God's glory Archives

Dear Lord, Even If You Don’t……

November 1, 2019/4 Comments/in Christianity, Encouragement, Everything, Faith, God's Miracles, God's Promises, Real life, Struggles/Trials /by Heather Gillis

Have you ever heard the lyrics to the song “Even If” by Mercy Me?

I know You’re able and I know you can, Save through the fire with your mighty hand, But even if you don’t, My hope is you alone…..

Have you ever felt like these words? Ever felt like giving up thinking to yourself, what’s the use? What good is it to do what I’m doing? Or It’s hopeless, my situation will never change!

Maybe you’ve prayed the same prayer a thousand times and never seen any results. Or maybe you’ve been on the crazy cycle doing the same thing over and over, not getting anywhere.

In the midst of it all we are never hopeless, we are never powerless when we have the one who is able with us.

Sometimes the road of devastation we walk can seem like an endless road to nowhere but I can promise you these roads of brokenness are always paved with his glory.

Even If you Don’t…….

“On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, “Shout!” For the LORD has given you the city!” (Joshua 6:15-16).

What if God told you I will give you everything you could have ever imagine (and then some)? How would you respond? What if He told you, The Promised Land I’ve promised you is right at your fingertips. But first you must………

Ahhh, there’s always a catch right!?!? Yes and No. Last week’s post Letting Go and Letting God addressed Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt and wandering the desert for 40 years. At this point The Israelites had already crossed over the Jordan River and were thinking, ‘Yes! We’ve made it!’ Well not really first they had to face some giants a whole army of them.

So God gives Joshua the instructions to march seven times around the ginormous walls of Jericho for six days. And then the seventh day march 7 times around! For six days the Israelites marched in silence until the seventh day.

Can you imagine after marching for 7 days straight in a row their surprise when those walls of Jericho came tumbling down?Click To Tweet

I think I would have been feeling quite tired and weary of marching around a huge city for 7 days straight to see nothing happening. Not being able to speak and just march in silence day in and day out. It makes me think how heavy their feet felt, each step they took. How heavy their hearts felt each day that passed, thinking why must we keep doing this?!?!?

Haven’t we’ve been through enough Lord?!?!?!?

I can’t imagine the thoughts that must have ruminated in their minds as they marched. What if God doesn’t do what he said he would? What if God isn’t going to come through? What if this is all for nothing?

How glorious it must have been to see those walls fall, after enduring everything they had been through year after year and to have the faith to keep on marching!Click To Tweet

Maybe you are running out of fuel and have nothing left. Maybe you can relate to The Israelites, the trials they endured in the waiting, in the wandering, in the when will this end?!?! Even in their despair, in the unknowing they kept placing one foot in front of the other and kept on marching. When they did, they saw God’s amazing plan unfold, the indestructible city of Jericho’s walls fall down.

Have you ever felt like giving up?

Have you ever felt like what you go through is all for nothing?

Every road of brokenness is paved with his glory, we just have to stay on it. Don’t give up. Whatever road you are on towards healing, restoration, redemption, reconciliation stay on it, it’s so worth it.

Even if you don’t Lord, I know you are good.

Even if you don’t Lord, I know your are faithful and keep your promises.

Even if you don’t Lord, you are still my Maker, My Creator, My God in whom I love and am Thankful for.

Even if you don’t Lord, you are MY God in whom I trust and know your ways are greater and better.

Prayer: Dear Lord,

I know you’re able and I know you could just wave my pain away right now and that hurts. I know that you can see me And have been watching me year after year go through what I’m going through. I know you have heard every prayer I’ve cried. Even if you don’t answer my prayer, even if you my sorrow doesn’t subside, I know you are faithful and good. My hope is in you alone, Lord. Despite what I’m going through I want to believe there’s a better way, a better outcome, you’re glory refined. I know you don’t need me, but you chose me. I know your way is better, your plans are amazing. I pray for your unsurpassed peace to supersede in the midst of the chaos, in midst of the pain. When my hope is in you, your glory will arise and make the most beautiful masterpiece ever out of my situation.

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Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

October 6, 2019/1 Comment/in Christianity, Current Events, Everything, Family, Holiday /by Heather Gillis

To Celebrate or not to Celebrate?

With the day of Halloween approaching, many of us who are Christians, have our views about whether to celebrate this holiday or not. Halloween like any other Christ-centered holiday has been turned into a secular holiday. Originally Halloween was a holy holiday for the saints. In fact, the word Halloween comes from the word ‘hallow,’ which means ‘holy.’ Halloween began as ‘Hallows Eve’ meaning holy evening. It was the night before ‘All Saints Day’ which is dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs, and the faithfully departed.

According to The Free Dictionary, hallowed means “to make or set apart as holy, to respect or honor greatly; revere.” We use the word ‘hallowed’ in the Lord’s prayer “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” Matthew 6:9

So how does a holy holiday meant to honor the dead, become about worshipping devils and demons?

Halloween is believed to have been derived from a pagan holiday, Samhain, which was celebrated on the same day as Hallows Eve by the Northern Celtic People. Pagan resources will say this holiday was ‘Christianized,’ when really it’s origination is entirely Christian, having originated from the Roman Catholics.

To celebrate All Hallows Eve, the Church held a vigil, where they worshiped, prayed and fasted (in honor of the dead) prior to the day of the feast. Even though both holidays may have similarities in celebration of the dead, the pagan and Christian holidays are separate, not associated with one another.

Is it true Halloween is on the same day as a pagan holiday? Yes.

Is it true the origination of Halloween was in fact intended to be a holy holiday? Yes.

Halloween, just like any Christian holiday has been altered to conform to secularism. Christmas has become about Santa Claus, Easter has become about the Easter bunny and Halloween has become about the devil.

Does it mean that Christians should not celebrate these holidays just because they have been secularized? Of course not! Otherwise, we would not celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas or the resurrection of Christ on Easter. Just because the world changes the definition of something doesn’t mean Christians should conform to it.

Romans 12:2 ESV
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

As Christians should we participate in this holiday?

If we participate, does that mean we are conforming to the pattern of this world?

Our decision to celebrate or not celebrate should be based on the truth and God’s desire for us. Whatever we decide, I don’t think there is a wrong or right answer. How we choose to celebrate or not to celebrate, can shine Jesus’ light to others.

As Christians, when we allow our children to participate in Halloween it doesn’t mean they are worshipping the devil. Halloween is an opportunity to open the doors of the church for those who normally don’t attend. That is why we see churches inviting the community in by hosting trunk or treats or fall festivals. It is a chance to expose Jesus to non-believers.

Even though the world has made this holiday about evil and darkness, it is an opportunity for Christians to shine the light of Jesus.

What better way to shine the light of Jesus than in the dark?Click To Tweet

As Christians, we can make choices in how we celebrate this holiday. We can choose not to allow our children to dress up as vampires, murderers, demons or devils. We can carve jack-o-lanterns with a cross and put a candle in it. We can hand out candy that has a Bible verse on it. We can pray for the boys and girls who come to our door that may not know Jesus.

7 Ways to shine the Light of Jesus (Click on link to download).

7 Ways to Shine the Light of Jesus during Halloween

How we choose to celebrate or not to celebrate this holiday can be a light to others. If you choose not to celebrate, share why and allow it to be a light to others during this dark holiday. If you choose to celebrate, let it be for the glory of God. Let His light shine through your family for others to see.

How do you celebrate or not celebrate Halloween? Please Share!

What are your thoughts on Halloween?

Happy Halloween!

“ the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NIVClick To Tweet

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This is What Happens When We Trust in God’s Power

September 15, 2019/0 Comments/in Bible study, Encouragement, Everything, Faith, God's Miracles, Real life, Struggles/Trials /by Heather Gillis

“Don’t just do something, Sit There!” quote anonymous.

One might think this quote is backwards but it is written exactly as it should be. It captures the essence of someone who is paralyzed by their fears and makes them think I’m powerless, my situation is hopeless. This is what fear does to us to keep us exactly where we are, to keep us stuck.

Sometimes I don’t think I give God enough credit. I’ll be honest, there are times I want to dial a miracle or a drive-by request asking God for a miracle only He can do, but not really put in the work in. I think, ‘wait you want me to be patient and work for that?’ ‘Can’t you just give it to me?’ Well, that’s not exactly how God works.

If it were up to me I’d have a menu of miracles I could access anytime upon request. ‘God can I have a slay your giant miracle? Or how about a bringing down the walls of Jericho, that’s a good one.’ Or better yet, a protect me in the fiery furnace or shut the mouths of lion miracle when I need it, just in case.

If it were up to me, I’d want ALL the miracles God could give me, so I didn’t ever have to be uncomfortable.

God's miracles aren't for my own convenience but to display his power through me.Click To Tweet

From the beginning of time, starting with Adam and Eve, if there’s one thing God wants us to do, it’s to TRUST Him. When we do, our circumstances change drastically and miracles happen. A previous post I’ve written called Letting Go of the Miracle may sound like these posts contradict one another. But there’s a difference. We can put our hope and trust into a miracle that may never happen the way we want it, but that doesn’t mean God isn’t able.

Putting our hope and trust in what He’s able to do, in His divine power, allows our hearts to be freed from our own expectations and desires, allowing for God’s greater plan to happen within us and through us.

This Is What Happens When We Trust in God’s Power

Miracles happen. The unexplainable. The unimaginable. The unexpected. But let’s be real. When we put our own expectations of what God’s miracles should be, we limit His infinite power, putting Him in a box, not allowing for His bigger miracles to happen. When we put a timeline on his miracles, of when WE think he should answer our prayers, we’re bailing on His biggest blessings.

Have you ever been in a situation, looked all around you, saw nothing but defeat, the enemy surrounding you and thought there's no way out, no way my circumstances can be resurrected?Click To Tweet

The Israelites sure had a lot of these moments. Especially right before they crossed The Red Sea. The Israelites had just been delivered from being under the reign and rule of Egypt for the past 400 years. They had endured 11 plagues that included a bloody river, flies, frogs, darkness and hail. They had seen God’s miracles and provision first hand.

Yet they knew Pharaoh (the ruler of Egypt) and what he was capable of. I’m sure as they departed for their journey they kept looking back to see when was he going to come back to get us? The Israelites knew God was going to deliver them, they just never knew HOW. God had a plan all along.

As they were wandering in the wilderness they were about to be enclosed by the desert and The Red Sea, with no way out. Then God told Moses, “For Pharaoh will say of the people of Israel, “They are wandering in the land; the wilderness has shut them in. And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD” (Exodus 14:3-4).

Sounds so crazy that God would harden Pharaoh’s heart, yet once again to come after the Israelites he said could go. Pharaoh had a big army of over 600 chariots. Imagine this scene, The Israelites who didn’t have any weapons to defend themselves were standing backed up to The Red Sea, with nowhere to go and their enemies were charging at them.

At this point the Israelites were doubting and said, ‘Wouldn’t it had been better if we just stayed in Egypt, instead of dying here in the wilderness?’ (paraphrase Exodus 14:12).

God says to Moses, “And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they shall go in after them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, his chariots and horsemen. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD” (Exodus 14:17)

What the Israelites were failing to see, is God had brought them to this place for His own very specific purpose. God wasn’t going to take them somewhere, where He couldn’t protect them.

“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the LORD drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. The Egyptians pursued and went in after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horseman” (Exodus 14:22-23).

And then the unimaginable happened. Not only did God provide a way out for the Israelites in their impossible situation, He also destroyed their enemies, the Egyptians! The very sea that provided their escape was the very sea he used as the downfall of their adversaries, so they could never come after or harm them again!

Here’s the deal. God would have never delivered the Israelites out of Egypt without providing a way for them to get out. HOWEVER……… Even though God parted The Red Sea, the Israelites HAD TO WALK THROUGH IT ONE STEP AT A TIME!

The Key to allowing God’s Miracles to happen is TRUST.

T– Thankful. Being thankful in our trials, giving God our trust in advance. It says, I know what I’m going through sucks, but I know God is good and will praise in him in trials no matter what. There’s always something to be thankful for no matter how bad our situations are.

R– Release it to Him. Admitting and acknowledging our trials are beyond our control, allows us to give whatever we’re going through to God and allow Him to handle it.

U– Unexpected (allow for it). When we allow for the unexpected in our lives and stop putting God into a box, expecting the miracle and outcome to be a certain way, we allow for His bigger blessings.

S– Satisfy. When God is the one who is our ultimate provider of all things and when we believe what He has for me is ENOUGH then we will always be satisfied and abundantly blessed in any situation.

T– Trials. Our trials, God’s glory. When we allow for our trials, struggles, heartache, pain, scars of the past, suffering, all to be for God’s glory, we allow for His greater story to be written through us.

You may feel OVERWHELMED by your circumstances right now. You may feel life is just spinning our of CONTROL.

We are not powerless in our situations. We have the choice to keep taking ONE STEP AT A TIME. Don’t try to take on your situation by yourself all at once. Practice this TRUST acronym. Start being thankful. Practice releasing your burden to Him. Allow for the unexpected. When we do, we learn even if we have nothing, God is all I need (in him we have everything).

You are loved my friend!

How has trusting in God delivered you from your circumstances?

Has Fear ever paralyzed you?

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In Him,

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A Letter From Jesus: A note to my inner Enneagram

November 23, 2018/0 Comments/in Christianity, Encouragement, Everything, Faith, God's Love, God's Miracles, God's Promises, Prayer, Real life, Struggles/Trials, Uncategorized /by Heather Gillis

This year has been a really hard year for me in regard to discovering things about myself I never knew. It’s been a year God has been using to grow me in ways I never knew I needed. I’ve done a lot of soul-searching, reading and just spending time with God. I’ve read books like “Kill the Spider,” “Soul Detox,” “Nehemiah,” and “The Road Back to You.” Based on the titles of these books you can guess what kind of person I am, which ironically I didn’t know about myself until just recently–I’m a perfectionist. Anyone who knows me would say, ‘there’s no way you’re a perfectionist’ based on what they see outwardly, but inwardly quite frankly, I beat myself up every day.

In Kill The Spider, I learned I need to kill the spider creating cobwebs in my life. If I never target the very thing creating the mess, the mess will just keep reoccurring over and over.

In Soul Detox, I learned I need to get rid of the things contaminating my life, whether it be relationships, things in my environment, or what I’m goes into my ears and eyes, holding onto things that are toxic will only make for more toxicity.

In The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery, I learned I am a one with a two-wing, which in enneagram language means I am a reformer at heart, I want to change the world and I have helper qualities. For anyone who has taken a personality test and doesn’t like to be pegged to a number, this is more than labeling you into a certain category. This book has helped me see myself the way God sees me, to not allow my flaws and inadequacies define me or make me stumble, but embrace them to be used the way God intended for them.

My flaws make me closer to God and more dependent upon Him. If I didn't have inadequacies, I wouldn't need God. Click To Tweet

I can be overly critical or judgmental of myself at times. I constantly go over in my head how I could have done things better, how something could be improved, what I wish I would have said. It can get tiring hearing these voices in my head over and over pointing out mistakes I’ve made, telling me whatever I did wasn’t good enough.

Sometimes I just need a break from myself and replace these nagging voices with what God says about me. I have to be careful not to allow the inner critic in me or my constant comparison to unrealistic standards pull me down to the point I can’t hear God’s voice. So I turn to the One who knows me best.

A Letter From Jesus:

Dear Child, You are loved. I want to remind you, you are good enough. You are more than your failures, you are more than your past mistakes. You aren’t the labels you have put on yourself. You are definitely not the lies the enemy has told you. You are who I say you are. I have created you just the way you are for a reason. Your flaws don’t define you, I do. I will use your flaws for my greater plan. Stay close to me. Depend on me for all your needs.

Find refuge and peace in my presence, don’t go ahead of me. I have the greatest plans for you. Trust in my goodness and in what I’m able to do. Don’t focus on your obstacles, your mistakes or flaws, stay focused on me and my purpose for you. I will guide you if you let me. I accept and love you for who you are. Don’t allow your flaws to hold you back or keep you from participating in the plans I have for you. Don’t beat yourself up. Don’t seek your value and worth in the comparison of others, find your value and worth in Me. Be gentle and forgiving with yourself when you make mistakes.

Surround yourself with my truth in who I say you are. I created you. Seek your identity in me, guard yourself against the lies of the world surround yourself with my truth. You may not be where you want to be, sweet child, this is a journey, not a race, enjoy it. You are one of my best creations. I find joy in you. I will be your strength. You are loved whether you succeed or fail. It’s okay if things aren’t perfect. I will use you to display my perfection. You are loved and you are good enough. I will never leave you. I am here for you, hold onto my promises, we will do this together.

Love, Jesus

A couple pieces of advice I give myself to help battle through the process of perfectionism are,

Give yourself permission to laugh at yourself. I tend to be serious at times and just need to have a good ole chuckle when I do make mistakes or don’t say things perfectly.
When the volume of your inner critic starts getting loud, smile and say I appreciate your help but I am learning how to accept and embrace my imperfections. Say, “I am who God says I am, He loves me just the way I am, it’s okay if it’s not perfect.”
Find a hobby you enjoy doing just because you like doing it. I have picked up card-making (I’m not that good at it), but it’s one of those hobbies I enjoy and give myself the liberty to mess up and be okay with it, because the cards I give to people give purpose to the reformer in me, helping others when life hurts.
Surround yourself with God’s word of who He says you are. Read Scripture about who God says you are (Psalm 139:14 and 2 Timothy 1:7). Listen to Lauren Daigle’s song, “You say,” or Hillsong’s song, “I am Who You Say I am.”

If you know anyone who struggles with perfectionism or who they are in Christ here are other helpful articles I’ve written that have helped me in the process.

Failures Don’t Define Us

You Are Not Qualified

God is refining us. One of the best lessons I am learning on this journey is to embrace God’s purpose for me despite my flaws and obstacles. If you are a One on the Enneagram and can relate to this message please leave a comment, I would love to hear from you. Authors of The Road Back to you write, “May you realize that the shape of your soul is unique, behind every facade of your life is something eternally beautiful. May you learn to see yourself with the same delight, pride and expectation which God sees you in every moment” (Cron and Stable).

Join me in the journey of embracing who you are in Christ by taking the Free Enneagram test and reading “The Road Back to You.” It’s not about labels but living in the healthiest version of yourself and allowing God to use all of you including your flaws.

Can you relate to this article? Please share. Want more encouraging messages sent right to your inbox? Subscribe to my blog and receive a FREE mini E-book “The Jericho Prayer,” and a weekly Monday Message or like my Author Facebook page to catch the latest posts. Have a blessed week!

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