His Grace....

Well as you may already know from my first blog, 2 Cor. 12:9 is my favorite verse. It's one I've used for about 2 years now that has strengthened me through many journeys. It's only perfect that it keeps me strong through this one as well.

God's love for us shows through His power He sends through us. Without His strength there would be so much I would have missed out on, from mission trip in 2012, to my current leadership in the church. Oh and have I shared that I'm not a public speaker? Yet, God has given me strength over and over again to step out of my comfort zone. Is it easy? Oh no, I still get really shaky and feel like I stumble over all of my words. I pray all the way up until it's time for me to stand up and take on whichever task He has placed before me, this is the verse I use. I know I'm weak and only He can make me strong. Have you ever actually stopped and focused on His power within you? Just take a moment and think about it...chills?? You bet!

I will know also remember this verse when I see that bag of candy sitting around my house, or that batch of cookies I'm tempted to make. Oh and don't forget about all the yummy goodies my mom bakes and sends down for the family every other week or so :/ Ha, then there is the goodies church members bring, which I just remembered I grabbed one piece of fudge for my hubby last night and it's still in my purse..lol. It's sure a good think I don't like fudge! Wheeew...the list goes on! I'm glad I don't have to do this alone.

His grace is enough!

Treasures of darkness?

I will give you hidden treasures,
    riches stored in secret places,
so that you may know that I am the Lord,
    the God of Israel, who summons you by name.

Isaiah 45:3

Hearing this verse was definitely perfect timing. Oh to have these hidden treasures from such a loving God! And then the reminder that everything God gives is in great abundance!! He doesn't and can't do anything small. So when I think of this verse and process these last few chapters I'm reminded He also created me in abundance, though these treasures may be hidden from my physical sight but they are not hidden in my heart, my secret place. This is such an encouragement and I will use it to remind me as I look in the mirror and find my "tankles" that those features do not define who I am inside.

Why can I claim this verse? He calls me by my name, that's why!

I pray each of your will claim this verse and be reminded daily of how He loves us in so many ways that we cannot imagine. Whether it's your numbers, facial features, or any other feature that our culture claims as "a flaw" that you find those hidden treasures in darkness and bring them to light. Let God use them for His glory.