Updated on August 16, 2017
Seek First Project: A Power Far Greater (Day 66)
“Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side!” – 2 Chronicles 32:7
This verse gives me great comfort.
And here’s why…
God is just as powerful in our troubled times as He is in our victories!
Today, let’s tackle that list we made a couple of days ago.
What I did is this: I found scriptures to refute those lies and wrote them in my journal. Then, I found images that reminded me of the scriptures and God’s promises to me, and I made a collage with them. I hung this up on my mirror. If you’d like, you can keep it in your journal, or even frame it in a special place in your home! Use this image to recall the truth when these fears threaten your peace of mind.
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. – Philippians 2:13
Heavenly Father, thank You for using Your great power to help us be victorious. Thank You for caring. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on August 14, 2017
Seek First Project: When Your Worries Come True (Day 65)
Photo by lhirlimann 
From the ends of the earth,
I cry to you for help
when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety – Psalm 61:2
Let’s face it, sometimes, or even most of the time, our fears are fears for a reason!
I find this a lot in dealing with chronic illness. We fear what has happened to us before.
Things that we don’t know how we even lived through the first time. Things we are completely unprepared to deal with ever, ever, ever again. Things we would avoid at all costs, were it our choice.
So what do we do in those cases?
There are several things that could help.:
*Your Emergency Bag of Tricks
*Carry a talisman with you (I carry a smooth red glass stone, to remind me of Jesus)
This can be anything special to you that puts your focus back on God and calms your heart.
*Hum a hymn
*Whisper a prayer…. over and over, if it helps
*Do a body check and see what you can unclench
*Close your eyes for a moment and do some visualization of your happy place, including all 5 senses
*If possible, take a break. Leave the room, get some air, some privacy
These are all things we’ve added into our toolbox for dealing with anxiety. Amazing, isn’t it? I hope and pray that these will help you, as they help me, when our worries come true. When our anxieties become reality. When our fears actually happen.
Because sometimes they do.
From the ends of the earth,
I cry to you for help
when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety – Psalm 61:2
Dear God, so many of our worries are based in what’s actually happened to us before. Sometimes those things happen again. Please help us to remember to turn to You when they do! Thank You for always being here for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
Photo by lhirlimann
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Shelly
Updated on August 13, 2017
Seek First Project: When the Future Looms (Day 64)
But I am trusting you, O Lord,
saying, “You are my God!”
My future is in your hands.
Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly.
Let your favor shine on your servant.
In your unfailing love, rescue me. – Psalm 31:14-16
It’s the future that gets me every time.
It casts a shadow over me that dims everything. Every. Single. Thing.
Fear of the future mars even God-given blessings, joy unspeakable, because each joy can feel like just a step closer to the other shoe dropping. Sometimes I feel like I’m constantly cringed for the bad news that’s surely coming, just around the corner.
That’s what the devil wants us to think, isn’t it?
This looming future is his creation.
The truth is in the verse above.
My future is in your hands.
And so, today, after a break that has wreaked a little havoc on my progress, I am reaffirming:
But I am trusting you, O Lord,
saying, “You are my God!”
Have you slipped a bit this past ten days, too?
Today, let’s make a new list in our journal. I don’t know about you, but I’ve taken on a few new fears by now. I won’t let the devil sit in my life. I won’t let him control either my actions or my reactions!
My list in my journal today is of the fears that have come up in this blogging break. I’m finding that most of them are recurring, not actually brand new. I’m betting you’ll find the same. Tomorrow, we begin to tackle them afresh.
So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. – James 4:7
Dear God, we come before You today aware that You are the only One who can help. The only One who cares. The only One who holds our future. Please help us to stand firm in Your Word, to continue to seek You first. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on August 4, 2017
BLOG BREAK (Please come back August 15, to continue our project!!)
Good Morning, Dear Ones! I wanted to leave a note to say that my website server is going through a changeover. Due to this, I’ve been asked to not put new content up for bit, due to the fact that it could be lost.
I’m considering this to be a love-note from God to take a bit of a rest and settle into our new home. I’ll be praying for all of you daily, and will be excited to gather here in this space again on the 15th.
Thank you for your patience with me, in this, and always.
Heart Hugs <3
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Shelly
Posted on August 2, 2017
Seek First Project: Take Refuge In The Lord! (Day 63)
Our devotional today comes from a woman who is miles away but so near and dear to my heart!! Kerryn is a soul-sister who lives in Australia. She has taught me so many things, and is always an encouragement to me. She wheels me out into the Son regularly. I know you’ll love her, too. And now, without further ado, Kerryn….
“It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans” (Psalm 118:8)
Sometimes I enjoy looking up “Bible trivia.” Online it stated that Psalm 118:8 is the middle verse of the Bible. I was excited, as it seems a great verse to memorise and live by.
After further research there were many posts disagreeing with that presumption and posting other verses as the verse right in the middle of the Bible. Each post led me on a wild goose chase!
Giggles escaped, as the confusing search led me all over the place! It confirmed that trusting in humans can lead us on never ending circles of pointless arguing. Continuing in this vein leaves us exhausted and wandering further and further away from the Word of God.
Smiling, I sensed the Lord saying: “Stop! Rest in Me!”
When we take “refuge in the Lord” it brings us back to the centre of His will for our lives. God wants us seeking after Him, resting in Him, trusting in Him and His Word.
- Humans are flawed – God is perfect!
Psalm 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.
- Humans are mortal beings – God is eternal!
1 Timothy 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
- Humans are weak – God is Almighty!
Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
- Humans are selfish – God is benevolent!
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Take refuge in the Lord.
(Shelly here: Inserting an activity for today.
Find an image that can ground you. This could be a physical picture you have, or an image you find online. It could be what’s right outside your window! I want this to become our image we use to refocus on the greatness of God and what a refuge He is.
Stare hard at this photo. Set a timer for a full minute and just take in the details of this image. Breathe calmly as you take note of the wonders God can perform, that this image represents. Thank Him for each one. Think on how solid He is, how real, how steady. Find something in the image that brings that point home to you.
Finally, in the last 20 seconds or so, pray. Plead, present, prepare your heart to wait expectantly.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7
I hope you will use this image often this year. It’s a tool, keep it handy.
And now, back to Karen…)
Prayer: Lord, thank You that I can take refuge in You. Help me to keep You at the very centre of my life. Thank You that You are perfect, eternal, Almighty and benevolent! Amen.
About the Author:
Kerryn Wright lives with her family by the sea in South Australia. She was a special education teacher prior to chronic illnesses. Her husband is carer for three of their family, who have chronic illnesses and disabilities. God has always guided them through life’s challenges, often in surprising ways.
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Shelly
Posted on August 1, 2017
Seek First Project: Repeat After Him (Day 62)
Let all who fear the Lord repeat: “His faithful love endures forever.” – Psalm 118:4
There are some words that, just by their utterance, strike fear into the heart.
War.
Divorce.
Cancer.
Bankruptcy.
Affair.
Death.
Chronic.
Foreclosure.
Pornography.
Disability.
Addiction.
Abuse.
Debt.
Attack.
Layoff.
Accident.
This list could go on and on, but you see what I mean.
Today, I want to focus on the words that are personally frightening to me. The words that affect my life and leave me breathless.
I want to remind myself that when these words affect me, it’s not important to find out who is to blame, or the reason why this happened. Those tasks only keep us rooted in the past. The devil loves it when we get hung up on those, which is why the world is so bent on that being the focus.
God wants us doing only one thing. Turning to Him. That’s it. No matter what.
I’m journaling today. I’m writing each word that strikes fear into my heart.
That is followed by a statement to remind me that we are moving forward, as of today. We are no longer sitting in the problem and blame-gaming or getting to the root of the issue.
Finally, each statement is ended with the verse above:
Let all who fear the Lord repeat: “His faithful love endures forever.”
Because who doesn’t need reminding of that?
Dear Father, please help us to repeat the helpful scriptures and promises found in Your Word, not the fear-instilling words the enemy wants to use to trap us. Love us into Your Peace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Posted on July 31, 2017
Seek First Project: When, Not If (Day 61)
When my anxious thoughts multiply within me,
Your consolations delight my soul. – Psalm 94:19
Our anxiety doesn’t catch God off-guard, Dear Ones. That’s why His Word says “when”, not “if”.
It’s a battle we fight every day, and in this project we’re learning to fight it with scripture and prayer!
Please don’t beat yourself up if you still struggle daily. We all do. We all will.
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Here’s our activity for the day:
Sometimes we all just need a break, right? A get-away. A vacay.
I want you to plan a staycation. Not where you actually leave the house, because I know some of you can’t. I’m talking about a virtual vacation.
Where do you want to go? What’s it like outside where you are? Is it hot? Maybe you want to head to a colder climate! Is it cold? Perhaps a beach vacay is in order! Choose some place that you’re longing to visit, maybe a place you’ve dreamed of going. Go crazy. Think outside the box.
Don’t worry about the budget! This vacation is free, and you can have it all! Splurge!
Now look up virtual field trips in the area you’d like to visit. Look up videos on YouTube of things to do in that place.
Choose your hotel, your cuisine, your mode of travel. This can be an adventurous vacation or a relaxing get-away! Spa or spelunking? You decide!!
For a few hours today, lose yourself in your virtual vacation. Plan it. Experience it. Imagine it.
You deserve it.
Heavenly Father, thank You for expecting our anxieties and for giving us ways to defeat them! Please bless our efforts as we seek to please You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on July 30, 2017
Seek First Project: A Single Hour (Day 60)
And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? – Matthew 6:27
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Shelly
Posted on July 29, 2017
Seek First Project: Do You Know? (Day 59)
“Pay attention to this, Job.
Stop and consider the wonderful miracles of God!
Do you know how God controls the storm
and causes the lightning to flash from his clouds?
Do you understand how he moves the clouds
with wonderful perfection and skill?
When you are sweltering in your clothes
and the south wind dies down and everything is still,
he makes the skies reflect the heat like a bronze mirror.
Can you do that?
“So teach the rest of us what to say to God.
We are too ignorant to make our own arguments.
Should God be notified that I want to speak?
Can people even speak when they are confused?
We cannot look at the sun,
for it shines brightly in the sky
when the wind clears away the clouds.
So also, golden splendor comes from the mountain of God.
He is clothed in dazzling splendor.
We cannot imagine the power of the Almighty;
but even though he is just and righteous,
he does not destroy us.
No wonder people everywhere fear him.
All who are wise show him reverence.” – Job 37:14-25
I’m far enough into this project to begin to notice how stress affects my body. I’m determined to begin to tackle that now. My health has enough issues without adding to the mix because of worry or fear. I’m sure you feel that same way.
The new habit I’m working on in the coming month is this:
I do quick mental check-ins with my muscles and organs. Often I realize that some muscle group, or sometimes all of them, are clenched tight. It’s totally sub-conscious. So I begin to talk to my muscles about my God. If I notice that I have a headache or tummy ache, etc, I talk to my organs about my Jesus. I do my very best to surrender in that moment, giving over to the Holy Spirit.
These are the steps I take:
1. Stop and close my eyes.
2. Evaluate my body… do I have any aches? Are any muscles clenched? (don’t forget your fists and jaw)
3. Remind my body parts that need reminding, how powerful God is:
“Hands, it’s okay. God’s got this. You don’t need to do that.”
“Jaw, why are you clenching when the Creator of the universe is handling this?”
4. Prayer. I hand all the worries back over to Jesus.
This process has helped in the last few days, for me to feel less physical effects of stress. I hope it helps you, too.
Dear God, You astound us with Who You are. Thank You for caring for us. No wonder we are in awe. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Posted on July 28, 2017
Seek First Project: He Provides For Those He Sends (Day 58)
Now go, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. Don’t take any money with you, nor a traveler’s bag, nor an extra pair of sandals. And don’t stop to greet anyone on the road. – Luke 10:3-4
The Lord was very specific when He sent the disciples out into the world. He’s sent us, too.
And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. – Mark 16:15
While we worry and fret over how much is in our savings account of what we will do for retirement, God is calling us deeper. At the same time as we are anxious about how we’ll pay for college or whether or not we’ll qualify for that new car, Jesus is beckoning us out into the world! Even as we fear our credit score or debt collectors, the Spirit is wooing us gently.
Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you out to preach the Good News and you did not have money, a traveler’s bag, or an extra pair of sandals, did you need anything?”
“No,” they replied. – Luke 22:35
No. No, Jesus, we have never needed anything God has not provided.
Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread. – Psalm 37:25
And we never will. We have His promise.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. – Matthew 6:33
Do you believe it?
Remember about a week ago, when we wrote a prayer in our journals about a specific unanswered prayer need? I want you to revisit that today. How has God been at work in only about 10 days? Have you been praying this prayer daily? Does it need any changes? Journal about it, with the above verses in mind.
Dear God, You always provide. In fact, You usually provide above and beyond. In ways that could only be from You. You amaze me. Please hear our pleas today. Calm our worries and fears. Help us to remember Your promise. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
