following Jesus – Deidra Deandra

Give Joyfully!

Last week a story on my Facebook feed caught my attention and I’m so glad I took the time to read it. A friend from my church posted a testimony of how God is working in her life and I asked her to share as an encouragement to followers on my blog. She writes…

Give-Joyfully-deidradeandra “So, I have to brag on GOD…
About 8 months ago I found a piece of property out by family/church. I started praying over it every time I drove by and claiming it as mine. Well, a couple months ago, God SUPERNATURALLY provided the money for a down payment (awesome!) and I began the buying process. We agreed on a price and after it was surveyed 3 acres became 4 1/2 at no additional cost to me (super awesome!). I had my closing cost money saved up and ready to go then God told me to give that exact amount to a specific person. I did so joyfully and without hesitation. Today I went to sign paperwork and the seller leans over to the lawyer and says “Ya know what, just waive the closing cost on this one.” !!!!!
I mean, is God not awesome!!! HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN FAITHFUL TO ME AND ALWAYS PROVIDED!
Now, I’m just waiting on a buyer for my house and I know His timing is always perfect.‬”

So my friends, I encourage you to be joyful in those times when He tells you to make a sacrifice, give your last, do without… He is always working in the background, your blessing might be right around the corner; so don’t miss out on the blessings God wants to pour out in your life!

Do Something You Don’t Enjoy

I DON’T LIKE AMUSEMENT PARKS

I don’t like roller coasters. I don’t like spinning rides. I don’t like falling rides. This weekend I went to Magic Springs. I don’t like amusement parks.

One of the girls in our youth group invited me and another youth leader to go with her and a group of her friends this weekend to celebrate her 16th birthday. I don’t like amusement parks. Out of my mouth popped an excited “Yes!” but I don’t like amusement parks.

IT WAS SUCH A GREAT TIME! I watched them go on a few and joined in on some of the activities. I don’t like amusement parks, but I sure do love young people. We stood in one line for 2+ hours and it was the greatest time! magic-springs It wasn’t deep Bible talks, but it was real life moments. By the end of the day we were having little one-on-one moments with a few of them and really got the chance to advise them on different situations. Josh Barnett said once as we prepared for a High Point Summer Camp, “If they’re not laughing with you at the beginning of the week, they won’t be crying with you at the end of it.” I watched this play out in just one day. We laughed all day but in them having fun with us, they opened up to us more.

Don’t be waiting around to be a leader at a youth conference, or to catch a young person after a powerful youth group service. Do what they do; be where they’re at! Ezekiel 3:15 says, “I sat where they sat.” I don’t like amusement parks.

Word Over Work

WORK WORK WORK

I woke up early this morning, prayed, rolled over 1 or 2 times, then took a shower. I got dressed and plopped behind my little makeshift desk in my room, ready to get to work. Then my notifications went off reminding me of my various morning devotions. So I let go of the mouse and started to read. I felt immediate guilt.

SNIPPET // Jesus Calling, Sarah Young, August 29:
DEMONSTRATE your trust in Me by sitting quietly in My Presence. PUT ASIDE all that is waiting to be done, and refuse to worry about anything. This sacred TIME TOGETHER strengthens you and prepares you to face whatever the day will bring. The world is so complex and overstimulating that you can easily lose your sense of direction. When you spend time with Me, I restore your sense of direction. As you look to Me for guidance, I enable you to do less but accomplish more.

WAIT

Waiting Before Working – An Act of Faith
I’ve been doing and doing, “working after working” (you know what I mean?) to build Deidra Deandra. That little reminder in my devotion this morning was right on time. It’s not anything I don’t know; I just got caught up in my own strength. I’ve been slacking in my time with Him and had to give myself a check this morning. All the wisdom I need for not only my business, but my life, to write blogs that are real (and not just “another blog”) come from Him and to keep it that way I need to spend more time in His word. Waiting before working and putting Him first in your day is a crucial step to a successful day.

I wrote a piece on plans yesterday filled with Proverbs and today I end with another one, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3).” My message to you: Stop relying on your own wisdom and strength to get things done. FIRST, Commit WHATEVER you do to Him.

We Can Make Our Plans BUT..

We can make our plans..
BUT The Lord gives the RIGHT answer. (Proverbs 16:1)
BUT The Lord determines our STEPS. (Proverbs 16:9)
BUT The Lord’s purpose WILL prevail. (Proverbs 19:20)

I don’t know what He’s doing but I’m about doing what He’s doing. Over the past year I’ve realized that there’s really only so much planning we need to be doing. The first time that reality hit me (Ms. Planner) was like seeing a pig fly before my eyes; it was a LOT to take in. Today however, I have found that He’s really good at it. Go figure! 😉

I don’t need to know every detail (melancholy). I don’t need to make all the plans. “The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way? (Proverbs 20:24)” I thank Him for bringing me to a place where I find calmness in that scripture when years ago, it would have caused worry not being able to understand what’s next. It’s not easy hearing God say quit your job and GO. Say what? But I did and… I have to save that for another blog. 😀

Tonight as He pushes my plans aside, once again, I recite one of my favorite scriptures: “The Lord says, ‘I WILL GUIDE YOU along the BEST PATHWAY for your life. I will advise you and watch over you (Psalms 32:8).'”

Whatever God is doing in your life today, let Him do it! He wants GREAT for you, so want it bad enough to entrust your life, plans, agenda.. your everything to Him! Leaving my “dream job” was one of the best things He had me do. You never know what He has in store for you. Don’t be the WHAT IF person; give Him the reigns!