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Friday, September 18, 2009

Have you ever had one of those weeks, (months or years) where you are just struggling to keep your head above water? To be honest, that's where I'm at.

So if you are vising from Encouragement Today, where you read about the six most dangerous words, you know I've got something mixed up. In fact, all week I've thought it was next week. Does that mean next week will be a bonus week ? There has to be a bright side.

I told my Proverbs 31 friends that I feel like I'm in the washing machine spin cycle, but then I get taken out and put in the dryer to spin ... with the addition of heat. It's in these times of pressure when truth is often revealed about character.

A wise pastor once said that you know you have victory over something in your life, when you are surprised by it and then see how you react. I believe we also see (or don't see) victory when we are exhaused by the constancy of pressure and stress. So the message of my devotion today is even more applicable.

If you find yourself in a similar mixed up situation, or just hanging on, I'd love for you to post something on my blog to let me know how I can pray for you.

And if you find yourself in a place of strength, would you post some encouraging words or Bible verse?

I believe God is using blogs to connect His people in amazing ways. Today, I'd like to see that in action.

In His Love,

Glynnis

15 comments:

Cheri Bunch said...

Wow, Glynnis! I just wrote to a friend in my writer's critique group that my life was on "spin cycle" right now!

Loved your devotion today!It is such a good message!

Love the working from home message, too. My daughter is home from New York City and I want to show it to her, so it was timely for me!

Have a great weekend!!!

Your spinning sister,
Cheri

Teske said...

It's been one of those weeks for me as well. I was able to share my heart with a friend, who cared about me enough to challenge and convict me, and lift me to the Lord in prayer. Once I got past my "woe is me" attitude, I was blessed by the realization that I need to trust God with every little detail of my crazy, mixed up life! Surrendering even those tiny details over to Him makes all the difference. Thanks for your encouragement today!

KASI said...

Thanks for your message today! I'm spinning on full speed as well. Would greatly appreciate prayers for wisdom and discipline in taking time to rest in the Lord. It's so easy to get up and get right to work. This morning I woke up thinking about work, and work thoughts interrupted my too short devotional time. I, too, work from home and try to juggle homeschooling my daughter, working for an international movement, being loving and supportive of my husband (who is finishing seminary this semester), and preparing to move to South Africa in January. The plates are spinning!! Thanks for your encouragement and perspective. It is a nice break in my day.

Your sister in Christ,
Kimberly

Andrea said...

Very good devo and blog message, Glynnis! I think the verse you mentioned - I Peter 5:7, "casting all your anxiety on the Lord, for He cares for you" - is an excellent reminder for all of us, whatever we're going through. Also Matt. 11:28-30, where Jesus encourages us to "come unto Me all you who labor and are heavy laden."
Love, Andrea

Mom to 3 said...

Hi Glynnis! I want to share this verse with you and the other ladies whose lives are on the "spin cycle" right now.

Isaiah 40:28-31

Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard that the Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the Ends of he earth, fainteth not neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding.

He giveth power to the faint, and to him that have no might he increaseth strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall.

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.

sagreen125 said...

It seems it has been one of those weeks, and no one is listening. Actually it has been a month. Everyone taking, and not listening. I feel this dryer won't stop.
I have done nothing for the last half hour and cried. None of my friends have been there.
thanks for the prayers

Teresa said...

God bless you Glynnis for your devo on yesterday. I too, as some of the other ladies have mentioned am running on low fumes. I do have so many things going on and trying to balance it all sometimes I feel like I'm in the "spin cycle" forever. I know God will work everything out according to His promise(Rom. 8:28). I will join you in praying for all of the ladies here, and the many more who rely on Proverbs 31 to help them make it through their daily lives. We all need to pray for one another and trust God will lead us in the way that we should go everyday, Proverbs 3:5-7. Be encouraged! Blessings & Peace to you all!

Anonymous said...

“Sin-drenched DNA”-- what a very accurate, descriptive phrase! Satan knows that I have weaknesses and he’s constantly prowling about on alert to exploit any vulnerable DNA he finds! If I don’t keep myself covered with armor and stay under God’s umbrella of protection, I am vulnerable to being seduced by Satan and my old human DNA. It’s true that any of us are capable of doing any sin if the circumstances, timing, stresses, temptations, and deceits of Satan are just right--very scary thought!

Some helpful verses:
1 Cor. 10:12 If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall into the same sin.

Gal. 6:1 Restore a fallen brother gently. But watch yourself because you also may be tempted.

Gal. 5:16-17 Live by the Spirit (because the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit)

Rom. 8:26 The Spirit helps us in our weaknesses and intercedes for us.

Psalm 23:3 He restores my soul.

God will forgive, heal and restore me-- bless His holy name! And my Comforter who lives within me will guide me if I stay in tune with His whispers.

Thank you for your great devotional reminding me of my tendency to revert to my sinful nature. I praise my God for offering supernatural power to resist Satan!

Frances said...

It was no coincidence I read your devotional today. Just yesterday, my mom, my pillar of wisdom, was sharing what God placed on her heart for me. It has been that kind of year, let alone month or week and she reminded me to hold fast to the Lord as not to leave a stronghold for the enemy. Please pray for me. I do not want to be "busy" with those things that are good but that keep me away from God.

Steph said...

Great post and your devotion was such an encouragement!

A verse that I was given this from my accountability partner that lifted me and slowed down the spin cycle:
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 (New International Version)

Prayer for wisdom and peace!

Blessings and gratitude!
steph

Terra said...

Hi,
I know what you mean when you describe being a bit mixed up.
I read your recent post on TWV and came over here to say hi.
I am enjoying my visit here, and hope I am not "mixed up" about where I heard about your blog.
Laughing,
Terra

Unknown said...

Thank you all that posted verses I am struggling this week and I first read Glynnis devotion and completely understood her feelings then I re-read it today and got to read all the comments. You ladies have blessed me so much and God has blessed me beyond that ~ however Satan has been toying with me for a few weeks... thanks for helping me see and be in the light! God bless you all Dara

MelissaTaylor.org said...

Glynnis,

Hey:) It looks like there are many of us who have had "one of those weeks", huh?

Here's the 2 verses I'm claiming, hopefully they will encourage you too:

1 Corinthians 15:58, "So my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless." (NLT)

Proverbs 11:25, "He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." (NIV)

I chose today as my official "come out of the pit" day. I am moving forward and praying God's Word over every step.

Love you! Your mixed up message seemed to be timely for many. Don't you love how God works?

Love,
Melissa

Lisa V. said...

Thanks Jolene, I'm going to meditate on that verse especially this week. I need that.

Glynnis, I sure could use prayer of encouragement in being a mom. My precious 3 yo son is challenging me left and right and "tuning me out". It's been discouraging because I'm pouring all the love I can on him and trying to be patient with him. I have a supportive husband who sees this change in behavior in our son as well. I know it's a season but it seems to be breaking my spirit a little. So I sure would be blessed if you would ask God to give me a dose (or two) of encouragement.

Anonymous said...

wow!!! your messages hit the spot!!! I am going nder a lot of issues ... I am at peace letting God shine trough... but once He does I want to be ready to receive his blessings. It has been a hectic month and I need strenght I know God is on my side ... but I am really exhausted. Thank you for your encouraging words. Be blessed!!! Tatiana