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Debbie Presnell

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Life is a journey—sometimes we’re on the mountain top and other times we’re in the valley. Regardless, let’s shine together. Subscribe Now

    Tagged: brave

  • Remaining Faithful on the Journey When It Doesn’t Make Sense Jul. 01, 2022 / 13 Comments

    Uninvited I couldn’t have imagined that responding to God’s call to write and teach a Bible study on joy while suffering, that six months later,…

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    • Debbie Presnell on Plans, Dreams, and Goals … Oh My!
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    • At one time or another our difficult circumstances At one time or another our difficult circumstances legitimately make us weary. We’re mentally exhausted and emotionally wiped out. Even our body is dragging. I was encouraged by this information, and I hope you will be too: Geese fly in a V-formation. Each goose flies slightly above the bird in front of him, creating an uplift so they can fly longer due to the reduction of wind resistance. When a lead goose gets tired, it rotates to the back of the formation. When a goose falls out of formation it feels the resistance of flying alone and gets back into formation where it can glide and draw energy. Additionally, flying in this formation helps the birds communicate and keep track of one another. They honk when they need to encourage one another. If a goose gets sick and goes down, two other geese go down and stay with the sick goose until it can rejoin the formation or dies. If God gave knowledge and strength to geese, how much more will He provide us with the strength we need to live righteously? Psalm 59:16–17 tells us, “But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength; yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning, for You have been my stronghold and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my strength, I will sing praises to You.” We are created in God’s image, and when we place our trust in Him, we’re adopted into His family. As His children, God knows that we need strength to: • oppose worldly ideals. • manage emotions that go haywire. • resist the lies of the enemy. • survive when we’re suffering and don’t know what to do. • persevere through heartbreak. • endure change and transition. • refrain from sin Isaiah 40:29–31 is encouragement for us as we fly towards the next chapter in our lives: “He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” Geese or eagles — let’s fly in the strength of God. Copyrighted@debbiepresnell.com
    Can you hear the applause? It roars throughout the Can you hear the applause? It roars throughout the sports arena when fans cheer for their team. Whether we’re watching a Broadway show or a hometown movie, clapping breaks the silence when we’re emotionally moved. Handclapping and verbal shouts of praise accompany the crowning of a beauty queen. Even observing a baby’s first steps compels us to break out into sudden claps of joy. We applaud when we’re supporting our children’s sporting events or dance recitals, when they make good grades or catch their first fish. Honoring others for their high achievement and success brings us to our feet with praise. Do we admire God’s work as much? Have you ever clapped for God? He is the only One truly worthy of recognition. Have you ever watched a glorious sunrise spread its color across the sky and broke out into spontaneous applause? When God performs a miracle in your life, do you ever clap and shout, “Yay, God”? No one is more deserving of a loud, enthusiastic standing ovation, than our God. Oh, how He must enjoy the sounds of praises when we clap loudly and tell Him how worthy He is! Eventually, every person and every nation will shout accolades to God as they bow at His throne (Philippians 2:10). What a privilege and honor it is to praise Him now. All we need to do is stand to our feet, look to heaven, and break out in applause. Psalm 47:1 –“O clap your hands, all peoples; shout to God with the voice of joy.” What will you applaud God for today? Copyright@www.debbiepresnell.com
    We thank you, God, for your mercy! If not for your We thank you, God, for your mercy! If not for your mercy, we could not stand.
    Who is “this one”? Isaiah 66:2 tells us, “ Who is “this one”? Isaiah 66:2 tells us, “To this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.” Do you ever wonder if God finds favor with you, and if yes, why? And if no, why not? Do you secretly wonder if God favors others more than you? The word favor can be defined as “approval, partiality, (and) support.” God’s favor is portrayed throughout the Bible: • God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials (Daniel 1:9). • The boy Samuel was growing in stature and in favor both with the Lord and with men (1 Samuel 2:26). • The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God (Luke 1:30). • David found favor in God’s sight, and asked that he might find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob (Acts 7:46). • Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8). God did not say these were His favorite people, only that He showered favor on them. All five-people had something in common. In their confusion and imperfection, they humbly sought the Lord and obeyed Him. So, who is this one? Whom does God shower His blessings? The one who sets aside independence and self-reliance and depends on God. The one who seeks to know Him better, by reading His Word. The one who chooses to obey His Word, even when it’s difficult. The one who is remorseful for sin, but not frightened of the God who forgives. God loves His children to come to Him as much as we love our children to come to us. God’s favor is still poured out on us today. Let’s ask Him to help us recognize the favor He imparts. Copyrighted@ debbiepresnell.com
    “I’m so blessed” is an expression we hear wh “I’m so blessed” is an expression we hear when people talk about anything good. Often, we ask God to bless us and others. But how can we bless God? I mean, this concept comes from Psalm 104:1 which tells us, “Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord, my God, You are very great.” How can we who have nothing bless God who has everything? “‘To bless the Lord’ means to delight His heart by expressing GRATITUDE for all He is and all He does,” says Bible commentator Warren Wiersbe. We’re encouraged when others thank us for the gifts we give and the necessities we provide. We love it when others notice our help with a project or fixing a meal. Our heavenly Father has done more for us than we could ever do for others. And telling Him so is how we bless Him. John Piper wrote: “My thesis is that in the Scripture when God ‘blesses’ men they are thereby helped and strengthened and made better off than they were before, but when men ‘bless’ God He is not helped or strengthened or made better off. Rather, man’s blessing God is an ‘expression of praising thankfulness.’ It is an ‘exclamation of GRATITUDE and admiration.’” Our perfect Father blesses us. But isn’t it wonderful that He doesn’t expect perfection in return? When we bring our praise and thanks to Him, that’s blessing enough. How can we bless God this Thanksgiving? Show gratitude. copyrighted@debbiepresnell.com
    “I’m so blessed” is an expression we hear wh “I’m so blessed” is an expression we hear when people talk about anything good. Often, we ask God to bless us and others. But how can we bless God? I mean, this concept comes from Psalm 104:1 which tells us, “Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord, my God, You are very great.” How can we who have nothing bless God who has everything? “‘To bless the Lord’ means to delight His heart by expressing GRATITUDE for all He is and all He does,” says Bible commentator Warren Wiersbe. We’re encouraged when others thank us for the gifts we give and the necessities we provide. We love it when others notice our help with a project or fixing a meal. Our heavenly Father has done more for us than we could ever do for others. And telling Him so is how we bless Him. John Piper wrote: “My thesis is that in the Scripture when God ‘blesses’ men they are thereby helped and strengthened and made better off than they were before, but when men ‘bless’ God He is not helped or strengthened or made better off. Rather, man’s blessing God is an ‘expression of praising thankfulness.’ It is an ‘exclamation of GRATITUDE and admiration.’” Our perfect Father blesses us. But isn’t it wonderful that He doesn’t expect perfection in return? When we bring our praise and thanks to Him, that’s blessing enough. How can we bless God this Thanksgiving? Show gratitude. copyrighted@debbiepresnell.com

    Debbie Presnell

    Inspiring women and teens to shine
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