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Tag: faith

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1 John 5:14-15 | Listening & Waiting

This is from my Facebook Live on Friday, May 8, 2020

Hey friends! Thanks for joining me today. 

It’s Friday, May 8th – Mother’s Day weekend! A big shout out to all the mom’s out there! I also want to give my mom –  Kay Leis – a shout out. She as a huge heart of gold and is one of the most grace-filled persons I know!  I am so thankful for you, mom! 

Today, I will be sharing from  1 John 5:14-15.

“And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.”

1 John 5:14-15

I’ve shared from “Bible Promises to Live By for Women” before…  I love what the author, Katherine Butler says in this devotional on Listening… 

Friends, I know some of you are in a season of waiting. Waiting for your kids to be done with school so you can move on to summer break.  Waiting to hear when you can go back to work. Waiting to hear when your church can gather again. The conversations you are having with God during this season of waiting are not wasted. In our busy, fast-paced culture, we all struggle with slowing down and waiting. Trust me… I KNOW!

God has taught me a lot about waiting these past 5 years. One of my favorite verses on waiting is found in Psalm 27:14.  

“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”

Psalm 27:14

He has taught me that things happen in HIS timing and not mine! Remember this… “Maybe one of the most loving things God can do for you in this season of waiting is to sit beside you and listen to your heart.” 

Thanks so much for listening! Let’s go to God in prayer… 

Heavenly Father, Thank you for being with us this day. Thank you for hearing our prayers. Thank you for being with us in the waiting. 

Today, I pray you will be with everyone who is listening to the sound of my voice. I pray you will wrap your arms around them. I pray you will hold them close and allow them to feel your presence. 

Heavenly Father, 

  • I pray for parents and children as they are wrapping up their school year.   
  • I pray for our state and national leaders as they implement the plan to open our states back up. 
  • I pray for those who are on the front lines: first responders, doctors and nurses, people responsible for cleaning the hospitals and nursing home facilities. 
  • I pray for all those who have lost jobs. I pray for those going back to work today, that you will bless them and encourage them. 
  • I pray for family members experiencing health crises right now. 

Oh Father, thank you for the privilege to come to you in prayer. We ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Thanks for joining me today! 

I hope you know that you are loved! 

Have a blessed day! 

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Jeremiah 29:11-13 | Prayer & Listening

This is from my Facebook Live on May 6, 2020.

Hey friends! Happy Wednesday to you! Thanks for joining me!  

I hope your day is going well today!

Today, I will be reading from a favorite passage,  Jeremiah 29:11-13. If you would like to join me, I am reading from The New Living Translation. 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”

Jeremiah 29:11-13

Most of us know Jeremiah 29:11 well – God has plans for us. He has a hope and a future. Friends, I hope you believe that! God is not going to let you fail during this season of interruption by the coronavirus.  I know weariness has set in for some of you. We may not know what the days ahead may look like, but we know that God has a plan and he is with us! 

 I love verses 12 & 13… I love that God put the responsibility back on us!   “In those days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” 

Friends, I think sometimes we are the roadblock – sometimes we’re guilty of not taking the time to foster a relationship with our maker. Just like the time required to invest in our relationship with our spouse, with our kids, or with our friends, we have to make time for our relationship with God. 

If you aren’t currently spending some one on one time with God, I would encourage you to make it a priority. I would encourage you to spend the first few minutes of your day – Before you check your social media, email, or the news..  begin each day with 10 minutes in scripture and prayer. If you need suggestions on what to read, reach out to me. I’ll share some ideas!

I know your day will be blessed if you spend the first part of your day with Jesus! I know He will guide you in your plans when you make Him a priority! 

Thanks so much for listening! Let’s go to God in prayer… 

Oh precious Heavenly Father, Thank you for being with us this day. Thank you for your promises for good. Thank you for listening to our prayers..

Today, I pray you will be with everyone who is listening to the sound of my voice. I pray you will wrap your arms around them. I pray you will hold them close and allow them to feel your presence. 

Heavenly Father, 

  • I pray for parents and children as they are wrapping up their school year. 
  • I pray for the high school and college grads who aren’t able to be celebrated    
  • I pray for our state and national leaders as they implement the plan to open our states back up. 
  • I pray for those who are on the front lines: first responders, doctors and nurses, people responsible for cleaning the hospitals and nursing home facilities. 
  • I pray for all those who have lost jobs. I pray for those going back to work this week, that you will bless them and encourage them. 
  • I pray for family members experiencing health crises right now. 

Oh Father, thank you for the privilege to come to you in prayer. We ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Thanks for joining me today! 

I hope you know that you are loved! 

Have a blessed day! 

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Psalm 138| Faithfulness

This is from my blog post from May 4, 2020.

Hey friends! Thanks for joining me today. I hope you had a wonderful weekend! I was happy to get some flowers and some herbs for our patio! 

Something else that was fun… My daughter’s future mother-in-law and I hosted a Pampered Chef virtual bridal shower with Mariah and Zack this weekend. The consultant had us gather yesterday for a Zoom call with her bridal party, family, and friends to celebrate them since we were not able to do a traditional shower. 

So Today, I will be reading  Psalm 138 from The Message. 

“Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!”
    Angels listen as I sing my thanks.
I kneel in worship facing your holy temple
    and say it again: “Thank you!”
Thank you for your love,
    thank you for your faithfulness;
Most holy is your name,
    most holy is your Word.
The moment I called out, you stepped in;
    you made my life large with strength.

When they hear what you have to say, God,
    all earth’s kings will say “Thank you.”
They’ll sing of what you’ve done:
    “How great the glory of God!”
And here’s why: God, high above, sees far below;
    no matter the distance, he knows everything about us.

When I walk into the thick of trouble,
    keep me alive in the angry turmoil.
With one hand
    strike my foes,
With your other hand
    save me.
Finish what you started in me, God.
    Your love is eternal—don’t quit on me now.”

Psalm 138

This passage takes me back to last fall, 2019.  I was in a season where God was asking me to surrender my position as the Children’s Pastor at Salem. He made it clear to me in July that I was to step away at the end of the year. Now, I am stubborn and I am a planner. I knew our daughter was getting engaged and would probably have a summer wedding. SO financially speaking, I thought June made more sense! In October God made it very clear… he spoke to me and “Do you trust me, Paula?” You guys… He asked me 3 times! Well, as most of you know. I did leave my position at Salem on December 31. 

The Lord has had me on a journey these past few years. He has shown me that slowing down, being still, and listening for his voice is so essential in my growth as a Christ-follower – especially in our busy culture.   I think that is why I love the passage so much that I shared last week from Jeremiah … “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.” God continues to grow my roots along the riverbank – I am a continual work in process! 

I guess I am sharing all of this because I know some of you need some encouragement today. I know you are weary.  Friends, God is faithful – He has a plan for your life.  God loves you. God sees you. God hears your prayers. Continue to praise him through your trials… He is not going to give up on you! 

Thanks so much for listening! Let’s go to God in prayer… 

Oh precious Heavenly Father, Thank you for being with us this day. Thank you for giving us the strength to continue to navigate these trying days and thank you for hearing our hearts. 

Today, I pray you will be with everyone who is listening to the sound of my voice. I pray you will wrap your arms around them. I pray you will hold them close and allow them to feel your presence. 

Heavenly Father, 

  • I pray for parents and children as they are wrapping up their school year. 
  • I pray for the high school and college grads who aren’t able to be celebrated    
  • I pray for our state and national leaders as they implement the plan to open our states back up. 
  • I pray for those who are on the front lines: first responders, doctors and nurses, people responsible for cleaning the hospitals and nursing home facilities. 
  • I pray for all those who have lost jobs. I pray for those going back to work today, that you will bless them and encourage them. 
  • I pray for family members experiencing health crises right now. 

Oh Father, thank you for the privilege to come to you in prayer. We ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Thanks for joining me today – you are loved! 

Have a blessed day! 

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Romans 15:13 | Hope

This is from my Facebook Live from May 1, 2020.

Hey friends! Thanks for joining me today !

It’s wonderful to be with you. It’s Friday, May 1… Happy May Day! I hope you can get out today and tomorrow and enjoy a beautiful walk, plant some flowers and just enjoy God’s creation! 

 The passage I will be reading is from Romans 15:13.  If you have your Bibles, read along with me. I’m reading from the New Living Translation.

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 15:13

Friends, I just learned Ohio will have another 30 days in with stay at home orders. There are some exceptions to this for some businesses, but by the end of May, we will have been quarantined for 10 weeks!

 Please don’t lose hope!  

In seasons of doubt, God is there. 

In moments of weakness, God is there.

In the middle of the trials, God is there. 

Friends, aren’t we blessed to know when we place our trust in God, we will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Hang in there.. We will get through this! 

Rather than praying over different requests today… I would love to speak this blessing over you today.

May the Lord bless you
    and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
    and be gracious to you.
 May the Lord show you his favor
    and give you his peace.’

Numbers 6:24-26

Have a great weekend!

If you have prayer requests you would like me to pray over, DM me! 

Blessings, everyone! 

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Jeremiah 17:7-8 | Trusting God

This is from my Facebook Live from April 30, 2020

Hey friends! Thanks for joining me today. 

Today, I will be reading from Jeremiah 17:7-8.  If you have your Bibles, read along with me. I’m reading from the New Living Translation.

“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.”

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Let me ask you.. 

Do you dwell on problems?  

Do you give in to worry? 

Do you have a hard time giving up control?

Many of us are anxious about stuff we can not control. What if you traded your anxious thoughts and put your hope and confidence in God?  Let me tell you, it is a daily surrender for me…  

Jeremiah gives us a beautiful picture of what our faith can look like when we let our faith grow deep like the roots of trees beside a riverbank. 

  • Are you a well-watered tree along the riverbank? 
  • Do you have deep roots?  

Your deep roots will help you sustain during the hard times – the strength you have by growing your deep roots will help you when trials come your way. 

Trusting God in all things is a life long discipline – I hope you will continue trusting God in these hard times. 

Will you pray with me? 

Heavenly Father, Thank you for being with us this day. Thank you for allowing us to grow our roots deep alongside the riverbank. Thank you for giving us strength to endure the trials of this world 

Today, I pray you will be with everyone who is listening to the sound of my voice. I pray you will wrap your arms around them. I pray you will hold them close and allow them to feel your presence. 

Lord, we lift up these requests to you today..

  • I pray for our state and national leaders as they work on a plan on getting people back to work and our economy going. I pray for all those who 
  • I pray for those who are on the front lines: first responders, doctors and nurses, people responsible for cleaning the hospitals and nursing home facilities. 
  • I pray for all those who have lost jobs
  • I pray for family members experiencing health crises right now. 

Oh Father, thank you for the privilege to come to you in prayer. We ask these things in Jesus name, Amen. 

Thanks for joining me today! 

Have a blessed day! 

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1 Peter 1:6-7 | Trials

This is from my Facebook Live from April 28, 2020

Hey friends! Thanks for joining me today. It’s wonderful to be with you. I am thankful for another beautiful spring day here in the midwest! 

The passage I will be reading is from 1 Peter 1:6-7.  If you have your Bibles, read along with me. I’m reading from the New Living Translation.

“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.”

1 Peter 1:6-7

I’ve had this particular Bible for 5 years. I have these verses highlighted and the dates when we were facing some trials around my husband’s employment when we moved to Ohio.  Yes. We walked through some trials for awhile… Yes.. our faith was tested. Yes. God refined us and brought us through those trials. I’m not saying it was easy, but I will tell you it did strengthen us!

Yesterday, I shared about how God has a destiny – a customized life calling He has equipped us for.  Oftentimes, God takes us on a detour from where we are to where He wants us to go.  Trials can be a part of those detours and aren’t necessarily bad – God uses our pain to grow us. He uses our pain to develop us into the person He desires us to be. 

As it says in 1 Peter, there will be JOY ahead, even though we will endure many trials “for a while” – we will get through it!  We don’t know why God has called us to walk through this crisis, but He promises to be right beside us. 

I want to encourage you today to spend time thanking God for walking with you through your trials. Another verse I love that talks about God being with us found in Isaiah 43:2.

“When you go through deep waters,
    I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
    you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
    you will not be burned up;
    the flames will not consume you.”

Isaiah 43:2 NLT

God is with us! Think about the amazing God story He is writing for you during this time!

Will you pray with me? 

Heavenly Father, Thank you for being with us this day. Thank you for walking with us through our trials. Thank you for refining us. OH, Lord, I look forward to the wonderful joy we have ahead! 

I pray for everyone who is listening to the sound of my voice. I pray they will seek the purpose you have for them. God, draw them to you. Guide them and protect them. 

Oh Lord, 

  • I pray for our state and national leaders as they work on a plan on getting people back to work and our economy going.
  • I pray for friends who have lost loved ones, please comfort them. 
  • I pray for our loved ones who are ill. Lord, touch their bodies. 
  • I pray for all those who Are on the front lines: first responders, doctors and nurses, people responsible for cleaning the hospitals and nursing home facilities. 
  • For those who have lost jobs – don’t let them lose hope. 

Oh Father, thank you for the privilege to come to you in prayer. We ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Thanks for joining me today! I hope you have an amazing rest of your day! 

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Psalm 139:13-14 | You have a purpose!

This is from my Facebook Live on April 27, 2020

Hey friends! Thanks for joining me today. 

I am thankful for a beautiful spring day here in the midwest! The sun is shining and the birds are singing! 

I’ve been reading Detours, The Unpredictable Path to Your Destiny by Dr. Tony Evans.  Dr. Evans uses the book to share biblical principles of how God will often take you from where you are now to where HE wants you to go. 

If you have your Bibles, read along with me. I’m reading Psalm 139:13-14 from the New Living Translation.

“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.”

Psalm 139:13-14 NLT

As I read these verses, I feel so blessed to know that the God of the universe knit me together in my mother’s womb. He knew all about me and you before you were born! He made you wonderfully complex and created you for a purpose! 

“Destiny is the customized life calling for which God has equipped and ordained us, in order to bring HIM the greatest glory and maximum expansion of His kingdom.” 

Dr. Tony Evans, Detour

God uses the detours in our lives to lead us to the destiny he has for us. He uses seasons like this pandemic to grow and develop us. I know it hurts, but trust me on this…. God will use the pain to refine us into the person we are becoming through the process. 

Here’s the secret… You must surrender to the will of the Father. The quicker you surrender to what God has for you, he will lead you towards your destiny. 

Another verse that speaks about our uniqueness is Ephesians 2:10.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

Ephesians 2:10 NLT

Today, I want to encourage you to think about this time as a possible detour. What could God be doing in you as you are going through this pandemic? 

I pray you will spend some time today reflecting on your uniqueness and how God has a plan and a purpose for your life! 

Will you pray with me? 

Heavenly Father, Thank you for being with us this day. Thank you for making us wonderfully complex! Thank you for creating us for purpose. I pray for everyone who is listening to the sound of my voice. I pray they will seek the purpose you have for them. God, draw them to you. Guide them and protect them. 

Oh Lord, 

  • I pray for our state and national leaders as they work on a plan on getting people back to work and our economy going.
  • I pray for friends who have lost loved ones, please comfort them. 
  • I pray for our loved ones who are ill. Lord, touch their bodies. 
  • I pray for all those who Are on the front lines: first responders, doctors and nurses, people responsible for cleaning the hospitals and nursing home facilities. 
  • For those who have lost jobs – don’t let them lose hope. 

Oh Father, thank you for the privilege to come to you in prayer. We ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Thanks for joining me today! You are loved! 

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Psalm 100

This is from my Facebook Live on April 24

Hi Friends! I am SO thankful for a beautiful spring day here in the midwest! 

As I was praying and thinking about what to share today. The Lord directed me to end this week with Psalm 100 – the Psalm of Thanksgiving. If you have your Bibles, read along with me. I’m reading from the New Living Translation.

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
Worship the Lord with gladness.
    Come before him, singing with joy.
Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
    He made us, and we are his.
    We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
    go into his courts with praise.
    Give thanks to him and praise his name.
 For the Lord is good.
    His unfailing love continues forever,
    and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

Psalm 100 NLT

Friends, We live in a world right now with so much uncertainity.  Many of you are living in the middle of a storm. This may be the first time you have had to face pain or hardship. I know that the enemy wants to keep you stuck and feeling down and I know the last thing on your mind may be to praise God in the middle of your storm. 

However, I believe thankfulness keeps us connected to God in the middle of our circumstances.  When we praise God in the middle of our storm, it shows God that you believe he will see you through it! 

No matter what  you are experiencing today, God is with you. Remember, the Lord is good. His unfailing love and his faithfulness contiues to each generation! 

Will you pray with me? 

Heavenly Father, Thank you for being with us this day. Thank you for the reminder to worship you with gladness and to come before you thanksgiving and praise! 

Oh Lord, I pray for those listening to this message, I pray they will experience your peace today. I pray they will focus on giving thanks and praising you while they are in the middle of their storms. 

God you are so faithful! Thank you for loving us. I pray for everyone who is fighting the Coronavirus right now. God bring healing to their bodies. Lord, bless the healthcare workers who are continuing to be on the front lines fighting this pandemic. Lord, I lift up all the unspoken requests we have on our hearts rightnow… 

Thank you for the privilege to come to you in prayer. We ask these things in Jesus name, Amen. 

Thanks for joining me today! 

Now.. Go get your praise and worship on! 

Have a blessed day! 

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Matthew 11:28-29 | Come to Me

This is from my April 22, 2020 Facebook Live Post

The passage I will be reading is from Matthew 11:28-29.  If you have your Bibles, read along with me. I’m reading from the New Living Translation.

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Matthew 11:28-29

Whenever I hear “Find rest for your weary souls…” I just want to sit with my eyes closed and take a couple of deep breaths. I am so thankful God gives us rest for our weary souls.

I would venture to say that we are all carrying some heavy burdens right now. 

You may be a parent of a school-age child and you just found out your child will be continuing E-learning for the rest of the school year. 

You may be a parent or grandparent of a high school senior who will not experience their end of year banquets and graduation ceremony. 

You may be someone who has lost a loved one these past few weeks from Covid19. 

You may be someone experiencing anxiety – wondering if you are going to have enough money to pay your bills. 

I am so sorry you are going through all of this. 

When I read the words, “Come to me…” I picture God opening his arms wide open and saying “come here… let me take those burdens, let me take all those stresses. Please come… let me give you rest. 

Friends, you were not meant to carry these burdens alone. God is waiting for you to give it all to Him so He will give you rest in the middle of the mess! 

There’s one more scripture I want to share with you…. it’s found in  2 Corinthians 4:8-9 it says “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” 

Remember, God is with you. He will never abandon you!! 

Will you pray with me? 

Oh precious Heavenly Father, Thank you for being with us this day. Thank you for Word and for your encouragement each day. 

Today, I pray you will be with everyone who is listening to the sound of my voice. I pray you will wrap your arms around them. I pray you will hold them close and allow them to feel your presence. Oh Lord, 

  • I pray for friends who have lost loved ones, hold them close, Dear Lord.  
  • Health care professionals and scientists who are diligently working on a vaccine for this virus.
  • I pray for all those who Are on the front lines: first responders, doctors and nurses, people responsible for cleaning the hospitals and nursing home facilities. 
  • For those who have lost jobs
  • I pray for wisdom for our state and national leaders as they continue to work together to re-open our country.

Oh Father, thank you for the privilege to come to you in prayer. We ask these things in Jesus name, Amen. 

Thanks for joining me today! 

I hope you know that you are loved! 

Have a blessed day! 

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Psalm 103:17-18| Faithfulness

Screenshot from my April 17 Facebook Live Post

This is from my April 17, 2020 Facebook Live Post

Today we are going to talk about faithfulness.   The passage I will be reading is from is Psalm 103:17-18.  If you have your Bibles, read along with me. I’m reading from the New Living Translation.  

“But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!”

Psalm 103:17-18 NLT

One of the most challenging tests the Lord may give to you is to trust in his faithfulness during difficult times. 

As I was reflecting on this verse, it reminded me of when Kevin and I had only been married a month when he lost his job. One morning, we turned on the TV to check the traffic. There was a news reporter talking about a huge fire south of town. When we realized it was Kevin’s workplace, we stood in disbelief. 

Twelve years later, I was a stay at home mom with two young children, when Kevin was downsized after ten years at a “steady” job. Again, we stood in disbelief. 

During these lay-offs, we had our struggles. Sometimes we were gripped with financial stress. Other times with emotional stress. Much like many of you are experiencing during this pandemic. 

I will tell you that while it wasn’t always easy, our faith was strengthened. We continued to seek God in ALL things. Through our challenges, we learned how to discover peace in knowing God was in control and He was Faithful. 

I hope I can encourage someone today… It will be ok. You will get through this!

The song that I have had on repeat this week is “The Blessing” by Kari Jobe and Elevation Worship. (I’ll share the song on my page when we are finished.) It moves me to tears every time I listen to it. May it be a declaration over you today. 

Rather than praying over different requests – I would love to speak this blessing over you today…

“May The Lord bless you
And protect you
May the Lord smile on you
And be gracious to you

May the Lord show you his favor
And give you his peace…” 

Numbers 6:24-26

Blessings, everyone!