Psalm 146:3-10

My morning Devotion:

Don't put your confidence in powerful people;
there is no help for you there.
When they breathe their last, they return to the earth,
and all their plans die with them.
But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper,
whose hope is in the LORD their God.
He made heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them.
He keeps every promise forever.
He gives justice to the oppressed
and food to the hungry.
The LORD frees the prisoners.
The LORD opens the eyes of the blind.
The LORD lifts up those who are weighed down.
The LORD loves the godly.
The LORD protects the foreigners among us.
He cares for the orphans and widows,
but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.

The LORD will reign forever."

Psalm 146:3–10

 

"How often people try to align themselves with powerful people in order to share in their power. This verse reminds us of the foolishness of that. Earthly power is momentary and uncertain. God's power is everlasting and sure. He keeps every promise forever, including those in these verses. Only he reigns over all, and forever. Put your hope in the only one worthy of absolute hope."

—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions

In His Love, Cathy

Freedom in Christ

So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.
                                                                                                                             Galatians 5:1-2

My family and I just made a major life change after much prayer and deliberation. The FREEDOM we have experienced since making this life change has been a long awaited answer to prayer.  We did not realize just how 'oppressed' we had been for years until now. 

But the decision was not easy.  We had struggled for at least two years prior to finally making this choice.  Though liberating, there was still much pain in making the change. I naively thought that long time friends would be supportive.  Some were.  However, others who did not understand, or refused to understand, immediately put a wall between us and them. We were never given the opportunity to speak with them.  I was deeply hurt.

I learned a lot from this experience.  I learned that it takes real courage to make positive changes - for even positive changes can bring negative reactions from others.  I learned there may be sacrifices that must be made.  And I learned that even when following God's will, there will be naysayers and critics, but you cannot allow them to derail the choice that you know must be made.

Sadly, I also learned that no matter how respectfully or quietly you try to make a change in order to avoid making an issue, there will be those who will try to create drama where there is none in order to manipulate the situation.  And when your character is attacked it is sometimes better to say nothing.  Defending your stance to those who do not truly love you and are not genuinely concerned about your well being  is a waste of time and effort - like casting pearls to the swine! 

Please do not misinterpret what I am saying here.  There are times to take a stand.  Our family did when we made the change.  Those who love you will choose to understand, support you, and continue to love you still.   

Though we are to love others, even our enemies, we cannot allow criticisms, opinions, nor objections color the positive choices we know must be made. God knows our hearts and the truth about our character and situation.  Others who know us know the truth as well.  So pray for those who persecute you.  Ask God to help you love your enemies.  Stay faithful in your walk in Christ and the plans He has for you, even when it means change that challenges you, your family, and your relationships. 

If you feel oppressed or trapped in your current situation, seek God's direction.  Ask Him to show you what changes you need to make to break free from this bondage.  He will give you the strength and courage you need.  It may be tough but totally worth it in the end!

Our family is enjoying the freedom we have in Christ from this change.  It has brought quite a bit of spiritual healing for us.  Though we are still working our way through this change, we know that our first steps have been in the right direction.  Yet we are spiritually wounded, therefore, we are taking it slow, seeking God's guidance, so that we do not get entangled in the same way again.

Grace and peace, friends!
In His Love, Cathy

PS - Just writing this has been very therapeutic!   

Rebuilding Faith

The past 5 years of my life have been some of the most challenging I have ever faced.  To say my faith has been tested would be an understatement.  I wish I could say that I had the faith of Job but that would not be true.  There were times I questioned God.  There were other times I lost all hope.  And still other moments that I was downright angry.


I knew God was there throughout each and every trial - even when I couldn't seem to muster the faith.  Some of these trials I faced with support from friends and family.  But I had to face a few with only God by my side.  Through it all God has been good and faithful... even when I have not.  I wish I could say I was the textbook Christian through it all but I am only human and am therefore imperfect.

I have had my faith challenged and almost completely shattered.  From the summation of these challenges I recognize my weakened state and my utter dependence on God.  And even though I have a great support system of family and friends, I recognize they may not always be available as they too have their own responsibilities and challenges.  And I may not always be available to them for the same reasons.  In addition, we may not understand what someone is going through and therefore at a loss of how to help.  Though we are to love, support, and encourage one another, only God can be there for us at all times.

As I reflect back over these past five years I see how God has been faithful - ALWAYS!  I see how He has taken care of me and worked out His plan in my life - both good and bad times!  His strong hand has been there supporting me through thick and thin, giving me the stamina to survive some challenging times and the strength to make tough decisions.  He sent the right people at the right time, opened doors that had been long closed, and answered prayers in ways that left no doubt that it was God's handiwork.  Some of these trials seemed to crushed my spirit to the point of losing any and all hope. But He stepped in.  He heard my cries.  He  healed my broken heart and brought life to my crushed spirit.  He can do the same for you!  Only he can bring complete healing!  Seek Him today!

The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
    He rescues them from all their troubles.
¹⁸ The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
    he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

¹⁹ The righteous person faces many troubles,
    but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.

 

                                                   Psalm 34:17-19

In His Love,  Cathy

Update on My Sweet Niece

Baby Cathryn is doing so much better.  Her doctors at Shand's indicated that her feeding tube had been inserted too far down and that was causing some of the medical issues she was having.  Since readjusting the feeding tube, she has been able to keep down her food and they have been able to increase her feedings.  However, she is still only 8 pounds (at 2 months old) and not yet able to feed from a bottle.  My brother got to visit her yesterday in Shand's and the news it that if she continues to improve she will be home soon!  Please continue to pray for her.  It has been a long, hard journey for this little one but we are thanking God for his mercies and healing! 

Peace and Love, friends!

(Isn't she a cutie!)

In His Love, Cathy

Psalm 19:14

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."  Psalm 19:14 (NLT)

Lord,

Instead of criticism, may I offer encouragement.

Instead of words that tear down, may I have words that build up.

Instead of selfishness, may I be selfless.

Instead of pride, may I be humble.

Instead of a calloused heart, may I have a soft heart.

Instead of  'me first', 'THEY first'...thinking of others as more important than myself.

Instead of focusing on my hurts, help me to focus on helping others who are hurting.

Instead of my will, THY WILL!


Instead of me...YOU!


In His Love, Cathy

Prayer Request

Please be in prayer for my 2 month old niece, Cathryn Michelle.  Baby Cathryn has been in the Prenatal ICU at Tallahassee Memorial for about a month now.  She was released to a regular hospital room last Friday but seemed to take a turn for the worse.  She was taken to Shand's Hospital in Gainesville this afternoon.  Information has been limited all we know is that little Cathryn has been battling several severe infections.  Please pray for her healing and for her family at this very scary time.  Thank you my friends!

Peace and love!  

In His Love, Cathy