Take hope in the knowledge that you are cherished by the One who made you—you are sheltered in the shadow of His wing, close to His heart. It is my prayer that as we get to know one another you, too, will see beyond the veil and will learn to say, “Even so, I walk in the Presence of the Lord”
With joy,
Nan
A Prayer When You Need God to Make a Way
Lord, You remind me often who You are — especially when I feel overwhelmed with inadequacies, or those things which seem impossible. You taught me just this week that You are the “Waymaker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the darkness — Oh! How I love that song. It’s words cause hope and confidence to rise up within me because I know You are with me — I am not alone.
You are for me, so who can be against me?
Faith Notes ~ Lori Cunningham: Where Was God During My Violent Abuse?
I’ve only known Lori Cunningham a few short weeks through an online friendship, but I know there is something very special about her. I think of the beautiful, delicate rose whose petals have fallen to the ground only to be crushed by uncaring feet. But the result is the sweet aroma that infuses its surroundings with beauty and grace.
You see, Lori is that delicate rose who was crushed as a child, but she found the faithfulness of the Lord in her anguish and now her life emits the sweet aroma of Christ to the world around her. Although her story is very painful to read, she has found the presence of God throughout — even in the most vile moments. Lori clings to His outstretched hand, and He imparts grace and healing.
Finding God’s Presence ~ When I Need to SEE God
I often read Psalms when I’m seeking solace or when my emotions are a tangled mess and I can’t make sense of them. Do you? I love David’s honesty with God and I garner much from his imagery as I am a visual learner. Sometimes when life is just plain hard and disappointing it’s hard to understand where God is in the mix — it’s hard to put the spiritual into the physical.
But then there is King David in the Psalms.
He gives me the tangible reality of God’s presence and the explosive passion for His child in need…
A Prayer When You Need Jesus … Right Now
Lord, You know the old hymn, I Need Thee Every Hour? It is so true — I DO need You every hour. I need You every moment of every day. Some days more than others.
Today is one of those days.
Faith Notes~ Tosin Olabode: Why God? Why Must Daddy Die?
I am delighted to share my guest, Tosin Olabode, with you today on Faith Notes. Tosin lives in Jos, Nigeria where he lives his young life with purpose and on mission for the Lord Jesus Christ. We met a few years ago on twitter and clicked instantly. He calls me Ma a good bit of the time, which I adore.
Tosin Olabode
Tosin is wise beyond his years and shares much wisdom in his first book, Insights, that just released on January 1st. As I prepared for this post I visited Tosin’s facebook page and found this message alongside one of his photos, “Your words of encouragement, your words of inspiration, your motivating speeches… Cant just say it all. When you handle mic, you speak… When you hold pen, you write and I always wish I can just have that you know. But to go by your words, nothing happens by mistake. So there’s a purpose of me meeting you and I thank God I did.”
Now do you believe me? This young man is very special. I can’t wait for you to meet my friend, Tosin Olabode.
Finding God’s Presence ~ Wilderness. A Place of Difficulty or Peace?
“The wilderness is an unpleasant place, fleshly speaking. We naturally want prosperity, health, and easy going. But the same God who created the garden also created the wilderness. There will be times of trial and pressure. Our faith will be tested. But the God of grace will meet us even in the wilderness. Missionary Amy Carmichael knew this truth: ‘Bare heights of loneliness . . . a wilderness whose burning winds sweep over glowing sands, what are they to HIM? Even there He can refresh us, even there He can renew us'” (GotQuestions.org)
A Prayer When Grace Feels Out of Reach
Grace, Lord … Your grace. So undeserved and yet even in my messiest of places Your grace abounds. Your presence comforts me. Your hand provides for me. Your shield protects me. Blessed are You, O Lord.
Help me never take You for granted. Help me walk in awareness of not only Your abiding presence, but awareness of Your constant grace. Let the grace I have received give me courage to stand in the face of my enemies with confidence and bravado.
Faith Notes ~ Maureen Hager: Biker Gangs, Bullet Wounds, and God’s Redeeming Love
My guest this week on Faith Notes is Maureen Hager who happens to be one of my Christian Communicator sisters. I love having the opportunity to share her with you. My goodness, what a testimony! Because of life’s hardships, Maureen found herself seeking refuge and companionship in a biker gang. As a young woman desperately in need of Jesus, but seemingly running as far away from Him as possible, God saw and drew her to Himself. Isn’t His mercy incredible? God used the tragedy of massive gunshot wounds to reveal His love to Maureen and now she lives to tell of His glory and faithfulness. I’m sure the words of her heart will touch you.
Finding God’s Presence ~ Learning to Listen to the Wind Maker
A rush of wind swept through the treetops like the sound of crashing waves, its power witnessed in the bending of branches and the tousling of remaining leaves. Yet far below the forest canopy I walked in a broad patch of sunshine without the slightest breeze. In fact, I knew the blast of wind came only because I heard its whistle and saw its effects above me.
But in the sunshine I couldn’t feel the wind.
My spirit stirred and I knew this was a God-moment.
I’m listening, Lord.