Month: April 2023

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Take a breather

One of my favorite books, The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan, has sharpened my view on refreshment . For many of us , there is no full “Sabbath Day”. But, we can all take advantage of Sabbath Moments. In the midst of chaos, let’s ask Him to help us see. He surprises us by giving us peace in tiny, sweet moments -playing with a child , the sound of birds, stopping to enjoy the glory of sunshine, and just plain sitting still. It’s always wonderful to go somewhere lovely like the Colorado mountains, the Mexican beaches, or Israel’s historical sites.  But, how do we bring that sense of refreshment back home? It could be as simple as stopping & observing. Where do we see the hand of God in creation ? Psalm 19 is perfect for this . Where do we see the presence of God on our lives? Psalm 139 helps remind us . I’m grateful He helps me think on my new favorite word -BEHOLD. Beholding is always more than glancing. It’s intentional , focused and always gives us a gift . Ask Him and He will give you eyes to see these Sabbath Moments. (Pic below courtesy Jeanne Coyle GBC Israel Trip 2012!)

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Heavenly ANTI-Inflammatory

“May JESUS HIMSELF and GOD the FATHER, who reached out in LOVE and surprised you with GIFTS of unending help and confidence, put a FRESH heart in you, INVIGORATE your work, ENLIVEN your speech.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (The Message)

Ouch.  I am inflamed.  Or rather, my back is!  Once you pass the marker of 40 years of age, you realize that injuries take longer to heal.  You will hurt your back.  (The phrase “threw my back out” makes me laugh..where exactly did this come from?) 🙂

I have done this before and learned from experience that an “ANTI-inflammatory” and ice can be my best friends!

I want the opposite of inflammation and pain. This is true in my Physical AND Spiritual world.

This preceding Bible verse calms me and gives me strength. Take this as your spiritual “anti-inflammatory” with me—our focus is removed from our own pain and  focused on the only One who give peace.

Wanna see it again?

  1. Jesus “Himself Reached out. ” (How?) In LOVE.
  2. He “Surprised” me. (With what?) With “Gifts of Unending Help and Confidence.”
  3. He “Put a Fresh Heart in Me”.
  4. He “Invigorates My Work”.
  5. He “Enlivens my Speech”.

Feel better?  Now that hits the spot!  May JESUS give you Healing and Peace today!

Love to you in HIM,

Tristie

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Your Weakness is Your Super Power!

Many believers are convinced God is displeased with inability & inconsistencies. This is not true! If there’s EVER a message to Christians, it’s that we really cannot do any of this. Only He can. I cannot save myself & I cannot change myself! This is the glory of biblical exchanged life living. He waits for us to realize our true state of desperate need. He is gentle when we come with nothing to offer. Then -and only then-He can work!

The self-righteous & smug vessel can’t be used by the King. There is simply no room. What would happen if we came to Him moment by moment and asked for help? What if we truly viewed our weaknesses as opportunities for Jesus to explode into our lives? Each second can be sanctified by our need of Him. Today, tell yourself the truth: Your need IS your super power!