promise – Page 2 – Balm 4 the Soul

WHAT DID YOU SAVE ME FOR? By Tammy Glover

May 30, 2011May 30, 2011by balm4thesoul2 Comments

“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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A CLOSER LOOK By Tammy Glover

May 8, 2011by balm4thesoul3 Comments

“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

April 10, 2011April 11, 2011by balm4thesoul1 Comment

“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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I KNOW YOU… By Tammy Glover

March 14, 2011March 14, 2011by balm4thesoul1 Comment

“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