#autumnholbert
Joy is coming. (#wtsdevo joy)
“Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!” Psalm 126:5
Around this time of year, a sense of dread will start to crawl up my spine. It’ll work it’s way into my heart and my mind, and I’ll grow restless and discontent. I’m not sure if it’s the cold weather or the lack of sunlight, I just know that this is the time of year satan uses most to try and steal my joy.
I’m aware by now that I can prepare in small ways every year for this, and I try my best. However, it seems like every year, I spend at least a few January nights in tears. I weep over the feelings of hopelessness and exhaustion. My heart aches with longing for glimmers of spring.
I am also aware by now, however, that this is the time of year God uses the most. He gently pulls me back into His warm, loving arms, and once again lights the flame in my heart. By spring, I am renewed in Him- filled with His joy and fire once more.
Prayer:
Father, the deep cold of these winter months can take a toll on a person. I know though, that you are using this time to prepare me, to remind me of who you are, and to once more fill me with your joy. Thank you for your constant presence and love.
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Devotional Series: Joy (#wtsdevo joy)
By: Autumn Holbert \ Personal//Walk The Same
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Prayer all the time! (#wtsdevo prayer)
Read: James 5:13-19
How often do you pray over the things in your life? How about the people you know? What about praying, just to spend time with God? Often times in church, we will ask for prayer. We easily offer up our woes to others, in hope that their prayer will intercede for us- or at least bring us some comfort. What we don’t realize, is that we are able to have this personal connection ourselves as well.
Prayer is our main form of communication with God, and he puts puts immense value on it! In today’s passage alone, we are told we should pray when we are in trouble, as well as when we are happy. We are also supposed to call our church leaders to pray over the sick.
I know that I personally, take this open communication with God for granted. I forget that my prayers are powerful and meaningful- because they are listened to by the king of kings. As we read through today’s passage, open your hearts and minds to God. He wants to talk to you, to heal you, to bless you. Let’s recieve those things by hearing what He has to say!
Prayer:
Father, I’m sorry for not making time to pray to you before. I know you want the best for me- your word says so. I just have a difficult time remembering that. Thank you for sending Jesus to die for me, so that I am able to freely speak and listen to you. I want to hear you and know you better. Gently remind me that you are my priority above all else. Amen.
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Devotional Series: Prayer (#wtsdevo prayer)
By: Autumn Holbert \ Personal//Walk The Same
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Earnest Prayer (#wtsdevo prayer)
Read: Luke 22
“He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” Luke 22:41-44
Luke 22 is about the last days of Jesus, prior to his death. Here we find that Jesus is deeply upset by the things he knows are to soon come. He is well aware that his death is coming- and that it won’t be quick or painless. He is going to suffer, He is going to feel the weight of all of our sins on his body.
Jesus prays to God and asks Him to take the burden of what is about to happen away- but only if it is God’s will. And just like that, an angel came down and gave him strength!
Through this bit of strength, Jesus begins praying more and more, so hard that the book says ‘his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground’.
Can you imagine, just for a moment, that we prayed like this? That we would take it upon ourselves to choose not to pray selfishly. To say ‘Lord, your will, not mine.’ even in the darkest depths of our lives. Even into certain death?
As this text promises, when we offer ourselves to God, He will strengthen us. He will be with us, guiding our every move. In Him, we are able to walk with strength into what God has planned for us. It may not be painless, but it will be worthwhile for us.
Today, I challenge you to read through this chapter, praying as you go. Pray earnestly, pray to give your life over to Him. Pray that His holy, worthy will be done, and watch Him as he transforms your life.
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Devotional Series: Prayer (#wtsdevo prayer)
By: Autumn Holbert \ Personal//Walk The Same
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My New Year’s Resolution (#wtsdevo trust)
“Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.” Psalm 37:5Happy New Year!
Personally, 2015 was a whirlwind of a year. I grieved the death of a relative, got married, turned 20, became a vegetarian- the list goes on! It’s been one of the most chaotic, and incredible years of my life.
It’s also been a year that has tested my faith. Every day, I would have to wake up and make a decision; am I going to trust that God is who He says He is? Am I going to give my entire day, my life, to Him?
Are we friends here? Because I’m going to be honest with you. Sometimes I said no. I would look my choice in the face and say no, God just isn’t big enough to deal with these problems. I’m just too stressed, to exhausted- my heart is just too broken to keep on trusting.
Yet some days, I said yes. Yes Lord, I will trust you. I’m sure you can imagine, but I’ll say it anyway: These days are what made 2015 the best year of my life. On these days, I could just feel the blessing and movement of God in my life.
So here I am, 2016 approaching, and I’m left with one question for myself: Am I going to trust God every day? Am I going to give up my pride and let Him work in my life?
Yes, I am. My New Year’s resolution is one simple thing:
To trust God in all, every day, for the rest of my life.
Friends, let’s hand over what we’ve been holding back, and make this all of our lifetime resolutions.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for bringing me through another year full of your blessings. Thank you for the experiences I’ve had, good and bad, because they have helped make me stronger. God, I want to grow closer to you this year. I want to trust you more, trust you fully- please soften my heart, humble me so that I may always lean on your strength. Please bless this year for everyone. May your will be done in 2016, and forever. Amen.______________________________________
Devotional Series: Trust (#wtsdevo trust)
By: Autumn \ Personal// Walk the Same
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