I took a personality test the other day, and I wasn’t thrilled with the results. It confirmed what I already knew: I avoid conflict like the plague. Put me in a tension-filled room, and I’ll moonwalk away so fast you’ll never even know I was there.
I tell you this not to confirm that I was raised in the 80s (which I was) but so you’ll understand why I so desperately want to misinterpret today’s passage from Romans. I’ll show you what I mean.
Here we’ve come to the close of the longest of Paul’s letters. We’ve heard him preach on sin and salvation, grace and faith, and now we’re leaning in to see how he’ll land the plane. What does one say to wrap up what would become known as the most comprehensive expression of the gospel in all of Scripture? He begins his conclusion with a warning.
Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles contrary to the teaching that you learned. Avoid them.
—Romans 16:17
This is where my comfort-loving ears perk up. Steer clear of those who cause problems? Avoid conflict at all costs? If that’s what our friend Paul is selling, I’m buying in bulk. But he continues. “Because such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites. They deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting with smooth talk and flattering words” (v.18).
No smooth-talkers allowed? Yep, works for me. In my humanity, I want Paul’s words to leave me right where I am: a well-intentioned gal who doesn’t like to rattle or be rattled. I want a divine endorsement for a head-down, hands-off way of living. I want to look at the folks on my right and my left and say, I’m fine. You’re fine. Everything’s fine. In short, I want to read Paul’s words as permission rather than admonition.
He keeps writing, “The report of your obedience has reached everyone. Therefore I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise about what is good, and yet innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you” (vv.19–20).
Crushing evil is not a passive activity. Our holy and sovereign God is currently and constantly at work, overcoming darkness with light (John 5:17). As Christ’s followers, our work is not passive either. We are called to right doctrine and right living—to cling to Christ and to His gospel, shunning all false gods and gospels that beg our worship. This is Paul’s parting reminder.
It’s true that I’m predisposed to being a coaster—a person who’d rather stay the course than question questionable coordinates. But the gospel Paul presents in this letter is not a matter of right or left. It’s a matter of life and death. The mystery of Jesus Christ has been “revealed and made known through the prophetic Scriptures, according to the command of the eternal God” (Romans 16:26). Our Savior has come. He has opened the way to God, the rescue and restoration of our wrecked, restless souls.
The truth is, you and I are not fine. We “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). But in God’s great love and compassion, we have been “justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (v.24). What’s more, “since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).
This is the gospel. This is our hope.
This is what we cling to, what we live by, what we fight for—to the glory of the One who created us, saved us, and calls us His own.
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43 thoughts on "To Him Who Is Able"
Lately I see a division being drawn between God followers and Christ followers, when we are to worship our one triune God. “Battle lines” imply there are winners and losers, when in truth, we all have sinned and have fallen short. If obstacles of hate prevent drawing others to our loving and forgiving God, then these stumbling blocks must be torn down. May we welcome all to know God and to trust in His plan and His timing to redeem us all from our sins, whatever they may be.
Amen❤️
Yes we are called to hold fast to the truth of the scriptures and to defend the faith. Not to shrink back. Making sure what teachings we are listening to line up with scripture. Choose to serve the Lord with all our might, strength, and heart.
Amen
@Mercy- how wonderful, that is a win. Your comment kept making me think of my theme song this past season of being nervous to lead a bible study–“More Than Able” by Chandler Moore/Elevation Worship. He is More than able to do way much more than we can fathom! And He keeps showing me that!
Heidi- I got the cutest little “prayer box” at the dollar store for my neighborhood “step” grandchild. I thought it was perfect for girls starting school when they have so much stress and anxiousness (I know kin’s is more than the normal!) but it has a verse on it, and a cute pad of paper and matching pencil. But would that be good for Kin to have a prayer box in the ready to write it down and “give” to God? Just a thought while you keep working on what to do. Prayers for you, it is so hard to see our kids struggles. My poor nieces had so much trouble in school, it was so, so hard on my sister, and I do not want Kin to get to their troubles. Mighty prayers sent up to put a hedge around your sweet daughter.
@Kimberly Z- I hope you have a good wkd and it is growing in a way that feels right to you. I know we so much want to make things go in OUR direction of wanting, so just lean in and listen to God, He knows what you need. Prayers for you always friend!
@AMANDA BIBLE WILLIAMS: joining Desiree to wish you a very very happy birthday! May God continue to bless you with so much joy, satisfy the desires of your heart, bless your family with good health and many wonderful rewards, and especially more strength and grace to lead SRT into higher success for GOD’s glory. Thank you for your obedience to the call and your faithfulness in building SRT.
@ALLISON BENTLEY: praying for your family member who faces the infertility and its struggles.
@HEIDI: for Kin’s anxiety, and for your strength, I am so sorry about the struggle. God is able! “God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns” (Psalm 46:5). This is you and Kin.
@CAROLYN BARRON: prayers for your husband’s cancer treatment, strength for you and your 3 kids as you go through this tough season.
@MARI V: continual prayers as you adjust to classroom and teachers, kids.
@SEARCHING: pure wisdom in your reflection today! I had to re-read several times because it was some gold nuggets you got! Amen and wow!
Thank you so much dear she’s who prayed over my husband which I asked a while back. Thank you for standing with me when I was worn out in prayers. Praise God for you all who are the SRT army of faithful prayer warriors- that GOD put together across different nations to unite us. Hugs and blessings to you all! See you tomorrow.
I love when Amanda writes the daily devo! And Happy Birthday to Amanda!
The devotional from AMANDA put a smile on my face. I love a heart-felt overshared story that we are allowed to know the author as she is, as she thinks, as she struggles just like we too struggle. Thank you Amanda for letting us in! You are so sweet! I want to share a praise moment. Last night we were watching Online Church Service -a livestream from a wonderful church in LA California that we have been following and a part of for years. My husband’s attention was oddly captured. He usually would just watch alongside on the couch while playing games on his phone (a source of distraction). I tried to put 3 kids through their chaotic night time routine, getting teeth brushed and diaper changed, wash up, and I needed him to help. Then the Spirit of God said let him alone, He is worshipping me and his heart is touched through this moment, leave him alone. So I obeyed and put each kid to bed, brushed 4 sets of teeth including mine. And he came back so touched by a powerful message and seeing demons cast out of people during the service- which before he would straight up dismiss as fake or acting. But he showed reverence now that God still moved even now. As you know, I have been praying that the Lord would heal his unbelief and his backsliding heart, and the moment like yesterday has given me such joy that God is able, God is so faithful and completely able to do exceedingly above and exceedingly beyond what we can imagine. “ABLE” is the stand-out word for me today. To dead situations, to dead and indifferent hearts, to rock hard hearts, He can breathe life and faith back into them and cause them to be softened to the things of Him. I just want to share this significant moment that I know my battle is coming to an end because of God’s mercy on my cry and pleading. I asked Him to take over my battle and yesterday was a great moment of victory for me. I will catch up on reading your comments and pray over your requests dear she’s as I read. Have a wonderful weekend. Be blessed dear sisters.
ALLISON BENTLEY – praying for your friends
LEHUA – Praising God for answered prayers that you have talked to your parents and they are safe. It’s wonderful that they have been able to stay at home and their home has been spared. I’m continuing to pray for the people of Mauii and the efforts to extinguish the fires and help those impacted to rebuild.
KRISTINE LOUGHMAN – Your comment about the gifts you have received as a result of your foot pain is so true of the way the Lord works in our lives. I heard of a study several years ago that showed that people who pray for the strength and grace to deal with pain or go through a bad situation get much more satisfaction from their prayers than those who pray for God to take it away. It’s so easy to cry out to God to heal us from pain. Sometimes he does. Other times, he leaves us with the pain and teaches us new lessons and reveals new gifts. Paul had a “thorn in the flesh.” God didn’t remove it even though Paul asked three times for Him to do so. I pray you have a relaxing weekend, and find relief from pain and strength to face the new school week on Monday.
Heidi – I am praying for Gods wisdom and direction for you in dealing with Kin’s anxiety. And I pray that each school day is easier than the last for her. Praise God that she has already made a friend. I pray for peace and comfort for you.
SHARON/JERSEY: Ha!! Yup – it’s us! ;) I remember that request, I remember even this second exactly what was going on… uhg. She’s seen a therapist off and on for a while, we are now looking into a new one and also realizing that possibly starting a low-dose, intermittent medication may be necessary. We’ve given it a while now to see how manageable it is and we are just realizing that her having to “manage” it 24-7 is so exhausting for her. And it ALWAYS leads to her reaching a point where she simply cannot manage another ounce of anything and it’s heartbreaking. It just has become very clear that it is truly “disordered” and, at this moment anyway, unfair for us to expect her to just spend every day “handling it”. This morning was the worst yet and I know that’s what it was – she’s had to manage for the last 2 days beyond her control and it just blew up today… :(
SEARCHING: Thank you for your sweet encouragement… the catalyst recently is a combination of a new school (which she comes home saying she likes, likes her teachers, has made a couple of sweet friends), now in middles school (new expectations), feeling loss of control bc we chose this middle school over the ones her “friends” were going to, in addition to just the huge change in schedule of not being able to have slow mornings, stay home when she wants, etc. She gets overstimulated easily so to go from “summer schedule” to one that is highly stimulating and out of her control (meaning she can’t just excuse herself when she wants to go be alone/read/take a break/etc…). Overall, it’s a feeling of total loss of control and that’s just scary…
ERB: Thank you for your encouragement, I’m not great at feeling it on my own lately.. and yes! You’re so right – and she actually ENJOYS memorizing scripture ,which I love for her… We do that and we always keep that present when working through things. I know it helps a lot when she is “borderline” about her feelings. The hard part is when she loses control and that disordered part of her brain won’t let her shift her thoughts. It breaks my heart bc she’ll start apologizing bc logically she knows her behavior isn’t great, but she just can’t seem to get her brain in a different space. THAT for me is the hardest to see. Praying we get to answers for it soon ❤️
CEE-GEE: Thank you :) :) I am actually trying to guide her thoughts to possibly letting gym go for a while. It is such a comparison game with the other girls, everyone trying to outdo everyone else. It leaves her feeling like she never measures up. She has shown an interest in cross country and is going to take that up in middle school so I hope we can push more towards that! :) I think it will be more encouraging to have something more individualized ?? Who knows… we’ll see…
This morning was the worst morning yet for drop off, I’m honestly too emotionally spent to go into all of it… She is there now, spent a lot of time with the school psychologist talking, praying, working through what they could. She is successfully in class right now so that’s all I think I can ask for this minute.
So grateful for all of you – I know there are people praying that don’t ever even comment and I’m blessed to have this community. I hope you all have a beautiful Friday!!!
I loved the emphasis on how the Glory of God was visible.
Visible in His ability to strengthen according to gospel.
Visible through the revelation of the mystery made known by the prophets.
Visible in His eternal nature and ability to advance the faith of Gentile believers.
Visible through His Wisdom.
Visible in His ability to bring about abundantly all we ask or imagine.
Visible in His ability to protect us from stumbling.
Visible in His ability to bring us into his presence unblemished, filled with joy.
Wow! What a beautiful picture of God’s glory to end our study.
Praying for all the requests as I read. Happy weekend She’s!
I hate to see this study end. I want to be bold in my faith, but first I need to strengthen that faith. SRT studies help me to do that. To truly know Gods word. Romans teaches us to keep our faces towards God. To not be pulled away by false doctrine. To cling to Him and let go of everything else. To serve our God and not our flesh. To share the good news to the best of our ability. The Lord will guide us if we turn to Him.
Deuteronomy 32:11 He watches over his nest like an eagle and hovers over his young; he spreads his wings, catches him, and carries him on his feathers.
To Him Who is Able— praising God this morning for His perfect ability. A family member who has battled infertility for years (and all the things that go with -IVF, loss, adoption, and more than I will never know) just lost their third adoption. I am praising God because I know this is not the end (even though right now they believe it is) of their story. I am praying they draw closer to God and experience they perfect peace/comfort only He can provide. Please join me sisters in this prayer for them. Looking forward to seeing you all next week in the new study!
TheGod of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. – Romans 16:20 ahh what a wonderful reminder today. I hate conflict so much so I feel this devotional deeply. I was once told by a teacher that I would rather find a way to walk around the mountain Vs. Climbing over it. Haha and it’s still true today! Happy Friday ladies. Asking for your prayers as I venture out of town to spend some time with the guy I’ve been seeing the last few months. Because this is their busy season with farming I will have to hang out at the farm with him all day. While this is fine I am really nervous to meet his family. I hate being in strange environments by myself but that’s how we grow. My problems are minuscule to others but feel really big. @HEIDI praying for you today! I pray the lord will turn your day right around. You might have mentioned this before but did your daughter end up making it onto the team she was hoping to be able to try out for last month? Praying she was able to do that! I remember she broke/ hurt something in her hand region I believe.
Yes, this study of Romans has been such a good one.
And as I read thru comments, and prayer requests, and add them to my journal, I was going back thru old ones. And I have seen so many answered prayers and spiritual growth in so many of our lives. This community is so wonderful. I feel so blessed to have been a part of it for so many years. And I truly feel the love that we all share.
Just counting my blessings this morning.
Hugs to all. Keep sharing and praying and growing. ❤️
“To Him who is able to establish you”; To Him who is able to exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think”; “To Him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless” – the only God, our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority (Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:20 (one of my favorite!); Jude 24) …this is our God – King Jesus! I “parked” briefly on the last part of Jude 24. I tried to imagine the magnitude of these words – glory, majesty, power and authority and found it to be beyond what I could envision as there is nothing on earth that can compare to any of them. Old testament prophets like Isaiah and Ezekiel try as best they can to describe what they saw of God’s glory. When I think of the power of God my thoughts go to when He parted the Red Sea, when He made the sun to stand still, when He opened up the earth & swallowed up the sons of Korah. And God’s authority – He is ruler over all creation! Over every human being that has ever lived – including all of the great and powerful leaders (their authority was nothing compared to God’s) and His authority over all of the universe, the angels and the demons!! To that I can only say – what a mighty God we serve! I can’t imagine being in the presence of and being presented faultless before Someone so great and powerful, how very humbling that will be.
@Carolyn Barron – praying for your husband Randy. What a very difficult road you are both traveling. May God strengthen Randy and give him peace. Praying the chemo is effective and that the side effects are minimal and that your children all arrive safely…God’s grace for you all.
@Lehua K – praise God that you heard from your parents and that they are safe! So glad for you that you were able to talk to them – answer to prayer! Continued prayers for all who are going through this horrible fire.
@Marvi – praise for a good first week of school! Continued prayers for the year and that the teacher you are working with will be patient.
@Heidi – continued prayers for your daughter Kin…I was looking back through my prayer list and saw this as a request – “Heidi – pray for her 8 year old daughter that suffers with anxiety” – that was from 3 years ago, I just put 2+2 together & realized it was you & Kin that I’ve been praying for all these years! …I am sad to hear though that she is still battling anxiety. Have you thought of taking her to a Christian counselor, someone who is experienced at working with children? It would be worth it to give it a try, maybe it would be a great help. I will continue to pray for you both, it must be so hard for you as a mom to see it and not be able to help.
So thankful for this study in Romans – it has been SO good! Looking forward to the next one, and as always – spending time with my dear SRT sisters! Have a blessed Friday and if I don’t “see you” tomorrow – a wonderful weekend!
CAROLYN BARRON- thankful for such loving support you have – God be near to your family and bring revelation to Randy of even deeper depths of the love God has for him. I pray it comforts him in this time. I love that Ephesians 3 says that Christ’s love goes beyond knowledge. May you continue to see God’s goodness in this painful time and be comforted.
Good morning, Shes!
Thank you for the prayers yesterday and encouragement. Hoping to get my car back today, but believing God He is over all things.
What stuck out to me was how God’s wisdom is unlike ours. In the NKJV version, Jude 1:25 NKJV says, “To God our Savior, Who alone is wise…” And in Ephesians 3:20- how God does abundantly more than we can ask or imagine. Just good to note that we can never predict God, even though we try! I am a planner, but man, the last three years have shown me I just can’t plan God’s will!
Praying peace to all you with requests. Thinking of @Lehua and all her loved ones over there in Hawaii. <3 God's grace and peace be with you all.
“Crushing evil is not a passive activity. Our holy and sovereign God is currently and constantly at work, overcoming darkness with light.” Yes and Amen. Church, we have become too passive. I want to live in the Spirit and be able to discern the difference between good and evil. Unfortunately, it’s not black and white, it’s pretty grey right now in this day and age. Or even reversed – good is evil and evil is good. Without the Spirit living in us, how can we ever distinguish the difference? I truly believe that one of the reasons well-meaning Christians are being wooed into thinking evil is good and good is evil is because we lack knowledge of God’s Word. Thank you, SRT, for your diligent work in keeping us in the Word every day. It has been such a blessing to me over these past years.
Thank you, MERCY for your encouragement to me, to follow the Spirit’s lead in understanding how to handle each family situation. Even though the Bible doesn’t specifically address the situations I am facing, God’s Word is always alive and active, and so studying and reading His Word has helped me to see God’s heart in the matter and from there draw instruction as well. This is my prayer for this new quieter season of my life, to keep my heart and mind bent toward the Spirit’s leading. Thank you also to the other She’s for lifting my family up in prayer. This community is truly an example of The Body of Christ in Action. I would never want to go into battle alone, and together, we are standing with one another, battling the evil one with God as our King!
I wrote down all of the characteristics of love yesterday from I Corinthians 13 and prayed over each one for my family members. The Lord really blessed that time as certain ones stood out to me for a specific family member. One characteristic that I hadn’t thought of for awhile was…”Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” That really encouraged my heart yesterday as we are battling that with our daughter. She thinks we hate her because we embrace truth. We have been telling her this is actually love on our part, but of course it doesn’t make sense to her (because the world is telling her the opposite) but reading it again in the Word really encouraged my heart to stay the course and make sure that we are loving her in all the other ways described in this passage as well.
What sticks out to me is Paul’s call to watch out for those who would lead us away from Christ. He calls us to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. Then just in case we get worried that we can’t do it, he reminds us that it is God who is able to establish us. He sums up what he has been telling us throughout this book. Paul is such a great writer but he always points back to Christ and God! Ver 27 “to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen!”
This was under the “explain verse”
Paul draws on the ot Scriptures (Psa 110:1) to comfort his audience with a message of hope: God will soon defeat Satan and their enemies. The nt frequently quotes Psa 110:1 to depict all things being placed under the feet of Christ (e.g., Luke 20:43; Acts 2:35; Heb 10:13). Here Paul refers to all things being placed under the feet of believers to emphasize their participation in God’s victory.
(John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Ro 16:20.)
“ALL THINGS being place under the feet of BELIEVERS to emphasize THEIR PARTICIPATION in God’s victory!!” I love that. We can dominate the sin around us with Jesus! Praise God! We can take Joy in that! We GET to participate for God’s glory! This gives me a little more pep in my step…it’s all working together for those who love Him. Let’s not grow weary in the race…it is tiring, it is sweaty, we can stumble. But looks up to the one that gives us strength and endurance! I HAVE to remember this.
Studying Romans has been so good. The SRT studies are such a blessing, a gift that we can come together virtually and learn, pray, grow.
Have a great Friday and wkd!
HE knows my name❤️. Grateful for another amazing study. This was actually the first time I went through Romans and enjoyed every moment of it. May I never forget where I’ve been, and or where I come from knowing that the ultimate goal is Jesus. Me, a sinner, FORGIVEN through the blood of Jesus! Thank you Jesus! Thank you for all you do for me and all of us here. YOU, Jesus get ALL the glory! Happy FRIDAY sweet She’s!! I made it! First week of school. Please continue to pray, as I’m still learning quite a bit to be a para in the classroom. Please pray that the teacher would be patient as I’m still learning and pray that I catch on to everything that is required of me.
Amen Amen and Amen!
Not right or left but life and death. This is the true meaning of the word of God. What road am I walking ?What words am I speaking? Am I tough along to get along or am I walking the narrow path, steering clear of the demonic mind set of our times. What am I watching, listening to, involving myself with in the daily . Who has my ear, who is leading the discussion? Covering myself in the Word of our Lord and Savior.
ERB – You mentioned exactly what I mentioned in my prayer for HEIDI and Kin. I asked God to draw her to share a Scripture or a song that is special to them. Isn’t it amazing how God aligns our hearts in prayerful support?!
SEARCHING – Love your summation! The word that stood out to me today was obedience. I hope to leave that kind of legacy!
Praying for you ladies this morning!
HEIDI – You, dear friend, are not lacking, and a hearty amen to ERB’s comment. Joining her and others in prayer for you and for Kin. Is there something new scheduled at school today that might be causing anxiety? Coming to mind, along with ERB’s suggestion to remind Kin that God knows HER and is with her, is Philippians 4:8, Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (NIV) The Message says to think on “the best, not the worst” – what are those things? for both of you :) ❤️
MIA FAITH – praying for your children and grandchildren
LEHUA K – ❤️ Thankful you were able to speak with your dad and that they are ok. Continuing to pray for all affected by these terrible fires, for those fighting to control them, and the rebuilding to come. Heartbreaking to see the news on lives lost, the injured, homes lost, the historic buildings and businesses that have burned. Did you hear the prayer yesterday on KLove from someone on the Big island of Hawaii? It is an understatement to describe it as moving. I’m sure it will replayed.
CAROLYN BARRON – joining in prayer for your husband, you, your family, the medical team ❤️
Amen. what a great, thought provoking, heart examining study – thank you SRT.
As Paul wrapped up this letter, he took the time and space to draw attention to certain people, to vouch for them so to speak – people who served alongside him, sacrificed for him, were diligent and trustworthy in their service to God and in teaching/spreading the gospel of Christ.
He also warns (urges, NKJV) to “note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience has become known to all.”
My attention is drawn to several things in these verses (Romans 16:17-19) beginning with Paul’s confidence as he mentions certain people by name. Who did he work with that he did not mention – who caused divisions and offenses and strayed from the true gospel of Christ? I see a caution to myself here – to be alert when meeting and spending time with people as they may “talk the talk” but not truly “walk the walk” or as I have heard my whole life, actions speak louder than words.
And I have to know the word of God (“the doctrine which you learned”) to be able to discern whether someone is causing “divisions and offenses” that don’t align with God’s word.
I have to pray for wisdom to recognize smooth talkers and outright liars as part of this discernment, and to go back to the underlying truth in God’s word – is it a match? Not being taken in by twists and turns of truth, or dismissing parts of the Bible that may be convicting (but that doesn’t really mean, or that doesn’t apply in today’s world …), not letting myself depend on a “trustworthy” person rather than God’s word.
Lastly, remembering these cautions and applying them so as to not lead anyone astray because “For your obedience has become known to all.” Being known as a Christian, I feel a sense of responsibility when my actions (or words) show support for a person, group of people or organization – to be as sure as I can that they are for real and not misleading to others. Regardless of whether my support is warranted or off base, others may consider it to be a stamp of approval … because I am known as a Christian.
So glad I was able to join you all for the last week of the Romans study! I pray we would all cling to Christ in the hills and valleys of this life. Praying for all my sisters and thank you for taking the time to share your requests <3
HEIDI I don’t know a lot about your situation, but you my sister are NOT lacking!!! You are learning and growing!!! God wants you dependent on Him, so allow yourself the grace to BE dependent on Him!!! Go outside of your paradigm/s and let Him lead and guide you. He has placed the wisdom and discernment you need & crave inside of you/your spirit. You mentioned anxiety with Kin… have you thought about saying a scripture with her when she is feeling anxious? Isaiah 43:1 is always good! Try simplifying it and putting her name in there so it becomes personal to her, like this: “God—who created, formed & made you, Kin. He says “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you and I know you by your name!! You are Mine, Kin!” …it doesn’t have to be this verse specifically, pray and ask God which one… but something like this brings in peace & comfort and helps combat any fear! It also gives her a tool to help herself, when you’re not there. Also remember, if you’re at PEACE then she will be at peace. Praying over each of you!!! Heidi, you are bearing and displaying beautiful fruit, God’s fruit!! He is so proud of you!!! Keep putting Him first!! With much love and blessings xoxo
TERESA DONLEY – ❤
ERB – ❤
KRISTIN – Such a great song and perfect share for this last day. Thank you!
LEHUA K – Rejoicing with you for your parents safety and protection and that they are able to shop for groceries! Praying for the islands!
HEIDI – Bigger prayers coming your way. Btw, whatever happened with the gymnastics situation?
CAROLYN BARRON – Hugs and prayers to you and your family!
Thankful for each of you faithful sisters and the community we have here. Thankful, too, for your faithful prayers!!! Love you all!
AMANDA BIBLE WILLIAMS – Thanks for this great wrap-up and to each of you on staff for the dedication to each study!
Thank you all so much for your kind comments and prayers ♡. I am so blessed to be your sister in Christ.
Lord help me to cling to good, which is only of God! Our God of the impossible…thank You Lord that I’ve been grafted in through the Blood of Christ! In Jesus name, Amen
Grateful for His abundance as I feel nothing but lacking lately… in EVERY.THING. Which leaves me irritated which is about where I am this minute… it’s not even 6:15 as i’m typing and already the morning has gone “wrong” in my estimation and I’m irritated. Sincerely praying His joy and compassion to fill my heart.
YESTERDAY: was better in that, though tearing up and trying to argue, Kin got out of the car after moderate begging. The day apparently went just fine, she even got to stay after and hang out with a friend she’s enjoyed getting to know which was very promising. However, she has already gotten up this morning saying she feels sick. I believe her because that’s the manifestation of the anxiety – I’m just frustrated in how to deal with it. I NEED WISDOM for sure and I just feel empty of everything right now…
Yesterday’s word was Endurance, today the word that stands out to me is Abundance. “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think…” Sometimes we ask for something and we don’t get it. After all, I’ve been asking for healing for my plantar fasciitis for two months now and haven’t received it. But God gives more abundantly than we can even imagine. So perhaps there is something bigger going on that God wants for me. I’ve gotten my morning quiet time back. I’ve learned that being still won’t kill me, ha! I’ve gained compassion for others in pain. I would never have thought to ask for these gifts, but here they are. It’s a good reminder to look around at the abundance we’ve been given. And of course, I’m still trusting God for healing.
Praying specifically for Hawaii and the devastation there. Lord, hold the people of Hawaii close to You. Cover them with Your comfort and peace. Happy Friday, She’s!
CAROLYN BARRON praying hard for your husband, you and your kids!!! Glad you are finding comfort and strength in God and His word & promises. Keep clinging to Him!! (((Hugs)))
LEHUA K. still praying and am thanking God that you finally got to talk to your parents, and am rejoicing that they’re ok!!! Such an answer to prayer!!!
CEE GEE and KELLY NEO still praying!!
Praying for all of us, that God would be our number one!!!
Such an amazing study!!! And such a joy to walk and learn with you all in it!! May we walk out and live what we’ve learned, what God has showed us!! Thank You Jesus!! Big blessings and holy kisses to each of you dear sisters ❤️
As we learned from previous studies, the list of names is not something to skip over. The list of Jews and Gentiles, men and women, shows the diversity of the Roman church.
ARINA – glad to see you. Continuing to pray for your dad’s eyes to be open to Jesus.
CAROLYN BARRON – prayers for Randy and you and your family.
LEHUA K – heartbreaking to see the devastation on Maui. Rejoicing you made contact with your parents.
ALLIE M – rejoicing that you ate on the path to recovery. Praying the Lord will continue to strengthen you.
Amen! I love the name of God, “Him who is able.”
He is able to strengthen me. To do above and beyond all that I ask or think. He protects me from stumbling and makes me stand in the presence of His glory. Blameless and with great joy. He is the only wise God, my Savior. To Him be the glory forever!
Oh, I forgot to mention, they showed footage of the devastation on Pastor Greg Laurie’s Instagram page. I don’t regularly watch the news, but this shows the destruction there!
Ephesians 3:20–21
ESV
20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen!
Love the Doxology!
Hopes this makes you want to bless and Praise His Name!
Thought of the song sung by Phillips, Craig, and Dean called, You are God Alone!
Here are some of the words:
You are not a God, created by human hands
You are not a God, dependent on any mortal man
You are not a God, in need of anything we can give
By Your plan, that’s just the way it is
You are God alone from before time began
You were on Your throne
You are God alone and right now
In the good times and bad
You are on Your throne
And you are God alone
You’re the only God whose power none can contend
You’re the only God whose name and praise will never end
You’re the only God who’s worthy of everything we can give
You are God and that’s just the way it is
You are God alone from before time began
You were on Your throne
You are God alone and right now
In the good times and bad
You are on Your throne
And you are God alone
Unchangeable, unshakable, unstoppable
That’s what You are
Unchangeable, unshakable, unstoppable
That’s what You are
Amen!! He is Worthy!
Please, let’s remember to pray for the people in Hawaii. I saw a post on Instagram by Greg Laurie. He is a pastor in CA at Harvest Riverside but they have a church in Kumulani. A woman from there posted. She and her family survived the fire, and were safe, but they lost their home. She said they need all the help they can get and are devastated. She said she just wanted to be at her church in Kapalua, which I was thinking she may have meant Kumulani. Please pray! I saw that there was a place to donate too. May God do exceedingly, abundantly more than we can ask or think, and May His Name glorified in this disastrous situation. Amen.