James 1:17 Archives - Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel

I Am Not Alone and Sitting Among Friends #42

Jaime Wiebel — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 06:11:00 +0000

For months now, you could find me, at any given time, crying like a blubbering mess.

I have been facing a few transitions or what some may want to call a new season in life. Some of you may have been more apt to embrace this change with open arms but me, well, let’s just say there was no embracing.

A couple of months ago, it hit me, I am about to be a stay-at-home mom with no one at home but myself. I know that many of you reading this have been in my shoes, maybe even more than once and know exactly how I am feeling.

I am not the mom that is at the end of the driveway cheering when her kids leave school. I am the one with the bucket and box of tissues in hand.

Last week, as I pulled out the school parking lot, alone, I heard God’s promise whisper to my heart.

You Are Not Alone and You Never Will Be.

I am missing my kids very much, but alone, I am not. Alone, I will never be.

As much as I love my kids, my family, and being mommy, those things can never make me feel whole. Those things can never make me as complete as I am in Christ. Those things will never leave me with moments that at some point I do not feel completely washed over with emptiness.

I have over the past couple of months really been pouring into God’s Word. I have stepped back from all my blogging commitments and not put so much focus on all the little things. I am continuously reminded if this is what God wants me to do. He will also make a way for it to happen.

I have to stay in His Word. I have to take care of the things He has blessed me with. My husband, my kids, and putting Him above it all. We are told in Matthew 6 to Seek First the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.

Circumstances in our lives are constantly changing. Last year, I had one kiddo in school full time and now I have two in full time and one in for part of the time. A Change. A Huge Change. And this change, to be honest, has made me feel a bit tossed to and fro.

But I have a guarantee in this life that I have to rest my soul in.

Christ Alone. And in His Unchanging Nature has given me a constant. A firm anchor to remain steady when my boat gets rocked.

This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Hebrews 6:19 (NLT)

That doesn’t mean I don’t have to feel. It doesn’t mean I don’t get to hurt, feel sad, or grieve a change in my life.

It means I don’t have to do it alone. It means I can come into the inner sanctuary. Into the Heart of Christ and there I can rest at His feet.

I can gain the assurance that even in the difficulties of life and in the change in circumstances, I have the assurance of an unchanged unmovable God. With the Father of Light. He casts no shadow. This means He doesn’t change. What He gives is good and perfect gifts.

James 1:17 tells us, “Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” (NLT)

When times get tough we have two choices to make. We can run from God (Trust me when I say I have tried that and it doesn’t go smoothly) or we can run to God.

I have been running to God. I have been bathing in the grace, love and mercy that He has poured down on me through His Word. Through His promise to never leave me.

Although, there has been a time of grieving, He has reminded me, You Are Not Alone.

You are my child and my child, I have you cradled and tucked you in my hand and there, you can find rest and security.

My friend, I know there are many of you going through something right now in your life. You may be surrounded by people and yet you feel utterly alone.

Christ has made us to have a need that is so deep for Him that our very soul will remain restless until we discover how to depend on Him in all of life’s circumstances. It is not by chance that you feel that way.

Now is when you make the choice. Run from God or Run into His arms.

Your creator and master designer has made you to need Him for your completeness.

Choose completeness in Him and you will have an anchor for your soul that will that will remain steady and secure.

Let me know. What is it that you are facing that has you feeling restless and rocked to the core. If it is too personal, you don’t have to share. You can just let me know that you are in need of Christ’s hand on your heart. I want to pray over each of you this week. So please, comment below and let me know how I can lift you up before the Lord.

Friends, we are here to encourage you and others, please share so others can join us in the conversations here. Want to continue this conversation? Send me an email or comment below.

You can also join me on one of my social media sites where we can connect throughout the week.
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This week’s featured friend is Beth Steffaniak from Messy Marriage. What I love about Beth’s site and all of her posts is that she is real. She comes each week with an honest heart that reinforces the fact that we don’t have to be perfect to come to Christ, we just need to come with our hearts. I am glad you are here and join us every week, Beth!

While you’re here, sit down with some of my friends.

WOW! I know Summer is busy so I thank you all for coming here and for the 79 Amazing posts. This party has been wonderful and it is thanks to you, friends, who link-up with us and those who stop by and read and SHARE! Thank you!

You all are amazing writers who share DIY’s, Recipes, Photos, Giveaways, Homeschool and Family and Faith. Many of you have amazing journeys of faith and I praise the Lord we are able to connect here!

There are easy share buttons to your left or at the bottom of each post (mobile) and after you link-up. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks! From all of us at #SittingAmongFriends

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The post I Am Not Alone and Sitting Among Friends #42 appeared first on Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel.

A Treasured Gift and Sitting Among Friends Blog Party #26

Jaime Wiebel — Wed, 25 May 2016 05:17:00 +0000

Change? A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a post about change, The New Has Come! Change as humans is not something we will ever escape.

Every day we are a day older. We change seasons in life. Kids to Adults. Students to graduates. Single to married. Childless to a Family. It is something to embrace or fight.

Change as a believer is inevitable. According to Ezekiel God gives us a new heart. One not just made of stone as stated in Ezekiel but one made of flesh. I praise the Lord for it. It is an amazing victory! Nothing shy of a miracle.

What about those days it doesn’t feel like a victory? What about when it feels like a battle? What about when I don’t feel like an overcomer but feel overcome?

Before you go, I want to give you some verses to help you when you feel like you are in the trenches of life and need the hope of a new tomorrow.

My trench may not be the same as yours, but I hope these verses will be something you, too, can hold on to.

Ever since I wrote that piece, I have been to struggling with this inevitable change that happens at this time of year. It is the realization that my children are another year older.

I don’t know about you, but I do not like the end of the school year. Not because it means my kids will be home with me all summer (I LOVE that part), but because they are another grade older.

My babies seem to be growing up before my eyes and I feel if I blink too long, it will all be gone. Let me hear from you mamas out there. How do you or did you feel about another school year passed? How do you handle changes or seasons of your child’s life?

The end of the school year. I don’t think it affects my husband in the same way, or at least it doesn’t seem to. Me, I am a wreck. I feel completely overwhelmed and saddened. What about you daddies out there? How do you feel after the end of the year? How do you handle the changing seasons of your children’s lives?

Here are the verses I promised. If you are struggling like me, put them on a post-it. Hang them on the door frames of your hearts and repeat God’s Word for comfort and guidance.

You don’t have to do this alone. God is always there for you and His Word can provide the steps to peace and calm hearts.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2 (NLT)

I know you all are treasuring these moments!

However, Mary continued to treasure all these things in her heart and to ponder them. Luke 2:19 (ISV)

A treasured gift!

Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him. Psalm 127:3 (NLT)

God is our constant! When change seems to be too much, we can rely on Him as our constant no matter what we are feeling.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 (ESV)

What are your favorite verses when you feel anxious about the end or beginning of a new stage in your life? What are the verses you hold onto as the anchor of your heavy heart? Please share any tips, tricks, or verses to encourage us through this stage or season of life to the next.

I would also like to announce the winner of the ESV Family Devotional Bible is Lisa E.

While you’re here, sit down with some of my friends.

WOW! Last week had 113 Amazing posts. This party has been wonderful and it is thanks to you, friends, who link-up with us and those who stop by and read! Thank you!

Please remember to visit other friends when you are posting.
They are amazing writers with so many great stories to share with you. Just click on a link below and you will go directly to their site where you can get to know them more.

Please, link-up (up to 3) of your family-friendly inspiring stories, recipes, DIY, homeschool, giveaways, or share your life’s greatest passions.

Friends are here to encourage and challenge us in our walk of life, so enjoy!

Thank you for posting and linking up. I try to read and comment on as many of these wonderful posts as I can and as time allows. I just want to say you are all doing wonderful work and praise the Lord that I have had the opportunity to come across the path of so many of you.

This party has been fantastic and it is thanks to all of you who stop by and Share this party with your friends. Together, we can make this our great place. There are easy share buttons to your left or at the bottom of each post (mobile) and after you link-up. Tweets with #SittingAmongFriends will be re-tweeted!

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The New Has Come! and Sitting Among Friends Blog Party #24

Jaime Wiebel — Wed, 11 May 2016 06:02:00 +0000

Change seems inevitable. Yet, we often find ourselves, digging our heels in and gripping onto our old way of being. Do you ever find yourself having these inner conflicts about changing?

Another year older? Not me, I still tell everyone I’m 35 or is it 36? Oh well, it doesn’t matter. I refuse to change. Just put on a little more makeup or buy some new cream and change does not have to happen. Or does it?

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Wow! I love this NIV has an exclamation point at the end. The new is here! No getting around this change the new has come!

Wait, what is this newness?

“Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26 (NASB)

Ahh! A sigh of relief. This change is not just a jumpstart or a new pair of shoes. I get a new heart and a new spirit! Not that same old girl, I used to be. Hallelujah!

But this change is hard and scary and I feel too weak to face it alone…

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:26-27

What if it doesn’t stick? Nothing ever seems to stick around …

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT)

What will become of me?

And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. 1 Peter 2:5 (NLT)

This change seems like it is turning into a really good thing!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 (NIV)

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

As believers in Christ, this change is not only inevitable, it is an absolute. It is not something to fear or out-rationalize. It is something to be treasured and celebrated. How are you celebrating your change this season?

Before you go, stop by yesterday’s post for a chance to Win!
None Like Him by Jen Wilkin

While you’re here, sit down with some of my friends.

WOW! Last week had 115 fabulous posts. This party has been amazing and it is thanks to you, friends, who link-up with us and those who stop by and read!

Please, link-up (up to 3) of your family-friendly inspiring stories, recipes, DIY, homeschool, giveaways, or share your life’s greatest passions.

Friends are here to encourage and challenge us in our walk of life, so enjoy!

Thanks! From all of us at #SittingAmongFriends

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The post The New Has Come! and Sitting Among Friends Blog Party #24 appeared first on Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel.

Today Is A Gift

Jaime Wiebel — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 05:15:00 +0000

It’s that time again. Making our list and telling everyone all of the things in our lives, we are thankful for. What a great exercise in gratitude and appreciation. Last year my kids and I made a turkey out of a shoe box. Through a hole in the top, we deposited tiny notes of things we were thankful for throughout the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.

With Thanksgiving getting busy, we did not get our fat little turkey opened up so we put it up to open this year. I am excited to look through it. I am excited to see how we have changed. I am excited to see how God has blessed our family throughout this past year.

I love the reminder from James 1:17. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

We were freely given these good and perfect gifts. They are unearned and undeserved.

Often times we go down our list: We are thankful for our family, our kids, our spouses, our health, our jobs, our homes. Sometimes we become like someone at the Grammies receiving an award. I want to Thank God for my mom and dad and first-grade teacher and … we rattle off our list… and most of all I am thankful for God.

Do not get me wrong, I am sure that you are very sincere and grateful for your list.

Today, however, I want you to pause for a minute because sometimes by Friday morning we are already complaining about the clerk at the checkout line.

So pause… and… breathe. Close your eyes if you have to. This is not a race to the finish.

Keep breathing. Sit in the stillness of God. This too is a gift and we forget to take the time to just be still.

We rush through this season and forget to breathe.

Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person. Genesis 2:7

The breath that is slowly going in and out of your lungs is a gift.

When God reached down from Heaven, scooped up the dirt to form man, He breathed into him the very first gift of breath and he became a living creature.

I always imagine this scene with God’s magnificent and mighty hands slowly scooping up just the right dirt and thoughtfully crafting and carving the first man. Gently pushing the hair out of his eyes.

After He had created Him, taking a deep breath and gently breathing life into this new being. Then looking at him lovingly, as a new father looks at his first-born child, boldly and proudly proclaiming this is very good.

If you go back and recount the creation story from Genesis every day God was creating something new, He was looking at His creation and saying that it was good. Look around today at God’s creation, He Himself has declared it good and it is His gift to you.

Remember James 1:17. Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father.

This story would not be complete without the gift of salvation. The gift of God’s grace.

Leaving His heavenly home. Coming to this lowly place and giving His life. Remember the word for gift means given freely. An unearned, undeserved gift. That is what Christ gave us on the cross.

He chose through His grace and mercy to love us… a gift

He chooses to give us life… a gift

He chose to send His one and only Son… a gift

He chose to die so we might live… a gift

Now this is where we respond. We can take this gift or leave it. We can choose to accept it or not. We can go toward Christ in our life or walk away.

If you already have Christ in your life, He offered this gift to you. Although we may be quick to think we chose this gift, remember God offered the perfect gift of the cross to you.

God tells His people in Isaiah 43:4, “Since you are precious in My sight, since you are honored and I love you, I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life.”

Other people were given in your place. Other people were given in exchange for you.

You have the gift of salvation because He chose you because He loves you and you are precious to Him.

What a gift! Now that is a reason to have a thankful heart.

We should not miss a single day forgetting and being thankful to our God because He chose us.

Thank you Heavenly Father for this day. Thank you for the opportunity to praise you and show our gratitude for all the good and perfect gifts that only come from you. Thank you for choosing us to be your people. Thank you for everything including the breath of life that you continue to give us. I do not want to miss a day remembering all that I have and am because of who you are. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Previous Posts you may enjoy:

Grace and Mercy

Come As You Are

You Are Uniquely You

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