Other People's Judgment | Thankful Thursday

Today is Thankful Thursday. Time to count our blessings. I am back in my Traveler's Notebook today studying "Famous Last Words" devotional from By The Well 4 God.

This is today's Bible journaling entry. I learned about king Agag's last words.

I remember reading what happened to Saul when he did not kill king Agag and all the livestock and destroy the Amalekites. I did not remember what Agag's last words were, but it is found in 1 Samuel 15:32 Then said Samuel, Bring ye hither to me Agag the king of the Amalekites. And Agag came unto him delicately (cautiously). And Agag said, Surely the bitterness of death is past. It reminds me of the warning in Proverbs 16:19 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

God wanted the king of the Amalekites dead. King Saul was supposed to do it and he disobeyed God. So, king Agag thought he was getting another chance to do battle again. He was thinking he had escaped death but the prophet Samuel did what God wanted done and in verse 33, Samuel cut him to pieces before God.

I am thankful we have these true accounts of history so we can be learn from what others have done. I am sure we have all justified sin in our lives at one time or another. We may have had prideful hearts and thought we had escaped the wrath of God, but I want to be like the prophet Samuel in this situation and do what would please God. King Saul was removed from the kingdom. King Agag was violently murdered in Gilgal. We do not want to be like these wicked men. We want to be like the prophet Samuel who did the will of the LORD.

Thankfully today we do not have physical enemies to slay. We know the devil is our adversary and we can suit up in the full armor of God to defeat him. We must do the harder right than the easier wrong. I thank God for the warning of God's Word. What are you thankful for?

Thank you for joining me today. I hope you count your blessings all day. God is worthy of all praise and honor. Be sure to thank Him for the great things He is doing in your lives. I will do the same. God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens

Psalm 27 | Wednesday Bible Study

 

Welcome back to Bible Study Wednesday! We are doing our first Bible study this month. God pressed upon my heart to study the book of Psalms this year. Each Wednesday we take a closer look at a new chapter. Today we are going to chapter 27. If you have not done so, please take the time to read through these 14 verses. I will be sharing some thoughts about today's passage and break down this chapter below. Please pray and ask Holy Spirit to open your spiritual eyes and ears to receive everything He has to teach you in today's passage. Let's begin!

Verse 1

David's psalm begins with a question he asks in two ways. Whom shall I fear, or whom shall I be afraid of? Those questions are in direct comparison to the characteristics of God.

*God is my light.

*God is my salvation.

*God is my life's strength.

Since God is light, salvation, and strength, there is nothing to fear. David cannot fear darkness when he is walking in the Light. David is never lost when he knows his Salvation is in God alone. David does not fear powerful people, because God has all Power, all Strength and He will never fail or lose.

Verses 2-3

David recalls times past when enemies came at him to kill him, but God caused them to stumble and fall. ISAIAH 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of Me, saith the LORD. David had this promise. We have it, too.

David said even when a multitude of people surround him to harm him, he will not be afraid. He said he will keep his confidence even if war breaks out against him! HEBREWS 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. We can stand firm on the solid rock of Jesus regardless of how many bad things happen to us or come against us. ROMANS 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? That verse alone is one we can stand on and proclaim with confidence knowing God will prevail over all our enemies.

Verse 4

What was David's greatest desire? What was his heart's longing? What is the biggest thing He asked of God? It is in this verse. David didn't just ask God for this, but he sought for it. He longed to dwell in the house of God for the rest of his life. To see God's beauty and to ask for His help. David didn't have God on an emergency hotline, only to be called on when he wanted something. No, God called David a man after His own heart. He loved David and David loved God. They had a relationship. David delighted in God. This is why ten chapters later we see David pen these words, "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (PSALM 37:4) What are we delighting in?

Verse5

David had nothing to fear. God will hide him in His pavilion, in the secret place of His tabernacle, and set David upon a rock. He had sure footing. He had protection. He had provision. There was nothing that David would face that God couldn't and wouldn't handle! We can have that same confidence.

Verse 6

David said now he can hold his head up high, give joyful sacrifices to God, and sing praise to the LORD. Why? Because everything David needs is found in relationship with God. Everything you and I face in this life is found in the promises of God's Word. All our hope, strength, protection, provision, and blessings are found in God alone. We have nothing to fear or dread and when we get to the point of recognizing that, we will be no match for satan because then we will walk in confidence of who our Father is and what He is doing in our lives. We will be undefeated because Jesus has already overcome the world. These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Verses 7-8

David says to God, "Hear me when I cry. Have mercy upon me and answer me." Then he says, "When You said to seek Your face God, I did so." Have we been seeking God's face or His hands? Are we more interested in what God can do for us, or are we more concerned about doing something for Him? What does our prayer life look like? Are we using our prayer time to only petition the LORD and never praise or thank Him? What is our heart posture like? Are we like David and we want to seek the face of God? We want to know Him intimately. We want to be in fellowship and communion with God?

Verses 9-10

David understands what it means to be left out and forgotten. He begs God to not hide His face from him. He asks God to not put him away in God's great wrath. Why? Why would David say that? Because God has been His help. He says leave me not, neither forsake me. He needs God. God has always been there for David. When David called, God answered. David could not even get that kind of response from his father and brothers.

When Saul was rejected by God as king over Israel, God sent Samuel to anoint a new king. 1 SAMUEL 16:1 And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, and I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided for me a king among his sons. Samuel tells Jesse to bring all of his sons. Jesse lines up all his children except for David. One by one God rejects each son to be king. Samuel knows what God told him. Something is wrong when none of the sons are the new king. 1 SAMUEL 16:11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. His father was ashamed of David because he was a keeper of the sheep. His dad counted him out because he was the youngest and was ruddy. He was forgotten and forsaken by his own father at one of the most crucial times in his life. 1 SAMUEL 16:12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. Now we can see why David would say when his own father and mother abandoned him, God will choose him. God picked David. God said, "David you are Mine!" at a time when he was being hidden and counted out by his own father. Others will fail us and let us down. Some will be ashamed of us and not want to include us, but God will never forsake us. He will never leave us. He will never abandon us!

Verses 11-12

David is praying that God will show and teach him the way to go. He wants a smooth path when his enemies are against him. Do you know how hard it is to navigate rocky, uneven paths? It slows you down. If you have someone chasing you to kill you, you want the advantage of a smooth path where you can get away faster. David knew he must be taught these things because doing life on our own is a dangerous, foolish adventure that ends in failure. David asks God to protect him from the liars and cruel enemies rushing toward him to harm him. God will give us the protection we need, too.

Verse 13

This is a verse I have outlined in my Bible. It is one of the verses I quote often in 2022 when I look around and see violence, turmoil, division, confusion, chaos, and frustration everywhere I turn. It is on the news, social media, reels, videos, tweets, texts, posts, you name it! Everyone has the freedom online to say and do whatever they please and they take their liberties. It is a wicked, vile world we live in and it is just becoming more wicked and vile as the days go by. I, too, like David would have given up if I had not seen God's goodness all around me. I may see the enemy at work everywhere I turn, but I also see the Mighty hand of God providing, protecting, and uplifting His people. He is our shield, our strength, and our help!

Verse 14

This verse is also underlined in my Bible. This verse is David speaking from experience. He is giving you and me advice. He is telling us what has worked for him over and over again. He is giving us the blueprint to be successful in this journey where it can be discouraging and even depressing to keep going. I want to repeat it here today. This is David's instruction to us; let it bless you.

"Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."

*Wait on God.

*Be of good courage.

*Wait on God.

And the promise? He will strengthen us.

We are not promised He will remove the problem. We are not promised a bed of roses. We are not told we will never have another issue. We are not promised that our loved ones would never die, or our bills would never pile up, or that we would be the most popular person on the planet. We are told God will strengthen our heart.

Why did David say this? Because when our heart is strong, we can keep running. When we get our strength back we can fight. When we have strength we do not have to worry which leads to sickness and disease and sometimes death. God is giving us His power to strengthen us when times are hard. If we feel like we have slowed to a snail's pace, we need to wait on God, be of good courage, and wait! He will get us through!

I hope something in today's study has spoken to you. Feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to me via email, on social media, or text me if you have my phone number. I pray that something I have shared on the blog today has given you strength for your journey and light for you way. God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens

Psalm 26 | Wednesday Bible Study

Welcome back to Bible Study Wednesday! This year God has pressed upon my heart to study the book of Psalms. Each Wednesday we take a closer look at a new chapter. Today we are going to chapter 26. If you have not done so, please take the time to read through these 12 verses. I will be sharing some thoughts about today's passage and break down this chapter below. Please pray and ask Holy Spirit to open your spiritual eyes and ears to receive everything He has to teach you in today's passage. Let's begin!

Verse 1

David is asking for God's judgment. Do we feel confident enough in our walk with our Savior to ask Him to judge us? David did. He said he kept his integrity and has trusted God so he would not slide. The key to not slipping up in our walk with God is to hold on to our integrity and trust God. It is an easy principle but the practice is sometimes hard. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

Verse 2

Again, David asks God to examine his heart. We know out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Matthew 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. David is asking God to test him according to what is in his heart. He says, "Try my reins," which means "Test my mind." Romans 8:5-6 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things that are of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. If we have our mind on earthly things, carnal things, we are going to die spiritually. We must have our minds on the things of God and that gives us life and peace. This is how we can do a test to see the condition of our heart: what are we speaking and what are we seeking?

Verse 3

David said he kept God's mercy in front of his eyes and walked in God's truth. Two things here we must do. We have to keep God's Word in front of our face and the good things God is doing. Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He. Everything God does for us is perfect and right. He has no wickedness in Him so He is unable to do us wrong. Let's meditate on that truth today. How can we walk in God's truth? 1 Samuel 12:24 Only fear the LORD and serve Him in truth with all your heart: consider how great things He hath done for you. 

Verse 4

David has kept away from those who serve idols and are hypocrites. Today we are seeing a lot of distorted beliefs in the church. We are seeing a lot of people call themselves Christians and deny Christ by their lifestyle. We must be careful friends. Remember how the Psalms start out? Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in seat of the scornful. Jeremiah refused to have company with such people either. Jeremiah 15:17 I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of Thy hand: for Thou hast filled me with indignation.

Verse 5

David refused to be part of the popular crowd if it meant veering from God's Word. We must make the decision that we are not going to entertain the world either. David would not sit with them, or congregate together. We must draw our lines in the sand. Yes we can love and pray for them. We must do that! But we do not need to wallow in the filth and the mire with them. James 4:4 Ye adulterers, and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship with the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Friends, it does not get more plain than that. We must not join hands with the world, because the moment we do, we have turned our back on God. I did not write that. I did not come up with that. Ask the Author if you disagree.

Verses 6-7

David chooses to wash his hands clean of any wickedness. Instead of gathering in the tents of the wicked, he is choosing to congregate at the altar of God. He is proclaiming the Good News with thanksgiving in his heart of all the wonderful works of God. Psalm 107:8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Can we agree that we will stay near the altar, communing with God in our hearts? The altar is not a physical location. This is referring to the solitary place of prayer we can go and find God. Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. Jesus gave us this example of how we should start our day. He got up before He started the day and He went alone to a deserted place. No audience, no followers, no distractions, no noise...just Jesus alone praying. What are we doing?

Verse 8

The key to getting up early to spend quiet time with God is loving His presence that much. Instead of seeking God's hands all the time, we must have times where we just love being in His presence. We need to seek hard after God's heart and to please Him. Next week we will read this, but it is a great place to showcase one of my favorite verses. Psalm 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in His temple. David's desire was to be where the presence of God was.  This is why God said David is a man after His own heart. He was quick to praise, quick to worship, quick to repent, and quick to brag on God. Are we able to say one of our biggest desires is to be in His presence? If not, we need to check our hearts. What takes our time and attention? Social media? Politics? News? Sickness? Gossip? Busy work? Where are we spending most of our day?

I once heard it said if you want to check your heart, look at your bank statements. What do you spend the most money on? That is where your heart is. I do not know if that is true, but I can see their point. I think if you truly want to check your heart, look at your time. Where do you spend it? How much time do you spend facing a screen? How much time do you scroll mindlessly but are secretly interested in what everyone else is doing? What kind of time do you have invested on your knees in prayer? How much time do you spend reading the Bible, picking it up and choosing to read it on your own to learn more?

Verses 9-10

David is asking God to not count him with the wicked. He does not want to be numbered with those who have no part in God. They are doing sinister schemes and evil deeds. David wants nothing to do with that.

You would think the prophet Samuel, who anointed David as king, who heard the voice of God when he was a young child, a man of integrity and walked in God's truth, would have sons who patterned after him, but that is not so. 1 Samuel 8:1-3 And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of the firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment. Friends, we have a choice to make. We can follow after God, our Heavenly Father, and obey Him, or we can do what we want to get ahead in this life and enjoy sin for a season, but the eternal punishment that follows will not be worth one second of that "pleasure."

Do you remember when Moses' father-in-law came to see him? Jethro saw that Moses was wearing himself out trying to judge the people and teach them what to do and what not to do. Jethro had a great suggestion. Exodus 18:19-22 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, and rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee. It is good to have wise counsel. And as you can see, the criteria for being a good judge, is to fear God, walk in truth, and hate greediness/desiring other people's things.

Verse 11

David made a choice for himself. He chose to walk in integrity. We have the choice in front of us as well. What will we do? Will we choose to please others and compromise so we can get ahead in this life, unconcerned for the eternity that awaits us? Will we be like David and choose to walk in our integrity and to live according to the Truth of God's word? 1 Thessalonians 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth the hearts.

Verse 12

David ends this psalm with stating he is standing in a good place; an even place. His foot is secure. He has made up his mind to bless God in the congregations. 1 Timothy 6:16-19 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

I pray that this Bible study has been fruitful for you. I know I have been strengthened and encouraged by God's Word today. I never know where all He will take me and today we have had a lot of Old and New Testament verses which I love. I pray that something you have read on the blog today has been strength for your journey and light for your way. God bless you.

~Bridgett Owens

Hard Assignment | Fuel For The Weekend

Welcome back to another Fuel For the Weekend blog post. I am excited about today! My husband is off work. He is not feeling the best. Javan and I are under the weather, as well, but we are still getting things done and that feels good. What are you doing this weekend?

Today I want to give you something to think about, talk about, and dig deeper in this weekend. It is in the book of Ezekiel. We are going to discuss five verses in the second chapter. But first, I would like to give a brief overview and background of where we studying. Ezekiel is a prophet of God. He is also a priest and he is ministering during the darkest days of the tribe of Judah's history. They are in captivity in Babylon and he will use parables, signs, and symbols, along with prophecies to get God's message across to His people in exile. Ezekiel has a very tough mission because God's chosen people are rebellious and hard-headed. This is why they are in exile; they would not respond appropriately to God nor would they observe His laws and commands. Now, they are in a place they do not want to be, severe oppression and depression overtake them, and it is up to Ezekiel to share God's message with them. What an incredible quest. Has God given you a task that you did not ask for, maybe one you do not want, but you have to do it? Has He called you to help others who seem like they could care less about God or anything He has to say? Ezekiel has been so commissioned.

Today's text is Ezekiel 2:1-5 but I want to start with chapter one verse 28 for a clear picture of why Ezekiel is no longer standing. So if we back up one verse, Ezekiel describes seeing something like a rainbow after the rain. This rainbow and it's brightness was how the likeness of the glory of God appeared to this prophet. When he saw this image he dropped to the ground. He fell on his face and then he heard "a voice of one that spake." Let's pick up our text in Ezekiel 2:1-5 and I promise there will be some hope and encouragement at the end of today's blog post for you!

Ezekiel 2:1 And He said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee.

In this verse, when it says "son of man" it says in the expanded Bible that it means "human being" and it is used 93 times in this book to address the prophet. It is a title that refers to Ezekiel's frailty as a human in comparison to the great Sovereignty of God. God, the Creator, the LORD of all the earth, is speaking to Ezekiel and wants him to stand up so they can have a conversation. He recognizes that Ezekiel is flabbergasted and has hit the floor in overwhelm. He needs Ezekiel's attention, because He has to give him some instructions and He wants Ezekiel to hear everything He is saying.

In the book of Acts, Saul is on the way to Damascus so he can persecute God's people. He thinks he is doing God a favor by consenting to the death of Christians in the early church. But as he goes to Damascus a light surrounded him and it was so bright he fell to the earth. Let's read it. Acts 9:4-6 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?  And he said, Who are Thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks (goads). And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

God will get your attention when He needs you to step into your destiny. He has a specific call on your life and He knows what language to speak to get your attention. You will find yourself humbled and feeling very small in contrast to the vastness of God.

Ezekiel 2:2 And the spirit entered into me when He spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard Him that spake unto me.

In the book of Daniel, we see a similar situation. Daniel 8:17-18 So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision. Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep, on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.

The supernatural is scary. It is overwhelming to experience God in that way, and yet there is great significance for it. God will help you when you are in that situation. He picked up Ezekiel and Daniel and he helped Saul who later became Paul and wrote a huge portion of the New Testament. Do not be afraid to seek God and experience His Sovereignty and power. You may not have the same experiences as these prophets but when God puts something in your heart that scares you, it's your big purpose and it can be frightening to think about. The good news is you are not alone.

Ezekiel 2:3 And He said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation, that hath rebelled against Me: they and their fathers have transgressed against Me, even unto this very day.

Would you be excited about this assignment? If God tells you to witness to people who are too hard-hearted to listen to the voice of God, would you want to go? Would you be excited about talking to them and telling them what God had to say? I know I have had to speak to people who were so prideful and haughty they would hardly listen. They wanted things to be all about them and had no room for the correction of God's Word. Through much prayer and exhortation I was able to share what God wanted them to know. I was in awe as I watched Him chip away at their ego and their carnal nature. It was amazing to see Him work in ways I never knew were possible.

Remember they are not rejecting you if you speak God's Word, they reject Him. It is imperative that we share the Gospel and allow Holy Spirit to do the rest.

1 Samuel 8:7,8 And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken Me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee.

Ezekiel 2:4 For they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD.

I love that God does not expect us to come up with our own speech when we go where He sends us. He does not leave everything up to us. He just asks that we be willing vessels to be used by Him to reach the ones who have gone astray. This is pivotal because we are not in the control chair, He is! That is the key to all of this!

Psalm 95:6-11 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God; and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. To day if ye will hear His voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted Me, proved Me, and saw My work. Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known My ways; Unto whom I sware in My wrath that they should not enter into My rest.

Jeremiah 5:3 O LORD, are not Thine eyes upon the truth? Thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; Thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction; they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.

Jeremiah 6:15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.

If you have time, read Isaiah chapter 58. It is another instance of the stiff-necked, rebellious people that God loves and wants to redeem but they refuse. These are not accounts of the heathen, pagan nations. This is God speaking directly to and about the children of Israel that He rescued and delivered and provided for. He blessed them and helped them and they rejected Him and disobeyed Him over and over and over again.

Ezekiel 2:5 And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.

Why would God send Ezekiel to such a people? Why bother with them at all? So they will know that God loves them enough to send a prophet to be His mouthpiece. They can never say He did not try to show them the right way. They will be without excuse. He comes in love and mercy but the choice is theirs. It is up to them whether or not they receive it. They cannot receive the message from God without the messenger so God chose Ezekiel. Did He choose you? Do you have unsaved loved ones and friends who are doing life on their terms? Do you have family or friends who think they are enough, and that by doing good things, or donating to charities they will somehow squeeze into heaven? Friends, it is up to you and me to tell them!

One final thought and it is in Romans, the first chapter. We can read it together:

Romans 1:16-21 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold (suppress) the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Friends, we must take our assignment seriously. God is calling all of us to specific people in our lives. It may be a neighbor, a coworker, a friend, a family member, or even a stranger. Be sensitive to Holy Spirit and allow Him to use you to lead others to Christ. Yes, it may seem hard, because it is hard. It may seem impossible and hopeless, but it isn't. God is with us and we can do all things as He strengthens us according to Philippians 4:13. Remember with God nothing is impossible according to Luke 1:37. God bless you friends!

~Bridgett Owens

Psalm 17 | Bible Study Wednesday

Hello friends. We are continuing right along through the book of Psalms this year in our Bible study each Wednesday. If you have not done so, please take a few moments to pray and ask Holy Spirit to teach you what He wants you to know about today's passage. Read through chapter 17 and reflect on what Holy Spirit is showing you. There are 15 verses and we will look at those together.

This particular psalm is a prayer of David. We can tell from these first handful of psalms that David enjoys communicating with God. He often sings praises to God, our Creator but He also runs to Him as a safe refuge in time of trouble. David is also a prayer warrior. He knows how to get God's attention and get the answer He needs to His prayer. Before battles, David would ask, "Should I go up to the battle?" God would tell him yes, or no, and David would follow God's command. That is why David was so successful because he allowed God to use him to bring about victory over the enemy and not just on a physical battlefield. Let's pause for a moment to reflect on what we do in times of hardship and despair? Do we grumble and complain and get calloused toward God? Do we run to Him in prayer knowing He has all the answers we will ever need in life? What is your response when push comes to shove and you feel your back is against the wall?

Let's turn our attention now to the seventeenth psalm. This is David's plea to God for protection.

Verse 1

David starts out asking God to listen to him. He is crying out. He is not being deceitful; instead he is proclaiming his innocence. He is struggling and he needs God to move on his behalf. Are you there? Can you relate? What are you facing right now and you just need God to bow down His Holy ear and listen to your heart's cry?

Verse 2

David wants to be sentenced in God's presence because He alone can vindicate David. Why? Because God sees what is right. Sometimes we are so broken and injured from the lies of satan and it is so important that we run to the Righteous Judge and allow Him to speak our pardon! We are slaves no longer. We have freedom and liberty in the presence of God. 2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. What do you need God to vindicate you in? He can do it! He wants to do it!

Verse 3

David says to God, "You have proved my heart, visited me in the night, tried me and found me innocent. So I am determined not to let my mouth sin." What an incredible statement! Psalm 66:10 For Thou, O God, hast proved us: Thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. The hell and torment we are going through today, friends, is the fire that is refining us. We cannot get refined without the fire. Let's open our hearts and ask for visitation from God in the night, in the dark, in the hard times, and ask Him to find us innocent.

Verse 4

Because of God's Word, His plan, His promises, David declares this is the reason he has not danced with the devil. He is not walking hand in hand with the enemy into the flames of hell. God's wonderful Word will keep us from the paths of the destroyer. Are you reading His Word? Are you living it out? Do you believe every Word of God? Has His wisdom filled your mind so you make better choices?

Verse 5

Look at this request. David wants God to hold up his goings in God's paths so that his footsteps would not slip. He does not want to mess up, to slip into sin, or to go off course. He is asking God to help him walk the straight and narrow. I just see the hand of God on David, helping him to walk steady the path in front of him. God does the same thing for you and me.

Verse 6

Why is David going to God with these requests? In David's words, "For You will hear me, O God." That's confidence. God is not too busy to listen to our heart's cry. He is not too busy to take time to sit with us and hear what we have to say. Have you called on God? Do you believe He will hear you? Psalm 86:7 In the day of my trouble I will call upon Thee: for Thou wilt answer me. If we know that in our trouble we can call upon Him, and He WILL answer us, then we should pray and talk to Him. Psalm 116:2 Because He hath inclined His ear unto me, therefore will I call upon Him as long as I live. Will you declare what David says here? I will call upon God as long as I live because He hears me and listens to me and makes a way for me!

Verse 7

David tells God, Show Your marvelous loving kindness as You deliver them with Your right hand, those who put their trust in You, to save them from those who rise up against them. It is in God's loving mercy that He stretches His hand out toward us and delivers us from the enemy. His kindness and goodness is so marvelous that it surrounds us and protects us from those who want to hurt us and destroy us. Have you seen God's mercy show up like that in your life?

Verse 8

The apple of the eye is to say to God, "Lord allow me to be seen as precious in your sight." He asks to be hid beneath the shadow of His wings. Do you know God wants to do that for us? He does see us as precious. Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Friends we matter to God. He loves us and He wants to shield us beneath His wings.

Verse 9

Have you ever felt surrounded with worry and guilt and shame? Have you felt like the world was against you? David says in this verse that He wants God to be a fence about Him to protect him from those who surround him and want to harm him. We can run to our Father and He will protect us.

Verse 10

They are proud. God hates pride! It is a sin. It is what caused satan to rebel against God. Psalm 10:4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. They are not running to God because they do not trust Him. They do not even think about God. They think about themselves. 1 Samuel 2:3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed. Do you remember that pride is listed in the New Testament as something that defiles the person? Mark 7:21-23 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

Verses 11-12

David feels like his enemies are surrounding him, caught up with him, and desire to throw him to the ground. Like a lion, ready to pounce on the prey, we often feel like the enemy is ready to attack us. Jumping out of the hidden places, it attacks at just the right moment. We have felt that before if we are serving God. The enemy does not want us to live our faith out loud. When we serve God and surrender to His will for our lives, we will be fought by the enemy but the good news is he is no match for God. 1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Verses 13-14

David asks God to confront the enemy and deliver his soul with God's powerful sword. He will deliver us when we ask. David says the men in this world are full of wickedness. They pass down the hidden treasures to their children but they have no hope of eternal life in God. We know we have hope of eternal life. If this life is all there is then we would have no hope. 1 Corinthians 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 

Verse 15

David ends this prayer with a bold statement. He said, "As for me, I will look into the face of Your righteousness. I will be satisfied, when I wake up, with Your likeness." David was not going to be content with riches on the earth. He was not going to be happy with just knowing God in this life alone. He is saying when He wakes up in heaven after sleeping in death, He will behold the face of God and see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

David used prayer as a means to tell God what he wanted. He explained his circumstances, described his enemy and what they were doing to him, and then requested God's help and deliverance. In the end, David holds to hope that after all of this suffering and pain in this life, He will one day wake up in heaven to see the face of God, his Redeemer. What a beautiful prayer. I hope that you will spend some time with your Heavenly Father today to let Him know what you are facing. Tell Him all about it and then get your hopes up again. God is in control and He loves each one of His children. He will hear and answer our prayers.

God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens

Healing Broken Hearts | Thankful Thursday

 

ISAIAH 63:1-3 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me: because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified.

Jesus quoted this passage of scripture in Luke 4:18, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised." What a beautiful description of who Jesus is. He was sent to heal the brokenhearted and I can tell you that He is still healing broken hearts today.

I had just come off a fast. I was weak in the flesh but strong in my spirit. I was prepared to give a Word of Knowledge that God had given me for a specific church. I felt as though my chest would burst if I did not get the word out. I was given the word during a time of fasting and consecration to God. But, unfortunately someone misspoke something about me before the service and so I was not allowed to give that message. I was told to wait until later. I cannot tell you how grieved I felt in my soul and how grieved I felt the Holy Spirit had been.

I was confused and hurt because no one asked me if the accusations were true. The person who twisted the information did not do that to hurt me. They did not want to cause strife and division. They apologized and I believe they were sorry it had happened. I forgave them of course, but I was crushed. I did not want to go back to their church. I was so wounded I wanted to just leave. God did not want that for me though. I just kept thinking that my integrity should have made them question what was being said. But God wanted to teach me something in this situation. God said for me not to try to justify myself because He would exonerate me. God loves me and He wants me to keep growing and to keep pushing past obstacles and adversity. I know that He is still healing broken hearts because He did that for me. I was crushed and upset but my dear friend that I cherish reminded me of this:

2 CORINTHIANS 4:7-10 (7)But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power be of God, and not of us. (8)We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; (9)Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; (10)Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:16-18 (16)For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. (17)For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (18)While we look not at the things which are seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

My friend really encouraged me with these verses. We can be wounded by friends, family, or anyone. (Zechariah 13:6) So what can I do? God gave me a gift. He allowed me to be hurt so He could teach me some things. He is my helper. He is my healer. He is my source of joy. He is my dearest friend. He is always with me. That does not change! Someone may choose to believe the worst about me, but that is between them and God. Like the Bible says in 2 Corinthians, these light afflictions are working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

Sometimes I get so caught up in wanting to please God that when I cannot do what He asked me to do, I feel like God is going to be upset with me. That is a lie from the enemy. The truth is He isn't upset with me. God knows I tried, but it was no use. God reminded me that it is not me they are rejecting, but it is Him. (1 Samuel 8:7)

I was able to pray for those who hurt me and ask God to bless them, encourage them, cause their ministry to grow, and for God's favor on their lives. I still care about them and want God to give them everything He promised them. You see it is not about me. Once I stopped feeling grieved because I could not give the message like God asked me to do, it did not hurt anymore. I know that God's words will not return void. God gave me the opportunity to read the message to my friend and then again to my husband and children, so the word went forth. I was still able to share the message, just not like I thought it would be. That is okay because God showed up in a big way for my friend after I shared that message. We had an opportunity to pray together and what an amazing experience that was to feel God's presence in the room.

If your heart has been broken, you feel sorrow instead of joy, and you feel wounded and rejected, take it to God. He will heal your broken heart. He will send others to you to minister to you. I have had so many words of encouragement spoken over me in the past few days. God is pouring the healing balm of Gilead into the deep recesses of my heart. (Jeremiah 8:22) He stopped the pain and lifted me up out of the pit. (Psalm 40:2) God will do the same for you. He loves His children and He is our Healer.

If you do not know Jesus, Friend, do not keep trying to do life on your own. It is so much better with Jesus. He is the friend that sticks closer than a brother according to Proverbs 18:24. If you believe Jesus is the Son of the Living God, you can call upon Him and be saved. Acts 2:21 says, "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Let this be the best day of your life. Ask Jesus to save you. Repent of your sins. When you recognize you need a Savior, all you have to do is call on Jesus and you will be saved. It is that simple. It takes child-like faith. If you do this, let someone know. Get into a good church with solid Biblical teaching. Read your Bible and if you do not have one, let me know and I will get one for you.

Life is so short. Let's not waste our days feeling sad and rejected. Jesus loves us all and He has not rejected us. We must focus on Jesus and not get caught up in what others say or do. Leave it all in the hands of the Master. God's Word will not return void. It will accomplish what He sent it forth to do. (Isaiah 55:11)

I hope that sharing my story will help someone else. It is hard for me to talk about my personal struggles because I am a private person and do not like to share things like that. I am doing so today to give God all of the praise, honor, and glory for picking me up, dusting me off, and healing my broken heart. This Thankful Thursday I have so much to thank God for. God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens

Snow Thankful | Thankful Thursday

It's a snow day!

I am so thankful that I am not going to work tomorrow, and that Javan is not going to school the rest of the week. I am in need of some rest and this is the perfect opportunity to get some. I am going to snuggle up with my fuzzy blanket and fuzzy socks and look at the snow from my window. I do not enjoy cold weather, ice and snow, but I can appreciate a snow day!

What are some of the things you are thankful for today? Have you been counting your blessings with me each week? My friend bought me a gratitude journal and it is so fun to write about the good things in my life. I have lots of gratitude journals and it is a great way to stay positive and focus on the good.

I thought I would share some things others were thankful for in the Bible.

• Hannah was grateful she was able to conceive after years of infertility.

1 SAMUEL 1:27 For this child I prayed: and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of Him.

• Daniel was thankful God spared his life when king Nebuchadnezzar wanted to kill all the wise men who could not interpret his dream.

         DANIEL 2:20-23 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever;             for wisdom and might are His: And He changeth the times and seasons: He removeth kings,          and setteth up kings: He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know                 understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: He knoweth what is in the darkness,          and the light dwelleth with Him. I thank Thee, and praise Thee, O Thou God of my fathers,          Who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired          of Thee: for Thou hast now made known unto us the king's matter.

• Jesus was thankful His Father always heard Him.

        JOHN 11:41b-42 Father, I thank Thee that Thou hast heard Me. And I knew that Thou                    hearest Me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe            that Thou hast sent Me.

• David wanted to not remain silent about how grateful he was toward God.

        PSALM 30:12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent. O LORD         my God, I will give thanks unto Thee for ever.

• Paul was thankful God always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus.

        2 CORINTHIANS 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in                Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place.

It may seem rather silly to be thankful for a snow day, but I have a really big reason to be grateful for a day of rest. And to God, He is always listening for us to be thankful. We ask so much from Him. We should spend some time just being thankful of all we already have.

God bless you as you count your blessings!

~Bridgett Owens

Psalm 5 | Bible Study Wednesday

It is time to open our Bibles. We are halfway into this week and sometimes we just need to break a little Bread to strengthen us. Today's passage is another psalm of David. David had a heart of worship long before he wore the king's crown. These psalms show us David's heart as we read the struggles and difficult situations he was in. These psalms also point us to the One who can make all things new and turn everything around for our good. If you haven't read through Psalm 5 yet, I encourage you to do so before we begin today's study.

Verses 1-3 This is another psalm of prayer. The first three verses are talking about God hearing David's prayers. David asks God to listen to his groaning and cries. He addresses God as King and says it is to Him that he will direct his prayers in the morning. Then David says this, "and will look up." That is the key to this whole thing. David is asking in faith because he is going to look up to God for the answers. He is not going to look down and feel bad about the way things are going. He is not going to look around and feel discouraged by others who may seem to have it together. He is going to look up because that is where his help comes from.

Verses 4-6 The next three verses is David talking to God about who God is. David lists these attributes or characteristics of God: 

God does not take pleasure in wickedness.

God does not dwell with evil.

God does not look at the foolish.

God does not love workers of iniquity.

God will destroy those who speak lies.

God loathes bloodthirsty people.

From this list we can have a good idea of what David is coming up against. His life could be endangered. We know it was in danger many times in Scripture. These enemies of David's are characteristics of our enemy. Satan is wicked, evil, foolish, worker of iniquity, father of lies, and always seeking whom he may devour. We could be praying this same prayer against the attacks of our own enemy any day of the week.

Verse 7 This verse David declares what he is going to do in the midst of his troubles. He says he is going to the house of the LORD where His mercy is multiplied and in fear and reverence he will worship God. Sometimes we need to declare who God is and what He stands for and then allow that to remind us God is fighting for us. We can then worship Him knowing the multitude of His mercy!

Verse 8 David requests God do something for him. He says to God, "Lead me!" How often is this is our prayer? God lead us in YOUR righteousness. Our righteousness is as filthy rags according to Isaiah 64:6. We want to be led by God in His righteousness. David said to God, in essence, "Show off in front of my enemies. Show how good and awesome You are and then make Your way straight in front of me." David wants to make sure he doesn't miss the path God is leading him on. We can choose to do things ourselves and walk in our filthy rags and while the enemy looks on, we will fall down, get scuffed up and hurt our witness as followers of Christ. But we can also choose what David chose. We can allow God to lead us in His righteousness on His perfect path. Which will you choose today?

Verses 9 &10 David has a list of characteristics about his enemies. He says this:

They lie.

They are wicked to the core.

Their mouth is an open grave.

They flatter falsely.

The enemy wants to paint a beautiful picture of what life could be like living on your own terms. The trouble with that is it is all smoke and mirrors. It's lies. He is not concerned with our well-being. He does not want us comfortable and happy. He wants to torture us every chance he gets. He wants to play the pipe so we will dance on the broad way toward hell. It is not a party they are going to. It is a place of eternal destruction and torment. We must not listen to the lies, the false flattery, the vanity and pride.

David has a solution in verse 10. He tells God to destroy them. He asks God to let them trip over their own stumbling blocks they set for others. He asks God to cast them out for the multitude of their sins. Remember he just said God has a multitude of mercy, but of the enemy he says they have a multitude of sins. David points out their rebellion, and rebellion is as the spirit of witchcraft, according to 1 Samuel 15:23. We know that is exactly what God is going to do to the wicked. They will all be destroyed.

Verse 11 David asks God for a blessing for the followers of God. He says let us rejoice, shout for joy, and be joyful in God because He defends us and we love Him. God honors that request to this day. We can rejoice and shout for joy. We can be full of joy in God knowing He fights our battles and carries us through every hardship we endure. We love His name. We love everything about Him.

Verse 12 David ends the prayer recounting how good God is. He says, "You will bless the righteous and like a shield you will surround them with favor." What an awesome way to end time alone with God. Have you ever thought about God's favor surrounding you like a shield is because David spoke that prayer? God honored David's prayer. He listened to him and He answered that prayer and it is still being answered generation after generation. What a wonderful God we serve!

I have been so encouraged by today's passage. I sure do love Bible Study Wednesdays and especially going through the Psalms. It gives us a wonderful formula for how we can pray boldly and effectively. These are prayers that God is still answering today. I hope to meet you back here next week to go through another Psalm. Tomorrow we will count our blessings and Friday we will discuss some food for thought to take us through the weekend. I hope something I have shared today has given you strength for your journey and light for your way. God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens

Racing | Fuel For The Weekend

 

Racing?

My husband was a race car driver when we met. He drove a bomber on dirt tracks here in southern Indiana. I spent a lot of time at Brownstown Speedway and Bloomington Speedway while we were dating. As Paul has been hanging out in the bedroom, we have been watching racing videos. As I am typing this blog post, the excited announcer is giving play by play details of every turn. And I think how much this is like our lives going through this world.

I imagine an announcer looking down on David and Goliath, and the excited monologue may have gone something like this:

Goliath, the great Philistine warrior is in the center of the valley smack talking the army of Israel. They are shaking in their armor! Who is brave enough to face this 9 foot giant? No one is making a move on the side of Israel, but wait --- Who is this kid on the field? There is a young boy approaching the giant. There is some verbal exchange and what is that? The boy just accepted the challenge! This is crazy! He has no armor on. Has he even seen a battle before? What is he thinking? Look at the young boy. The giant is laughing! What is that in the boy's hand? Is that a sling? It is! It is a sling! He has a sling in his hand, waving it in the air as he runs toward Goliath. What is he doing? Oh wow! He launched a stone. What? Oh my gosh! I cannot believe it! The giant has fallen. He is down! What an upset! If I didn't see it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it! They say his name is David and he is a shepherd, visiting his brothers in the Israeli army. Wow! What an upset. The Israeli army chases down the Philistines. What a victory!

Sometimes we are in the heat of the battle, just like the Israeli army. None of the men of war had the courage to face the Philistine giant. Goliath was known for slaughtering his opponents. None of the men were willing to go down and fight him. David did not plan to kill a giant when he set out to give his brothers some food from their father. He was checking in on them so he could report back to his father. David was a young boy. He was not in the army. So why did he get involved?

David heard the Philistine slandering God. David was not going to sit by and let that continue. He had been a good shepherd to the sheep he was given. He fought a bear and a lion and he knew God had delivered these dangerous, wild beasts into his hands. So he knew God would protect him from a loud-mouth giant.

Have we got to that point yet? Have we decided that God has seen us through these trials and hardships before and He is not going to fail us now? We need to get our hope back. We need to get our courage up and tell the enemy we are not going to be backed into a corner. We are children of the Most High God and He is our buckler and shield. He is our protector. He is our triumphant champion and He will win every battle for us.

1 SAMUEL 17:45-46 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, Whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air; and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

Some of the talk of the talented race car drivers are how at a young age they showed real potential and ability. Each race hones their skills and enhances their performance. They have to beat and bang their way to the front but the ones who want it most will be hyper-focused on getting the lead and keeping it. Sometimes it seems like we go around and around the same situations and the same problems. Each time we go around we learn something new and if we hold tight to faith, we will eventually get the victory. The stakes will get higher and the payout more but the battles do not get easier. The victors will be those who keep showing up when they get their cars torn up, make mistakes and learn from them, and never lose focus of getting the checkered flag.

What battles are you facing? When it rained, what made it pour? Do you feel beaten and battered by the enemy? Do not lose focus. Do not give up. Do not let the times you spin out or run off the top of the track sideline you. Get back in the race! Keep going! Stay strong and finish well.

I know this illustration is a little silly to some, but if you think about it, it makes sense. What is the announcer saying about the race of your life? Are they saying, "Coming from the rear is (insert your name here). What an upset! No one saw them coming! They are headed to the top spot! Look at them go. God is with them and they are getting the checkered flag. We will catch them in Victory Lane!"

I encourage you to read 1 Samuel chapter 17. It is an awesome account of what happened the day that the giant fell! What giants do you need to slay in your life? Let this chapter be some fuel for your weekend. I hope it is a great one. God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens

Thankful For The Unexpected | Thankful Thursday

Today is my wedding anniversary. My husband and I have been married for 21 years! I praise God for that because He truly is the glue that held us together. Tonight, after work, I had a date and it was not with my husband!

Ever since my children were very small I made a point to have a special day with them. It was a way I could be intentional and present and get to know them better. We know and love our children, but sometimes we do not know their deepest desires, what really excites them and gets them fired up about life. So, this was the best way I could do that and I am so glad that I did. 

My son is 14 and he loves routine. He does not do well with change. He still calls our time together Mommy Javan Days. I asked him where he would like to eat and he said Blondie's which is a restaurant in Brownstown. He was supposed to go to a race but long story short, he spent the time with me. We had a great conversation on the drive over. We enjoyed ice cream from Jiffy Treet and more stories about what he is into right now, what records he has set and broken on his video game, and his view on the world we live in today. I loved every minute of it.

After we ate we went to Dollar Tree. We agreed on a limit to spend because he knows I can get carried away in there. And we may have went over budget (shhhh, don't tell) but it was so fun to spend that time with him. He wanted to go next door to the Dollar General to get some chips that he likes and I was happy to do that for him. He even got a Coke in a glass bottle! We had a great time riding over to my mom's so she could have the sandwich I couldn't eat and then we came back to the house. He was pretty tired from all the shopping and riding around.

This evening weather was perfect. It felt like fall and we both thanked God for the wonderful weather and the time we could spend together. I am so thankful for the unexpected moments in life where you get an up close and personal look at the biggest blessings in our lives. I am so glad he wanted to hang out with me. I am so thankful we had the opportunity.

So, while this was not the way I thought my wedding anniversary would go, I am so glad I had the best date ever! A handsome young man who loves Jesus and his momma! What a blessing he is! I am so thankful. I would like to share a couple of scriptures that came to mind and hope it gives you something to thank God for, too.

PSALM 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is His reward.

PSALM 127:4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

1 SAMUEL 1:27 For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of Him:

I love both of my children and so thankful to be their momma. I am so proud to be Paul's wife and it was literally the best anniversary ever!

God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens

 

 

 

What Nation Are You In? | Wednesday Bible Study

God told me there are two nations: PROCRASTINATION and DETERMINATION. He asked me which nation I am in.

PSALMS 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord: and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance.

Procrastination is delaying or putting off something that must be done. Sometimes God tells us to do something but we don't want to do it. Maybe it's hard, or we risk rejection, or we're concerned what others will say about us, or it could be time-consuming or unpleasant. God tells us to do things out of our comfort zone so we can stretch and grow our spiritual muscle of faith. When we put things off and delay our obedience it is the same as disobedience to God.

God told the prophet Samuel to tell king Saul to attack Amalek and completely destroy all they had. He further instructed him to kill men, women, infants, nursing babies, sheep, oxen, camels, and donkeys. Nothing was to survive because God remembered what Amalek did to Israel: the secret ambush of Israel as they came up out of Egypt. God said the task was total destruction!

Saul organized 210,000 troops to complete this mission. Ten thousand men were from Judah. They fought and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.... EXCEPT king Agag, the best of the sheep, the best oxen, the fattened calves and lambs, and all that appeared to be "good," but anything they decided was worthless they destroyed. He failed to follow the instructions of the LORD God. Yet Saul thinks he has done a great thing. Let's read:

1 SAMUEL 15:13-23 (13)And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD. (14)And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? (15)And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed. (16)Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on. (17)And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel? (18)And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed. (19)Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD? (20)And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. (21)But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal. (22)And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. (23)For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, He hath also rejected thee from being king.

Samuel had the hard task of telling Saul God rejected him as king. Samuel wept all night for Saul. He cried out to God to change His mind but God was angry with Saul for his disobedience. Samuel told Saul where he messed up and he became like Aaron when Moses asked him why he made the people a golden calf. Remember that? Saul blamed the people. He said they took the best things but it was to sacrifice to God. Samuel asks the question that is more of a statement: God would rather have obedience than sacrifice!

What things has God specifically put on your heart to do? Write the book, start a podcast, host a Bible study, share your faith with a family member or friend? Maybe he is calling you into the ministry and you're afraid. Friends, do not be in disobedience. Remember the scripture that says "When I am afraid I will trust You?" (Psalms 56:3) Don't be a part of procrastiNATION! Do not delay to do the thing God is telling you to do. Saul said they were going to kill the oxen and things but not until later...for a sacrifice. God wanted the job taken care of that day! Do not put off what God is telling you to do. It is so important to obey quickly. I am searching my heart today for things I have delayed to do so I can do it now!

God wants us to inhabit determiNATION. Determination is using will power and resolve to get something done. God likes when we get the job done once He tells us to work. Jesus said in Luke 9:62, "No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God."

One who plows must have the discipline to look ahead. The rows need to be straight and that is not easy to create straight rows if we are always looking back. We cannot reminisce about how good it used to be. We have to focus on the straight and narrow in front of us. 

If we have the plow in front of us but we look back it affects the depth of the row. If the blade is not deep enough the rows are too shallow for the seed to take root. A heavy rain can wash it away. If we are not committed to what God is calling us to do, the enemy will come in like a flood and drown us. We have to hold on because God said when the enemy comes in like a flood He will raise up a standard. We don't have to be destroyed when the floods come.

Conversely if we are looking behind us we may have the plow too deep in the ground and it can damage or destroy the blade. If we break the tool in our hand then we have nothing to work with. We lose time and resources fixing something that should not have been mishandled in the first place. We must pay attention to what we are doing and focus our energy on the task at hand. We cannot afford to get sidetracked.

Lastly, if we look back it can hurt those who are trying to help us. A plow that is not in the ground properly could potentially damage the legs of the animals pulling the plow. If we are not centered where we need to be in God, and we keep looking to what others are doing, then when God sends provision and resources in the form of helpers we could potentially hurt them. We have to make sure we are lined up.

There is another king in the Old Testament that did the right thing in God's eyes. His name is Jotham and he patterned his behavior after his father Uzziah. 2 Chronicles chapter 27 tells us that Jotham was 25 years old when he took the throne and he reigned 16 years in Jerusalem. King Jotham did a lot of construction work in his reign. He rebuilt the upper gate of the temple of God, did extensive work on the wall at Ophel. He built towns in the hill country of Judah and forts and towers in the forests. He conquered the Ammonites and that year they paid him 7,500 pounds of silver, 60,000 bushels of wheat and 60,000 bushels of barley. Then they did the same thing two more years in a row.

2 CHRONICLES 27:6 Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the LORD his God.

You don't have to be a king to enjoy the benefits of serving God. Jotham grew mightily because He did things that pleased God. He made sure to do what needed to be done to further the Kingdom. Someone in great need is waiting right now on the other side of your obedience. Will you do the thing He has put in your heart? Will you sing the song, teach the class, invite the friend, speak to the neighbor, call that man or that woman? What has He been asking you to do? We all have something to do for the Kingdom.

God told me that if we move our tent out of the valley of procrastiNATION and choose to build upon the solid foundation of the Rock of Jesus in the high country of determiNATION that we will have an amazing destiNATION in heaven waiting on us: paradise like we have never seen! Do we trust Him? Are we willing to do the harder right than the easier wrong? Can we push our feelings and insecurities to the side and step out in faith? If we start moving He will help us. He will guide our feet along the paths of righteousness for His name's sake! He will lead and guide us into all truth. He will be the voice telling us, "This is the way, walk in it."

What nation are you in? I am doing some heart-searching too. If you don't like your address, the good news is that you can move! Get a new residence in a better neighborhood. God is calling you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Let's be children of the light.

I hope something has encouraged you, helped you, given you a sense of direction. My prayer is that something I shared today has been strength for your journey and light for your way. God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens