Tag: <span>God’s faithfulness</span>

Are You Suffering from “Virus” Fatigue?

It’s like a fatigue that comes from long days of isolation. A general all over blah feeling, Like we’re missing out on life in general. We can be especially vulnerable to negative thinking. Especially with the unknowns that swirls around because of the China virus. We don’t just feel like we are missing out. We truly are. The fear level is high. We don’t know who to trust. And the laws and government decrees are forcing us to keep a distance from one another. Are you feeling Isolated? Lonely? Have you been hungry for a spiritual retreat with your church friends?

This is not the first time for me

I too, have felt that way a few times in my life. God recently reminded me of a specific time many years ago when He spoke very clearly to me about this very topic.

Children are a gift

After the miracle of my first child being born (after 12 years of barrenness), it didn’t take me long to forget she was a GIFT, and begin to complain to God about all that I was missing out on. All I had given up to be home with my child. I’d lost sight of what I had been GIVEN, and was concentrating on what I was LACKING. Have you ever felt that way?

Spiritually “barren”

I remember complaining to God that I felt “barren” spiritually because I was not able to go to Bible studies and fun get togethers with other women like I had before my child was born. I was getting little sleep and my husband traveled a lot. A LOT!!! I was in the mid-west and my family was all back east. I was kinda like Jonah under the Juniper tree. Loving the shade, but when the tree shriveled from the heat, he grumbled. *sigh* That was me, all right!

The Lord clearly spoke to me

My Dad used to say I was stubborn like an old mule sometimes, needing a 2 x 4 to get my attention. (Don’t be dismayed. It was only an expression. My Dad never ever abused me in any way at all. He was a wonderful father. But those of you who know me, know that he was correct in his analysis.)

So, the Lord clearly lovingly but firmly reminded me, as only a loving Father can do: “You’re not even true to what I already taught you.” WOW! TRUTH spoken to my heart and soul. (There goes that 2 x 4 to get my attention!) But, it actually felt like LOVE! Only one who loves you deeply will risk telling you exactly what you need to hear.

I had lots of notes to review

So that is what I did. I began to review and study those Scriptures and lessons I had already been taught. And this refresher course helped solidify what I had already been taught! It was exactly what “the doctor ordered”.

Reality check

You don’t “gotta” go to another retreat. You don’t “gotta” have another spiritual high. God doesn’t want you riding on emotional highs. It is a moment by moment walk with your BEST FRIEND in fellowship in daily conversation and consultation.

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they walk and not faint.”

Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)

The Christian life is like a long walk

Moment by moment. And only just this moment! Right now! Just this step! Right now! Not thinking about the last one. Not thinking about the next one. But being fully present in THIS one. THIS STEP! Here and now.

Our destination is Heaven,

but until we get there, the way is long and sometimes a bit crooked. But as long as we keep trudging away with our eyes on Jesus, checking in with Him for directions… so that when we feel fatigued by life’s current trial and testing, we will indeed be OK.

Beginning to end

It doesn’t matter how good you think your BEGINNING with GOD was. It doesn’t matter how good or bad you think you WALK with GOD has been up to now. What matters is that you FINISH well. And we none know if today is our “finish” date or not.

So, keep on keeping on with your eyes on the goal and trust God to remind You of the Truths you need to hear along the way whenever you veer off course a bit.

And rejoice that He is involved with your day-to-day life…even if sometimes it feels a bit like a 2 x 4 reminder. Because THAT is LOVE! Getting you back on course in fellowship with the One who loves you no matter what! Forever and ever!

Marantha! 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!

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Awaiting His shout,

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

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The Vaccine of Joy

Joy is the vaccine against the spiritual virus of discontent. “Grumbling and complaining against God’s provision is complaining against God Himself.” –The Encounter With God devotional. As I pondered that powerfully convicting statement, God reminded me that He calls us to CHOOSE JOY.

Jesus calls us to higher ground. “…Truly, truly, I say to you, if you shall ask the Father for anything, He will give it to you in My name. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.” – John 16:23, 24 (NAS)

Like Moses, we can find ourselves discontent with God’s marching orders—not trusting in God’s Almighty arm of protection and His provision. It’s a continuous daily lesson we must learn, isn’t it?

For Your Joy-filled Medicine Cabinet

JOY at salvation — Luke 19:6-10 – The story of Zaccheus
JOY at baptism — Acts 8:36-39 – The story of Phillip and the Ethiopian eunuch
JOY in reading the Word of God — Jeremiah 15:16 – Jeremiah’s prayer
JOY in prayer — John 16:24 – Jesus’ promise
JOY in trials and troubles – James 1:2 – James’ instruction
JOY in persecution – Acts 5:41 – Peter & the apostles boldly testified their faith. This is after their “punishments”.
JOY in dying as a believer – Acts 20:22-24 – Paul’s Ephesus speech, as he left for Jerusalem

“And now, behold, bound in spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit, solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I man finish my course, and the ministry which I receive from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 20:22-24 (NAS)

In 1987, those were the verses that called me to the mission field. I pray they will be your heart’s cry to God as well!

Many, many times, I have wanted to give up. To throw in the towel. To walk away. But even in the many, many trials and terrors and challenges that faced me in those years and since then, I have discovered that the Vaccine of Joy continues to be the best medicine through it all. Life is hard but God is good ALL THE TIME! No exceptions. No matter what is going on in your life, God will never ever let you down. He is steadfast and sure.

Willingly embrace the JOY vaccine and choose to walk away from the disease of discontent. Be healed, in Jesus’ Name.

Please pray with me:

Lord, keep me from a complaining spirit, so that I don’t spread a spiritual virus that infects others like wildfire. Guide me daily Lord, that I may act wisely to safeguard my contentment today. Remind me that when I complain against Your provision, I am actually complaining against YOU YOURSELF. Forgive me, Lord, whenever I take You for granted. When I don’t trust You fully. Whenever I forget to embrace my “daily bread” with joy and gratitude that everything comes from You, my Provider. My Protector. My Lord..

Philippians 2: 14-15 reminds me to do all things without grumbling or disputing; that I may prove myself to be blameless and innocent, a child of God above reproach, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom I desire to BE a light. Holding fast Your Word, Lord, so that in the day of Christ, I may bring You glory because I did not toil in vain.

Marantha! Come Lord Jesus!

My Father: Experiencing God's Love A-Z

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Awaiting His shout,

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

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Filed under: Christian Life Coaching — Tags: God's faithfulness — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

Do It Yourself!

2 Corinthians 10:5

“Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

Walking in obedience to Christ doesn’t happen automatically when you give your life to the Lord. It actually begins in the mind. It begins with THINKING rightly.

“How much Christian work there is today which has never been disciplined, but has simply sprung into being by impulse!…We are apt to forget that a man is not only committed to Jesus Christ for salvation; he is committed to Jesus Christ’s view of God, of the world, of sin, and of the devil, and this will mean that he must recognize the responsibility of being transformed by the renewing of the mind.” –Oswald Chambers (My Utmost for His Highest devotional)

What is Godly wisdom?

It is “first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17) Right-thinking in life is not like a quick sprint in the park, and you’re then a perfect Christian. No. It is more like a marathon. Over time, and with practice, you have to train your brain to think rightly. You can’t let up, or your (brain) muscles get weak and flabby. Just like a long-distance runner, you must train for your brain for a marathon. Godly wisdom leads to Godly actions.

Godly wisdom is seldom valued

Seek it anyway. When Solomon became king, He asked God for wisdom. Perhaps he was mocked for having that goal of wisdom when he was still young. Even in today’s world, Godly wisdom is seldom valued. Gratefully, wisdom is not just for leaders or specially chosen people. It is for any who will ASK (with right motives). A word of caution about right motives: When we do desire wisdom, it is often out of selfish motives. We desire something we want or think we deserve. So, be sure to often check your motives before God.

Are you like Solomon?

It takes focused discipline to train your brain toward Christlikeness. Solomon began with right thinking: do it yourself God’s way. But then became more of a do it yourself (his own way), like Frank Sinatra’s song, “I Did it My Way”, kinda guy. He did many things God had expressly instructed NOT to do. Multiple pagan, idol-worshipping wives. Multiple horses. Pride in possessions. Self-indulgence. He was a THINKER, but chose to rationalize, and did whatever he FELT like doing. He did NOT bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. By the WORLD’s standards, he did great things, and accumulated great wealth and possessions, but was unwilling to give up his rights/his indulgences—rather, taking whatever his eyes gazed upon.

Jesus Christ is our example and our goal

Clarify carefully and set your mind on things above, not on things of earth, where moths and rust ruin them, anyway. Our goal is to make God’s top priorities our own. We are to joyfully give up our indulgences for the sake of what God calls us to. And to trust God with our needs (not our wants). He promises to meet our daily needs TODAY. (Jesus taught His disciples to pray: Give us THIS DAY our DAILY bread…)

How do we become people like that?

Not by seeking our own counsel. Not by finding someone who has the same mindset as we do. No matter how hard we try, we simply cannot change ourselves. Look afresh at your appointment book and bank account. What do they say about your priorities?

Self denial. Pain Can Be Opportunity

Perhaps we should see our need as an opportunity for God to show His greatness and grace and to demonstrate how blessings can be found even in pain. Often the answer comes in ways we do not expect, but which reach deeper—and so last longer—than our pre-packaged expectations. Ultimately God promises a place in His Kingdom.

It’s a Choice

It all begins with taking every thought captive. Bringing every thought into the presence of God. Developing the relationship with God so that it is the most natural thing in the world to seek His counsel in absolutely everything. GIGO is an old computer term.
( GIGO = Garbage in. Garbage Out.) It’s a reminder that our mind works a lot like a computer. Whatever we put into it must be deliberate and carefully monitored, so we don’t get an error message which makes the systems corrupted and no longer functioning as originally intended. Corruption can happen in just a single moment of carelessness.

Please pray (out loud) with me…

Loving Father, I don’t want to go my own way anymore. In the Name and authority of Jesus, the Christ, I am asking you give me wisdom. Please search me, and test my heart, so I may know, confess, and ask deliverance from whatever fear, anxiety, or wrong thinking or doing that I are holding onto. I don’t want to hold onto anything that could lead to wrong actions or words. I’m so grateful, Lord. Whenever I ask, you promise to give me the Godly wisdom I crave. Thank You that You never ever will forsake me and that You will show me the way to a closer walk with You. Daily. Beginning today.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts…lead me in the way everlasting.”

Psalm 139:23-24

Maranatha. Come Lord Jesus.

My Father: Experiencing God's Love A-Z

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Awaiting His shout,

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

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Filed under: Christian Life Coaching — Tags: God's faithfulness — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

Do You Have a Hope-so Faith or a Know-so Faith?

I have a serious question for you.

Do you hope that you will go to Heaven? Or, do you know that you will go to Heaven? It’s a serious question. These are perilous times.

Being purposeful

It’s that time of year when we start new schedules. This year is more challenging than most. Keeping God’s Word a priority in your schedule is the wisest thing you can do. (And then modeling your prayers after what you read in the Scriptures.) Praying God’s Word gives you confidence that you are praying according to His will.

Appointment with God

There is no better time than right now today, to actually and purposefully write into your calendar: “Appointment with God”. Then keeping that appointment daily as though it is a “date” with the coolest person in the world. Because it is! (Think about it: That relationship also carries over into Eternity as well.)

Be honest with Him

Seriously. He knows it all anyway. He loves you. He created you, so He knows why your life is stuck or not working as you had hoped it would. He knows you are hurting over betrayal or disappointment or because you or someone else made a decision that has turned your world upside down. He knows if you are scared. He wants to be your Comforter. He knows what is tempting you. He can provide the way when it looks like there is no way.

He also wants to hear about the happy things in your life. The things that went well. The dreams you have. Share those joys together with Him, as well. He wants to rejoice WITH you! He truly does! He adores His “kids”.

Intentional relationship

There are no shortcuts. The only way to get the power to be the best you can be and to STAND STRONG in these perilous times, is through an intentional relationship with the Lord and His Word. He promises to meet you there. Always. Do not fear. He will never NOT show up.

He promises He will never leave you or forsake you. If it FEELS that way, HE Is NOT the one who moved away from YOU. CHOOSE to keep God close. Keep your appointments with Him, daily!

Let’s get back to basics

We become like those we spend time with. So, here are some things to consider. Maybe you will keep your written discoveries (as you consider this short list) with you in your special place where you meet with your BEST FRIEND, JESUS.

Stop to consider each of your relationships (including the time you spend with TV/computer/cell phone/in person). Are they drawing you closer to the Savior or away from Him?
Think carefully before God how you spend your discretionary time. Are you feeding your mind/spirit/soul with trash or with a banquet?
Be truthful with yourself about the priority you give to spending time with Creator God.
Remember. We become like those we spend time with. We become like those we allow to teach us. CHOOSE wisely. CHOOSE deliberately.

A good way to begin to get that Know-so faith is to practice the presence of God. Be aware of His continuous presence. Everywhere. All the time. In all circumstances.

He is a Gentleman

The Lord will not push Himself on you. It’s your CHOICE to: Seek—with a vengeance—a relationship with Him. Seek as though your eternal life depends on it. Because it does! Literally. Eternally. Marantha. Come Lord Jesus.

If you need help working it through, that’s my favorite thing to do—to walk alongside imperfect people like me—who want to be all the Lord wants you to be. It is so much easier when you have a trusted ally to walk the path with you. Don’t worry. Nothing you say will surprise. me. We all struggle. Me, too. That’s the nature of this world. It’s not our home. We’re only passing through. We’re getting ready for the next—the so-much-better—world.

The first call is a gift

It’s a good way to find out if we would be a good TEAM together, with no risk to you. (No pressure for more.) Just click the connect button to email me to arrange it. It is that easy. Be sure to mention this blog post, to receive the free call. Let’s get you started with this new schedule, determined to get back to the basics—whatever it takes! CHOOSE to commit in your calendar every day focused time with the Lord! Onward!

My Father: Experiencing God's Love A-Z

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Awaiting His shout,

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

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Filed under: Christian Life Coaching — Tags: God's faithfulness, Salvation — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

Wedding Invitation

The Holy Spirit is sending out wedding invitations. Prepare. The Bridegroom cometh.

Pastor Jentezen Franklin

You are invited. Have you accepted?

We are at a time in history where it seems that everywhere people are on edge and the tension in the air is palpable. Blame and defensiveness are angrily expressed emotions. MSM feeds it into the willing recipients. As God’s “bride” we must be different. We must ask “What WOULD Jesus do?” What DID Jesus do? You and I might be the only “Bible” some ever read. Will we draw people close to God in search of the peace and joy we have, or will we push them away by our attitudes?

Proverbs 14:12

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Our attempts to reach God through good works, religion, philosophy, or morality do not bridge the gap to a Holy God. Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead to bridge that gap by paying our penalty and providing the way to relationship to God. It is a choice. Each must make that choice personally. Follow Him? Or go the way of the world?

1 Timothy 2:5

“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man, Jesus Christ.”

satan lies and destroys all that is good

All this chaos in our world is a big distraction from satan to keep us from a DAILY living out 2 Chronicles 7:14, a verse that keeps us focused on eternity. Am I? Are you? Are we together called by His Name, humbling ourselves, seeking His face, and turning from our wicked self-centered ways? Are we removing barriers in our lives that prevent clear communication with God…SO THAT He hears our prayers? SO THAT He responds by forgiving our sins, and healing our land? When we are in that “place” with God, our prayers can move mountains. Believe and ask God to help any unbelief you are harboring. He desires that close unhindered fellowship with His bride. YOU!

Are you ready for His return?

He is coming sooner or later, whether we are ready or not. We each need to daily ask: Is my heart other-centered in love or in condemnation or judgment? Am I ready to accept His wedding invitation? The Bridegroom cometh. Does that make you happy or scared? Wondering? (Let’s talk and pray together about your eternal destiny.)

James McDonald

“We live in a day when we are very silent about the Truths of God and very vocal about personal injury. It should be the opposite.”

Fasting and prayer

So, if you joined me, we are nearly at the end of a 21-day fast. (It is never too late to START a fast when God prompts you.) Remember: We live in the natural, but we win in the supernatural. “To fast means primarily NOT TO EAT” – teaches Arthur Wallis from his amazing classic book God’s Chosen Fast

That time is used to connect with God rather than being hindered by purchasing, preparing, and eating the food. It is a sacrifice to the Lord. The length, and whether it is a partial or total fast, should be directed by God. Arthur Wallis’ book is great resource for understanding and for clarity about fasting and the types and reasons to fast.

Andrew Murray

“Jesus never taught His disciples how to preach, only how to pray…”

Please pray with me in the power and authority of Jesus’ Name: “Lead me to forget my thoughts of what I think I know, and make me kneel before You in true teachable-ness and power of Spirit.”

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From a flock of geese to a dog on a leash, the pages of this winsome little book are filled with things we see around us every day. Pamela A. Taylor takes those everyday items and looks at them through the eyes of a child; making them seem exciting and new while also teaching children how to be grateful for the God who created them. Take a walk with Pamela through the pages of this book and help your little ones see God’s hand in the beauty of life.

Awaiting His shout,

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

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Filed under: Spiritual Life — Tags: God's faithfulness, Salvation — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

God’s Daily Faithfulness

“Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say.”

Exodus 4:12 (NASB)

Communication is difficult in the current climate

When you pray, do you ever feel like you are yelling into a microphone with no one listening on the other end?

Many feel isolated and fearful. We struggle to communicate our feelings and our needs to God and to each other.

Some are struggling with anger and blaming others. Our words and opinions can be misconstrued and twisted. It is a challenging time. But is it a new thing? Or just an old thing in new “packaging”?

I felt frustrated

Grammar rules are difficult enough in English. While preparing for the mission field, in language school in Costa Rica, I struggled with even the most basic grammar rules, verb tenses, and word translations. Like Moses then, and like you and me now, we can each feel slow of speech. We want to speak to others, but we can sometimes feel a sense of fear at the reaction we might receive.

God’s faithfulness

Do you ever feel like a fish out of water? Is it like speaking a foreign language that no one understands? After Spanish language school, the mission group sent us to Haiti, where they speak French and Creole. I felt like I could have written the book about When God Doesn’t Make Sense. He might have seemed to not make sense, but He knew exactly what He wanted to accomplish in me. Over and over again, God’s faithfulness was evident, even then. He has told me to GO because He would teach me what to say. I WENT. And, He DID!

The places of testing

The places of testing are difficult while we are in the midst of them. But as Believers in our Sovereign God, we know that we know that the Hand of God is in it all. His faithfulness is constant and reliable. For me, so many years ago, I still remember how difficult it was to leave both countries (Costa Rica and Haiti). Why? Because God had been so evident in my daily SURVIVAL there; and because He continually taught me what to say, just like He promised.

Even in the midst of a pandemic, He never changes

I sometimes feel like I need a translator nowadays, too. Sometimes I feel like I am speaking a foreign language. My desire is to speak HIS words of encouragement to draw people to a closer walk with Him. To learn to trust Him more each day. God continues to tell me to GO. And even now, He promises to help me to know what to say. Just like now, all the testings and unknowns during this time of “social distancing” and lack of gathering together in groups. It is challenging. Have you sensed Him there for you too? Please share…testimonies encourage each of us.

It is an opportunity

Just because I am not in a foreign country doesn’t mean that the days of my stepping out and “going” when I feel inadequate for the task have ended. It is still a constant daily thing. But…Isn’t that what the Christian life is all about? His sufficiency in the midst of our insufficiency. Drawing our eyes Heavenward.

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Prayer and Fasting
Some of us across the country, are at about the 1/2 way point of a 21 day fast for our nation’s and our world’s very survival. I’d love to have you join us at any time. We realize that first we must be walking closely with God…to be cleansed from our own personal unrighteousness, so He can fill us to the brim and overflow in prayer for your nation and your leaders on the local, state, and federal level. Praying specifically for individuals.

A theme of many of my posts this year has been:

“If my people who are called by My Name, will humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways,
THEN I will hear from Heaven, forgive their sins and heal their land.”

II Chronicles 7:14

We have to do our part FIRST, before God will hear and forgive and then HEAL THE LAND THAT WE LOVE.

Some song lyrics are rumbling around my head…

I probably have some of the words wrong, but here is what is flooding my mind: Only trust Him, only trust Him. Only trust Him now. He will save you. He will save you. He will save you now. Trust and obey. For there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey. Simple? Yes and no. It is a CHOICE. And either way, choose or not, there will be consequences.

Prayer

Where do you want us to go today, Lord? Thank You for the examples of Your proven faithfulness in Your Word, like the story of Moses. Thank You for the testimony of other believers who are fully devoted Christ-followers. It gives us courage. May we bring You joy this day. Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus! Amen.

Awaiting His shout,

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

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Filed under: Spiritual Life — Tags: God's faithfulness — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

Take Off Your Shoes

“We look upon Jesus Christ as the best Example of the Christian life; we do not conceive of Him as Almighty God Incarnate, with all power in heaven and on earth…we do not take off the shoes from our feet when He speaks. Jesus Christ is Savior, and He saves us into His own absolute and holy lordship.”

Oswald Chambers

When we pray…

We are on Holy Ground. One of my favorite ways of thinking of Jesus is that He is my Friend. But I must never forget that He is my Savior and my Lord. Yes, Jesus is truly a wonderful Friend of sinners, but He NOT our “buddy”. When we enter into His presence, it must be with awe that we are in the presence of the Most High God, Creator, and we must take every thought captive to believing that He is THE MOST HIGH GOD. He is above all other gods that have been made with human hands and imaginations. HE is the ONLY Way, the ONLY Truth, and the ONLY Life.” Other religions of the world do not believe those basic facts. He is Lord of lords and King of kings. From the beginning to now and forever.

Jesus’ authority is not partial, but absolute! He says…

He did not TAKE it. God GAVE Him that authority. “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth…” (Matthew 28:18a)

Prayer

Prayer is not passive. It is actively and expectantly talking with God and listening and waiting for God’s answers. Waiting (in the prayer sense) has been described as actively enduring until the answer comes.

David Wilkerson writes…

in the book The Cross and The Switchblade: In the early 1960’s, in the inner city, Wilkerson was hosting a rally in New York City for inner city kids. Most of the kids were deeply involved in dangerous gangs. He’d rallied 65 churches to join him in the planning and counseling training for after the rally. They were enthusiastic and expectant about what God could and would do. Things didn’t go as hoped…

He was discouraged

“On the 4th night, 100 people showed up. The arena would hold 1,000 people. The ones that did show up were disruptive and loud and rude. They made lewd remarks.”

What about you?

Have you ever felt like God wanted you to do something and when you obeyed, it flopped and you felt mad at God? Or maybe you felt like a failure? Did you quit?

David was ready to quit

That 4th night, David broke up the meeting early and went home, brokenhearted and angry at God. He was ready to quit. He felt lower than a snake’s belly, as my Dad used to say. David spoke plainly with God about his feelings.

Wilkerson’s brokenhearted prayer

“Lord, we’re not even beginning to reach these boys and girls. What am I supposed to do?”

Here’s what I want to focus on…

David Wilkerson wrote in His book, The Cross and the Switchblade: “And as always—why is it I have to learn this again every time?—“

When I REALLY asked

I was REALLY answered

David Wilkerson

What about you?

Have YOU experienced the difference between asking and REALLY asking (out of desperation or fear)? If not, isn’t it about time you do? If you have, what happened?

What about David Wilkerson? What happened?

If you haven’t read his book, isn’t it about time you do? His story is one of my all time favorites. Biographies are faith-builders!

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Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!

Awaiting His shout,

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

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Filed under: Spiritual Life — Tags: God's faithfulness — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

Announcing the Publication of My First Book

I can hardly believe it! One of my huge-est dreams has come true!

After many, many years of writing, dreaming, hoping, and praying, the day has finally come. I am so happy to offer this resource for parents and for all who love kids!

My first published book is now available on Amazon. I first penned Daddy, Daddy! Guess What I Saw Today? in the year 2004. The illustrations were created later. Many of you reading this blog post have asked me periodically over the years, to publish this book. You wanted to share it with your kids, your grandkids, your nieces and nephews, your Sunday School kids, and you had any number of ideas to use it to help encourage the attitude of gratitude in kids and adults alike.

Until this year, I did not see how I could possibly overcome all the obstacles and the details to make it happen. But thanks to Christian Book Academy, I began to BELIEVE it was POSSIBLE. And then, Heather Hart agreed to be my Author’s Assistant and a miracle happened.

This book is written with gratitude for God’s protection, provision, and wisdom along my own journey. I hope to remind you, too, to carry an attitude of gratitude to God with you throughout your day, and that your life will begin to take on that child-like quality the Lord calls you to.

Children model what they observe in adults, and especially what they see in their parents. Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:3 that we must change and become like little children in order to enter the Kingdom of God. Hopefully Daddy, Daddy! Guess What I Saw Today? will be one of many tools the Lord can use to help you towards that goal, refreshing your own view of the ordinary things around you, to regain that childlike joy of God’s creation, so the children in your life, will “catch” that from you. And that you, too will enter into your children’s enthusiasm for God’s Creation, with them. This book is for anyone who longs to be reminded of the beauty, the color, the texture, and life that Father God created for the enjoyment of His children of all ages.

Here’s the Link

“From a flock of geese to a dog on a leash, the pages of this winsome little book are filled with things we see around us every day. Everyday items get a fresh look through the eyes of a child; making them seem exciting and new while also teaching children how to be grateful for the God who created them. Take a walk with me through the pages of this book and help your little ones see God’s hand in the beauty of life.”

Purchase at Amazon

God bless you bunches!

Awaiting His shout,

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

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Filed under: Christian Life Coaching — Tags: God's faithfulness — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

Murmurming or Gratefulness?

Which will we choose? Murmuring or gratefulness? Can we actually learn to overcome grumbling? There are certainly lots of challenges to capture our attention and direct it toward the negative aspects of life.

Job (of the Old Testament book named after him) had friends that were miserable comforters. He lost all but his wife and yet he did not curse God and die as his wife suggested. Job had lots of questions. He didn’t know that he had been chosen to be an object lesson to satan to prove how authentic Job’s faith in God was.

It is possible to recognize a true follower of God by observing their lives. Did Job grieve over loss? It hurt him as deeply as it hurts one who has not yet experienced the transforming light of God. The difference is, those with a relationship with God have hope…even if they don’t understand. They trust that God is The Lord God Almighty. Maker of Heaven and earth. Creator of all that exists. And much, much wiser than our own limited earth-bound understanding.

Those with a relationship with Father God know that whatever trials…whatever painful ordeal…whatever suffering…whether it is character-building or whether it is to show the world how a Christian reacts to crisis, they continue to follow…maybe with sadness, and a sense of loss, but also with hope. Maybe with confusion, but also with trust in the God of the Bigger Picture. We earthlings see through earth-bound eyes. God knows how it all fits together for the Bigger Picture. He sees through the lens of Eternity.

Murmuring or Gratefulness?

Which will you choose? I keep a daily Ebenezer journal. Ebenezer is an old word that means, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” No requests. No murmurings. Only gratefulness. Through this daily evening written record, I see major interventions of God in my life. I begin to see a trend of God being involved in my life. My dreams are sweeter and I wake more refreshed and at peace. I begin to actually look forward to each new day as I look expectantly for God to show up. I am actually recording His involvement in my day-to-day life.

Try it…and then let me know how it changes your outlook on life.

Maranatha!
Come Lord Jesus!

God bless you bunches!

Awaiting His shout,

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

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Filed under: Spiritual Life — Tags: God's faithfulness — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

Don’t Look Back

Jesus said, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62 NIV)

Yesterday is gone.

You will never have a better yesterday. What is done is done! So, if you look back to your yesterdays, the farrow in front of you (the row) will be crooked. It will not be a fit place to sow seeds. The past is past. Moses looked at his past and felt inadequate. And he even reminded God that he was a nobody, so why would God send him out to do anything. But God reminded Moses what He also reminds us: It doesn’t matter who I am. It doesn’t matter who you are. It only matters who GOD is.

Don’t look at the things you left behind. Go forward into today. Knowing that God will be with you. He promises:

“I will be with you.” (Exodus 3:11)

Tomorrow is not here yet

Focus on today. Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. Because God says: “Don’t boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” (Proverbs 27:1) My Dad used to say: Don’t borrow trouble. Today has enough trouble of its own.

Looking forward

Mentor Coaching is different from Counseling. Coaching is about being forward looking. We look at the past to learn from it, to see if there is something we need to confess, or pay restitution for, but not to stay there in blame, regret, or remorse. Then, when we decide to follow Jesus, we put our hand to the plow…and we do not look at the things we left behind in regret or “what ifs” of wishing things had been different. We rejoice at what is ahead of us. Of possibilities. Of potential in the “seeds” we will plant, with the Lord as our constant Companion.

A Sneak Peak into My Personal Journal

I’m going to do something I haven’t done before. I’m going to give you a peak into my journal and share a bit of what God showed me yesterday morning as I ruminated on this Scripture lesson from Jesus. About not looking back. About putting my hand to the plow…

“While I cried out to You, this morning about “evil” winning – You reminded me that evil has NOT had the victory because I have “put my hand to the plow.” Praise the Lord I STILL follow You, wherever You have led me, Lord. It’s been hard, but You have never forsaken me. NEVER EVER. And You have not let my hands grow limp to fall from the plow. I am still PLOWING A STRAIGHT FARROW (row) because YOU have held my hands onto the plow and kept my face forward.

…When a farmer looks back, the row gets crooked. My “row” (my mission) is to follow you. I remember the song, “I have decided to follow Jesus. (3x) No turning back (2x). Amen. Thank you, Lord.”

God’s reminders

The last two days, God has often reminded me of this lesson. So I decided perhaps He wanted me to share it with you. It felt like SOMEONE besides me needed to hear this today.

Prayer:

Father, Thank You for Your persistent love and promptings to follow You behind the plow, facing forward. Please bless and minister to whoever reads this, Lord. Thank you God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit. For Your mercy, protection, provision, wisdom, and for Your continuous reminders that whenever we have a problem we can turn to You. We will thank You for the “crop” that will grow out of the seeds that are planted because You do and will remind us to hold our hands to the plow and not look back. Maranatha. Come Lord Jesus.

Philippians 3:10 (Amplified)

“For my determined purpose is that I may know Him (that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly.)”

God bless you bunches! I would love to hear from you!

Awaiting His shout,

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

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Filed under: Christian Life Coaching — Tags: God's faithfulness — Pam Taylor @ 8:00 am

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