Out on a Limb Alone: 4 tips to remaining in Christ

by Terri Webster

Do you ever feel like you’re out on a limb? Alone, trying to do it all by yourself?

I’ve actually said in frustration to Jesus, “Lord, I went out on a limb for You. What went wrong?”

Not one of my best moments.

This dilemma can be easily solved.

How?

Jesus said,

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

Be still. Stay. Remain.

Fruit needs special conditions in order to grow properly and flourish. Water. Sunlight. Nourishing soil. Pruning. All the while this is going on, the fruit just hangs there, remaining.

My job and your job is not watering, pruning and nourishing the soil. That’s the work of Almighty God IF we remain in Him.

It only takes a small amount of time every day to do that.

Here are four tips that work for me to ensure I don’t “go out on a limb” and bounce up and down in the wind and storms of life, only to drop from the vine prematurely.

• Decide: Decide before tomorrow when and where you’re going to be still in His presence. If you have to set an alarm on your phone or put it on your calendar…date with Jesus, then do so.
• Show up: As with any meeting or appointment, don’t go unprepared. Bring with you a Bible, notebook and pen.  
• Ask: Ask Him to speak to your heart. Ask Him anything. He can handle it.

Don’t be anxious about anything, but in everything 

through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, 

make your requests known to God and the peace of God

that passes all understanding will guard your hearts 

and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

• Enjoy: Relax and enjoy the remaining. Let Him water you, nourish you and shine His light on you.

If you’re struggling with having time alone with Jesus, I’ll be sharing more in the coming weeks on developing a personal alone time with Him.

My prayer for you is that you’ll discover the rare and priceless jewels He has waiting especially for you.

Remaining,

Terri

Swept Away by Emotions

by Terri Webster

I can't always trust my emotions.

I have positive emotions and negative ones. Sometimes my emotions plunge me into a pool of tears, only to yank me out into a dry place where I feel nothing. They change as quickly as circumstances can change. 

Emotion is a natural, instinctive state of mind deriving from one’s circumstances, mood, or relationships with others (Google online dictionary).

The other morning distant thunder roused me from sleep. My husband had left at pre-dawn for a white-water rafting trip, and I’d fallen back asleep.

The thunder was oddly constant, without the usual breaks and pauses.

I thought Doc, our 85-pound dog, will be freaking out and “pawing” the window to come in. I threw off the covers, slid into my flip flops and brushed my teeth, all while constant, rolling thunder grew louder.

When I opened the front door and walked out on the porch, ominous clouds swirled above, illuminated with lightning. I was awed enough to quickly snap a picture with my phone. Then a burst of wind and a clap of thunder caused Doc and me to hurry inside and close the door.

Heavy rain poured down in straight sheets, then was blown sideways. The wind howled around the house, while thunder constantly rolled. The electricity flashed off and on in unison with lightning.

Finally, after two hours, the rain let up and wind quit blowing. The lightning and thunder lingered, until finally it all stopped. 

And just like that, it was calm and serene. The clouds were pushed aside by a calm breeze, revealing blue sky.

Isn’t this how our emotions are at times? They sweep over us with barely a warning, then abruptly change with our circumstances.

In the past I've allowed my feelings and emotions to be a determining factor in decision making.

Not smart!

The tiniest thing can flip on my emotional switch. If I'm not careful, before I know it, I’m swept out of control down a river of emotions.

Why does your heart carry you away allowing you to 

be controlled by emotion? And why do your eyes flash 

in anger or contempt? Job 15:12

Why do we gauge the truth with our emotions and feelings?  

Why did God create us with such a powerful character trait?

Why can’t I trust something that’s largely a part of who I am?

To answer these questions, the only reliable and unchanging source is God’s word; alive, active, and powerful.

It’s only when I move the situation under the light of God’s word that I find the real truth. Then I feel silly for feeling the way I did and allowing my emotions to carry me away.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

When I find myself in a negative emotional whirlwind, I realize I can’t solely rely on them to reveal truth. 

Here are three reminders I use to avoid being swept away by changing emotions and feelings, that I hope will encourage and help you too.

• Realize we’re made in God’s image. All throughout scripture we see that God has emotions and feels deeply. He was so moved with compassion that He gave His very son, so we could have an eternal, intimate relationship with Him, through Jesus’ atoning blood. All emotions aren't bad, but it's always safe to shine His truths on them.

• Negative emotions are based on past hurts and mistakes. Where God has already brought emotional healing and forgiveness, the devil’s scheme is to stir up our past to derail us and get us off course.

• Remember, it’s not all about you and me. If someone doesn’t respond the way we expect or want, stop and think that they have circumstances you’re unaware of. When we take ourselves out of the center and put Christ there, our perspective changes quickly. 

• Lastly, sometimes it's just plain 'ol hormones and exhaustion that plays a part in changing emotions and feelings. Make sure you consistently nourish your body and soul so these times won't be as severe. 

Finally, may you always enjoy God's peace in any storm as promised here in Philippians 4:6-7:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Staying the course,

Terri

Take Me off the Grill, I'm Done!

Good Monday morning, Everyone! And Happy Labor Day!

I thought about titling this post, “Stick a Fork in me, I’m Done”,

but everyone already uses that expression to say they’re done, finished, tired, exhausted…done with life.

This is exactly how I’m feeling at this writing. Done. Exhausted. Burned slap out. Almost physically ill.

This comes only days after experiencing God’s mighty hand in several areas of my life. He has dealt with me on a few issues that have enslaved me far too long and has set me free.

I’ve experienced a fresh touch, a powerful surge of forwardness that I haven’t experienced in a very long time.

A lot of it is a result of a Bible study I’m in with some ladies, titled, “Armor of God” by Priscilla Shirer.

Phenomenal!!! Powerful!!! Eye-opening.

Studying and putting into action what I’m learning about the Armor of God has changed how I pray, how I see the physical world and spiritual world. I’ve been so full of excitement over what God is doing that there are moments I’m sure I’ll simply pop!

Soaring above mountain peaks with a clear panoramic view.

Enjoying fearlessness and boldness in a fresh way. A calm resolve has been my companion for weeks as I’ve boldly and fervently approached God’s throne of grace in prayer.

So why the glum and downcast soul? I’d like to know when my soaring like an eagle suddenly nose-dived into a pool of weepiness and exhaustion.

You’ve experienced this too, right? How can we go from soaring on the heights with God, and then plummet to the depths of the earth?

As I write this, I had to pause to text a friend who asked for prayer because she’s overwhelmed and can’t get a break to think clearly.

After sending my text, there are two explanations that stick out about what’s going on.

• I’m 100% certain the devil hates us all the more when we step out in faith, threatening to tear down his strategic schemes in our lives and others’ lives.

He hates how I’m praying for my estranged son with fight and renewed vigor. He hates how I’m praying for my daughter whose carrying my little granddaughter due to be born in November, but not without some complications and a scary diagnosis.

While planning with other women a prayer ministry, and praying for our country, schools, churches and all leaders, I’m sure my enemy, the devil, is furious and panicked.

I’m aware that he’s sure to be scheming and planning strategies against me. Maybe trying to get a little craftier with his attacks.

• The second thing is, even an eagle has to come down from soaring to rest. Eagles have nests. They have to eat, sleep and replenish.

Whether we’re walking in unhindered fellowship with God or are distant from Him, we all crave rest, peace and want to be free from anxiety.

We need a break, don’t we? We need Someone to lift the burden a little.

While I’ve been enjoying these new strengths and revelations, at some point, I began soaring in my own strength without coming down for a rest and refueling.

Are you trying to do it all in your own strength, meet mounting expectations with no end in sight, even while in close fellowship with God?

Or are you distant from God and relying on your own strength to fulfill every demand and expectation?

If you’re experiencing burnout and exhaustion on any level, will you join me right now, and take a few minutes to focus on the following promises?

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 

and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and 

learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, 

and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is 

easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30.

Jesus is the One speaking here, to you and me. Come, He said…and I will give you rest. Give Him your burdens and as He promised, you will find rest…

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3

Almighty God, your Heavenly Father, says, Call to Me. And He will answer!

Not only will He answer, but He will speak to you things you don’t know now, and wants to tell you.

And here’s my favorite…

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your 

requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends 

all understanding, will guard your hearts and your 

minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

This is how we stay on course and win!

Terri