Ashley Farrell: Blog

Congratulations! You've made it 3 weeks through God's word! Are you enjoying it? I hope everyone is being encouraged by this blog (including those who aren't following the reading plan!)

This week has been challenging for me. Pregnancy symptoms are in full swing, including fatigue, forgetfulness, mood swings and most recently, nausea. But I'm so thankful that the Lord intrigues me with His word and makes my time with Him so wonderful. It's a nice way to start off the day. (Although, to be honest, I sometimes wait until later in the day to do my devo-time.) So, let's recap, shall we?

Isaiah 12 My theme verses for this week:

Isaiah 14: 24, 27 When God makes a plan, no one can stop it. And if you're familiar with Jeremiah 29:11, you know that His plans are to prosper you, to give you a future and a hope!

Matthew 5:21-48 I love that Jesus looks at the heart. In these verses, He's calling us to a higher standard of righteousness. We can try to come across perfect and innocent on the outside, but if our hearts aren't right, then what's the point? God looks past what the world sees, and looks straight into our hearts. The precious thing about this section of scripture is that we all have things in our heart that we're not proud of. It's through God's grace, by the power of the Holy Spirit, that He reveals these things to us, healing our hurts and mending our hearts. We can get so caught up in the rituals or actions that we miss the point. I often tell people, "Love Jesus. Develop a personal relationship with Him. The rest will fall into place." When we're trusting God and are seeking His will for our lives, He's faithful to point out the things that need to change. :)

 Matthew 6:31-34 This one of my faves (I have a lot of faves...you'll notice that as the weeks go on!) DO NOT WORRY! God is in control. Trust Him! Now with that said, I'm very guilty of worrying. I've always been one to worry. Just yesterday I got all worked up about something that in the grand scheme of things isn't worth wasting my time over. So, I had a talk with my mother-in-law about the Lord and I felt much better. It's amazing how quickly my attitude changes when I get to talk about my Savior! Thankfully, the Lord is working on me and even though I still worry a lot, my "freak out moments" don't last nearly as long as they have in the past. I believe that one day I won't worry at all, and go straight to prayer mode.

Romans 5:3-5 This kind of goes along with the previous verses. We're not to worry when trials come our way. Actually, we should consider it joy because through those trials God molds us into who He's created us to be. Children of God that have hope and an abundant love for Him.

Genesis 9:12-17 I love rainbows! You often see a rainbow after a storm, or a gloomy rainy day. Everytime I see a rainbow, I'm reminded of God's faithfulness and His promises to me. So have peace in knowing that even when you go through the storms of life, they will never overcome you. A rainbow will be on it's way and everything will work out for the good.

Joshua 14:10-15 Caleb is the man! ;) But seriously, what an awesome example of what trusting God looks like. Caleb waited 45 years to see God's promise fulfilled. He never doubted that God would come through (even when everyone else panicked!) It's great to have friends like Caleb. Someone who will encourage you in whatever you're believing God for. Make a point to be around people who know God is capable of doing miracles in your life. Get some Calebs.

Job 5:8, 9 "But if I were you, I would call on God and bring my problem before him. God does wonders that cannot be understood; He does so many miracles they cannot be counted." (NCV) God loves you and cares about what you're going through. Bring your problems to Him.

Also: Isaiah 17:7,8  Matthew 5:3-12, 16 Matthew 6:7-13 Matthew 7:7-11 Romans 5:8 Romans 6:5-8, 23 Genesis 11:1-8 Psalm 7:17 Psalm 8:3-9

Well, that wraps up the week. I pray that you will sing songs of praise to the Lord all week long, that He would bring you rainbows and Calebs, and that you will fall more in love with Jesus everyday! I can't wait to hear from you!