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Week Two. Mary and Joseph, Obedience.

An Advent Mini-Minute with Pam

Week Two: Mary and Joseph, Obedience.

Merry Christmas with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Pondering

Sometimes I think there is too much “ME” in me. Do you ever feel that way? Especially at Christmas–when we want so much to be Jesus-centered–we can tend to get ME centered. Overwhelmed. Weary. Busy.Distracted. Bossy. And likely focusing on how everything affects ME personally? Too busy to sit and just BE with our Lord, pondering the significance of all that transpired around His birth. Think of it, God came down. From Heaven. From royalty, to a human birth experience. Powerful! A deep and stunning, love that knows no bounds!

I am right at this moment sitting in a temptation to condemn myself. What about you? My love is so often conditional. And I get busy with tasks. And a bit grumpy.This is all proof that I have not even BEGUN to grasp the details of what my Savior experienced to PROVE His love for me. For you. So, I am so grateful that…

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Romans 8:1

Mary and Joseph

Yes, sadly, there is too much ME in me. And I have a feeling you are right there with me on this! But…astoundingly, Mary and Joseph were NOT full of themselves. There was NOT too much ME in them. Think of all they must have experienced. Gossip. Criticism. Fear. The vast unknown. They never waivered. The angel spoke and they believed and obeyed. NO ONE had EVER walked that path before. And NO ONE has walked it since then, either!

They knew the Scriptures

Evidently—in view of their responses to their angel visits—they both knew the Scriptures well. What do you think you would have done? Have YOU ever had an encounter with an angel? Would you believe and obey like they did?

Mary believed

When the angel said she would bear the Christ child, her only question was “HOW? How was that even possible, since she was a virgin?”

Joseph believed the angel that Mary was NOT unfaithful to him, but rather had been CHOSEN to be the virgin mother of the Lord. Joseph did not question. These were amazing young people! Even with their pure faith, it must have been difficult living in their community. Do you think other girls were jealous of her? Or do you think maybe no one even believed their story? Put yourself into the story and IMAGINE what it was like. They were real people.

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: ‘After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with Child of the Holy Spirit.”

Matthew l:18 (NKJV)

Who are Mary and Joseph?

Are we doing a disservice by only making Christmas about a sweet baby in the manger, in a clean stable, surrounded by nice clean animals and shepherds worshiping the newborn baby? I think of a favorite book, also made into a movie “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”. Every year I read the children’s book and watch the movie. It reminds me how we get it all wrong even performing the Christmas pageant. Pageant preparations and practices are often full of tension. Every mother wants her daughter to play the part of Mary and no one wants to be the angels. Each one wants to have a MAIN CHARACTER part. We portray it as “romantic” and lovely and sweet, when it was anything BUT that! It was difficult in every sense of the word.

They were a poor couple, likely experiencing scorn in their community. Then, leaving their family and all that was familiar, they went to an UNfamiliar place. Giving birth in a smelly barn. No running water. No central heat. No family to give comfort and support. No medication to dull the pain of delivery.

Our Savior came TO us. From Heaven. Mary and Joseph sacrificed all their dreams of what we call a “normal” life.

“But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take you Mary, your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit’ She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins”

Matthew 1:20-21

Week Two. Obedience. Bethlehem

The angel quotes from Isaiah 7:14 to Joseph–that the baby will be named Jesus. Immanuel. God with us. Joseph believed the angel and married Mary immediately. And they obeyed and named the baby Jesus.

Two young people followed their call. Through their obedience, the way was prepared for Christ to bless us. The day Jesus was born was the day Immanuel happened. He is most definitely God with us. Do you believe that? I hope you do.

Why DID Christmas happen?

“You know that He appeared in order to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin…the reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.”

I John 2:5, 8

“…being fully persuaded (assured) that what He had promised, He was able also to perform.”

Romans 4:21

Evangelist Vance Havner

“We are to do more than just be ready. We are to be expectant.”

John Piper

“Eternity waits for our response. Don’t lose this opportunity to make Christmas different this year. How sad if Christmas is just another busy time of year, and we miss the “REASON FOR THE SEASON”. May the Spirit of God use these words to open your eyes afresh to the glories of Christ and give you a new taste of your indestructible joy.”

Immanuel arrived that day. Pray with me.

Father, give us the attitude of expectancy. Don’t let this be an ordinary Christmas. Help us to seek you differently this year. Better. Focused.Thank you for this opportunity to reevaluate the way we enter into this Christmas season. May we look at Christmas through fresh eyes. To remember that Christmas is about OBEDIENCE. Being called to a higher ground of faith and trust in You, our Creator God. You sacrificed so much Yourself, Father. You allowed Your Son to suffer through living as a human person, with all the sufferings and sorrow and even joy that brings.

Lord Jesus, help us to step up into the responsibilities we have each day with obedience and joy. And to keep a proper perspective. This world is not our home. We are only passing through. Bless the work of our hands and bless others through us.

Holy Spirit, in those places where we can represent our Jesus, our Savior, speak to us and give us wisdom. Speak through us so that others will be drawn to Him. Immanuel. God with us. Just like you did for Mary and Joseph, Father. May we, too, be as trusting and obedient. Give us a hunger for Your Word. And for a personal relationship with You.

This week’s verse

“The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

Galatians 2:20

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!

Do you need encouragement in your walk with God?

I offer one-on-one coaching and would love to come alongside you to help you become the woman God created you to be.

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Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

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

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Holidays,Mini-Minute with Pam — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Pam Taylor @ 6:00 am

Week One: A Christmas Prayer.

An Advent Mini-Minute with Pam

Week One: A Christmas Prayer.

Merry Christmas with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
As we celebrate the birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ, I pray the focus this year will in all ways be on the “reason for the season”. Jesus. And that the light of His love brings you hope, salvation, peace, wisdom, and joy!

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the Name which is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee shall bow…”

Philippians 2:9-10

Dictionary Definition of Advent

A period of getting ready for the coming of something or someone that is important or worthy of note. The period begins four Sundays before Christmas. It is observed by some with a period of prayer and fasting. Synonyms of Advent are: appear, coming, arrival. incoming.

C S Lewis

“Once in our world, a stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world.”

Christmas Rush vs. Christmas Hush

Many of us enter this season after a time of celebrating Thanksgiving to God for all we already have. We have tasks to accomplish, but the main emphasis is on people. Being together. Enjoying one another. Sharing a table together. And then the very next day is BLACK FRIDAY and we turn into TASK mode. Many rush to the stores or online to buy more things—the very next day after we thanked God for all we have. But it’s a sale, so we must go and buy and rush around and begin the season of frazzle. I am reminded of the Veggie Tales movie “Stuff Mart”. If you haven’t seen it, you might want to add that to your list of Family Video Night choices.

What if this year could be different?

We always say this year will be different, but then we fall into old habits. Let’s plan to CHOOSE to be different this year. Let’s start now, with week One of Advent.

Week One. Prophesy. Hope.

“For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful. Counselor. The Mighty God. The Everlasting Father. The Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

John Piper

“I am prone to be dull, spiritually drowsy, halfhearted, lukewarm. That is the way human beings are, including Christians, even about great things. Peter knows it and is writing to awaken or to stir up his readers so that they don’t just know but also feel the wonder of the truth.” POWERFUL!

Let’s get “stirred up” this year.

Let’s be radical for Jesus. Where is our HOPE? In stuff and gifts and parties and running ourselves ragged? Let’s wake from our slumber. Spiritual drowsiness, BE GONE!!! The apostle Paul’s aim was to remind us and then to stir us up. Waking us from our slumber. He says…

“I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder.”

2 Peter: 1:13

“I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder.”

2 Peter 3:1

Let’s DO this! Because the alternative is sad.

A Christmas Prayer

Hope arrived on that day. Pray with me…

Father, thank you for this opportunity to re-calibrate each year. To remember that Christmas is celebrating PROPHESY fulfilled with the arrival of HOPE. Will we allow our emotions and affections for the Savior to be stirred up as we are awaiting Christmas Day, remembering the greatest wonder of all? With your help and sweet reminders, Father God, we will make this year different. Better. We choose to anticipate the reminder of the arrival of the person of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Savior, to this world.

Will you choose Christmas Rush or Christmas Hush this year? Will you post the reminder on your refrigerator? If this encourages you, please share.

This week’s verse

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 15:13

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus.

Do you need encouragement in your walk with God?

I offer one-on-one coaching and would love to come alongside you to help you become the woman God created you to be.

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

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

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Holidays,Mini-Minute with Pam — Tags: , , , , , — Pam Taylor @ 6:00 am

If God Says No

A Mini-Minute with Pam

Tiles Spelling the Word "No"
What do you do when God says NO to your dream?

  • When that happily ever with the man of your dreams turns into alcohol addiction and adultery
  • When that promise: train up your children in the way they should go turns into: they lost your address
  • When that plan your daughter would wear your wedding gown turns into “I’ll wear the MIL veil instead”
  • When that acreage you’d all worked so hard on has to be sold for expenses
  • When that vision to provide a place for unwed moms turns into just a dream with no feet
  • When that joy of being a missionary turns into “he can stay” but “you have to leave”
  • When that dream to write and publish books is realized but you are still waiting to be “discovered”
  • When that dream biz to be like Barnabas in the Bible, an encourager of women starts out big but turns into a whimper

You DON’T sulk. You don’t “lose your religion”. You don’t let your heart get hard. You pray like crazy. you Keep Looking Up because God Is Big!

You choose to trust your Lord. You choose contentment because you KNOW He has you in the palm of His hand, so all is well.

“Sometimes we just can’t see what God is doing.
Trust Him to the end; He’s working in all our wayward situations fulfilling His promises.”

Anchor devo

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…”

Proverbs 3:5

When David lost his dream to build the temple for His Lord, God said No. So…

We do what he did…We look for ways to show God we love Him, no matter what…

  • You get up, dust yourself off, and literally, go for a walk.
  • You pray God keeps you from a complaining spirit.
  • You seek God—on your face—asking for direction.
  • You search the Bible to get to know Him better.
  • You count your blessings. Name them one-by-one.
  • You sing His praises! You pray the Scriptures.
  • You cry out for help in Jesus’ Name.
  • You choose contentment. In Jesus’ Name.
  • You look for ways to bless and encourage others.
  • You ask Him to show you the way forward. You ask the “NOW what, God?” question.

Onward Christian soldiers!

Glory, Glory! To God be the Glory!

Until next time…

Do you need encouragement in your walk with God?

I offer one-on-one coaching and would love to come alongside you to help you become the woman God created you to be.

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

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

Filed under: Mini-Minute with Pam,Strengths Mentor Coach — Tags: , , , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

Jesus Is Coming! Get Ready!

Loaves & Fishes Coaching Logo

It began with a leap
John the Baptist was clear and to the point with his message. It’s hard to believe that it all began with a leap!

As a preborn baby, John had been unresponsive, but the minute the Lord showed up on John’s  parents’ doorstep everything changed. Jesus entered the room in the tummy of His mother, Mary. And, at that moment, John the Baptist leapt in the womb of His mother, Elizabeth. She had been waiting six months for movement from her child. Imagine how scary a time that was for Elizabeth. To have waited for so many years to have a child, and then for it to be STILL in her womb must have been very difficult emotionally.

Hope and Joy arrived
And then—Hope showed up on the doorstep. On that wonderful day (as a pre-born baby)—John began the journey for his earthly assignment—to prepare the way for Jesus. There was an instant “connection” between Jesus and John. Everyone in the room knew something very special was happening. That very day, John was responsive to the pre-born baby Jesus inside of Mary’s tummy. Only God could be so creative as to arrange such an unusual “introduction” for the two. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about 3 months. Imagine the conversations to two mothers had during that time.

Mary left to go back home before John was born.
As far as I know, there’s no mention in Scripture of the two mothers ever being together again.

Then, many years later, when the time was right, John walked out of his alone time of preparation in the wilderness, into his very public ministry.

“Jesus is coming! Get ready!” Day after day, John’s message was focused and constant.

“Repent. Be baptized! Don’t wait!“

You and I are to be like John the Baptist.
First, we must be born (again) through the power of the Holy Spirit. And then, as a follower of Jesus–in His Name–we are called to boldly proclaim that the day of the Lord is at hand.

We must sound that same alarm:
 “Don’t wait! Repent! Be baptized! Follow Jesus. Put your hand to the plow and don’t look back.”

I’m thinking of the chorus of the beautiful song by Michael W Smith:

Draw Me Close

“You’re all I want
You’re all I’ve ever needed
You’re all I want
Help me know you are near”

Sound the alarm
Dear friend, are you ready to sound the alarm with me? It’s time to say, “Yes, Lord!”

Let’s be on the alert for opportunities to proclaim His Name. Let’s not wait another minute! The world needs Jesus! NOW! Amen? Amen!

Discover Living From Your Strengths (LFYS) Life Changing Mentor Coaching.

Do you have questions? Through the Ministry Insights assessment, you will Discover your strengths. And then, through mentor coaching, you will learn how to daily Embrace and Live out your strengths. You can contact me by clicking on the blue button beside the signature line. Or leave me a private message on Facebook.

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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 @ 6:00 am

Fear Not! Rejoice! Christmas is Here!

Nativity Scene

God loves you. God loves me. Fear Not. Rejoice. THAT is the Christmas message God wants us to embrace!

David Jeremiah said that the opposite of fear is not courage. Rather, the opposite of fear is love. Fear is the opposite force of faith. Faith comes from meditating on the promises of God. His promises are all borne out of love for His creation. Fear entered the human race at the same time sin entered in the garden. God wants His people to be free of fear. But for that to happen, there must be a renewing of the mind. And that renewing takes time…WITH the Creator in prayer AND in His Word. And it also comes from purposefully observing Him in action all around you.

When you and I really, really realize how much God loves us and wants the best for us, we learn to trust Him; and fear is overcome by faith and the knowledge of His absolute love for you and me. And THAT is why we celebrate Christmas! We remember the loving sacrifice of our Creator. If you have ever seen a child suffer, you will have a small inkling of the pain it caused the Father to see His Son, Jesus, suffer on our behalf. For you and for me! That should cause us to pause a bit. Soak that into your heart. He did it out of love…to show us the way HOME.

(AND BTW, I am just reminding myself and you that we know that Christmas is not complete without Easter!)

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”

I John 4:18 (NKJV)

“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 (NKJV)

God still answers prayer.

Sometimes the answer is long in coming. And it may not be what we asked for, but it is undoubtedly what our Father knows we need.

Immanuel.

Father God. Lord of lords. Prince of Peace. King of kings. God with us. Always. Every moment You are WITH us. Thank you for hearing my prayer for my friends:

Lord, please keep us from a complaining spirit. Grow gratitude in us. Remind us to not take things personally. To NOT take offense. Cleanse us of everything not of you. Give us a hunger and determination to spend more time with you in 2023. Show us more of You this Christmas season and then, more and more each day. Thank You for Your patience with us. Thank You for your providing for our daily needs. You are more Glorious than diamonds, as the song goes. Thank you, dear Father, for Christmas! Thank you for Love. Thank You we can pray in Jesus’ Name and You hear our hearts’ desires. To God be the Glory!

Onward Christian soldiers! The battle rages on. However, our Commander-in-Chief is the Blessed Controller of all things.

God bless you bunches. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Discover Living From Your Strengths (LFYS) Life Changing Mentor Coaching.

Do you have questions? Through the Ministry Insights assessment, you will Discover your strengths. And then, through mentor coaching, you will learn how to daily Embrace and Live out your strengths. You can contact me by clicking on the blue button beside the signature line. Or leave me a private message on Facebook.

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Awaiting His shout,
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Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
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Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Holidays — Tags: , , , , , , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

Guest Post: Christmas is Coming. A Christmas Healing.

Christmas Is Coming book cover

With gratitude to my friend and Author, Heather Hart, for giving me the opportunity to share this guest post with you.

This is Chapter 11 from her wonderfully blessed book, Christmas is Coming. A Devotional For The Holiday Season. It is currently free on Kindle and audio; and is just a little over $6.00 in paperback. Don’t miss out on this great gift idea.

You can find it here on Amazon.com.

“If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.”

Matthew 9:21

For the past twelve years the woman had been bleeding and that made her an outcast. Still, she heard the whispers…there was a man who could heal anything. Because of Him, paralytics walked, lepers were healed, the blind could see, and the dead were raised. She had heard the stories and she believed each and every one of them. He was the answer to the desire of her heart. He could make her well.

Yet she was an outcast. Who was she to approach the Messiah? Nobody; she was a nobody.

As the stories swirled around her, one day she heard that Jesus was coming. Christmas was coming. He was surrounded by a huge crowd, but that was fine with her. All she needed was to get close enough to touch Him. She knew that with as powerful as He was, that was all she needed. So, weaving through the crowd, that’s just what she did.

She made her way to Jesus, reached out, and touched the hem of His garment. And it worked. Instantly the woman was healed. She could feel it. And so could Jesus. But Jesus didn’t let her just walk away…

“Who touched me?” He asked, and the woman startled. She knew she wasn’t worthy, but it was done. What would He say when He found out that it just her? She had no right to even be there.

Jesus waited for her to come forward, but He already knew. That’s the thing about Jesus: He doesn’t heal those who deserve it, none of us do. But still He wants us to come.

Jesus may or may not heal our physical ailments, but He will always heal our hearts when we bring them to Him. When we trust Jesus with our problems, He can move mountains. He can heal our broken hearts and mend our wounds. He can miraculously heal us or give us peace and strength for whatever lies ahead. All we have to do is reach for Jesus.

And the woman who reached for Jesus isn’t alone. The pages of Scripture are filled with accounts of people who were running to Jesus when He came to town. They came running because Christmas was coming. They had faith that He had the power to help them, and He still has the power to help us today. We just have to have faith and bring our problems to Him.

The people in the Bible had so much faith that they tore through the roof of someone’s home, so they could get their friend to Jesus. I want to have that kind of faith. Not just for myself but for my friends and family. To know that Jesus is the answer no matter what the question is.

Christmas is coming, and I am bringing my heart back to Jesus. This season may not be picture perfect or storybook worthy, but those things don’t matter to Jesus. This Christmas and always Jesus wants our hearts. He wants us to have faith in Him, because it’s by our faith we are healed.

Taking it off the pages…

Whatever is weighing on your heart this Christmas, I encourage you to bring it to Jesus. Lay it at His feet and let Him heal your heart. Whenever you start to grow weary, pause for a moment and cast your cares on Jesus, because He cares for you. (I Pt 5:7)

“Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”

Luke 8:18

Discover Living From Your Strengths (LFYS) Life Changing Mentor Coaching.

Do you have questions? Through the Ministry Insights assessment, you will Discover your strengths. And then, through mentor coaching, you will learn how to daily Embrace and Live out your strengths. You can contact me by clicking on the blue button beside the signature line. Or leave me a private message on Facebook.

Leading from Your Strengths

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Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

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

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

Bake Your Enemy a Cake

Making a cake

Take no Offense

It is a challenging lesson to master. When something hurtful happens to me or a friend, I sometimes laugh and say “life would be great if it weren’t for the people in it.” Of course, that is silly, but it gets me OFF the MAD train and brings my sense of humor back. What I am meaning is that people interactions are where the rubber meets the road and shows us truths about ourselves. People are like a mirror that James speaks about. Reactions from people show us clearly how closely we are in reflecting Christ in our interactions.

God has been teaching me the phrase: “I will take no offense,” To CHOOSE to NOT take offense is so freeing.

When someone is rude, or unkind or negligent to show love or kindness, I can just re-focus my feelings by saying “I will take no offense”.

War Room Movie

I am reminded of the War Room movie and the phrase from Elizabeth, as she talks with God: “I’m not their judge. YOU are, God. But please…if they are doing something wrong/sinful, don’t let them get away with it.”

It’s all a way to remind me that GOD is GOD and I am NOT. It actually causes me to relax and to keep my joy! It keeps me from taking up an offense. It keeps me from getting angry and blaming others for my angry attitude. Anger is exhausting. Plus…it accomplishes nothing but giving me a headache or a stomach-ache.

Derek Prince

taught on the reality that we must go the FIRST mile of doing what is necessary and required, before we can go the SECOND mile of doing more than is required.

Bake Your Enemy a Cake

Many years ago, at the Christian Brotherhood Fellowship, Buddy Medlock taught on forgiveness and turning the other cheek. On going the extra mile.

Buddy did not function well in the kitchen, but when he and another person had a disagreement, he would go to apologize, but he would first do something that was difficult for him.

Forgive and Bless Your Enemy

He would bake a cake. And he would take that cake along with his apology. The apology was the FIRST MILE. The cake was the SECOND MILE.

(Love is…)
“Never rude; love is never selfish, never quick to take offense. Love keeps no score of wrongs.”

1 Corinthians 13:5 (Revised English Bible)

We ask you, brothers and sisters, to warn those who do not work. Encourage the people who are afraid. Help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. Be sure that no one pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to do what is good for each other and for all people. Always be joyful. Pray continually, and give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:14–18 (NCV)

Loaves And Fishes Coaching

How long has it been since you have visited the website? By the way, I have rewritten the home page. I’d love to know what you think. Does it answer your questions about what I do and why I do it?

Discover Living From Your Strengths (LFYS) Life Changing Mentor Coaching.

Do you have questions? Through the Ministry Insights assessment, you will Discover your strengths. And then, through mentor coaching, you will learn how to daily Embrace and Live out your strengths. You can contact me by clicking on the blue button beside the signature line. Or leave me a private message on Facebook.

Leading from Your Strengths

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

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

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Freedom,Living From Your Strengths — Tags: , , , , , , , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

Not for One Second

Man crossing a bridge

These are confusing times. Times of wondering who can be trusted. WHO do you believe? WHAT do you believe?

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

(Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT)

You are not alone. Many are feeling those same things and asking the same questions. But, what does God say about it? He tells us we are not alone. We might feel alone, but we are not!

Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.”

(Psalm 27:10 NLT)

Truth vs feelings

These are the days to make a definite choice to believe TRUTH from the Scriptures and not be fooled by our feelings. The devil is the author of the “d” words: despair, discouragement, and depression. God is the author of HOPE: joy, encouragement, and contentment. Sometimes we want a reason when what we need is JESUS.

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand”

(Isaiah 41:10 NLT)

You are not alone—not for one second. He is with you every second of every single day. He is closer than your breath.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

(John 14:27 NIV)

Max Lucado:

“In the ultimate declaration of communion, God called himself Immanuel, which means, God with us. He became flesh. He became sin. He defeated the grave. He is still with us. In the form of his Spirit, he comforts, teaches, and convicts. Don’t assume God is watching from a distance. Isolation creates a downward cycle of fret. Choose instead to be the person who clutches the presence of God with both hands. We can calmly take our concerns to God because he is as near as our next breath. And because the Lord is near, we can be anxious for nothing.”

Practical stuff

Be sure you are getting adequate rest, and plenty of time in the Scriptures—the Word–truly SEEKING God and also healthy nourishment, so your are in the best shape physically to hear that still small voice of God. He is a gentleman. He does not SHOUT.

Elijah was discouraged, and that is exactly the “prescription” God gave him when he was worn out from the spiritual battle and was listening to his feelings rather than the truth he had witnessed. We all get there at some point. And we all need a hand UP to the higher ground again at some point in our lives.

I can help

I am a trained life coach. I am a living your strengths coach. It’s what I do! If you are finding life less than joyful, we should talk. That is exactly my specialty: Helping women figure out how to navigate this moment in their lives. Helping you restore the joy of your salvation. I LOVE my “job”. My “calling” to the body of Christ. For many, coaching is a bit confusing. It is not counseling. Coaches don’t fix people. We help you believe that who God created you to be is a special treasure, dearly loved by your creator. I will be your greatest cheerleader as you navigate new ways of thinking and processing life. BTW, I just want you to know: YOU are His “favorite” Winking smile

Curious? Let’s talk soon! I offer a free inquiry call so you can explore if coaching might be the missing link in your life right now. If you decide not, we still will have had an amazing conversation getting to know each other. What have you got to lose? Contact me to set up an appointment. Don’t put it off. Or just click on the Blue Button next to the signature line.

You don’t have to walk through life feeling alone. Not for one second. I would love to be that one clutching the presence of God with both hands together with you! To God be the Glory.

Until next time, I am…

Discover Living From Your Strengths (LFYS) Life Changing Mentor Coaching.

Do you have questions? Through the Ministry Insights assessment, you will Discover your strengths. And then, through mentor coaching, you will learn how to daily Embrace and Live out your strengths. You can contact me by clicking on the blue button beside the signature line. Or leave me a private message on Facebook.

Leading from Your Strengths

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

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

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

Don’t Fear the Shaking. Just Think Differently.

Depressed woman looking out window

Why are we here? As Christians, why are we here?

In these confusing and often perilous times, are their any good answers? What should we do? What can we do? What should we focus on and what should be our priorities?

The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren begins with this first sentence: “It’s Not About You.” I was still a relatively new Christ-follower when I read Warren’s book, but that first sentence is seared into my brain forever. It was a stunning realization. How much of my life has been about ME? God regularly brings that sentence to my mind: “It’s not about you, Pam.” So, WHAT is it about, friends?

Being about God’s business

We all know that we are to be about God’s business “saving the lost”. Perhaps using the “Four Spiritual Laws,” for instance, is a great beginning to keep you on track when you talk with someone about the need for surrender to following after Jesus. The need of dying to self-interest.

We know in our “know-er” that there is only ONE way to God and that is through Jesus Christ. But, then what? What else is there to do?

LOTS!!!! For instance…

Step 1: Leading people to Christ.

Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

Mark 16:16 NIV

Step 2: Obedience, all the while knowing we are not responsible for the outcome.

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.
When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.

Matthew 28:17 NIV

Step 3: Discipleship of those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ, the Lord.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples  of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”{emphasis mine}

Matthew 28:18-29 NIV

Step 4: Remembering we are not alone.

”And surely I am with you always, to the
very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:30 (NIV)

Have we helped to create this mess by skipping step 3: Discipleship? Have we neglected to keep God relevant and alive in our daily lives? Are we aware of His presence throughout the entire day and night–in our work, recreation, churches and in our family lives?

Is our neglect and lack of focus on the Lord the reasons why the carnal life is getting so much stronger than the spiritual life of our nation and yes, the world? Did we forget our purpose? Have we forgotten our assignment from Jesus: GO. And MAKE DISCIPLES. Baptize them. Teach them. EVERYTHING He commanded us.

Is that how we started losing the battle?

We got too busy. Too preoccupied. Too satisfied with our lives.

Step 5: We repent.

We bring every thought captive. We stop fearing the shaking. Rather: No matter what we are feeling, we change our thinking. We think differently. We move with Jesus. We pull the plug on deception and lies and evil thinking. Moment by moment. And in those times when we can’t shake the negativity and the depression, we dump our pride, we cry out to God for help, and we ask mature believers to pray for us when we are in the pits of despair. We stand together as one!

Step 6: We rejoice.

God is on the move. People are turning more to prayer. More are regularly reading and studying their Bibles. More people are surrendering to Jesus’ Lordship. More are beginning to see that Jesus really is the only WAY, and the only TRUTH, and the only LIFE.

Do YOU believe that?

Step 7: Watch for Him. Watch for signs that He is with you.

To God Be the Glory! Great things He has done—and is doing every day!

Until next time…

Discover Living From Your Strengths (LFYS) Life Changing Mentor Coaching.

Do you have questions? Through the Ministry Insights assessment, you will Discover your strengths. And then, through mentor coaching, you will learn how to daily Embrace and Live out your strengths. You can contact me by clicking on the blue button beside the signature line. Or leave me a private message on Facebook.

Leading from Your Strengths

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

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

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

God, Where Are You?

Homeless Man in Subway

The disciples wanted to know the answer to that question. They thought they had it all figured out.
Their Savior (from the Romans) had arrived and would conquer their enemy. But, then He died. He left them. Why? Why did He leave them? How could they ever go on without Him? How could they have been so wrong about Him? He died! And worse yet, they thought someone must have stolen His body from the tomb! They were lost. They were purposeless. Can you relate? I know I can!

And then, He appeared ALIVE in their midst

“The touching part of this story is where and how Jesus appears…He doesn’t call the disciples to the temple, or to some other place to see Him. He comes to them where they are, both literally and spiritually. He shows them that He’d kept His promises.” – Anchor devo, July 2022

I love that Jesus meets us where we are, just as we are. No pretense. In real life right where we are, spiritually and literally.

Object lessons

God is faithful to send object lessons along the way in order to solidify any lessons He is currently teaching us. Often, for me, it comes in the form of a song, a devotional, a comment from a friend, a radio Bible lesson, or a movie. And often, it comes in all of those things one after another. I guess I am a bit dense, so He has to repeat His messages to me in multiple ways. THIS week, it is about God meeting me right where I am.

Movie title

The title of this post is actually the title of a movie I watched this week: God, Where Are You? The man—the subject of the story–had been on top of the word. Famous. Rich. With lots of “friends” and admirers. And then his world totally fell apart and he was homeless, filthy, hungry, and absolutely alone.

Kindness reminders

The movie is actually a great reminder of our mission on earth. To help those God sends our way to see that God does indeed meet us right where we are. Everyone. Always. We don’t have to wait to be (almost) perfect, in order to help others (as we discussed last week in the post.) To LISTEN to their story. To feed them when they are hungry. To NOT TAKE OFFENSE when they get angry with our lame attempts to help. To be PATIENT with them in their inability to trust that we don’t have a hidden agenda in our helping them. There are so many lessons in this movie. I hope you will take the time to find it online and watch it with an open heart to what God might be teaching you through it. We all need kindness reminders that God is in our midst. Always. Sometimes the smallest act is exactly what is needed to begin a mindset shift.

A dark tunnel

One of the characters is a woman that had found her way out of the dark tunnel of homelessness. Malachi encourages each of his “customers” (as he refers to them) to keep a gratefulness journal and to write down each thing that BY CHOICE they are grateful for. This woman had learned “Being grateful for all that I have is the biggest step to get away from what I didn’t have”.

It reminded me of life coaching. Yes, it is important to look at the past because it made us what we are today, but it is important to not stay there. Rather, to look to the present and what we can be grateful for and then to look forward to what is possible. To NOT GIVE UP!

We CAN. With JESUS

So when we ask: “God, where are you?” He responds: “I am right here with you every moment. Look for Me and you will find Me!”

All things are possible…

ALL things are possible. All THINGS are possible. All things ARE possible. All things are POSSIBLE. Always! To God be the Glory! Don’t give up!

Gratefulness Journal

Those of you who know me well, know that I have kept an Ebenezer (Thus far God has led me) Journal every since I went through a very difficult crossroads. It can be like throwing a life raft to a drowning person. To choose to walk in an attitude of gratitude and keep a gratefulness journal to read when you go through dry seasons…as a reminder of what He has done and so will do again! To help those God sends our way, to see that God does indeed meet us right where we are. Everyone. Always. Whether we realize it or not. HE is faithful. We don’t have to wait to be (almost) perfect…We can start today…

Amen? So be it!

Discover Living From Your Strengths (LFYS) Life Changing Mentor Coaching.

Do you have questions? Through the Ministry Insights assessment, you will Discover your strengths. And then, through mentor coaching, you will learn how to daily Embrace and Live out your strengths. You can contact me by clicking on the blue button beside the signature line. Or leave me a private message on Facebook.

Leading from Your Strengths

Let's Connect!
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
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