APPLYING THE WORD

Good morning! December 24th and it has been quite a whirlwind of a 2 1/2 months! Let's list what's been going on: Oct 7th - Had a C-section & invited Trinity Faith McCart into the world, packed our house up... Nov 22nd closed on our house and began moving, Nov 26th completely out of our old house & everything in new house, Nov 26th - left for vacation!!! (ahhh can u believe it, can u imagine the mess we left of boxes!), Dec 1st - returned to our new home, Dec 17-18 - traveled to Georgia for Christmas with in-laws, Monday Dec 19th - had knee surgery.... on crutches. 

Whew!!! Could we have any more life events?! I'd rather not!!! Still unpacking, obviously... lots to do for awhile... but ANYWAYS.....

Today... is more or less a journal entry. I'm in the Word this morning and thought I'd share how I'm using it for me! Maybe it will help you in your situation. Knee surgery went well, and as I believed going into it, I'm going to have a VERY speedy recovery! Despite some of the things the Doctor said... I am choosing to believe the report that GOD has for my knee! Since He is the ALMIGHTY Jehovah Rapha, God our Healer... I'm believing for a completely healed knee, as HE created it to be! 

I began digging into scripture to back what I'm believing. 

• Isaiah 46:10 - Declaring the end AND the result from the beginning!!!
• MY KNEE FUNCTIONS PERFECTLY, WITHOUT PAIN!

• Isaiah 40:31 - Those who WAIT on the Lord... they shall RUN & NOT grow weary, they shall walk & not faint or become weary.
• I WILL RUN and not grow weary. My JOINTS, muscles, bones, cartilage WILL NOT grow weary! My body operates in PERFECTION to how God created it to function! 

• Isaiah 41:3 - He pursues them & passes safely & unhindered, even by a way his feet had not trod & SO SWIFTLY that his feet do not even touch the ground!
• Now THAT is fast!!! I will not only run, but I will run FAST!! 

• Proverbs 4:12b - ...when you run, you shall not stumble. 
• I will RUN safely, preventing any injuries. Wherever my feet trod I will be safe!

• Isaiah 58:8 - Then shall your light break forth like the morning, and your healing (your restoration and the power of a new life) shall spring forth speedily; your righteousness (your rightness, your justice, and your right relationship with God) shall go before you [conducting you to peace and prosperity], and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
• MY healing springs forth SPEEDILY! The WORD says it!!! I believe it! My KNEE is healed & without pain!

Word application! How we use the Word for ANY situation! Find a scripture or 2 or 3 for WHATEVER the situation, STAND ON IT, believe it, confess it! 

Have a blessed Christmas & Happy New Year! Praise the LORD for God sending JESUS to die so that TODAY we may live! Despite our past mistakes, failures, times we've fallen short, said the wrong thing, done the wrong thing, lied, cheated, hurt someone.... JESUS CHOSE to die so that we could have life! Thank you God for the birth of Your Son & being willing to give Him up so that we could have ETERNAL LIFE!

XOXO,

AMY J. MCCART 

 

 

Homestretch!

Good morning!

Well... let me just say I think I have wrapped things up for the McCart family! Tyler Junior spent 2 days throwing up, then it went to Tyler Sr, then me. After throwing up a lot last night, I woke up this morning feeling a bit weak, but for the most part better! The sad part has been to pump and dump! Breastmilk down the sink, such a sad sight. At least I have a good supply in the freezer and Trin can stay healthy and whole.

Just wanted to give ya'll a heads up! Excited that my family is back. I call us the HEALED in Jesus Name!!!

Have a blessed day! I'll catch up with you soon! :)

#236 - Above All Else

Good morning! :) SO.... let me put out a preface. I read the devotion from Friday on my mobile phone over the weekend. I noticed some obvious spelling errors, that almost made me laugh... (hear & here... and there was one other that I caught). Anyways, thank you in advance for grace! :) With kids, sometimes all the time I have is to read my Bible, have my own quiet time with the Lord, and write a devotion. It's a jam-packed time that doesn't always allow me to proof-read before posting when someone is yelling from there bed, "Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!" And before he tries crawling out, I need to go get him and get his day started. So, THANK YOU for your grace in the occasional spelling or grammar errors. Sometimes I go back, read, catch & correct them... but sometimes I do not. Well... with all that said, let's go ahead and jump into the Word this morning. :)

Proverbs 15:14a - The mind of him who has understanding seeks knowledge and inquires after and craves it... 

Proverbs 31:15a - She rises while it is yet night and gets [spiritual] food for her household...

Isn't it great to hear from the Lord? When you ask & He gives you direction. Not just general direction, but direction very specific to you and your situation. Direction that encompasses the details of your life. How to accomplish what needs to be done with a strenuous work schedule or with kids running around (feeding them, changing diapers, feeding them again, etc, etc). Isn't it awesome that we have a Voice that not only is alive today, but who actually will speak to us & direct us. He looks down and sees what we may not see. He sees the outcome before we are even obedient to His direction.

This morning, this is part of what He told me,

Continue in this priority with Me. This time should be above all else. I have the answers, the solutions to the questions you have not even asked yet.  

"This priority with Me." As I have had a 6 week or so break from writing devotions, I've really enjoyed my mornings and getting into a routine with my newborn. Trinity has been a definite blessing from the start. Although, I knew it was important to maintain my morning quiet time with the Lord. Sometimes it morning passed, and it was my "early afternoon" quiet time, but nonetheless, it was time receiving direction from my Maker.

"Above All Else." The Holy Spirit reminded me this morning, that above ALL other priorities, above everything else that "I" think is important, my time with Him is the MOST important. I may not have nailed down the status that the Proverbs 31 woman has, in rising "while it is yet night" and getting spiritual food, but my continual goal is to get DAILY spiritual food for myself and my household. "Above All Else." Gaining this spiritual food is ABOVE ALL OTHER THINGS, it is the MOST important task of the day. It is the FIRST "big event" of the day, as my husband would say. This time allows us the opportunity to get direction.

I remember a time in my life when I did not spend daily time with Him. I remember the feeling of chaos that accompanied me throughout the day. I remember the feeling of "not having enough time" to do it all. I remember the feeling of stress that followed me. I was making decisions and acting on my OWN knowledge and abilities, I was not relying on the wisdom & direction from the Holy Spirit. As I compare that time in my life with my current life, I can definitely say life is much more peaceful now.

Two people come to mind who have children & many responsibilities. As I think of the last conversations I've had with them, I remember the feelings that permeated from the one mom... just talking with her I could hear the stress & chaos in her voice. From previous conversations, I knew that in the process of having children, her time with the Lord had been pushed to the back burner, and it was obvious. Life seemed to be filled with chaos & stress, disharmony & lacking unity. The other mom that comes to mind, has an equally full schedule with many responsibilities, actually probably more responsibilities, though with I speak with her on the phone, peace rings through the receiver. Peace. If I have been questioning something in my own life, just talking to her and hearing her voice brings a peace that is indescribable. I KNOW that she spends daily time with her Father. I know that she has a "prayer closet" that sometimes she wakes up to visit in the middle of the night. I know that her time with the Lord comes Above All Else. It is obvious by her life. Her life is still definitely full, but a life of peace & joy. A life filled with DIVINE direction from her Maker.

Above all else, that is how I want others to speak of me. I want my Maker to shine through when others speak with me. Above all else, I want Jesus to be who people see when they see me. Above all else, when I make decisions about my day, my family & my life, I want it to be decisions directed by the Holy Spirit, not merely thought up on my own. Above all else, I want the peace of God to shine through my life & my home. I want people drawn towards me because they feel the peace of God when they are around me.

Above all else. What is the priority that shines through your life? What is "Above All Else?" Is it obvious to others? Is it your job? Your family? Your business? Soccer practice? Basketball? Swim team? Crafts? Working out, exercising? Or... is it your God? Is it your time with the Lord? Above all else. What is "above all else" in your life?

#235 - Don't Die on the Vine!

Good morning!
Slow but sure... I'm coming back! An update? Trinity is doing great! We are working on getting into a routine with her. She has been sleeping very well through the night, which is a blessing! Anywhere from 6-11 hours through the night. Praise the Lord!! The house? Well... as most of you know, we have been building a house. The original "closing date" was October 21st.... well, we still have not closed. At this point, I've decided not to get frustrated despite the delays. My new mindset? We will be in the house SOMETIME!

Well... let's jump into the Word for today! :)

Proverbs 11:2 - When swelling and pride come, then emptiness and shame come also, but with the humble (those who are lowly, who have been pruned or chiseled by trial, and renounce self) are skillful and godly Wisdom and soundness.

Proverbs 31:10 - A capable, intelligent, and ^[a]virtuous woman--who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.

Wow! This morning as I began reading Proverbs 11... I barely got to verse 8, as each verse just jumped off the page at me! Verse 2, verse 3, verse 5.... it was as if I had never read Proverbs chapter 11 before! But we all know, through this monthly journey of Proverbs & the Proverbs 31 woman.... we HAVE read Proverbs 11 before! Many times!

I can relate to Proverbs 11:2... and unfortunately, have personal experiences that ring in my mind when I think back over the years. Swelling & Pride. Firsthand, I can relate to the whole cycle that Proverbs 11:2 is talking about! Swelling & pride, leading to emptiness & shame, then leading to what for me has been painful pruning & chiseling, but now coming out on the other side with soundness. A cycle somewhat unavoidable if one wants to bear great fruit. I'll share a personal story shortly, but as I was meditating on this verse, this is what the Holy Spirit had to say to me about it:

Being pruned IS part of the process. For every great tree, bearing great fruit, pruning is necessary. A time is involved where cutting back may cause a season of no fruit, BUT because of the pruning GREATER harvests are to come. As long as you are willing to grow through the process of pruning, as long as you are not willing to give up, to throw in the towel, to lose home & lose your dream - as long as you are willing for the pruning to lead to the harvest - you will experience the joy of completion. The joy of fullness! The joy of expectations being fulfilled. Will you come out strong after the pruning takes place? Don't die on the vine.

I read briefly how this actually takes place with the growth of grape vines. "Pruning is simply getting the plant or in this case grape vine growth to encourage more growth. Grapes will not appear on your grape vine for at least a few years, in the meantime you will need to maintain and care for your vines and this is done through careful pruning. How you prune your grape vines will have a massive effect on the sort of harvest that you will yield." 


OK... take off your robes & put down your stones for a minute.... I'm going to share ONE of the ways I've personally had to change in this area. Back 8-9 years ago after Tyler & I started our own business, with good intentions, I remember speaking to a group of people saying if they didn't do "________" they were "saps." I remember saying that everyone should be able to grow their numbers and business to a certain level within a certain period of time. I know, horrible, huh? What kind of terrible person would be so cold? I was fiery and excited, I spoke with passion & believed what I was saying. I was just overly excited. I look back on that time and season, and I now would love to apologize to anyone who may have been in hearing distance. My zeal most likely hurt feelings and was based in a degree of pride versus humility. 


Shortly after that time, the pruning process in me began. If you are the one being pruned, is it fun? I would answer that with a HEARTY NO! :) But, has the process been good? Absolutely. Some of the things I have gained from the pruning include; feeling compassion for others, seeing where others are coming from, being able to truly empathize, learning how to allow GOD to be in control instead of "my ability" to do or accomplish through my own efforts, not judging (I'm still learning this!), allowing people to grow at their pace versus my pace for them.... and the list goes on! 


As I read about the Proverbs 31 woman, I read in verse 10 how she is a capable, intelligent & virtuous woman. I see her having encompassed compassion, having most likely traveled through a pruning season coming out on the other side bearing much fruit. Eyes full of compassion. A heart that sees where you are and where you have been. Ears that listen & when you stop talking, she allows the silence to penetrate so you will continue talking.... ears just listening, as if they are saying "Go on. Tell me more. Don't stop there. I want to hear what YOU have to say. Tell me your story. Share your pain, I will be here and won't judge." The Proverbs 31 woman encompasses trust. Not only does her husband trust in her (Proverbs 31, verse 11), but those she knows trust her too. 


Pruning WILL produce a harvest for you. Will you, can you be patient even in the season where the harvest is not coming in? Will you allow the pruning to produce a growth in you and around you that will bring completion? It will encompass what you are called to do and be. As the Holy Spirit reminded me, I'll leave you with this too.... Don't Die on the Vine. God is not through with you yet. Enjoy the growth. Enjoy what you are learning and allow the pruning to take place. Proper pruning produces extraordinary crops! Don't Die on the Vine, allow yourself also to be pruned! 


Have you experienced a season of pruning? Do you have a harvest you'd like to share? I'd love to hear your story!

Update: Overwhelming Blessings

Good morning!

As I write this it is 9:13 a.m. on Monday. I am sitting here thinking about everything that is going on in our lives and just overwhelmed by the blessings of the Lord! The scripture that continues to ring in our home is Proverbs 10:22, The blessings of the Lord, IT maketh rich and he adds NO sorrow to it. The blessings of the Lord are truly reigning in our home! Let me just share what is going on!

Blessing #1 - Trinity Faith McCart is 10 days old today..... and guess what??? She went to bed at 11:00 last night and is STILL sleeping!!!! WOW! UH-MAZING! Being our second time around with a child.... we are doing things a lot earlier that worked with Tyler Junior. For example... last night, we gave her a 3 1/2 ounce bottle (around 9:15) so we could gage how much she was getting before bed, and so we knew she had a full tummy.... not to mention, she did nurse a 3 times before we officially went to bed at 11:00. WOW! It worked! That means mommy & daddy got a FULL night sleep! Praise the Lord!!!

Blessing #2 - I am a milk machine! It's a bit overwhelming.... I have over 100 ounces of milk already in my freezer for Trinity! WOW! And it keeps on coming! For sure an "overflowing abundance!" I think my freezer is more full right now with milk than it ever was with Tyler Junior and we've only officially had Trin home for a week!

Blessing #3 - My parents were here for 5 days helping out!!! WOW! What a blessing they were to us!! Since I did end up having a C-section, it was extremely helpful having them here! My mom cooked UH-MAZING meals for us the whole time.... AND both my mom & dad cleaned our house pretty much from top to bottom while they were here!!! WOW! Tubs, showers, toilet, baseboards, mirrors, dusting, vacuuming, laundry, hardwood floors, tightened loose tables... and the list goes on! Some things I had not done in a LONG time!!! And... my mom woke up with Trinity and brought her in to me so I could nurse her at night. WOW! Thank you Mom & Dad!!! A true blessing of the Lord!! Tyler Junior, Trinity, Timothy & Taylor will really appreciate the standard my parents set! I'm sure I will do the same thing when they are older and married and beginning their family!

Blessing #4 - We are MOVING into a NEW house THIS MONTH!!!! We have been building a house.... it's bigger than the house we are currently leasing AND our monthly expenses are even going to go down SIGNIFICANTLY! Brand new! We walked through it this weekend... the carpet is in, the wood floors are down, it's painted, the granite counter tops are in, the fence in the backyard is up & looks awesome... we are scheduled for a walk-through on Friday & probably closing and moving before the end of the month! It's so fun to see things get done!

Blessing #5 - We have continually been blessed from Tyler's parents with things for the house, Tyler Jr & Trinity! What an amazing blessing! Things we didn't expect or even think about! Thank you Dwight & Jeannine!! Praise the Lord!!!

Blessing #6 - My sister, Angie & her family are coming to visit this weekend to help us pack!!! :) I'm so excited to see my sister!!! What a blessing! It will be a quick trip, but how awesome that they are coming to help us!! AND I get to spend fun time with my sister!! I'm SOOOO excited!!

Blessing #7 - My husband has been an awesome help! He's been great with Tyler Junior, playing with him, rough-housing and making him feel special. I think that has helped a lot with Tyler Jr adjusting well to having a sister in the house... and not acting up. :) What a blessing! Not to mention all the diapers he's changed!! Thank you "Daddy!"

Blessing #8 - Awesome friends! We have so many awesome friends... and family members who have been willing to help on different levels! Watching Tyler Junior, providing a meal (thanks Jilly & Doug!), gifts for Trin... and the list goes on! I feel so blessed!!!

Thank you Lord!!! I could think of more.... but that is just a start to the extreme blessings! Truly, the blessing of the Lord IT maketh rich and he adds no toil with it! Thank you Lord!!!!

xoxo,
Amy

Trinity is Here!

Trinity has arrived! Just wanted to share some pictures with you! :)

Trinity Faith McCart

Born: Friday, October 7th, 2011

Time: 12:11 p.m.

Weight: 8 pounds, 9 ounces

Length: 21 1/2 inches

Update: Awaiting Trinity!

Good morning! I just wanted to post something while we await Trinity's arrival! I'm going to take a break writing "blog posts" as there is still much to get ready for her big debut! Not to mention, just doing a bit of relaxing until my baby girl changes our lives. :)

I thought I would include some pictures we took over the weekend! Granted, we waited a bit long to take "prego" pictures. I was 38 weeks and 5 days when we took them on Saturday. I took some when we were pregnant with Tyler Jr, so I didn't want to regret not taking them. Anyways... I think we got a few shots that really made it worth it (and I edited them over the weekend). Big brother with his little sister! I'm so excited to see how he is with his little sister. :)

After Trinity does arrive I will take a few weeks off I'm sure.... looks like October may be the month for me to adjust to being a mother of two AND we will be moving into a house that we are building not far from where we live now. Keep checking back periodically. I have not left you! :) Most likely I will have at least started back by the beginning of November. :)

Be blessed! Enjoy some apple cider or something yummy that has to do with fall!! :)

#234 - Gifts

Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 31:25b - ...she rejoices over the future [the latter day or time to come, knowing that she and her family are in readiness for it]!

Have you ever just looked at your child and thought, "Wow, they would be great at ________when they grow up!" As they develop you begin to see some of their natural giftings towards art or music, sports, interacting with people, making friends, making people laugh, being organized, being funny, being helpful, being good with animals, and the list could go on!

Here in Proverbs 22 verse 6, the amplified version gives us parents a bit more instruction and direction in "training up our children." Not just what we typically think of from the Proverbs as it relates to discipline, but also in steering our children in their giftings. What are they truly good at? As a parent, to me, this is talking about beginning the process of steering Tyler Junior towards where he is shows some natural gifts. Being that he is not even 2 yet, we will continue to introduce him to activities and new things, but as a parent, you begin to see some natural leanings pretty early on. For example.... Tyler Junior is a HAM! He most definitely a people person. Everywhere we go, he is interacting with people, making others laugh, smile, talk to him. He has a way of drawing people to him. Yesterday, we met Tyler for lunch, and as ladies were leaving the restaurant, Tyler Junior was saying directly to them, "Bye bye. Bye!" And then he proceeded to blow them kisses. These three women stopped, talked to us for about 5 minutes, commented on his pretty eyes, and Tyler Jr just "carried on a conversation" with them the best a 22 month old can! That is everyday and everywhere!

His natural bent? His natural gifting? So far, it is something with people. He lights up when he is around people. He loves making friends. As a parent, it's my responsibility to steer him towards his natural giftings. I know a lot of times parents may have a tendency to want to steer their children towards their own unaccomplished goals or dreams. It may or may not be a "natural gifting" of the child, but the parent has regrets for never fulfilling that dream, so they steer their child in that direction. We'd love Tyler Junior to pursue Track & Field when he gets older.... but, we will need to be cautious that we are not just trying to push him to fulfill some of our dreams if it is not his natural, individual gift.  A politician? Maybe! I could definitely see that in Tyler Juniors future.

Check out the Proverbs 31 woman in verse 25. She is rejoicing over the future. She knows that her family, all her children are ready for it. As she has raised them, she has most likely found gifts, talents and abilities that each of them possess. One child's gifts & talents is most likely different from the next child's gifts. As she recognizes her children's talents, she is able to point them out and begin to encourage them in that area. Then each child is not wanting maybe the older brother or sisters gift, because they know they possess a gift that is unique to them. Here would be some examples and ways that we will try to encourage our children (& future children) as we begin to see gifts they possess.

• "Wow Tyler, you make friends so easily! You are so good with people! You may just be the President of the United States one day. Maybe you'll be a politician. Your love for Jesus and ability to be so good with people, our country could really use someone like you. I'm so proud of you."
• "Trinity, you are such an amazing athlete. You are so good at so many sports. You could go on to be an amazing coach one day, or you could go to the Olympics! You are such a great little athlete! I'm so impressed Trin!"
• "Timothy - wow! Your ability to play music is amazing! Your ability to just pick up an instrument and play is such an awesome talent! Your knowledge and desire to learn is also amazing. Tyler Jr could really use someone like you to help him in politics! You two could be an amazing duo!"
• "Taylor. Wow! You have such an amazing talent at dance & art. You are so funny and easy going! What an amazing spirit and gift you have! I can totally see you helping little girls dance, and find joy, and find Jesus!" 

Finding ways to encourage and steer our children is important. The Proverbs 31 mother knows that her children are ready for their future! They have developed their gifts. They KNOW their gifts. As they get older, they are not like the "aimless wandering" high school and college students that don't know what they want to do. The children of this Proverbs 31 mother KNOW their gifts and talents, so their calling is more evident. A light has been shined on their calling and their gifts.

Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it.

I encourage you today.... find an area you can encourage your child. What is their gift? What is their natural talent? Can you speak into their life in that area? Can you encourage them with their gift? If you do, when they are old, they will not depart from it! Train them. Teach them. Encourage them. What a world this would be if ALL CHRISTIANS were actually walking in their calling and not just what would pay the bills! Begin today. Encourage your child in their gifts! :)

#233 - PREPARE for YOUR Victory!

Tailgating! - You can definitely see Trinity!! I'm about 38 weeks pregnant at this game. I ran some bleachers hoping that might help her come on! We're ready to meet her!

Good morning! :) We are excited to welcome Trinity Faith whenever she decides to arrive! Over 38 weeks pregnant, I am READY! Excited to move around without grunting and making noises. Can any of you mom's relate?? It is time! I did want to share a few prego pictures from this last weekend. Tyler & I enjoyed going to a Georgia game! They played Tyler's alma-mater, Coastal Carolina University! You notice Tyler came out supporting GA! The score was 59-0, Georgia! Quite a game! We had a great time and were joined by Tyler's sister & brother-in-law. A beautiful, blue-sky, Georgia day!

Well... let's get into the Word this morning. 

Proverbs 21:31 - The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance and victory are of the Lord.

Proverbs 31:25 - Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future [the latter day or time to come, knowing that she and her family are in readiness for it]!

Are you in a stage of preparation? Have you been preparing for something big? For your battle? For your victory? This morning, as I got into the Word, the Holy Spirit spoke to me about "preparation." Have you felt like you have been preparing FOREVER? When is the battle going to come? When is YOUR VICTORY going to come? Will I ever get out of this stage of preparation?

Let me share with you some of the insights the Holy Spirit shared with me....

Enjoy the preparation. The period of preparation is longer than the battle. A boxer prepares for a long time, for a fight that lasts but minutes. There is satisfaction in being prepared. Confidence comes with being prepared. And, it is but a season. Can you last the season without give up before the true battle begins? Many quit the preparation period before even getting to "THEIR" battle. They aren't able to experience victory because they gave up too soon. 

Who agrees with me, sometimes the preparation period seems to be a drag?! I know personally, I've found myself thinking, "Come on already! I'm ready to move on! I'm ready to be done with this stage. I'm ready to be done with this season! Can we move on already?!" Like the horse, the boxer, the basketball player, the business owner.... we have one job, preparing. Prepare, Proverbs 21:31 says. Once we are prepared, once that season is over, we can rely on the VICTORY being from the Lord. Once we are prepared, we have done our part. Then, it is GOD's job to step in and bring the victory to pass. What will the season of preparation be? One day? One week? One year? Ten years? Twenty? Whatever the season of preparation is, DON'T GIVE UP before your battle and your VICTORY!

We are called to PREPARE. We are called to get ready. Our season, our time will come when our battle, our fight, our race will be face to face with us. We will be in the midst of the fight and we will be ready! We will be confident because we are prepared!

Don't grow weary, friend, in well doing. Don't grow weary in preparing. Don't grow weary in this season. The preparation period is often longer than the fight. Enjoy this season of preparation. Take the time to soak enjoy the fall weather while you are preparing. Enjoy a roasted marshmallow while you prepare. Enjoy your fall sweatshirt and jeans while you prepare. Take a minute to drink in the changing of the leaves, the crunching under your feet. Enjoy this season of preparation because your VICTORY is coming! Just like the horse is PREPARED for battle, YOU may be preparing too! Get prepared! Anticipate the excitement of VICTORY coming! Not victory that you have manufactured, but a victory that is here to stay! A victory that is from the Lord! Your job is but to get prepared! Don't grow weary friend. Drink in this season. Drink in the smells, sounds, feelings, experiences. Enjoy this season because your victory is right around the corner!

At the UGA vs CCU game. 2nd row! :)

Tyler Jr wanted to say "Cheeeese" too! 

#232 - When You Feel Like Thomas...

Proverbs 15:29b - ...He hears the prayer of the [consistently] righteous (the upright, in right standing with Him). 

Proverbs 31:30 - Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised! 

John 20:24-29 - ²⁴But Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came.
    ²⁵So the other disciples kept telling him, We have seen the Lord! But he said to them, Unless I see in His hands the marks made by the nails and put my finger into the nail prints, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe [it].
    ²⁶Eight days later His disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, though they were behind closed doors, and stood among them and said, Peace to you!
    ²⁷Then He said to Thomas, Reach out your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand and place [it] in My side. Do not be faithless and incredulous, but [stop your unbelief and] BELIEVE!
    ²⁸Thomas answered Him, My Lord and my God!
    ²⁹Jesus said to him, Because you have seen Me, Thomas, do you now believe (trust, have faith)? Blessed and happy and to be envied are those who have never seen Me and yet have believed and adhered to and trusted and relied on Me.

Have you ever been in a situation where doubt just seemed the easiest thing to believe? The odds were stacked against you, your faith level felt low, automatically the 'rock-kicking' position was the state of your feelings and faith. You look at past situations and see what appeared to be failure, and by how things look with this new situation, it's just going to be a repeat. Friend, today, there is hope for you to believe!


Earlier in John chapter 20, the disciples are gathered together in fear. They are in fear of the Jews. They sit behind closed doors, in one feeling, fear. Little did they know, their Friend, their Beloved, their Missed Savior was just moments away from walking through that closed door. Just moments away. Upon seeing Jesus, and the holes in his side, hands & feet, the disciples believed. They saw! All but Thomas saw. What if one of the others would not have been in the room that day? Eight days later when Jesus reappeared, would we also be reading about "Doubting James?" or "Doubting John?" All the disciples except Thomas were there when Jesus appeared. They saw. 


Now go with me, go with me back to that time. Can you imagine the grief you would feel after the passing of your Friend, your Savior. The mourning, the sadness. Sure, He promised He would come again, but sadness still held an overwhelming sensation in your body. When would He come? Was He just saying a parable again? Telling a story? And here, eight days after Jesus appeared to all the other disciples, He appears to them again and Thomas is present. Though eight days prior, Thomas says, "Unless I see in His hands the marks made by the nails and put my finger into the nail prints, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe [it]." 


As Jesus walks in the room, it does not say that Thomas actually did place his finger in the nail prints, or put his hand in Jesus' side. But he just says, "My Lord and my God!" I can only imagine at that very moment Thomas may have fallen to the ground, embraced his Friend, his Lord, his Savior. So happy to believe. So happy that He really was alive! 


Then Jesus talks about you & I! He says BLESSED are those who have believed and have not seen! That's Me! That's You! "Believed" in the Greek (Jn 20:29), also is translated, "to place confidence in."


Have you trusted Jesus with your salvation? Have you turned your life over to Him? Are you saved? Then, Jesus HERE, in this scripture is talking about YOU! Two thousand years ago, He was talking about YOU!  


Today, from the worlds perspective, the odds may appear to be stacked against you... but all we have to do is to CHOOSE to believe. We don't have to know the details, the outcome, how everything is going to come together on our behalf. All we have to do is CHOOSE to believe. All we have to do is place our confidence in the ALMIGHTY ONE!


Build your faith up today! Build your belief up today! Put your situation in God's hands and leave it there! Put scripture to work for you. Check out the power behind these confessions! They are for YOU & for ME! 

• All things are possible to him that BELIEVES!
• My God shall supply ALL my needs according to HIS riches in glory!
• I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!
• With God for me, who can be against me? 
• My God gives me the desires of my heart!
• I have FAVOR in the sight of God & Man!
• My God does exceedingly & abundantly above ALL I can ask, think or imagine! (WOW! That's a lot!)

When you feel down & out... when you feel like Thomas, "How could I possibly trust or believe until I see some results." I encourage you... cast your situation on the One who came to save you! Cast your situation on the One who CHOSE to die for YOU! He CHOSE you! Will you CHOOSE to believe in Him for your situation? When you feel like Thomas, Choose the Word. Choose the truth. Choose to trust. Choose to place your confidence in your Savior! Choose Jesus!