faith – Page 2 – Balm 4 the Soul

Well Done By Tammy Nicole Glover

January 29, 2018January 31, 2018by balm4thesoul1 Comment

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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Can These Bones Live? By Tammy Nicole Glover

August 21, 2017June 3, 2021by balm4thesoulLeave a Comment

“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

July 17, 2017by balm4thesoulLeave a Comment

“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?

July 6, 2017by balm4thesoul1 Comment

“‘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

June 27, 2017June 27, 2017by balm4thesoulLeave a Comment

“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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HANDCUFFS ARE NOT A GOOD LOOK

February 13, 2017February 13, 2017by balm4thesoulLeave a Comment

My handcuffs have been my signature piece. I’ve worn them everyday, all day for as long as I can remember. I’ve had them on for so long that I forgot I was wearing them. I only recently noticed them as I was trying to step out on faith. I hadn’t gotten very far because my stupid handcuffs keep getting in the way.

By now, you’re probably reading this and wondering what in the world is she talking about. Those who know me are especially asking themselves this because they’ve never seen any handcuffs on me and I’m way too boring to ever find myself in them. Well, that’s true about physical handcuffs but I’m talking about spiritual handcuffs-things that hold us back from doing what God has called us to do. Sin, worry, fear, unforgiveness, hatred and pride are but a few things that can hold us back. The enemy likes to keep us in bondage. He wants us to feel helpless and out of control. Anything that keeps us from doing what God has called us to do makes his day. It’s when we are in faith and in obedience that God’s kingdom is increased and God is glorified.

The truth is,as believers, we have the authority and power in Christ Jesus to remove those handcuffs. Every time we speak the Word of God, take our cares to Him in prayer, walk in love or acknowledge our sins and repent, our handcuffs are loosened. It’s time to shake those handcuffs off because the only person who thinks they look good on you is Satan.

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” Luke 10:19 NIV

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ARISE by Tammy Nicole Glover

January 18, 2017by balm4thesoul2 Comments

Why so downcast, oh my soul? The Lord woke you up this morning. He kept you safe through the night. His sun shines on you. His favor covers you like your favorite blanket.

It’s time to rise and shine. What happened yesterday has past. Today is a new day, full of new blessings and new mercies. Arise and be of good cheer. There is much work to be done by the Lord’s people.

Open your eyes, the world is hurting. Open your ears, the earth cries out. Open your heart and accept God’s assignment. He has given you strength, peace and joy. There is no need to be downcast, oh my soul. For your Heavenly Father is with you today and forever. He has promised to take care of you and to protect you. Your Heavenly Father is El-Shaddai-God Almighty. He is the Creator of the Earth. There is no one and no thing greater than Him. He parts seas. He heals the sick and raises the dead. He sent His Son, whose blood cleanses you of all sin. He has conquered death surely, He can handle your problems.

Praise the Lord, oh my soul, for He is good and His love endures forever. He is generous, not only with His mercy, but with all that is His to give. You are His child. Arise!

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:5 NIV

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REMEMBERING WHO STANDS BESIDE ME By Tammy Nicole Glover

November 9, 2016November 9, 2016by balm4thesoulLeave a Comment

I woke up this morning with so much anger and frustration. I wanted to cry, scream at the top of my lungs and demand a reason for why I have to be tested this way. I suppressed my urge to have a full blown, adult temper tantrum and remembered that God is good. He has never left my side and there’s certainly no reason for me to believe He will leave me now. I serve a faithful, loving God. I may not understand His ways but I can always count on His love. He has everything under control. I just need to trust Him.

Thank You, Lord, for Your grace and mercy. Thank You for loving me even in the middle of a temper tantrum. Thank You for molding me into a better person and strengthening my faith. Thank You for Your peace and guidance during any kind of storm. I know the One who stands beside me and He is God Almighty.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1 NIV

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Fear of the Struggle

October 18, 2016by balm4thesoulLeave a Comment

I know it has been a couple of weeks since I last posted something new. It has been a rough couple of weeks but I’m back. With that being said, this month’s theme is fear. This week I’d like to talk about the fear of the struggle.

When God has called you to do something, it can be exciting and scary but because it’s God and nothing is impossible for Him, you do it. You don’t think about all of the hard work and the struggles that you’ll face trying to do it until rejection hits. You shake off the first rejection, the second and even the third but when the tenth rejection hits you start to pause and rethink things. Every new battle leaves you a bit weaker and it starts chipping away at your courage. You think, I can’t take not one more beat down. You’re officially afraid of the struggle. You don’t know if the next battle or the next heartbreak will be the one to do you in.

Of course you can’t admit this to anyone. Christians aren’t supposed to waver in their faith and be afraid. After all, we walk by faith and not by sight. We’re supposed to call things that be not into existence. What will people think if you show your weakness?

The thing is, we are weak. It’s Christ within us that makes us strong. It’s Jesus that we must refocus on. If God promised something, He will do it. We just have to keep pressing forward. Yes, the struggle is real and it hurts but you will survive this.

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

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Ever Present

June 13, 2016by balm4thesoulLeave a Comment

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Joshua 1:5 NIV

Your Heavenly Father is with you. He sees your struggles. He knows your pain. Even when you hurt so bad that you try to hide from Him and the world, He is still there. Even when you’re angry with Him because you think that He is the source of your pain, He still loves you. He will never leave your side. He never goes back on His promises. There is no where that His arms can’t reach you. He is only a call away, even if it hurts too much to speak, He can hear your thoughts.

Stop leaning on your own understanding and trust Him. Have you forgotten about the last time He delivered you? Remember how He turned what was meant to harm you into something that prospered you. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He has an endless supply of comfort and strength. There is no good thing that He will ever withhold from His children.

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.” Genesis 28:15 NIV