We've all had trials in our lives, tough times where a lot of us have probably asked...why me? Why is this happening to me?? Or, why is this happening to the person that I love? I know I have asked that of God many times in my life. We tend, as humans, to focus on the trial alone and wonder why. Why me?
"BUT, I have trusted in Your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in Your deliverance. I will sing to the Lord because He has treated me generously." Psalm 13:5-6 Why do these verses of praise start with a "but"? Before the Psalmist gets to the praise, some wrestling was going on. I get that. I … Continue reading The Wrestling Before the Praise
It's a battle down here, Father. I'm feeling anxious. I feel like I'm always battling. Things seen, things unseen, it feels like a constant struggle just to exist. You say rest and trust. Why is it so hard sometimes? When I focus on Truth I see clearly that I can rest and stop striving when … Continue reading The Best Kind of Struggle
I normally do really intense and in-depth studies of God's Word...if you've been in one of my small groups, you know this to be true. But lately, I keep sitting down at the table to where my Bible is flipped open in the Psalms and don't get any further. I've been rubbing the Psalms in … Continue reading The Rock
God's peace is incomprehensible, and His peace is likened to a military guard that protects our hearts and minds from hostile invasion. His peace hems in and protects our hearts and minds that are so vulnerable.
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma."
So...who am I imitating?
We need you. You are not forgotten. Please, don't give up yet...there are some of us out here who are looking for you. For your stories. For your wisdom. For your advice. We want to know about that path that you've walked to earn that beautiful Crown of Splendor that gracefully wraps around your head. … Continue reading To The Ones Crowned In Splendor (or…to the ones whose heads are graciously wrapped in silver or white or gray splendor…) **and a note to the rest of us awaiting that crown**
The battle is waging, The enemy's strong... Mothers and Fathers cry out. His tactics relentless, Temptations so sweet... Mothers and Fathers cry out. We're confounded, astounded, We're desperate and weak... Mothers and Fathers cry out. He keeps inching closer, Creeping in on all sides... Mothers and Fathers cry out. We close all our doors, Yet … Continue reading Cry Out
It's easy to talk about our faith when all's well. When it's all going great and we can smile about blessings and grace and forgiveness and Jesus... ...but when stuff hits the fan and life is a MESS...that's when the Gospel can shout the loudest through us. When we don't just talk about grace but we cling to it … Continue reading How the Gospel Blooms in Life’s Cracks
Good morning! I've been reading through the book of Jeremiah...it's so sad to read this part of the Story where God's people have wandered off...chosen things that do not satisfy over the only One who can satisfy. How they've turned their backs on the One who loves them the most, only to give themselves over … Continue reading Close to my Heart
Nicole Dotson 