HELLO, Recharge Wednesday community!

I am sad to say that this is our last Recharge Wednesday post 🙁

If this is the first time you read about it, please click here for last week’s linkup where I shared the news. Going forward, as we are launching the new Soaring with Him website in July, this blog will only contain our ministry initiative news (which I would love for you to continue receiving!)

Let’s remain connected! My blogs, podcast and columns will continue to be posted at my new website: https://patriciaholbrook.com/blog/ – Would you sign up there to help me start my distribution list (which I’ve had to start from scratch!). When you sign up, you will receive a FREE gift – The mini-course: 5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SPIRITUAL ATTACKS.

Thank you all, again, for your faithful readership and contribution! And again MANY MANY THANKS to Karen, Debbie and Bethany for their beautiful writing through the years.

May God bless you in your ministry!

With love and gratitude,

Patricia

Here is Karen’s last post:

I’m a fan of summer. Perhaps you love summer, too. While I enjoy something about every season, summer remains my top pick.

Since enjoying this wonderful season is well under way, a top 10 list seems in order to share my favorite things. 

We’ll start at number 10 and countdown to my number one favorite thing.

(10.)  Reminiscing of childhood.

Reflecting on my childhood stirs a mix of memories. When I think of summer, I remember fun and laughter and joy-filled moments. Memory lane reminds me of playing outside with my sisters and cousins. 

Preteen and teen years meant days spent at the local swimming pool and the first time I jumped off the high dive. Another memory leads to number 9. 

(9.)  Catching fireflies.

Called fireflies or lighting bugs, these winged insects start appearing in late June and are seen lighting up around dusk and nightfall. When our grandchildren spend the night, I recreate this childhood favorite by catching lightning bugs and putting them in a mason jar.

(8.)  Connection and community events.

Summer naturally gets us out and about in our neighborhoods, our towns and cities, and attending local events. Examples include: neighborhood yard sales or block parties, music and other festivals, county fairs, and community mission and outreach projects. Also, there are day camps and programs just for kids.

(7.)  A blooming flower garden. 

My front yard sports the cutest flower garden. Encircled with stones, a small tree sitting in the center, the garden showcases several types of flowers. Blooms of stargazers/oriental lilies, African daisies, purple irises, and yellow day lilies. I enjoy weeding, watering, and caring for them to display all their glory. 

(6.)  Outdoor recreation.

No other season provides such great opportunities for outside play time: parks, sports, swimming, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, water games, biking, hiking, walking, picnics, and so much more.

(5.)  Slower rhythm of life. 

Sure, life happens in every season. Yet, for many of us, summer life is slower and more easy-going.

And unless your children attend a year-round school, summer means a break from studies. However, as His children, the good Lord teaches us worth-while lessons when the rhythm of life is slow.

Like resting our weary minds and souls in Him. Or, slowing down and not running through life at breakneck speed.

(4.)  Warm temperatures. 

It’s true, I’m a warm-weather girl. Although sweltering temps and unbearable humidity is not desirable, I prefer warmer temperatures to the frosty digits in the dead of winter. Think about it, have you ever heard anyone say, The dead of summer. Not me. Warmth and the season brings growth and life.

(3.)  Camping.

As I type this blog post, my husband and I are camping at one of our favorite campgrounds in the mountains of North Carolina. Our camp site is beside a small creek. Listening to the water trickle over rocks during the day and especially at night inside our little camper is part of heaven on earth. I hear it’s soothing sound right now. 

We cook our meals. We enjoy a campfire and roast marshmallows. And sometimes go to local attractions. Campers camp in the spring and fall. But summer is a busy and favorite camping season.

(2.)  Trips/vacations.

Our family loves to go on trips throughout the year, particularly in the summer. Though we used to go to the beach in July, the last few years we went in May right before summer officially started and sometimes in early October. But that’s never our last hoorah when it comes to trips. The Smoky mountains is a favorite place to visit Gatlinburg and Dollywood theme park. Just being together makes every trip special.

(Drumroll please.)

(1.)  Long summer days. 

The extended amount of daylight makes my number one spot on the list. In my neck of the woods—east Tennessee—sunset happens around 9:00 PM. This makes for long daylight hours. There are many tasks, activities, work, socializing and more we accomplish when light hangs around longer than usual.

But when my son was young and bedtime came early, he never understood how it was bedtime without darkness. “Mom, it’s not nighttime yet, the sun is still out.” And he had a valid point. In Genesis, God created the heavens and earth. Then, the Lord created light.

The long daylight hours of summer remind me how Jesus is the light of the world and in God is no darkness at all. #summer #lights @FridayKaren
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“And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.” Genesis 1:3-5 (NIV)

Furthermore, it reminds me how Jesus is the light of the world and in God is no darkness at all. 

“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5 (NIV)

Also see, Summer Soul Care (Recharge Wednesday).

LINKUP PARTY opens on June 28 at 6 am!

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

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@FridayKaren shares her favorite summer things. God often teaches us when the rhythm of life is slower in summer: how to rest our weary souls in Him and not running through life at breakneck speed. Share your blog! #blog
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The post My 10 Favorite Summer Things {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS BLOG!

We are in the process of rebranding Soaring with Him Ministries and all Patricia Holbrook’s blog posts, columns and podcasts will start being posted on her new website going forward. The Soaring with Him website will serve solely to host the ministry’s outreach programs and conference.

If you wish to continue receiving Patricia’s blog posts and columns, please sign up at: https://patriciaholbrook.com/blog/ – scroll down to sign up and receive a FREE gift – The mini-course: 5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SPIRITUAL ATTACKS.

“Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,”he said, “why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31

It was the miracles of miracles.  

The first mass miracle took place in Decapolis, where between ten to fifteen thousand people were fed with two only fish and five loaves of bread.

I can only imagine the excitement as the multitudes watched the fish and bread multiply before their eyes. Yahweh Jireh, their Provider, fed the hungry in an unprecedented display of His glorious provision to the masses.

The disciples’ hearts must have overflowed with joy… and Pride.

After all, they were His selected men. The ones who were chosen to walk alongside the Christ.

As we read the text, it’s interesting to realize that, instead of allowing them to remain with the crowd a little longer, Jesus immediately “made” His disciples get into the boat, cross the sea and go to the other side ahead of Him, while He dismissed the crowd (v. 22).

I believe Jesus knew their hearts were swelling with pride for being part of Messiah’s inner circle. They needed to withdraw, get away from the accolades of men and the material substance of the miracle, regroup, and realize that He had come to give them much more than just daily bread.

He knew their faith needed more testing and they were about to get it.

Success and popularity have the power to excite us and make us start hoping for great things. The problem is that, though we hardly ever realize it, our hopes for spiritual victories too often include hopes for our own advancement. Therefore, after a season of miracles and supernatural blessings, God often pulls us out of the hype and excitement and sends us on to the next journey of testing, where we will realize that our faith must grow in the same proportion as our humility and dependence upon God and God alone.

After a season of miracles and supernatural blessings, God often pulls us out of the hype and excitement and sends us on to the next journey of testing, where we will realize that our faith must grow in the same proportion as our…
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It’s true – We see the bread before our eyes, and our faith grows within us. After all, we can touch it, taste it, feel it. The provision and deliverance are real. We can boldly shout to the world: He provides! He heals! He reigns!

But then, just as He did to the disciples, He takes us out of the material and sends us into the sea of the Unknown. In the dark hour, storms rise, and our boat tosses about.

Fear rises within us… And we forget.

The eyes which have seen the miracle are suddenly blinded by the darkness around.

The hands which touched Provision become restless.

The tongue which proclaimed the miracle can’t even pray.

We watch the winds and the waves raging at us, and we forget the grand miracle we just witnessed ashore.

In our distress, we see a ‘Ghost’ walking on the water, and we don’t even realize that it is He.

The One who just broke the bread and multiplied the fish… walks towards our situation and we don’t identify Him. The one who heard our heart’s cry… comes to our rescue in the night and we can’t recognize Him past the storm.

The One who just broke the bread and multiplied the fish… walks towards our situation and we don’t identify Him. The one who heard our heart’s cry… comes to our rescue in the night and we can’t recognize Him past the storm.
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Oh, how my heart understands Peter as he realizes it is Jesus who has come to their rescue.

How much I understand his reason to say, “Tell me to come to you on the water!”

He knows Jesus is his safety. He’s eager to believe. He thinks his faith to be strong. He trusts his heart not to wave.

So do we, Peter. So do we.

And yet, as our eyes veer from the Savior’s face and focus on the raging sea, our faith is tested once again; we forget the bread and the fish. The storm reveals our weakness…

And we sink.

And yet, as our eyes veer from the Savior’s face and focus on the raging sea, our faith tested once again; we forget the bread and the fish. The storm reveals our weakness… And we sink.
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Oh, Lord, my God, how I truly understand, that it doesn’t matter how many times we’ve watched you act, our feeble hearts so often betray what we know:

That even when You seem to have left us alone, You’re always there…

That all we have to do is call Your name… “LORD! Save me”

And hear You say:

“Take courage! It is I.

Don’t be afraid.

You can walk on water.

You can face the storm.

Because it is My omnipotent hand that calls you out of a life of little faith, to one that watches Me deliver, again and again.

Don’t trust your heart, child.

Just trust My hand.

I’ll pull you out of the icy, stormy waters.

And make them solid ground.

Because wherever I stand… you cannot sink.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior” Isaiah 43:2

LINKUP PARTY opens on May 24 at 6 am!

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 is open! This week – an encouragement to those who feel the waters of trials taking over their lives. If Jesus is standing near, you are safe! Join us and share your blog!
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The post Wherever Jesus Stands, You Cannot Sink {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS BLOG!

We are in the process of rebranding Soaring with Him Ministries and all Patricia Holbrook’s blog posts, columns and podcasts will start being posted on her new website going forward. The Soaring with Him website will serve solely to host the ministry’s outreach programs and conference. Please sign up to receive newsletters and blog posts on Patricia’s new distribution list on this link: https://patriciaholbrook.com/blog/ – scroll down to sign up and receive a FREE gift – The mini-course: 5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SPIRITUAL ATTACKS.

An incest victim sat before me, extolling the wonderful man her father was. She paused, and I asked, “If I brought before you a ten-year-old girl and told you that every night her daddy did the same thing to her that your father did to you, would you describe her daddy as a wonderful man?”

Tears filled her eyes. “How else can I love him?”

How do we love the unlovely and forgive the unpardonable? It is not by creating a fantasy or by deceiving ourselves into believing a lie, even a pretty lie.  

Jesus didn’t look down on humankind and say, “Oh, they really mean well, I’ll die for them.”  

No, He said, “You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you and put up with you?” (Luke 9:41 NASB). Then He healed them. Then He gave His life for them.

Jesus said, when we love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, we show ourselves to be children of God, because He gives sunshine and rain to both the evil and the good (Matthew 5:43-46). Jesus didn’t candy-coat evil to make it easier to forgive. 

Biblical love isn’t about feeling warm and close. It’s treating a person with their eternal good in mind.  

Some people fear forgiveness means tolerating sinful behavior. Beginning with Genesis and God’s removal of Adam and Eve from Eden to the end of the Bible, God demonstrates forgiveness and boundary setting. We must forgive sin, but we are not to enable people to continue in sin by rescuing them from the consequences of their choices or candy-coating sin. 

Paul wrote, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9 NASB). 

Evil here means that which has a detrimental effect, not necessarily evil in essence. The video game, credit card, or habit that harms one may not affect someone else. 

The Greek word translated abhor is “apostugeo.” “Apo” usually denotes “separation, departure, cessation.” “Stuqnetos” means “to hate.”

Real love separates from or ceases involvement with that which causes harm.

Forgiving is often painful. If something hurt when it happened, it hurts when we let it go. Remember how much Jesus suffered to forgive us (Matthew 26:37- 27:50). But forgiving is also the most healing thing we can do.

But They Don’t Deserve to Be Forgiven

We don’t forgive because the person deserves it. No one deserves salvation. We forgive because God forgave us more than another human will ever owe us.  Unforgiveness torments the one who holds it in her heart, and it poisons those around us (Hebrews 12:15).  

Maybe a name has come to mind as you’ve read this of someone you need to forgive. Because God has forgiven you and you want to be recognized as His child, turn those who’ve wronged you over to God, the official bill collector. He knows how to deal with them. Give up having to collect the love, respect, admission of guilt, restitution or whatever you feel you need from that person. 

Open your heart to receive your heavenly Father’s perfect love. Let Him wash away the pain and stain. Trust Him to take the evil that was done and use it for your eternal good (Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20). 

When my client told the truth about her father, she was finally able to really forgive him and deal with him wisely. Truth is our friend. Because God is bigger than our worst wounds. 

LINKUP PARTY opens on May 17 at 6 am!

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 is open. Join my friend @debbieWwilson as we find the grace to #forgive the unpardonable. Share your blog! #RechargeWednesday 
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The post How Do You Forgive the Unpardonable? {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

A couple rushes to the altar after a short-term courtship. A spouse gives in to lust and commits adultery. A wife spouts off insults against her husband. A mother lashes out at her children with no regard for the damage thoughtless words will cause.

Impulsivity is perhaps one of the most primal instincts known to men, and most everyone is guilty of acting impulsively at least once in their lifetime. A common mark of youth, lack of self-control and restraint often bears consequences that can irreparably impact a young person’s future.

Unfortunately, many individuals never outgrow this trait, struggling with self-control throughout their adult life. This type of behavior is known in psychology as “dysfunctional impulsivity,” and the name translates it perfectly. People who constantly act on impulse come across as out of control, erratic, unstable, and angry, often allowing desires, fear or anger to steer them down a path of destruction and isolation.

The offspring of impulsivity are usually regret and loss. #rechargewednesday
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For certain people, impulsive acts are just that: actions preceded by no regard for consequence. For others, however, impulsivity has broader roots, and their actions are a consequence of deep-set fear, insecurities or jealousy.

Saul’s Jealousy

In my recent study of the book of Psalms, I came across a number of songs written by David when hiding from King Saul, who sought to kill the young man when feeling threatened by his growing popularity among the Jews. As we read the parallel passages in the book of 1 Samuel, we find Saul’s insecurities growing at the same rate as David’s accomplishments. When David entered Jerusalem after slaying Goliath and ending Israel’s war against the Philistines, women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with dancing and singing. While dancing, they sang a song that spurred Saul into a jealous fit: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” (1 Samuel 18)

Saul’s proud smile disappeared. The song infuriated him. His anger bore a new giant within his heart, a threat mightier than the 9-foot slain Philistine: burning jealousy.
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The Hebrew word used in this passage for the kind of anger Saul experienced is revealing. It is “charah,” which, according to the Hebrew Lexicon, means “to burn, be kindled, be incensed, glow with anger, grow indignant; to act zealously.” Charah is not just any type of anger. Its deeper meaning conveys the fire of anger that burns right after it is ignited. In other words, it conveys the type of anger followed by an impulsive response. Charah portrays Saul exploding with anger –a reaction before any sense of self-control or restraint could be processed.

I understand King Saul too well.

When I was younger, fear and insecurity brought about many impulsive actions and decisions. As I’ve grown older, however, self-awareness and God’s wisdom in Scriptures have helped me strike the right balance between not acting at all and acting impulsively, repeatedly.

But how can we master our impulses? I don’t believe we can do it on our own. We can start by asking God to reveal what triggers our responses and help us heal. We must also seek to know ourselves better, thus developing awareness of what generates our anger, lust, fear, or pride and deliberately dealing with it. That means we turn from whatever tempts us or seek to find our heart’s motives behind our anger.

I have also learned to take self-imposed time-outs… and pray before acting. When something or someone angers me, I silence, sometimes leave the room, and postpone the discussion. I then ask God for his wisdom and grace. It’s not that I never say anything in anger anymore; however, thankfully, moderation and self-control have become more prevalent than impulsive, regretful words or actions.

Saul had been chosen by God to be king, but we will never know the greatness destined for his reign because of bad decisions and reckless responses resulting from pride, insecurity, and fear.

Instead of a beacon of light to follow, Israel’s first king bore a series of character flaws to be avoided.

May it be a lesson for us all, lest we allow our passions, fear and pride to become the very instruments that forge our shackles … and ruin our future.

LINKUP PARTY opens on May 10 at 6 am!

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

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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 is open! This week, @patholbrook shares a strong message about the dangers of allowing impulsiveness, fear and pride to take over our decision-making. Joins us and share your blog!
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The post When Impulsiveness Generates Regret & Loss {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Knowing and embracing facts about God:

• Strengthens our heart.
• Gives understanding and peace to our minds.
• And keeps us focused on spiritual things.

So I believe all the Lord’s children benefit from these absolutes that remind our hearts and minds who God is and what God does. 

Facts To Know About God

(1.) The One true God. Oh, there are other gods. But there’s no other god like our God. “For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” Isaiah 46:9b (ESV)

(2.) Living. Jeremiah compares man-made idols to the living God. “But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God.” Jeremiah 10:10 (ESV) How sad and foolish when we bow to idols without breath or believe in gods who are dead.

(3.) Creator. Genesis 1:1 tells us in the beginning God created…. God existed first. Then He created everything else, all of creation, and humans in His image. 

(4.) Holy. The Blue Letter Bible shares, “God is holy means there is no trace of evil in his character. Only God is holy.” Further, “There is no one holy like the LORD.” 1 Samuel 2:2a (ESV)

(5.) Sovereign. God rules as the supreme authority, doing what pleases Him (Psalm 115:3), His kingdom rules over all (Psalm 103:19). 

(6.) In control. “For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?” Isaiah 14:27 (ESV)

(7.) Majestic. “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Psalm 8:9 (ESV)

(8.) Almighty. “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.’” Revelation 1:8 (ESV)

Absolutes That Make God, God

(9.) Love. “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8 (ESV)

(10.) Judge. God judges righteously, tests hearts, repays evil, and holds vengeance. (Jeremiah 11:20)

(11.) Most high. In Psalm 83:18, Asaph petitions God not to be silent against enemies, “That they may know that you alone, whose name is the LORD, Are the Most High over all the earth.” (ESV)

(12.) Reigning King. The Lord reigns over all (Psalm 47:8), reigns forever (Exodus 15:18), and sits as King forever (Psalm 29:10). 

(13.) Light. “God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5b (ESV)

(14.) Magnificent. Impressively beautiful, elaborate, or extravagant; striking (Google). “God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness.” Psalm 145:3 (MSG)

(15.) Good. God is good and does good (Psalm 119:68); He is good and ready to forgive and abundant in lovingkindness (Psalm 86:5).

All the Lord’s children benefit from these absolutes that remind our hearts and minds who God is and what God does. #blog #GodIsGood @FridayKaren
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Facts About God to Celebrate

(16.) Merciful. “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” Psalm 103:8 (ESV) 

(17.) Faithful. “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9 (ESV)

(18.) I AM. “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM’; and He said, Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14 (ESV). I AM comes from the Hebrew word (hayah) meaning “to be” or “exist” (Blue Letter Bible).

(19.) Omnipresent. “‘Can a man hide himself in hiding places So I do not see him?’ declares the LORD ‘Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?’ declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:24 (ESV)

(20.) All-knowing. Omniscient. God knows the number of hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30), counts and names the stars (Psalm 147:4), and knows all things (1 John 3:20).

(21.) Eternal. “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17 (ESV)

(22.) Able. God “is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” Ephesians 2:20 (ESV)

(23.) Unchanging. “For I the Lord do not change.” Malachi 3:6a (ESV)

Facts to Remind Us Who God Is

(24.) Father. “And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18 (ESV)

(25.) Provider. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (ESV)

(26.) Shepherd. Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (ESV) God as Shepherd makes me lie down in green pastures, leads me beside still waters, and restores my soul. (Verses 2-3)

(27.) Worthy. “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power.” Revelation 4:11 (ESV)

(28.) Warrior. “The LORD is a warrior; The LORD is His name.” Exodus 15:3 (ESV) 

(29.) Salvation. “Behold, God is my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2a (ESV)

(30.) Peace. “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” Romans 15:33 (ESV)

(31.) Refuge. “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 (ESV)

(32.) Never fails. “Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.” Joshua 21:45 (ESV)

Read through these facts from 1-32, saying the fact (in bold only) and out loud. It does a soul good.

Also see, Know Jesus and Make Him Known.

LINKUP PARTY opens on May 3 at 6 am!

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

Join @FridayKaren as we embrace facts about God that strengthen our hearts, give understanding and peace to our minds, and help us focus on spiritual things. Share your blog! #blog #GodIsGood
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The post 32 Facts About God {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

From the rearview mirror, I saw my then-9-year-old praying again. After mouthing “Amen,” she picked up my phone and dialed her best friend’s number. After the initial greeting, she lit up:

“OK, so I received my letter from the camp and have not opened it yet. Go get yours. As we decided, let’s open them together.”

“Please let me be in the same club, please let me be in the same club,” I heard my baby girl whisper.

She opened the letter and screamed: “Oh my goodness! I made it; I made it! I’m gonna cry!!”

I could hear the squealing on the other side of the line as her friend could not believe the news.

It’s no wonder they were surprised.

Thousands of kids register for this sought-after summer camp every year. After registration, campers are randomly assigned to one of four different clubs. Once placed in a club, children stay in the same house together and do most of the activities within the group. Naturally, our daughter wanted to stay in the same club as her best friend.

We received instructions not to request any particular club for our child, and we knew the likelihood of the girls staying in the same group was small. Therefore, for several weeks, the two girls agreed to pray that God would place them together. And so, he did.

After the conversation ended and my daughter returned my phone, I said:

“Well, it looks like you need to say a prayer of thanks, baby.”

She smiled: “I already have, Mom. What are the odds that we would be in the same club? God answered our prayers, no doubt!”

I knew this was an optimal opportunity to teach my child an important lesson on prayer:

“I believe God is showing you that there is no silly or small request that his children can ever make,” I told her. “As long as we obey and love Him, He delights in giving us the desires of our hearts. Nothing is too big or too small to ask.”

God delights in giving us the desires of our hearts. Nothing is too big or too small to ask. @AJC #faith #rechargewednesday #linkup
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My daughter’s faith experience reminded me of a passage of Scriptures I read recently: The odd story of the floating ax head. We find the account in the sixth chapter of 2 Kings.

The prophet Elisha had taken a group of Israel’s prophets to the Jordan River, where they started to build a place to meet. During the construction, one of the prophets accidentally plunged an ax into the water. The tool was borrowed and valuable; therefore, the prophet became distressed by the incident.

When Elisha realized his friend’s anguish, he was moved and performed a simple miracle to help him: He cut a stick, threw it in the water, and made the iron float so his friend could retrieve it.

We find the account oddly placed as a standalone story between two great miracles performed by the prophet Elisha: Naaman’s healing and Israel’s miraculous victory over the Arameans. As one reads the story, it may seem strange that God would place such as minor incident between a couple of outstanding accounts.

But I believe it is not without reason.

The ax story is strategically positioned between two exceptional miracles as a reminder that the God who does the extraordinary also cares about the tiniest details in his children’s lives.

The God who does the extraordinary also cares about the tiniest details in his children’s lives. #faith #rechargewednesday #linkup
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Indeed, the One who has the power to raise Jesus from the dead also cares about our seemingly insignificant desires or concerns.

This Easter may find you celebrating the magnitude of an empty tomb with grave concerns that plague your heart. But to some, there may be a small desire that remains unfulfilled or an issue that you think is too small to bring before Heaven’s throne.

Remember, God does not see our problems or desires that way. He cares for details as small as a young girl’s summer camp club assignment as He does for the serious issues we face and the valleys we must cross.

Like in Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed, as we trust God with our seemingly insignificant prayers, we grow the faith to believe Him for the power displayed in the empty tomb.

LINKUP PARTY opens on April 12 at 6 am!

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LINKUP is open! My Easter post is a reminder that as we trust God with our seemingly insignificant prayers, we grow the faith to believe Him for the power displayed in the empty tomb. Join us?
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The post No Request Is Insignificant to God {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution & LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

God provided an empty tomb for every empty space in our lives.

Does it ever seem like you took a crash course on how to manage current life that you never signed up for? The sinking feeling of emptiness that seems to linger on and on.

I experienced emptiness from an empty womb after I lost a baby to miscarriage, an emptiness from a broken heart when my father died, and plenty of other empty spaces throughout the years. 

Whether it was the loss we experienced during the pandemic, a natural disaster, a family trauma or inner turmoil, you and I know how much empty wreaks havoc on our minds and hearts. 

Still, empty doesn’t define who we are, we were misinformed by the enemy of our souls.

Jesus Steps Into Our Empty

Those daydreams of shining knights coming to save the day and us. The people we hope will swoop in as a hero over our difficult circumstances and life’s unexpected curve balls. The ones we want to fill in our empty. 

They all have cracks in their armor or holes in their capes. 

But Jesus steps in and rescues us from areas in our life marked: Empty found, Rescue needed.

These are our real needs. These are the areas where a true rescue needs to take place. Like how Jesus offers to fill our emptiness with living water and soul refreshing. Such as forgiveness, mercy, and grace for sin. And unconditional love and real peace only found in our Savior.

Jesus offers to fill our emptiness with living water and soul refreshing. Such as forgiveness, mercy, and grace for sin. And unconditional love and real peace only found in our Savior. #Easter #blog
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“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (ESV)

An Empty Tomb for Every Empty Place

Christ willingly emptied Himself on a cross to pay for our sins and fill the emptiness of our souls.

Jesus suffered to comfort us in suffering, beaten and broken to put us back together. Separated from His Father so He connected us in relationship with God—never distant, but always near.

Maybe our life feels empty from a world turned topsy-turvy. Perhaps our soul displays the barrenness of our current situation. 

When everything familiar seems stripped away, remember the stone supernaturally rolled away. 

Jesus Christ rose from the dead, leaving behind an empty tomb, so we are able to leave behind empty from our past or present, and even into our future. 

Christ willingly emptied Himself on a cross to pay for our sins and fill the emptiness of our souls. #Easter23
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“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”  Matthew 28:6 (NIV)

Empty Tomb: Jesus Gave His Life Away to Give Us Life

Made for more, we realize there’s more to this life. Christ came to give us more…to give us what is

and to fill our emptiness.

Jesus came not only to give us an eternal future, but to also gift us with a better present—to redeem our story and redeem our empty. 

Yet, we must keep our eyes on the Savior who is the culmination of the “more” we need. If we immerse ourselves in godly things, in spiritual things, and even in ministry, but miss Jesus, we miss it. We miss our reason for rescue. 

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.’” John 11:25 (ESV)

As we celebrate the Resurrection, @FridayKaren discusses how Jesus Christ rose from the dead, leaving behind an empty tomb, so we are able to leave behind past, present and future emptiness. Share your blog! #blog #Easter
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Also see, Do People See Jesus in Me?

LINKUP PARTY opens on April 5 at 6 am!

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The post An Empty Tomb for Our Empty Places {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

“May the Lord judge between us. Perhaps the Lord will punish you for what you are trying to do to me, but I will never harm you.” 1 Samuel 24:12

David and his men had been hiding when they heard the footsteps of a man entering the cave. Startled, he oddly shifted on the ground, careful not to make a sound that would denounce his presence. He stretched his neck to look toward the sound.

His heart skipped a beat. It was him, the man he admired and loved, yet, his enemy. The very one who sent David fleeing for his life into the wilderness was entering his hiding place. 

It didn’t take long for David to realize that Saul had not entered the cave to capture him. He was looking for a private place to relieve himself. David was armed and had a small army of supporters who would have loved nothing better than to vindicate their leader. Saul was unprepared and unsuspecting. David had the perfect opportunity to seek vengeance for the years robbed from him, as God’s chosen king had to flee for his life and live like a criminal in the wilderness of Engedi.

“Now’s your opportunity!” David’s men whispered to him. “Today the Lord is telling you, ‘I will certainly put your enemy into your power, to do with as you wish.’” V.4

My vivid imagination cannot help but ponder his dilemma

“I can end his life and take the crown that is rightfully mine. I can go live a normal life again. I can finally claim the throne… Or I can let him go.”

You know the story. David cuts off the edge of Saul’s robe… and spares his life. Later on, he even regrets having touched the King’s robe:

“But then David’s conscience began bothering him because he had cut Saul’s robe. He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this to my lord the king. I shouldn’t attack the Lord’s anointed one, for the Lord himself has chosen him.” V.5-6

His righteous demeanor amazes me.

He could have shortened his journey to the crown. But He feared God enough to know that one wrong does not justify another. He chose the long road. And even though the voices around him told him God was giving him the opportunity for vengeance and freedom NOW, David knew better.

In his spirit, he believed God’s promise and would not take a shortcut or compromise. Even though there’s no doubt he was tired of hiding and waiting, God’s chosen one would not take the easy way out and manipulate God’s timing.

As I think about this crucial moment in King David’s history, I can’t help but ponder about how tempting it is to manipulate our circumstances to fulfill the longing of our hearts.

How tempting it is to manipulate our circumstances to fulfill the longing of our hearts. #RechargeWednesday #trustGodstiming
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Haven’t we all fallen into this trap one way or another?

Truly, each time we face challenging trials and the arid deserts of waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled, it becomes so very easy to manipulate our circumstances to shorten the storm… and bring forth some much-anticipated relief for our times of trouble.

It seems unfair, doesn’t it? It’s as if God’s children are always on His list of those who must wait to receive.

We see people who don’t care a thing about God prospering in all they do… and us, God’s children, seem to have to “hide in the cave” for just a bit longer… or be persecuted just a bit harder.

In the process of waiting for deliverance and peace, the world parades a multitude of soothing consolations for our weary and broken hearts:

… easy relationships that could hastily end our loneliness…

… thirty-day divorce procedures that could easily give us a way out of a difficult marriage…

… interest-free credit cards that would allow us to purchase what we want now…

… drugs and alcohol that would soothe our pain… if only for one day…

Nonetheless, God’s voice is the same to His children today as it was in that cave over three thousand years ago:

“Do you want My full blessing, pressed down, shaken together and running over?

Then you must give yourself unreservedly to Me. Trust Me and stay in the dark cave for just a while longer, waiting for the right time… and My perfect deliverance.”

Do you want God's full blessing, pressed down, shaken together and running over? Then you must give yourself unreservedly to Him. Trust Him and stay in the dark cave for just a while longer, waiting for the right time… and His perfect…
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The main reason we manipulate our circumstances and even try to manipulate God by twisting what His Word says because we miss the big picture.

Unlike David, we fail to recognize that there’s a reason for the waiting. We fail to see God’s hand in the cave… as He protects us and changes our hearts to prepare us for the task and the gifts He has for us.

David needed the years of persecution to reach his full potential as God’s anointed King. He needed to depend upon God each day in order to conquer his fears and his inadequacy. As he waited and depended upon Yahweh (the God of the covenant) for protection, direction, and peace, he became “the man after God’s own heart” that God so longed to see.

Were it not for the cave, he would not have earned that title. Were it not for his waiting and trusting… and waiting some more, he would not have inherited God’s promise (and anointing) at the appointed time.

Are you in the cave, hiding and waiting upon God for deliverance? Do not give into the temptation of shortening your stay, thus forfeiting God’s very best for you. Withhold the sword. Take a deep breath and affirm your trust in your Maker.

He knows just when you’re ready to come out and be set free.

LINKUP PARTY opens on March 15 at 6 am!

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

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Are you in the cave, hiding and waiting upon God for deliverance? Do not give into the temptation of shortening your stay, thus forfeiting God’s very best for you. Linkup is open. Share your blog!
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The post Manipulating God’s Timing {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Do people see Jesus in me? This is a question I often think about. 

Perhaps this is a desire you hold and pray. Lord, let others see Jesus in me! 

Lately, this hope and prayer stays at the forefront of my mind. 

So I completed my own soul-searching, looking in the Scriptures, and asking the Holy Spirit to open my spiritual eyes to how others truly see Jesus in me. 

Because when Jesus lives in us and we allow the triune God to transform us from the inside out, everything about Him radiates in us and our life. 

Then, people see Jesus in us.

Others See Jesus 

(1.) In my salvation. 

It all begins here. Once we have a salvation experience and personal redemption story, we are new creations (1 Corinthians 5:17). Christ is our Savior.

In Galatians 1, the Apostle Paul recounts his life before Christ. He shares an impressive religious resume and all that he attained. Yet, look at how he ends the chapter.

“And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only were hearing it said, ‘He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.’ And they glorified God because of me.” Galatians 1:22-24 (ESV, emphasis added)

Notice how Paul never wrote that others glorified me because of me. No, God received the glory for the saving work of Jesus in Paul’s life. 

We have a story to share, a personal testimony of Jesus saving our soul and giving us eternal life.

Do people see Jesus in me? When everything about Jesus radiates in me and my life, then people see Jesus in me. @FridayKaren #Jesus
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(2.) When the Word lives in me.

The Word became flesh, Jesus, the living Word (John 1:1 & 14). Even though He lives in us, the Bible reminds us of the importance to meditate on and know the Scriptures. 

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)

And Psalm 119 shows us how knowing God’s Word lights our path (v. 105), helps us not sin (v. 11), gives us hope (v. 43), and makes us walk in freedom (v. 45). 

Jesus is our example of knowing and keeping God’s commands. He lives in us as the living Word.

Jesus is our example of knowing and keeping God’s commands. He lives in us as the living Word. Then others see Jesus in us. #Jesus @FridayKaren
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Jesus in Me 

(3.) If I dwell in His presence through worship and prayer.

Spending time in the presence of our Lord and Savior changes us. We worship His majesty, glory, splendor and beauty. We submit to His authority. And we praise Him for who He is and thank Him for what He has done. 

Also, often this means silently sitting before Him with open hearts to hear from Him and asking the Holy Spirit to fill us with Himself. Still further, we let the lyrics to worship songs permeate our beings and we find joy in His presence (Psalm 16:11).

(4.) Through my love.

Others see Jesus in us through love. The depth of this love includes giving grace to others, a merciful heart, and a forgiving spirit. 

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35 (ESV)

Love is the difference maker to all those in our family, friendships, work, communities, ministries, and who we come in contact with. 

People See Jesus

(5.) In my words and actions—the crucified life.

Jesus made it clear, to follow Him, we deny ourselves and take up our cross (Matthew 16:24). Taking up our cross is the crucified life. 

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (ESV)

Carrying our cross, we let Jesus live in and through us, not living for our own interests. So our words, actions, beliefs—everything about us—showcase Jesus Christ for others to see. 

Prayer: Lord, help others see Jesus in me. I pray that after being in Your presence, others recognize I have been with Jesus. And Jesus is seen in me from the inside out. Help me meditate on Your Word, tell my Jesus-story, love others deeply, and live the crucified life each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Featured image from filming for our YouTube Channel, Friday’s Forever.

Also see, Praying for a Friend.

LINKUP PARTY opens on March 8 at 6 am!

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Do you ever wonder if people see Jesus in you? My friend @FridayKaren shares how when Jesus lives in us, He transforms everything in our lives from the inside out. Share your blog! #blog
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The post Do People See Jesus in Me? {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Do you have a Christian worldview?

Many years ago in a faraway land, Joseph lived with his father, his father’s wife and concubines, and many half-siblings. Joseph’s own mother had died when he was very young. His half-brothers hated him because Joseph was good and reminded his father of Joseph’s beloved mother. Joseph’s father trusted him and showered him with attention. And his heavenly Father placed a remarkable dream in his heart to be a great leader.

One day his jealous half-brothers captured him. After some disagreement they sold him to slave traders. Joseph had never been apart from his family. He felt humiliated being auctioned like livestock. His father hadn’t raised him to be a slave. He didn’t know the customs of this foreign land. How was he supposed to act? What would become of his dream?

Instead of becoming bitter, Joseph worked to become the best slave. His master put him over all he had. Despite the humiliation of his position, he prospered. 

The owner’s wife noted his good looks and charisma. She repeatedly tried to seduce Joseph. He refused her. She spitefully accused Joseph of attacking her. Potiphar, his owner, no doubt knew the character of his wife and of Joseph, but he bowed to social customs and sent Joseph to prison.

Joseph hadn’t been taught how to be a prisoner. Other prisoners moped, showed no interest in life, and complained. Should he wallow in self-pity and bitterness too? He didn’t deserve to be in Egypt, let alone prison. Joseph chose to act in the manner he always had. His circumstances didn’t change his character or his beliefs. He served the chief jailer who in turn gave him more and more responsibilities. 

Fast forward many years. One day the ruler of the land summoned Joseph from prison. Joseph gave the king wise counsel, and Pharaoh placed Joseph second in command over all of Egypt. His years of self-control and productivity in slavery and prison paid off in noble character and leadership skills. 

This is no fairytale. You can read the true account in Genesis. At times like Joseph, we may feel like we’ve awakened in a foreign land. Values have shifted, but right and wrong never change. 

Joseph demonstrated the importance of what we call a Christian worldview. His soul prospered even while suffering injustice because his core beliefs about God, himself, and life guided and guarded him through prosperity and adversity. Potiphar’s soul, on the other hand, suffered when he betrayed Joseph. I wonder how he felt when Joseph ruled under Pharaoh.

What Is a Christian Worldview?

What is a worldview? Dr. George Barna renowned pollster and author, says everyone has a worldview though most don’t realize it. “A worldview is…the decision-making filter that we use. It’s the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual filter that helps us to understand and interpret and respond to every reality that we experience.” 

In an interview with the NC Family Policy Council, Dr. Barna said fifty-two percent of American Christians believe they hold a Christian worldview, yet only nineteen percent demonstrated a Christian worldview.

Dr. Barna said Americans commonly draw from a dozen or so different worldviews including postmodernism, secular humanism, Marxism, and Eastern mysticism. It’s important to know if our beliefs are biblical, because as we think so we act.

Could the division we see in the church today trace back to our worldview? The Apostle Paul wrote, “for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized” (1 Cor. 11:19 ESV).

Joseph demonstrated a biblical worldview when he trusted the invisible God despite how things looked. Hebrews 11 commended the ancients for a faith that shaped their view of the world and how they lived. 

Popular worldviews elevate personal experience over facts, truth, and biblical revelation. The expression “my truth” epitomizes this worldview. In contrast, in a biblical worldview human reasoning bows to God’s truth (Pro. 3:5-6). 

Joseph found that the Bible’s timeless wisdom works in all situations (Is. 40:8). Jesus said, “the truth will set you free”—free from being manipulated by every new teaching, free from confusion, free from being led into error, and free from regret (Jn. 8:32; Ephes. 4:14-15). 

Through poems, proverbs, instructions, and stories, the Bible presents a clear message of right and wrong, how to treat people, how to deal with injustice, and God’s justice. For example:

“Do not twist justice in legal matters by favoring the poor or being partial to the rich and powerful. Always judge people fairly” (Lev. 19:15 NLT).

“And do not slant your testimony in favor of a person just because that person is poor” (Ex. 23:3 NLT).

Through what lens are we to look at people? See 1 Timothy 3 and Galatians 3:28 and 2 Corinthians 5:16.

When we’re confused over how to act, we need to review Scripture. Do we trust its wisdom? Or do we look to our culture? 

LINKUP PARTY opens on February 14 at 6 am!

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

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LINKUP is open. Join my friend @debbieWwilson as we look at the protection a Christian worldview provides. Share your blog! #RechargeWednesday 
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The post How a Christian Worldview Protects You  appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.