Hello everyone! Happy Wednesday…and a big welcome today, to “A New Day of New Hope Blog”…through the Risen Hope Ministries! It’s so good to be back with you today…and my prayer for you; is that you will truly know without a doubt; that God is there for you!
 
Today, I want to share some thoughts with you…kind of a testimony, on the power of a great God. As some of you already know…I have been going through a lot with my health lately…but the other night, I was determined to go on Twitter and see what God would have me share with those on my page.
 
Anyways…as I walked into my office, I was still not feeling the very best…plus I was feeling a little drained, from working all afternoon. As I sat at my computer…I didn’t know if I was going to be able to post anything…but that seemed to be ok with me…especially since I already knew that God was the one in charge…not me.
 
As I continued to stare out the window and listen to some music from time to time, I began to feel God move…even through what seemed to be the darkest moments of my day. From there, I headed over to Twitter and the words began to flow, into such beautiful and eloquent writings. As my hands glided across the computer…posting words, from God’s heart to mine; I began to feel as if a light was penetrating the darkness that Satan was attempting to captivate me in. Before I knew it…hands were in the air, as I began to worship and praise the God I love.
 
You know…it’s so easy to get caught up in every symptom of our problems. We wonder where God went to, while we sit and also wonder when we will ever walk out of these moments that can seem so dark; but today, I want you to know…that I know a God, who can penetrate the thickest clouds of darkness and can break through any circumstance…take hold of us and lift us on high with Him.
 
One thing I’ve come to witness many times in my life; is a God who never gives up on us…even when we try to give up on ourselves. We can be sitting in the darkest moments of a day and feel alone and captivated within moments that feel so hopeless…moments that can make us feel as if we will never return to the land of the living…that is, until a powerful God steps into the picture. I have come to see that when He enters these hard and difficult moments of life…He not only comes to us; but His power does too…a power that stems from a great love…one that will go the distance for us, when we have nothing more to give.
 
No matter what you’re facing today…and no matter how bad life may seem; may I encourage you, to never give up on God and the help that He so longs to give you. Open yourself up to Him today…and let the tears of a hurting heart become a message that says… “I need you so much, Jesus!” One thing I know…when He receives this heartfelt message…He will break down every barrier, to be there…just for you…believe me…I know!
 
Well…I don’t know about you…but I have been encouraged all over again today! One thing I would like to say, as we close; is this… “Always know that you are never alone, in whatever you are facing…for I understand your pain…and even more…Jesus understands completely!” Please take care…have a great Wednesday and I will hope to be back with you again tomorrow! God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
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Hello everyone…and a “Happy Tuesday” to you! Welcome today, to “A New Day of New Hope Blog”…through the Risen Hope Ministries! It’s so good to have you with me today…and I pray that as you prepare to begin another new day; that you will truly experience God, in every way!
 
You know…some days, I feel as if my body has had enough of the pain and tiredness that I experience, from day to day; but then God turns me around and reminds me that I can make it, with Him by my side.
 
After a good rest Sunday afternoon, I was ready to start out another week with God. Even though I struggled through my writings that evening, I got through it and then went to bed. As I was lying down…I began to feel ill; but tried to ignore it. Within an hour or so, I was extremely sick, with tremors going through my arms and hands…as if I was about to have a seizure.
 
The following morning…after only a couple hours of rest, I was struggling to get out of bed. As I lay there…trying to decide what I should do, I began to feel a strength lift me from my pillow; so I continued to get up slowly and start my day. By time I reached Twitter…I was feeling pretty weak; so I made an announcement that I would be taking the morning off…but would be back in the evening.
 
Once I got off the computer…I slowly prepared to lie down for the afternoon…and within a short time, I had finally fallen into a deep sleep. About 2 hours later, I woke up and looked at the clock and even though I wasn’t feeling my best; I continued to slowly get up and prepare to take a shower and make myself a cup of peppermint tea…and head back to work.
 
One thing I continue to be reminded of; is that these are the moments, when Satan is at work…not only trying to convince me that I can no longer make it; but he’s also at work…trying to stop the beautiful words of encouragement; that God lays upon my heart, to share with others in need.
 
There have been many moments, while going through these very trying times in my life; when I have thought back to the time of the disciples…especially John…and the struggles he faced; but even though he was old in age…and even though he went through so much in his life…he was the one that truly remained loyal to Jesus Christ.
 
You know…Jesus never promised that we would have an easy life…free from pain and heartache; but He did say that we could make it on His strength. One thing I know…Satan’s power isn’t greater than God’s; but it is a deceptive power that seems to work overtime, to try and take us away from the presence of God…but one verse I’m being reminded of right now…is found in Matthew 24:13, which reads… “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”
 
Every day, we need to aim our focus in God’s direction…especially during the hard and difficult times of life because if we have our focus on every detail of what is going wrong in our lives; then we will only find it that much more difficult, to keep our heads above the troubled waters.
 
No matter what you are facing right now…just know that you aren’t alone…for there is a God who knows every need of the heart…a God, who will reach down from the heavens, with a strong and loving hand…to help you make it through these hard and difficult times you are facing…so never give up; but instead…look up!
 
Well…it’s been another great time with you today! I pray that your day will truly be blessed by God! Please take care...have a great Tuesday and I will hope to be back with you again tomorrow! God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
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Hello everyone and a “Happy Monday” to you all! Welcome today, to “A New Day of New Hope Blog”…through the Risen Hope Ministries! As you begin another new week…my prayer for you; is that you will truly feel God’s loving presence, walking close beside you…all day long!
 
Today…God has started out my week, with the reading of the 23rd Psalm. Isn’t it amazing how we tend to skip over the verses in the Bible that we feel we already know…never realizing what can be hidden between each word…sentence and verse?
 
Throughout my life, I remember reading the 23rd Psalm many times; but it was while walking through the dark shadows of despair; that God truly opened up these verses to me…and this is what I’d like to share…heart to heart with you today.
 
As we begin…the first verse of the 23rd Psalm says… “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Just think, when we have the Lord in our lives…we have no need of anything. In other words…He becomes every source…every answer and every word of truth that can become provision for us…hope for us and the way towards freedom, instead of despair. We don’t need to lean on money or make any other thing a god in our lives because He is the true and living God…the One who holds all resources within His powerful hands…and it doesn’t take the things we feel we need, for us to make it through this life, when God is there for us.
 
Now in verse 2, we read… “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters.” I have truly experienced this verse many times. Even though I go through a lot of struggles in my life; God always has a way of leading me away…to a place within the heart, where I can truly experience His peace…a place where I can find relief from those struggles…a place where I can sit in His presence, rather than the muck and mire of that despair; where He shelters me with wings of love, until the struggle no longer exists. And while I’m sitting in His presence; “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” (Verse 3) What comforting thoughts!
 
You know…God never promised that we would be free from trouble…but He did promise us something in verse 4, which reads…“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Just think…even though the circumstance can make us feel as if we are walking down a dark path alone…we really aren’t alone because the presence of a powerful and mighty God is walking close beside us. Even though the territory we are crossing through can make us fear the things that may lie ahead of us…God is there…all the way; ready to handle every situation that may come our way. In fact…in verse 5 He states this… “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” In other words…His power is so great; that no enemy of circumstance can block a powerful God like Him, from blessing us; even in the midst of affliction…for God is God and no other power can have control over us.
 
Finally, in verse 6, we discover an even greater hope to hold to, which says… “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” So…these resources we receive from Him, during the struggles and challenges of this life don’t stop, when the struggle ends; for He continues to walk close beside us…blessing us with His goodness and mercy…even as we take that final step into heaven.
 
One thing I know for sure; this is the God I have in my life…the One who is everything, for everything I need…the One who sustains me, during the struggles of my life…the One who keeps restoring my soul; so I can continue to press on…the One who I always feel close beside me, while walking through the dark shadows of despair…the One who continues to bless me and walk every painful step with me; and even more…the One, who I know, will never leave my side, until I enter heaven with Him.
 
My prayer for you today; is that you will find this piece of hope to cling too also…one that can help you to keep pressing on…no matter what may enter your life!
 
Have a great Monday…take care and I will hope to be back with you tomorrow! God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
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Hello everyone…and a “Happy Friday” to all of you! Welcome today, to “A New Day of New Hope Blog”…through the Risen Hope Ministries! Just think…we made it through the week and just as God has brought us this far…I’m sure that He will carry us the rest of the way!
 
Today, as I’ve been sitting here…starring out the window; I’m being reminded, as to how far God has truly brought me in my life! As I follow each stepping stone back, to where I first began…it’s hard to believe that with time, I have become more distant from the past and the painful moments that once haunted my mind and heart.
 
Sometimes, I wonder if we are too busy focusing on where we are at the time; that we tend to forget how God can walk us out of these moments of despair. I remember a time, when the doctors had me on so much pain medication…due to all the major surgeries I was going through…for about 8 years in a row. Finally, a time came, when I had decided that it was time to get off the medications and let God work…as the medication was no longer helping my pain. For those who have never come off of pain meds…it’s not an easy road; but as I went through that difficult time…I would say to myself… “Ok Diane, when today is done…that will be one less day…and then as other days pass…you will be getting further away from the control of these medications”…and you know what; that really helped me! In a similar way; we may not always know when God will walk us out of the awful and miserable moments of despair; but if we can tell ourselves the same; then I think we will find that we begin to leave the past behind, while we begin to anticipate what God has for us ahead.
 
Life is never easy…and each step we take isn’t always an easy one. In fact, I remember the steps I took, through what seemed like countless days of pain and deep heartache…and some of those steps seemed not to bad to climb…but then there were others that just seemed too steep for me…but one thing I learned with time; was to not remain idle on that step; but to ask God for His help…and you know what; He did come along and lift me to the next step…the one that seemed impossible for me to climb.
 
It’s amazing how hope can spring alive within us, when we recognize the days we survive, rather than focusing on the days of affliction. When we get caught up in a list of everything that has gone wrong; then before we know it…we begin to focus on a plate that is too full and overflowing, which only overwhelms us and makes our problems seem more out of control; then what they really are. If we want to keep lifted up, during these difficult times in our lives; then we need to focus on the progress we’re making with God, as we take life one step at a time.
 
No matter what you’re facing today, just know that with each passing day; you are walking one step further away from affliction. We may not always be able to feel God at work within our lives…but He is working, to make all things new again…but sometimes, we have to take baby steps; that we may learn much along the way…and this is exactly the journey I’ve been on, for many, many years of my life…but with each step I continue to take…I know that these steps are leading one step closer; to a place, where there won’t be any mention of pain or heartache again.
 
Well…I’ve really enjoyed this week with you…and I truly pray that your day will be blessed by God…and as you journey with Him; always know that with each step you take…you are walking closer and closer to being free! Have a great day…take care and I will hope to be back with you again on Monday! God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
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Hello everyone! Happy Thursday…and a big welcome, to “A New Day of New Hope Blog”…through the Risen Hope Ministries! I’m so glad you stopped by today, for another visit…and I pray that your day will truly be filled with the presence of God!
 
Well yesterday was a great day…and it sure felt good to get out of the house and office for a while, to go grocery shopping. I never thought in my lifetime; that I would think of grocery shopping, as a vacation away from home…but I do. After a couple very busy weeks of work…it was time to fill up the cupboards and fridge, for another two weeks. You’re probably wondering…now why would she shop for that many days at a time. Well…I guess you haven’t seen the schedule God has given me for this ministry…and besides, it does make it a lot easier on my legs.
 
Anyways…as I was tying up some loose ends with the ministry, while preparing to head out the door; I spent a little time with God and asked Him to bless my husband and me, with two good cab drivers and to keep us safe and bless us at the store…and you know what…He did it all and more!
 
The first cab driver we had was a retired school teacher…with a smile that could make you happy, even if you were having a bad day. As I got into the cab…he was quick to say “Hello” and then he talked with my husband and me, as if he had known us all his life.
 
Once we got to the store and began to shop…I thought to myself…wow Lord, you have already started my day with answered prayer…but then on the way home, we were greeted by a cab driver, who seemed to be either having a bad day or was just not a happy man. As we got into his cab…he did say “Hello;” but seemed more to himself. After letting him do most of the talking…I just sat there listening and smiling back…and just like I shared on Twitter…that smile seemed to do the trick; because as we pulled into our driveway; his whole outlook on life seemed to be slowly changing.
 
After the cab came to a halt…my husband got out and began to take the groceries from the cab, while I prepared to pay the man. Within a short time, I saw something in this man that I hadn’t seen the whole way home. He looked at me and said… “You know…my meter hasn’t been working right lately; so let me do this manually.” I said… “Ok…that will be fine.” Within a few minutes; he turned back to me and gave me the cost of the cab ride and it was cheaper than what the meter said. When I left that cab…my thoughts began to focus on how a simple smile and heart can truly allow God to work and change a person completely around.
 
You know…one thing I was reminded of today; is that we don’t have to be anything special to serve God. Rather than getting upset, over the way someone is treating us…why not give them a smile. It’s amazing how a smile can not only change their heart…but our heart too!
 
No matter where you are in life…just know that you don’t have to be anything special to serve God. Just a simple smile can take a heart that is hurting…cold and calloused and make it into something brand new…so “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
 
Well…it’s been another great visit! I pray that your day will truly be blessed from above! Take care and I will hope to be with you again tomorrow! God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
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Hello everyone…and a Happy Wednesday to you! Welcome today, to “A New Day of New Hope Blog”…through the Risen Hope Ministries! What a great time of the day, to slow down and enjoy your company…and even more; the presence of a great…loving and powerful God! As you begin your day, I pray that your day will be truly filled with His awesome presence!
 
You know…sometimes it’s so nice, to just slow down and sit on the daybed in my office and stare out the window into nowhere! I don’t know what it is; but when I do that, I seem to connect even more deeply with God. I can be looking up at the clouds, as they move by…or I could just be watching a tree blow in the wind…and words of hope will drift through those moments, into a heart that can truly feel the heart of the One who is sending those thoughts my way. Sometimes, I even feel prompted to write these thoughts down and tuck them away, in my little box of thoughts…or maybe even use them on Twitter. No matter what…it’s these quiet moments in my day that actually draws me closer to the heart of God.
 
How many times do we actually sit down and let go of every thought that has invaded our minds throughout the day…just to sense the loving presence of God close by? Don’t we realize that His presence surrounds us each day…in so many ways? I truly believe that if we could only slow down and look, listen and anticipate His loving presence; then we would find Him, in the still and quiet moments of that day.
 
You know…I actually believe that the busy moments of a day, can be one of the greatest opportunities for Satan to step in and raise havoc. Since we are already feeling out of control, during these moments…he just seems to think that he can add more fuel, to a fire that is already burning within us.
 
One thing I have come to see in my life; is that I not only need God, as I begin and end my day…but on and off throughout the day. What a comfort to know that He is only a prayer a way…and I find that when I speak a simple prayer like… “God, I could use your help;” that this is when He steps in and completely turns a day around; that can feel so out of control.
 
You know…time with God can truly make the day into something special…and oh the feelings that come, from His heart to ours…feelings that can calm a troubled moment and bring sweet peace into our hearts…and His presence definitely has a way of warming the heart and bringing new life back into it…a time, when we experience moments that have never been felt before.
 
As you begin this brand new day…take a little time…stare out a window and breathe deep and let the spirit of God enter these moments; that you too may experience the fullness of a God, who can truly make every moment of your day complete!
 
Well…I truly have enjoyed this time with you…and what a way to write…enjoying some quiet moments with God, as I prepare to walk through another new day with Him! Today, I pray that as we begin to step into another new day; that we will also feel the presence of One so true…stepping into each moment that lies ahead of us; that we may not walk alone; but rather walk close beside someone that we can commune with…throughout each minute of the day!
 
Well…until tomorrow…take good care…have a great day and I will hope to see you again soon! God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
 
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Hello everyone…Happy Tuesday…and a big welcome today, to “A New Day of New Hope Blog”…through the Risen Hope Ministries! It’s so good to be back with you again…and my prayer for you; is that you will truly feel the depth of God’s presence…walking close beside you today!
 
Well…the other night was what I call a humdinger of a night…and what I mean by that; is I spent more time awake than asleep. I think that I can say that this was one of my worst nights ever. Have you ever felt as though your feet were going to jump off the bed or have you ever felt as if someone had been stretching your toes, while having a vibrator attached to your feet? Let me tell you…it’s quite the experience. I was so desperate for help; that after calling out to God; I turned on a fan and hung my feet over the bed…just to see if the cool air would numb them.
 
Finally, after only 2 ½ hours of rest…I sat up in bed…thinking on all that needed to be done for the ministry...and after a few minutes of thinking on everything that was crossing my mind at the time; I chose to shake off the misery I was feeling…and from there, I began to get around for my day.
 
After returning back to my office; I sat on the daybed…feeling numb, from all the pain and spasms my legs and feet had gone through during the night; but at the same time, I wasn’t going to let Satan get the credit for any of it; so I said to God… “I may have had a rough night; but you brought me through it. I’m still breathing and functioning this morning; so Lord, I give you praise, for bringing me through…what seemed so overwhelming at the time…Amen!”
 
Believe me when I say; that I know how easily we can fall prey to a circumstance. Before we know it, we find ourselves focusing on every detail of the problem and what went wrong, until we find ourselves sitting in the muck and mire of that despair.
 
One thing I’ve learned through time; is that maybe we don’t always have a good report to praise God for…but have you ever thought; that it’s a blessing in itself, just to survive the difficult moments that Satan puts us through? You know…just knowing that a powerful God was able to hold me above that pit of total destruction the other night, was reason enough to praise God.
 
As you continue to walk through your week…don’t give Satan the time of day; but rather, give God the praise He so rightfully deserves…for just holding you above a pit of despair. Things may be bad at the time; but they could always be worse too…and when I think on how God has control over my life…and your life too; that’s enough, to lift a heart of praise up to Him!
 
Well…I truly have enjoyed this time with you…and what a great reminder…to always praise God, in the midst of despair. Remember one thing…when we do fall prey to the weaknesses that Satan afflicts us with; then he is getting the credit, for what he just did to you and me; so shun him, as you walk through your day and focus on a God, who can be everything, for everything you need. I truly believe that when we approach life, with this kind of an attitude; then no matter how rough life may seem…it won’t overwhelm us.
 
Today, as you begin another new day with God; I pray that you will truly know His presence above anything else that may attempt to enter your day! Take good care and have a great day…and I will hope to be back with you again tomorrow! God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
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Hello everyone…and a big Monday welcome, to “A New Day of New Hope Blog”…through the Risen Hope Ministries! I pray that you had a very blessed Easter…and that your new week to come would be truly blessed by Jesus Christ…the One who is alive and lives forevermore!
 
Many of you probably already know of the journey that I’ve been on, for many years of my life…and as I’ve been sitting here today…thinking on all that God has brought me through; one thought crossed my mind…and that was how God came to me, during these difficult moments in my life. I didn’t have to beg Him to do anything…for He just came freely to me.
 
As I look back to a time, when I was beginning my journey through months of counseling, for a sexual abuse that took place as a child; I remember a time, when I was being interviewed…before the group counseling actually began. As I sat with a lady…answering her questions; I remember turning to her and saying…“Why did this horrible memory have to come up…so late in life?” She turned to me and said… “Diane, God has a time for everything…and this seems to be the time, in which He wants you healed of the past.” Little did I know that His timing would be due, to what He had in store for my life right now.
 
Not only did I come to acknowledge God’s timing, during these very difficult moments in my life; but I also came to see how God sustains us and protects us, from the blows of life; that are just too hard to handle on our own. As I look back, I see how God allowed this memory to be hidden deep within me, until just the right time…for the pit that Satan had plotted to put me in was now a place, where God was suspending me above the moments of defeat.
 
I know this may seem strange to some; but when I was around the age of when I was being sexually abused as a child…I remember sitting in the backyard and as I sat there…all to myself, I remember seeing, what appeared to be pieces of straw coming out of the sky. These pieces of straw weren’t being blown in on an angle; but rather, they were coming straight down, out of the clouds…like large raindrops falling from the sky. Never did I stop to think at the time; that this just may have been something God was allowing me to experience, as a means of letting me know that He was with me.
 
You know…we don’t always understand why God allows such painful moments into our lives; but one thing I have truly come to see; is that God never afflicts us with painful moments like these…because good cannot produce evil. Yes…He could have stopped it; but I truly believe that He had a plan to use it, which I am seeing take place right now.
 
Remember one thing…even though God may allow something into your life that Satan has afflicted you with; that doesn’t mean that He no longer has control over it…because even though Satan sees that the affliction has taken hold of us; he tends to forget that there is a God, who is greater in power and strength.
 
No matter what you’re walking through right now; just know that God has a time for everything and He will sustain you and be with you…and most of all control the circumstance, as you walk through it with Him.
 
Well…I truly have enjoyed our time together today…and I pray that as you begin another new week; that you will come to see that God is always there for you! Take care...have a great Monday…and I will hope to be back with you again tomorrow! God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
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Hello everyone…and a “Happy Friday” to you! Welcome today, to “A New Day of New Hope Blog”…through the Risen Hope Ministries! It’s so good to be back with you today…and I pray that you will have a day that is truly blessed by God above!
 
Some of you may be wondering what happened to me yesterday…well, I was experiencing a lot of pain in my right knee area…where it was fused with a rod. Spasms were jolting me throughout the day and at times, I was finding it difficult to walk…and to top it off, it felt as though the knee area wanted to dislocate…like it did many times in the past. The only thing strange about that; is there is no kneecap in there to dislocate…so by evening, I just decided to call it quits a little bit earlier and get some rest.
 
As I woke up this morning, the leg seemed to be doing better; but I was feeling totally drained, from all the pain and discomfort, along with a rough night…so before starting my day out on Twitter, I got alone with God and just poured my heart out to Him. You know…I realize that there are many in life that have it much worse, with cancer and even those who are in wheelchairs; but this has been a lifetime of problems for me…so there can be days, when the brain is just tired of pain and the day to day problems I deal with, in both of these legs.
 
Anyways, as I began to spend some time alone with God…it was as if I could feel His loving arms around me, as the tears flowed, from a heart that is just so tired of pain. Within a short time; it was as if I could hear that still small voice within me saying… “Diane, it’s going to be alright!”
 
As I opened the Bible that rested on my lap, I was immediately taken to one of my favorite readings in the Bible…one I have used in the past, as a means of strengthening my heart, when I’m just too weak to stand on my own…and it’s found in Psalm 18. In fact, if you are going through some tough times of your own…please take a little time and read this chapter in Psalms because it’s a powerful chapter that will truly help you to disconnect yourself from the problem and reconnect your heart with God.
 
Anyways…back to what I was saying…I opened my Bible and I not only was lead to Psalm 18; but two verses immediately popped out to me, as though God was relaying a message directly, from His heart to mine and the first verse, in Psalms 18:6 reads… “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.” Immediately, I knew that He had heard my cry…then from there, He lead me to Psalm 18:19, which reads… “He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.” One thing I can say, since I read those verses; is that God did hear my cry…and He did deliver me from the excruciating pain that was attempting to take me down.
 
No matter what you’re facing today…you don’t have to suffer alone; because there is a God, who is waiting to reach out to you…but there is one thing I have found to be so true and that is that He is waiting for us to reach out to Him first. I have found that when we reach out to God; it’s a humble way of admitting that we can’t walk these narrow paths alone…and when He sees our humble hearts reaching out; that is when He comes running…to reach out to us.
 
Today, as you begin another day…reach out to God in your hour of need…and I know that He will reach back to you…for this is exactly what He did for me!
 
Well…I hope you have a great day and a blessed Easter! Please come back this weekend, to Sunday Inspiration…for a special Easter writing…and until Monday, I pray that God will truly bless your heart with His loving presence!
Blessings on your day!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
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Hello everyone…and a Happy Wednesday to you! Welcome today, to “A New Day of New Hope Blog”…through the Risen Hope Ministries!” I’m so glad that you decided to stop by and pay me a visit…and my prayer for you; is that you will truly experience the depth of God’s love, as you walk through this day!
 
As I’ve been sitting here in my office…a song has been going through my thoughts; that goes a little like this… “In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet, God leads His dear children along; where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet, God leads His dear children along. Some through the waters, some through the flood, some through the fire, but all through the blood; some through great sorrow, but God gives a song, in the night season and all the day long.”
 
I remember a time, when this song truly came alive within my own life. On January 04, 1989; these were the words that God shared from His heart to mine… “I will take you through the wilderness…I will take you through the storms…I will take you through the valleys…and if you trust me, the victory will be yours.” Some of you may have already heard me speak of these words before; but these words…like the words in the song above, have meant so much to my heart; because you see…these are not just words…read from a book and put back on a shelf; but rather, these became the words that brought my broken body and mind back to life.
 
At a time, when there was absolutely no hope of rising above anything; God stepped in and had already given me the plan for my life, through these words. He said that He would walk me through a wilderness…some storms and a long and lonesome valley…but if I could just keep focused on Him; then He would be the One that would lead me through the wilderness...the storms and that lonesome valley…to a life victorious and free.
 
Right about now…some of you may be asking yourself…why didn’t he just prevent all of that from happening and just give you a free life? I’ll tell you why…because I had to go through one of the toughest spiritual boot camps; in order that I may be equipped, for the true plan God had for my life. You see…when Satan thought he was going to win and bring me down; it was God, who stepped in and walked me through a tough and difficult journey…just so I could be where I am with Him today.
 
One thing we need to remember; is that no matter what wilderness we walk through…or no matter how fierce the storm…or no matter how dark and lonely the valley may seem; God is there, to walk every mile with us…and this is what has truly drawn me close to Him. Life isn’t always about a hop…skip or jump; over the difficulties of life; but rather, it’s the steep mountains and the lonesome valleys; that make us cry out to God and lean on Him all the way.
 
No matter what you may be walking through right now…just know that God’s got you and He will never leave your side. He has a plan…one that you may not fully understand right now; but one that will lead you to His very best for your life; so hold tight to His loving hand and don’t let go…and I know that in the end; you will find yourself looking back and saying to yourself…so this is what He’s been up to.
 
As you begin another new day…take God with you and let each day become a journey that leads you closer and closer to Him! Well…it’s time for me to go; but I truly hope and pray that your day is a good one…truly blessed by God! Take good care and I will hope to be back with you again tomorrow! God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
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