Today I was reading the Bible and I started thinking about the times it talks about God taking the undesirable parts of our lives and making something beautiful of them. It seems like there is always something in us that God needs to work on. We're not perfect after all! I know there are parts of me that are not beautiful because of some flaw in me, but there are also parts of my life that seem out of my control. The one constant in my life, no matter what is going on, is that God is faithful. He is truly a refuge in times of trouble! If I get out of line, He gently nudges me back to where I should be.
Right now, maybe you're feeling poor in spirit, brokenhearted, bound by some worry or fear. Maybe you're mourning a loss. Maybe you've done some things you're not proud of and feel like you're sitting in a mess you've created. Jesus himself quoted some of this passage from Isaiah 61, read it and then give whatever situation you're dealing with over to God. Listen to the compassion that God has for YOU!
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:1-3
When I got to the end of this verse it really stood out to me because last time I wrote I talked about spring and planting time! To me this verse just reiterates how when we surrender before God and allow Him to work and take the junk out of us, He makes us something beautiful, "for the display of His splendor". I don't know about you, but I want Him to do that in me!
Have a great week!
- Dina
I'm still trusting Him! Psalm 113:9
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Happy Spring!
Happy Spring Everyone!
Just in time for spring I've started a new hobby: planting flowers and soon I plan to plant a small garden (this is a first for me!). I've been working hard outside, putting soil in pots, sowing seeds, watering, etc. Every time I'm outside hovering over these plants and flowers I always think about how God tends to us.
We are all at different places in life. Some of you might be new Christians, like tiny sprouts finally breaking through the soil. Others of us have been at it for a while. Sometimes our leaves shrivel up or we need those dead blossoms taken off so that new things can grow. Whatever stage you're at in your walk with God I hope that you feel Him drawing you closer to Him everyday! Let your heart be tender before God and see what new, awesome things He will do in your life! Does your life need some weeding? Don't be afraid to let Him trim away some old, dead things! I'm ready for God to do a new thing in me and I hope you are too! I say, "Prune away, Lord. Make me what you want me to be. Take out anything and everything that doesn't please you! AMEN!"
Here are a few scriptures that come to mind when I think of planting time:
If you get the chance read all of John 15.
Galatians 5:22, 23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Matthew 13:3-9; 18-23 The Story of the Seed and the SowerThen he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear."
Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."
Have a great week and keep growing in Him!
- Dina
Just in time for spring I've started a new hobby: planting flowers and soon I plan to plant a small garden (this is a first for me!). I've been working hard outside, putting soil in pots, sowing seeds, watering, etc. Every time I'm outside hovering over these plants and flowers I always think about how God tends to us.
We are all at different places in life. Some of you might be new Christians, like tiny sprouts finally breaking through the soil. Others of us have been at it for a while. Sometimes our leaves shrivel up or we need those dead blossoms taken off so that new things can grow. Whatever stage you're at in your walk with God I hope that you feel Him drawing you closer to Him everyday! Let your heart be tender before God and see what new, awesome things He will do in your life! Does your life need some weeding? Don't be afraid to let Him trim away some old, dead things! I'm ready for God to do a new thing in me and I hope you are too! I say, "Prune away, Lord. Make me what you want me to be. Take out anything and everything that doesn't please you! AMEN!"
Here are a few scriptures that come to mind when I think of planting time:
If you get the chance read all of John 15.
Galatians 5:22, 23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Matthew 13:3-9; 18-23 The Story of the Seed and the SowerThen he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear."
Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."
Have a great week and keep growing in Him!
- Dina
Thursday, March 20, 2008
God as a refuge
During my own devotional time I've been studying about how God is a refuge. I thought I would share these scriptures with you. During our time of need He does not run away, but instead waits for us to run to Him and trust in Him to work everything out.
refuge
1. shelter or protection from danger, trouble, etc.: to take refuge from a storm.
2. a place of shelter, protection, or safety.
3. anything to which one has recourse for aid, relief, or escape.
The eternal God is your refuge and dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He drove the enemy before you and thrust them out, saying, Destroy! Deuteronomy 33:27
The Lord also will be a refuge and a high tower for the oppressed, a refuge and a stronghold in times of trouble (high cost, destitution, and desperation). And they who know Your name [who have experience and acquaintance with Your mercy] will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek (inquire of and for) You [on the authority of God's Word and the right of their necessity]. Psalm 9:9-10
THE LORD is my Light and my Salvation--whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; in the secret place of His tent will He hide me; He will set me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:1, 5
But the salvation of the [consistently] righteous is of the Lord; He is their Refuge and secure Stronghold in the time of trouble. And the Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they trust and take refuge in Him. Psalm 37:39-40
Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who makes the Lord his refuge and trust, and turns not to the proud or to followers of false gods. Psalm 40:4
GOD IS our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble.The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our High Tower and Stronghold). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! Psalm 46:1, 11
BE MERCIFUL and gracious to me, O God, be merciful and gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge and finds shelter and confidence in You; yes, in the shadow of Your wings will I take refuge and be confident until calamities and destructive storms are passed. I will cry to God Most High, Who performs on my behalf and rewards me [Who brings to pass His purposes for me and surely completes them]! Psalm 57:1, 2
But I will sing of Your mighty strength and power; yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy and loving-kindness in the morning; for You have been to me a defense (a fortress and a high tower) and a refuge in the day of my distress.Unto You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; for God is my Defense, my Fortress, and High Tower, the God Who shows me mercy and steadfast love. Psalm 59:16-17
FOR GOD alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation.He only is my Rock and my Salvation, my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be greatly moved.My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him. He only is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be moved. With God rests my salvation and my glory; He is my Rock of unyielding strength and impenetrable hardness, and my refuge is in God! Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is a refuge for us (a fortress and a high tower). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! Psalm 62:1, 2, 5-8
LORD, YOU have been our dwelling place and our refuge in all generations [says Moses].Before the mountains were brought forth or ever You had formed and given birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting You are God. Psalm 90:1,2
HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust! Psalm 91:1, 2
I hope that if you have not been trusting God, that you will do what these scriptures say, pour out your heart before him, trust Him for whatever you need!When I read over these verses I think about a few years ago when we evacuated during Hurricane Rita. We went to my aunt's house in another state and watched the news as they showed our town being pelted by the wind and rain. Even though that storm was happening we were sheltered and safe. I love the verses that talk about how God hides us. I imagine Him being like a parent that is shielding his child from danger. It is wonderful to know that God Himself cares about each of us so much!!!
Have a great week!
- Dina
refuge
1. shelter or protection from danger, trouble, etc.: to take refuge from a storm.
2. a place of shelter, protection, or safety.
3. anything to which one has recourse for aid, relief, or escape.
The eternal God is your refuge and dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He drove the enemy before you and thrust them out, saying, Destroy! Deuteronomy 33:27
The Lord also will be a refuge and a high tower for the oppressed, a refuge and a stronghold in times of trouble (high cost, destitution, and desperation). And they who know Your name [who have experience and acquaintance with Your mercy] will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek (inquire of and for) You [on the authority of God's Word and the right of their necessity]. Psalm 9:9-10
THE LORD is my Light and my Salvation--whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; in the secret place of His tent will He hide me; He will set me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:1, 5
But the salvation of the [consistently] righteous is of the Lord; He is their Refuge and secure Stronghold in the time of trouble. And the Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they trust and take refuge in Him. Psalm 37:39-40
Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who makes the Lord his refuge and trust, and turns not to the proud or to followers of false gods. Psalm 40:4
GOD IS our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble.The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our High Tower and Stronghold). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! Psalm 46:1, 11
BE MERCIFUL and gracious to me, O God, be merciful and gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge and finds shelter and confidence in You; yes, in the shadow of Your wings will I take refuge and be confident until calamities and destructive storms are passed. I will cry to God Most High, Who performs on my behalf and rewards me [Who brings to pass His purposes for me and surely completes them]! Psalm 57:1, 2
But I will sing of Your mighty strength and power; yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy and loving-kindness in the morning; for You have been to me a defense (a fortress and a high tower) and a refuge in the day of my distress.Unto You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; for God is my Defense, my Fortress, and High Tower, the God Who shows me mercy and steadfast love. Psalm 59:16-17
FOR GOD alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation.He only is my Rock and my Salvation, my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be greatly moved.My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him. He only is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be moved. With God rests my salvation and my glory; He is my Rock of unyielding strength and impenetrable hardness, and my refuge is in God! Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is a refuge for us (a fortress and a high tower). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! Psalm 62:1, 2, 5-8
LORD, YOU have been our dwelling place and our refuge in all generations [says Moses].Before the mountains were brought forth or ever You had formed and given birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting You are God. Psalm 90:1,2
HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust! Psalm 91:1, 2
I hope that if you have not been trusting God, that you will do what these scriptures say, pour out your heart before him, trust Him for whatever you need!When I read over these verses I think about a few years ago when we evacuated during Hurricane Rita. We went to my aunt's house in another state and watched the news as they showed our town being pelted by the wind and rain. Even though that storm was happening we were sheltered and safe. I love the verses that talk about how God hides us. I imagine Him being like a parent that is shielding his child from danger. It is wonderful to know that God Himself cares about each of us so much!!!
Have a great week!
- Dina
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Hard Times
My husband and I have just experienced a pretty big heartbreak in our lives. We were talking tonight about God's will and plan. Sometimes it is so hard to understand why He allows these painful situations to happen. We have faith and believe that He is able to intervene and help, but sometimes He chooses not to.
It is in times like this that I have to remind myself that God is a loving father. I think of the type of parent I want to be. I realize that sometimes parents have to tell their children no because it is the best thing for them. Even when that child thinks his parents are mean and unfair, the parents have wisdom that the child just doesn't understand yet. I am thankful that my experience in life has been that God is this type of parent. He isn't mean or unfair, but He has wisdom beyond what I can see or understand. This is when trusting in God matters the most. It is like a dad telling his child "jump" and the child trusting him to catch her.
I have told God all day long "I don't understand Your plan, but I trust you anyway!" If you have experienced something painful lately, maybe even something you prayed for that didn't happen like you wanted, I hope that you will run to God and let him be your shelter and strength! He has a plan for you. We see the here and now, but He sees from the beginning to the end!
For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Jeremiah 29:11
Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:28
For He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] Hebrews 13:5b
Trust God to work out whatever you need today!
All things are possible for Him!
Have a great day!
-Dina
It is in times like this that I have to remind myself that God is a loving father. I think of the type of parent I want to be. I realize that sometimes parents have to tell their children no because it is the best thing for them. Even when that child thinks his parents are mean and unfair, the parents have wisdom that the child just doesn't understand yet. I am thankful that my experience in life has been that God is this type of parent. He isn't mean or unfair, but He has wisdom beyond what I can see or understand. This is when trusting in God matters the most. It is like a dad telling his child "jump" and the child trusting him to catch her.
I have told God all day long "I don't understand Your plan, but I trust you anyway!" If you have experienced something painful lately, maybe even something you prayed for that didn't happen like you wanted, I hope that you will run to God and let him be your shelter and strength! He has a plan for you. We see the here and now, but He sees from the beginning to the end!
For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Jeremiah 29:11
Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:28
For He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] Hebrews 13:5b
Trust God to work out whatever you need today!
All things are possible for Him!
Have a great day!
-Dina
Saturday, February 2, 2008
God's Timing
God's perfect timing. I think about this topic VERY often, reminding myself that His ways are not our ways. I also remind myself that God's plan for my life is for good and not for harm. When I think about some of the plans I've had for myself over the years, and I'm so glad that God intervened. I'm thankful for the times I prayed and He said "no" or "wait". I'm so glad that I can know God as a caring father and faithful friend! Remember, God always answers prayer. Sometimes His answer is not the one we want, but it is always for the best.
Here are a few scriptures to encourage you about God's plan and perfect timing.
For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Jeremiah 29:11 (Amplified Bible)A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure. Proverbs 16:9
Selections from Psalm 139
O LORD, you have searched me [thoroughly] and have known me. For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother's womb. I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret [and] intricately and curiously wrought [as if embroidered with various colors] in the depths of the earth [a region of darkness and mystery]. Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them. Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God's will. We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:27-28
Maybe you're like me, wondering what the next step of God's plan for your life is. I am waiting on Him, praying for His leading and direction for every step. Keep trusting in Him and following His leading!
"I WAITED patiently and expectantly for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry". Psalm 40:1
Have a great week!!! - Dina
Here are a few scriptures to encourage you about God's plan and perfect timing.
For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Jeremiah 29:11 (Amplified Bible)A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure. Proverbs 16:9
Selections from Psalm 139
O LORD, you have searched me [thoroughly] and have known me. For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother's womb. I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret [and] intricately and curiously wrought [as if embroidered with various colors] in the depths of the earth [a region of darkness and mystery]. Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them. Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God's will. We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:27-28
Maybe you're like me, wondering what the next step of God's plan for your life is. I am waiting on Him, praying for His leading and direction for every step. Keep trusting in Him and following His leading!
"I WAITED patiently and expectantly for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry". Psalm 40:1
Have a great week!!! - Dina
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Trusting God
Right now I am trusting in God to do some huge things in my life; things that seem just about impossible! It is so good to know that He is faithful and will ultimately do whatever is best for us! (Romans 8:28)
Trusting God
The Lord is my strength and my impenetrable shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him. Psalm 28:7 (Amplified Bible)
Psalm 37:3-5 - Trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) in the Lord and do good; so shall you dwell in the land and feed surely on His faithfulness, and truly you shall be fed.
Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.
Psalm 86:1-2 - Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and distressed, needy and desiring. Preserve my life, for I am godly and dedicated; O my God, save Your servant, for I trust in You [leaning and believing on You, committing all and confidently looking to You, without fear or doubt].
Trust God to work out whatever you need today! All things are possible for Him!
Have a great day!
-Dina
Trusting God
The Lord is my strength and my impenetrable shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him. Psalm 28:7 (Amplified Bible)
Psalm 37:3-5 - Trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) in the Lord and do good; so shall you dwell in the land and feed surely on His faithfulness, and truly you shall be fed.
Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.
Psalm 86:1-2 - Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and distressed, needy and desiring. Preserve my life, for I am godly and dedicated; O my God, save Your servant, for I trust in You [leaning and believing on You, committing all and confidently looking to You, without fear or doubt].
Trust God to work out whatever you need today! All things are possible for Him!
Have a great day!
-Dina
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Feeling Alone?
If you're out there and feeling overwhelmed and alone, be encouraged! God is just a prayer away! I thought someone out there might need to hear this scripture. It has been so encouraging to me throughout my life:
For He, God Himself, has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let you down (relax My hold on you)!
So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or be terrified]. What can man do to me?
Hebrews 13:5-6 (Amplified Bible)
Have a great week! Remember God keeps his promises! Be encouraged!
- Dina
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