Years ago, I gave a talk about fear and anxiety. About thirty women settled into a cozy room as I began sharing some of my story. Looking back on my childhood, I see a little girl who wanted to play it safe, who perpetually problem-solved worst-case scenarios, and who felt shadowed by a vague sense of fear. This stream of anxiety ran steadily throughout my life, but no one would have known. I was the kid who easily made friends, loved school, and didn’t cause much trouble. I was the strong, steady one—until I wasn’t.
In my late twenties, in the midst of young marriage and new motherhood, the stream of anxiety became a flood. Panic attacks began to torment me. For the first time, my underground anxiety burst out and threatened to take center stage. I felt embarrassed and ashamed. I didn’t want to admit my confusing fears, and I certainly didn’t want others to see my struggle. After all, I was supposed to be the strong, steady one.
At this point in my talk, I told the women that I had a secret. I began unbuttoning my shirt. Awkward silence filled the room. Underneath my faded, denim top I wore a white t-shirt and cold, bulky metal chains. No one had suspected that I was wearing chains, yet they were there the whole time—pinching, constraining, and weighing me down. We don’t always know the chains people are wrapped up in, do we?
The apostle and missionary Paul wore chains too. In his letter to the believers in the city of Philippi, Paul explained that he was “in chains for Christ” as he endured house arrest (Philippians 1:13, NIV). For years he had been misunderstood, criticized, slandered, and beaten, and now he was jailed in Rome.
Some could view Paul as a failure. Some could question his faith or even the power or goodness of God. Yet Paul was convinced that his current suffering was nothing to be ashamed of or to hide. On the contrary, he insisted that his circumstances advanced the gospel message. He told the Philippians, “Because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear” (Philippians 1:14 NIV). Even in jail, Paul rejoiced that his guards were hearing about Jesus and that other believers were encouraged and empowered.
We may marvel at Paul’s perspective, but we can also hold both the redemption of our chains with the pain they cause. In 1 Corinthians 2, Paul revealed his own weakness, fear, and trembling (1Corinthians 2:3). Like Paul, we all chafe and wrestle with painful circumstances, those things we would never choose for ourselves.
What pinches you, constrains you, or weighs you down? Our anxieties, our fears, our sufferings are heavy and costly. But we don’t have to hide them or be ashamed. Even our struggles can deepen our dependence on Christ and point others to the one who walks us through our darkest valleys and who redeems us—chains and all.
Leave a Reply
128 thoughts on "To Live Is Christ"
awesome message for the day!
Break our chains Lord and set us free!
Wow! I this devotional was very similar to my story. I was that kid with crippling anxiety and fear on the inside and hid it so well. Fast forward to my early 20s, newly-wed, firsr job, and some traumatic experiences. The anxiety and fear started coming out as panic attacks. I would find my self in the ER pretty sure I was dying. For about 5 years I suffered with it and then with depression. BUT GOD! I am 38, and my life is an example of Hod’s healing and Grace. I still have the occasional panic, but nothing big. God has used my story to help others. He has used my weakness for His glory.
Wow! The devotional is my life story. I was that kid who thought through worst case scenarios. Fear ran my life! I was also a great student, active in sports and other activities, and appeared very social on the outside. But fear and anxiety were eating me on the inside. Fast forward to my early 20s and being a newly wed, with some major stressors in my life (good and bad)? And I find myself in the ER with what we thought was a heart attack, but actually ended up being a panic attack. I suffered from severe anxiety for about 5 years. But through that time I drew closer to God. Years of sweating and crying as I poured my heart out to him. Now, I am 38, and I have the occasional small panic attack, but I
I don’t know if everyone relates to this, but I imagine some do. This message teaches us to love Christ out loud and be thankful for His love, even when we fear we will be persecuted for it. I don’t know about you, but in today’s society and among my friends/acquaintances from work (and even back when I was in school), this can be so hard. There is so much judgement now for those who love Christ out loud. So, for a long time I kept my love silent in my heart, in fear or judgement. Or even worse, dormant and only visited in time of great need. But this reading reminds us that even though some may persecute or judge you for your faith, it is likely that at least one person’s life can be changed by your example. And isn’t it better to change one life than to hold on to connections with those who don’t support you?
Beautifully said! ❤️
Lord, your love and salvation, despite my human chains, is wonderful! Thank you allowing me to ease the weight of my chains
❤️
Sisters, can I please ask for prayer for my job situation? There is an utter lack of clarity and a lot of stress in my team to which I am so sensitive that I have broken down crying multiple times this week and haven’t been sleeping well. Thank you
Will be praying for your job situation Victoria. I remember how awful that can be and lack of sleep doesn’t help either. Hugs.❤️
Absolutely! Praying now Victoria.
Last night while watching TV… a commercial came on with teen girls, praising abortion. It just about made me throw up! Let us pray for our nation, sweet She’s.
I have seen a lot of commercials that make me feel that way, but I haven’t seen that one yet, thankfully! Yes, we NEED to pray for our nation!
Hello She’s, I rarely post but I do read your comments, learn from you and pray for you. May I ask for prayers? I am going through a recurrent health issue (spontaneous pneumothorax, for the health professionals out there) which has required multiple emergency admissions to the hospital and a couple of painful procedures. I am recovering from the most recent episode, and have been feeling so anxious and hypervigilant
Natasha, I’m one of those health professionals. Haha.
Wow that cannot be fun. I’m so sorry you are dealing with that. I will be praying for peace and strength. And certainly for healing if it’s the Lord’s will.
Praying for release of the anxiety accompanying the ongoing medical issues. ❤
Praying for you ❤️
Natasha, I too am one of those health professionals, though retired now. I remember how painful those procedures are and how frightening for the patient. Keeping you in my prayers that they find the cause behind them and for your anxiety.
Yes, Natasha, I am honored to pray for you. ♥️
I am afraid to trust God to use me, and I’m afraid to go trust myself to listen to His voice. I feel encouraged from the reading today that even when I doubt and feel fear, God still can use me to be a light inspite of myself.
❤
I previously posted my comment on the wrong date lol so reposting. Praying you all are having a good Tuesday.
.
On the note of mental health, I was listening to medical podcasts to gain knowledge to combat these issues. There is a direct impact between gut health and mental health. They did an experiment, by transferring some gut microbiomes from patients with schizophrenia onto healthy lab rats, and the rats start to have schizophrenia as well. Fitness also has direct impact with mental health. So while building up the inner man is important, taking care of the outer man/ our body will influence how we worship God. I heard this from Joyce Meyer and she would go on a treadmill. The key is not to think about it, and just do it (overthinking can lead to double mindedness.. ouch). Father, I lift up our sisters and their families in prayers. We take authority in the Name of Jesus and we break any unclean spirits behind the demonic fears, torment, insecurities, anxiety, depression, mental illnesses, etc. we claim joy and peace for our mind, strength and good health for our body. Lord we pray for wisdom, knowledge to eat healthy and remain health, to take care of our body and our mind. We pray for your grace to cover those who are sick and facing medical issues that they might recover and be strengthened to their tip top shape. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
*edit: Wednesday :) running back to work.
I used to have bad anxiety, unsure of anything. I realize, that though I have released so much of that. When it comes to my daughter (21) I still get anxious and I worry for her, and always hope she’s ok. I also was in a car accident that left me with many lingering things and legal battles, I realize I’m anxious about that too. Instead of thanking God for my being alive, and using this to share His love. I am more embarrassed by my lingering speech slur
Anxiety is something I struggle with immensely!! I relate a lot to the devotional.
Another thing I loved from Corinthians is that he says he would rather faith come from the power of God than the wisdom of men. Using the Holy Spirit to speak for itself but bring people to the idea of it is beautiful to me.
Praying over you. Father we come against anxiety in the Name of Jesus, we command it to leave our dear sister, and we claim the fulness of joy and peace for her mind. In Jesus’ Name.
I sat around the table with my four sisters-in-law, getting ready for a weekend away. I had a secret I knew I wouldn’t be able to hide during the weekend, so I figured I may as well spill it now and get it over with. So I told them that I was having some anxiety issues and was taking meds for it. It was hard to admit it, it was hard to admit that I wasn’t as strong as them. It was hard to admit I wasn’t able to handle all of life’s struggles without the help of some meds. But ya know what? One by one, each one shared how long they’d been taking meds for the same thing. I couldn’t believe it. Every one of those girls was hiding a secret that we all shared. Gals, many of us are dealing with the same stuff, and it just takes ONE to break the ice and give permission for everyone to share their struggles. We need each other. We need each other to be vulnerable. We need each other to allow us to be real.
❤️
Amen, Kris!
Thank you for sharing, I’ve struggled with shame due to having PTSD. I’ve tried everything to get better and still I’m impacted everyday. The Lord continually brings me back to this place of abiding in Him and praising Him for how far I’ve come and counting my blessings. Paul had a thorn and it kept him so dependent on the Lord and thus able to share His glory all the more boldly. May we be women who don’t hide our weaknesses but grow in confidence that He knew what He was doing when He created us, warts and all. We are fearfully and wonderfully made in His image. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing the blessing of being seen and supported and being able to see your sister-in-laws and support them in return. Love the reminder that we are not alone. Blessings in Him to you!
L
Julia C., thank you for the gift of your deeply personal prayer list. I haven’t updated in a while, but seeing my name there made me feel so seen and valued, something I have really struggled with. I haven’t heard anything more from my friend since the week of the Apalachee school shootings, and I’m learning to let go of that friendship while being grateful for the blessing it has been in my life. Perhaps the next time I hear from my friend, I will mention how baffling some of her comments are to me, or perhaps I won’t bother to pick up the phone. But that hurt is beginning to lose some of its power over me. I would like to add another request; I’m trying to schedule a knee replacement for this month. Lots of logistical issues to overcome, but I really feel that I need to move on with this surgery so I can focus on the other things God had for me instead of limping through life in great pain. And I am grateful that this surgery is available because I know how much pain my grandmother endured from her arthritis. Thanks, SHEs.
Hi Margaret, I will be praying for you and your knee replacement surgery. I am just three weeks out and am doing well. I put it off for more than 4 years. My leg started turning out and I began having back and hip problems because of alignment. My leg is now straight and back problems are much better. Still dealing with some hip issues. Therapy is crucial before as well as after. Still making friends with my new knee, but glad it’s over!!
Praying for God’s direction with the surgery and for peace for your heart over that friendship. ❤
GM! My goodness, so much in the scriptures, the devotional and then reading through 50 plus comments…I don’t even know where to start! But—
I did know the chains analogy right away in the true physical sense. The chains are around my back. Most people meet me and have no idea what is under “my shirt!” (We all have the chains in one form or another, some have released some have not, some have to release over and over throughout their life!). I posted a picture on FB last week of what is underneath my shirt and why I complain about my back hurting so much. In some ways it feels like justifying WHY I have the right to complain, but mostly I have used my crooked spine my whole life to show a hindrance that is overcomeable!
Christ is my strength, and He enables me to shine despite our chains. One of the people I truly look to is Joni Erickson Tada. The lady has done so much from a wheelchair to point to God and her love and trust for Him. I want to do that as well. All the great heroes of the Bible had chains that they had to release to the Lord. May we all find our hope in him alone and give him the honor and praise he deserves.
Jesus is our chain breaker (great song CeeGee!) I also love the new song by Brandon Lake…”I’m gonna Praise!” Amen, through it all, I want a faith like the Saints! To praise regardless of any situation I am in!
Grateful for our FB page to be able to go deeper together in our relationships! I shared a great praise there this morning!
SRT-SHE’s if you would like to join, but you must add that you are fro SRT in the questions asked!!
“Where the Spirit of the Lord Is” new song by Life Church Worship. Freedom is coming for all!
❤️
❤ going to listen to those now! Thanks, Rhonda!
Always love reading your posts Rhonda. You are so inspiring and your love for Jesus overflows. Hugs to you. Prayers for you always sweet sister. ❤️
John 6:67-68 says it all. Where would I go if I were to leave Jesus? Is there some place better? is there someone better? I cannot imagine leaving Jesus and thinking I’d be better off. Times may be hard sometimes, but I’ve NEVER been better off without Jesus than I am right now.
❤️
R – I replied to your comment on my post late last night. In case you missed it I am pasting it here:
R– you don’t know how much your comment means to me! God bless you for leaving your comfort zone to share that with me! THANK YOU for blessing my heart!!! I hope now you will feel comfortable doing so more often. Love and prayers! ❤
~~~
We are so glad you are here!
From Warren Wiersbe:
v. 13-Sometimes God has to put “chains” on His people to get them to accomplish a “pioneer advance” that could never happen any other way.
Young mothers may feel chained to the home as they care for their children, but God can use those “chains” to reach people with the message of salvation. The secret is this:
When you are single-minded, you look on your circumstances as God-given opportunities for the furtherance of the gospel, and you rejoice at what God is going to do instead of complaining about what God did not do.
~~~
I think I shared it recently, but the song BREAK EVERY CHAIN sure fits today’s devo. PATTI SAULS, you perfectly summed up my early life. Praise God He made a way!~~~
“…There is power in the Name of Jesus…
to break every chain, break every chain, break every chain…” from Break Every Chain by Jesus Culture.
~~~
Prayers and love, sisters! ❤
❤️ this resonates with me. Thank you Cee Gee.
❤
Hi CeeGee!! I just saw your post and it truly warmed my heart. I am
beginning to leave my
comfort zone as great sorrow has had me hiding for years!I
didn’t want anyone to
know what was “hiding
under my shirt”.I know
now that there is more
room “out” than “in” so I’ll hide no more!!!This community
has saved me many a day, and it’s time I
fully participated in it!
Hallelujah! Breaking into a happy dance for you! I experienced a similar response to sorrow several years ago. I had done SRT sporadically before, but during the Covid shutdown it became my lifeline as well. It took me a while to warm up to commenting, but I am so glad I did! Looking forward to getting to know you better! ❤ Praying for you!
❤️!!!
Thank you Cee Gee for always posting from Wiersbe. It helps clarify a lot. I always listen to the songs that you post. Music blesses my heart. ❤️
Wow, you have all touched my heart with your insight and honesty about chains that you deal with daily! Tina, what a treasure you are to Abby! Praying for Michelle to have favor with her insurance agent!! Adrienne prays for health. A Walton prayers for your mom and you. Meagan prayers for Joy and peace over depression. Lauren, Brandi,Jen,Molly and others – praying for you.
I have felt chains from things in my body that I have but I don’t want to reveal them, either out of embarrassment or not being a burden to anyone. God has been showing me how He can use my “thinning the flesh” to encourage others how they can do all things through Christ who strengthens them. It is humbling to be honest but if it helps someone bring glory to God then it is worth it!
Yes…amen, there is freedom in sharing our burdens…that is where our testimonies come from!
Thank you for your prayers!
Thank you, Cheryl. ❤️
“Even our struggles can deepen our dependence on Christ and point others to the one who walks us through our darkest valleys and who redeems us…”
____________
I found it interesting in Philippians 1:14, that because of Paul’s imprisonment other believers were encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly – you would think that it would have the opposite effect! And then it made me wonder how I would react, would I be bolder or more afraid?
__________
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 – is a reassurance that we don’t need to be highly educated in order to share the gospel, we just have to know and love Jesus! (Whew!)
__________
And in John 6:68, Peter’s question – “Lord to whom would we go?”…to whom would we go?? As the song goes – There’s nobody like Jesus!
____________
@Laura GW – continued prayers for your husband and for wisdom & strength for you.
@Brandi – praying for little Aven Grace.
@A Walton – praying for your mom
@Michelle P – praying, hoping you are able to get a car soon!
____________
Have a blessed day ladies! ❤️
Yes Amen! I often wonder how I would react and behave when it came down to REAL persecution. Which, by the way Sisters…it IS happening here in America more and more! We HAVE to start building our faith SO STRONG, our armor already sharpened, cleaned, and ready and prepared to put on and know that it is needed! We have to put our warrior boots on because it is going to get worse…BUT GOD, He is for us and even if we get persecuted, he can make great things happen from that. Not to be political—BUT we must be, and I love that the last 8 years…God is bringing to light that Christians MUST step up and out in faith, in reverence and honor to HIM..and HIM alone, we vote for HIM and to align with his truth. No budging, no compromises, no twisting. He is our truth, not the world.
Sorry..I get on a passionate tangent because so many are still sleepers. Let this encourage to be more vocal and Jesus Strong! He will help you and give you what you need when you need! Amen!! Funny…of course a song is playing right now…Wake up Sleepers “What I See” by Elevation Worship!
Thank you!
For those of you, who don’t have a study book, the readings today are followed by an old African American Spiritual. The song is, “Give Me Jesus”, and I encourage you to just sit quietly and listen or sing along.
I love that song. After listening to the podcast this week I have played it over and over. I love the one from Shane and Shane. It is so pretty.
The visual of chains deeply resonated with me. My chains are very much the battle of an incurable cancer and the great uncertainty that it carries. It has to be an intentional, daily, at times moment by moment taking off the chains, lay them down and press into the strength, hope, peace and good work of Jesus. Praise the Lord because of Jesus, I can faithfully trust in His sufficiency in my weakness, seek to bring honor to Him and proclaim His goodness.
Wendy, that is quite a heavy chain! My heart and prayers go out to you, sister! We all love you and will do our best to carry a link or 2 of that chain. ❤
Yes Amen Wendy!! Thank you for your courageous TRUST and FAith!!
Oh Wendy, I know exactly what you mean. Even though I am now in remission, it is on my mind every day. I pray for you and me that we can lay this down at the feet of Jesus and enjoy every day that we are given. Hugs to you my friend. ❤️
What pinches me, constrains me and weighs me down? I knew the answer immediately! Not continuing my education. I only have a H.S. Diploma and 48 college units. On my AMAZING team at work, I’m the “oldest.” The teacher I’m a para for is the same age as my son. 23 years-old! The other teacher about 24 and the other para not even 40 yet. Our principal is not 40 yet! And here I am 57 years-old, old enough to be a grandma! I know that in the eyes of JESUS I am important to HIM and my identity does not reflect on how much school I was able to complete. I know this! BUT my human nature sometimes doesn’t allow me to think this way. I feel “less-than” sometimes and wish that I had it in my young self back then to continue college. BUT GOD….I need to “remember” my Jesus still has a plan for me.
Mari, the wisdom you have gained in life is such a benefit to those youngsters! I didn’t get a college degree either so I understand your feelings. ❤
Thank CeeGee, this means a lot to me!!!
❤❤❤
Hello Shes
I was stunned – stung – by what was written:
“ No one had suspected that I was wearing chains, yet they were there the whole time—pinching, constraining, and weighing me down. We don’t always know the chains people are wrapped up in, do we?”
My “chains” are “manifest” in wakefulness & bouts of insomnia. Some nights of freedom. Then some nights of captivity. Anxiety! Busy Brain! Heavy thoughts!”
But I’m pulling out my “rescue” folder of scripture & & prayers & sayings & poetry. This verse is the first to pop up:
“Return to my rest, my soul,
for the Lord has been good to you.”
(Psalm 116: 7).
God have Mercy.
Christ have Mercy.
Spirit have Mercy.
Repeat, repeat…until sweet sleep.
Thank you for sharing that verse. That will be on my list of go to verses when I feel anxious.
Very encouraged by this today because I often hide my struggles with anxiety and OCD so that no one sees the bad and uncomfortable parts of me. How refreshing it is to know that God is glorified in my struggles because he sustains me!
Wow, the visual of the hidden chains really spoke to me. While it is easy for others to see some of my pain (I became a widow at age 33), there is also pain I am tempted to keep hidden (anxiety disorder). I am grateful for the reminder not to be ashamed of things that chain me or used to chain me. But to bring it out in the open and see how God can use them!
I am so sorry you have experienced such great loss at a young age. May the Lord bring you strength and be glorified through your story.
I can understand where the writer is coming from. The weights that we allow to constrict us are heavy. I want to be free, but I always seem to put them back on. Lord, help me to lay them down.
Melissa, may I add an Amen. This brought tears as I know too well the feeling. Bless you.
I just had a thought: no where in the description of God’s armor do we see chains listed. Praying we all have to strength to trust God to remove them for good. ❤
To live is Christ and die is gain…and I pray that I die daily to myself and live for Christ. ❤️
Thank you ladies for your prayers!
An update:
I was on the phone with my insurance yesterday very frustrated, because they will not be covering the damages/loss.
The next step I took after that was to contact the insurance of the other party who hit me. It is commercial work insurance, being it was construction company truck. I’m waiting to see if they will cover it, being they rear ended me.
I currently have a rental but am unsure what will happen now that my insurance isn’t covering things. Their reasoning was that I was using my car for delivery work, which now there is a clause that says this is excluded from my normal coverage. Had no idea!!! Heads up to anyone who does gig work- you need business insurance. I use Instacart, but Uber and Doordash may be different be different, I hear. Wow.
This devotional is a good reminder to let Christ be exalted in my interactions while under stress. I have been trying to do that and be courteous to every phone agent who helps me..even apologizing when I got worked up yesterday when she explained after she had me on a recorded line that I wasn’t covered.
I am writing a lot but that is the update!
God bless each of you. May His peace be with us.
Dear Michelle—I would think the company that covers the truck that hit you would be falling all over themselves to make you happy so you won’t sue them. Companies have insurance just for that reason and they were totally at fault. Don’t let them run all over you, sweet lady! I’m sorry this happened but God has a plan in all of it! ❤️
Amen, Lynne! They likely will reimburse for the rental, too, Michelle. Thanks for the detailed update! I know a lady in similar financial situation who delivers. I am going to make sure she knows about the insurance issue! Thanks, MICHELLE! Continued prayers ❤
Praying for grace and special favors in this situation.
It’s giving I can do it with a broken heart by Taylor Swift
Lol, this comment is the first I saw just now and I thought, “this is very Gen Z.” Pretty random but funny!
Answers to personal prayer – I’ve been praying a girl out of my son’s life. After his therapy session yesterday, I took him shopping/hunting for medium-tall hoodies and sweats at Kohl’s (dressing a broomstick over here!). I casually asked him about homecoming and if we needed to look at dress shirts. He told me he blocked the girl who was part of the huge disaster that happened last month. Thank you, Jesus! I wanted to happy dance right there, but I know his feelings for her seemed real to him, so I was sensitive to that and told him I knew it was a tough choice, but a good decision.
Added prayer: He is going through some tough stuff and is struggling with emotional regulation. As we were driving last night, we saw a kid from the school where I work, and I explained that child’s behaviors. My son told me he feels the same way most of the time right now. I am proud of what he is doing and pray for him to tap into the strength God has already equipped him with to carry on.
Praise God, He is at work in your son’s life!
Praise God! I know that same feeling from when my son ended his relationship with a “problem” girl. Good job, mama, keeping the conversations going with your son.
Amen- God is working!❤️
Thank you Julia C for “seeing” us all! I have been consuming a lot of content lately so hopefully this makes sense. First listening to Jennie Allen’s podcast of Christians in other countries literally in chains and dying for Christ makes me think of Paul here And thank God that we have no idea what it feels like to choose Christ over life. It gut checks me a lot. And makes me wonder will the US get to this point in my life time? And am I ready. At the same time she talks about incredible movement in God gathering the big C church, and I feel it. This invisible force pulling us all together regardless of denomination. I was recently watching Tucker Carlsons interview with Glenn Beck (Mormon) and RFK (who idk but def different upbringing than me) and they both shared a similar sentiment that we have to stop fighting each other over “smaller issues” and focus on the big ones, preserving our country. For Glen he said that is Christ. And it made me think of Paul today saying I don’t care what their motivations are as long as we are preaching Christ. Tucker said in his intro: there is no Republican or Democrat anymore, there are only truth tellers and liars, and there is one truth, and it is the word. In the beginning there was the word. And we have to join behind that force…. I thought that was so beautiful, and I just keep praying that Jesus brings everything to light to help us discern what is truth.
Time to let God remove our chains. Let go and Let God
“Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice.”
.
This reminds me that a pastor I used to have always loved when Christmas started appearing in stores. The world was “preaching” Jesus left and right for commercial gain, but we could use the items, songs, decorations as easy launching points to give people the TRUTH.
.
Second this just reinforces that it is God who brings people to Himself, not our efforts (or motives).
.
MICHELLE P – rejoicing you are ok! Hoping you have a good relationship with your insurance agent so that he or she will advocate for you to get the maximum payout since you depend on your car for work. Praying the Lord provides “exceedingly more than you can ask or imagine”
.
A WALTON – praying for your mom and peace for you as you are so far away.
.
ADRIENNE – thankful you had positive test results. Adding iron to your diet by eating dried goji berries or raisins.
Thank you dear Kelly! GOD BLESS YOU! ❤️
Thank you for your prayers for my mom. ❤️
Father reward my faith, forgive my doubt! In Jesus name, Amen
HEIDE BOUTER – Welcome!
SOPHIE MITCHUM – Welcome!
MARIAH ELLIS – Welcome!
ELLY WIDENER – Welcome!
GRACE SIERRA – Hi!
BRANDI YOUNG – Hope you are still here ❤️
MEAGAN ROBBINS – Welcome! “Depression is something I’ve battled with for years, but I’ve come to see it as a bit of a blessing because it keeps me close to Him.” AMEN! Praying for healing.
—
TINA and TRICIA C – Beautiful letters! ❤️
—
KELLY (NEO) – Praying you will be a blessing for your coworker
TAYLOR – Praying for peace amidst your busy week
SHARON JERSEY GIRL – I am sorry about Tom. Praying for his family. May God be near to them. Continued prayers for Jeff and his treatments.
HEATHER T – Praying Isaiah 26:3 over you
AG – Praying for all those affected by the tropical storm
HANNAH BOCKRATH – I pray that you may be encouraged by God’s Word and this community
SUSAN BURLEY – Praying for renewed strength and energy
SEARCHING – Joining you in prayer for our spiritual needs
MICHELLE P – Grateful that you are okay! Praying for God’s provision.
A WALTON – Welcome back! Prayers for your mom.
ADRIENNE – Praying you can replace the anxiety for the scripture memorizing ❤️
BRANDI – Praying for Aven Grace and her family
TINA – Prayers for Abbi
—
GWINETH52 – Do you manage to get some sleep?
LAUREN GW – Do you have an update? Praying for your husband’s healing and for you and the kids to find peace in Christ.
—
ALEXIS DABNEY – SALLY B – SEARCHING – AIMEE D-R – ERICA CHIARELLI – LANIE H – CHELSEY WITHLOW – CHRISTA KAYE – G – KIMBERLY REED – KAREN SWANSON – LYDIA HUTER – MARIA BAER – GLORIA D – MARI V – RHONDA J. – JAQUELINE REGIER – PORTIA DUNWAY – DONNA MITCHELL – BARB D – ALLISON WHITLOCK – JENNIFER EMMONS – NICOLE BURKE – CHERYL BLOW – LINDAK – CATHY MCVEY – CEE GEE – MARGARET W – RACHEL BOZEMAN – KRIS – KIMBERLEY Z – JILLIAN CARECTOR – BAYLIE HENRY – JODY STRIKER – CARA P – JO TURNBULL – KATHY – KATHY K – LAURA – LISA KELLER – CAT-TEE – BETH BRUNER – MARTHA HIX – GRAMSIESUE – VICTORIA E – MERCY – TAMIA BOYKIN – SARAH D
Thanking God for all of you ❤️
Thank you, Julia. Glad to see you! ❤️
The fact you took time to list everyone by name and pray made my heart swell with gratitude. What a kind soul. Thanks for “seeing” us all.
Hey Julia
How interesting & ironic you would inquire about my sleeping…on a morning when I’ve popped wide awake with too much noise in my head! Aiming, with His divine intervention, to calm myself down & clear my head for this new day appearing. Giving thanks to you in prayer. To Him in His infinitude.
God bless you, Julia! Love your heart! I thank God for you and every sister here as well. ❤
Thank you for the prayers for my mom. It is a comfort to me.
❤️❤️
The sciatic issues come and go. Right now I’m dealing with a flair up but thank you for remembering that long list of prayer requests ❤️
Thank you Julia C. Love your heart. ❤️
I was struck by the passage in John today. What made some of the disciples leave Jesus? When I read the verses before this, it was Jesus telling them that they had to die to themselves and be “all in” with Him (my paraphrase). And after He said that, some of them said it was too hard and left Him. Wow. And then we have Paul, who literally lives his life only for Jesus. He is all about Jesus and the Kingdom that God promises us after life on earth. He is all in. This. This is what I want to be known for. This is what I want for my life. I want my life to only be about Jesus and nothing else.
What a word picture, our hidden chains … what are mine?
–
In looking back at what he’s been through, Paul says “the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel” – help me, Lord, to see Your purpose in confusing times.
–
ADRIENNE – praying for the cause of what you’re experiencing to be determined, thankful the thyroid tests came back ok. Has your blood calcium or parathyroid hormone been checked? I had a friend with a blood calcium issue.
CEE GEE – thank you for another good song and posts
A WALTON – praying for your mom and med team for effective treatment
MICHELLE P – your car :( thankful you are okay, and for rental car coverage. Praying for a reliable replacement ❤️
BRANDI – praying for Aven Grace ❤️
LAUREN GW – praying
Thank you, Searching ❤️
❤
Thank you for your prayers on behalf of my mom. It is a comfort to me.
Thank you for your prayers on behalf of my mom.
Thank you, Searching. ❤️
What struck me today is that even those with wrong motives can be used by God to bring people to Him. Or maybe it’s not wrong motives, but sharing is not being done in such a way that is “normal.” For example, even when I was a kid, many argued that the Christian rock I listened to wasn’t good. Well, if it is going to lead kids like I was to the Lord, then ok.
I think we need to, with God’s guidance, meet people where they are. When they see that God loves them in their mess it makes a difference.
Have a great day ladies!
❤️
Aren’t we grateful for the example of the apostle Paul – who did not try to hide his chains or gloss over them when writing to his friends in Philippi! The verse in John is one of my anchors when the chains or circumstances of life seem too heavy or too confusing – “Simon Peter answered, Lord, who will we go to? You (alone!) have the words of eternal life.”
Praising Him for those words and the life they give us in any and all circumstances!
Have a blessed Wednesday, Ladies.
Thank you, Sally B. for this “love offering” of sisterly She advice:
“…one of my anchors when the chains or circumstances of life seem too heavy or too confusing – “Simon Peter answered, Lord, who will we go to? You (alone!) have the words of eternal life.’”
This is so so timely!
Last week I mentioned the young lady I am walking alongside, her anxiety, her fears, her ‘chains’ are real!
I have spoken to her already this morning, as this is our routine now, which, I pray sets her up for the day ahead.. Or maybe just the hours ahead.. I have promised to be the end of the phone no matter the time, to talk through whatever is holding her fear-filled.. She offloads, we talk and we pray, Jesus!I
Praise God for Jesus!❤
Abbi is going home later today, for four days to the bosom of her family and is excited, but even in this excitement, she wears the chains of fear. What if? But I might not? Oh, no, will i? The questions come, and the anxiety levels raise.. In our prayers today, the verse from Phillipians 4:13 ..”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.. ” was our go to, our remembrance.. that by and in His strength we can do and face ALL things..(Sorry I’ve jumped ahead of our reading plan)
We lean on the One who walks us through, myself with His words, Abbi, through His given words to me, will heed that He is not far from her, and that He will never leave, nor, for one moment, forsake her.. He is near, closer than the skin on her bones.. He walks with her.
Abbi, thanked me for all I was doing.. I pointed her back to Christ, who strengthens me to be able .. And then I thanked her..
You see, I was reminded of my fear of crossing a certain bridge which is necessary to get to see my youngest son. I have to go through it, over it, under it, as the bear hunt book says.. My brother, Joe, talks me over it, every time! And so I told Abbi, I will be her ‘Joe’ Through this by and in His grace.
Paying it forward, I think.. For what God has provided for me, let me be to another..
Amen..
.
Blessings on this grey day dear hearts, covered in love and hugs wrapped in prayers..❤
❤️
On the first reading I thought you wrote “praying it forward “ ! Lol I want to do that also. Just keep praying forward – leaning on His guidance for every step! Love you Tina and so thankful for you!
❤
Oh Tina! What a blessing it is for you to be in Abbi’s life! As I was reading your post I thought how nice it would be to have a phone call with you every morning, “praying me forward”! May God bless you BIG! Love you sister! ❤️
Good Morning! Today, I am praying that each of us will be able to identify the individual chains we are dragging around and trust God to use them or release them, according to His will and purpose.
Amen
Amen! ❤️
I love this! Use them or release them! Yes Father! And Amen!
Amen!
Amen
Amen!
Amen!
Amen, I want Him to release them but so very often He wants to use them to point others to Him. In those times I need to learn to trust Him, that His grace is sufficient.
Amen! ❤️