:6; John 15:11). Our heavenly Father longs to show up in the mundane tasks of life. When we lean on Him in every area, life becomes an awesome journey.

I find robust faith requires a knowledge of the Word and a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.

Robust faith requires a knowledge of the Word and a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. @DebbieWWilson #TrustingGod
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The Word

The Bible says our minds are either shaped by the world or transformed by the Word. Without renewing our minds, we can’t recognize our Father’s good will for our lives.

• “Don’t become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants—what is good, pleasing, and perfect.” (Romans 12:2 GW).
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• Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (Romans 10:17 NIV).

The Spirit

The Father sent His Holy Spirit to live in us and guide us (John 14:17).

• “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves” (Galatians 5:16 NLT).
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• But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT).

Maybe your earthly father is no longer here or wasn’t reliable. As we approach Father’s Day you can celebrate your heavenly Father. If you know Jesus, you have a heavenly Father who loves you deeply and covers your back.         

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26 NIV)

What wakes you up in the middle of the night? Are you learning to rest in the security a good father provides?

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LINKUP party is open! On Father's Day week, @DebbieWWilson talks about how our Heavenly Father longs to guide us through life. Join us & share your post! #RechargeWednesdayLinkup
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Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes    

The quote was scrolling across the TV screen while the leader talked. I immediately started thinking about the truth behind those words. It was one week before the beginning of the new school year and I knew it was time to start putting to practice some of the changes that I had committed to make during the summer.

Well, let me rephrase it: It was time to start implementing some of the changes that God instructed me to make.

Leave it to me, and I will keep on doing things as I’ve always done. An innate Martha, my fleshly tendency is to do… always a lot.

And I know I’m not alone.

A quick look around our society (and even our churches) and it’s easy to see that we are breeding more Martha’s than Mary’s these days.

…We often confuse love for God as service for the Kingdom.

…We mistakenly confuse great education with one more extra-curricular activities for our children.

…We often find our lips saying yes before praying about whether to add one more responsibility to our plate.

Unfortunately, this lack of pause invariably affects every area of one’s life.

In an age where simplicity is mistaken by lack of success, the world applauds when we step up and lead the charge. In the meantime, marriages suffer because spouses are so involved in working and serving others, that they don’t have time to nurture the most important relationship in their lives. Children are pressured to do more than their small bodies can handle, and we, their parents, often feed the trend and inadvertently whisper to their hearts that more is always better.

And there could not be anything farther from the truth.

Children do more than their small bodies can handle, and we, parents, often feed the trend and inadvertently whisper to their hearts that more is always better. Nothing is farther from the truth.
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The truth is this:

Busyness is often one of the devil’s modern tools to prevent us from truly flourishing.
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Because the busier we are, the less time we have to be still and consequently KNOW God (Psalm 46:10) and His perfect will for our lives.

A True Summer BREAK

In the beginning of that summer, I found myself tired of the mess, running around, unhealthy meals and overwhelming loss of joy in my life. My body, mind and spirit were hurting. My soul was malnourished and I knew it was time to renew my mind and reshape my agenda.

That’s when God started working in my heart, convicting me that it was time to review my habits and commitments, rethink and reshape my family’s schedule.

I started by reorganizing my days, and delegating more tasks to my children.

As I committed to take better care of myself, I found a new love for walking daily and eating fresher, healthier meals. I decided to stop using the excuse of not having 30 minutes to take care of ME.

Going against everything I’ve ever known, I even blocked an afternoon to rest. Now that was a new one!

And most importantly, I started telling myself that it was ok to miss an event or two.

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Nothing changes if nothing changes.
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The quote is not mine, but its simplicity rings in my soul as the truth behind my newfound direction and renewed sense of peace. It wasn’t easy, but I had to sit down and rethink my routines again and deliberately change my ways.

If you can relate to my story today, I invite you to start by accepting the truth behind Paul’s words to the Romans in the beginning of chapter 12.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 NASB

Stop accepting the ways of the world as your fashion plate. More is not necessarily better. Rather, ask God to show you what His will is for your days.
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And keep this in mind: His will does not involve chaos, senseless stress and fear. His will is Peace and Order.

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33a – NLT)

The biggest challenge of this day and age is to pull back from the rat race long enough to be able to hear God’s voice.  But unless we choose to be still, and reevaluate our routines with an open heart and mind, we will never be able to “discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Nothing will change, unless we change. We must dare to say NO to chaos and senseless busyness, and embrace God’s timing and direction for our lives.

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Linkup party is open. Need a routine makeover? I did too, a couple of years ago. A sentence scrolling behind a speaker challenged me to rethink my agenda. Join us & share your blog!
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1st Comfort

After receiving my doctor’s report, I emailed some praying friends. My sister immediately called and prayed for me over the phone. Peace washed over me. The prayers of God’s people wrapped me in a blanket of supernatural calm.

The prayers of God’s people wrapped me in a blanket of supernatural calm. #prayer, #comfort
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2nd Comfort

Our 85-pound poodle suffers with Addison’s disease and other chronic health challenges. Even though he was only four at the time, some days he lacked the energy to climb out of bed before mid-afternoon. My heart hurt when he wagged his tail at me but couldn’t get up. But this week he played with the exuberance of healthy dogs his age.

I told a friend, who was laughing with me at my two dogs’ antics, “When Max feels well our whole family smiles. Max has helped me appreciate 3 John 2.”

The next morning, as I raised the kitchen shades to welcome the morning light, God gave me an unexpected hug. “Debbie, that verse is for you,” I sensed Him say.

I grabbed my Bible and read: “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well” (3 John 2 NIV).

No matter what the MRI said, God had spoken. He wanted my best.

3rd Comfort

I’d agreed to speak at a Sunday school class at a neighboring church that Sunday. I’d picked the subject I planned to address. But, in my sleep during the wee hours of that Sunday, I sensed God nudging me to a different topic. In my semiconscious state I replied, if you want me to talk on that then wake me up in time to prepare and help me find my notes.

It had been well over a year since I’d spoken on that topic. The ink for our printer hadn’t arrived, so I needed my hardcopy notes.

At six thirty I awoke. I started to go back to sleep but remembered my promise. Okay, I’ll get up. But what about the notes?

The first file I opened contained handouts for the talk. Wow! I had forgotten I’d even created them. And there were enough for the group. Now, I was awake!

In less than a minute, I found my notes. Since I wasn’t sure I’d even kept a hard copy of the talk, I knew God was guiding me.

I scanned my notes. The opening story stunned me. I’d completely forgotten about discovering a suspicious lump at the age of 36 and my failed human efforts to secure peace. I marveled to think how peaceful I was feeling this time.

The point of my talk was Good News + Faith = Rest. God had given me good news in 3 John 2. But without faith it would not bring me rest.

I chose to trust His Word, and He gave me rest. Having God lead me to that talk reminded me His hand was on my life.

My MRI revealed I needed surgery. Thankfully the surgeon removed a benign mass. But the sweetest part was experiencing the God of peace in the process.

What problem is threatening to steal your peace? Ask God what He has to say about it. Then put your faith in His Word—and find rest.

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Is. 41:10 NIV).

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. ~ Is. 41:10 #RechargeWednesday
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Christian Bloggers, come share your Blog with our audience below:

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LINKUP PARTY is open! Today, on her first post as our new contributor, @DebbieWWilson shares an encouraging word about how God gave her peace when she was afraid. JOIN US?
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The post How God Comforted Me When I Was Afraid {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Still, believe me, we are lavishly, wonderfully rich.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

You see, an abundant life is a matter of perspective. I know many people who have much more than we do and who are so very poor. Then there are those who will never have anything or do anything of much consequence in life because, well, they don’t believe they can. Faith believes that which we cannot yet see, and the key to success in life is to fully trust that fulfilling your God-given dream is just a matter of time. It is also to cherish and be grateful for the things you do have. As basic as these concepts may seem, they are not easily grasped in real life.

We cannot easily count the examples of people who overcame adversity. Great men and women in history who became successful not because “destiny” handed them a fair share, but because they fixed their eyes on their goal and would not quit until they arrived to their destination. Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Anne Frank, Helen Keller – their names are forever engraved in the list of “Unforgettables” because they had a vision, saw beyond their circumstances and never stopped believing.

What changes our perspective in life is the same for all of us – we look at our circumstances and become fearful and paralyzed.

We hear the word cancer and we think death…

We lose our job and our hope walks out the door…

We anchor our worth on things instead of on the amazing, all powerful grace of a God who deeply loves us and who wants the best for us.

As we fix our eyes on the storms and uncertainties of life, we forget that the problems we face do not define who we are and certainly do not determine our future.
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Regardless of how old we are, our story is not over until we draw our last breath. When asked about success, Michael Jordan’s statement was a sober reminder of the key to success: “I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot, and I missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

The next time you look at your circumstances and feel tempted to quit or get discouraged, I challenge you to take a step back and broaden your view.

The next time you look at your circumstances and feel tempted to quit or get discouraged, take a step back and broaden your view.
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As if through the scope of a camera, open your lenses wide and zoom out of your problem. Take a second, honest look into your life. Count your many blessings. Take a nature walk to view God’s faithfulness to the birds and the flowers. Sing a song of praise. Next, grab a firm hold of your vision. Your dream. God’s promises. Above all, even if you are bleeding, just keep on walking. Do not give your problem more power than it already has. Remember that God honors those who trust in him; those who work diligently to fulfill their purpose in life and never give up. Make yours an unforgettable story of strength, faith and success.

Do not give your problem more power than it already has. Remember that God honors those who trust in Him; those who work diligently to fulfill their purpose in life and never give up.
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Christian Bloggers, come share your Blog with our audience below:

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LINKUP PARTY is open! Are you in a tough spot? @PatHolbrook invites you to take a step back and look at your life from a difference perspective. Join US?
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The post Maybe All You Need is a Little Perspective {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP) appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

It is with great pleasure that Recharge Wednesday features an interview with my friend Katie Reid about her awesome new book, Made Like Martha. Join us below and leave a comment to encourage Katie and for a chance to win a copy of her book. Linkup with us and share your latest blog with our audience!

In His wonderful love,

Patricia (one who is certainly Made Like Martha!)

1. What drew you to write a book about the story of Mary and Martha? What is unique about your interpretation of this story?

If Martha had a fan club, I would be president of it. I so relate to Martha and her ultra- responsible ways. For years, this passage in Luke 10 bothered me. If nobody works, nobody eats, right? I really wanted Jesus to tell Mary to get up and help her sister out. But upon closer examination, I realized how much Jesus loved Martha and wanted her to know that too. He wasn’t asking her to neglect her responsibilities but to trust Him to care for her.

Made Like Martha is written for those who love checking things off their to-do lists and who may feel some angst when they read this account in Luke. It is written from the perspective of a doer for other doers (although Mary-types are enjoying it too…it is helping them understand their Martha-friends better).

2. You make a fascinating comparison between Satan’s twisting of God’s words to Eve in Genesis and our interpretation of Jesus’s words to Martha. Tell us more about that.

This was one of the most exciting revelations God gave me during the book writing process. The blinders came off and I could see how we’ve been allowing Satan to discount our design by adding to what Jesus said to Martha, in Luke 10.

Jesus did not say that there was something wrong with being made like Martha. And He never asked Martha to be Mary.

Jesus pointed out one thing that Martha needed to work on but He wasn’t criticizing the totality of who she was. We don’t have to apologize for being doers because we are designed that way, on purpose. Let’s stop buying into the lie that correction equals rejection.

Good works should be our response to His love but they aren’t a means to obtain (or keep) His love. His love for us has been proven and settled once and for all, on the cross.@Katie_M_Reid
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I can’t wait to see modern Marthas freed to be the women He has designed them to be; fearfully and wonderfully made.

3. What do you mean by “stop striving for what is already yours”?

Many of us are trying to earn God’s approval and favor, but as I mentioned before, we already have that if we are in Christ. I spent so much time and energy trying to prove I was worthy of God’s love. But when we realize we don’t have to strive for what is already ours, we walk taller and freer, knowing that our worth is not dependent on our productivity but cemented in Christ.

My brother is a few years younger than me; he has Down Syndrome. His worth is not based on how productive he is, nor is mine. We have worth because God says so, and it’s not based on how many items we check off our list. Now, our to-do list has value but it does not determine our value. We could never do enough to achieve our salvation. We are saved by grace and not works.

4. You contrast a “hired help mentality” with a “beloved daughter” way of thinking. What is the difference? How do we live out that difference?

A hired help mentality is one that thinks it’s all up to you to take care of yourself, like your worth is based on what you do and you might lose what you have if you aren’t good enough.

A beloved daughter’s mentality is based in trust; knowing that love is not based on what you do but based on who you belong to. A beloved daughter knows she is adored even when she messes up.

1 Peter 5:7 in The Message reads, “Live carefree before God because He is most careful with you.”

Some of us have taken on things that were never ours to manage. In our ultra-responsible mindset we have placed extra weight upon ourselves, bogging us down with worry and exhaustion. As God teaches us how to live like a daughter instead of a slave we begin to cast off the heavy weight we have been carrying and place it upon His most capable shoulders.

God has works prepared for us to do—but our position in Him is not dependent on our behavior or performance. Isn’t that such good news?! @Katie_M_Reid
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Katie M. Reid encourages others to find grace in the unraveling of life at katiemreid.com. She is a devoted wife and mom to five children. She is a fan of cut-to-the-chase conversations over iced tea. Katie is also a national speaker, bible study facilitator, and author of Made Like Martha: Good News for the Woman Who Gets Things Done. 

LINKUP PARTY opens at 6 am EST!

Christian Bloggers, come share your Blog with our audience below:

1. Add your Link.

2. Visit the blogger before or after and encourage them with a comment.

3. Share on social media. Click below to share on Twitter that you are joining us! We would love to have you follow the ministry on Twitter and Facebook as well: Soaring with Him FB Page

LINKUP PARTY is open! Today, I feature an interview with my friend @Katie_M_Reid about her new book #MadeLikeMartha - Comment for a chance to win a copy!
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