Conversations with God Replace Lies with Truth

It’s an exciting time for Living Joy because we are saying Yes to new paths God is calling us to. Let me be honest, some days it’s a confident YES, but other days i measure these decisions against my own strength and gifts - leaving me incredibly doubtful and even worse, fearful.

But I sat with God this morning and this is the sweet time He flips the fear and reminds me if I measure the next steps for Living Joy in my power and forget God - I will always mismeasure my potential to do what God has called me to do.

This is why spending time, this intimate relationship with God is so important. He leads you, listens to you, and replaces lies with truth. And this time looks different for everyone. No set time, set way or perfect words. It is your personal relationship with the Lord!

As I woke up doubtful for my assignments...God whispered in our time together, “I am with you.” And this friends is where we want to live from - God’s will and truth! If I hadn’t sat with Him I would be operating from fear today.

How will you talk to God today?

Friend, Break the Chains

📷: @rachelhennessyphotography

Have unsettled places in your heart that you haven’t fully given over to God?

Me too.

You’ve thought about it, talked about it, over analyzed it, planned ways to get through it, worried sick about it - all in a way that you’ve held so tight to it...you’re breaking under it.
Let’s break the chains and release it through prayer today. Together.

Heavenly Father, you see what I’m holding so tightly to. You know my fears and my worries. Help me release it to you in faith knowing you will use it for good and your glory. Amen.

God sees you. God hears you. God loves you.

“But God has surely listened and has heard my prayer. Praise be to God who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me.” // Psalm 66:19-20

A Thought on Expectations

“Don’t let your expectations leave you disappointed in your realities.”

@priscillashirer 

I heard this yesterday and it gently challenged me to realign my expectations with God’s will or even lower my expectations in many areas.

Maybe you make it to the gym 3 times this week instead of 6 or maybe not at all.

Maybe you rock the crockpot instead of an eight course dinner.

Maybe you look to God to satisfy your heart rather than relationships.

Maybe you let your child watch a movie tonight if you’re tired or start dinner with dessert. 😮

Maybe get one thing done on your to do list rather than finishing it.

Maybe let your child dress themselves.

Maybe you rock a hat instead of doing your hair.

Maybe you forgive yourself and let go of your mistakes.

Maybe you give yourself a little more grace.

Realigning or changing our expectations will help us not feel disappointed in our realities.

I’m thinking through this too - where I’ve set the bar so high the only outcome leaves me discouraged in my present circumstances. I know God doesn’t want us to live this way so I’m giving lots of grace in my expectations today!

Devotionals for Everyday

We love using devotionals to help guide our personal quiet time!  The Bible can be daunting to navigate and learn.  That's why we are sharing our favorite devotionals and made it super easy to find the perfect one for you!  

Use this guide to all it's potential: save the page to your favorites, download and print the file, we suggest keeping it in your bible, or just screenshot the file (then it's in your photos for good!)! Next time you're needing a suggestion, you'll have it right at your fingertips. Also, we've made it easy for you to get them, just click on the title to purchase off amazon...two day shipping...Yes Please! 

Jesus Calling 

By Sarah Young
365 day devotional for each day of the year.

Great first devotional because every entry is speaking to you from God's point of view.
 

Jesus Always

By Sarah Young
365 day devotional for each day of the year, Embracing & finding joy! 

Walking with Christ Every Day

By Freeman Smith Men and Women's version.  

Challenges you to be a better man or woman following Christ.

My Time with God

By Joyce Meyer

Personal entries from Joyce's journal.  She has an unapologetic way of communicating God's truth.

Woman to Woman

By Joyce Meyer

Tackle real women issues with biblical teaching from Joyce.

Ending Your Day Right

By Joyce Meyer

A great way to end your day with a hopeful message for every evening of the year.

In Touch Ministries - A FREE monthly mailer

Subscrive via the above link; select print mail

Written by Dr. Charles Stanley and includes powerful teaching of God's word.  This is a great resource if you are ready to better understand scripture. 

When Words Fail

Proverbs 31 Ministries

Learn a new book of the Bible with every study and a community to keep you accountable through the First 5 app.

New Morning Mercies

By Paul David Tripp

Truth and hope devotions for everyday of the year.  He has a great way of asking questions and challenging you to apply them to your everyday life.

Awaken

By Priscilla Shirer

Excerpts from Priscilla's personal journal with God.

Savor

By Shauna Niequist

Is there an inner chef in you!  This is a great devotional full of recipes and ways to slow down and enjoy the little things in life.

Embraced

By Lysa TerKeurst

Going through a time where you don't feel God is near?  This is a great devotional to know God's love right where you are.  Lysa has a special gift of writing as if it is written just for you.

Always Enough, Never too Much

By Jess Connolly & Hayley Morgan

Do you doubt your enough or worry maybe your too much?  This is a great devotional to identify what you are feeling and apply God's truth.  Also great to do with others!

Pressing Pause

By Karen Ehman & Ruth Schwenk

Moms!  Overwhelmed and need to press pause?  This devotional is written by moms and for you.  It reminds us the gift of motherhood and appreciating it in the mess.

Streams in the Desert

By L.B. Cowman, updated by Jim Reimann

Are you going through a hard season?  Are you desperate to find your stream in the desert?  These are beautiful devotions to help you during this dry season.

A LITTLE GOD TIME FOR MOTHERS

Daily Guideposts - 2013

Updated yearly! 

Sparkling Gems from the Greek : Vol.I

By Rick Renner

Our English Bibles can lose some of the meanings of the original Greek language during translation.  In a very easy to understand way this devotional helps you dive deeper into the underlying meanings of the Greek language.

Thirty-One Prayers for my Husband

By Jennifer Smith

Is your husband going through a season where you are tired of being the encourager and need an outlet of hope outside yourself.  Take a month and pray for your husband and see God move in his heart.

Gracelaced

By Ruth Chou Simons

Do you desire a renewed sense of faith?  Maybe yours is a bit dry and stale or even boring. This devotional walks you through seasons of your faith so you finish with a vibrant heart after God!

Our Favorite Things

Happy July Friends! I can't even believe that we're halfway through 2018! We had so much fun sharing our favorites over on Instagram during the month of June. We've compiled the best of the best from simple things like 'mama's must haves' to favorite podcasts & devotionals! Favorite this page in your browser, screenshot to remember, make a note in your phone; however you'll remember, this page is a gem you'll want to keep for a rainy day. Below is the full resource list (WITH LINKS!!! Just click on the image) of our favorites. Here ya go, friend! 

favorite bible study

favorite devotional

favorite instagram accounts to follow

favorite scriptures

favorite bloggers

favorite Gifts to give 

favorite places in raleigh

favorite books

favorite ministries

favorite audile books

favorite podcasts 

We also have an awesome OUR FAVORITE THINGS GIVEAWAY happing now over on our Instagram - Enter HERE!