Tag: breathe

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Restore

The Manna Chef

I asked God for a word today, and I was determined to be still until He answered.  I didn’t ask Him for a Scripture; I asked for a word because I knew that word would send me right to the Word.  I waited for quite some time, and then I heard today’s word in a small, still voice:  RESTORE.

Those who know me personally know that I happen to love words!  So, I went right to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary to look at all of the literal meanings of the word restore.  Here’s what I found:

  1. To give back, return
  2. To put or bring back into existence or use
  3. To bring back to or put back into a former or original state; renew
  4. To put again in possession of something

All of those definitions give us a glimpse of just what it means to restore.  But let’s look deeper, because God Himself promised to restore His people.  And I need restoration in my life today, don’t you? 

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Thank You, Lord

The Manna Chef

Sisters, I want you to do something for me today.  You see, today it’s going to be very easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle that Thanksgiving Day may bring.  Let’s face it:  if you didn’t start last night, some of you are up right now trying to get that turkey in the oven.  Others, like me, are on the road traveling to your holiday destination.  There’s so much to do, right?  Your list may look something like:

o Clean the house.

o Prepare for guests.

o Cook a delicious dinner and dessert.

o Get the kids ready and keep them occupied.

o Do I have time for a nap?

o What am I even wearing?

o Plan for tomorrow’s (or tonight’s) shopping.

But, wait!  Have you taken a moment to just say, “Thank you, Lord”?  Did you spend some quality time with your Heavenly Father this morning?  Will you take a moment to read His Word and to talk to Him today?  Will you make Him a priority in your busy day?

Right now, take a moment to reflect on the goodness of God.  Things may not be perfect today, but the Lord you serve has everything under control.  He knows just how to take care of you and sprinkle sunshine in your life.  Don’t allow yourself to get overwhelmed in the midst of the demands that are trying to make their way to you right now.  You are a daughter of the King.  Breathe.  Relax.  Smile. Laugh—a lot!  Enjoy time spent with family and friends.

I encourage you throughout the day to simply find yourself in the place of gratitude.  Think of all of the blessings you have received just this year.  Look at how many times God has moved on your behalf and all of the ways He has made just for you.  (You know He has created a road in your wilderness and a river in your desert!  (Isaiah 43:19))  He has blessed you so many times!

And before you ask God for another thing, take the time to say, “Father, I just want to thank You!”

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Breathe on Me, Lord

The Manna Chef

I was having “one of those days.”  It seemed as if life was hitting me hard from every direction.  For a moment, I couldn’t catch my breath.  And then I sat sit—very still.  I turned the lights out and just sat there waiting for God to speak to me.  What I really needed was for Him to just breathe on me to refresh my spirit.  Have you been there before?

I have learned to shut everything down when I need a moment with the Lord.  I create that space; I make the time.  I need His Presence every day, so I try to consistently make room for Him in my actual day—even on the busy days—not just at night before I go to bed.  I encourage you to take Jesus with you all day long.  Watch how your perspective changes throughout your day.  And when you have a weary day, go right to God. 

I have had to recite, “This is the day the Lord has made.  I will rejoice and be glad in it,” (Psalm 118:24) through tears.  I didn’t feel like rejoicing, but I was choosing to rejoice in the midst of the struggle, because I know joy brings strength.  (Yes, you can actually do that.)  I’ve learned to sit still and just breathe in the Presence of the Lord.

There’s a scene from the movie, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” that I completely love.  Actually, there are many scenes, but there’s one that comes to mind often.  At the end of the movie, Aslan breathes on those who were turned to stone, and they return to flesh once again.  That’s what I imagine when I read Job 33:4, “The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” I need the breath of the Almighty every single day.

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Why Is This Fire Seven Times Hotter?

The Manna Chef

Have you ever experienced a time when you stood up for what you knew was right and you were walking in obedience to the Lord, and things still seemed like they were getting worse?  Like every time you turn around, something is happening that you have little or no control over?  Or maybe it’s the Job moment when all of the news is bad news at one time?  Those experiences can be very disheartening; I’m not going to even pretend that they aren’t.  But God promised to be with us always.  And He is not a man that He should lie. 

Life is composed of twists and turns that can really take our breath away, but God promised that all things will ultimately work out for our good.  It’s so important to fully grasp onto that.  Sometimes things don’t feel good, but God is good.  When things go awry, and at some point they will, know that God is good and that He has the final say—always.  Recently, I talked to God about the Hebrew boys and the fiery furnace, and I’d like share a few things with you and hopefully encourage your spirit today.

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Fill Me Up, Lord

The Manna Chef

Have you ever had one of those days when you feel like you simply have nothing else to give?  We get pulled in so many directions sometimes; it can be hard to just catch your breath, let alone function at a high level on a daily basis.  And the demands of everyday life never seem to stop, just a constant pull on you spiritually and naturally.  You ever just get tired of being tired?  I have definitely been there.  It’s in these moments that we have to really press to get into the Presence of the Lord.  He promised to renew us, but sometimes we get so caught up in the chaos that we forget that and try to operate under our own strength.  Well, guess what ladies?  That gets old really fast.  In our own strength, we are extremely limited. 

God recently reminded me that it’s in my weakest moments that His strength is made perfect.  (2 Corinthians 12:9)  He reminds us, “My grace is sufficient for you.”  In other words, you have enough and you are enough because I am in control.  It’s in those moments that we rely totally on Him, not our own strength, experiences, or knowledge.  And it’s those times that we have no choice but to turn to God.  And He doesn’t disappoint; God shows up and He shows out.  Well, now God is teaching me how to rely on Him for everything—even those things I think that I have a good handle on.  You know, the day goes a lot smoother when you consult God at the start of the day instead of waiting until a crisis to talk to Him.

God can fulfill our needs in ways we can’t begin to imagine.  There are many examples of God’s ability to move us beyond our own abilities and resources, but the Holy Spirit led me to this one to share.  It’s an example of God’s supernatural provision.

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