Text: Psalm 119:1-32, Isaiah 55:1-9, Matthew 5:17-18
The Bible is The Story. God’s story.
It is not about us. It is about Him.
This Story – the true tale of the Kingdom of God and the revelation of Jesus Christ – is ongoing and everlasting, the beginning and the end. And we are in it, whether we are aware of it or not.
It is The Story of a God who created in love, who revealed Himself fully through Jesus, and who accomplishes His purposes and His glory through a relentless, magnificent outpouring of grace and mercy on the likes of us. It is a redemption story, and though it is our redemption story, it is still all about Him. It is for His glory.
(Do you hear the freedom in that today? The story does not have to be about you. You do not have to be the star. You are free from performing a flawless act, free from outlining the perfect plot, free from orchestrating impressive, camera-worthy moments. That’s all God’s job. This is His Story.)
So what kind of relationship do we have with The Story – this living, active Word of God? Are we engaging with God’s Word in our daily lives?
Sisters, that is why we’re here. She Reads Truth was founded (accidentally, but more on that another time) on the life-changing reality that God speaks to us through His Word. We are here to meet with Christ, to know Him as He is revealed in the Scriptures. To truly know Him, to live a life of abundance and grace and joy and meaning in relationship with Christ Jesus, we must listen to Him speak.
So. Will we listen? Will we awaken to The Story and become fully alive to our role in it? Will we come to the table of these pages daily, ready to receive the day’s meal, not simply to live but to thrive? Will we enter in, or will we window shop as it is convenient for us?
I pray we enter in. I pray we come like the Greeks to Philip in John 12:21, saying, “We want to see Jesus.” May the Holy Spirit meet us as we come, and may our souls dance with abandon in the pages of this beautiful Story we did not write. Amen.
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490 thoughts on "it is the story"
This would be the correct blog for anybody who would like to be made aware of this topic. You realize so much its nearly tricky to argue along with you (not too I just would want…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin using a topic thats been written about for several years. Fantastic stuff, just excellent!
http://www.edsheeran.co.uk
Thank you for this reminder of truth! As I prepare for our 2nd year of homeschooling, this truth is the anthem of my thoughts! It is His story, amen!
This Truth is SO humbling. God is the perfect fulfillment and shows me that I don’t have to play the perfect role because He did! Do I still want to play his role sometimes? Yes, but learning to worship Him again is changing that perspective!!
The story of me being a stay at home mom is not my story, it is God’s story.
So often, Christians get caught up in “being a good Christian” I know that when I stray from the path, I question my salvation, ” how can God really love me, I’m an awful person,” I forget that I’m not the star, I will fail and it’s nice to know that nobody is holding me up on a pedestal of perfection, I’m free to be me and grow in God at the pace he has set for me, how freeing is that!
It is amazing to know that a weight can be lifted of your shoulders knowing this is ALL ABOUT HIM. I pray that all of us can live a life together in Jesus Christ and that we seek him all the time in all of our thoughts and actions.
To truly no him to live a life of abundance and grace and joy and meaning in the relationship Jesus Christ we must listen to him speak. So often times I think I get wrapped up in trying to pray and ask God for things I need and I Forget to just sit there and listen to him. That’s my prayer. That I would be able to just sit there and wait upon the Lord.
So many times a day I feel myself thinking “well what about me”? I know God has said those same words when he’s given me the opportunity but I make a selfish decision without consulting him. It’s all about him. Always and forever. For that selfless act. We will never be able to repay him. But I will try by putting him first. Always.
How often I approach the word with selfish intent. That is if I approach it at all. Love this bible study. I think it’s just what I need to get me back on track
How liberating!!
We’ve been talking about spending time in the word at church, in my life group, and now this. I think the Lord is sending me a pretty clear message here. Time to dig in.
I couldn’t agree more with having the feeling of freedom when we acknowledge that life isn’t about us, but all about God. It’s freeing and beautiful!
Ahhhh, this must be what I need RIGHT now-the gentle reminder that this isn’t my story but GOD’s story! I’ve been in at least 2 conversations in the past 3 days about this exact thing-the Bible being God’s story of redemption and I get to be a part of it!
I’ve never been one to study the bible or be a religious person, until I had a dream that I needed to be closer to God. This app has helped me do that. This is the first plan I’ve tried, which should I do next?!
Joanne, that’s so encouraging to hear! I recommend “This is the Gospel” next–essential for understanding how we are able to be closer to God. Praying for you! <3
Thank you so much!
I just need to hear a word from God. I’ve been praying about a particular situation and I came across this app. I’m hoping a praying that God will speak to me through my daily devotion to reading his word.
I’m so glad that I found this app. For too long now I’ve been longing to regain my relationship with God. I’ve been astray for too long. I’ve been struggling to gain control of my life, my family, my kids. I feel like things keep spiraling out of control and I can’t catch a breath. Time moves too quickly, there’s not enough moments in the day to enjoy little things. I’m exhausted trying to gain control and keep things in place. It’s eye opening to think that this is indeed God’s show, not mine. It’s a relief to read that I don’t have to be perfect, because I cannot be. That’s why Christ died on the cross for us, he was perfect so we don’t have to be. I need to let go or the reins and take a breath of faith, relax, feel the weight off my shoulders, and trust the He is in control.
I often think I’m in control of my own life and that I have to have everything planned out, I forget that it’s not in my hands, what happens in my life is up to God. I tried to take control and do things my way but I got no where. It’s a weight being lifted off of my chest knowing that this life is not about me but about Him. I have strayed from his ways and this revelation speaks to me and has made a point, I need to give it all to Him and trust in His ways.
Abby, your first sentence perfect describes my life. I am a control freak in recovery. It is relief to know that even though my plan doesn’t go how I would like it to, His plan does. I pray for you to be able let go, and let God.
I am equally guilty of this. It is hard to turn everything over and have compete trust. But then this huge weight is lifted off your shoulders and you can take a deep breath. I often have to remind myself that he is in control and has the only best waiting for all of us.
Cool, I used to think it was about us and what God did and does for us. I like it better rethinking that it is about Him! :)
He is working on my abundant pride. It is so odd how I like so many others are so hard on ourselves and yet so prideful at the same time. Oh to want justice and to love mercy and to walk humbly in his name.
Reading that we do not have to be perfect helps my heart in so many ways. He has a plan, and I am so eager to see what it is. Coming back to my relationship with God has already began to give me peace.
Me too Julia :)
It’s about Him! Wow!
We always have this air about us that shouts,” I can take care of this, I can do it on my own”. When really we should think of these verses a little harder. “My ways are NOT your ways, my thoughts are NOT your thoughts…” This should stop us in our tracks so we can say, “Thank you Jesus because you have filtered these moments through your hands already.”
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” -Galatians 5:1 NIV
We have been freed from the pressure to perform, from the pressure to secure our right standing with Abba. Jesus came to set us free, and we are free indeed!! Holy Spirit, teach us to walk in that freedom. To throw off the bonds of slavery we have been accustomed to.
Amen and amen.
For me it’s a revelation thinking about how this is all about God’s plan. This is God’s show and he is the star. Pointing out that we are simply a part of the supporting cast, with a simple job of adding greatness to the work of God is such a relief. We aren’t here to be perfect because only God can be but we can listen and learn of his ways and his rules and therefore portray as well as we can what he intended for us.
As I struggle finding my relationship with God again(or for the first time), this simple reminder that it all about Him and just focusing on that makes it all not seem so overwhelming.
Really, really good point, Gilah. Thanks.
We are nothing without God. Without God. We are NOTHING.
I am nothing.
This is awesome. Realizing again that it’s not about me–it’s about Him. Which is so much greater than anything I have to offer.
These readings took a weight off my soul and I’m so thankful for them.
This is definitely an eye opener. We have to realize, as children of God, that it is not about us. Not only putting God before me, but also other people has been something I have been working on these past few weeks. We all know that amazing feeling we get when someone makes us a priority. We feel important and loved and significant. That is the feeling I want to give God every day of my life.
In the beginning, God created mankind. Me. I am not His pier. As a child I molded play dough into shapes I designed. They were mine to save or squish to remold them. I think of my relationship with God in this way. What He does with me, is for His design, His purpose. The difference between me and my play dough and God and mankind is He loves his creation with a never ending love. If I felt this way toward my play dough, I would never squish any thing I made if it were not for a better over arching purpose. Lord, mold me to be one who contributes to your plan, your story.
Amen..
The fact that this is Gods story and not my own is very eye opening. I don’t have to be perfect because our God did that for us, we just have to obey Him and live a life He would be proud of.
I want more of JESUS. He is worthy of everything I am! And absolutely JESUS is most worthy of my time. Lord, may I daily seek YOU by reading Your Word. Lord it is my purpose… to pursue YOU more… to love YOU more… to make much of YOU MORE. Jesus it is ALL about you! I love You with all that I am, God.
Amen
Perfectly said! Amen!
All I can say is, “Wow!” This same topic came up in my church sermon on Sunday and my Bible study last night. I told my husband all excited that God was final talking to me. But now I don’t think that is the case. I think He has been talking to me, but I’m finally ready to open my ears and listen. For the first time in twenty years, I am ready to listen and trust the Lord and pour my heart out to him! I’m so excited!
Amen!
I can easily get caught up in the selfish lifestyle that “it’s all about me” and that my life is on display. But there is such freedom and relief when I let go and focus on the true Storyteller. All that is asked of me is that I follow Him…thank you, Jesus!
Today as I was taking an evening walk I was thinking about the sunset and how beautiful it was and I was reminded of how vast this world is, this wonderful creation our Father made. And how we are so small, and I felt that this message connected with that. We need not worry about being the big movers and shakers of this world. God takes care of all that, it is His story. We need only to walk in faith and trust Him daily. What love!
I think about that a lot, that were so small in this world. How do we make a difference or create something good in this huge world. But the way you put it or the Word puts it, we need not worry and to leave it to God and his story. What a relief weight lifted off.
Adored this devotional. What a great reminder
Love this message today! It’s not about ME it’s about HIM! Set ur eyes on HIM!! God bless you ladies!!
I admit that I have been window shopping lately. I pray that I can spend some good quality time reading His story and learning what God wants of me.
Bethany I’m on the same page as you!
what a good reminder!
Needed this today :)
Glad to be reminded that I don’t have to be perfect in this life, and that God just wants me to stay near him.
I felt the same way. What a weight lifted off! What a loving God we get to serve each day
I want to see Jesus too! I also want Jesus to be seen by others through me.
The story is a redemption story, our redemption, but it’s not about us. It still points to him, we’re just playing a small part. How freeing!
Relieved that “the story” isn’t about me!
Amen! Such freedom in that realization!
If I’m honest with myself I tend to ‘window shop’ with God’s word rather than entering in and experiencing His life giving truths. This study is reminding me of the power, importance, and beauty of the Bible. May I fix my eyes and heart on your Word, Lord! Not for myself, but to be more Christlike for your glory.
So many times I try to get something from God’s Word rather than letting Him give me something from His Word. While waiting for Him to speak to me, I have the awesome privilege to read about my God and all His attributes! When we truly see Who God is in His Word, He can and will (as He promises) speak to us!
Woke up this morning, having not slept well and getting irritated by the littlest things (why are we out of sandwich baggies?!) and came to read this…. God’s so cool! This is so much bigger than me, so much bigger than us, so much bigger than anything we can comprehend! Thank the Lord I don’t have to make sure everything is perfect, because obviously I can’t! Smiling into my day now :) xo
Me too!
Wow. The precious, holy, Word of God can be lived through people like us!! Our God truly loves us – for giving us such a priceless gift…the Word of God!! And He wrote this precious, treasured Love Letter to us!!
I love the freedom there is in the truth that our lives are completely in His good hands & that He is the author of our stories. May we walk in confidence of that truth & the love/grace of Christ & the Holy Spirit living within us!
I get so caught up in trying to be/live a perfect life I tend to but God aside, I forget this is Gods story not my own. I need to focus on entering the store, not just window shopping and knowing that THIS is Gods story!
I pray we enter in. I pray we come like the Greeks to Philip in John 12:21, saying, “We want to see Jesus.” May the Holy Spirit meet us as we come, and may our souls dance with abandon in the pages of this beautiful Story we did not write. Amen.
This is not our story, it’s His! We are part of his story, and that is good. We are not the main character! That is good! Because if we were, we would just fall short, and the story would end quickly! Thank God that I, that we are not the main character!
(Do you hear the freedom in that today? The story does not have to be about you. You do not have to be the star. You are free from performing a flawless act, free from outlining the perfect plot, free from orchestrating impressive, camera-worthy moments. That’s all God’s job. This is His Story.) That hit me hard
I thought the same thing!
Wow. I absolutely loved this
My first reaction to reading that it’s not about me was to lose interest in this life. How terribly sad is that? But right afterwards it hit me that this takes all the pressure, all the guilt, all the blessing in my life that I feel unworthy of, and turns it all into a story that’s 100% God’s grace and love for us. Lately I keep thinking about how I have had an easy life. There have been hard times for sure, but those hard times were never as bad as I made them out to be at the time. Most importantly, without those times in my life, I would not have chosen to fallow God on my own, beyond just how I was raised and what my parents wanted for me. Now having chosen for myself a path fallowing God, I see His infinite blessings every day and do not feel that I deserve a single one of them. I haven’t done anything to deserve His love and yet He loves me anyway. Knowing that this isn’t my story, but a part of God’s story is the perspective change that I needed to see that clearly now.
I could not have said it better-from the first reaction of losing interest when it isn’t about ME, to the love and sovereignty of God in your life. I am still struggling with connecting His blessing and goodness to some action of myself…that God isn’t depending on me for anything. (Ridiculous, I know better!!) thanks for sharing!!
Great is thy faithfulness
I’m so thank full to have this app it helps so much!
So thankful for this app!
I have felt so empty recently because I keep trying to find myself in his story and when I don’t, I move away from it. This leaves me empty. I just downloaded this app and I am praying it helps me with my dedication to be disciplined in the study of God’s story for his glory. Thanks for this platform.
I do not mean to offend, and it would be assumed that you are saved because you are on this app,but may I ask if you know Jesus intimately. If the answer to that is yes, then I would pray that the Holy Spirit would move inside of you to show you that you are not empty but filled with him. Also know that just because the story is not about you, that does not mean that you do not have a role to play. It is still amazes me that everyday He chooses to use me as a broken vessel for His glory.
I feel like more and more I start to wonder what’s behind the window. I’ve window shopped for a while, reading but not connecting. I’ve finally began to walk in. To enter the word. And what Glory awaited for me. What beauty. I can’t wait to walk further and further in His life.
I feel the exact same way girly :) glad I’m not alone!
So liberating to know that my life story is ultimately planned by God and so I can be okay with the parts that don’t make sense, because I’m assured that in the end it will work out for my good and His glory! The doubts, the sufferings, the daily struggles, they are all the regular valleys that must happen, as with any good story. He knows how to use the most confusing and despairing circumstances as part of His crazy plot twists in a way that only He knows how, and I’m learning to be okay with that. He is a trustworthy Author of my life!
I needed to read these affirming words, Christie. Thank you!
Thank God for words haha God bless you Kathleen :DD
Come Jesus, come
Amen I think sometimes we forget what’s all about we have to be selfless and think about him not are selfs what beautiful thing and gift from God
I resonate with you Elina, I have been struggling as well to find out where I fit in. Thank God, for his Word and this Devotional.
This is what I’ve been struggling with!!! Being the “perfect” Christian! It’s so reassuring and freeing reading this devo! Perfect timing :)
I can’t tell yall the sense of joy & peace I feel, after reading this. It’s not about me! It’s about him. He’s allowed us this freedom of self, but my life & my story is to be fulfilled for him! For his glory! I had the tendency to read Gods word & feel a sense of weight over my heart as I would read it as I was the character of the story, that I had to fulfill his word, but that’s just it..it’s his word!!! Not mine!!! I want to fully understand what he is actually trying to say to me. That he is the only one that is truly perfect, and I am not, and that’s ok. but boy does this new revelation make me excited to really indulge and soak up his story, and with his guidance fulfill what he wants me to do. I pray that I can feel his guidance & the wisdom to see what he wants me to do.
My biggest barrier to fully embracing only Christianity & attending organized religious services has always been the desire to not fall into the common trap of the “us vs. them” mentality- which builds exclusivity & isolates. As a mental health therapist, I have the privilege to work with hundreds of beautiful people of every religion, sexuality, & creed you can imagine. I am humbled that these sweet, precious, souls share the inner workings of their minds, their deepest fears, joys, their stories with me. Many have grown up in churches other than Christian- just like us who have grown up as Christians- and are fully devoted to their religions – Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, etc. Many are using their whole hearted & devoted faiths to love others & have dedicated their lives to living out their faiths. I also work with many LGBT youth who have struggled their whole lives with feeling blamed, shamed & isolated by faith groups based on their sexuality. My biggest struggle is to believe that these beautiful humans are “going to hell” & that our Christian mentality, paired with human nature, human psychology & group mentality behavior- if we’re truly honest- I have found, when I enter a church building or join a weekly organized religious services, breeds judgementalism & builds a power & control platform that separates us from people who aren’t like us as Christians. This is why I so often separate myself from the organized body of Christ– I know when I get into this community I, too, feel the pressure to judge, shame & blame those who aren’t Christians because I have felt the fear of being judged, shamed, & blamed By other Chrustians if I don’t. And I do not believe that is who we are truly called to be, or walk as, as people of God, followers of Jesus, to judge, blame, shame, point fingers or play the “us” vs. “them” game. But I find it very difficult to go to church and not find this mentality within Christian groups ( I was raised in the church and Have experienced this for all my 32 years of life!) What are other people’s thoughts on this?
I thought this was a great post because I have always felt that way too. How are we to pose questions on how others sin differently than we (I) do? I too struggled with this in that I did not want to be that person but recently I found a church that simply is a hospital in a sense because that’s what church should be. A place to go and be mended and put back together by God. It’s great when you don’t look at going as a sense of joining the crowd but putting your relationship with Jesus first and being able to spend quality time with him and a unified body that he has called you to be a part of. For me personally it was about being at the right place and church to feel this way. When we start to look at people and really value the good qualities that they have instead of focusing on sin we can actually appreciate what they bring to the table. The sin will eventually not define (because it never should) them when they give that to Jesus fully. My last thought is that comparison is the judging part of that “judgement” people assume they have right to place on others.
“Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know,
and a nation that did not know you shall run to you,
because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel,
for he has glorified you.” ~Lord, lead me to call on those you have planned for me. Guide me to make it about you so that the glory will be truly yours.
“We are in it, whether we are aware of it or not.” Lord, help me to be an active part of your story. Lord, help me to live according to your plan, not mine. Give me the strength to follow through. Amen.
Read this devotional today and had it on my mind throughout. Saw this quote on my Twitter feed from C.S.Lewis that spoke DIRECTLY to this day. may you find value in this quote: “The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in God which made David dance.”
Love it!
Good evening, sisters. I really wanna burn for God, but feel like wounded and blind right now. all life is just in Him, and peace, and joy.. pray for this who is in ._.
Rejoice sister, for you have avenues to return to the joy you once had. Utilize these avenues and speak the fruits of the Spirit over yourself. Bless you and your day!
This scripture goes right along with a sermon i just listened to about seeking out the Lord’s will and accepting it even when it doesn’t suit ourselves. This relationship with Christ is more than what the scripture means to us, its what does it mean?
“Come, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.”
I am here, I must buy, eat and drink!
This app is AWESOME!!!
Will I enter in, or will I continue to window shop?
Lord keep me close to you today. Help me come back to you every moment. And tomorrow, guide me to your table for my meal and to quench my thirst. And tomorrow. And tomorrow. And tomorrow. I want to be yours. Use me for your glory.
This is an awesome prayer, thank you for sharing:)
Thank you so much for this! You’ve put into words what I feel in my heart! Thank you for sharing!
Yesterday I prayed to the lord and asked for a more deeper intimate relationship with him. He brought me here. I feel so blessed to be here with all of you helping me understand his word.
What a wonderful truth! It’s His story. He is the beginning and the end. We don’t have to be perfect, we just have to be willing.
I want to see Jesus.
I’m grateful for it being His story and not mine.
Thanks for sharing God’s word, blessings!
Isaiah 55:3-5
God’s splendor (revealed, in part, through us!) is a magnet for all people to draw near to Him. How good is the God who reveals His glory and draws near to us!
After reading the scriptures from today and reading the devotions I’m quiet confused. From the scripture I get that by following Gods word you will not lead astray to sin and that through His grace He will be merciful. But I’m having a hard time understanding how our redemption story about Him comes from these scriptures? As well as how we glorifying him? Is it with following his word? And how do we remain a unique individual in his bigger plan?
I think our redemption story about Him comes from the fact that we learn about His grace that redeems us through His story, His story of love and grace and guidance through His laws and precepts. We glorify him by living out those laws and precepts. Not like if we sin He is suddenly not glorified but by each time we choose to do His will according to His Word, people see that in us and are pointed toward Him all the more. We remain a unique individual in His plan because like it says in Eph 4:16 ” From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Each of us has a part to play in spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth… Which is His bigger plan.
His “bigger plan” is unique for each individual believer. He loves us and sacrificed His Son for us so that we COULD be unique. He is so jealous for us and wants us to choose Him. He gives us free will so that we can choose Him on our own, and through that if we choose to follow Him and choose to give Him everything, He will bless us with our very own, unique bigger plan.
Hello! May I share my thoughts on your post? Doing this in Christlike love for sure! I agree with the things you’ve said except for God sacrificing His Son so that we could be unique. It wasn’t His purpose for doing so :) There is so much more to it than just even saving us from hell. It’s THE way to reconcile us with the Father whom we’ve separated from because of our sin. It was THE way to have a relationship with Him & to be called His children in order for us to take part of His bigger plan of sanctification – preparing us for the life after death ultimately.
Hi AlieB! I’m new here and this is the first time I’ve opened the comment section. I read yours and I’m glad you’ve expressed your confusion so that you’re able to undedstand it better. Asking hard questions are always good to dig deeper into God’s Word. Personally, I believe that the redemption being talked about here is not mainly from these scriptures. It was mentioned to say that the Bible as a whole is a story of redemption among all other things about it (I wrote down notes about what the Bible is about generally after reading this part of the devotion). And as He speaks through the verses from the book of Psalm, Isaiah and Matthew (and the prophets/speakers speaking in the context) that He wants us to be intimate with Him e.g. follow His precepts. And about remaining a unique individual, the Lord has different plans for our lives on how He will use us and mold us into His likeness and He has even given us unique characteristics that conforms to His perfect plan for us. But one thing about identity is this, there is a unity and similarity that God wants us to have as Hus children – and that is being Christ’s and in Him while at the same time being unique. Unique in the sense that we have different roles to play in the body of Christ but the same in the sense that we all are part of His body and we are to operate the way He designed us all to be for His glory/purposes. The Lord does not cause us to be identical with one another. Even identical twins can have different callings in His master plan. But we all work for the same purpose, towards the same goal for the same GOD whose Son is Jesus Christ. God bless you!
I am ready to experience the works of God in my life! I know that I have been given my husband and my children so that I may work in their lives, so they might see Gods undying love for us. I know that everything in my life has happened because God is using it to write his story. My life, my short story, is all apart of the bigger book. I pray that the Lord would work in my heart and mind as I travel throughout each day. Help me to become a better leader, and work in ways that are pleasing to you Lord. Amen.
What a relief! So much pressure is take off of “self”.
I feel the same!
on one hand I feel uplifted as I read this as it takes some pressure off myself. but, I can’t help but feel that I want to be unique and special and have a special role in this life as well. I find it hard to submit to the fact we are in Gods story without feeling like I lose my identity.
As Christians our identity IS Jesus. That’s what I want people to see when they look at me. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t each have a special place in His kingdom. There is a role that only YOU can fulfill and if you seek God, He will reveal that to you.
Hi Tori!! This feeling is a familiar one but I can only tell you that in Jesus I FOUND my identity, though at first I felt like I was cutting off every part of who I was. Similar to Dacia above, I found my true character in Christ, and I believe you will too. His story has many plot lines and a cast of characters that would not be complete without your part! Our purpose on earth IS to have a special role in this life, a role unique to our appointed gifts & purposes, a role written by an all-knowing, all-loving creator: God. He knows our innermost parts & heart’s desires and (keeping with the movie-theme) He LONGS to make you a star for His glory!
Agreed
So uplifting and liberating that this is not my story! It relieves slot of self inflicted pressure and turns my focus and adoration onto God the true Author! This is exactly the encouragement I need to stay in the Word it has been such a struggle lately but I feel refreshed thirst for it now! God is good ☺️
My heart is literally dancing right now!
Love reading these!
Amen! So glad that the pressure is off us to be perfect! I pray that God works through me to further his kingdom and day after day he cleanses my life to more prepared for his plans to come.
I agree, I always end up looking back and seeing how he’s worked it out and through trying to stay close to Him, He brings me closer
I want to learn more about Christ. I’m ready to put all of my heart and My Faith into him. I am so excited to be apart of this! I don’t have any Christian friends where I live, not that I’m close with, but I’m doing my best to learn more and more everyday.
That’s amazing Brittany! I pray he becomes more real to you and that he places other believers in your life. :)
I’m so happy that it’s not about me!!! ❤️
Doesn’t it take such a load off?!
I love this. It humbles me. A reminder that it’s not about me and that its about the person who created me! The one who loves me. That’s who it’s all about. ❤️
Amen!
Such a refreshing reminder- it’s not about us- it’s about Him.
What a merciful, loving God we serve. Reading through His word with the focus on Him and not me. Thankful this morning for this time in scripture and prayer.
I’m a bit anxious today but not as worried as I might have been thanks to Jesus. A guy from abroad pulled a #ItsNotYouItsMe on me last year… we had 3 months of getting to know each other, getting attached and he changed his mind and told me. now he is suddenly in my country and I was invited to a dinner tonight he may or may not be attending with our NY friends…I am going. but I am thankful and grateful for anything, whatever may be according to His will. I’m in a much better place now thanks to the healing love of Jesus. Like today’s devotion says it’s His Story not mine.
Praying for you this morning.
Thank you Jamie, he was not at the dinner it was just the girls from his co-ed group whom I care about coz they’re good friends too, they never brought him up so I am thankful. In a way I was kinda sad because I was hoping he might be there for closure but I guess God knows what’s best… I am laying the relationship to rest as one that has duly passed away.
Just came back to this post and saw your response. Praying for peace for you. God has a perfect plan for you!
How wonderful and relieving it is to know that this life is about HIM, and bringing glory to HIM in all that we do! It’s so odd that this never hit me before, and I feel selfish for not feeling this way before now. But having read this devo and all you wonderful women who commented, I have realized that it isn’t about what I can do for myself or others in this life but what I can do to bring HIM glory through HIS will in my life. All glory to GOD!
I have grown up in the church my whole life and have heard the Bible throughout it , but churches don’t normally teach to read according to His story and not our, but the Bible does! ;) I have had troubles studying and reading the word my whole life. It was either boring, not understandable, or awesome but for a short while. Because I was applying it to my life first! But the Bible is about The Lord. It is about God and His redemptive story. God I pray that you will humble my heart completely and that you would have mercy on me and that the Holy Spirit would teach me about the Word in your way. Thank you Lord! And thank you for this app! Love you Lord! Amen!
A great reminder, I have fallen out of God’s word here lately but I feel God’s presence and I’m ready to dive back in
I feel the same way! It’s amazing how loudly God speaks to our hearts sometimes!
” You do not have to be the star. ”
What an awesome reminder! I don’t have to worry about my performance. I just have to reflect the glory of the one true star, the Son!
That star mentality really spoke to me as well! We reflect Jesus! What relief
I’m so glad I connected this ministry. I pray it helps prepare me for what God has in store for me!
Sister, I’m in need of some prayer! God is doing something amazing with my life here soon! I’m working on going to Belize at the end of this year but it is a significant amount of money!
Praying for you, Alexa!
I love how it says we need His word to “thrive”, not just to live. Thats my prayer that I am so desperate for His word each day, not reading it to make myself feel like a better christian.
COMPLETELY agree with you on this, Jami.
YES. This is exactly how I feel!
I am not listening as I should, but I am working to change that now.
I have been blessed by His word, protected from harm in soooo many ways through his grace & my submission.
I am again blessed here today to further His direction for my life. I have asked, praying to understand more, digging deeper in the bible. To put in memory all God wants me learn with Him & those he puts in my path, as I embark on my journey He has laid out for me in His Story. He reminds me to tell my story (His story) with me along the way through ALL my ups & downs.
I marvel how God speaks to us in his word. He will even wake us up @ 3am (I get this often-early morning divine appointments) showing us His wisdom when we have been guilty of skimming His messages in our busy lives. He answers us with His loving grace – all he wants is for us to yearn, a loving for His word, a love for an intimate relationship with Him, daily.
I’m here yearning for His word, hearing Him loud and clear to dig deeper – to continue my intimate relationship daily. His message is calming to my soul.
She Speaks “app” is a blessing to not only write notes but to share with others our walk in His grace.
❤️️
He speaks to every single one of us through his word. Isn’t that special? and so encouraging! How many books do you know especially written for YOU? A refreshing cup of water. If we drink daily our souls will be revived while doused in love and direction will be poured out for our journey on this earth. <3
Ready to learn all about Jesus and his story! Just downloaded this app and it’s truly God sent! Any tips on reading and studying is greatly appreciated!
Beautifully written! So thankful for this
Pretty new to learning His word. I am so eager & so thirsty. How relieving to be reminded that it is His story. Ready to really learn & let God work through me. I pray that I am able to just open my heart and ears and really listen to Him.
Lord I pray to be awakened in this day. I lived my life so long thinking I had to “perform”. I am looking to learn the truth of God and His favor and grace that He so feely gives. God bless each on this journey to live in the Holiest place.
I love that this devotion has a section to write our thoughts and view others. It is one thing to read and think about what we have read but it is another to write out and view others thoughts as well. I need to refocus mentality to realize why I am reading Gods word. Not to check it off my list but to hear from God and see what He can do with our truly open hearts
Working in ministry, especially youth ministry, I find it so easy to work out of my own strength. And as I write that,
I see how silly it seems for me to even believe that that strength actually came from be to begin with. But this devotion continues my conviction of setting my mind on things above, refocusing on the goal or the reason why I’m in ministry. It’s because God’s story is amazing and it’s even more amazing when we choose to be a part of it. And that’s a daily choice we all have to make. Will I allow myself to be be a part of God’s story today by being sensitive to the Spirit and not getting lost in my own agenda but allowing God to direct my day? It’s a daily choice to live for him and every day, numerous times throughout my day I need to refocus and make that choice.
Praying for you, Allie. It was hard for me at first in college as well, but no doubt there are people on campus you can connect with that are His people, like Dawn said. Look and see if your campus has an InterVarsity or Campus Crusade group.
Having grown up in the church surrounded by many good Christian people, I am having a hard time in college where sin is so abundant among out society’s young people. It is a lonely feeling. Praying that I have the strength to carry on in my faith
Hang in there Allie. Be steadfast. Find a group of believers at your college. It may be hard, but persevere. They are there. You will find rest and comfort in the company of His people! Praying that you quickly find others you can lean on.
Alli I am praying for you !!!
Praying for you, Alli! I’ve been there and I know firsthand how hard it is. Look into local churches and college age ministries in your new city, as well as your college campus ministries. Finding a place to get plugged in is key! But most importantly, lean on the Lord and see what He wants to teach you through these new experiences.
I was watching Grey’s Anatomy, & once again heard God’s plea to close the site on all things secular & seek Him. I finally did today, & reading today’s message is complete confirmation that I finally did the right thing. Excited for tomorrow.
Growing up in a Christian home, this has been one of the biggest issue for me. I recently have been coming to God feeling like I have to when instead I should be seeing this as an opportunity to dwell within God’s Word. Great Devotion for today, thanks!
28 My soul weeps because of grief;
Strengthen me according to Your word.
Love this❤️ I need strength from God…so thankful He gives it!
I really enjoyed the passage of psalms 119 that was shared because for me this is everything that I would pray for when I strip away my wants & needs for my material life.
1 “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters;
And you who have no money come, buy and eat.
Come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without cost.
2 “Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And delight yourself in abundance.
Amazing, beautiful grace and love!
Thank you Father, for your redemption is without cost and without equal. Unlike the world, which takes, demeans, beats and leave us in shame.
Not You!
We have clean and pure clothes, protection and great worth. Children of the living God! You’re so lovely!
Thank you for saving me, I will praise you now and eternally!
Realizing my NEED for scripture today. I will no longer view it as an “academic exercise to conquer” but instead view it as the living, breathing, active words of my Savior meant to renew me each day!
Love that, Molly! Praying for you as you read His Word today!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
My prayer as well!
Psalms 119:32, “I will run in the way of your commands because you have broadened my understanding”. My prayer is that God would begin to broaden my understanding of who He is and the role I play in His story. I want to run, not walk in the way of his commands.
Same, everything you said I agree and feel the same way
Beautiful said…my prayer also.
Isaiah 55:7b- “..he will abundantly pardon.” What an amazing reality.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
It is such a relief that I am not the star! But that He is!
Lord, please take control of my life! Forgive me for the times I try to do things on my own. I give you my heart, I give you my soul, I see who you are, I give you control!! Renew my strength Jesus! In Your name I pray, amen!
Sometimes I know that I cry out to God because I want something, not because I actually need it. It’s so nice to know that David is no better than I. We all make mistakes that have terrible consequences. God is here for me and for you.
Was I the only one so deeply impacted by the fact that the scripture echoed my own heart-cry? It is so refreshing to know that David, who was called a man after God’s own heart, penned words that I myself have agonized and thought over many, many times. What a gift to know that scripture is still relevant and that I am no worse than one of God’s most-known children.
Sometimes I feel like a terrible person because I am often wanting (needing) to be in control of situations and know where my life is heading. It brings me comfort to have knowledge that God has a plan laid for me…but sometimes I have difficulty believing! Why would He put me through the trials I am currently suffering through? When will He lead me out of them? Why am I here in the first place? Haven’t I been a good and true person? Do I deserve to suffer? I struggle with my faith because of questions like this.
Britini, I have the same struggles. After going through the single most excruciating experience in my life, I really struggle to find meaning in it all… Why was it necessary… Couldn’t God have stopped it? I’m trying to find rest in God and hope to soon feel pesce
It’s easier to breathe when I remind myself of this.
I struggle everyday to make sure I’m not trying to control my story, i need to begin reminding myself that it is His story and he hold the reigns. This really hit home today and I know I will come to it constantly to help with reminding myself of this.
God is so wonderful! Freedom reigns!
Did anyone else exhale as deeply as I did once you realized the freedom we have been given?! It has taken me so long to realize just how little control I have over situations in life. Even though I still struggle to “make things work” at times, my trust in God strengthens daily, and I am constantly reminded that I don’t have to struggle because Jesus has gone ahead of me and worked it out.
Same here, Nikki! I know that it will be a struggle because the world wants us to be caught up in ourselves, but God wants us to trust in him and his ways.
I definitely need to remind myself that it’s NOT about me, it’s about Him.
Me tooLeighton., amen.
I was on an emotional roller coaster about a month ago. And I finally came to a point where I just had to say, okay God. It’s obvious that the plans I made are not what you want. So I handed my future over to Him. So he can make my plans. And I just ask him everyday to give me the ears to listen to Him. And a heart to obey.
Allie, I’m in the same boat. I pray for you. Giving over to God isn’t easy in every moment (especially when we think our plans will satisfy us). I pray the moments of clarity are greater and more often than the moments of confusion and loss of focus. I don’t know your situation, but I know that all situations are the same in that we were once following after our desires and then God comes along and helps us to desire Him more. I pray that desires deepens each day for you. I pray you are satisfied in Him.
Thanks Allie. I feel like I’m on that roller coaster daily. I admire your strength and ability to hand it all over to God, I struggle with that a lot.
I love these devotions! They’re so inspiring!
Praying to be humbled more and more. My ego and pride hate being told it’s not about me. Lord forgive me!
It is important for me to remember these things. As my plans don’t work out and my desires seem crushed I must remember that a higher purpose is playing out.
Amen! God’s ways are higher than ours!
Constantly having to remember the same thing.
“You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail”. (Proverbs 19:21 NLT)
I have to remember this ! I get soo discouraged/disappointed when things, events, people in my life don’t go as plan … I have to remember there’s a reason for all and I may not see it but I have to know that GoD has a bigger plan
As I continue this Christian journey, I’m understanding my freedom. My freedom to be just who I am naked as He sees me! Flaws, imperfections insecurities and All!! I’m learning that My God IS! Simply every possible thing you can imagine Him to be when needed as well as wanted!! I learning that HE KNOWS!! All of my past, my present and my future!!! Most importantly learning That My God LOVES!! Everything about me, you and all others before and after us!! He’s like the Knight that rescued the damsel in all the fairytales! I just want to continue to learn more and more about Him, so our relationship can’t be stronger and stronger!!!
As a new believer, I found this message life changing. I often feel discouraged from reading the bible, one, for having ADD (reading is always a challenge for me), but more often two, not feeling like the passage is speaking to me, or being able to apply it to my life. But you are right, it is not about me, it is about Him! If I read the Bible with the attitude of, Jesus, what can I learn about You today, then it makes it so much more easier to read, so much more engaging, so much more alive.
I can totally relate to you. When I make it about me, I’m crushed with disappointment and despair
when the Word doesn’t move me the way that I want it to. My selfish mindset has been such a deterrent to studying the Word. Praise God that it’s NOT about me!!
You know reading some of these comments has been just as helpful as the devotional itself for me. Especially this one. “What can I learn about you today…” That will be my prayer and mindset before each devotional.
I am really thankful for these devotionals. I have struggled with massive depression for 15 years and have always struggled with reading the word. I feel like in the past two years God has put me on a path and helped me with my depression and now I can finally process Gods word clearly, but just trying to dive in still feels very overwhelming at times. Anyway, I am really grateful for She Reads Truth to help put some structure around my devotional life as I really get back into God’s word.
Thank you for joining us, friend! We are so grateful to have you in our community. Thankful for God\’s visible hand of redemption in your life and praying He equips you with everything you need to dive deeper into His word!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
I struggle from depression as well. I wish you the best in your fight. It’s a struggle some days for me.
Hi Jess. I’m in the same boat you are. Well, perhaps where you were… I’ve been battling severe depression for a few years and it sure does weigh on you. I fully believe Christ himself was tormented with depression and understands fully our pain. It is hard for me to be joyful, but I have learned that suffering alongside Christ is just as life changing.
I got married 2 and a half months ago. I believed my husband to be a man of God. I had faith in the vows he made. In such a short period of time he has already decided to file for divorce. I do not believe in divorce! I didn’t even see this coming! My heart is so heavy and broken and I have been fighting so hard for my marriage. I have prayer and gone to marriage counseling alone bc he refuses to go with me. My husband will not change his mind. I have done what the bible calls me to do as a dutiful wife. I know God will heal me and I know He has bigger plans for me than what I had for myself…I just ask anyone that reads this to pray for peace in my heart. It is hard not to be bitter and hate him. I ask that if you are reading this you will pray for my hurting husband whom I still love and believe in. Pray for our marriage that he does not go through with this divorce. Pray for our hearts either way. I pray this devotional will aid in bringing the peace I need to heal and go on with life.
I will be praying for you sister
I will definitely be praying for you…
Praying for you, Laken. God loves you, He is with you, He will not abandon or forsake you. xo, Amanda
Girl I am praying! I also write to you as someone who contemplated leaving their spouse but whom God completely changed. Our marriage is restored and our relationship is better than I could have imagined. It’s all Jesus. I pray that Christ miraculously changed your spouse or completely heals your heart. The Lord knows what is best.
Praying for you!
Being a performer, not being the lead or not helping direct is a difficult concept & not at all freeing but challenging. It’s hard to combat pride when you’re one who naturally loves to be on stage, but asking God to humble me & show me my part in His story is an exciting way to remember that it’s not about me!
I’m so thankful for and excited about these devotionals!
I have been working on digging more and more into The Word and I’m so happy that I have found this bible study, it will give me something to look forward to and will keep me accountable :)
God does speak to us through his word, but how can he when our Bibles turn into home decor? I’m looking forward to God revealing himself like he has never done before!
I’m struggling with what Jesus means in Matthew 5: 18 ‘For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.’ What is supposed to be accomplished? Is it for every soul created to have found salvation and peace with God? This is the first devotional I’ve done that I felt like I learned something when I opened my bible! I’m so excited to continue this journey!
I think and I could be wrong but what I think when Jesus says “until all is accomplished” he is talking about when he comes back again. When the veil is lifted up and the world is perfect and as it should be again. I may be wrong but that’s what I think of
Thank you for reminding me that it is HIS story. Knowing that is a game changer. All for the better. All for His glory.
This is His story! Not ours- what a great eye opening message. I think it gives a lot of perspective on why we cannot change it… Or only take pieces… Because it’s His story! The story of a creator who loves his people.. Amen!!
This was a blessing to me today!
H
I’ve stumbled through vast obstacles, failed beyond belief, yet you bring me back to this life you have set before me. The story has been altered because of my own selfish desires and carnal cravings, yet somehow you placed me under your wing and settled me on the highest peak. When I feel weak, I will place my complete trust in you and hold fast to the path that will lead to the sweetest ending. Can’t wait…
“You do not have to be the star. You are free from performing a flawless act, free from outlining the perfect plot, free from orchestrating impressive, camera-worthy moments. That’s all God’s job. This is His Story.”
What a freeing statement. Oh, how that brings me peace!
What a freeing truth that our little bubble of life is NOT the center of The Story. I fail, struggle, and wrestle with sin on a minute-to-minute basis. This reminder weighs heavy on my heart today. It’s humbling, restorative, and the breath of fresh grace I needed.
I agree with all of these ladies. Live. Live fully for Jesus. That it will be all about Him. Not spotlight on us. Just all on Him. He is beautiful.
I don’t want to live to survive anymore, instead I want to live a life that thrives for and with Jesus!!!
Beyond grateful for this devotional. No more window shopping…ready to let go of my story and start living the story He has written for me!
I love this, it’s kind of been on my mind how we can be in total abandon with this because it isn’t about me, it’s about him. Not having to worry about that makes it so much easier and frankly it’s freeing.
I was reading our study this morning and a couple things stuck out to me. 1. The verse, “oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!” Psalm 119:5. I feel that has been my heart cry recently. 2. The part where it says that the Bible is Gods story, it’s not all about me! That brings me relief, it doesn’t have to be how awesome my life looks or how well I am doing. It’s about bringing God glory and falling in love with the ultimate love story, The Bible.
3. No more window shopping for me, I’m going in the store!! :)
Thank you for these words. It’s amazing that I find someone with the same thoughts as myself. I’ve always had questions about when I didn’t see the bible in my daily life if I was doing something wrong or missing a part of my faith. It’s not my story. It’s GOD’S story. To God be the glory of my ways.
I honestly don’t think I have ever thought of the scriptures like that. God is good and it’s so easy to take his word and make it about us when we feel like we need his love to be right in front of us
This has reminded me of the joy that God provides. We can’t make it or find it by ourselves- it is freely given to us from Him, and nothing else can give us this joy besides Christ! Praise God! Blessings to all.
I had a good friend remind me that Jesus should be our normal, not just in these made-up perfected moments or the hill-top moments. I think this speaks to this. It isn’t about our lives, or the ways we want them to unfold; we aren’t event the true centers of our stories. What a great way to love and live in Him, by believing our stories are fully consumed by Him…not just as a character that comes in and out.
It’s very true what your friend said, I think that is one of my worst habits.
What a nice breath of fresh air to remember that it is not about us!
I couldn’t agree more! That weight is lifted.
So many verses to hold close to our hearts in the scripture today!
Thank you God for your patience and diligence in getting your word to us. Your grace and mercy always abounding
Love this!!
What a beautiful reminder. He is flawless, He is perfect, and I have nothing to do with it! He can do it without me! But He chooses me, He redeems me, and without Him, I can do nothing.
He is so great! To be more than perfect and choose to redeem us.
I love this so much! I have recently been reading a lot about redemption and stories of redemption. I’ve been praying for a redeeming story, but this reminded me that I already have one and am already redeemed!
Oh, the freedom from flawless living that comes with remembering that I am not the star. Our mistakes, our bad days, our moments if failure will never put astray the plans and The Story. It was written before time began and although we’re written in, we cannot cause it to crumble. Amen, Lord, the freedom.
I\’m so thankful for the freedom He gives us, Samantha! Thank you for this sweet reminder. We love having you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Too often my story IS about me. I don’t have time to read the Word (emphasis on the “I”), I don’t feel important in this moment when someone else is being used by God (again, emphasis on the “I”). It’s so refreshing to be released from my bad moods and insecurities by the truth that His Story is not about me, so mine doesn’t have to be either. I’m praying to know his Word, to see His commandments, and to follow His ways.
Praying with you, Rivers! Asking that you would be so captivated by His story and thankful you are committed to being a part of it!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
It’s not about us, wow that is freeing. Praying that god would increase my desire to be in his word and in prayer. To be in constant communication with Him. To believe what the Story says, and be obedient to Jesus. Thank you for this app, I am excited to dig in and better understand the gospel!
Yes… Thank you, Father. This is good :)
To sit at His feet this morning amidst the rush of my day with four kids, to just be in His presence and remember that Mary was the one who chose better not Martha. Thank you for this app. Thank you so much
This devotional was powerful to me! My thoughts were processing faster than I could put pen to paper. It was a good reminder that I need to center my life around His word and not just spend my time with Him when I feel it is convenient to me.
This was kind of an eye opener to not be selfish. Not say well what about me me me. It’s nice to dig deep on scripture to fully understand Jesus’s story!
I love that you\’re digging deeper into scripture, Danielle! We love having you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
So very true! It is far too tempting to become like Martha when really we ought to choose with Mary to sit at the feet of Jesus and revel in HIS story!
It is, Kate! So thankful for grace, mercy and the privilege of sitting at His feet! Love to you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
How relieving to know that we do not need to orchestrate picture perfect moments, but can leave it up to Him. I’ve been reading a lot of blogs lately, and it can be discouraging to see women constantly posting pics that make them look like they have perfect lives. I know that isn’t true, but it is such a temptation to compare! So thankful to be reminded that it is all about Him and not us. We are not to seek glory for ourselves in having the perfect home, perfect outfits, perfect online presence, …perfect you name it. We are not the stars, but He is. And as long as we are trying to be the stars, people are just seeing US when they really need to see HIM. Oh God, we ask and pray for more of you and less of us. We pray that you would increase and that we would decrease!
Just got this app and I’m already in love with it! I can’t wait to see where this journey with God will take me :)
Incredibly blessed to come across this
We love having you, Emalee! Thanks for joining us!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
I pray that we (myself included) remember that God is he focus, and that we realize how freeing it is when we place all our focus and trust in Him
Praying with you, Alyssa! Love that.
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Amazing truths ladies. I am so guilty of forgetting that this here, my life is not actually my story but in fact it is a role I am playing in God’s story. I keep trying you see to rewrite the script and as long as I keep trying to rewrite His story things are just not going to turn out the way they are meant to….in His perfect story.
I really feel so convicted by the fact that even though I read by bible as often as I can I still find it so so hard to apply God’s word into my everyday… I pray to be lead by the Holy Spirit but fail miserably. I just want my ears open to Him wider, my heart to be more responsive, my eyes to be widen open to His plans…..I just want to live in accordance to his word…
Feeling inspired to learn about Him!
I feel I really need this after some years of not reading the Bible regularly. I know God is working in my life but I need to somehow reconnect and surrender so that I can be changed. It’s sometimes too easy to ignore my own faults and sins, but here’s to starting a new journey. Thanks for the app.
It’s so encouraging to read everyone’s comments and feel so comfortable knowing there are others along side me in this devotion! I am currently struggling with filtering my everyday experiences through Christ’s filter and not my filter. I want to have His thoughts, His reactions, His best for every scenario. I have trouble pausing to listen for that instead of just reacting. Prayers for that.
Mmmm, yeah filtered through Christ! So good. I pray that for you, sister!
I had a day. The kind of day that I got angry at God because nothing ever seems to be easy, or go MY way…of course I know in my heart His way is best…but I was still angry with Him. Then I read this devotional- “Far as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways…” YES GOD! I am listening :)
“may our souls dance with abandon in the pages of this beautiful Story we did not write.” Oh man, I want this so much. I know He is good. I feel very disconnected from Him lately though. I think since I was pregnant and my son is five months now. I want so badly for my reading the word to be a joyful task but it sometimes feels so draining on my soul and then I avoid it. I avoid Him! Please pray for Him to help me uncover what is holding me back and what makes it so hard to read His Word in this season.
Praying for you sister! Praying He sweeps you off of your feet! I find it hard for me as a mom to find that time for His Word and not feel like I need to be doing the million other tasks I have. Praying for you to feel fulfilled and that together we can all encourage each other to keep going!
I know what you mean. My boy is 4.5 months and I’m barely finding time to read the word, workout, eat a healthy meal- all to build myself to serve my family. This app is great!
The story does not have to be about you. Wow, those words hit me…what a great reminder!
Thanks for joining us, Karen! We love having you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
It is beautifully freeing to be reminded of this
Ready to listen for sure! God has blessed my family through heartache and loss, and I want to know Him better. Not to understand, but to draw closer to Him. Today’s reading did that! Thank you!
This was a great reminder to me that The Lord is telling His story as we know it and we are living in it. And it’s our job to fulfill His promises that He has for us in His story. But we do need to realize it’s not about us at all, it’s all about God. Wonderful food for thought today
For two days in a row, God has reminded me that His thoughts and ways are not ours. Today He used this study to remind me. He’s teaching me something for sure.
This was water to my soul.
So happy to hear that God is encouraging you today, Heidi! Thanks for joining us!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
So ready to dive right in!
I’m longing to get closer to His word, super excited!
Thank you for joining us! Excited to dive in with you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
After growing up secular I’m finally trying to seek. This seemed like a good place to start. I want my kids to grow up with faith. It seems so hard to find it as an adult if you never had it as a child. I know that for me to be able to guide them later I need guidance myself now.
Mae’s Mom- praise God that you are seeking! God is pursuing you and wants nothing more than to be reunited with his beloved daughter. Don’t worry about faith being hard to find, God tells us that when we seek him, he will be found. It’s amazing that you are able to acknowledge your need for God and know that he is faithful to these sacrifices of time and self. Praying for you!!
Thank you Christi. I feel very unsure and overwhelmed. Even afraid – although I’m not sure of what. I know I need to do this though.
So blessed to have found this community. I am longing for a deeper relationship with God & his word. To not just call on him in times of need but rejoice in his word and promises daily for he is always faithful.
Hi, Abby! So happy to have you here! Praying that God would meet you here each day!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
I’m thirsty for it
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. Isaiah 40:8 KJV A Wonderful Verse-:D!!
Yes! I am so convicted about window shopping with God’s word when it’s convenient or when I finally think I need it instead of taking it in daily. I’m excited to continue this devotional and dig in further!
Love this! Just graduated from college and moved away from home for my first real job!! Leaning on The Lord big time during this transition. I can not wait until tomorrow for Day 3!
I’m so excited to start this journey of reading and understanding the bible on a whole new level. I’m being re-baptized on Sunday, because Jesus has been tugging on my heart for a while to do so! Between baptism and this reading experience, I cannot wait to start!
Meggie, praising God for everything He\’s doing in your life! We are so happy you\’re with us and love having you in our community!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Love this!
Thanks for joining us today, Kara! Love to you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
I’m a college student who has been astray from The Lord for quite some time. Although I went to church often, & have always been a believer, I’ve never really sat & thought about the greatness He has done & is still doing. I feel now as if I simply just went through the motions of being a Christian. Lately I’ve wanted to begin studying The Word but never knew where to start. This has been a tremendous help & I already feel closer to God. To know there are women out there learning about the Story just as I am is such a comforting feeling. She Reads Truth has been at my fingertips for only 2 days & it’s made such a huge impact already.
Hi, Rylie!! We are so glad you\’re here! College is such an incredible time-my faith grew SO much during that season! I pray that your desire to study The Word continues! Thanks for joining us!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Jesus is my hero!
yes!
I grew up in the church. It was where I always felt that I belonged. Somewhere along the line, I built a wall from all of the the little everyday struggles and worries that inevitably happen. For the last five years, I’ve been running away from God. Never once in those five years did God turn his back on me. His grace is never ending and my needs were always met. I stumbled on she reads truth about a month ago, and since then have been spending more and more time in the word and with God. Once again, I believe that it was just God meeting my needs.
This particular study really wedged it’s way into my heart. I am FREE from performing a flawless act. That’s not what a relationship with my father is supposed to be.
As I sit in this coffee shop, soaking up that wonderful bit of living, breathing truth- I can’t be thankful enough for this community. For women who are brave enough to follow God’s plan, sharing their thoughts and love for Jesus. It makes me feel brave, and loved, and ready to take on life.
Hi, Meg! Thank you for sharing such beautiful thoughts today! I am SO thankful for everything God is teaching you and the incredible ways He is moving in your life! You are incredibly brave, more loved than you\’ll ever know, and more than ready to take on life! Love to you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
I want to dance with abandon in his Word! So grateful for a beautiful app which is helping me meet with him each day!
Amen, Heather! Thanks for joining us today! Love to you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
I’m so thankful for this Word and app today. Sometimes when life is good and busy, becoming disconnected from the Word is easy for me and getting plugged back in is hard… But this is what my heart needed today and I can’t wait to read tomorrow!
Amen, Amanda! We love having you here!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
This is a great reminder of who to focus on in life. This is such a me centered world were we are constantly led to put on a show. Thank you for this.
Julia. sorry to hear about your life being turned around. however, your faith in him is beautiful and he hears you and loves you! it’s hard to have an explanation in life when you don’t know what god is doing, but he has a reason and all you can know is that he is here to do life with you!
My life has been turned upside down in the past gew months, but today has been turned aroumd , i have come to understand tjat thru His love I (we) are here to spread his llove by loving everyone no matter their circumstances so that God can plant the seed of understanding and need for Him in their hearts so that they can come to Christ and enjoy ever lasting life.
Julia. sorry to hear about your life being turned around. however, your faith in him is beautiful and he hears you and loves you! it’s hard to have an explanation in life when you don’t know what god is doing, but he has a reason and all you can know is that he is here to do life with you!
I feel that God is knocking on the door of my heart and I need strength and prayers to open my heart back up to him.
Great second day with this app for me. Thanks for the great reminders!
Thank you for the reminder that it’s not about me but about Him, the glorious creator of heaven and earth and everything in between! I pray that I may decrease so He may increase. So excited to learn more about His story and who He is.
Thanks ladies for this app xx
Amen, Harriet! So glad you\’re joining us on the app-we love having you here!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
This is my first plan, I love it! Thank you. What a fantastic app.
Today’s reading was such a good reminder of how we’re here to live and be a part of God’s story not the other way around. God today as I walk with you please guide me in how to fulfill my part and path you have for me to play in your story.
Amen, CarterRhae! Thanks for joining us today!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
So true Emily.
“To truly know him…”
WOW. As we study this living, active, God breathed, inspired and inerrant Word of God, I pray I can step back from my prideful self and get to know The Lord as He truly is in His Word.
Psalm 119:18: “open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”
Lord help me to no longer window shop but become a platinum level customer in your beautiful Word.
Beautiful, Lizzie! Thanks for joining us today-we love having you here!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
“Will we enter in, or will we window shop as it is convenient for us?”
Killer, killer challenge right here for every single one of us from SRT. Like an arrow aimed straight at the center of my ever-wandering heart. I pray that all of us will enter in to this study, really enter in.
It’s totally God that I just found this app – I have been desiring so much to dig deep into the word every day, but it’s so hard for me without a plan or anything visual. I’m an artist and a very visual person, and just going through the first study has been so exciting for me. I’ve been “trying” to much with reading the Bible and getting frustrated that I didn’t long for it every day. So excited to see what happens through these studies! Thanks, SRT!
Today after my daily devotion, for the first time, I rested in The Lord. For the first time during prayer, I just thanked Him for ALL He has done, is doing, and will do for me. I thanked Him for that moment as I embraced His presence. “If I could have this moment for the rest of my life…” I said to God, “…I would be forever grateful”. And the Holy Spirit said to me, “As long as you remain in me, and my word remain in you, you shall have this moment for eternity.” I felt God wrapped His arms all around me, and for the first time, I realized it is not about me, but all about Him. My only job is to acknowledge this fact and appreciate Him for who He is. How can a man love me so much when I am not partially worthy of it, I will never know. I am so grateful to finally be taking the steps to devote more time with Him and in His word. I thank God for this program that the Holy Spirit led someone to introduce to me. I feel God’s love, and for that, I will love Him back by learning His word, staying in His word, and living His word. I am truly blessed. We all are.
Sweet sister, this is beautiful. Praising The Lord for the incredible things He is showing you, and so thankful you shared them with us!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
It’s so great to know that God has a plan for us. I struggle with worry so knowing that he takes it all is wonderful. It is not about us.
Ann, I think this is the most encouraging thought for worry! Thinking about the big picture and Who is in charge of it is so comforting to me!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Absolutely. I am a worry wart as well. But, knowing that I’m covered by his grace is the only thing that gives me sanity.
Wow! Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the everyday and think that it IS about US and not God! But all of the focus truly is on HIM! That’s so freeing. All we have to do is listen to God’s voice and let Him lead us.
Isaiah 55:1-9
1 “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
2 Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and you will delight in the richest of fare.
3 Give ear and come to me;
listen, that you may live.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
my faithful love promised to David.
His love satisfies every desire. He is AMAZING.
Reading the passages I continue to discover that I no longer need to stress about the day-to-day things. I am trying to let go of control and just give everything to God. He’s taken care me me thus far, why doubt Him now?
“Do you hear the freedom in that today? The story does not have to be about you. You are free from performing a flawless act…” This is what I’m thinking on today. Freedom.
What a beautiful thing to think about, Chanie! We love having you here!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
How helpful this sisterhood is in helping me understand the Word. I find that as much as I gain from the text and the SRT guidance, I equally learn as much from the discussion held in the comments. Thank you so much for all of your commitments and desire to contribute to a community that is proving invaluable to me!
Hi, Lisa! Thank you so much for joining us-we love having you here!!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
I love that this reminds me that through Him all things are possible. I woke up early this morning in a panic wondering how we will be able to continue paying for my son to go to the Christian school he is currently enrolled in, how I will be able to continue to stay home with our 1yr old daughter until she is able to go to school with him next year, and how I will be able to help earn enough money through my new Mary Kay business to be able to do all that and help lift some of the financial burden my husband has willingly taken on while I’ve been a SAHM these last few years. I’m fully trusting God that he will allow me to not only keep my son in this school, but will give us the financial freedom to continue to keep me home another year and then to be able to afford to send our daughter to school there as well. I trust in you God.
Hi, Rubi! Thank you for sharing your heart with us today. Praying for you as you trust Him to lead you! Anticipating great things. We love having you here!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
I so want to breathe in this truth—-through HIM all things are possible, its not all supposed to be me doing life in my own strength. I’m so weak on my own. I fail again and again cuz I’m busy trying to make those picture perfect moments—but I don’t have too!!!! It’s Gods story working through me. Jesus help me break out if this dark hole of anxiety and depression, anger and resentment and enter in to YOUR story.
Wow. The weight of those words, ‘The Bible is The story. God’s story. It is not about us. It is about him.’ hit me like a load of bricks. I am a young teen and also young in my walk with The Lord, so hearing that when The Word speaks of being ‘blameless’ and ‘flawless’ it is not talking about us. It is talking about Him. I confess that when I heard that a weight lifted off my shoulders. Before, reading scriptures sometimes felt like a guilt trip. Now I can genuinely look forward to it. Very excited to continue this study!
Jesus took on the sins of this world. He died as you and me, so that we may not have to be placed on that cross like He was. Our role as children of God is to recognize how hopeless we are, how much of sinners we are and that we can not do it alone. No amount of works, things we can try to do, will get us into Heaven. Only Jesus Christ, he is our way to Heaven! I am really enjoying this plan and app so far! It is very well put together and I will be sharing it with all of my friends so that they too might be able to be apart of this wonderful group!
Oh wow this is my prayer! I want to awaken to this beautiful story and become fully alive to my role in it! I want more of You, Jesus.
27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
I have been walking with The Lord fully for 6 months now. See how I said “fully.” I’ve always had the seed planted, always speaking to him since I was a little girl, however never fully abstained to the man made world and accepted his commandments completely. As a young person, constantly pressured each day by man made thoughts and temptations, I try to pray daily and know that God is with me. I pray the Holy Spirit helps guide me when I stumble and I grow closer an closer to God each day. I love this app and the name, “she reads truth.” Because whenever I worry or question something I know I can read my bible sand it will show me the way….
Blessings everyone and keep me in your prayers please xx
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.
For me this is huge. I’ve gone through too long of neglecting God’s word and neglecting him and I can see my walk suffer. No more:
Tash, I am exactly there! I have been going to long living “half Christian” an not allowing myself to receive his blessings. It’s my choice to live in his world or mine. I need to let go. Even abstaining from sex, I finally did and now waiting until marriage. It’s hard for me sometimes when friends or people around me do not believe. They are not apart of his vision and I pray for them to be filled by his love! Get his blessings girl :)
“6 Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.” Isaiah 55:6.
This really struck me. Don’t just pursue God in the desert or in hard times. Pursue Him all the time. Reach for Him, dig deeper in his word. He the true love and the desire of our hearts. And the more we know God, the more we glorify Him, and the more wonderful this life becomes. He longs to give us freedom, let Him!
I pray that I make Gods word part of my daily life . just like when I’m hungry I make it a necessity to eat , I want to make Gods word a necessity in my life .
Sisters,
I want to enter in.
I want to see Jesus.
I want my soul to dance with abandon.
Encouraged to seek this kind of relationship with my Saviour and Lord.
Blessings.
“Are we engaging with God’s Word in our daily lives?”
This is something I pray about daily. To be able to put God first, to be able to think “Is what I’m doing pleasing to God? Am I engaging his words in my daily life?” Sisters, we all have busy lives. How are you able to engage God in your daily lives?
This app!! :) I know I constantly ask myself or try, is what I’m doing pleasing him?
10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Help me to be more like you Jesus, and less like me. I am hungry for your word. Praying for my sisters in Christ today.
Amen, Katie! Praying for you today! So glad you\’re here today!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Like many, I’m new to this app. Unlike most, I’m a teenager. I believe there is no such thing as coincidences. I don’t believe I “stumbled” upon this app. Something in my heart made me search for this app.
I’ve been struggling a lot lately on trying to remain on the path of purity and righteousness. I admit it’s hard, especially for a teenager of the 21 Century when social media is glorifying negative behavior such as drugs, premarital sex and etc. Therefore, when I was praying and asking God to give me an answer to my question, which was “How do I stay on the right path and remain pure?.” Like I said before, there is no such thing as coincidences, I found the answer of my question on 119: 9-10 “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” It’s amazing how in a book written centuries ago, it still has the power to answer questions for different cultures. Because I’m sure social media wasn’t a problem during that time haha. Anyway, line 10 was the answer to my problem and I thank God for allowing me to “stumble” upon this. Hopefully I’ll continue to grow spiritually on the following days to come.
Praying for you this morning, Sherley. May you know even more deeply the riches of His love and be strengthened according to His word. I know the Lord will continue to minister to you. God bless you, sister!
Thank you, it means a lot to me. God bless you as well!! (:
praying for you, too. what an amazing heart for The Lord you have.
Thank you Lauren, you have an amazing heart as well. God bless you too! (:
What a blessing it is for you as a teenager to have gained that perspective Sherley! I think back to destructive decisions I made as a teenager due to arrogance and ignorance, and I am thankful for the way The Lord intervened. Count it as a blessing and a calling that he is speaking to you in this way! I am encouraged by your words, and praying for your continued growth!
Thank you Kelsey! I truly appreciate those nice words. I hope you have a nice day and God bless you! (:
Praying! I too am a teenager and I get that it’s hard. The pressures of this world can be difficult to look past. But you’re right! God’s word DOES apply to us today and He rejoices to see your heart for Him. Keep seeking His council and He will keep you strong :)
Ya girlfriend I’m 27 and struggle with all of this too! I’m trying to wait for marriage and it’s very difficult in my season of life looking for my soul mate. You are not alone! I keep praying about it and seeking his word. This app is amazing and it’s cool to see women of all ages come together with some of the same temptations and struggles!
I’m new to this community and to the bible also. Reading this made me feel relieved that I don’t have to be perfect and that it’s not too late to hear his story. I’m excited to learn more each day.
Just joined this community and excited to dive into the reading plans. After tonight’s reading, the verse that stuck out to me most was Psalm 199:9- “How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.” It’s so simple. It’s right there. His word is story and He’s given us his story, what a gift. I’m fairly young (just turned 24) and sometimes I feel SO lost and like a failure. But then it comes back to this verse. I have the Word of God accessible to me all day, every day. It’s the answer. And this is such a great step toward continuing to imprint His story on my heart to stay on the path of purity.
I pray for peace in my heart and the ability to step back and reflect on my life and day to day happenings. Am I living to please others or myself or God? Am I performing and aspiring for the perfection I can never grasp? I think the answer is yes and I want to change. I just feel like it’s what is expected of me by those around me. How do I decipher what’s necessary in my walk with God and what’s just my “performance”. I pray for wisdom to distinguish.
Realizing that this is His story and I don’t have to be perfect or plan everything out perfectly to be a part of His story is so freeing. I really struggle with perfectionism and when I feel like I’ve failed to be good enough I often feel like I’m not worthy of His grace and mercy but that’s not even close to being true! I don’t have to be perfect b/c His grace is sufficient enough to allow me to accomplish any and everything I need to for His glory
God grant me the enthusiasm that David had as he approached the Word. This was a great reminder of how nourishing it is to read the word of God!!
I need to be reminded of this daily. I don’t need to perform or appear perfect. Christ is perfect that’s His role. I need to listen to Him. I want Him to tell me His story. For when I listen to His story I will be living His for me.
Amen, Hannah! I love what you said: \”For when I listen to His story I will be living His for me.\” Beautiful! Thanks for sharing with us today!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
I don’t have to be the star or perform a flawless act – my daily struggle. I definitely needed that reminder as I navigate life & His plan for my life.
This study is much needed. Having a hard time seeing my purpose in His plan.
He has a purpose for you, KHB – a purpose that is unique to you and the way He created you. Praying you are blessed by this study. Glad you’re here. xo
Thanks, Kaitlin!! I am super excited to be studying with everyone as well! God is GOOD!!
My struggles- PERFECTIONISM. As much as I hate to admit it. #1. UGH. but, can you say AWEsome?! &FREE!! Yay. My God is so so much bigger than my flaws and imperfections. It actually has nothing to do with me. HIS power is made perfect!!!! in my weakness!!!! Thank you Jesus! I want to be about your story. Use me. <3
I love the question– what relationship do I have with the word? I started thinking about different relationships that can take place, with varying degrees of closeness– Is my relationship to the Word more like a a) one night stand, b) fair-weather friend, c) crisis, phone-a-friend option, d) growing – the more time I spend, the more I’m interested, etc… Interesting to think of it this way!
Thanks for sharing, Mary Sue! I love that too. What a great way to think about it. So excited to have you with us!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
I love that I’m reminded to put it in the Lords hands. It’s ok to not be in control and to relinquish it to The Lord! That’s what He’s there for!
What a great way to start the day! Knowing it is never about us and there is so much freedom in that. I am thankful that The Lord continues to have patience with me when I am least deserving of it. I am his child and he won’t let me go! Thank you for that lord!
Perhaps while we are still alive to seek him, Julie?
Is 55:6. What does it mean to seek the Lord while He may be found? Will there be a time when He won’t be found?
Ya he won’t be found when we aren’t reading his word and giving into temptation maybe??? Keeping seeking his presence always while he can be be found and is wildly apparent
Good question! Try cross-referencing Jeremiah 29:13-14. There is a condition to whether or not we will find Him as we study his word.
It’s not about us. But it’s about Jesus. Amen
It is always refreshing to me reminded that we don’t have to be perfect or perform for Gods love. We have the righteousness and perfection of Christ and there is so much freedom in knowing that!
Love this! Such an encouragement to me, as well as everyone else. Embracing God’s Word for what it truly is is sometimes a challenge, but also a simply wonderful thing!
Mmmmm. As I am prepping for a concert and struggling with doing everything Just Right, I KNOW that by simply being obedient and holding the right attitude of glorifying Him in my heart, it will be fine. That is comforting! His Plan is my plan.
Also, I loved the visual of window shopping. His Word is just that…. HIS WORD and never changes. May we embrace is wholly & completely and not be ashamed of it.
It’s so important to remember when reading the Bible that although we connect with passages, it’s all about God and how we get to know him. When we read we are conversing with our God. Actively reading is how we get the answers we need for pursuing a life of holiness in his word. Praise be to God for caring so deeply about us.
this idea of lessening the burden of being the star is such a testament to how we live in this world right now. how often do we have a conversation with someone, all the while wondering what we’re getting out of it or how we sound or trying to get in some piece that’s important to us?
what a shift in relationships we’d have if we could take this into the rest of our lives, truly listening to others and asking ourselves, “how does what this person’s saying play into HER story? what does this mean for HIM?”
this was heavy on my heart as i read this. i need to shift my focus. teaching us how to approach the bible, God teaches us how to approach love.
And because of what you’ve just said, I will consider the same when I talk to others. Thank you for sharing :)
Your comment truly just changed my whole perspective and purpose of conversations with other people. Thank you so much for sharing. (:
Your comment speaks to me . Thank you!
:)
He is alive!
It’s nice to know that we don’t have to carry that load of trying to be perfect. All we have to do is be willing to be used and let God do his thing. I just want to enjoy the experience of seeing God move.
It really relieves so much weight to think of Jesus as the star. People expect a lot out of the star in a story and I simply cannot deliver. But God can, God did and He still does every day.
I feel lighter after reading this :)
Love this.
Amen!!
“Dance with abandon in the pages of this beautiful Story we did not write” *sighs* love.
*swoons at the beauty of it*
I love this! I can be myself, not pretending that everything about me is perfect. Knowing that this, in actual fact, is not about me at all. It’s all about Him and that’s what I need to focus on. No more pressure! *exhale*
So good to hear that there is great freedom in not being the star.
Amen, sister. xo
For so long I looked at the Bible as a checklist if things I had to do to be a good Christian. I had no idea I was viewing it that way until a few years ago. Still learning about freedom!
There is so much pressure and condemnation if the story is about us. To say the right thing, to do it right, to understand it all. I love how David realized in humility that the only way to be righteous is to be in awe and respect and to cherish the word of The Lord. To really know him and commune with him–and thank you Jesus for making that very thing possible for us!
I love this app so much
I love how being a part of Gods story frees us from trying to be flawless and perfect because its not all about us! Its about him :)
It’s such freedom!
I had my soon to be 9 year old read today’s passage. It was refreshing for the both of us.
I love this app and the little ounce of awakening it brings every morning!
Me too!
I only just found this site but wow this is good. I teach 3rd grade girls on Wednesday nights at church and we just started a unit on the Bible, it looks like I am going to learn a lot that I can pass on to my girls.
Welcome, Jen! We’re so glad you’re here. We have past plans (like this one) that you can read through on the site, and we have always have a current plan that we are reading through as a community if you ever want to join in. We’d love to have you! The next plan is on the book of Ruth and begins on Monday, 6/16. xo, Amanda for SRT
So late in coming to this, but Grace for me there, I spent the morning typing on an old school typewriter some of these scriptures interspersed with the words of How great Thou Art. It was soul healing and it chased my anxiety away as far as all I am not and all he is and all I need to stop worrying about.
Thank you for your faithfulness.
Wow. Truly awesome message. Thank you, Lord God, that it is YOUR story. It is not about us, it is about YOU. Help me to come to You daily and listen to You speak YOUR Word, YOUR story.
Thank you Jesus!
Isaiah 55:8-9 are comforting to me. I'm grateful God clearly said: "Hey! You aren't going to know or understand what I do or why I do it, and that's okay because this is my story, not yours, and my way is better than yours." Life so frequently overwhelms, and lies so frequently creep into the mix and blur our vision of this beautiful story until we can't see the beauty or the trust or the love. Yet its all there – every word and phrase we need – in the pages of God's Word.
I'm enjoying this study – thank y'all for all you do!
You said it so well, Amy. Thank you!
Love this! Thank you for sharing that connection!
I want to come joyfully to the table and have my soul dance with abandonment over the pages of truth! I want to see Jesus and feel the Holy Spirit- I want to enter in to this Bible study with abandonment and come out of it (after the 9 days or so the study is going for) a new person and all the glory will be for Him – my redeemer!!!!!……. Can't wait until tomorrow……
Today's devotional really gives me food for thought. I have awakened many times to The Story (become aware) but I know I haven't become fully alive in The Story. I have such good intentions most of the time but I start and stop, over and over. My head gets so muddled and my heart can become so fearful. I know his ways are not my ways and that can be so comforting yet, at the same time, so frustrating when I'm just trying to understand my place in His story and what my purpose is. I am easily caught up in wondering and worry about the future. I'm hoping this reading plan helps me to see God's story more clearly. Lord, preserve my life according to your word. Let me take a living and active part in your story. Help me to stick with it this time.
"May our souls dance with abandon…" What beautiful image! Let that be my deepest desire, to allow my soul to dance with abandon wherever God moves. Praying that over each of us this afternoon.
amen!
As I read Psalm 119, I felt these key words jump out at me. In His statutes we will be BLESSED as we OBEY, LIVE, FOLLOW, KEEP, use as COUNSEL, TEACH, and HOLD FAST TO. They will PRESERVE our lives. Jesus is the Word, and this is how we learn to see Him.
So thankful that God has not left us without instruction in how to walk in Him, the Word. Praying for all the #Srt community as we delve into this study. xx
I love seeing so many comments!! So many people! Confession: The perfectionist "want-to-get-it-all-done" type personality in me feels bad for not reading everyone's comments and soaking them up. I love being in community with all of you and I feel guilty for not receiving everyone's thoughts and feelings about this fully! But there's no guilt in Christ Jesus. I've gotta remember that.
So many beautiful things stuck out to me from the Psalm 119 passage! Picking up on what the word does for us if we keep it's (His) ways and live by it (Him):
-It frees us from shame and lets us praise with upright hearts (Ps 119: 6-7) Yes!!
-It completely guards our ways (Ps 119:9) — I've been asking that the Lord would guard my heart. How faithfully has he answered this prayer through the study of his word!
-It delights us and enriches our lives (Ps 119: 14) — He wants us to have abundant lives. This can only happen through the study of and obedience to His word and abiding fully in Him!
-It opens our eyes, clears our perception, and lets us see things like we've never seen them before (Ps 119:18) — How needed this has been.
-It gives us, sojourners on the Earth, direction and meaning (Ps 119:19) <3
-It takes away any scorn or contempt from us (Ps 119:22) — How it has. How it will continue to!
-It is our counselor (Ps 119:24) — such a big one for me. how often do i need a counselor, a confidant, to confide in and sort things out with!
-It strengthens us (Ps 119:28) — <3
-It puts away falsehood from us (Ps 119:29) — Praise you, Lord, for taking us away from things that are false, not of you, and harmful. Thank you for instead putting our feet in spacious places of truth and love!
-It (He) sets our hearts free!! (Ps 119:32) — AMEN! Free Indeed!
Wow. WOW. This was only 4 letters of the alphabet and look at all He does for us! Lord, let me live by your word! I submit my whole life to you, my whole heart! Teach me your ways and let it bring forth fruit! Praise you, papa!
So in love with the truth of who Christ is in our lives today: our counselor, our lover, our faithful friend, our generous father, our complete confidant, our ally, our leader, our source of strength. Lord, I thank you, that you would choose me– that you'd choose us– to be able to do live life walking closely, intimately, and abundantly with you!
Be blessed, sisters. Soak up this truth and enjoy it's splendor! Love you all!
Psalm 119:24 was my favorite verse today. "Your decrees are my delight; they are my counselors."
With all the uncertainty and change happening in my life, I tend to worry about the unknown. Here I'm told I don't need to worry. God's word shows me the way, guides my path, and offers counsel in my decision making. What a relief that I don't have to hold on to the worry and uncertainty. I can let it go and let Him guide and counsel me!
Yes! Amen to that. He is our highest counselor. He'll show us the way. Praying for you today, Sarah!
I want, from the bottom of my heart, to stop "window shopping" and truly enter in! Today is the day. So thankful that I found this plan. I am listening, Lord.
Amen, Courtney! How wonderful it is to enter in.
The verse in today's reading that stuck with me was Psalm 119: 5, "Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees"… AMEN!! I feel like I fall off the wagon constantly, and finally someone in the Bible who does too!! It felt so heartwarming to read those words, and to really know that it is okay for me to fall away from God, it doesn't mean I cannot return to Him. He wants me to return! And He will not turn me away!! Lord, I pray that I may grow more steadfast in obeying your decrees, and in growing in my relationship with you. Amen.
(I know that there are several examples in the Bible of people who have fallen from God, but this was meant for me today.)
EDIT: Also, please pray for my husband who is having surgery tomorrow. It is an out-patient procedure, but I am currently deployed and am unable to be with him. His mom is going to take care of him for a week or so since I'm not there. I am scared, but I know that God will watch over him.
Hello ladies, sorry to continually reference C.S. Lewis lately, but I just got this new study Bible, and it is just full of wonderful, relevant thoughts! Here is the one on Isaiah 55:6-7.
"We should, I believe, distrust states of mind which turn our attention upon ourselves. Even at our sins, we should look no longer than is necessary to know and to repent them: and our virtues or progress (if any) are certainly a dangerous object of contemplation. When the sun is vertically above a man he casts no shadow: similarly when we have come o the Divine meridian our spiritual shadow (that is, our consciousness of self) will vanish. One will thus in a sense be almost nothing: a room the be filled by God and our blessed fellow creatures, who in their turn are rooms we help to fill. But how far one is from this at present!"
As many have already said, what a feast I have received this morning! I am looking forward to mulling it over all day!
Woah!! I absolutely love this!! How often do we look to ourselves?!! I know I do wayyy too often, and the fruit of it is always angst, anger, and distrust of God. That's why we're to lift our eyes to the hills and remember where our help, our source of life and all things good, comes from! I just got a study journal that has inspirational verses on the pages, and all of them are themed around guarding our hearts, minds, and wills to only let in things pleasing to the Lord–which I've learned is truly the only things worth thinking, feeling, and doing about. Much to mull over and process today! thank you for this!
My pastor said the same thing this past Sunday, this God's story and how He will be glorified and not about us.
To truly know Him, to live a life of abundance and grace and joy and meaning in relationship with Christ Jesus, we must listen to Him speak.
This is my prayer , to truly know God, to live an abundant life of Grace & Joy & Meaning . To have such a rich relationship with my Lord Jesus Christ.
Help me Lord, to truly listen to your voice.
I feel so blessed to have found She Reads Truth and this community. I have never felt so eager to read the Bible as I have since I stumbled upon these studies. Like so many of you have said, the thought of taking the pressure off of myself to be "perfect" is so freeing and so comforting. Can't wait to dive into this study!
So glad you're here, Allison!
I love the fact that the Story isn't about me, it's about the relationship I have with it. I can try to ignore it, but it will always be there. All around me. It is living, breathing, active, and relevant. I choose to embrace it! I don't want to be a careless "window shopper". I want to engage in this story of life, love and redemption.
Good morning ladies! Like many of you have already commented, I found the reminder that it is HIS story freeing. But I struggled with the passage in Matthew. Jesus says every letter of the law will remain unchanged until heaven and earth disappear. Then, if you read a few verses further, Jesus says that unless our righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees, we will not enter the kingdom of heaven. That’s a little overwhelming to say the least, especially in the context of modern Christianity where so many Christians today would argue that some of the stranger Old Testament laws are not applicable anymore. I’d love some clarification on those verses if any of you have some insight!
Good Morning, Amanda! I am by no means a scholar, and I have definitely tripped over these verses as well. From hearing various sermons preached on them and studying them on my own, the conclusion I have come to about this passage is that, basically, Jesus is telling us straight up that there is absolutely no way we can get to the kingdom of Heaven on our own. The requirement for righteousness doesn't change between the old and new covenants. God still will only accept perfection.
However, the beautiful thing is that God accepts the perfection of Jesus for as many of us as will choose to cover ourselves in his blood. As long as we aren't trying to come in our own righteousness, based on our own works, but are instead coming under only the righteousness of Christ, we will be admitted to the kingdom of Heaven, despite the fact that there is no way we could meet those requirements on our own.
I hope this helps clear up the fog for you a little bit!
Thank you for answering- I was wondering about this too and you explained it beautifully!
Great question Amanda!!
Beautifully said, EssieJean. Thanks for taking time to respond. And great question, Amanda! Love seeing this discussion. xoxo, Amanda W
"Will we enter in, or will we window shop as it is convenient for us?"
Into the fabric of God's wonderful story
Into the weaving of God's own glory
He takes one tangled thread
One castoff gnarled and knotted thread
And tenderly smooths out the shreads
Weaving it in to His whole story
So it is Christ in me the Hope of Glory.
No one can be a window shopper when God pulls one into His Story. Praise to Him!
Thank you for the 'Freedom Paragraph' I needed to read that today. "I am free from performing a flawless act! I am not the star." thank you.
God's story is an amazing story, a beautiful story and one that we are called to be an active participant in! Psalm 119 calls us to rejoice in, meditate on, and delight in His Word (v.14-16). We must choose the truth, hold fast to it, and run with it (v.30-32). This story is one of active faith, not passivity. And when we allow our souls to be "consumed with longing" (v.20) for Him, to be on fire for God, we can't help but want to run to Him, to spread His love, to testify to His wonderful name!
My word for this year is TRUST. I’m trying so hard to trust in his story & his story for me & my life. I’ve learned that I can not lean on my own understanding so I can only Trust in Him & His goodness. I’ve weathered a miscarriage early this year & my heart has ached…I trust in Him. Now, I’m certain I’ve felt a lump in my breast and I’m terrified….I will trust in Him. Would you take the time to pray for me today? I have a 2 yr old & a husband I adore…I have so many hopes for the future…but it’s His story not mine. Help my heart & everything I have to surrender to that.
Grace Anne, I'm praying for you this morning. You are doing the best thing possible by trusting! (On a personal note – those lumps can be harmless things…I've had quite a few and they were nothing. Call your doctor for reassurance!)
Grace Anne praying with you and for you and yours….xxx
Praying for you and your precious family, Grace Anne!
Will we enter in, or will we window shop as it is convenient for us?
As a woman who is constantly finding comfort in the mall, this really stuck out to me. I walk the halls, looking in the window to determine if I want what they have to offer. But the Lord took this a bit further today…I began to wonder how much of what I wear( or speak) is just window dressing? Am I truly living – thriving in this life? Or have I just accessorized myself to make me more attractive to the passersby? I
I window shop all the time. I look in and judge whether or not I can afford what they offer. Do I do that with Christ? Do I look in and determine whether or not I am willing to pay the cost of what He is asking me to do? Do I keep walking until I find a 'sacrifice' I can afford? A sacrifice I am willing to make?
So many things to think about.
David made so many 'I will' statements…so many promises to God. Then he asked Him for what He wanted God to do. Do I do that? Make promises and then ask for the blessing? Or do I just ask for the blessing and deliver the promise upon arrival?
Oh Lord…forgive me! Thank you for giving me so much meat to chew on today. Thank you for saving me a seat at Your table. Thank you for giving me just what I need to make it through the day. And forgive me God, that I didnt see all this sooner. Forgive me God for ignoring the image in the mirror.
Janee, I completely echo these sentiments. "Do I make promises then ask for the blessing? Or do I just ask for the blessing and deliver the promise upon arrival?" Lord, forgive me for not putting trust in your word. Forgive me for testing you and for promising things only when I feel like it. Lord, I WILL follow you. I WILL seek your face with my whole heart; show me how to do such a thing. Show me how to love you and live my life for you.
Amen AnnaLee! Amen! It brings to mind the thought that God's Word can not fail, but ours can. God cannot go back on His promises, but we can. Oh Lord, I pray today, that we seek Your Will – not ours. That we seek Your strength – not ours. Lord I pray that through Your Word, we find the nourishment and fulfillment that keep us satisfied, so we wander no more, seeking what can only be found in you. God bless you my friend…God bless you…
Good Morning. This is the first time I've been able to actually start a plan with SheReadsTruth, usually I come to the website and a study is already on it's like 7th day! So I am not really sure how participating on this website works but I'm eager to find out and I'm eager to see how Jesus works in my heart through this plan!!
Welcome, Allyson! So happy you were able to join in!
Welcome Allyson…pull up a chair….make yourself at home. We are all sister's here on the journey, different stages, but none the less journeying together, good to have you here with us….x
Welcome, Allyson! So glad you found us. Participating is easy – the posts go up daily here at shereadstruth.com (usually at midnight EST), and you can read along, comment, share, etc at your own pace. I think you'll find it a blessing to read along as the community does; it's a special thing to know thousands of women are reading the same words you are. :) If reading in your inbox is easier, you can subscribe to get the posts via email by entering your address at the "subscribe" link on the sidebar. (shereadstruth.com/subscribe)
Mmm…so good this morning. I loved David's words in Psalm 119, and how apparent it was that he longed with every fiber of his being to love the Word of God and obey His commandments. Lord, I pray that we would have that same fervent desire today!
Learning my role, embracing my role in HIS story. Lately I feel as though I am focused on material things I can't afford or want just bc I think it's nice or I want that look or to have this in my house. That kind of thinking has been brought up by The Lord several times and I think how I must do without or deny myself but that's the wrong way of looking at it. Rather I must embrace the role I have in His story not my picture story I am privileged to have his blessings that the world's desires. I actually pulled up Isaiah 55:8-9 the other day to help remind me I need to bring myself back to Him and lean on his thoughts not mine.
He is teaching us so much in just two verses (Is 55:1-2). Like how to be wise shoppers, where to turn our attention, how to truly strengthen ourselves, how to find enjoyment — all by choosing Him. It's all about Him.
I'm coming back to the heart of worship, and it's all about You, all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I made it, when it's all about You, all about You, Jesus
King of endless worth,
no one could express
how much You deserve.
Though I'm weak and poor,
all I have is Yours,
every single breath!
I'll bring You more than a song,
for a song in itself
is not what You have required.
You search much deeper within,
through the way things appear,
You're looking into my heart!
Look into my heart today Lord, so that it will always be about You!
So true. So Worship is the Response to ALL He has and is doing..
That hit the spot this morning…I definitely got my "breakfast" today!!! I am ready to thrive and focus on the word…so that it lives in me!!!
Love Love Love…. In my struggles today, where I feel I need to perform at certain things (new job). Where I'm burning the candle at both ends. I really needed to hear this today. It is indeed HIStory. It's not mine. It doesn't depend on me. (Thankfully!! Whew!!)
I only need to show up, soak up, bloom where I'm planted. Seek Him. Like David:
Seek Him with my whole heart
Walk in His ways
Praise Him with an upright heart
Store up His Word in my heart
The message says this in verse 31-32
God, don't let me down
I'll run the course you lay out for me
If you'll just show me how!
Just.Show.Me.How!
And back to Hebrews 12 we go…
Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Looking to Jesus…..
NO MORE WINDOW SHOPPING!!!
AMEN
It is so freeing to not have to be the star which allows us to shake off the constraints that our perfectionist (Photoshop,botox, airbrushing etc.) society has to offer. We don’t have to pretend to be perfect for we have the perfect Saviour. We can abide in His Shadow and be content.
“Will we come to the table of these pages daily, ready to receive the day’s meal, not simply to live but to thrive?” I’ve made my reservation for this table and as I look around, it’s encouraging to see so many other women whom are seeking a deeper relationship with our Father have too. As I pray your strength in the Lord, please pray mine.
I love Isaiah 55:7 (speaking of the wicked and unrighteous)…return to The Lord, that he may have compassion on them, and to our God for he will abundantly pardon.” Our God will abundantly pardon. I absolutely love that. Our pastor made the comment this weekend-we are not innocent, rather we are pardoned. Jesus looks at us and knows all that we’ve done, but chooses to pardon us by his death on the cross. Talk about something that will change your perspective!!! No, it’s certainly not about me, because no matter how hard I try I can never get it right. It’s all about Jesus and his glory. Thank you Jesus for what you’ve done in my life!!
"We are not innocent – rather, we are pardoned'" – that is powerful! Thank you so much for sharing!
I grew up in a religious cult that refers to itself as "The Truth." For the longest time I had a difficult time with that phrase; the connotation was bad because of my experiences. The more I dig into the Word, the more I see what His Truth really means. It's so much greater than me and my feelings. It's not a list of rules to follow that make it impossible for us to be worthy. It's not about good works, it's not even about repentance. It's about His sacrificial gift. Period. Everything else hinges on our free will – the choice to come alongside, to repent and turn away from sin, to allow that sacrifice to change us.
Thanking Him.
I am thanking Him right now for the revelation of who He really is and what the Truth really means. God bless you in your freedom from the lies. May He just rip the veil a little more today and reveal to you more of Himself – but also – a bit more of who you really are in Him. God bless you, and praise God that you are no longer where you used to be. That the lies are being revealed and the Truth is being magnified.
AMEN….so wonderfully put Janee, ….x
Praise Jesus my story doesn’t have to be perfect as he is the great story maker!
Lisa, I’ve been there. Praying for you today!
“Do you hear the freedom in that today? The story does not have to be about you. You do not have to be the star. You are free from performing a flawless act, free from outlining the perfect plot, free from orchestrating impressive, camera-worthy moments. That’s all God’s job. This is His Story.”
PTL!!!! Soooo thankful for this today! The perfectionist (and introvert) in me is saying “Whew!” It’s NOT about me!! PTL!!!
Yes…that struck me also…" Free from performing a flawless act." Not that I ever have …ever could…or even think I could, but somehow think I should. Even when I read statements like this and know they are true….still I feel like the weight of my falling so short…..so often.
Isn’t it beautiful Sis? I’m a perfectionist also and love the fact that we can take a breather in Christ. He has perfection in the bag, all we can do is abide.
Amen :)
It has been so long since I have truly dug into God's Word to see what it REALLY says. I have completed many Bible studies over the past 23 years since I became a Christian, but now God has given me a desire to dig, and dig deep to know His story. I struggled too often for answers to things that have happened in my life wanting to know WHY, WHY ME, WHY NOW, and there are just some events I am coming to realize, I will not get the answer to WHY, I will rest in the fact that God is in control. The words in Isaiah 55 spoke loudly to me this morning: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways . . . and on down to to verses 10 & 11 As the rain and the come down from heaven,and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so yields seeds for the sower . . . so is my MY WORD that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to empty, but will accomplish what I desire and the purpose for which I sent it. I want to see Jesus, I want to hear Jesus, I want to feel Jesus, I want to be consumed by Jesus. I want my ways to be His Ways, and my thoughts to be His Thoughts.
Amen! I’m here for the same purpose. I’ve grown up in a Christian home, I can tell you a hundred facts about the Bible and it’s people and the history each! But I’m here to really dig in and grow. To deepen my relationship with Him.
Thankful for a loving God who provided us with his story. While it may not be about me, I pray that I will be about it — continuously seeking out his word and living by it.
"I pray that I will be about it" – what a wonderful prayer. Thank you, Jessica, for these wonderful words!
SheReadsTruth…. by accident? I dare not…. it is part of God's story and the God Almighty is using each of you to help reveal the Truth contained within His Word! Thank you for listening! Thank you for the courage to step out! Thank you for your faithfulness to continue bringing these studies to us!
I so agree!! Thank you!
I had the same thought, Kate! An accident by human standards, but such a God ordained ministry that is blessing and growing hundreds!!
It’s His story. We are IN it, but it’s not about us. We didn’t write it – but the more we know it, the closer we get to the Author. Lord – help me to feed on Your story. To thrive – in whatever way You wish me to. Cuz the story – and my life – are all about You.
I've been struggling with the fact that I have to work rather than be a stay at home mom to my little baby. After reading this, I'm learning that I need to embrace my role in His story. God wants to use me at my job, use the babysitter in the life of my child, etc.
Lisa, I admire your attitude of openness to how God can work in your life. In The Story series at my church, we talk about how our lives are the lower story and sometimes we can see only a narrow picture. I can feel for you how much you want to stay at home with your baby. But God's Upper Story of creation and redemption is much bigger than we can see day to day. I know Jesus aches with you to be a stay at home mom, but He will use your situation in the bigger overarching plan of his story. I will pray right now for you!
Lisa I understand your pain. My children, now grown, were mostly raised by sitters as well. Looking back I wish I had that opportunity to be home more as well. They turned out great. They love Jesus and walk in his light. I was blessed. I now have found a way to stay at home more. It was truly a blessing and a gift from God. I wish it was earlier in my life, but I know this was Gods plan for me at this time. He knows when we are ready for what He will gift to our lives. We just need to keep our eyes open for those opportunities He places before us and be willing to leap in faith when he provides them. Praying for you that the cry of your heart be fulfilled. That His plan for you become more,clear.
I'm right there with you, Lisa! I work full time in a very dysfunctional work place and have 4 Littles at home, ages 9 and under. Every day I ask God on my way to work "Lord, if I'm supposed to speak on your behalf today, open my eyes and my ears to recognize it and fill me with boldness and your words to speak."
Lisa, my heart aches with you. I experienced the same struggle for three years after my daughter's birth. I still cry thinking about the first year in particular. My mother was supposed to be my daughter's primary caregiver, but she was diagnosed with cancer six weeks after I returned to work. I was scared, stressed out, depressed, overwhelmed, and incredibly angry at God for letting all that happen at once.
BUT GOD, in His mercy, didn't leave me there. He provided a variety of wonderful people to babysit while my mom recovered. He healed my mom and used her cancer to return her to Him. He used me in my job (I taught sixth grade) in ways I cannot credit to anyone but Him. For example, during that first and most difficult year, I had a student I really struggled to reach. Frankly, I found him obnoxious and my thoughts about this kid weren't the most positive. The next year that same student wrote me a letter saying I was the best teacher he'd ever had. I give all the glory to God because I know that in my own flesh I was not full of love for this kid!
In years two and three God provided a wonderful Christian home daycare where my daughter learned important social skills. I'm a bit of a hermit by nature, and she would never have gotten that level of social interaction if I'd had my wish to stay home. So the time I spent working benefited her, too.
This school year I was able to move to part time teaching, and I'll tell you what — I am grateful every morning to the tips of my toes! Far more grateful than if I had gotten my desire to stay home right away. And truthfully, I can see now that staying home full time wouldn't be good for my daughter or me. We both benefit from this part time balance. God has provided it right at this critical time when my strong-willed, inquisitive three-year-old needs relationship with me more than she did as an infant.
My hope is that this very long comment gives you hope. Hope that God does not let you experience this agonizing heartache for no reason. He WILL redeem your pain and bring good out of it for you and your baby! Prayers for you today, Lisa!
Lisa, I am also struggling with going back to work and leaving my 2 month old behind. I am hoping this devotional helps me open my eyes to the bigger picture!
Good morning, sisters.
Once last evening and twice already this morning God has brought me to passages reminding me to love Him with all that I am and to then love my neighbour. And again in v2…who love Him with the whole heart.
My past 8 months have been a roller coaster of living boldly for Him, turning 180 away so I could satisfy my own desires, clinging to the Cross, pushing it aside, longing for His presence, crying out, no screaming out, in repentance…you get the picture.
I came to the realization last night that it is now time to allow Him to pick me up, dust me off and focus my life on Him…again. But not just for a day or a week but for good…His good.
IT IS HIS STORY…NOT MINE!
It is The Story of a God who created in love, who revealed Himself fully through Jesus, and who accomplishes His purposes and His glory through a relentless, magnificent outpouring of grace and mercy on the likes of us. It is a redemption story, and though it is our redemption story, it is still all about Him. It is for His glory.
So here, on my knees, Lord, I choose to enter in…I want to see Jesus.
I am listening. Use me, not for my own good, but Yours.
I am broken. But this brokenness can be used for Your glory.
All for You!
Amen.
Praying for you that you continue in His strength and His plan by continuing to walk in His light. The closer you come to Him the more attacks you will endure as satan hates to loose. Praying for you that you don't drop your eyes from our Christ as you now walk consistently with Him. You are never alone. He is always faithful.
Good morning……I am Tina, I am thirsty, and I am here TO SEE JESUS….. I am here to truly know Him, to live a life of abundance and Grace and joy and meaning in relationship with Christ Jesus….I am here ……Here I am LORD…..teach me, direct me, guide me Lord…..help me to hear you speak from those pages of your story that I encounter…..As David so aptly put it Lord….help me to keep your word in my heart that I might not sin against you…..tell me your story Lord….help me to hear it….truly hear it….to truly hear of your Love, Grace, Mercy…..
Here I am LORD, I am Tina, I am thirsty, and I am here to see Jesus….
Wow, what an opening…. I am at the table, ready, to take in the living water, that is the story of our God…..His story…..
That old gospel song is going on right now in my head…. . Tell me the old old story of Jesus and His love….
Sending you all hugs and love this wet and windy day….God bless you…x x
Oh, Tina, this too is my prayer. "Hello God, here too, am I, Sue, and I am here to see Jesus, the living water…"
So blessed by the beauty in this! xx
Wow! My heart echoed your prayer as I read it Tina. Here to am I Lord. Please fill my thirsty soul with Your truth, Your Story. Amen