The Faith / Trust Choice

“Sometimes faith changes your circumstances; other times it changes your perspective” (UCB)

So many people struggle with having faith. Often what gets in the way is their need for proof, for fact and scientific backing. Yet these people have faith in other people all the time, without those evidences up front … and they’re just ‘other people’, not God. Children have faith in all it’s simplicity which is why Jesus advises us to have faith like them, unadulterated and pure. Faith is the realisation that we don’t need our own human proof and methodologies because we can trust in the founder and maker of all things. There is no better foundation on which to fully rely throughout all of life.

Faith is a lifelong journey, not just for moments or seasons. ‘The just shall live by faith’ (Heb 10v38) says it all … live by … that’s every moment of every day, our whole lifestyle. Feelings come and go, and our faith may wax and wane but He who is just will remain faithful. Our faith, no matter how weak or strong, can never be misplaced when cast firmly into the person of Christ.

The bottom line is that no matter what God allows on our path; no matter if he answers our prayers or appears to remain silent … He is God and we can trust Him. He is bigger than our greatest fear and he will make all things right when the timeline of his eternal tapestry is complete, of that we can be sure. With this acceptance comes the wonderful inner workings of peace. Why worry when we have a God like this? Why doubt when faith breeds hope? To simply trust is not choosing ignorance but rather the wisest thing you could ever do.

I wanted to share the words of this song which helps me when I have my many moments of angst. I cling on to just keep trusting and to have faith; not in results, circumstances or my feelings, but in who God is, His power, goodness and steadfast faithfulness. He cannot lie, fail or cease to love me and he will never renege on a promise. Hide his word in your heart, memorising those promises so that the spirit can bring them to the fore at just the right moment.

Trust in You ~ Lauren Daigle:

https://youtu.be/qv-SXz_exKE

Lyrics:

Letting go of every single dream
I lay each one down at Your feet
Every moment of my wandering
Never changes what You see
I've tried to win this war, I confess
My hands are weary, I need Your rest
Mighty warrior, King of the fight
No matter what I face, You're by my side

When You don't move the mountains
I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust
I will trust in You

Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings
There's not a day ahead You have not seen
So in all things be my life and breath
I want what You want, Lord, and nothing less

When You don't move the mountains
I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust
I will trust in You
I will trust in You

You are my strength and comfort
You are my steady hand
You are my firm foundation
The rock on which I stand
Your ways are always higher
Your plans are always good
There's not a place where I'll go
You've not already stood

When You don't move the mountains
I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust
I will trust in You
I will trust in You
I will trust in You
I will trust in You

Ingrid x

Two songs ~ Angel Armies

Two songs came to mind after someone at church this morning prayed in relation to the war in Ukraine. They prayed for angel armies! There are so many occasions where the direct intervention and display of God’s might has changed the course of history. He can still do the impossible. Russia is no barrier to God’s plans; Putin is no foe too great for God’s power.

Thinking of angel armies … In 2 Kings 6 Elisha is under threat of capture by the Arameans. They find out that he’s at Dothan which leads the king to send many chariots and horses to surround the entire city. When Elisha’s servant got up early the next morning and went outside, he saw troops, horses and chariots everywhere! Distressed he cried to Elisha “oh no my lord! what shall we do now?” … Elisha replied “Don’t be afraid, those who are with us are more than those who are with them”, then he prayed “open his eyes Lord, so that he may see”. What a sight awaited him! He saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

I believe those angel armies are still available today. In the words of these songs I think about the country of Ukraine as a whole and also every individual affected. God knows every single one … He has gone before and He cares immensely about every moment of suffering. He can truly empathise.

I will share the songs but if you’d rather read the lyrics here, I’ve written them out. 🇺🇦

‘Rescue’ by Lauren Daigle:

https://youtu.be/9PugD11k3JU

You are not hidden

There's never been a moment

You were forgotten

You are not hopeless
Though you have been broken
Your innocence stolen

I hear you whisper underneath your breath
I hear your SOS, your SOS

I will send out an army to find you
In the middle of the darkest night
It's true, I will rescue you

There is no distance
That cannot be covered
Over and over
You're not defenseless
I'll be your shelter
I'll be your armor

I hear you whisper underneath your breath
I hear your SOS, your SOS

I will send out an army to find you
In the middle of the darkest night
It's true, I will rescue you
I will never stop marching to reach you
In the middle of the hardest fight
It's true, I will rescue you

I hear the whisper underneath your breath
I hear you whisper, you have nothing left

I will send out an army to find you
In the middle of the darkest night
It's true, I will rescue you
I will never stop marching to reach you
In the middle of the hardest fight
It's true, I will rescue you

Oh, I will rescue you

………………………………………………………

‘Whom Shall I fear?’ By Chris Tomlin:

https://youtu.be/R0gu0nOaFsI

You hear me when I call
You are my morning song
Though darkness fills the night
It cannot hide the light

Whom shall I fear?

You crush the enemy
Underneath my feet
You are my sword and shield
Though troubles linger still

Whom shall I fear?

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

My strength is in your name
For you alone can save
You will deliver me
Yours is the victory

Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

And nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in your hands
I'm holding on to your promises

You are faithful
You are faithful

Nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in your hands
I'm holding on to your promises

You are faithful
You are faithful
You are faithful

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side.

Ingrid x

‘Even If’ (a song)

My sister told me that my previous post reminded her of this song … the words are honest and so relevant to many of us I’m sure. Even if God doesn’t intervene or answer our prayers in the way we desire, the key to our inner peace, acceptance and a greater future is to remain steadfast in the knowledge of God’s faithfulness and to hope in Him alone. Remember that verse in Micah (6v8)? We are required to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God … and it doesn’t say only when things are going well. The best thing we can do each day is to walk with God. If we do that, then his presence will be all the more evident and closer when we do face the next challenge this life has to offer.

MercyMe ~ Even If:

https://youtu.be/B6fA35Ved-Y

“They say sometimes you win some
Sometimes you lose some
And right now, right now I'm losing bad
I've stood on this stage night after night
Reminding the broken it'll be alright
But right now, oh right now I just can't

It's easy to sing
When there's nothing to bring me down
But what will I say
When I'm held to the flame
Like I am right now

I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone

They say it only takes a little faith
To move a mountain
Well good thing
A little faith is all I have, right now
But God, when You choose
To leave mountains unmovable
Oh give me the strength to be able to sing
It is well with my soul

I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt
Would all go away if You'd just say the word
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone

You've been faithful, You've been good
All of my days
Jesus, I will cling to You
Come what may
'Cause I know You're able
I know You can

I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, I know the hurt
Would all go away if You'd just say the word
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone

It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul”

Ingrid x

In the eye of the storm (a song)

I just wanted to share the lyrics of this song:

"When the solid ground is falling out from underneath my feet

Between the black skies and my red eyes, I can barely see

And when I'm feeling like I've been let down by my friends and my family

I can head the rain reminding me

In the eye of the storm You remain in control

In the middle of the war You guard my soul

You alone are the anchor when my sails are torn

Your love surrounds me in the eye of the storm

When my hopes and dreams are far from me and I'm running out of faith

I see the future I pictured slowly fade away

And when the tears of pain and heartache are pouring down my face

I find my peace in Jesus' name

In the eye of the storm You remain in control 

In the middle of the war You guard my soul

You alone are the anchor when my sails are torn

Your love surrounds me in the eye of the storm

When they let me go and I just don't know how I'm gonna make ends meet

I did my best now I'm scared to death that we might lose everything

And when a sickness takes my child away and there's nothing I can do

My only hope is to trust You

In the eye of the storm You remain in control

In the middle of the war You guard my soul

You alone are the anchor when my sails are torn

Your love surrounds me in the eye of the storm".

In the eye of the storm ~ Ryan Stevenson:

https://youtu.be/-sx8wTnnfSc

Ingrid x

Matthew 11v30

I’m having to share another song on … I hadn’t heard it before but it follows on from my previous ramblings and is based on the words of Matthew 11v28-30. 

Rest for you soul ~ Austin French:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=AAYt88GIZSs&feature=share

Ingrid x

A song

I hadn’t heard this song before and the line “your presence is my greatest weapon” has stuck with me so I thought I’d share it with you all.

My Weapon ~ Natalie Grant:

https://youtu.be/4BpirBRWGUs

Ingrid x

A couple of songs

Just sharing a couple of songs I’ve enjoyed today by Lydia Laird

Meet Me There:

https://youtu.be/UQ6JxZKRXrM

I’ll Be Okay:

https://youtu.be/nnnTluqZHko

Ingrid x

A coupe of songs …

So I have WiFi! Yay … Back from my short stint of being off-grid 😆

Have been busy painting and many other things so just thought I’d post a couple of songs to be cheerful.

Gospel Song ~ Rhett Walker:

https://youtu.be/91Ab1IP2DL8

Yes He Can ~ CAIN:

https://youtu.be/KtKBkpbOLPE

Love to you all

Ingrid x

Just a couple of sisterhood shares, both from my youngest sister this time; a screenshot and a song.

Over the past 2-3 days I’ve been pondering a little about my own testimony and how my faith would stand up if really tested … not through persecution like some in the world suffer, but more akin to my own vulnerabilities. 

For example, if in certain company, would I be as likely to stand up for what I believe and withdraw from the conversation should it head toward things I would be much better off having no part in; or would I want to be accepted and seen as one of the group. May sound silly but we all want to be accepted and liked, therefore we are quite likely to brush aside grey areas and go with the flow rather than be seen as different.

If someone asked me outright if I was a Christian I’d have no problem saying yes … but what if my life depended on the answer and like some have had to face, I would be shot if I said yes? What about other questions from friends or acquaintances which prove hard subjects and ones which are current hot topics? Would I speak the truth with love as I see it in God’s word or fumble about and avoid any awkwardness or reprisal?

There’s a lot of soul searching to do and I think a big part of the bottom line is to know God … to really know him would mean that I would have no fear, but hope … and be more than happy to stand up for and share that hope, despite any adverse consequences. He would also provide the grace and right words with which to do it. 

The attractiveness to the alternative of holding my ground for God, in a moment or situation, is a fleeting and empty satisfactory temptation fulfilled; whereas to maintain God’s statutes for my life results in eternal blessings and rewards. There is no real comparison. 

May God protect us and give us strength in every moment we face against our weaknesses and trials, that we may come forth as victors, pleasing to him who made us and redeemed us through the precious sacrifice of his own son.

City Alight ~ Christ is Mine Forevermore:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=roQovDZeAWE&feature=share

Ingrid x

Midweek Thought ~ The Goodness of God

“The goodness of God is infinitely more wonderful than we will ever be able to comprehend” (AW Tozer).

My oldest sister sent me this song to listen to first thing in the morning. The lyrics are so true and remind me that despite who I am, the ups and downs; the struggles and triumphs; my vulnerabilities, weaknesses and strengths… He is faithful and His goodness is actually running after me (even if I’m heading in the opposite direction). No matter how I feel or whether I praise God in the morning, He wants me and more than that, wants to bless me and pour His goodness into my life. How humbling and marvellous. It reminds me of another song “in the morning when I rise … give me Jesus” (Jeremy Camp). 

This one is by Rhett Walker ~ Goodness of God:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=CHG6Ak5Jqkc&feature=share

As much as God’s goodness is “running after me”, let my life and lips continually praise His name and honour Him …. his goodness in me should be returned by me giving him all the glory.

Psalm 145v9 “The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made”.

The Austrian born composer Joseph Haydn once said: “Whenever I think of God I can only conceive of him as a Being infinitely great and infinitely good. This last quality of the divine nature inspires me with such confidence and joy that I could have written even a miserere in tempo allegro”.

I fear that we don’t really grasp what goodness means in the biblical sense, and therefore we miss out on what God’s goodness really is. We use the word ‘good’ so easily that it barely resembles a quality at all. Yet in the Bible, good means holy, pure and righteousness … it is one of the fruits of the spirit. Goodness is essentially Godliness. A rather higher state of being than just our every day ‘oh that’s good’ type usage!

It is about being holy (that’s a subject for another day) and having excellence of character. It would be futile to attempt to gain these heady heights of godliness and Christ likeness in our own strength or on our own merit … it requires God’s mercy and grace. 

By absorbing God’s word in our hearts every day, we will nourish and feed the soil of our hearts so that His goodness, pure and holy, will take root and grow within us, flourishing into fruit for Him and as evidence of His love, to others. 

“Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23v6)

Ingrid x

A song rather than a midweek thought!

I’m not too sure I have any deep thoughts to share but I have been enjoying this song ... let me tell you about my Jesus ... He is full of steadfast love, faithfulness, truth and justice.

“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you” (Jeremiah 32v17) ... “Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies” (Psalm 36v5) ... “I lift my eyes up to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121v1-2).

My Jesus ~ Anne Wilson:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=cWLm6z42Gk8&feature=share

Ingrid x

God Loves You

Yes God loves you and he specialises in the impossible ... so do not fear but trust him and his timing in your life.

“Jesus did not promise to change the circumstances around us. He promised great peace and pure joy to those who would learn to believe that God actually controls all things ... When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don’t throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer ... This is what the past is for! Every experience God gives us, every person he puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.” (Corrie Ten Boom)

Never give up ... hold the faith and trust in Him who flung the stars into space and upholds all things by the word of His power. We often sing “His strength is perfect”, but so is His timing ... He is faithful and true.

Whatever you may be struggling with right now, God is in the business of coming alongside and breaking those chains; of healing that hurt and of setting the captive free! (I’ve been there). He is the miracle maker and has both a future and a hope mapped out just for you.

I like these two songs ...

Zach Williams ~ Chain Breaker:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=JGYjKR69M6U&feature=share

CeCe Winans ~ Believe For It:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=n4ggKHAK_xk&feature=share

Ingrid x

A good resource

Following on from my last post, I happened to have a slugs and bugs CD on in the car for the children and it was playing a song about the full armour of God. I thought I’d share it with you and their website because if any of you have children or are involved in children’s work at church, then it may be worth you taking a listen / having a look. The guys are a bit bonkers (always a good thing) but what I like the most, is that their songs are scripture verses, so by singing them, you’re learning verses off by heart. Most on-line Christian bookshops will stock them if you just search ‘slugs and bugs sing the Bible’ ... I think they’ve done 4 volumes of sing the Bible now. If you want true silliness then watch their show!

https://youtu.be/s9RpaLlIK0w

https://slugsandbugs.com/

Ingrid x

Just a couple of songs

Ok so I guess I’m having a bit of a trying time at the moment. There are some bigger things going on which aren’t nice and I’m not sure if it would be appropriate to share in detail on here ... I’m over the shingles though 🙂. A lot of you will have even bigger and scarier issues ... I’m sending you a massive hug. You are not alone. It can often be the smaller things though, which tip the balance and send our minds into scrambled egg mode where it’s exhausting to even attempt to make sense of one of the problems, let alone all of them. Words are hard to find and articulate, emotions are raw and little tasks feel like you’re climbing Everest. In the moment it can all feel insurmountable, yet even this will pass ... we can’t stop time. So in the spirit of feeling weary whilst at the same time being grateful for so much and enjoying the spring weather, I’d like to simply share on a couple of songs my wonderful sisters have shared with me over the past couple of days as they may just help you in the moment too. Take time to really listen to and notice the words. Thank God for sisters and encouraging music! Ingrid Xx

Yet not I, but Christ in me ~ Selah

https://youtube.com/watch?v=rNXd0KQaYXg&feature=share

He will hold me fast ~ Keith & Kristyn Getty

https://youtube.com/watch?v=936BapRFHaQ&feature=share

I’d like to share a song ...

Some of you reading this may know me, however you may not know that at times during my life I have wanted to die. I have also understood how some resort to self harm. Life is challenging and death can seem to be an escape when we reach our lowest and most desperate moments.

I’m here to tell you that even at those times for me, God was there. I may not have felt it or known it as such, but He was always there. 

I look back and can say like the words of this song, that I can see the evidence of God in my life. His goodness, His faithfulness, His mercy, His love, His protection and the hope which He gives both now and beyond death. Therefore, what is there to fear?

I don't understand why my life has turned out the way it has so far, although I know that a lot of it has been down to my own personal choices, maybe some ignorance and naivety, being far too vulnerable to temptation and struggling with my own identity and purpose.  

What I do know and my desire is, that my past does not define me, but that it continues to teach me and enable me to live my future in line with God's plan for my life. For His word and truth to be embedded into my daily living and for my life to be used and shared for the benefit of others. Then maybe one day sense will be made of the chaos, purpose will be evident in the process and peace will pervade every nook and cranny of the heart.

The song is ‘Evidence’ by Josh Baldwin

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Q6jD7N1HvbI&feature=share

With my love

Ingrid x

Some of you may know this song by Ray Boltz which also resonates:

I've had many tears and sorrows
I've had questions for tomorrow
There've been times I didn't know right from wrong:
But in every situation God gave me blessed consolation
He only gave me trials to make me strong.

Through it all, through it all
I've learned to trust in Jesus
I've learned to trust in God
Through it all, through it all
I've learned to depend upon His Word.

I've been to lots of places
And I've seen a lot of faces
There've been times I felt so all alone
But in my lonely hours
Yes, those precious lonely hours
Jesus let me know that I was His own.

Through it all, through it all
I've learned to trust in Jesus
I've learned to trust in God
Through it all, through it all
I've learned to depend upon His Word.

I thank God for the mountains
And I thank Him for the valleys
I thank Him for the storms
He brought me through
For if I'd never had a problem
I wouldn't know that He could solve them
I'd never know what faith in God could do.

Through it all, through it all
I've learned to trust in Jesus
I've learned to trust in God
Through it all, through it all
I've learned to depend upon His Word.

I love this song...

‘There was Jesus’ by Zach Williams and Dolly Parton

https://youtube.com/watch?v=37wV6D49iEY&feature=share

Good morning!

A good one to start the day! Love this song by Mandisa:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=AnmWwudeqfM&feature=share