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 Most Gentle Whisper
Elijah, the mighty man of God, lay hiding in a cave. This, after the Angel of the Lord found him sleeping beneath a broom tree to which he had shouted to the heavens, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!” His despondency called for a gentle whisper of reassurance — anything from the God he served.
And the amazing thing is that these points of desperation occurred after this mighty man of God had defeated 450 of Baal’s prophets. by. him. self. Elijah knew the power of God. He knew the faithfulness of God. Yet he ran for his life because he feared a woman named Jezebel.
Why Must There Be a Valley in Our Lives?
I know many trudging through a valley right now. Remind them of Your presence with them, Lord. Open their eyes to see the things worthy of praise, even in the valley — especially in the valley: Your river of Living Water. The lush greens of new growth. The resting places to ponder Your majesty on the mountaintop.
Valleys are indeed beautiful, for it is in the valley that we may behold Your glory. Thank You for this insight.
God Speaks to Us Out of The Night of The Soul
It is said, “The darkest hours of night are just before the dawn.”
Perhaps that’s because of the contrast between dark and light. The contrast emboldens the darkness yet welcomes the inevitable light. That fine line between despair and hope. The bridge of reassurance across the abyss of brokenness.
And in that moment of darkest night the soul wrestles with simply giving up. Giving in. And the forces of hell come against the child of God because the enemy knows the breakthrough is coming.
Where is God When I Need His Love?
Thank You for going before me into all of my tomorrows. You lift me up when I struggle to stand. You carry me with Your strength when I’m too weak to go on. You shelter me in the shadow of Your wing and lift up Your banner of war against my enemy. I praise You for Your love.
When God Races Upon the Wind to Save His Child
As I peered out the window toward the setting sun, the wall of clouds darkened, shadowed by the twilight. The wind began to rise. There was a surging now — an urgency — like dust billowing and swirling around stampeding hooves.
I could sense God’s Presence. His protective watchcare. Even with trepidation building in my heart, I knew I was not alone. God was with me just as He has been with me through the storms of brokenness that swirl and billow across my weary spirit.
Lord, Help Me Cast My Burdens On You
Lord, I hear You calling me to cast — to toss … throw — my burdens on You because You care for me and will sustain me during these difficult days. Thank You Lord. I believe You. Help me with my unbelief. My stubbornness. My pride. Help me to completely surrender to Your voice & run to You in my time of need.
Where is God When Life is Messy?
Does your life feel like a tangled mess? Is it hard to breathe with the turmoil in your heart and mind? Then I ask you to close your eyes and picture the One who loves you, Who seeks you out to encourage you, to give you strength, and comfort. Awaken your heart to give Him praise and thank Him for His faithfulness.
How May I Be a Giver of God’s Love in 2017?
I pray for those who feel stagnant in their purposes — weary in their well-doings. Empower them with a fresh anointing of Your sweet Holy Spirit. Unleash Your power and strength within them. Give them boldness to serve, courage to follow You, and compassion to love those who we think least deserve it.
Help us love with unconditional and complete love. Regardless. Help us love like Jesus — sacrificially, purely, and consistently from a place of total abandon to You. We want to represent You well — to be Your hands and feet, Your voice. We want to be a giver of Your love.
The Fragrance of Life Emerges From the Broken Places
Life began to stir. Slow at first. Gentle. An awakening — a response to the appointed time. An embryo of wheat began its growth and pressed against the seed wall, breaking it and bursting through. The seed yielded to heavenly purpose and fell away, dying to self so the embryo might live and grow and produce multiple grains with the fragrance of life.
It is in the dying that new life emerges.