I’m not much of a gardener.
But every year, when the chill of winter starts to fade, without fail I tell myself that this is the year that will change. I make my husband drive me to different gardening and home goods stores for pots, soil, seeds, and plants. And then I get to work. Nevermind the process of learning anything about gardening, choosing the right spot in our yard, or reading up on how to actually care for and protect our plants. I’ll just figure it out as I go! My vigor for cultivating the soil usually lasts a week or two. So last year, I did things a little differently and bought a strawberry plant that already had fruit starting to grow.
I set the plant in a pretty pot on the patio and waited. I’d watch it out the window as the strawberries grew and finally started to turn red. One morning I looked out and thought to myself, “Those might be ready to pick tomorrow!” So the next day, I walk out, ready to harvest. And the strawberries are gone. GASP.
Later on, the camera footage from our back door revealed an assortment of animals who had also seemingly been waiting for my strawberries to ripen. The ones who actually enjoyed the fruit? Squirrels, birds, and even a deer. Not set on higher ground and in an unprotected place, those strawberries and I never had a chance. Where they were planted mattered—a lesson I learned too late.
“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
—Matthew 7:24
My gardening troubles remind me so much of how God has given us access to everything we need to live a holy life that pleases Him. He gave us instructions in His Word on how we should live (Matthew 22:37–39). He sent His Son as an example for us to follow (1 Peter 2:21–23). He gave us His Holy Spirit as a guide that is always with us. But we have to apply what we’ve learned. In new years and new seasons, it can be so easy to turn anywhere and everywhere else in our lives for direction, instruction, and hope. But the only One who can truly show us how to live is our Creator.
I’m so grateful that when we’re rooted in God’s wisdom and direction, we can build our lives on a stable foundation. The house on the rock does not collapse, no matter what comes up against it because the foundation is solid and secure (Matthew 7:25). Our God is the guardian of our souls, the One who knows what we truly need. He knows every part of us, every secret, and every insecurity that we hide. There’s no safer, more fulfilling way to live than being led by the Shepherd. Jesus, help us to remember that no other foundation but you will ever be secure.
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168 thoughts on "We Rejoice in Jesus’s Instruction"
I am so grateful that Jesus is my teacher, shepard and guiding light, in all that I do. Praise the Lord!
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Beautiful! Just the right words for me today. Thank you!
I’m so grateful that when I’m rooted in God’s wisdom and direction, I can build my life on a stable foundation. ❤️
Amen Tina! Beautiful illustration with your family home as well as the strawberry plant! And I miss CHURCHMOUSE as well. Happy New Year She’s!
No other way to be secure than to be led by the shepherd! Thanks for being the good shepherd, Jesus!
Afternoon She’s! I am behind on my reading and catching up from the past few days. My husband and I closed on our house yesterday and finally got the keys. Thank you all for your prayers in this season of home buying. We have been in deep prayer and praise of our God the past 24 hours. I am looking forward to continuing to reading with you all . This community has been so wonderful me in getting to connect and hear others testimonies. It brings me peace to pray over everyone in this group.
Great news! Congratulations
Happy new year! This message has been in the forefront of my mind the last few days. We must not be lukewarm Christians. We must be rooted and grounded in the word of God. My word for 2025 is Thrive, and what better way to thrive than to be firmly planted on the solid rock of God with his word in my heart.
This was a well planned devotional for the first day of a new year! Plus the reading in Matthew 7 was in my sermon last Sunday! So such a good look back and reminder. Not only do I want to make sure I am planted and rooted in Christ, I am praying that my husband and I can become more united in a spiritual and Christ centered way as well this year. I know by getting in the Word daily is the essential first step in allowing God to do this work in my life and in my marriage
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Happy New Year to all! I am posting this late so I’m not sure if anyone will see it.
What most stood out to me from the reading today and from all of your insightful comments is the importance of establishing good roots. I think if we imagine ourselves as a plant we (or at least I) are eager to see fruit in our lives (the scripture certainly emphasizes the importance of producing fruit). But in some ways it seems that a better focus is on establishing a good foundation/a good root system. (I think that looks like spending time in the word, praying to God/fostering that relationship, and being still and listening to what God wants to tell me. Not that that is all that having good roots includes but its a pretty good starting point.)
If you have a good root system the fruit will come, but the focus needs to be on the former, not the later.
Abide in Jesus, the Root of Jesse
I pray that 2025 is the year we are set on higher ground with the firm foundation that is God!
Thank you and amen to the great comments and insights to kickstart 2025.
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LYNNE FROM AL – praying for Jack’s sister and the family as they grieve her husband’s passing.
SARAH M – praying for your needs that are unspoken but known to God.
KAREN VALENTE, RHONDA J and others with chronic pain – praying for relief and healing
KELLY (NEO) – praying for the mama needing stable housing, and for hotel funds in the meantime
AZ WALKER – praying for your nephew! To realize what he needs can only come from and through the Lord, healing from addiction and guidance for the right path
CHARLOTTE HILL – I’m so sorry about your grandson, what a long fight he had. Thankful he loved the Lord and you know you’ll see him again.
MARYA KAT – so sorry about your daughter, praying as you continue to grieve and miss her.
Dear Sisters I’m home. I’m grateful for your prayers and continue to covet them as I wait for my appointment, future appointments and guidance from my future medical team!
Glad you made it home !! ❤️ continuing prayers
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Happy New Year, my sisters in Christ! Thank You, Jesus for Your example and instructions. Prayers for all of the victims of America’s terrorists attacks today. Lord, we trust You as You walk into the New Year ahead of AND with us.
This devotional was so needed today. I feel like in the new year I want to focus on God ( the things that truly matter), so that I don’t get distracted by all of the little things that don’t matter as much as Jesus. I’m really feeling like his way is narrow and straight and it’s so much easier to walk in the way of the world. It’s like every moment I need to make a conscious decision to walk in his path.
Amen Jennifer!
Happy New Year!! Looking forward to another year in the word with all of you. I treasure all of your comments daily. Thank you for all your prayers in 2024. May God bless you all!❤️
Hello & Happy New Year Shes!
Perhaps the SRT team decided to save the best devotional for the first day of a new year, and not the last!!
Abby Flynn brought me both laughter & tears this morning. Ripening strawberries ( guard & protect) & ripening faith (guard & protect ever more so)!! Ah, the restful security & resounding assurance sorely needed for the year stretching before us. And just think, His arms are outstretched for us!
“Our God is the guardian of our souls, the One who knows what we truly need. He knows every part of us, every secret, and every insecurity that we hide. There’s no safer, more fulfilling way to live than being led by the Shepherd.”
Ah, SRT team, accolades & admiration for what was achieved as a community of believers in 2024. Onward & upward, in faith & fellowship into 2025. Lead on as we lean in, Gentle Saviour.
With Well & Wonder Filled Wishes!!
Happy New Year ladies!!
Happy New Year from a little snow covered ranch in the Alberta foothills.
It has been so good to read with you throughout this past year and years before( at least 5 )
May this new year be filled with the wonder of walking through each day with Jesus.
This new year, I don’t feel a need to make large changes. Thank you Lord! I used to feel like everything I did in a year was not enough and needed to do better in the new one. But mostly I feel the need to pray fervently and do my best at obedience to what God calls into my life. To live simply and practice gratitude. To love God and love those around me. This is the first year of my 26 that I have felt truly that Gods yoke is easy and his burden is light. He has grown me much this last year, most of all in trusting him. In believing he is good and true and capable especially when I step out of the way to let him be. Thank you ABBA.
How lovely, dear Lolly!
Yes!!
ONE-hundred-ten COMMENTS!! I really slept-in!! GREAT devo Abby Flynn! I wrote down bullet points. He gives us access. He gives us instructions in His Word. He sent His Son. He gave us the Holy Spirit. My desire is to stay rooted in God’s wisdom and direction (well said Abby Flynn). When I first became a christian as a teenager, I remember be taught about the narrow gate as we read this morning (Matthew 7:13-29). I imagined myself (and do remember) coming to a crossroad and looking to the right, the narrow road of following Jesus and to the left, a wide, very wide road full of things from the world. Through mistakes and all SO grateful I chose to follow Jesus! I don’t want to be ANY where else but with my JESUS! AND here WE are!! I’m so BLESSED beyond measure to be part of this BEAUTIFUL community of She’s!! Happy NEW YEAR’S SWEET SHE’S!! I love you ALL so much!
Happy New Year to all! Thank you again for your wonderful insights! Praising God for answered prayers and praying for you all! Thank you for your prayers!
So thankful that Jesus is our firm foundation! But, I have to follow His instruction, be on guard, choose to produce good fruit by staying in His word, praying, and praising Him. I need to follow His example, love the Lord with all my heart, soul, and mind. And love others as I love myself. We have to choose daily who we will serve.
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Blessed New Year, dear She’s! Opening my Bible this morning and finding God’s Word already carrying me through this this New Year. Jehovah Shammah is to be praised! We have a God who is the Guardian of our souls. Too wonderful for words!
Wide gate or narrow gate?
A good tree or a bad tree?
The ROCK or the sand?
He gives us the choice. He shows us THE WAY to life, to good, to security but we have the decision. One or the other.
amen
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Our pro-choice God wants us to choose Him!
Happy New Year my SRT family. Praying for a wonderfully filled 2025 in our Lord Jesus.
I’m so very thankful for all of you. For the encouragement you pass on to us all. Your comments help more than you know. I feel loved by all of you from afar.
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Happy New Year!
{heart}
❤️..
Happy new year, Traci..
Much love ❤️
You are very loved Traci!!! Happy New Year,your posts have been so
encouraging to me!!!
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Thank you She’s for all your insights and testimonies throughout 2024.
Looking forward to staying in God’s word with you all in 2025 remembering that God is the guardian of my soul ❤️
I’m tapping my feet to “Take You at Your Word” by Cody Carnes! The opening lyrics..
Your word is a lamp unto my feet
Your way is the only way for me
It’s a narrow road that leads to life
But I want to be on it..yeah!
It’s a narrow road but the mercy’s wide
‘Cause You’re good on Your promise
It’s spot on today!
Google it and turn it up!!
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Googled it right now. Going to listen to it after reading the comments. Happy New Year’s sweet lady!
Thank you God for allowing me to see 2025 and this year will be my best year cause you will do big things this is my Amos 9 13-15 year
Abby, bless your little black thumb! Gardening is not for the faint of heart! Even with knowledge, careful planning, and diligence, we don’t control the harvest – as you sadly learned! We sow the seed or transplant the plants in hope of a great harvest anyway. I used to have a little plaque in my yard that had the quote, “Bloom Where You’re Planted”. That was special to me and I applied it to me because we moved several times with my husband’s job, but
I soon learned that where you are planted does indeed affect the bloom!
Psalm 1:1-3
Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
2 But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.
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May I be even more mindful of errant thoughts, wayward actions …
I want to soak up the living water so my soul is refreshed and my roots run deep in the fertile soil of the Master’s garden.
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From John MacArthur: (Matthew 7)
“This closing section of the Sermon on the Mount is a gospel application. Here are two gates,
two ways,
two destinations, and
two groups of people (vv. 13, 14);
two kinds of trees and
two kinds of fruit (vv. 17–20);
two groups at the judgment (vv. 21–23); and two kinds of builders, building on two kinds of foundations (vv. 24–28). Christ is drawing the line as clearly as possible between the way that leads to destruction and
the way which leads to life.”
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Happy and blessed New Year, Shes! I am so thankful for each of you! ❤
Love this! ❤️
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This song just poppy into my head, thinking of Tina’s sea and the ‘river of life’. We loved singing this in quartet 4 decades ago!
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Step Into the Water by The Cathedrals
Step into the water,
wade out a little bit deeper.
Wet your feet in the water of his love.
Ohh Step into the water (children)
Wade out a little bit deeper,
come join angels singin’,
praises to the Lamb of God.
It’s time we the people,
stand up for what is right.
It’s time we squared our shoulders back,
and raised our swords to fight.
For the Bible is our weapon,
and the spirit is my sheild.
The church needs more of its members to be workers in the field.
Step into the water,
wade out a little bit deeper. (A little deeper)
Wet your feet in the water of his love.
Ohh Step into the water (children)
Wade out a little bit deeper,
come join angels singin’,
praises to the Lamb of God.
To the lamb of God.
There is victory for the christian,
who walks the narrow way.
There has been a prize appointed,
for the soul who does not stray.
Oh I want to live for Jesus,
be all that I should be.
So that I can rest with him forever,
live eternally.
Step into the water,
wade out a little bit deeper.
Wet your feet in the water of his love.
Step into the water (children)
Wade out a little bit deeper,
come join angels singin’,
praises to the Lamb of God.
To the lamb of God
Step into the water,
wade out a little bit deeper.
Wet your feet in the water of his love.
Step into the water (children)
Wade out a little bit deeper,
come join angels singin’,
praises to the Lamb of God.
Step into the water,
wade out a little bit deeper.
Wet your feet in the water of his love.
Ohh Step into the water (children)
Wade out a little bit deeper,
come join angels singin’,
praises to the Lamb of God.
Come on, Step into the water,
wade out a little bit deeper.
Wet your feet in the water of his love.
Ohh Step into the water (children)
Wade out a little bit deeper,
come join angels singin’,
praises to the Lamb of God.
Songwriters: L. Kirk Talley. For non-commercial use only.
yes and amen! {heart}
And love the Cathedrals and that song! Stepping back in time :)
❤ditto!!!
“I soon learned that where you are planted does indeed affect the bloom!” Gardening wisdom and also life wisdom. Thank you CEE GEE!!
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Happy New Year! Day 1/365 in the word! Let’s keep it up ladies!
YES Amen!! I tell my ladies in my group, that NOTHING is more important then being in the WORD daily!! Drop the feel good devotionals, and study and consume His words to us! The good, the hard, the old and the new…it all matters to our faith journey!! It was an example my mom showed me, and when she died in 2014 I decided to start my day in the word as she did. Imagine…I had been a “Christian” my whole life, was 45 years old…and didn’t even read my bible!! I had to find it and dust it off! Studies show that is an overwhelming percentage of Christians today! If we want to be “Christ-Followers, not mere Christians…we need His daily bread and living water!! I found She Reads Truth shortly after that made being in the Bible more applicable and clear!! Now I share that with everyone I can!
I was typing my comment when you wrote this. I mentioned living water, too. ❤
Happy New Year to all of you beautiful ladies and my sisters in Christ!!! I think my words for this year will be “something new” or “suprise me Lord”. I want my life to be built on him, to surrender to all he has for me, to trust Him more. I want to keep my eyes open to everything he is doing…but that will require me to be still and more intentional about my time. Have a blessed day ladies!
Yes, that’s good! When I did that a few years ago there were so many doors opened for ministry!! It is wonderful to have open hands ready to receive, trusting in Him!!
Saying “Yes!” to “Surprise me, Lord”. What a cool concept, Tami!
Lord highlight the un-surrendered areas of my life so I can lay them at Your feet. Thank you for leaving us with written instructions and the Holy Spirit. May I bring glory and honor to Your kingdom in 2025
Amen! Our posts overlapped – yes surrender!
Yes, Lord Jesus, Amen
Foster mama.. my heart sings to see you here this first day of the new year..
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HNY❤️
Yes!
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HNY❤️
Amen❤️
GM and Happy New Year She’s!
As I was reading the devotional her story resonated with me as every summer I would be so excited that it would be the year I grew a garden! One time I had a bought little strawberry bush, already little formed strawberries, set it in a sunny spot and watered it faithfully! Every time I would wait excitedly for the little green strawberries to ripen,just like Abby… I would see them red from afar, and then get close to pick just to see bugs or a rabbit, or something had gnawed at them!! Other times, I hastedly would throw the seeds into an unprepared ground, I wasn’t one for directions and proper soil prep, I thought throwing them in the dirt and watering (which I would forget and dry up half of them!) would be fine. Even with herbs I can’t seem to grow them!! I have bought at least 10 basil plants in the last few years never to take off! I gave up!
Gardening for sure can be an example of our life of faith. Our walk with the Lord takes effort and work, it is tender and needs gentleness and attending to, yet also hardy and lasting and producing when good roots are grown. Just like a tree, which I have had some practice with as well. The attention they take, the pruning, the placement. We recently had a hurricane here in Fort Myers, and we saw our beach get almost completely wiped clean. Only those houses with good foundations could withstand the storm. It was crazy and overwhelming to go see it in person afterwards. Everything gone. Stacks of what was in shambles. To me it made me realize that our “stuff,” even our houses and cars could be gone in an instant.
There’s only ONE THING that we can truly hang onto in this world, our relationship with Jesus. It can’t be taken away from us by weather, by thieves, by accident, nor by the devil himself! Only we can let our relationship fade. It is something so dear and precious, something we can count on- the ONLY thing we can count on- for people, friends and family can let us down or leave us (on their own or through death). The Hymn that came to mind instantly was “The Solid Rock” that was a favorite growing up. “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand….” Amen!
We can say again like we often do, it is simple yet complex. The scripture today, that the gate is wide and many will go- yet for us Christians the gate is narrow, and few will go. So profound when I hope for all my unsaved friends and family, and even those that think or hope they are saved. Lots to lean into this morning, especially as we start a NEW Year!! Lord, help us She’s to lean into you, to cultivate our relationship with you, it takes earnest and a willing soul, it takes reading your word and meditating and growth. We want wisdom and understanding. We want You. It’s not a checklist you want, it is a pure willing heart to want to know and walk with you, wanting nothing in return, YET we do gain everything! Lord, we need you, we need you to fill our cup and give us the bread to nourish us and the living water. We thank you as we look back on 24, and we honor you as we move forward to this new year. I pray we are blessed and prosper because we have you right next to us, in us actually, thank you Holy Spirit for that gift!! Better than Jesus beside us he told his disciples!! Hard to imagine Lord, but we know it as truth! Shine your face upon every She here reading, in Jesus name, Amen.
Rhonda, your words never cease to amaze me. Thank you sister!
Oh, thank you that blesses me, because as soon as I his post and saw HOW LONG it was I thought…why do I go on and on…(eye-roll emoji!)
And I always feel like I have such little to contribute! So we balance each other out:)
“It’s not a checklist” LOVE this Rhonda! I remember years ago when I was in a bible study our leader saying the very same thing!
Rhonda, you’re post is a wonderful reminder and encouragement!
Oh Danielle B I am so sorry you keep getting hit by storms, I am praying for you as you travel back and see a doctor! That is scary, but we know God allows everything that can grow and challenge us, and makes a good work in us. You will handle this with faith, and no fear! In Jesus name!! Fear be overcome with Praise! Praise in your name Jesus! Protect Danielle, her body, her mind, filling it with your love and goodness so she is an example to the nurses and doctor that she sees! Amen!
Thank you sweet Rhonda! I receive your prayer and join with you! May I continue to rest in God!
Hubby thinks we need to take a trip to see my mom and press salvation to find out where she stands. I think she is saved, but just doesn’t “walk her walk” like we do. We believe, as you said, that our relationship with Him is the only thing we can hold onto.
Amen
Thank you for this Rhonda! So very true!
“It’s not a checklist you want, it is a pure willing heart to want to know and walk with you, wanting nothing in return, YET we do gain everything!” Love this! ❤
Thanks Abby! Good way to begin this New Year! ♥️
“I’m so grateful that when we’re rooted in God’s wisdom and direction, we can build our lives on a stable foundation. The house on the rock does not collapse, no matter what comes up against it because the foundation is solid and secure (Matthew 7:25). Our God is the guardian of our souls, the One who knows what we truly need. He knows every part of us, every secret, and every insecurity that we hide. There’s no safer, more fulfilling way to live than being led by the Shepherd. Jesus, help us to remember that no other foundation but you will ever be secure.”
Thank you for this. Happy New Year!
Praying Danielle! Please keep us posted!
Thank you Tami! I will for sure.
Amen
What solace that God is the guardian of our souls. It is comforting that He knows all of us. Sure He prefers we tell Him directly, but He knows and nothing surprises Him. As someone who is working on being more vulnerable God seems the best place to start. Honestly the past year I found comfort knowing each new storm didn’t shock God even when it shocked me. I ask for prayers for the last one that happened on Monday. I went to an ER in Delaware where I came to rest and found out I have a blood clot in my leg and a small one in my right lung. I’ve already been started on medicine and will travel home later today so I can see a doctor at my family practice tomorrow and find out my next steps.
I want to thank all of you for praying with me this last year. Knowing you were with me gave me great comfort!
Oh, Danielle, bless your heart! I am praying for safety on the trip home, from any issues with those clots, and for wisdom for your doctor in choosing next step. ❤ Happy New Year! Hugs, sweet sister!
❤️ thank you precious friend!
I will be praying for wisdom for your medical team.I had a blood clot in my lung and thank God for clot busting meds! Covering you in prayer as well in this present storm.
Praying for you Danielle B.
I had a blood clot in my arm a few years ago, removed with surgery and haven’t had anything since. I think it was caused by Covid. Hoping yours don’t cause any other issues and you stay healthy.
Danielle, praying you stand on His Word through all these storms.. He is the great Physician. He is with you in this and we, will for sure continue to hold you in our prayers..
Blessings, dear heart..❤️
Praying Danielle. I know it’s scary. I just went to the hematologist yesterday because of a second blood clot (third if you count a superficial one I had). Looks like I might be on a blood thinner for life- thankful for medication!
Glad you are getting the help you need, Danielle. Will pray for your health – physically, emotionally, and spiritually ❤️
Praying for you, Danielle!
Praying for you, Danielle.
Praying for you Danielle. Glad you were able to get help in the ER and praying for wisdom for your doctor. May you sense his presence with you as you heal!❤️❤️
Praying for you, Danielle.
I love gardening! I’m not really very good at it but I love to grow vegetables. Each year without fail I am so excited to see the green shoots appear from the seeds I planted. It feels like a little miracle to me! My efforts have seen beans, tomatoes, zucchini, carrots, parsnips, purple sprouting broccoli, radishes, and spring onions (not every year, and with many failures along the way!).
My failures and successes taught me two key things – if I don’t maintain the quality of the soil then my veg don’t produce much. And if I cram too much in (in my greedy excitement) then my plants can’t get enough light and air and they suffer.
And I’m just like my veg! I need to spend time, to root myself in His Word, to have any hope of growing healthily. When I don’t, I find myself drifting, more tentative and uncertain about life, and I lose sight of the Light that teaches me and guides me.
This is such a great devotion to start the new year and I am filled with thanks for SRT which keeps me accountable to stay in His Word, for God leading me to this place, for your comments that feed and encourage me, and for the prayerful heart that is this community. Thank you Father, thank you Sisters. Happy new year! And may this year see us all deepen our roots in Him, while we continue to lovingly and prayerfully support and encourage each other. This is a very special community. May God richly bless you, Sisters. Amen
I want to inscribe every single word you wrote onto my heart!!….what a beautiful, eloquent meditation… thank you VICKI M
This is soooo good!
Writing it in my journal!
Loved your late comment on yesterdays devotional!! We love you too, and blessed by your testimony with all thrown at you last year Sue!! May this year be beautiful blessings for you and Steve!
Vicki M, I love your comment! Sorry, I was thinking about those strawberry bandits again!
But it is true, lessons are learnt, in our mistakes and God being gracious gives us opportunities to get things right, even if it is eventually for some of us!!!
Much love, ❤️
Love this, Vicki!
Amen
Happy and Blessed New Year ♥️ my beloved sisters!!
I had an odd experience last night…
Throughout the evening (and past few days) I have felt more open to what God has for us in the months to come…(I can’t say it feels like past seasons of “surrender” in my life but there’s a “stillness”…a waiting for God to reveal more / steer firmly)…
As last night progressed, I felt peace as we were ready to welcome the new year….
Then, at midnight, “2025” (numbers I’d been looking at happily all night) grew on the TV screen and I, all of a sudden, felt punched in the gut…I felt physically nauseous and a wave of overwhelm engulf me…it took SO, so long to dissipate until I fell asleep.
I woke up to a short about Spiritual Maturity and “God may ask you in 2025 to carry something you’ve never carried before and if you don’t have the spiritual strength or maturity, you may choose not to carry it.” Ouch!
Trying today to set my focus and intentions for my path in 2025… whilst potty training my little guy and continuing to prepare a room for Baby Sibling…in case this will be his home.
I’m so grateful for SRT…for this army of Sisters / believers who studies the Word and shares everyday.
I love each of you so much ♥️
Wow, Foster Mama! What does that mean? Praying, knowing YOU ARE equipped and ready, to be used nightly,in whatever form and fashion it entails! for God and His Glory!! (heart!)
That means the world, Sweet Sister ♥️♥️♥️
We need David or Joseph to interpret this..
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BUT GOD..
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He knows His plan for you.. plans NOT to harm you, but to enhance your life, your journey, your story.
I will lift you in prayer and hope the Lord holds you close as He shows you His goodness..
Much love FOSTER MAMA ❤️
♥️♥️♥️
Joseph is my Sweetheart…I cried when I was 9 or 10 when I figured out I was a “Gentile” unlike my Joseph … LoL!!
My wonderful mom sympathized and reassured me about how beloved I was and that Joseph was still a kin to me.
Love you, Tina♥️
What a strange experience, Foster Mama. My immediate response was to pray for protection for you. Then I saw someone who was prepared – openly expectant to hear what God has in store for you while grounded in a confident stillness only God can provide. I don’t know about you, but my times of greatest growth have been when I’ve been ‘asked’ (read ‘had no choice’) to carry something I’ve felt I just couldn’t do and wanted to run from. Whatever this may mean know that He has prepared you and He has you. He will enable you, and to grow you in yet more wisdom and strength. We never have to do things in our own strength because He always provides. I will continue to pray for protection, for continued stillness and for strength and peace. Bless you. ❤
Words I needed to hear… thank you ♥️♥️♥️
Jesus, help us to remember that no other foundation but you will ever be secure.”
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Amen Abby, all other ground is sinking sand.
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Happy New Year, Shes. Looking forward to learning and growing together in 2025.
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GRATEFUL BELIEVER – continued prayers that all that was stolen from you will be restored and all your needs will be provided for.
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MARI G – praying your daughter is hearing back about college applications.
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A WALTON – praying your new home is completed soon and your family can start making new memories there as you reach out to those in your community with th love of Jesus.
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SARAH M – continued prayers for you and your family as you navigate your daughter’s issues.
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CAROL J MYLIN – continued prayers for Aiden and his mama, Sam.
All other ground is sinking sand.. Amen!
Such truthful words, Kelly..
Much love..❤️
With tears…Amen
The Overseer of my Soul – I love that
Celebrating and praising with you @MARIA B♥️
FOSTER MAMA, continued prayers for guidance about sibling to your foster child
♥️♥️♥️
wonderful news Maria! Happy New Year everyone! I have been here almost everyday ~but always a few days behind. I read all your prayers, comments and stories. I love my she sisters❤️
May He do more in me this year!
“Jesus, help us to remember that no other foundation but you will ever be secure.”
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Amen Abby, all other ground is sinking sand.
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Happy New Year, Shes. Looking forward to learning and growing together in 2025.
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GRATEFUL BELIEVER – continued prayers that all that was stolen from you will be restored and all your needs will be provided for.
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MARI G – praying your daughter is hearing back about college applications.
Not ment to post here :-/
Happy New Year, sisters! So wonderful to begin the New Year with you all, who have become such an important part of my community in Christ. And as such I wanted to share some wonderful news.
You may remember a couple of weeks ago I mentioned how my brother (PTSD, retired from military) who has been estranged for my mom and I, reached out to her and they are starting to rebuild their relationship. Well this morning, I woke up to a text message from him wishing me a Happy New Year. He also said that sometimes is hard to express his feelings, but he that he love me so much. He told me he took some time off the world to make peace with himself, and he hopes we can reconnect this year.
Y’all, when I tell you I was crying tears of joy. This has been a long standing prayer— for God to guard His mind, body and spirit as he works through this. And for him, my baby brother and my only sibling, to know that we love him no matter what. I’ve sent him messages throughout the past few years but never pushed, but it’s been hard to just stay on the sidelines. Which made his message even more meaningful. To start the year with an answered prayer is a precious gift, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you, my dear sisters!
Praise The Lord! I love to hear of answered prayers! It does so much for my faith! What reassurance that God does hear us and answer, thank you for sharing your good news on the New Year’s Day!
Such Wonderful news for the New Year, Maria!
Praising the Lord with you and praying healing and reconnection will continue for your family.
God is SO good!
❤️
Celebrating and praising with you @MARIA B♥️
Maria, this brought tears. What a wonderful start to the year. Praising God with you in celebration.
What wonderful news Maria! I pray continued healing in your family.
Maria!!!!! I am thrilled for your family! This hits close to home for me so I truly am thankful for this answered prayer for you! Continued prayers for your brother and other military personnel as they transition to civilian life. Love and appreciate them (and their families) so much! ❤
This is wonderful!!1
So thankful that prayers are answered!
Hugs to you! ❤️
XO
This is wonderful news.. I had tears.
Next to God, there is nothing more precious than family, siblings. Ah my heart sings..❤️
❤️❤️❤️
That is wonderful, Praising God with you, and prayers for your brother!
so awesome, Maria!! What a blessing as we step into this new year. Praying for him and restored relationships.
This is wonderful news! Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord! What a blessing!
THIS is amazing Maria! What a beautiful way to wake up to the New Year!
Loved the devotion reminder that God knows what is the very best for us and is ready to give it if we will trust ourselves to Him. Just as 1 Peter reminds us that Jesus left us the example of trusting God even in the suffering.
Praying 2025 will be a year where we can trust completely in the Lord’s best for our lives, even when it means we must endure suffering waiting patiently on Him.
So grateful for His word to guide us and the SRT team to help us keep opening our Bibles everyday!
Thank you, everyone for all the encouraging words. I love my Lord and excited to see what God has for us this year! I pray that we all follow God’s voice
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Every family needs a firm foundation to build on. What could be stronger than God.?
So wonderful to star 2025 that the place to set ourselves is standing on The Overseer and Shepherd of our souls! (1 Peter 2:25)
Happy and God blessed 2025, dear sisters!
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Abby Flynn, I chuckled at all your hard work with the strawberries, and just like that… Gone! I actually had a thing playing in my head of the creatures mentioned, in ‘strawberry robbing outfits’ masks, holsters, casing out your yard, and just waiting for the right opportunity and moment! My smile comes as you also had a plan to harvest, to enjoy the fruits of your labour..
Just wondering if you had a ‘mole’ in your camp?? :):):)
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Seriously though..
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My grandfather had our family home built by the sea in the early 1930s. I love that house! I remember, as a young girl, literally walking out of the back door/gate onto the sand and ahead, the sea! My most favourite place on earth, even though I have not been home for 9 years! This house was built, though in the sand, had a solid foundation on stilts. It often amazed me on a really windy, blustery, ‘hold on to your hat, and make sure all is nailed down’ day, with the sea raging, the water never reached or touched the house..
As I write my heart is excited, In a couple of years, that house that stands by the sea, would have stood for a hundred years!!!
I digress.. What I am saying is, when you build on solid, when you set your sights on the Greater, the Almighty, the One, He surely does walk with you, guiding and directing your heart and mind..
He will give you all you need,
He will give you rest.
He will lead you.
He will give you new strength.
He will guide you in the right paths.
He will be with you in the deepest of darkness.
He gives, and He gives, and He gives some more… Until your cup overflows.
His goodness and love He has promised, every day of your life.
His ‘foundation’ house is your home, as long as you live.
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Following the Lord’s instruction, means we have NOTHING to lose, BUT, EVERYTHING to gain..
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BUT GOD..❤
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Amen.
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From where I sit I can see my nativity. Up all year round since our dear Churchmouse mentioned she keeps here up all year round. I miss her!
So, as we are in a New year, Dear hearts, let us hold each other close, in prayer and in heart, and continue looking forward, rejoicing in all our Father God continues to bless us with.. Large or small.. Let us build on the Rock, stand firm in and on His Word, and entrust our ALL to Him. He will NEVER fail us!
Praying a blessed New Year to you all..❤❤❤❤❤
A great start for this new year! So good, Tina, to have such memories, and a physical example of the wisdom of building on a solid, firm foundation. A hearty Amen to your reminders of all that He is to us and will be for us. ❤️
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And I was also laughing at Abby’s strawberry story as my mom has been robbed of peaches, my cousin of oranges, my SIL of figs so many years. And laughing even more at your bandits as I’ve thought of trying to rig a camera to catch the thieves in action.
Amen ❤️
God’s lavish blessings be upon you this year, dearest Tina
I too keep my Nativity up year-round now. And also miss church mouse and her quiet Gentle Spirit and Wise Wise words.
Thank you Tina! Praying a blessed New Year to you and looking forward to your 2025 insights! ❤️
Missing Churchmouse and her thoughtful reflections.
Thank you Tina for your beautiful words – and humor about the strawberry bandits!- this morning. May the Lord bless us and keep us and let us be led by Our Savior in 2025!!
Thank you, Tina, for your encouraging words this morning and for reminding me about keeping the nativity up all year. Keeping you all in my prayers as we start a new year.
Oh Tina, thank you for the reminders of God’s truth that He is with us, He guides us, He provides for us, and He gives to us. Some great reminders that I sometimes lose sight of when I let life bog me down But God never loses sight of me.
You’re such a blessing Tina keep being you and sharing the vision of bandit animals!
❤❤ Happy New Year, sweet sister! In my mind’s eye, I can see ‘little girl you’ running out the back door of that house straight to the water. What a picture!
I love that you alluded to Psalm 23. I am reading it daily this year. I love how different translations have different words in it.
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I, also, have a couple nativities out all year. They remind me of why He came for me. We are so blessed.
Such great wisdom you share!
Thank you for always saying the exact words I need to hear!
I miss Churchmouse as well…And I believe I will keep one of my nativities up this year!
Hugs to you sweet sister! ❤️
I have kept out a small decoration of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus all year because of Churchmouse. Thank you Tina for sharing and praying for us.
Amen ❤
Tina……SWEET Tina…Happy NEW Year! I too, was thinking of our dear Churmouse and wanted to comment. I miss her too! VERY much. I guess we’ll never know if she’s still here with us or with JESUS! Miss Angie as well. Love you sweet lady! I woke up very late and and its now 10:00 am! Read the scriptures, devotion by Abby and when I went to the comments, there was 100 comments!! WOW!!
Amen. Thank you for sharing.
Oh….I miss Churchmouse too.❤️
Lord let this year be one where I am willing to build my life on your rock, Jesus Christ. The shepherd and overseer of my soul.
Yes! Amen!
Amen❤️
Praying Danielle. I know it’s scary. I just went to the hematologist yesterday because of a second blood clot (third if you count a superficial one I had). Looks like I might be on a blood thinner for life- thankful for medication!