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God Loves “Face Time” With You

Boy talking on phone
Yesterday, I consulted with my homeopath, using social media “Face time.” She wants to do “Face time” so she can see me. To see my demeanor; to watch my reactions, etc. All that is part of the process toward healing. We routinely meet every couple months or so on social media. I explain all my concerns and she records them in my file, and then prescribes a remedy. It is a liquid that she mixes up for me and I take it regularly, 3 times per week. Every person is different. A homeopath has to be attentive to details and the uniqueness of each client.

Similarities

This morning, I saw a correlation to our devotions…our set-aside-times with our attentive-to-details God. Just think, if a homeopath has regular times to help clients stay healthy, then certainly, we need regular times with God—talking as He is listening and asking questions to make us think deeper. To get to the root of the malady. However, meeting with God only every couple of months, would not be very good for relationship building. And reading the Scriptures and praying (the remedy) only 3 times a week, would not be adequate to maintain a spirit-filled life. So, the comparison is a bit lame, but still can be helpful if it makes us think about God more deeply, causing us to want even more time with Him.

God is a good listener

God wants more face time with each of us. He never tires of hearing from us. He loves seeing our face lifted up to Him in adoration, or in pleading for help. WHATEVER we say or do, He is like a doting parent wanting to be a part of all that matters to us. Whatever concerns you, concerns your God. He desires a very personal and intimate relationship. Hold nothing back. He knows it all, anyway. He will help you sort it all out if you trust Him. THAT is a big “if”…IF you will trust Him…

“Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him, God is a refuge for us. Selah.”

Psalm 62: 8 (NKJV)

Undistracted devotion

But God is also a jealous God. He wants our affections to be towards Him and not towards other gods of our own making. He wants to be our FIRST LOVE and our deepest love.

“Delight yourself in the LORD,…”

Psalm 37:4a (NKJV)

Undistracted time

Our Father wants us to give Him focused time. Multi-tasking does NOT impress the Creator God. When we stray, He kinda grabs us by the scruff of our neck, (through circumstances) to get our attention back on Him and on what really matters.

Focus

“You can’t focus on everything. We must focus on the things that matter most.”

“Slow down a little, and let God get into your world.”…

— Dutch Sheets

Priorities

Life can be hard and we continually have needs. I’m thinking of friends that are going through some trying times lately.

  • One friend has suffered from debilitating headaches for almost 4 years. Finally, this week, she found a specialist that had the solution.
  • Another friend has had multiple challenges. First bright lights in her eye, then her heart acted up, and then when she was outside soaking up vitamin D in a lawn chair in her yard, the chair collapsed and she hit her tail bone! She is in pain. She is still seeking solutions.
  • Another friend tripped on a step, and hit her head and split her lip, and banged up her knee. She was at her son’s home where she could get immediate help for her banged up body. She is better today.
  • Another friend spent last week in Hospice with her dear Father. She was at the hospital when he passed into eternity. And her daughter gets married this weekend. AND she needs to find a dress. This week will be full of lots of conflicting emotions. She knows God is with her through it all.

Stuff happens…

And it is horrible going through it; and it either makes us bitter or better. If you are like my friends, these trials have made them better and yours will for you too, if each of us allows our hard times to cause us to stop long enough to choose to spend more “face” time with our FATHER GOD, the fixer-upper, the Comforter, the Healer, the really good listener. It all pulls us back to our Anchor, the Lord; and we are reminded AGAIN that time with Him brings peace, joy, healing, comfort and anything else we need. He promises to meet our daily needs…(NOT our daily wants )

“God has spoken once, Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God. Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy;…”

Psalm 61: 11, 12a

Will you join me to pray this prayer?

Father God, thank You for sending Jesus, so that I can have a personal relationship with You, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for daily reminding me to make the time with You as the first priority of my day before I go out into the world. Give me Your wisdom to obey Your promptings as I go throughout my day. May I bring You joy as I seek more and more “Face” time with you each day.

“Because Your loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul will be satisfied…my mouth will praise You with joyful lips.”

— Psalm 63:3-4 (NKJV)

Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!

My Father: Experiencing God's Love A-Z

Pamela Taylor invites you to join her in this interactive acrostic devotional journal designed to draw you into the extremely personal and abundant love God has waiting for you. Experience the "Just ask..." of His love for you!

My Father: Experiencing God's Love from A-Z by Pamela A. Taylor

Let's Connect!Until next time,
Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Spiritual Life,Strengths Mentor Coach — Tags: , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

Worry

Little Girl in Airplane

Children worry

There’s a story I heard over the weekend, about orphan children. Harmed by poverty, they often had trouble sleeping at night, even when they went to bed with a full stomach. It seems they couldn’t sleep because they were worried they wouldn’t have food tomorrow . They were inconsolable. Words of reassurance were not enough. Then someone had an idea to give them a chunk of bread to hold in their hand as they slept. But they were told they could not eat it until tomorrow. Amazingly, they slept soundly.

My daughter was worried

It reminded me of a time when my daughter had trouble sleeping at night. After some conversations, I realized she was afraid she would go hungry. If I remember correctly, it was around the time of the year 2000 scare. So much was said about running out of everything because our world runs on computer systems now. The Lord gave me the idea to give her a box of protein bars to keep under her pillow and a can of soda to keep on her nightstand. Remarkably, she was able to relax and sleep, knowing she had provision right at her fingertips, if she ever needed it. Just like the little orphans in the story in the paragraph above.

Passengers on a plane in a storm were worried

The passengers were told to put on their seat belts. Turbulence was expected. It got pretty wild in the plane. People were scared. The were worried the plane would break apart or crash. Everyone, except for one little girl, sitting quietly and calmly coloring in her coloring book. Odd. Why wasn’t she afraid? Then, someone asked her why. Her response: “My Daddy is the pilot. And he is taking me home.” (A little child shall lead them. )

These are times that try men’s souls

Like the year 2000, we live in a turbulent time. Many things tempt us to worry. Will God really take care of us? We are so used to our conveniences and being the masters of our own fate, we have forgotten that God promises to provide our daily bread. Just ask! Jesus meant it when He taught us in what we call the Lord’s Prayer. As God’s children, we are to have no worries. And we are to be grateful for what He provides. Not grumbly like the Israelites when the were “stuck” with “manna” they had to gather daily (except for the Sabbath eve day, when they could gather for two days). They worried they would never have tasty food again.

Worry is about the FUTURE

Worry is concern over the unknown and uncertain future. Worry comes from a divided mind. Scripture tells us that a double-minded person is unstable in all their ways. It is true that we should plan when we can. And we should have concerns about the uncertainties. But each day has enough trouble of its own, and worry is about TOMORROW. We can plan for tomorrow, but any number of things could happen to mess up our plans. And so, we can’t really do anything certain about tomorrow, until tomorrow becomes today. Worry can actually destroy a person, often robbing them of their joy and causing a focus on lack instead of possibilities.

Concern is about the PRESENT

David Jeremiah says: Worry sees problems. Concern solves problems. Worry is the future. Concern is the present. He says when you worry, you act like a pagan. Like you don’t know God. Like you don’t have a Father. Like you are an orphan. Each day has its own need and its own provision. Mark Twain said, “I’ve had many worries in my life, most of which never happened.” Does that sound like you?

Let’s pray:

Jesus, I confess my sin of unbelief. Lord, I am yours. My family is yours. I am not an orphan. With Your help, I will stop acting like one. You are my Father. I trust You are my pilot and You will capably fly the plane of my life; and when the time comes, You will take me HOME.

My Father: Experiencing God's Love A-Z

Pamela Taylor invites you to join her in this interactive acrostic devotional journal designed to draw you into the extremely personal and abundant love God has waiting for you. Experience the "Just ask..." of His love for you!

My Father: Experiencing God's Love from A-Z by Pamela A. Taylor

Let's Connect!Until next time,
Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Spiritual Life — Tags: , , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

The Smell of a Fresh Rain

Woman under umbrella

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”

Psalm 90:14

Early Morning

It was early morning. I was outside and it had just begun to rain.

The sweetness and beauty.

Is there anything sweeter than the smell of fresh rain in the air? Or more beautiful than the sound it makes as it hits the pavement? Or more fun than watching it joyfully patter onto the earth and bounce back up with a type of joy?

I wonder…

I wonder if that’s what God’s breath smells like? Like the rain…as He “breathes fresh life” into His creation? I love that thought!

The Creator of the rain…

Could those drops also be His tears of joy…happy that I had stopped for a few minutes and “connected” with Him…The Creator of the rain?

Do you feel like you don’t have that kind of time to stop like that?

Well, you are wrong! 😉 It simply takes a mindset shift. That’s all. AND…I can help you with that. I can help you renew your childlike “wonder”… Let’s connect soon. Don’t put it off…Just click on the blue button to leave me a message.

My Father: Experiencing God's Love A-Z

Pamela Taylor invites you to join her in this interactive acrostic devotional journal designed to draw you into the extremely personal and abundant love God has waiting for you. Experience the "Just ask..." of His love for you!

My Father: Experiencing God's Love from A-Z by Pamela A. Taylor

Let's Connect!Until next time,
Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Spiritual Life — Tags: , , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

Who Needs a Baby?

Baby

Progressive ideals

When I married, I held tightly to the progressive ideas of my Baby Boomer generation. One of those ideas was that society was so evil and corrupt, I couldn’t stand bringing a child into the world.

The Vietnam War had become ugly. I didn’t want my child to grow up and have to fight in such wars. Racial riots flourished. What kind of person would bring a child into such an environment? My arguments sounded so noble.

Children are expensive and messy

“Besides,” I thought, “children are expensive—and time-consuming. They drool and mess their pants. Their noses are always runny, and they throw food at the table. They cry, too, and whine.” I had never baby-sat, because small children seemed so helpless and messy, ungrateful and self-centered.

Baby showers

I especially hated baby showers, but because I had a lot of friends, I was invited to many. Nothing could have irritated me more.

One day, a baby shower, of all things, started a huge turnaround that would challenge my self-centered ideas and change my life. I was sitting inconspicuously in a group of gushing, sentimental women and becoming more disgusted by the moment. I glared, thinking, “This is ridiculous! I don’t need a baby to prove my worth as a person!”

What is going on?

During refreshments, the veteran mothers compared horror stories of their birth experiences. The mother-to-be got more pale with every story. I thought, “Who wants kids? I’m glad I’m smart enough to avoid such foolishness!”

Looking around, I saw how many women had brought their babies along to the shower. Then it happened. Someone handed me her baby to hold while she went to the restroom. I had no time to protest. The baby looked at me straight in the eyes, cooed, and smiled.

Oh no, what is happening? I felt a strange stirring in my stomach. I couldn’t breathe. “What is going on, Lord? I can’t be attracted to this child.”

That was the beginning.

It seemed as though everywhere I went, people asked me to hold their babies. Each time, I could hardly wait to hand the baby back to its owner. I began to develop a reputation for being a baby hater.

Yet, I began to realize I longed for my own child. That was a surprising revelation.

Prayer. Barrenness hurts. Fasting.

One evening I knelt at the foot of my bed and read about Hannah’s plight in I Samuel 1. I was beginning to relate to the pain of barrenness. Nobody knew about the new stirrings that softened my heart, so people teased me just as Peninnah had teased Hannah. It hurt.

That night before God, I committed myself to fast and pray for my own child. “Lord, I promise to rear the child to honor You. I’ll give it back to You if You will just bless me this way,” I vowed.

In the midst of that fast, the Lord impressed upon me my need to yield my personal rights to Him. I prayed, “It’s okay, God, if I never have children. I want what you want.”

I finally felt peace.

Amazingly, my spirit felt as though God said, “Finally!” I felt peace for probably the first time in my twelve years of marriage. I had surrendered my will to Him.

Children are expensive and time consuming!

That very day I conceived my first of two children. Sure enough, my beliefs turned out to be true. Children are expensive and time-consuming. They drool and mess their pants. They sometimes have runny noses and play with their food. They cry and whine, but so what? They were my babies, and it somehow didn’t matter.

A secret.

My friends had a baby shower for me and for my first child, Rebecca. I remember the day she looked me straight in the eyes, cooed, and smiled—as though she knew a secret. Somehow I felt that Rebecca and God had been in alliance, all along knowing what I really needed and wanted.

To God be the Glory! He knows what is best for each of us!

—First published in Women Alive! July/August 1998

My Father: Experiencing God's Love A-Z

Pamela Taylor invites you to join her in this interactive acrostic devotional journal designed to draw you into the extremely personal and abundant love God has waiting for you. Experience the "Just ask..." of His love for you!

My Father: Experiencing God's Love from A-Z by Pamela A. Taylor

Let's Connect!Until next time,
Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Spiritual Life — Tags: , , , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

It’s Not about the Feet

Bare feet through mud and what it has to do with washing feet in the Bible

Washing Feet in the Bible

David Jeremiah teaches that in the ancient world, to share a meal with others is an intimate activity. It affirms mutual trust. It would be inconceivable to eat with one’s enemy…making Judas’ actions incomprehensible. And yet, Jesus again went against tradition. His love has no conditions.

The roads were dusty

Washing feet in the Bible, why was it so important?

Everyone wore sandals. Feet got really dirty. A servant normally met travelers at the door and washed their feet. However, against tradition, that did not happen to this “crew” of fishermen and a tax collector in John 13. Dirty feet entered the room unwashed.

Their hearts were exposed

“(He) rose from supper and laid aside His garments, and taking the towel…” (John 13:4)

Jesus and the disciples were already at the table. No servant is mentioned. And not a single one of them had chosen to wash the feet of their weary friends. The mismatched crew of travelers simply all sat down with dirty feet. So against the norm, Jesus rose from supper… and washed their feet.

Serve or be served?

  1. Jesus did not summon a slave or servant to make them do the task. Rather, after seeing the need, He acted. He served. Washing their feet.
  2. He saw the opportunity for an object lesson and seized the teachable moment.

Peter the Missionary (pre-Pentecost)

No wonder Peter was confused. Against tradition, this King, this Healer, this Teacher, the One they had all hoped would rescue them from the Roman tyranny…this Jesus had gotten up from the table in order to wash their feet. This was not very Kingly! This is not what they had signed up for. Peter doesn’t like weakness.

Outspoken, impulsive, rash, Peter

What happens when Jesus wants to wash his feet? Surprise! Peter forcefully objects. *sigh* A work in progress, pre-Pentecost Missionary Peter is horrified!

Washing feet in the Bible is not about the feet

Jesus explains to Peter that he needs to submit. And of course, “my way or the highway” Peter with his worldly mindset, tells Jesus what to do. Peter is quite the leader, don’t you think? He will instruct Jesus to wash not only his feet, but his hands and head as well.

But, John chapter 13 is not about washing feet. If it were, then Jesus would have gotten each of them to immediately get up from the table and wash each other’s feet.

What IS it about?

  1. Jesus willingly did the job reserved for the lowest of all slaves.
  2. He did not think Himself above anyone.
  3. It was a SYMBOLIC act of humble service. Done with love. Done willingly. Joyfully.
  4. He was not forced to do it. He chose to.
  5. His true followers will follow His example, with the same heart and enthusiasm.

And best of all…

Impulsive, rash, loud-spoken, forceful Peter, a (high “D”) Lion personality has been chosen by God to be part of His “team”. Jesus sees Peter’s value. He understands He is a work in progress. Peter loves Jesus. But he continually fails Him. Jesus knows a secret that Peter and friends do not yet know: Holy Spirit can round off the rough edges. Peter wants to be like Jesus, but he is not quite there yet. Not here…not in Chapter 13.

Submission & service

This is a lesson every follower of Christ, (whether a foreign missionary or not) must learn and put into practice. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we joyfully serve. We DO what Jesus DID. Submitting to what He SAYS. And we learn to embrace our personality type rather than fight it. We realize our strengths are necessary in the Body of Christ. But we also realize that we are all just a single piece of the bigger puzzle picture. Always remembering to not think of ourselves more highly than we ought. We need each other’s strengths. TOGETHER we make a beautiful and complete picture in Christ.

Missionary Peter learns this

…but not until he has even more slip-ups of rushing into situations without being led by the Spirit. So, only after being filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost does Peter become the person Jesus always knew he could and would be. Over time and with the Spirit’s leading, he learned to use his strengths wisely. So you see, there is hope. Always hope. For you. For me. For the Peter’s in your life.

Are you ready…

to learn to appreciate what God intended when He created you? To find your God-given purpose in life? The abundant life is where you and the joy of the Lord intersect; and remember it is not about the feet… 😉 It is about so much MORE!

It begins with Leading From Your Strengths. I am only a click away…

My Father: Experiencing God's Love A-Z

Pamela Taylor invites you to join her in this interactive acrostic devotional journal designed to draw you into the extremely personal and abundant love God has waiting for you. Experience the "Just ask..." of His love for you!

My Father: Experiencing God's Love from A-Z by Pamela A. Taylor

Let's Connect!Until next time,
Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Living From Your Strengths,Personality Strengths and Weaknesses — Tags: , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

Lord, I Want to Know You (Devotion Week #7)

Woman under arch looking at castle - Lord I Want to Know You

Lord, I Want to Know You is the 7th and last post in this series. Below are the links to the other 6.

“The Name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)

THE LORD who remains the same throughout all generations.

His loving-kindness

“And the LORD (Jehovah) descended in the cloud and stood there with him (Moses) as he called upon the name of the LORD (Jehovah). Then the LORD (Jehovah) passed by in front of him and proclaimed, ‘The LORD (Jehovah), the LORD (Jehovah) God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loving-kindness and truth; who keeps loving-kindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations’” (Exodus 34:5-7) This is your Jehovah!

He is self-existent. He is LORD

Jehovah, the self-existent One, appears in capital letters in many Bibles. LORD. “And God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel,
‘I AM has sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3:14)

He is eternal

John 1:14 records that the eternal Word of God “became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Also in John’s gospel, Jesus identified Himself as the eternal Son through “I am” statements, including His bold statement, “before Abraham was born, I am!” — Arthur Jackson, from Our Daily Bread

Of course He is LORD over all the year, but there is something special about this season of the year, that we call Easter—an amazing time to awaken our spiritual senses and focus on the ultimate sacrifice of our Savior and Lord. The great I AM, who Was, Is, and Always Will Be. He came as a baby, lived, died and rose from the dead. AND is coming back again for His own. He is all we need for every circumstance. For every need.

His unchangeableness

Jehovah is the self-existent One – “I AM WHO I AM”. He is the eternal I AM, the Alpha and the Omega, the same yesterday, today, and forever. All of life is contained in Him. Why do we look elsewhere? Why do we not rest in His unchangeableness? He has never failed. Would He begin with me or with you? He cannot; He is Jehovah, the self-existent, covenant-keeping God.” — Kay Arthur

The Covenant Names of God

We’ve spent these last 6 weeks focusing on the Names of God. But, it is not JUST the Names of God. It is actually the characteristics of God we have studied. And most of all, we have been looking more closely at the COVENANT NAMES of GOD. And we’ve also been looking at Biblical characters who learned particular characteristics of God at a particular time in their lives. And we have seen a modern day example from my own life of how each name applies to us today. And a personal prayer for you each week.

My prayer for you:

Father, I pray for this amazing woman reading this. I ask—just as Moses prayed for God to show him His Glory—that You, LORD, will show her Your Glory! Pass by even now, in all Your goodness. Proclaim Your Name over her! I pray that she continues to draw closer to you—to her amazing God Almighty. Help her to deeply know You by all Your glorious Names. Make it personal. Each of Your names are actually a Covenant You are making with each of Your Followers. THANK YOU, FATHER!!!

I pray she daily continues to draw closer to You—The Keeper of her soul!

Dear one,
Thank you for taking this journey of discovery with me. If you don’t know the LORD in a personal way, but would like to, I’d love to make an appointment to talk to you about all this.

Questions?

I LOVE questions! We can explore together how to RE-discover, or to finally find your way HOME into the arms of the ONLY ONE who loves you Unconditionally! Truly! I’m only a click away!

Until next time…

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Let's Connect!Until next time,
Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Spiritual Life — Tags: , , , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

Jehovah-Jireh (The Lord Will Provide) (Devotion Week #6)

Jesus comforting child - Jehovah-Jireh

I’ve been publishing these weekly devotional thoughts and prayers for women on my blog to encourage your heart, reminding you how deeply your Lord loves you–directing your thoughts toward the names & characteristics of your God. Today’s post is Jehovah-Jireh. Here’s the link to the first ones.

Question:

Do you ever feel scared that there will not be enough? Or that you will not have what you need? That you have to work really hard and extra hours so that you and/or your family will be happy? Why did Jesus instruct us to pray: “Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11) Do you feel silly asking God for help when you can do it yourself?

“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the LORD!” (Isaiah 31:1) Why do you think God said that “woe”?

The scarcity fear is natural in this country. We have raised the bar of what is “required” to survive.

I am thinking of the story of Abraham and the experience of needing a sacrifice on a trip with his son to the mountains to worship God. (That was of course, before the time of Jesus BEING our sacrifice.) Do you think Abraham was scared? What about Isaac?

This story in Scripture, is the first mention of God as Jehovah-Jireh, the provider.

Isaac asks his father where the animal for sacrifice is. His father, Abraham, says God will provide. When they reach the top of the mountain, Isaac is placed on the altar, and his father, Abraham, raises the knife to kill him (to sacrifice him). Then God realizes that Abraham’s faith is deep and that NOTHING—not even his beloved son—will be more important to him than his Lord God.

Of course, we know that God did indeed provide the lamb that suddenly appeared in the thicket nearby, so Isaac got to also witness God’s provision. That is the name that Abraham called God at that point. Jehovah-Jireh (The Lord Will Provide). Abraham had not known HOW God would provide but he had absolute faith that he would! God meets them both on that mountain, and proves that He will provide WHAT is needed, WHEN it is needed. You’ve heard the saying, God is always on time. Never late. Never early. But right on time!

Are you learning, with me, that God can be trusted to provide everything that you need? He permits our experiences, in order to provide us with opportunities to trust Him. His promises are trustworthy. And true. And sometimes scary.

An example from my life:

When we were in missionary language school…
the sending agency had promised I could keep my kids with me because I home schooled; and from the beginning, they had been fully supportive of me. UNTIL we got to California and they decided I would have to put my kids in a day care in CALIFORNIA while my husband and I were in training during the day. I asked if I could have a babysitter come to our apartment and stay with the kids (the pastor’s daughter); so I could check on the kids during our breaks each day. They said no. I asked again and they said if I did, I would have to pay for it myself.

It was way more than we had available, so I prayed and the money did not come and did not come. It was the deadline to make the decision what to do. I was actually angry with God, and told Him so (I had no similarity to Abraham’s response ).

God is Jehovah-Jireh, He will provide.

There was a knock on the door and when I opened it, I was obviously perturbed. Another missionary woman was standing there, smiling, and said she had just gotten their mail and received some money they did NOT need and felt strongly that God was telling her to give it to us. (YES, I was embarrassed I had been so rude when I answered the door…I took the envelope, thinking it would be a small pittance)

After she left, I opened the envelope. Would you be surprised to know it was a HUGE check and enough to cover all the costs for our kids to stay in our apartment while we were on the same mission grounds, so they could continue the homeschooling and be safe NOT in a CALIFORNIA day care! It was at the final hour (like Abraham) and it was exactly what we needed (like Abraham). Well, that was quite a lesson for me! AND for my children. (I wish I had more space to tell you more details, but at least you see a real life example of our Name for God for this week. Jehovah-Jireh.

I’d like to pray for you right now…

Father, we women think we need to take care of everything ourselves. We forget to immediately go to YOU. You already know. You just want us to acknowledge to ourselves that You are the Provider and that we can count on you to take care of the details. People (and mission groups) will always disappoint, but You will never disappoint. You will never let us down. Likely, it will be at the final hour, but You will provide. You DO provide. Help this lovely woman reading this to rest in You. To relax. To trust You with her whole heart, mind, soul and strength. It might look different than what she thought, but it will always be exactly the right answer and provision that she needs.

Show her she does not have to be perfect before asking You for help. Nurture this sweet soul, Lord. I chose this particular story from my life to share here, because it shows my attitude was stinky. It shows me at my worst before You. I was angry. I was afraid. I did not know what to do. But, I never stopped talking to YOU about it. AND You loved me in spite of my imperfections. AND You do that for each of us! You will do it for the woman reading this. All she has to do is ASK! You are a good, good Father! Thank You, Jehovah-Jireh!

God, thank You that we don’t have to be like Abraham—offering sacrifices on the altar—because Jesus Christ, our Savior has done that once for all, already. And this season of the year is meant to remind us of what has already been done to provide THE WAY for us to spend eternity in Heaven with YOU! There are not enough words to express the gratitude that spills out from my heart at this moment.

Dear one,

Each week heading into the season we call Easter (and beyond), I’ve been writing a fresh new devotional post, including a personal prayer, especially with you in mind. For encouragement. It is a tough world with many distractions. I am hoping to bring you a bit closer to your Savior!

“Lukewarm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to.”
– Francis Chan (2013)

If you are having difficulty trusting God to take the reigns of your life. If you don’t understand what Jesus has done for you. If you fear what He might ask you to do, please let me help you find your way out of that maze. As a mentor coach, that is what God has gifted me to do! And remember… I am only a “click” away…

Until next time…

Continue to Devotion Week #7 – Lord, I Want to Know You

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Let's Connect!Until next time,
Awaiting His shout,
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Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Spiritual Life — Tags: , , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

Elohim (The Creator) (Devotion Week #5)

Woman looking over mountain range thinking about Elohim

I’ve been publishing these weekly devotional thoughts and prayers for women on my blog to encourage your heart thru the Easter season, reminding you how deeply your Lord loves you–directing your thoughts toward the names & characteristics of your God. Today’s topic is “Elohim.” Here’s the link to the first ones. Should I continue with this theme?

Are you learning—like me—to turn to the only One who offers REASONS for your existence?

The world offers counterfeits

And confusion. And tells us to work on our weaknesses and to be like whatever the latest commercials on TV are portraying as the perfect woman.

You are NOT a mistake

During this season of celebrating the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, let’s focus on the One who created you just the way your are. You are here, at this time and place by God’s design. You are not an accident or a mistake.

God chose you for this time and place

Let’s look at God the Creator (Elohim) a bit more closely through the eyes of Scripture. God spoke, the Spirit moved and Colossians 1:16 says in Him (Jesus Christ), the Son of God, “all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth.”

Then, God (Elohim) said, “Let Us make man in Our image.”

Moses didn’t think he was good enough

Moses thought he was inadequate and slow of speech, and apparently had a speech impediment. He told God to send someone better to speak to Pharaoh and God said that He (God) had made Moses’ mouth, so He knew what was Moses was capable of, even though Moses disagreed. (Do you ever feel that way about something you believe God is calling you to do? I know I feel that way sometimes.)

God also told Moses that He makes some people deaf, and blind. GOD decides what challenges and opportunities will bring Him the most glory. GOD decides. We do NOT.

Personal Story when I first understood Elohim

My son had been born 5 weeks early, and at 10 days old, he needed heart surgery. I could not believe this was happening. I didn’t understand. I was in the hospital chapel arguing with God: “God, I haven’t even had time for post-partum depression, and you expect me to deal with THIS?”

God’s response to me

(It was as clear as if He had been standing in the room with me): “I decide who has heart problems and who does not.” I could literally feel God’s Spirit fill the room with the TRUTH of that. I didn’t feel He was angry. I just felt that He was helping me see I needed to step up to the plate and accept what God had designed for our family. And I had absolute PEACE. Have you heard “In acceptance lieth peace”? I can attest to the truth of that. And my son had the surgery. And he is now 39 years old. And is married with a son of his own. Of course that is a shortened version of those 39 years, but the point is that we are ALL here by GOD’S DESIGN. GOD DECIDES. And then He walks through it with us!

Let’s pray TOGETHER:

Father, Elohim, would you right now…this very moment remind this sweet woman reading this prayer, that you offer all she needs for every circumstance.

It is difficult to get our brain around how You create—out of nothing—and how You breathe life into everything. You truly are an awesome God. You create birds, flowers, cows, zebras, and creepy snakes and mosquitoes. You create sunrises and sunsets. AND YOU created this amazing woman, exactly the way You wanted her to be, so she can complete what YOU wanted her to do. Redhead or brunette, she is here at this time and place by God’s design. Help her to embrace WHO she is IN YOU.

She is —created for YOUR glory—and is precious in Your sight. You formed her and plunked her down here and now. Bless her with a close relationship with You, Lord Jesus!

“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the Glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36)

Now what?

You were created for Him! You are a unique creation of God, one of a kind,created for His glory. He “formed my inward parts.” He “weaved me in my mother’s womb…I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:13-14)

“Have you ever thought of yourself as being fearfully and wonderfully made? Or do you look at yourself and despise what Elohim has created?” … “You may not understand how your situation could ever bring Him glory, but you can trust in the Name of your Lord.”
– Kay Arthur

I’d love to help you find that acceptance and that peace. To discover, embrace, and live the very strengths God designed just for you! You can contact me by clicking on the blue button below.

Continue to Devotion Week #6 – Jehovah-Jireh (The Lord Will Provide)

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Let's Connect!Until next time,
Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Spiritual Life — Tags: , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

El-Elyon (God Most High) (Devotion Week #4)

Woman sitting on rock looking over sea thinking about El-Elyon

I’ve been publishing these weekly devotional thoughts and prayers for women on my blog to encourage your heart thru the Easter season, reminding you how deeply your Lord loves you–directing your thoughts toward the names & characteristics of your God. Today’s name of God is, “El-Elyon.” Here’s the link to the first ones. 

Question:

Feeling lonely? Overcome with life? Where do you go when your life feels out of control? When you don’t know where to turn. When all have turned away and you stand alone, forsaken, confused, and angry.Way too often we turn to a friend or to food or our favorite addiction, rather than to El-Elyon, The God Most High.

Are you learning, with me, to turn to the only One who can truly fill that empty void you feel?

But God…

Those two little words are a powerful reminder. All would be lost, but God… HE is the everlasting help you are searching for in those wee hours of the morning when all the world seems to be caving in and you feel absolute utter loneliness.

El-Elyon

I’m asking God to bless you right now, as you read this. That you will find Him whom your heart seeks. That He will fill that void. That He will become more personal to you than He has ever been before in your life. You are created for more than you can think or imagine. Embrace that fact. Is it possible to get ahold of your emotions? YES! Let’s learn TOGETHER. It is time to turn yourself over to El-Elyon and trust that He leads you into His best life for you. Surrender is not a curse word 😉

I’d like to pray for you right now…

Father, we women are guilty of trying to be Super Women. We hate to ask for help. We think in order to be worthy, that we have to be able to “do it all” without missing a beat. We pretend to have it all together.

Yet, You have not created this lovely woman to go it alone. Those early morning, late night times when the world seems to be caving in on her…when she feels like no one cares…and she longs for a knight in shining armor to rescue her and take care of her. How delightful that is exactly what YOU do as El Elyon. You are that One she longs for. And ONLY YOU will fill the void.

Thank you for the times she stumbles and feels empty, because it actually drives her to seek answers. Please help her actually FEEL the change when she surrenders and looks to YOU and only You, to fill the void. Whenever she starts to murmur or complain, remind her to run to her El Elyon, The God Most High, over all things and all people. Help her to trust in Your Name and give thanks.

“…in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
(I Thessalonians 5:18)

You have said that nothing can happen without your permission. And that You work everything together for good for those that love you. (Romans 8). satan can only go as far as you give him permission. And people can only go as far as you give them permission. The story of Joseph and his jealous brothers proves that. You, God, through circumstances beyond his control, used mean-spirited people to get Joseph exactly where you wanted him to be, to do exactly what you wanted him to do. No doubt he felt that utter loneliness we women often feel when the house is quiet and we finally go to bed for the night, and try to sleep. In those times when sleep won’t come, because we forgot you are most definitely there through it all. That NOTHING can happen without your permission. Remind her to give thanks in all things…That is a powerful antidote to discouragement.

Remind her of Job in the Old Testament. satan said to God that Job only obeyed him because his life was so wonderful. God knew otherwise, so he gave permission to satan to see that for himself. Even Job’s wife suggested that Job just give up and die. She even told him to curse God and die. But Job’s response is classic and is excellent for you to remember right now as you prepare yourself to turn to El-Elyon yourself, in all things…

Father, quickly remind this amazing woman when she is tempted to go her own way. Draw her immediately back to you. When she tries to manipulate and dominate the situation that is causing her stress. You are her TRUE El-Elyon. With you, all is well. Help her to trust you more deeply.

You see. You care. You are in the midst of it all with her. Remind her to be like Job in her response “…shall I accept good from God and not accept adversity?” In all this, Job did not sin with his lips.” (The story is in Job 2:1-10) Guard our lips Lord. Our ears hear when we grumble and our mind then believes the worst we are speaking.

Now what?

During this season of celebrating the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, do you need help reasoning it all out so you can accept the absolute truth that God is Sovereign Ruler over the universe? Over ALL! “For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his Kingdom endures from generation to generation…He does according to His will in the Host of Heaven and among the inhabitants of earth. No one can ward off His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” (Daniel 4:34-35)

“If God is not Sovereign, if He is not in control, if all things are not under His dominion, then He is not the Most High, and you and I are either in the hands of fate, (whatever that is), in the hands of men, or in the hands of the devil.” –Kay Arthur

Acknowledge & accept the King of Kings, as your El-Elyon In acceptance lies peace. He can be that for you! I’d love to help you find that acceptance and that peace. You can contact me by clicking on the blue”Let’s Connect” button below.

Continue to Devotion Week #5 – Elohim (The Creator)

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Let's Connect!Until next time,
Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Spiritual Life — Tags: , , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

El Roi (The God Who Sees) (Devotion Week #3)

A young woman looking at camera
Heading into the season we call Easter, I am publishing weekly devotional thoughts. Today’s thought is El Roi.

God meets Hagar—as He meets you, dear one– at a scary and vulnerable time. He listens to her cries and frustrations. He reassures her. He tells her to go BACK INTO the very difficult situation. AND he tells her to change her attitude toward Sarai, her mistress. Her boss. WOW! That is a tough assignment. Does she listen and obey?

Are you learning, with me that God sees it all? In His sovereignty, He permitted whatever you and I (and Hagar) have experienced). And He promises to work it together for your good. (Romans 8). IF you belong to Him! The promise is conditional. You must be one of Jesus’ “sheep” (remember last week’s devo?)

El Roi

The blessing is that Hagar feels heard. She listens and responds to the conversation with God, and realizes He has a plan for her life. She trusts Him and knows without a doubt that He cares. He SEES her, and “She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have seen by the One who sees me.’” (Genesis 16:13) And yes, she obeys and goes back.

I’m asking God to bless you and I’m praying for you, right now to connect on a new and deeply personal level with the God who sees you. He sees you as an individual. Because you matter. You are unique. You are special. You are created for more than you can think or imagine. But the key is getting ahold of your emotions and actions. Let’s learn together how to turn ourselves over to the One Who Sees! The world is loud, distracting, and full of lots of things that vie for your attention and time. A world that craves to be seen. A world that wants to influence you AWAY from God. But in the world, it is a different kind of “seeing” than what God offers. God’s “seeing” is pure and devoted to your best.

I’d like to pray for you right now…

Father, we women in our busy-ness can be tempted by counterfeits, but we need to be seen for who YOU created us to be. When we choose to focus on following after You, and obeying Your still small voice, You fill up every “hole” in our heart and heal every betrayal and loss. Help this sweet woman to see her worth in YOUR eyes. Show her that she doesn’t have to be or do anything to be loved by You. You created her to be the kind of person she is. Please help her to see that You are more than enough for her. That anything else is a blessing, but not a necessity.

In addition, You have given her strengths, talents, gifts, AND the ability to see others’ needs and value. Women are nurturers as You are, Lord. She feels hopeless and helpless until You remind her how much she matters to You. Nurture her. Like You did for Hagar. You feel her every pain and sorrow. Tell her you see and hear her. Then, help her to respond like Hagar did.

Lord, You really actually are always with this amazing woman. Everything that concerns her, concerns You. BUT, like with Hagar, You will tell her to get up, wipe away her tears, and go back and finish what she started. OR You may tell her to go a different direction. But make it clear and give her courage to obey. We learned last week, that You supply ALL our NEEDS (Psalm 23). So, she has nothing to fear or be worried about. You are a GOOD FATHER. She can trust You.

Father, please remind her quickly whenever she is tempted to go her own way. Draw her immediately back to You. You are her TRUE El Roi. With you, all is well. Because You SEE and You care.

During this season of celebrating the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, can you say that God has ever spoken that clearly to you, as He spoke to Hagar? Are you in a close relationship with God, so YOU can speak your heart and believe He sees you? If not, would you like to have that comfort and assurance? I’d love to help you find that place of a deeper walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. You can contact me by clicking on the button below.

Continue to Devotion Week #4 – El-Elyon (God Most High)

Free E-Book for Easter

When you sign up for Pamela Taylor's email list, you'll receive her 7-day Names of God Easter devotional book FREE.

Names of God: 7-Day Easter Devotional

Let's Connect!Until next time,
Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Spiritual Life — Tags: , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am
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