Entrée

The Way You Move

Sisters, today I want you to tune in to your body’s natural rhythm—and not the one that kicks into high gear when you hear your favorite song.  I’m talking about that inner voice that directs your steps at the actual pace that comes naturally to you. You’re going to have to be very intentional in your listening, too.  You see, we tend to wear ourselves out when we are not listening to what our bodies really need (the Presence of God, love, acceptance, rest, inspiration, nutrition, peace, reassurance, exercise, etc.).  As women, we are wired to do many things well, and we tend to do them at a break-neck pace.  But it’s not wise to constantly overload yourself.  There is value to slowing down.  Take your time, Sister!

Stop for a moment.  Breathe.  Listen.  Your spirit will lead you.  And for you deep sisters, I’m not talking about being moved by your flesh and yielding in directions that you know are contrary to where God is leading you (and to what His Word says).  I’m talking about following your spirit because it desires to be intimately connected to your Father.  Jesus said, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:38)   Your spirit knows how to line up with the Father even when your flesh wants to do its own thing, including causing you to take on more than what you were called to do.  When you choose to listen to God’s voice, your spirit will lead you in right direction. 

So, sisters, quit being so hard on yourself when you feel like you missed the mark.  Who set the bar—you or God?  We have a tendency to push ourselves before we even ask the Lord for guidance.  Then, when we are exhausted, overwhelmed, and frustrated, we turn to Jesus for help.  And He is so gracious that He picks us up and restores, replenishes, and revives us, even when we have not listened to Him at all.  The Lord is right there waiting for us to turn our hearts back to Him. 

Entrée

From My Heart to Yours

I want you do to something for me.  Think about those conversations that you’ve had with the Lord when He just whispers in your spirit about the plans He has for you.  You know, those dreams that have been inside you for as long as you can remember.  What have you been dreaming about lately, or have you gotten so distracted with life that you’ve stopped dreaming?  God has placed some amazing things inside of you, and I really want you to allow Him to show you the real you, the one He formed with His own hands (the vessel He breathed life into).  Do you see her? 

God has placed gifts, talents, and abilities in you to bring Him glory.  I’m not going to talk about the parable of the talents.  (That one is for another day.)  Instead, I want to bring your attention to Philippians 2:13.  It says, “for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”  He wants us to thrive, and it is for His good pleasure.  Sisters, you bring our Father joy!  He has so much love for you that it cannot be contained.  He delights in you.  Do you really know that?  Our Father delights in us.  And guess what?  Those gifts that you carry on the inside give glory to God and encourage others to develop their gifts for His Kingdom.

Entrée

Peace, the Road to Rest

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

Our theme for today is PEACE.

Peace: a state of tranquility or quiet; freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions

The work of righteousness will be peace,

And the effect of righteousness,  quietness and assurance forever.

My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation,

In secure dwellings, and in resting places (Isaiah 32:17-18, NKJV)

And the effect of righteousness will be peace [internal and external], and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever.

My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, in safe dwellings, and in quiet resting-places.  (Isaiah 32:17-18, Amp)

Righteousness leads us to peace and peace leads us to rest.  The place of rest is both spiritual and physical.  You can find yourself in chaotic environments and not be affected because you’ve found your way to the secret place of peace in God.  Psalm 91 reminds us: He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”  God is our refuge and fortress, our ever-present help in times of trouble.  He is always there.  That is why we can have peace in the midst of our storms, because we know Who is in control at all times.