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SURRENDER By Tammy Glover

by balm4thesoul1 Comment on SURRENDER By Tammy Glover

“My father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39 NIV

Lord, when I heard your call, I was excited and a little scared. I knew you were calling me to greatness, not so that I could receive the glory but so that you could. I felt honored and blessed. I forged ahead not realizing exactly what your plans entailed.

I expected things to happen immediately. I expected an always smooth path. I expected complete clarity. However, as I went along, I realized that I had to wait, and wait, and wait, and wait. As I waited I became anxious and unsure. Did I hear you right? Maybe, I just needed to move things along a little faster for you. Maybe, you forgot about me. None of these things were true. What I had to understand was that there were preparations that needed to be made and things that I needed to learn while I waited.

Deep inside, I think I knew this but I didn’t want to go through the hard stuff. I didn’t want to go through rejection and strange looks from other people. Why couldn’t I accomplish your plans and remain normal? Why did I have to learn how to forgive? Why did I have to learn to be humble? Why did I have to learn to overcome my fears? Growing hurts and it’s hard. I wanted to do things my way and reap all of your rewards. I realize that this is impossible.

Lord, I surrender. I will listen when you say stand firm, even though I’m in the middle of a storm. I will be patient when you say be still. I will press forward when you tell me to walk on water, despite how scared I am. I will say what you want me to say and I will trust you. I will forever praise you.

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19: 21 NIV

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PEP TALK By Tammy Glover

by balm4thesoul3 Comments on PEP TALK By Tammy Glover

“You hear O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.” Psalm 10:17 NIV

Now see here, this pity party has gone on for far too long. You are not a failure. You are not worthless; you were wonderfully created by the Most High. You are so important to God that he knows exactly how many strands of hair that you have on top of your head. He did not spend all that energy on creating you just so that you could give up now. You have not spent all this time having faith in him to lose heart. God gave you a dream for a reason. You don’t have to understand it now. Has he ever done anything for no good reason? Who are you to set God’s time table? Who are you to question his plans?

I know things suck right now. I know you’re frustrated, hurting, confused and stressed out but you are so close to your dream, you just can’t give up. Don’t you know that’s exactly what Satan wants you to do–to give up? Do you really want to give him that satisfaction? There are always wounds during a battle but God is a healer. I know you’re tired but God can renew your strength.

Stop magnifying your problems and magnify the one who is greater than your problems. God will do what he has promised. He doesn’t lose. You are not alone in this. God even has people praying for you when you can’t seem to pray for yourself. Now, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and shake off that doubt. Lift your head and hands up and start giving God the praise that he deserves!

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.” Psalm 30: 11-12 NIV

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ALL I NEED TO KNOW By Tammy Glover

by balm4thesoul2 Comments on ALL I NEED TO KNOW By Tammy Glover

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 NIV”

When I’m afraid to face the day, all I need to know is that Jesus loves me. He promised to never leave nor forsake me. When I’m broke and bills are due, all I need to know is that Jesus loves me. He said that he knows what I need before I ask and he will provide. When I’m confused, all I need to know is that Jesus loves me. He said that he will instruct and teach me in the way I should go. He gives his wisdom freely. When I’m under attack, all I need to know is that Jesus loves me. He said that he will command his angels to guard me in all my ways. When my heart is broken, all I need to know is that Jesus loves me. He sent his Holy Spirit to comfort me. He promised me peace and joy. When I’m sick, all I need to know is that Jesus loves me. He said that by his stripes I’m healed. When I fall, all I need to know is that Jesus loves me. His hand is always there to lift me up.

Jesus loves me, his Word tells me so. He gave his life for me. Jesus loves you too.

“For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me for the depths of the grave.” Psalm 86:13 NIV

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AND THE GLORY GOES TO… By Tammy Glover

by balm4thesoul1 Comment on AND THE GLORY GOES TO… By Tammy Glover

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like the shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.” James 1:17-18 NIV

All the glory goes to you, Lord. You are worthy to be praised. You’re worthy for who you are, which is holy and righteous. You are almighty, yet still full of mercy and grace. In my darkest hour, you are with me. You are patient, kind and gentle.

I praise you for your blessings. I praise you for your love. I praise you for your instruction and wisdom. I praise you for your healing. I praise you for your comfort when my heart is broken. I praise you for your encouragement.

Thank you, Lord, for your protection. Thank you for taking care of my family. Thank you for listening to me every single time I come to you. Thank you for doing everything that you have promised.

Sometimes, I get caught up in the chaos of this world and I don’t take the time to thank you like I should, to praise you like you deserve. I forget that my success, my blessings and my gifts are not of my own doing. I’m here because of you. I triumph because of you. I’m a blessing to others because of you. All the glory goes to you, Lord.

“Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” Psalms 113: 2-3 NIV

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THY WILL BE DONE By Tammy Glover

by balm4thesoul3 Comments on THY WILL BE DONE By Tammy Glover

“Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Mark 14:36 NIV

I’m constantly at war with myself. My spirit wants to follow God’s will but my flesh wants to do it’s own thing, and so begins the battle. My spirit wants to love and forgive despite how I’m treated but my flesh wants to curse and fight. My spirit wants to give freely but my flesh wants to hoard everything for itself. My spirit wants to be proactive but my flesh wants to procrastinate. My spirit wants to praise God for my blessings but my flesh wants to complain about my problems. My spirit wants to trust the Lord completely and to not be afraid but my flesh wants to doubt and hide. My spirit wants to rejoice but my flesh worries that people will think I’m crazy. My spirit wants to write and share this blog but my flesh doubts that anyone will be encouraged by it.

Sometimes, these battles between my spirit and my flesh overwhelm me. I get exhausted and want to give up, but quitting is not an option for me. I didn’t come this far to go back to the life I used to live. I can’t forget how much God loves me. He loves me so much that He gives me grace and mercy each day. He gives me the strength and encouragement that I need to fight these battles. He loves you just the same. He sees your struggles. He knows how hard this fight is. He wants you to know that He is with you and with Him all things are possible. He loves you and He will never leave you nor forsake you. Don’t give up. Keep praying, believing and following God’s will for you. He will never break His promises.

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 NIV

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WHO IS HE? By Tammy Glover

by balm4thesoul2 Comments on WHO IS HE? By Tammy Glover

“I am the bread that came down from heaven.” John 6:41 NIV

He is my sun in the rain. He is the sanity in my crazy. He is the right in my wrong. He is the common sense in my stupidity. He is the wisdom in my confusion. He is the hand that catches me when I fall. He is the joy in my pain. He is the calm in my chaos. He is the healer in my sickness. He is the protector in my recklessness. He is the light in my darkness. He is the courage in my cowardice. He is the confidence in my awkwardness. He is the supernatural in my natural. He is the comforter in my loneliness. He is the balm that soothes. He is in the words I write. He is the air I breathe. He is the reason for living. He is my past, present and future. He is the gift to my soul. He is in me. His love surrounds me and his light shines through me. Who is he, you ask. He is Jesus, my Lord and Savior.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 NIV

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IF ONLY… By Tammy Glover

by balm4thesoul2 Comments on IF ONLY… By Tammy Glover

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” Proverbs 27:1 NIV

If only I had savored every moment with my family. If only I would have loved more and judged less. If only I had paid more attention to the people who tried my patience, maybe I would have seen how much pain they were in. If only I had spent more time forgiving and less time holding on to anger for something I can’t even remember. If only I had seized more opportunities to give to those in need. If only I had spent more time reading and listening to the Word of God. If only I hadn’t rolled my eyes when people tried to tell me how much God loved me. If only I hadn’t given up on that family member that kept breaking my heart. If only I had prayed more. If only I realized that I didn’t have more time.

As I lay in the back of an ambulance, while a paramedic shocks my heart to get it to restart, I realize that my life has always been in God’s hands. I’m hoping that God will have mercy on me as I feel my spirit leaving my body. I’m praying that He will bring me back and give me more time, time that I will no longer waste. I know now, how precious time is. Time is meant to be spent loving, forgiving, learning, growing, helping, giving and praising God.

If only….

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” Psalm 95:7-8 NIV

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LIFE GETTING IN THE WAY By Tammy Glover

by balm4thesoul3 Comments on LIFE GETTING IN THE WAY By Tammy Glover

“You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted, you encourage them and you listen to their cry.” Psalm 10:17 NIV

This week, I had planned on writing something entirely different. I had the topic, the scriptures and the words that would soothe the soul and bring encouragement. It was going to be eloquent and profound. I sat at the computer to write but then life happened…

Everything I wanted to say felt fake and contrite. I struggled all week but the right words refused to come out. The more life happened, the more the words eluded me.

So, it’s now Wednesday and I’m still at a loss for words. I don’t know if I want to curse or to cry or whether I should give up or continue to fight. I’m sitting here angry, broken-hearted and disappointed with life. What can I say to encourage you? What can I say to encourage myself?

I can say that God is still good. Even though my heart is broken, He is still healing. Even though I’m unsure about my life, He is still guiding me. Even when I’m at my worst, He is still at His best. Even though I feel as if I’m alone in my struggles, He is still holding me in His hands.

Keep looking up my sisters and brothers in Christ. God still loves us and He hasn’t abandoned us. The sun will shine again, just keep praising Him.

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.” Psalm 30:11-12 NIV

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WHO SAID THIS WAS EASY? By Tammy Glover

by balm4thesoul3 Comments on WHO SAID THIS WAS EASY? By Tammy Glover

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4: 8-9 NIV

It’s not easy holding on to your faith when everything is falling apart. It’s not easy to forgive that family member that keeps breaking your heart. It’s not easy to stay calm and to speak words of love when someone has just cursed you out. It’s not easy to be still and wait when you feel as if your situation is about to make you lose your mind. It’s not easy to show compassion when someone is pushing you away. It’s not easy to ignore people who laugh at you because of your beliefs. It’s not easy to love someone who hates you. It’s not easy admitting you’ve made a mistake. It’s not easy saying I’m sorry. It’s not easy letting go of your past. It’s not easy to give up what is comfortable or familiar in order to move into your destiny. It’s not easy to look ahead when the future feels uncertain. It’s not easy to change your thinking. It’s not easy to pick yourself up and dust yourself off when you have fallen. It’s not easy to think before you speak. It’s not easy to submit to the voice of God when he’s telling you to go right and your flesh wants to go left. It’s not easy letting go of toxic relationships.

Someone maybe asking, then why do you do it? Where do you find the strength to keep going? My strength comes from the Almighty. I’m not alone during my trials and tribulations. He has promised that he will never leave me nor forsake me. He has promised me protection and guidance.

I can’t go back to the life I used to live. It was full of confusion, bitterness and depression. Life was a lot more difficult before I met Christ. I saw no future, no hope. I could only find temporary solutions to my problems. Now, I am fully armed. I have hope and a future. God has a permanent solution to every problem. I think, speak and act better. What I’ve lost in my old life doesn’t compare to what I’ve gained in my new life with Christ. I’ve gained peace, grace, mercy, wisdom, comfort and love and I’m never giving it up.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18 NIV

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WHAT DID YOU SAVE ME FOR? By Tammy Glover

by balm4thesoul2 Comments on WHAT DID YOU SAVE ME FOR? By Tammy Glover

“The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.” Luke 24:7 NIV

Did you save me so that I could live in fear or worry about tomorrow? Did you save me so that I could complain about my blessings? Did you save me to be secretly envious of others? Did you save me so that I could avert my eyes when someone in need is standing in front of me? Did you save me so that I could sit idle while there are so many people that don’t know you? Did you save me so that I could live in shame? Did you save me so that I could have a false sense of superiority? Did you save me so that I could feel hopeless?

Absolutely not. You saved me because you wanted me to walk in light, not in darkness. You saved me so that I could enjoy your blessings. You saved me so that I could praise you even in the midst of troubles. You saved me so that I could pray for others. You saved me so that I can have compassion for those in need. You saved me so that I could spread the good news that Jesus is Lord and Savior. You saved me so that I could forgive those who have hurt me. You saved me so that I could fulfill your purpose for my life. You saved me so that I could be hopeful. You saved me because you love me.

Lord, please let me always remember and to also remind others why you saved us.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit–fruit that will last.” John 15: 16 NIV