She Rejoices

The Proverbs 31 Woman. I’d like to think of her as someone who I can take bits and pieces of and mold into me. This scripture is not striving for an image of perfection rather an image of a woman  who has found her confidence in God and is using her gifts to serve Him and others.

She is a blessed woman. She is a woman of wisdom, compassion, love and strength.

Most importantly, she is a woman who seeks the Father’s heart in all things. She is a woman who does her work as unto the Lord. She is a woman who knows that true beauty and self-worth is found by resting in her Saviour.

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. Proverbs 31:25

There is something about this verse that stands out. As if it is written in big bold letters.

“SHE SHALL REJOICE IN TIME TO COME.”

In the time to come.

Whatever God has ordained for her life, she will trust in Him.

Because she has chosen the garments of strength and the might of God, she can face whatever comes her way.

Because she knows her life is in His all capable hands, she can rest secure in Him.

Because she trusts in the truth of His Word that He will never leave her nor forsake her, she will not fear or become anxious when she can’t see the way before her.

Because she stands on the foundation of His Word that the plans He has for her are good and not to harm her, she can believe that the trials that come will not defeat her.

She shall rejoice in time to come because she knows the Creator has the absolute best pathway for her life. Even when she cannot see or understand an uncertain future, she reminds herself that He is the Good Father.

She can face tomorrow rejoicing in the goodness of the Lord, trusting for His provision and resting in His unfailing love.

Beloved, He who has numbered your days will Himself walk with you each and every step of the way and that is why you can rejoice in time to come.

© Sharon Pankey 2019

Photo by Lesly Juarez on Unsplash

Advertisements

Seek

Hide & Seek. The game that I, as a child vividly remember playing at recess. It was a game that was filled with wonder and surprise for the little imaginations that we all had.  The fun we had running, looking and waiting to discover the hiding places of our playmates. The game could go on and on until we were worn out or until the whistle blew signaling that our playtime had ended.

Beloved, the same wonder, surprise, excitement, awe and delight we had as children can be found in our relationship with our Heavenly Father, if we would only seek Him.

^“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

Today, have your own ‘recess’. Take some time to be alone with God. Imagine that you are the seeker except this time there is no one hiding, rather Someone is waiting to be found.

“You make the path of life known to me. Complete joy is in your presence. Pleasures are by your side forever.” Psalm 16:11 

It is the Father who can show you new things. He can show you a path that you never thought about setting your foot upon. He can show you that joy is found in Him. Not happiness, which is circumstantial but JOY. Joy that supersedes any earthly emotion we could ever feel. He has ALL we need at ALL times.

If only we would seek Him.

Unlike our fun childhood game, He is never hiding. All He asks is that we seek Him.

I promise you this: you won’t be disappointed.

^“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

© Sharon Pankey 2019

Two are Better than One

Two are better than one because they have a more satisfying return for their labor; for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and does not have another to lift him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9,10

Sometimes, you need someone to stand in prayer with you.

Sometimes you need someone to pray for you because quite honestly you don’t know what to pray.

That’s the beauty of sharing life with others.

I thank God for the people who have been there for me in my time of need and I thank God for the privilege to do the same for them.

Beloved, we were not meant to walk this path alone for it is filled with too many dips in the valleys and too many unexpected detours along the pathway.

So today, if you need someone to lift you up, I would be honored to serve you.

You don’t have to share with me the details of your petition because the One to Whom we pray already knows.

You were not meant to carry this burden alone.

You can reach me at RestinginHispromises77@yahoo.com and I will spend some time in prayer for you.

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20

© Sharon Pankey 2019

A Moment of Truth

God finishes what He starts. Nothing can thwart His plan for your life. Remember, we were created for a purpose and ultimately for His glory.

So even if you feel that you are not making any progress in this season of life and discouragement has set in, remember it is HE who equips you.

It is He who gives strength.

It is He who gives peace.

It is He who gives grace.

Do not rely on your own willpower.

The only power you will ever need and that will truly sustain you is found only in Him.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

Don’t let your feelings deflect the truth of God’s Word; instead stand on the truth of who He is, for He is faithful to carry out His purpose in your life.

© Sharon Pankey 2019

 

 

The Right Path

There is a path that is laid out before you. Some call it purpose. Some call it destiny. Whatever you call it, God knows how to get you there. He also knows what job you should take, where you should live, whom He has chosen for your spouse. Seek Him. And when you seek Him, let there be no doubt in your mind that He will guide you. Remember this truth, “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” Psalm 139:16

In your time of prayer, pray His Word back to Him: “Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.”

Psalm 25:4,5

© Sharon Pankey 2019

 

 

 

 

 

Regain Your Sight

Good Morning! This is a repost from last year yet a timeless encouragement. Be Blessed!

 

Regain: to get again; recover; to succeed in reaching again; get back to

As we embark upon a new year, I believe that our gracious Father is presenting to us a RESET button. This isn’t about resolutions. This isn’t about reaching a goal that solely depends on our willpower. No, this is about our God-given purpose on this earth that by grace we can carry out. Whatever you were assigned to do last year but for reasons known between you and your Creator, hit the reset button and begin again.

It’s not too late.

Don’t let fear rob you of what God already said was yours. Don’t wallow in the “what-ifs” of the year gone by. Don’t condemn yourself for not following through. Instead praise God for lessons learned. Thank Him for the wisdom and strength you have gained. Remember, He is a God of perfect timing. So while you may think you are behind schedule, you may find that you are right on time. Beloved, He already knew the path you would take, along with the detours and rest stops that came along on the journey.

Life may have delivered you a series of trials and setbacks that blinded you. Cry out to Him to help you see again. He is gracious to reveal what He wants you to do. Declare that this is the year of regaining your sight and you will succeed!

…And Jesus said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni (my Master), let me regain my sight.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith [and confident trust in My power] has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and began following Jesus on the road. Mark 10:51,52 (emphasis mine)

The blind beggar in the book of Mark simply wanted to see. His simple request matched with His faith gave way to a miraculous healing. Your request to begin again and your faith in God will also give way to supernatural vision and direction. Hit the RESET button and set out to have a victorious year in Him!

 

© Sharon Pankey 2019

Merry Christmas!

 

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

 

From my heart straight to yours,

Sharon

A Thankful Heart is a Happy Heart!

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

Psalm 107:1

Thankfulness has power! Let that power invade every circumstance that you face. Find one thing to be thankful for and watch it change your perspective, even your countenance. Start your day giving thanks to the One who woke you up and CHOSE to give you yet another day to live out your purpose.

© Sharon Pankey 2018

The Liebster Award!

 

Thank you to https://authorryanc.com/ for nominating me for the Leibster Award! How exciting! Readers, please check out his blog, you will be blessed!

What is The Leibster Award ? “This award is meant as an instrument to encourage and mentor new bloggers. From The Global Aussie: “The earliest case of the award goes as far back as 2011.  Liebster in German means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.”  The award initially focused on bloggers with less than 2,000 followers, but as its popularity burgeoned, this number has gone down to 200.”

Here are the questions given to me by Author Ryan Callahan and my answers:

What made you start blogging?  It seems to be that I sort of ease into what I am supposed to be doing. My first book was published in 2012 and after that the blog followed in 2014. Neither were things I set out to do. God plants seeds and over time it sprouts up when it is His time. Not to say I don’t wrestle in my submitting but that’s another story. However, I know that I was born to share encouragement with others.

When did you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior? I accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior over my life and was baptized when I was eleven years old. I remember the day as if it was yesterday.

What is your favorite movie and/or book? I have a couple of movies that I love. The Color Purple and What about Bob tie for my favorite movie. Of course the Bible is my favorite! I also loved the story, Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

Where are you from? Born and raised and currently living in Maryland

What is your favorite food? Oh my! Probably all the stuff I shouldn’t like! Pizza, Pasta, any kind of rice. Oh and ice cream!

What type of music do you like the most? I listen to many different genres from gospel, contemporary christian, country and r & b.

Where have you traveled? I’ve been to Jamaica, Bahamas, Florida,  and a couple of other states mostly along the east coast. My dream is to vacation in Greece.

Are you married? Yes Do you have kids? Three blessings, two girls and a boy.

What was the biggest challenge you have overcome in life and how? Psalm 23 is my covering. It is a daily thing for me to submit myself to God in the area of worrying, angst and letting go. Those three things have affected so many areas of my life and each time it brings me to remembering Who my Shepherd is.

Have you ever had any supernatural experiences? Plenty! God in His grace, gives me dreams and visions. I often see things before they occur which allows me the privilege of covering it in prayer. I also have had healing in my body that only He could have done.

What was the best thing that ever happened to you? The absolute best thing is God choosing me to be His. I don’t say that because it’s what I should say. It has become my truth. I cannot imagine living a life filled with ups and downs without Him, there is no way!

11 Random Thoughts about me!

1. I am the shortest one in my household. I’m only 5 feet tall and my kids have surpassed me
2. I love crossword puzzles
3. I am a huge fan of Amish fiction
4. I check out anywhere between 3-5 books at a time at the library
5. I eventually want to move somewhere where its warmer year round
6. I can ice skate better than roller skate
7. I dream vividly every night
8. I journal everyday
9. I love to save money, I coupon weekly!
10. When I was younger, I thought I would become a back up singer or a news anchor
11. I love to sing!

Now, here are my 11 nominees for the Liebster Award:

https://walkthenarrowwayblog.wordpress.com/

https://victory-2-victory.com/

https://gcdiaries.wordpress.com/

https://whitneyibeblog.wordpress.com/

https://rejoicinginhope1212.wordpress.com/

https://becominghistapestry.com/

https://juliachidimma.wordpress.com/

https://shesabusybee.com/

https://sixthsealministries.wordpress.com/

https://gracespeech.wordpress.com/

Welcome, friends!

 

The Rules!

Acknowledge the blogger that gave it to you and display the award

Answer 11 questions that the blogger gave you

Give 11 random thoughts about yourself

Nominate 11 other bloggers and notify them of their nomination

Ask your nominees 11 questions

 

Here are my 11 questions for the nominees:

 

• When did you first begin blogging?

 

• Do you set aside a certain time of day to write? Is there a certain atmosphere that has to be set for you to write?

• Do you journal?

• What are some hobbies you enjoy?

• What has been the most challenging moment in your blogging/writing journey?

• Who or what inspires you to write?

• What’s your favorite worship song and/or verse?

• When did you come to know Christ?

• How important is prayer to you in relation to your writing?

• Where are you from?

• Share one of your biggest dreams. (It doesn’t have to be related to writing)

 

 

 

This was so much fun to participate in. Thank you so much Ryan Callahan!