GREENLiGHT

Hope Shattered A 3-Day Nightmare…

I can only imagine what Saul went through when he was struck blind. Just imagine… a healthy person with a good job going about his business. A hard worker. Diligent in all that he did. Dedicated to persecuting Christians who speak about the lord. Then just like that … in a moment, as in a flash …he was blinded.

I can only imagine the hell he went through. Call 911! Would he ever seee again? Gotta get to the hospital. Where oh where is the doctor? He couldn’t see. He was frantic. So far away from home. Traveling. Who could he rely on to come get him? Moreover, would it not take days for them to get to him? How could he live with this shame? This sudden disability? Without warning, he was blinded.

But God had a Plan

While Paul worried, he also prayed. A strange new thing for him. But he had no choice but to call out to that voice he heard while on the road.

God sent a man. That man was Ananias. He too was afraid because of what Saul the persecutor of Christians represented. It was a risk. But he obeyed and went. God, the almighty took care of the fear of both Saul and Ananias. Saul believed and was healed. In a moment, his sight returned. Suddenly after days of hell, his mission changed. With a renewed sense of purpose he promised to suffer for Christ’s sake.

“Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.” Acts 9:15-16

Afraid? Call on Him

Today, if you’re afraid of what’s happening all around you, bask in the knowledge that God always has a plan for what you and I are going through. It’s hard. When you’re going through difficulties whether or not you caused it, talk to him. He will see you through. Always. Just trust him.

Saul, the persecutor. Saul the pursuer, became Paul, the pursued. Indeed God has a sense of humor.

Trust him.

Blessings overflow.

Thy Word Have I Hid In My Heart. A Poem For Those Who Plead…

Thy word have I hid in my heart that I may be strong among those who try to restrain me

Thy word have I hid in my heart that I may steadily rise above injustice

Thy word have I hid in my heart that I may never let go despite the strain that heavily weighs down on me

Thy word have I hid in my heart that I may fight the good fight until my days are done

Thy word have I hid in my heart that I may confidently stride to attain new heights of gain

Thy word have I hid in my heart that I may persevere beyond the trials that intercepts me

Thy word have I hid in my heart that I may show resilience to those arising; be it children, young adults or seniors with memories long gone, but yet unforgettable

Thy word have I hid in my heart that I may not fall prey and sin against Thee

Thy word have I hid in my heart that I may be strong because of Thee.

Thy word I have hid in my heart that I may not sin against thee. Psalms 119:11

Above all else, lets guard our hearts, for everything we do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

Written by Dr. Shelly C

Where Will It Lead?

Life is a matter of choices, and every choice you make, makes you. ~John Maxwell

The choices we make we should first consider where they will lead. Is it Marriage, love, children, new job, college, new contract, new house? Always contemplate the future. Where will your choice lead you?

It’s Simple

Pray. Consider carefully. Have faith and then make your decision based on the spirit’s leading.

Blessings overflow

Letter To God…

Faith is believing in something when common sense tells you not to.

Ever thought of writing a letter to God? Many have. Some have actually mailed it. Our Daily Bread shared reports of thousands of letters being mailed to Jerusalem by individuals who seek the lord’s help. They ask for health, wealth, child, and more. If only they knew.

If Only They Knew

If only they knew that the very act of writing a letter to God is actually praying to him. The very act of writing is seeking his intervention. The very act of writing is exactly what’s needed for our Lord, the problem-solver to work in our lives. The very act of writing is spending time in his presence that helps us find the comfort needed for trying times.

Today don’t hesitate to spend time in his presence. Talk. Write. Sing. Do whatever works for you. He will intervene, comfort and answer your prayer.

Blessings overflow.

Purpose…

God has a purpose for everything.

My daughter’s little 8-year old son prays that a cure will be found for the Corona Virus. But each time he prays he ends with words “unless you have a purpose”.

With mouth aghast when I heard it the first time, I asked him to clarify. He said maybe God wants to bring us together or something. I now know he does understand.

I pray that we too will be like him. Simply trusting God for His sole Purpose and plan.

Keep the faith. This too shall pass.

Blessings overflow

Before We Ask…

Before we ask he answers. And while we are speaking he hears.

Ever had that experience where the lord seems to respond while you’re on your knees? While your praying? Just as you were about to ask? It leaves us aghast doesn’t it?

He sends a neighbor, a stranger, a friend.

Today let’s remember he sees, he hears, he comforts. Let’s do our part ….just ask. Pray. Through prayer and supplication he meets our needs.

Ohhhh and when he answers, don’t forget to say Thanks.

Blessings overflow.

Things Change…

Things change.

In one sweep a virus instilled fear affecting worldwide travel, vacation, stock market, business, interviews, relationships, behaviors, mental capacities.

But one thing remains forever…God.

Trust Him.

The Fear You Feel Is Often Not Real. 9 Verses To Fight The Fear…

Do it afraid.

We all have dreams, goals and aspirations. Sometimes these call for us to step out of our comfort zone. With that comes fear. What if I fail? How will I look to others? What if I don’t get the opportunity? The business? The job? The relationship?

This fear causes us to hesitate. To hold back from taking the step. With that I’ve always encouraged “do it afraid“. Don’t let the fear you feel stop you.

Here are 9 verses to encourage you to fight your fear. To step out in faith.

The Fear Factor

1. We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ~Romans 8:28

2. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer. ~Psalm 18:2

3. Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine. ~Isaiah 43:1

4. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ~ Isaiah 41:10

5. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.~ Psalm 56:3

6. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. ~2 Timothy 1:7

7. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. ~Joshua 1:9

8. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. ~Matthew 6:34

9. I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. ~Psalm 34:4

Here’s hoping these verses encouraged you to step out in faith today. Knowing that he’s got you in your time of need.

Blessings overflow!

Why It’s Important To Connect The Dots…

Doesn’t everything work through God no matter how small? The food we eat, the friends we keep, the goals we make, the careers we choose, our spouses, relationships. Doesn’t everything line up with God?

Been waiting on God‘s direction. So my mind is alert to whatever comes my way. A colleague shared some real life-changing news with me. As I reflected, I realized that the Lord had lined up everything in that space for her.

My Gleaning

So I shared my gleanings. Her response was “you don’t have to make everything so spiritual”. She’s a believer so I gasped at her response because she figures that I might end up being a little bit ‘preachy’. Convicted, she later apologized.

What’s in reflecting? Doesn’t everything work through God no matter how small? The food we eat, the friends we keep, the goals we make, the careers we choose, our spouses, our relationships. Doesn’t everything line up with God?

Personally for me I don’t want anything unless it is lined up with the Lord’s leading. My life has been one that sometimes you go off course and then you realize that you’re not in his will.

No Time To Waste

So now I have no time to waste. I just want to do everything according to God‘s will. So yes I’m gonna step back, examine, reflect and connect the dots. This happened. That happened and they’re all lined up in the path that you want …how can you not praise God? How can you not?

Today, may you back on your journey and connect the dots. You’ll be surprised at what you glean.

Blessings overflow.

When All Is Nothing…

I have room that provides shelter. A sure place to sleep. I have food on the table. Something to eat. I have a car that provides transport. Ability to commute. But all is for nothing for that’s safe place for me.

I am at that place where all I have is you. I’m down to my last resort and my last resort Lord is you. I am at the bottom of the well. Nowhere to turn. If only …I could look up.

My head is held low feeling sorry for myself. I keep it down so others won’t see the conflicts that exists in me. The dread in society that has caused me to be. Nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing is okay within me.

A visionaire in my past life, now I can hardly see. Will I ever get back to the heights of self confidence that I’ve been known to preach? Will life turn 360 so I can see what’s for real? I’ve never been an oppressor, but depressed and oppressed is all I seem to see. Bring me back to those days of confidence and habitat that surely exist for real.

Excerpt book GreenLight 2