Tag: light

Barefoot Devotions

Blooming In Off Seasons

Hannah B.

This winter season has been unusual to say the least.  I have heard stories of flowers blooming this month because of the much warmer temperatures that are not expected in a cold January.   It’s supposed to be snowing, frigid cold, and signs of plant life are supposed to be anything but blooming.  Expectations for winter seasons are already set for us.  When things happen out of season, we tend to get confused, scratch our head, and ask, “why?” We often get stuck on thinking it’s not supposed to be this way.

Perhaps there is a lesson we can learn from the blooming flower in the off season.  Naturally, we think the flowers are confused because this is happening against the season.  The flowers did not question the season they were in, but they bloomed as they were created to.  They know the conditions needed to produce blooms and they spring forth into action.

Like the flower blooming in the off season, we may find ourselves in seasons we do not understand but we must find a way to spring forth into action.

The Word of Truth is needed in a believer’s life to produce fruitfulness, steadfastness, and new life.   When we are in relationship with God by engaging in His word, prayer, fasting, and worship we are then in right balance with the creator.  When the word is implanted in us, it is deeply woven in every part of us.   We won’t be able to stop the growth and we will want to live a life pure and undefiled.  This kind of life leads us to be doers and hearers of The Word as James instructs Christians to be. 

James teaches us that every believer will experience trials in life, but trials are a blessing.  They are opportunities for growth and to see the Father of Lights who created the light that rule the days and seasons.  His nature is unchanging, and His promises are secure.  Through creation, we can see exactly how faithful and unchanging God is.   Therefore, it is so important as believers to be deeply rooted in Christ so that when these off seasons do come, we will not be swayed but we will spring into action as we were created to.  Off seasons are opportunities to truly learn where our faith stands when resources have dried up, time is against us, and there isn’t any light at the end of the tunnel.   These seasons are where we meet opposition, lack, frustration, and maybe even wonder if we had faith at all?

But we were created for this.

It’s the place where we find out who we truly are, what our character is made of, and the condition of our heart.  In this place, we see God, place our trust in Him, and surrender. 

We must find a way to stay focused on God and our relationship with Him in every season of our journey so that when these off seasons do come, we will not find ourselves stuck or wavering.

 God is at work in all of our seasons, spiritual growth is a process and growth happens most in the seasons that seem out of balance. 

He is there and we can trust that He has a great purpose.

Qualities Needed In Off Seasons

Be swift to hear

Slow to speak

Slow to wrath

Be a doer of The Word

Read James 1 here:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1&version=NIV

With all of my love and encouragement,

Hannah B.

Barefoot Devotions

Light Bulb Moments

Hannah B.

Have you ever felt like you are down here on Earth wandering around with a blindfold on wondering what in the world you were doing? I have experienced this many times, even recently. I almost felt like I was lost in the darkness. Am I even on the path that was designed specifically for me? I can see how easy it is to become discouraged in the Christian walk and give up. When we reach this point, it’s important to stop and take a look at what is happening in our day to day lives and remember the truth we find in God’s Word.

I have been praying for the next adventure God has laid on my heart for this ministry. For about 500 times, I have asked God a variety of questions, “Are you sure this is it?”, “What am I doing?”, “What am I supposed to be doing that I am not doing?” I began to feel like I was aimlessly wondering in my day to day life. As I was waiting for confirmation and the next step to be revealed, the confusion began to set in with doubt starting to bloom. As I look back, I knew what God laid on my heart but I expected an entire download of His outline or maybe even a direct answer.

Now, I realize that is not always how God works especially in this season of my life. I know God is teaching me to trust in His timing while refining my soul and character to be able to keep up with His plan for my life. He is more into the process of walking out the work He has planned for our lives. It’s very gentle, loving, and kind that He changes us and our situations in a process. The process allows Him to be able to empty the world out of us so that our soul and flesh will be ready to act together when the Holy Spirit guides us to our next step.

I am reminded of the story of Noah. He gave Noah instructions on how to build the ark and then instructed him when it was time to go. Clearly, Noah had enough faith and believed in God to do as he was told even when he didn’t have the complete plan. He understood that God had made a promise for him and his family and had a purpose.

I am the type that will run toward the end goal without experiencing the process and completely miss the joy that can be found in every moment in between. The joy when we learn something new through a trial, when we are stretched outside of our comfort zone, and we step out in faith and overcome the fear that holds us back. Although growth stretches us and it can be uncomfortable, it is necessary so that we can be molded into the person God has called us to be even when we feel that we aren’t sure of the way He would have us go. Though we are being refined, we can be assured that God is with us through the process. He always provides light bulb moments on our path and when we continue to diligently seek Him and His will for our life, we will see them. If we are in tuned to the Holy Spirit, these light bulb moments will appear. We will see them when we hear someone speaks, a verse that pops up, or little reassurances that we know only God could do.

I’ve stopped rushing the process and I am starting to enjoy the little things in each day because it’s where you will find bulbs of joy, reassurance, peace, and guidance. They keep you going on the path we are called to walk and for that, I am so thankful that God would place them there just for me! Don’t forget to look for them!

Prayerfully yours,

Hannah Boyd

Barefoot Devotions

Back to the Heart of Light

Hannah B.

When you look around at the world and maybe even your world, do you see a dark place?  As the season of Christmas approaches, I am often reminded that Jesus was born during a time when people were seeking a King that would eradicate their problems.   The people were living in times of hopelessness and fear under King Herod. I can only imagine that they were feeling desperate for a way out.  When Mary was close to giving birth, Caesar Augustus issued a census that required Joseph and Mary to return to Bethlehem.  While they were there she gave birth to the Savior of the world in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.  The people did not get the King they were anticipating – instead of a mighty king that would take the throne and fix all the issues they faced, they received a baby born in a manager.   Jesus was born to live a life just like we would have to – with trials and temptations as the perfect example.  Although He is worthy enough to be adored, treated, and worshiped like the King that He is,  He chose to live among us to give us life abundantly. 

John 8:12 NIV | 
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Jesus came to give us His light and hope so that we would be able to see in a dark and hopeless world.


John 1:5 NIV | The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.


 Let’s face it!  It’s hard to hold on to hope when you feel like your circumstances are overwhelming and causing despair.  Through Jesus and His perfect sacrifice, he offers us light and hope in all of the circumstances that we endure.  When you make room for Jesus in your heart,  he will see you through all of your circumstances and help you to see your life through His light.   Looking at your problem in the light of God’s power instead of looking at God in the shadow of your problem, will lead to you seeing life for what it is really meant to be.  

Psalm 4:6-7 NIV | Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.” You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.”

Heavenly Father, 

Thank you for sending your son Jesus to die on the cross so that I may have life abundantly while on this earth.   Reveal to me any areas in my heart that I have closed off to you so that I may surrender those fully to you.   Even though life feels that it will take me down,  I am so thankful that your light shines through all of the emotions I feel.  Replace them with your truth so that I may see life in your light regardless of the darkness around me. 

In Jesus’ name, I pray,  Amen! 

Personal Reflections 

Where in your life do you need to make room from Jesus?

What circumstances are causing you to feel hopeless?

How can you allow Jesus’ light to shine in those areas of your life?

With all of my love and encouragement, 

Hannah 

Barefoot Devotions

Jesus; Thy Name I Call

Hannah B.

As I was seeking Him and praying for just an ounce of His refreshing goodness, I never intended for my most intimate prayer to Jesus would be on here for you but here it is.

No matter what you are facing, you are loved, you have a purpose, and I know a name that has the power to break the chains that are dragging you down. Though we walk through the wilderness, His light is always shining and waiting for you to turn it on.

Stay tuned, I have a story to tell but for now, enjoy the words that were once groans from my heart.

Oh, how I praise You, Jesus! Your sweet name tastes like honey on the tongue and it soothes the deep and dark crevices of my soul. 

Your name sanctions me to withstand the darkness that surrounds me.

The darkness that is on the verge of enveloping me. 

But Your love, Jesus, shines brighter than the darkness.

Your name is my saving grace.

Your name is the light by which I can see in the darkness. 

Jesus.  The name my soul yearns for, I call on You.

Jesus. 

Wherever You call me, I will go. 

Through the wilderness, I will go. 

I am safe.

Through the darkness, I will go.

Though I can not see,

I am led by Your lamp upon my feet. 

Fighting through the shadows that cast over me, I will go. 

I am fortified by Your sweet name.

You alone light the way.

Your word is the light by which I see. 

Oh, how I praise You, Jesus. You have made a way through the darkness. 

Jesus, you have already overcome the darkness. 

Oh, how I praise You, Jesus. 

Jesus, You are the light. 

You are the way by which I see. 

Xoxo,

Hannah B.

 

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp to my feet. And a light to my path.

Jeremiah 10:6  – No one is like you, LORD; you are great, and your name is mighty in power.

Proverbs 18:10 – The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

John 14:13 – And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Philippians 2:9-11 – Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barefoot Devotions // Faith Over Fear Series

Season Two // Day Three

Hannah B.

Growing plants takes time and requires the right amount of light, air, water, and nutrients. If you do not have all of these, you will struggle through the growth process and eventually die without producing what you were made for, just like a plant. The most important step is to fill your heart and mind with scriptures and talk with God without ceasing. He is our everything and provides what you need when you need it. Even if an answer to your prayer isn’t answered right away, you can rejoice knowing that it’s coming when God says it will and how H will allow it to happen. Thank Him for what He will do for you! He promises to give you a fulfilled life  Until then, you must hand over your circumstances with an open and willing heart and He will give peace through the growth process. Regardless of the changes and challenges you are facing, God is there in your midst and providing peace and strength for you to endure and overcome.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.

Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Praying

Heavenly Father,

I come to you with thanksgiving for the mercies and blessing you have bestowed on me. Even though I am not sure where this journey is going or what the future holds, I am rejoicing that You are LORD of LORDS, King of Kings, and you have what is best for me in Your heart and already mapped out. I ask for Your peace that transcends all understanding to surround me as I continue to grow. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Practicing

How is God using circumstances to grow you in this season of your life?

In what areas has God revealed to you that you need to hand over to Him so that you can experience the peace He provides?

How can you make changes to the way you react to situations you can not control?

Change your worry to praise and watch what grows inside!

Xoxo,

Hannah B.