God’s Provision

I am continually amazed of God’s provision for us and the way that He moves ahead of us to prepare the way ~ even when we can’t see Him working, it is comforting to know that He never sleeps, He never forgets, He never gives up!

The year 2009 was a hard year for me.  Things seemed to hit all at the same time and from every angle. There were days when I didn’t want to get out of bed to face the day. Have you ever experienced that same overwhelming feeling, where you just wanted to sit down and cry, “It is enough”?

With God’s strength and amazing grace, I look back on the troubles, trials and challenges of last year and can see God’s hand in every detail, every event, and every situation.  I have labeled 2009 “My Romans 8:28 Year”.  As I reflect back on all that God has done, I see how He indeed worked all of the details, situations and events together for our good.  He used so many things that looked and felt ugly to bring out the beauty of building His character in us.

When you find yourself in situations where you think “it is enough”, remember to call on the Lord for strength and endurance.  Walk daily through the situations with the knowledge and faith that God will carry you through the storms of life and will bring you safely to the other side.  And when you get to the other side, remember to look back in reflection of how God worked everything together so that your faith and character matured in Him.  And most of all, remember to give Him thanks for the work that he has done and continues to do in your life and in the lives of those around you.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called
according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Be blessed.

January 30, 2010
For more articles written by Mary, check out:
Archive Files - "Insight" written by Mary Hamrick

Click here for more information about Mary and Martha

"Daily Victory"

Anyone, achieved a sinless life? Well, not me either. Oh, but we strive against those powers that trip us up and keep us bound daily. The enemy is ever at hand. Reminding us of past failures and present failures and even things that have not occurred. Blinding us to the Truth about who God is and the precious gift of His Son Jesus Christ. Dead and buried and raised to sit at the right hand of the Father. Our sin died on Him that horrible wonderful day. Redemption came. Not so we would take advantage of the free gift but that we would lavish in the love of God. Faithful promise keeping God. Amazing God. We are amazed by Him. We struggle to forgive the minutest things in our relationships and God forgave them all. Our days are spent running from and resisting the devil while dwelling on our God. As long as we belong to God satan is our enemy. Forever trying to steal our hearts away from the One who Loves us. He is the Everlasting Father. The Holy One. The King of Kings. The One who sees all and knows all. The One who is everywhere. Our God who hears us. Our God who touches us. Our God who never leaves us. Our God who is on our side. I smile when I think of Him. He loves us so much. I could go on and on…Thank him with me for the great “I AM”. He is enough. The enemy has been defeated. We must stand firm and do not allow Him to move us. We live in victory because of what Jesus did on the cross for you and for me. Hallelujah.

"At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."
Titus 3:3-7

January 30, 2010
for more articles written by Martha, check out:
Archive Files - "Joy to You" written by Martha Shipman

Click here for more information about Martha and Mary