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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

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WOULD YOU DO IT? By Tammy Glover

by balm4thesoul3 Comments on WOULD YOU DO IT? By Tammy Glover

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 NIV

Would you give a drink of water to someone who is thirsty? Would you give up your favorite coat to someone who is cold? Would you give your last piece of bread to someone who is hungry? Would you offer someone a place to lay their head? Would you offer comfort to someone in pain? Would you help someone up if they had fallen? Would you lay down your life to save someone else’s?

Most people would answer yes to these questions if it were a close family member or friend. However, the real question is, would those same people still answer yes if it were for a complete stranger. What if it was someone who humiliated you, lied to you, beat you, betrayed you or completely denied your existence? I’m guessing that the answer to these questions would change to absolutely not for a lot of people.

There is someone who did do those things for us despite what we did to him. His name is Jesus. He endured torture and humiliation for everyone, even those who mistreated him. He died so that we could receive salvation. He didn’t wait until we wised up and begged for his forgiveness. He didn’t wait until our attitudes changed. He asked for forgiveness on our behalf, knowing that we didn’t know any better, and he suffered the punishment that we should have received. He loves us in spite of ourselves. Aren’t you glad that he was willing to do that for us? Now, if God can forgive us after all we’ve done, why can’t we forgive each other?

“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against each other. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 NIV

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A CLOSER LOOK By Tammy Glover

by balm4thesoul3 Comments on A CLOSER LOOK By Tammy Glover

“Search me, O Lord, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting.” Psalms 139: 23-24 NIV

Why does it feel like my vision is blurry? Why does it feel as if my prayers are going unanswered? Why do I feel as if I have a ton of worries sitting on my shoulders? It’s time to take a closer look at myself and ask a difficult question. Who has had top priority in my life? Has it been me or God?

Do I seem to have time to watch my favorite TV shows but can never seem to find time to read the Bible? Am I able to find time to send text messages, emails and update my Facebook status all day but can’t find time to pray? Have I found time to worry about my problems but can’t find time to turn them over to God? Do I have time to complain about all the things going wrong but can’t find time to speak God’s promises? Can I find time to gossip and talk about how someone can’t get their life together but can’t find time to encourage them? Am I able to find time to make comments about current events to those around me but can’t find time to share the good news about Jesus Christ with them?

Does it look like it’s time to make some changes?

“Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” Psalms 86:11 NIV

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RESCUED BY TAMMY GLOVER

by balm4thesoul1 Comment on RESCUED BY TAMMY GLOVER

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” Psalm 37:7, NIV

I was walking along, enjoying the sunshine and picking up the beautiful flowers along the way. It seemed like the perfect day. It started to get cloudy but I didn’t let that stop me from enjoying the day, I kept on going along my path. I knew something was coming but I refused to worry about it.

I started to see fewer flowers along the way, which was a disappointment. I had started to look forward to their bright colors and intricate designs. Despite the disappointment, I kept on going until I tripped over a fallen branch. I had a few scratches and a bruised ego but nothing major. I just got back up, dusted myself off and kept on walking.

I heard wolves and I became distracted and scared. I was alone in the woods with bloody wounds and I was sure the wolves would track my scent and devour me. I had to find a safe place to hide. I started running away from the sounds of the howling wolves but they seemed to be surrounding me. I could see their glowing eyes watching me through the trees and bushes. I stumbled once again and fell into a deep pit. I tried to grab on to anything I could to stop my fall but to no avail. I hit the hard, rocky bottom. I was so far down that I could only see a sliver of light peeking through the top. I tried to climb out but only accomplished making myself weary and my finger tips raw and bloodied. I called out for help and I heard a strong voice answer back, “I’m here and I’m going to get you out.”

I was thankful but it just didn’t seem like the voice above was working fast enough. Oftentimes, there were long periods of silence and I thought that he had left me. I panicked and called out to him until I was hoarse. The voice always came back and let me know that he was still there, working on my rescue. He promised to never leave me. I knew that I had to remain calm and be patient. I kept the promise of rescue in my mind and heart. Eventually, the light from above became brighter and brighter and I could see my rescuer’s hand reaching down. I knew that it was going to be ok.

Life is a lot like this. We start down a path that we know God has set us on. We enjoy his anointing over us and his blessings along the way. Small issues arise but we press forward. We stumble and fall but we get back up. People who don’t want to see you succeed show up and we become distracted. We allow fear to overtake us. Sometimes we fall in a dark pit and we feel like there is no way to escape. The Lord your God is always with you. There is no problem that he can’t solve. He is the rescuer. There may be times when you feel like he has left you during your troubles but He is still there working on your way out. He hears your cries. You just have to remain calm and be patient. Help isn’t on the way, it’s already here.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.” John 14:1, NIV

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THROUGH A STRANGER’S EYES by Tammy Glover

by balm4thesoul4 Comments on THROUGH A STRANGER’S EYES by Tammy Glover

“Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble.” Psalm 41:1, NIV

What if you were granted the ability to see through another person’s eyes? What do you think you would see? Do you think that you would see that the well-to-do couple down the street is completely happy or would you see that they are stressed out because they are living above their means? Do you think you would see the little boy that has been causing trouble on the block is being told by his parents that they wish he was never born and that he will never amount to anything?

Do you think that you would see your boss gleefully finding ways to make your life difficult or instead would you see that his boss is threatening to fire him if he does not perform? Do you think that you would see that the coworker who couldn’t be bothered to say good morning to you, weeping in her car because she found out that the lump in her breast is cancer? Do you think you would see that the coworker in everyone’s business is so lonely that she is contemplating suicide?

Maybe you could see the lady that cut you off on the way home was running away from an abusive husband? Could you see that the cashier that was rude to you just buried her eleven year old son and she couldn’t afford to take time off work to properly grieve? Could you see your friend who refuses to return your calls was raped a week ago and she’s ashamed to tell you?

If you could see these things, would that change the way you felt about them? Would you still be angry and judgmental or would you pray for them? Would this be the only way you could feel compassion for them? Well, we don’t have the power to see everything that is going on in someone’s life, nor can we see what people are thinking. We all have emotional scars that we’ve caused each other and ourselves. God still expects us to have compassion for each other just as He has compassion for us. We all need to be shown love, even if we don’t show it.

As difficult as it is, before you become angry or start to complain about someone, try to take a step back and consider that maybe something deeper that you can’t see is going on with that person. Show compassion. Pray for those who hurt you because you never know what that person maybe going through.

“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless; like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:35-36, NIV

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I KNOW YOU… By Tammy Glover

by balm4thesoul1 Comment on I KNOW YOU… By Tammy Glover

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 NIV

“Excuse me, don’t I know you,” I ask staring into a pair of eyes full of tears. I take a step closer, “you were there when my heart was broken. When I was rejected. When I was at my lowest. You said that fighting was hopeless. You said that I wouldn’t make it. You said that my situation would never change. I heard your voice in the middle of the night begging me to give up because it was just too much.

“I almost believed you. Your voice was so familiar and soothing. It felt like you were trying to spare me further pain, but before I gave up, I had to face you one more time. I had to look into those eyes so that I could know for sure what I was dealing with. I can see that you’re scared and frustrated. Life has beaten you down. You’re tired of crying yourself to sleep. I understand, but it’s time for you to shut up and listen to what God has to say. It’s time for you to be still and stop trying to fight this battle alone. It’s time for you to let go of your pride.

“I know it’s scary and it hurts. I know it feels like this struggle will never end. I know it’s lonely. Your Heavenly Father is with you. He loves you dearly. He loved you before you were even formed in your mother’s womb. He created you in His image. He knows exactly how many hairs are on top of your head. He knows how many tears you’ve shed. He knows all your weaknesses, all your secrets and all your dreams and yet He still loves you and wants you to succeed. He has been trying to get your attention. He wants you to open your eyes and see the blessings He has in store for you. He wants you to fully receive His gifts. He has plans for you that are so amazing you can’t even begin to imagine. You have to allow Him to mold you and guide you. You have to place all your worries and fears in His hands. You have to let Him heal your emotional and spiritual wounds.

“Yes, I definitely know you. I’m looking at my own reflection in the mirror. I’m going to keep on encouraging you. I’m going to keep on being patient with you. I’m going to keep on loving you. I will never give up on you and neither will God.”

“How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.” Psalm 139:17-18 NIV

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MY SECRET WEAPON by Tammy Glover

by balm4thesoul2 Comments on MY SECRET WEAPON by Tammy Glover

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 NIV

I have a secret weapon. It defeats my enemies. It tears down walls. It loosens chains. No matter what circumstance, I am always armed.

My secret weapon is praise. I praise God when I’m happy and when I’m hurting. I praise God when I’m among friends and when I’m surrounded by my enemies. I praise God for success and when I’m rejected.

I know it seems strange to some when I lift my hands and rejoice with tears in my eyes and I look defeated. They don’t understand the nature of my weapon. When I praise the Lord, I am trusting Him to take care of me. I am acknowledging the fact that there is no problem greater than Him. As an added bonus, I’m confusing the enemy too.

There is no special skill required to use this powerful weapon. All you need to do is say, “thank you, Lord. I know that you are almighty. All things are possible with you.”

Now, the next time the devil attacks, have faith and take out your secret weapon.

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MY RESIGNATION By Tammy Glover

by balm4thesoul2 Comments on MY RESIGNATION By Tammy Glover

“You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” Romans 6:18 NIV

This is my official resignation letter. I am resigning my position as worrier, regretter, self-doubter and self-punisher. I have served in this position faithfully for most of my life. I don’t fill fulfilled any longer and not to mention, the pay has been less than stellar.

Despite the stress of this position, I do believe it served a purpose. It has taught me several things. I have learned that God is with me, always, even if I don’t listen and try to do things my own way. God is always patiently waiting for me to open my arms to Him after I have fallen. I also learned that my current position is not where He has meant for me to stay. I didn’t realize I was blind until He opened my eyes.

Praise God, He has offered me a new position. I have humbly and gratefully accepted His offer to become one of His faithful followers. I no longer have to worry because He provides for everything. I no longer have to doubt my worth because I am apart of His royal family. I no longer have to punish myself for past mistakes because He has forgiven me. I no longer have regrets. Well, maybe I do have one regret leftover. I do regret that it took me so long to accept God’s offer.

Well, it is time to say goodbye to this position. I can’t give you a two weeks notice, as my new position starts immediately. I also won’t be able to come back and visit. My new position does not allow me to look back. I am so excited; I’m finally on the right path to my destiny.

Sincerely,

Loyal servant of the Kingdom of God

P.S. I also plan on recruiting as many of my coworkers too, so expect many more resignations.

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31 NIV