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Secret Weapon

by balm4thesoulLeave a Comment on Secret Weapon

An excellent weapon against worry is prayer, especially praying for others. It’s hard to worry about your problems when you focus on the needs of others. Praying is an act of love and love casts out fear. It also opens the door to blessings in our lives. When our focus shifts to the needs of others we are also reminded of our current blessings. We create a thankful heart that is open to receiving more blessings. We are also sowing seeds for others to pray for us when we are in need of prayer.

You don’t need to wait until someone asks you for prayer, just look around and you’ll see that there are always plenty of opportunities to pray for someone. So, if worry is weighing you down today, take out your secret weapon and pray for someone.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

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WHY DO YOU WORRY

by balm4thesoulLeave a Comment on WHY DO YOU WORRY

Worry has absolutely no redeeming qualities. It doesn’t foster positive change nor does it provide a sense of well-being. In fact, it weakens the heart and causes confusion.

Trusting in God, on the other hand, has miraculous benefits. It strengthens the heart and promotes positive change. It brings peace and stability. Why would anyone choose worry over trusting an Almighty God who loves them and is more than able to provide for all of their needs?

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

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The Company We Keep

by balm4thesoulLeave a Comment on The Company We Keep

Who you walk with during a storm is important. There are some who allow the storm to blow them in any which way. They’re rooted in the world and moved by what they see. The storm dictates their moods and attitudes, so they may be seem unpredictable. Their concern is survival by any means necessary. When the storm is over they are broken and weak.

Then there are others who remain unmovable during a storm. They are rooted in the promises of God and not moved by what they see. They are constant and stable because the storm does not dictate their moods or attitudes. They’re concern is overcoming the storm. After the storm, they are stronger and whole.

No one should attempt to go through a storm alone but remember to choose wisely when deciding who to walk with.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 NIV

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New things on the horizon…

by balm4thesoulLeave a Comment on New things on the horizon…

I know it has been a while since I posted something new but I’ll be back Monday, October 9th. I’ll be doing something a little different. I’ll be bringing you daily mini balms for your soul. They will be short posts but packed with plenty of encouragement to help you get through your day. For even more daily encouragement, you can also follow me on Twitter @T_Glov or on Facebook at Balm4theSoul. You can also send prayer requests to soulbalm7@gmail.com

Be encouraged, friends!

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Can These Bones Live? By Tammy Nicole Glover

by balm4thesoulLeave a Comment on Can These Bones Live? By Tammy Nicole Glover

“He asked me, ‘Son of Man, can these bones live?’ I said, ‘Sovereign Lord, you alone know.'” Ezekiel 37:3 NIV

Rejection after rejection and heartache after heartache, I felt pieces of me fall away. Every mistake and willful act of disobedience carved more pieces off of me until I was only a pile of dry bones. With my hope long since deteriorated, I let the wind scatter my bones all about the open valley. I thought, surely, God no longer has use for me. I’ll just accept my mediocre existence in life. I will lie here and wait until the wind carries my bones away. But God…

God looked at my brittle, scattered bones and saw an opportunity to rebuild and restore. He saw another one of His masterpieces. “No, Satan, you can not have my daughter,” He said. “She is my chosen servant whom I have not rejected. Before she was born I appointed her to be a light in the darkness. I called her to spread My Word. I called her to show the world My love.”

The Lord’s hand came upon me and He said to me, ” arise, My beloved daughter. Come to life.”

There is nothing impossible for God, not even death. Don’t give up on any of His promises. It doesn’t matter how many times you have fallen or what anyone says about you. God is the God of Resurrection. He will restore you and your dreams.

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel 37:5-6 NIV

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I SEE GIANTS by Tammy Nicole Glover

by balm4thesoulLeave a Comment on I SEE GIANTS by Tammy Nicole Glover

“They said, ‘The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendents of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes and we looked the same to them.'” Numbers 13:32-33 NIV

I was given the vision and told what to do and where to go. It was such a huge and impossible dream that it could have only come from God. It scared me but the Lord kept encouraging me. He told me to be strong and courageous. He told me that He would never leave me nor forsake me. All things would work out for my good if I only believed. I believed.

Armed with His love and His Word, I stepped out on faith to do what He called me to do. Before I could even step out of the boat, I saw giants. Hold up…wait a minute, I thought. The Lord never mentioned that there would be giants. He also failed to mention all the other powerful enemies waiting for me. Everyone is bigger, stronger and more skilled than I am. I don’t think I belong here.

Lord, do you see those giants waiting to devour me? They’re laughing because they know I’m about to be squashed. Wouldn’t I have been better off if I had just stayed in the land of mediocrity? I may not have done great things there but I would still be alive. I’m too far to go back so what I’m supposed to do now?

I stayed in my pity party for quite some time. I watched the giants enjoy the land that I was supposed to have. They mocked me and turned their noses up at me. Finally, the Lord had enough. He said, “didn’t I tell you to be strong and courageous? Have I not given you clear instructions? Did I not get you through the wilderness? Was I not there to pick you up every single time you fell? Did I not heal your wounds? What cause have I given you to doubt me now?

Gulp. He was right. I have faced battles with enemies that were stronger and more skilled before and each time God gave me the victory. I seriously needed to repent and give God praise.

After I received God’s forgiveness and thanked Him for His mercy, I stood up and held my head up high. The Lord is with me and I will not be afraid.

Look out, giants, here I come.

“The Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.” Numbers 14:9 NIV

 

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Do You See It Yet?

by balm4thesoul1 Comment on Do You See It Yet?

“‘There is nothing there,’ he said. Seven times Elijah said, ‘Go back.’ The seventh time the servant reported, ‘A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea.'” 1 Kings 18:43:44 NIV

I’ve heard God’s promises. I believe in my heart that they will be fulfilled. Every day I wake up and I expect them to appear. I look from the north to the south and from the east and to the west yet, I still see nothing. Where in the world are they? Did they get lost somewhere? I know that God is not like man that He would lie so if He said He would do it, He’s going to do it.

I have to admit things are getting a little crazy around here and I’m tempted to get weary. I could really use a manifestation or two right about now. It doesn’t even have to be really big, it could be something small, just a little something to keep my hopes up.

I look yet again. Wait, is that what I think it is? Is that a small cloud in the distance? Let Your rain come, Lord. I’m ready to receive Your outpourings from heaven. I know it will be worth the wait.

Don’t ever give up on God!

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 NIV

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TAPPING OUT IS NOT AN OPTION

by balm4thesoulLeave a Comment on TAPPING OUT IS NOT AN OPTION

“Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12 NIV

Sometimes life can feel like a never ending fight. Every problem that arises can feel like a punch from a UFC fighter. With every blow you feel weaker. Battered and bruised, you call out to the Lord for help but all you hear is silence. Maybe it’s time to just tap out. If you tap out maybe the attacks will stop because you would no longer  be a threat to the enemy. You could finally get some peace.

So, you make the decision to stop praying and reading the Bible as much as you used to but the attacks still come. Ok, so maybe, you should stop going to church for a little while. The attacks only become worse. At this point, you’re becoming angry with God. How could He let His child struggle like this?

I’m sure by now, you’re starting to get a sense for where this road is leading. Definitely, no where pretty, that’s for sure. This is why as a believer, tapping out is not an option. You will always be a threat to the enemy because as long as you have breath, you are a potential carrier of the Word of God. You are also a potential beacon of hope and light. The enemy’s mission is to take you out by any means necessary and sometimes that means making you do the work for him. Don’t make his job easier. Fight the good fight of faith. God hears your call and He is already making a way. You just have to keep fighting until you see it.

“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Hebrews 10:36 NIV

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WHEN IT HITS THE FAN

by balm4thesoulLeave a Comment on WHEN IT HITS THE FAN

“I lift my eyes to the mountains–where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

Complaining, murmuring and cursing is all you hear. You turn to your left and your right and all you see is chaos and confusion. It just hit the fan and you find yourself smack dab in the middle of the aftermath. How in the world did you get yourself in this mess and more importantly, how do you escape?

Take a breath and don’t panic. You’ve faced troubles before and you’ve survived. You’ll survive this too. Yes, even if you feel like you might be losing your mind. You have an advantage because you know that you have God on your side. That’s right, the Lord Almighty, the One who created the heaven and the earth has your back. If the same God that parts seas and raises the dead is on your side then realistically, who can be against you? The same God who calls things into existence with just a word from His mouth loves you, so much so, that He knows exactly how many hairs are on your head. Surely, that same God who cares so much for you will take care of you. This is when you smile because you realize you have the victory.

When it hits the fan, it’s time to ramp up your praise not your doubt. You can choose to look crazy by acting out in fear or by acting out in love.

“I call on the Lord in my distress and he answers me.” Psalm 120:1

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The God Who Sees Me

by balm4thesoulLeave a Comment on The God Who Sees Me

“But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.” Psalm 33:18 NIV

When I feel invisible and cast aside, You see me. When it feels as if no one understands or cares, You see me. Even when I’m at my lowest and I just want to hide from the world and from You, I’m still in Your line of sight.

You see every scar that has ravished my heart. You feel the sting of every wound inflicted on my soul. Even though I’m scarred and bruised, You never turn Your face away from me. You still love me.

When I think of how much You’ve blessed me in spite of my flaws, I can’t help but ask why. Why would You want a relationship with such a mess? I hear You lovingly speak to my heart, encouraging and comforting me. You say, “you are my Beloved. When I see you, I don’t see your past, I see the future I have planned for you. I don’t see filth, I see you cleansed in the blood of My Son, Jesus. I see the person that I created in My image. I could never turn my back on you.

Thank You, Lord, for being the God who truly sees me and always loves me.

“She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me.'” Genesis 16:13-14 NIV