My washing machine was making a mess. There was probably a blockage in the pipe into which the water drained, and so twice per load, to avoid overflow, I’d race downstairs, pull the washer hose to drain in a container that I’d empty outside.
Why? I was afraid that bringing in the professionals would only reveal more expensive issues. The stupidity of this position finally got to me: I got it fixed; it didn’t cost much; it took fifteen minutes and, reader, the change in my life has been profound.
What fears are keeping us from joy? Fear of unpleasant surprises, of change—no matter how difficult the present might be? What happens when we ask for the help we need? Might we look back at our resistance and wonder, What was I even thinking?
Starting a 40-day prayer journal specifically for my daughter, Katie, the self proclaim agnostic to come back and walk with Jesus, her Savior and soon to be Lord ✝️ *** Day Twenty two - Only in You, Lord Jesus that we have life! Only in You, Lord Jesus that we have peace! Only in You, Lord Jesus that we have hope! *** Lord Jesus, You answer my prayers even before I ask them in Isaiah 65:24, "Even before they call out to Me, I will answer them. While they are still speaking, I will hear them!" ✝️ *** Here I am, pleading for Katie to come back to Your arms by Your Grace and for Your Glory in Acts 4:12, "There is Salvation in no one else (but Jesus)! God has given no other name (but the Name of Jesus) under heaven by which we must be saved.” Amen ✝️
The disciples didn't understand what Jesus was talking about right before His Passion week in John 16:16-33! Don't you feel sometimes you just don't understand what God is doing or not doing in your circumstance? *** Disciples' questions in John 16:17-18, "After they heard this, some of His disciples spoke to one another. They said, “What does He mean by saying, ‘In a little while, you will no longer see Me. Then after a little while, you will see Me’? And what does He mean by saying, ‘I am going to the Father’?” They kept asking, “What does He mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand what He is saying.” *** Jesus' answer in John 16:22-23a, "That’s the way it is with you. Now it’s your time to be sad. But I will see you again. Then you will be full of joy. And no one will take away your joy. When that day comes, you will no longer ask Me for anything!" *** Jesus explained more on His answer in John 16:23b-24, "What I’m about to tell you is true. My Father will give you anything you ask for in My Name. Until now you have not asked for anything in My Name. Ask, and you will receive what you ask for. Then your joy will be complete!" ******* When I focus on my circumstances, I am sad! When I focus on Jesus, I am joyful in the midst of misery! *** If I see Jesus, my joy is not of this world in Philippians 4:6-7, "Don’t worry about anything. No matter what happens, tell God about everything. Ask and pray, and give thanks to Him. Then God’s peace will watch over your hearts and your minds. He will do this because you belong to Christ Jesus. God’s peace can never be completely understood!" *** When I know I have received Salvation in Jesus, there is nothing else I need to ask for! Acts 4:12, "You can’t be saved by believing in anyone else. God has given people no other name (only the Name of Jesus) under heaven that will save them.” *** When I do pray or ask for anything, I pray to Jesus and in His Name only! 1 Timothy 2:5, "There is only one God. And there is only one go-between for God and human beings. He is the man Christ Jesus!" John 14:14, "You may ask Me for anything in My Name. I will do it!" John 14:6, "Jesus answered, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me!"
Jesus wants to enter our hearts but the door to our hearts can only be opened from the inside. No handle is on the outside. Words from the Book of Revelation take on a deeply personal meaning: "Behold, I stand at the door knocking." Taken from the book, 33 days to Divine Mercy.
Amy, Your devotional reminds me of something that my wife recently shared called FOBO, Fear of a Better Option" (FOBO) is a psychological phenomenon where individuals avoid making decisions due to the anxiety of potentially missing out on a better alternative, leading to indecision and procrastination. I think we all do this at some point in life, get stuck with uncertainty. I often advise friends and family who are stuck to put their trust in the Lord and make their next move based on the true evidence that He alone can provide. Friends, selfishly asking for prayers as I am recovering from a bout of Covid. We had a bit of a scare over the weekend as my BP dropped to low levels and then my AFib kicked in. All is better today and I am just now catching up with all of you. Prayers for all the people that died or were injured in the earthquakes and praying hard for peace in this world. Lord, grant us Your peace. Enjoy the day!
Bill S., praying for your recovery, that the Lord will be with you.
Adding my prayers to the list, Bill. I used ICDIM in the early days (I Can Do It Myself). Which usually became more expensive.
Bill, you now have the immunity to go anywhere and meet anyone :-) To me, the natural herd immunity is always the better and more secure route when I have no fear of dying because dying to be with God is better than living as a sinner!
Bill FOBO interesting concept thanks for sharing. I will pray for your continued recovery right now. Living faith family please keep praying for Dennis and Shelly and Debbie and Anna and Christine and Stephanie. Ken
Psalm 118:24, "This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it!" https://youtu.be/T10pfn2FK2A?si=AuRLz5KAJMGZwoRh
AMEN!!
AMEN!
Amy as always your words help me to reflect and challenge myself to see more of God everyday. I spent the last seven months seeing all the he can do in our lives. He guided me through many a rough time, lack of sleep and in the right time for a very very tough decision. God is amazing! He held me though all those days. Thank you God and for the LFF reflections and writers. We all appreciate you. Blessings to all the LFF, especially those with extra needs these days. May all going through hard times see Gods hand leading them and holding them through it. Prayers for all the world leaders to be filled with the love of God and the Holy Spirit to lead our world in peace, love, happiness and safety for all. /\ (my imogi for hands praying)
Amen!
Amen. :)
Oh Amy. I totally relate to your devotion. Thank you---- look forward to your writings. You hit the nail of the head for me all the time! Blessed Lent to you
Amen
Dear Kelly, Praying for the pope. Praying for the crime victims, for the many workers who lost their livelihoods, and for the situations in Ukraine. Praying for the poor and sick across the world. . Sandy
Amen, Sandy.
Amen
Peace to. everyone. Amen!
Amen.☮️
Praying for the Pope. Praying for immigrants, for workers losing their jobs, and for the poor, hungry and sick across the world who are in need of food and medical aid. Praying for Ukraine and its people.
Amen.
Amen. Thank you, Frank.
Thank you, Frank. Praying for all people suffering everywhere.
Amen Amy... thank you for revealing this common weakness in us all... Lord, give me the courage to face my worries head on, only trusting in you, knowing that all will be well
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My prayer "Lord Jesus, your love never fails and your mercy is unceasing. Give me the courage to surrender my stubborn pride, fear and doubts to your surpassing love, wisdom and knowledge. Make me strong in faith, persevering in hope, and constant in love."