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A Reminder to My Future Self By Tammy Nicole Glover

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“They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair on their heads singed, their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.” Daniel 3:27 NIV

Dear Future Self,

So, another problem popped up and threatens to overcome you. Don’t panic! You’ve been through this before. It may be a different problem that looks bigger but God has not grown smaller, nor has He changed. He is still the Lord God Almighty, who has promised to never leave you nor forsake you. He is still the God who promised to supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. Don’t forget His commandment for you to be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or discouraged. He is with you. (Joshua 1:9)

My beloved future self, don’t doubt God’s love you. He has not removed His mighty hand from you. Surely, you can remember how He delivered you from the last crisis. He not only restored you but He placed you in an even better position than before. You were so blessed that you were able to help those around.

Dry your tears and be of good cheer, for Heavenly Father sees all and will answer your call. God is good, faithful and full of endless love and mercy. Now, is not the time to have a pity party. It’s time to praise God for your victory.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:2-3 NIV

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Doing the Impossible by Tammy Nicole Glover

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“With man this is impossible but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 NIV

When I was younger, I always wanted to be a superhero. Superheroes are fearless, strong and have amazing super powers. They always know exactly what to do and what to say to save the day. Even when it seems as if their enemy has them beat, they never give up. They keep fighting until they have won the battle.

To be honest with you, I never really grew out of that superhero faze. Although, I don’t run around the house with a cape, I still wish I had super powers. When a crisis hits, I feel powerless until I remember the ultimate superhero, Jesus Christ. He not only risked His life for humanity, He actually sacrificed it. He has the power to heal, deliver, comfort and strengthen. What’s even better is that He freely shares His powers with us. There is no sickness, problem or demon in hell that can defeat us when we allow Christ to work through us. With Christ we have the ability to save the day. We can lay hands on the sick and they will be healed. We can cast down demons. We can forgive those who hurt us. We can love as God loves all through the power of Christ who is inside of us.

I may not be Wonder Woman or Supergirl but I am a child of God and that makes me more powerful than any superhero ever created. To God be the glory.

“I can do all this through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NIV

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Well Done By Tammy Nicole Glover

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Someone recently shared a beautiful story about what they witnessed at a young man’s funeral. I was given permission to share this story in the hopes that it would encourage others. Losing a loved one can be one of the most emotionally painful things we can experience. It’s especially painful when it’s someone who is young. However, even in the midst of our pain and sadness, God can turn our mourning into joy because He will use what the devil means for evil and turn it around for our good. This is exactly what happened at this funeral.

It was a young man, twenty-nine years old and he was a believer. He was also a musician and he used his gift to spread the love of God. He tragically passed away in an accident and left behind a young daughter but he also left behind a ministry that touched so many lives that he probably never realized. Just like everyone else, he had setbacks and fell down but he always got back up. He never stopped pressing toward the goal which God called him to. It wasn’t his failures that were remembered but how he got back up and allowed God to work in his life. As the pastor spoke  about how this young man lived his life, God moved and spoke to the hearts of the people in attendance. Although, they were celebrating the life of this young man, God got the glory. At the end, the pastor asked if there was anyone who wanted to give their lives to Jesus Christ and about forty people answered the call. People’s hands raised up as if reaching towards heaven for a Loving and Almighty God that is able to deliver, heal and comfort. A God who is willing to accept them where they are and use them to accomplish great things in this world.

Our lives minister to others whether we realize it or not. this story made me ask the question, what is my life ministering. If I were to leave this world today, would my life inspire anyone to give their life to Christ? Have I truly allowed people to see Christ work through me? The purpose of every believer is to bring as many people to Christ and the main way we do that is the way we live our lives. We should all strive to hear God say, “well done, good and faithful servant.”

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Unseen by Tammy Nicole Glover

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One of the things that appealed to me about being a writer was the idea of not being seen. It’s not really the writer that get’s the attention, it’s the story. I don’t enjoy the spotlight. I’d much rather stay comfortably behind the scenes, in my little shell. However, the more I stepped out into the writing world, the more I realized I had to be seen. I had to promote my work and people like to know a little bit about the author of whatever story or article they’re reading. I get it, I really do but it’s uncomfortable for me.

Even after being on social media for a few years now, I still freak out with every new Facebook friend, Twitter and blog follower. I always feel too exposed and I worry if all my flaws and open wounds are sufficiently hidden. My prayers started to change from, “Lord, please take me higher,” to “Lord, please hide me.”

To my disappointment, the response I continue to get is, “you are the light of the world.” As if that wasn’t enough, I’m always led to the scripture, “in the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NIV

Is there really no other way to glorify God than by others seeing Him inside of us? This is a huge problem for me because I have to admit that I don’t feel worthy to be seen. I haven’t completely healed from the wounds of my past and now everyone will know that I really don’t have it all together. The horror and shame of it all!

With every post or article I publish, I can hear a voice saying, “no one likes you. No one will ever want you. You’re ugly and worthless. Just give up now before you get your feelings hurt.”

That voice has taunted me and bullied me for as long as I can remember. I’ve allowed it to keep me from doing so much of what God has called me to do and it’s time for it to stop. Confronting that voice isn’t easy and it certainly doesn’t feel good but if I don’t, no one will ever get to see how God can heal and restore. There are too many people who are being beat down by that same voice. They need to know that even with all our faults and scars, He still has a plan for us. I have to allow my life serve as a testimony to that.  If God can use me to encourage others, He can certainly use others to do amazing things too. It’s not for my glory but for His that I have to be seen.

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Through the Valley

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Although the valley is dark and terrifying things keep jumping out at you, don’t stop walking through it. It’s not the time to become paralyzed with fear, nor is it the time to contemplate the fairness of your situation. When you are in the valley, you must keep your focus on God’s promises. As He directs your path give Him praise because on the other side He has an amazing blessing prepared just for you. Don’t allow the enemy to keep you from what God has planned for you. Go through and get your reward.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Psalm 23:4 NIV

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Keep Praising

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Don’t stop praising God, especially during a time of crisis. Late in the midnight hour, during your praise, chains will break, storms will be calmed and lives will be restored. God inhabits the praises of His people. Your praise is a precious commodity. It’s your most powerful weapon against fear.

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.” Acts 16:25 NIV

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Time Stealer

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I take my prayer time very seriously. In that time, I’m restored. My tank is refilled with love and encouragement. I receive wisdom and clarity. Not to mention, all of the people I help by praying on their behalf.

Lately, I find that my precious prayer time is being stolen. The culprit: worry. Instead of focusing on a Mighty God, I find myself focusing on mounting problem. Instead of thanking God for His blessings, I’m trying to find solutions to every real and perceived crisis that keeps popping up. When I realize what’s happening, I cast my cares on to the Lord but foolishly I pick them right back up and play with them in my mind. Before I know it, I’ve spent 30 minutes worrying instead of praying. I end up exhausted and feeling stressed and hopeless.

What does it take to get through my thick skull that God has me covered? He already has my problems figured out. There is nothing too big for Him. It’s time to reclaim what has been stolen. It’s time to give God praise for the victory.

“Can any one of you by worry add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:27 NIV

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No Settling

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Don’t be afraid to wait for God’s best. Settling for less than should never be an option. Don’t think that your season of waiting is in vain. It’s in this time that your faith and trust in God grows. God is preparing you to receive His best. You serve a Great God who wants to give you great things. Why would you ever want less than that?

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV

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In Season

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There is always something to be thankful for no matter what season of life we’re in. Each season has a purpose, whether it’s a season of sowing, patience or harvest. Open your eyes and truly appreciate whatever season you’re in. Seasons are never permanent, they are constantly changing and always offering something new.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV

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Grateful

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Lord, even though you knew I would complain, curse, have a bad attitude and be tempted to grow weary with doing good today, You still woke me up. In spite of my potential to add to the negativity of world, You saw my potential to add positivity. You still chose me to be Your hands and feet on the earth. Lord, I’m amazed at Your ability to see the good in me. Every day that You give me breath, You give me a chance to be the person that You know I can be. I can’t adequately express my gratitude. Thank you, Lord, for Your mercy and love endures forever.