shadow

An Accepted Blessing

“Whenever you enter someone’s home, first say, ‘May God’s peace be on this house.’ If those who live there are peaceful, the blessing will stand; if they are not, the blessing will return to you.”
Luke 10:5-6, (NLT)

day 13 open doorOur ultimate purpose in life is to glorify God and spread the good news of the gospel. Our desire is for our “blessing to stand.” We have received forgiveness of our sins and the blessing of salvation. We understand the life-changing power found through Jesus Christ and the indescribable peace offered through the Holy Spirit. Today, praise God for His saving grace and eternal life made possible through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus. Plead with God for the souls of those who are lost, and fervently ask that they open their hearts to the Holy Spirit.

Prayerfully,

Madison

 

Faith of a Mountain Goat

“He makes my feet like the feet of a deer. He helps me stand on the highest places.”
2 Samuel 22:34, (NLT)

mountain-goat-2-1479086-639x852The mountain view was incredible as we drove through the countryside of Israel. White mountain goats dotted the surface of majestic but barren peaks. They didn’t worry about the giant 5,000 foot cliffs, the loose rocks and boulders that threatened to trip them. They were in their comfort zone. They walked as confidently as if they were on a level patch of the softest grass. It was as if they knew their Maker had designed them to be there, for this place to be home. It was as if they knew He had them in the palm of His hand.

Oh, to have the faith of a mountain goat, to understand that you are in the place and plan for which the Lord has designed you. Imagine the incredible peace we would all feel in our hearts if we knew without a doubt we were in the place, fulfilling the purpose for which the Lord has designed us.

Most of us can relate to having feelings of doubt caused by NOT knowing if we are in that place. I sure did – for years!

When I was a teeny-bopper in high school I was insecure in just about everything I tried to do. I didn’t feel “good” at anything. I knew what I “liked” to do, but that didn’t necessarily mean I was good at it. Quite to the contrary, I often felt like a failure because I would fail at something. I felt that if I failed it meant I was “less than” and my confidence and security would take a hit. “Maybe I’ll finally find something I am good at,” I thought. Tom didn’t have that problem. He seemed to be good at whatever he did – athletics, grades – whatever he wanted to do. At least that’s the way I saw him. I didn’t realize until years later that he had insecurities too.

Through the years I began to understand that we are all created with a purpose. We are gifted by our Creator with talents and abilities He intends to be used for Kingdom purposes. And just because we fail at something doesn’t mean we aren’t gifted to do that very thing.

My Granny used to have a saying that has stuck with me since I was a little girl. When I’d say those proverbial words “Granny, I can’t”, she would say, “Can’t never did do nothing.” She made me step outside my comfort zone enough to do whatever it was I needed to do. Then an amazing thing would happen. Whatever it was I couldn’t do – would be done. And when it was done it was no longer out of my comfort zone.

Who knows, maybe the very thing you feel you “can’t do”, is the very thing God will call you to do.

I was for me… my face was blood red with embarrassment as a crowd of 900 stared back at me…

Your Traveling Companion,

Brenda

 

photo credit: http://www.freeimages.com/photographer/pasiphae-35416

Offer Peace

Whenever you enter someone’s home, first say, ‘May God’s peace be on this house.”
Luke 10:5, (NLT)

door-1233053-639x852It was Jesus’ desire for His disciples to offer and spread peace among the cities they visited. In a world that is dark and hurting, peace is a rare and coveted commodity. As His disciples, let’s seek to be a blessing to those we encounter and introduce them to the hope-giving peace that can only be found through Christ Jesus. Today, pray that we can be a refreshing encouragement and blessing to those we meet, and pray for opportunities to offer life giving peace to those who are lost.

Prayerfully,

Madison

 

 

 

Photo credit: http://www.freeimages.com/photographer/Gastonmag-49456