The Always Present God

Chris offering a faint smile

 I think one of the things I love most about God is that He is not afraid of our circumstances. Nowhere in the Bible will you find an inkling of a suggestion that God doesn't sit near the caregiver. Actually, our favorite Bible stories are those that demonstrate how God is with those who go through difficult times. I have this list of Bible characters running through my head right now as I think about how present God is in and out of times of trouble.

When David stood before Goliath, God didn't opt out! As far as we know, David didn't pray and ask God for guidance or confirmation about going out to face the giant. He just went - and God didn't leave David hanging. He went with David out on that field to take down the mighty Goliath.

But what if David had asked? How would God have answered? Idk.

Gideon was reluctant to obey God. He had to have multiple confirmations, including two fleeces he put out before God. I guess having an angel appear to him suddenly in his dark hiding spot wasn't enough for Gideon. Lol. But God didn't abandon Gideon just because he had doubts about his ability to hear the message from God. God led Gideon and just 300 men into battle to conquer a huge army. God went with Gideon and his army.

God didn't even abandon Jonah in the whale's belly, even though he was sitting in the dark because of his own bad decision. It took him three days to formulate a prayer. But God met him there because He was there with Jonah. If God won't leave Jonah - He won't leave anyone. :-)

Today, I will trust that God is with me right here, right now. He's not walking around with some measuring stick to see if I need Him today or not. Instead, He chooses to just be present in my day; the good, the bad, and the uglythe good, the bad, and the ugly parts. I will be mindful of His presence today and purposefully let Him have more space in my mind as I work through various situations. I know I can trust that He'll be with me today. Will you join me?


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New Release! Peace Out!

Cover of Peace Out! devotional




I just released the 31-day devotional Peace Out! It's in the Bible. Each day's scripture has something to do with peace - and how we can continue to enjoy it and walk in it - no matter what! It's available on Kindle and print in my Amazon bookstore and in printable ebook form on my new website Dove's Fire Publications. 






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Affirmations for Caregivers

Cover of Affirmations for Caregivers
I wrote Affirmations for Caregivers because it was what I needed to hear! This 31-day journal includes 31 scripturally based affirmations. Each day, the affirmation is followed by a short writing prompt and a verse or two to read. Here is an example from Day 16:

Day 16: I Am Embraced
Affirmation: I will find grace to help me in my time of need today. I will bring my cares, concerns, weaknesses, and needs to the throne of grace. I have an open invitation. God will meet me there with the grace I need for today. He is not afraid of my weaknesses, He embraces them and strengthens me by His grace.

                                Write an invitation to God inviting Him into your day. Then, write an invitation
                                from God inviting you to trust His strength and grace.

                            Read Hebrews 4:14-16


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