Guidance

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James 1:5-7 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.”

God has promised to give us guidance but many of us have trouble finding God’s guidance. We want to be sure that we are in God’s will and we don’t want to take the wrong path.

If you are confused about the issue of guidance and God’s will for you, you need to know that satan’s intention is to confuse Christ’s followers about guidance and God’s will. Satan has been a liar and a cheat from the very beginning and he doesn’t want any of us to find God’s perfect plan for our lives.

But if you have made wrong decisions in your life you need to also know that you aren’t the only one. The Son of God can set us free. He can break through into realms of confusion and set us back on the right track again. Trust the Father to guide.

Are there great flashes from heaven to point to where you can visually see His divine will for your life? Most likely not, but it’s important that as children of God, we know how God guides. You must know how to discern God’s will.

God’s guidance is always obvious. You might have to wait for a time for it to become clear, but when it comes, it’s always clear.

1 John 1:5 says “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”

If God is light, then in Him there is no darkness. God’s guidance will never be vague.

The first thing you need to do to find guidance in God’s will is to already have an obedient heart. Whatever God reveals it will also be at a price; a cost to your very life and will.

If you want to know God’s will, and have God’s will revealed to you, then be prepared to obey God. God is not going to reveal His will to anyone if disobedience is in their lives because they won’t be obedient to the guidance He will give. Obey and take up your cross and follow Him – daily. You’ll not only anticipate guidance, you’ll see it – God will lead you clearly into the plan for your life.

Thank you, Father,  for your divine guidance in our lives. We are sometimes confused by what life throws at us but help us to continue to seek you through Your Word so our trust in you may be strengthened. Amen

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

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Little White Dove

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Rising, falling,
Gliding, flying.

Mantled in whispers of cloud,
Little white dove blissfully endowed.

Rising, falling,
Gliding, flying.

Softy embracing a heavenly tone,
Fly little white dove in skies unknown.

Rising, falling,
Gliding, flying.

Little white dove rises beyond the dance,
Through the power of a rhythmic trance.

© Chrissy Siggee

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Healing

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Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. – Jeremiah 17:14

Most of us have prayed for healing at some time in our life. Some of us have prayed more often than we can count and still we are not healed.

Does he hear us? Does He care?

Yes, I believe God cares and He does hear us. I also believe that He desires good health for all His children, but if healing does not appear to come, we must understand that God has a much bigger perception of our lives.

Although God does heal, we must never presume that it’s His duty to heal. It’s not mandatory for Him to heal us, and although there were many miracle healings throughout the Bible, there were many times when God did not heal pain and suffering straight away – but He did work with it for good.

Romans 5:3-5 says: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

Here God responded to Paul’s prayers for healing not by making him well but rather by working through his suffering to draw him closer to God.

I often desire God’s healing and I honestly believe He can heal me but I also know I need to continue to wait on Him and to trust Him with my life.

2 Corinthians 12: 9 tells us that His grace is sufficient for us, because His power is made perfect in our weakness.

May God give you peace in the knowledge that He will work with your suffering and pain for good.

Father, I pray that you will comfort me in my suffering and fill me with confidence that in the power of your grace, that even when I am afraid, I may put my whole trust in you; through our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

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Rainbow Smile

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I asked an old lady in the park if she had seen my little boy.

‘What does he look like?’ she replied.

‘Well,’ I answered, quite sincere—

‘He has brown eyes
and hair to match;
Too many curls for a little boy,
combed to perfection every day;
His teeth are white as white can be—
A very tidy little man is he!
He wears a smartly pressed sailor suit
with little white shoes to match.’

— A perfect darling is my boy.’

‘No child like this I have seen,’ the lady did respond,
‘but a treasure you will find, just around that path.’

Around the garden path I went
and before me, a treasure my eyes beheld—

He had brown eyes
and hair to match.
A shock of curls in disarray,
band-aid knees, and soiled clothes—
What happened to my little boy?
In front, he had a missing tooth;
he was eating ice cream from a cone,
his face aglow with a rainbow smile.

— ‘A perfect darling is my boy.’

© Chrissy Siggee

Under Copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads 🦋 Poetry Mix

Promises

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Romans 8:38-39 – For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This is one of those passages of Scripture that lingers in the air and echoes in the mind long after it’s been read. There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God. That’s one reassuring promise. There’s no one else who can make a promise like that and keep it.

Have you ever had someone make you a promise and not keep it? It hurts; especially when if someone made it you thought you could trust to fulfill that promise. Perhaps time overwhelmed them or situations changed, but it still leaves a sense of being totally rejected.

Have you told someone you would do something and didn’t follow through? We need to be careful what we promise. I remember one time when my children were little that I had to break a promise in relation to a birthday party venue. The venue had changed owners and I was unaware of changed circumstances. I was no longer comfortable taking my children on the premises with its new clientele and their disturbing behavior. I broke a promise and had to explain my reasons, but as children are, I still broke my promise. I eventually found a more suitable place that the children were delighted with but from that time I usually added the words: unless something unforeseen happens and if it’s God’s will.

Promises of love can sometimes lead to devastation. Norm and I have had many friends over the years whose marriages have ended often in ugly divorces. Their ultimate reasons were usually based on broken promises. How sad.

God’s promises to us can never be broken and when I see God’s handiwork in the stars, breathe in the ocean air, take in the endless mountain views or the beauty in the land, I think how awesome his love is for me. Knowing that nothing or no one can stop that love is precious and eternal.

Oh Lord, the God of all creation, I praise your holy name. I am thankful for your overwhelming love for me. Your promises from Scripture fill me with hope and joy. Thank you for Your truth and honour that reigns forever. Amen.

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

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In the Silence

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Sweet solitude of silence
Brushes against my soul—
With a touch of His presence,
He brings rest to my bones.

Verses of faith drift through me,
Soothing battered senses—
Inspired by the silence,
He captivates my heart.

God’s Holiness bathes me,
Tender anointing falls—
In compassion He gives me
His peace in the silence.

Gems of joy, whispered hope,
Shown in His love and grace
Consoling in the silence…
He kisses away my tears.

©  Chrissy Siggee

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

Goodness

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For the Lord is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favour and honour; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. – Psalm 84:11 (NIV)

Do you find yourself at times focusing on how you messed up rather than the emphasis on the goodness Jesus gives? I know I do and sometimes I despair over what I don’t have and forget to look at just what He has provided.

Reading a verse like this one in Psalm 84 certainly is a wake-up call. His provision is perfect and His possibilities are endless. He is doing new things, great things, every moment of every day of our lives.

James 1:17 says: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Today, will you join me and reach out to grab every opportunity?

Look with expectancy for every good gift that comes from Him.

Father, help me to focus on you and what you have given me. Help me to look for those blessings that you shower on me every day. May I not focus on what could have been or what I don’t have. Amen

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

Graffiti King

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The lunch bell rang. The din of chairs screeching, student chatter, and books slamming closed echoed in the classroom.

‘Peter Mason, I’d like a word with you in my office over lunch.’

‘Yes Sir.’

Peter had only been at this school for six months. His father’s job regularly moved them from state to state. This was his second school in three years, making it difficult to make friends and to be accepted by his peers.

‘Hey Mason, what’s Olsen want to see you for this time?’ Jeremy Spears sniggered.

Jason shrugged and kept walking.

‘Mason,’ Spears shouted after him. ‘See you after school … usual place.’

The gym was his favourite place. Oddly enough, it was the only class he didn’t share with Jeremy. He entered the locker room and quickly changed into his gym gear.

One of the team’s pole vaulters came over while Peter was placing a sweatband around his head.  ‘Mason, I didn’t think you were going to show. Good to see you.’ He snickered and slapped Peter’s back.

Peter turned but the guy was gone. What’s he on?  Peter pushed open the swinging doors, entered the gym, and did his usual warm-up routine. His favourite apparatus were the rings, and he was grateful he had them to himself for the next hour.

‘Mason,’ the coach shouted. ‘Didn’t you hear the bell? Go shower. Principal Olsen is waiting.’

He showered quickly, dressed, and was running his fingers through his matted hair when the coach entered the locker room.

‘Mason, you have an ability that will get you to the 2024 Olympic Games. Don’t waste your time painting walls in your spare time.’

‘Coach, I …’ But the coach had already left.

What is it with these jerks? He stormed off to the administration block, notified the secretary he had arrived, and plopped in a chair to wait.

‘Come in, Mr. Mason. Take a seat.’

Principal Olsen didn’t even look up when he stepped behind his desk and sat down on his swivel chair. He picked up a newspaper and started reading.

They both sat in silence for a few moments before Principal Olsen spoke. ‘It’s come to my attention … again, that you were seen immediately following the latest graffiti incident here at the school. Somehow your picture and story made front page news.’ He emphasized his last words by tossing the folded newspaper across the table for Peter to read.

Peter stared at the photo, obviously taken by a security video camera and the caption below. ‘Graffiti King Identified on Camera.’ In the hood of his jacket was a pressure-pack can.

‘How? Spears, it had to be Spears. Sir …’

‘I’d like to believe you, I really would. However, Spears is seen … here.’ He pointed to a gate, to the left of what appeared to be Peter. ‘He may have avoided the ‘camera rotation but …’

‘Why would I carry a spray can in my hoodie, Sir?’ Peter felt his pulse racing.

‘I’m sorry, Peter. This time I have to issue a suspension. Your father has been notified. You can collect your things now before classes resume. Return to the office to collect your suspension letter for your father and leave while everyone’s in class.’

Peter left in a daze. He couldn’t believe it.

He emptied the contents of his locker into his backpack and shut the door. He made his way back to the gym and wandered over to the rings. He was overcome with disappointment. He took one last look and turned to see the coach standing nearby.

‘It’s only for the remainder of the term, Peter, and unfortunately, Olsen won’t let you use the school gym after school hours either. I tried, but he won’t budge.’

‘Coach, I didn’t do it. Honest.’

His coach sighed. He placed his hand on Peter’s shoulder and spoke with compassion. ‘Look, stay away from Spears. He’s bad news. If you can keep out of trouble, I’ll talk to Principal Olsen about a summer training program.’

Peter smiled weakly. ‘Thanks, Coach.’

With regrets, Peter returned to the administration block, collected the letter, and headed home determined to hold on to the hint of hope that his coach had given him.

© Chrissy Siggee

 

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Archived: 🦋 Teen Reading & 🦋 Short Fiction

Behold!

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Did you know that the words “Lamb of God” as a title of our Lord, occur twice in the Gospel of John and once in 1 Peter?

However, John uses the same title in Revelation about 30 times. It’s clear that The Lamb of God would have meant a great deal to John who leaned on Jesus and knew the secret of His Redeeming love… perhaps better than any of the twelve disciples.

In John 1:28-30 it says: ‘This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!  This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 

Peter doesn’t use this title directly, but in speaking of our redemption from sin in 1 Peter 1:18-19‘ For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

With all the names of Christ used throughout the Bible, The Lamb of God would without a doubt, touch me the most deeply. None speak more strongly of our deliverance from the slavery of sin. I can only capture a glimpse of how John felt about our Saviour.

Is it redemption that we desire? Then it must be redemption by the blood.

The cross of Christ is the only hope of the world. A world that often declares things like “behold our new methods”, “behold our human brotherhood” or even, “behold this new opportunity” and forgets the only real cry that needs to be boasted— “Behold the Lamb of God.”

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (niv)

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

Archived in:    🦋 Christian Reads

Winter Mulching

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We finally completed the mulch laying in the front garden. We didn’t need as much mulch as the past 7 years but it took us longer to lay. Old age and aching joints doesn’t help but working together over the past week between raining days, we finally finished it.

Everything seems to have taken well including the new bright pink Hibiscus and the pink Frangipani cutting we received from a neighbour. This year I’m considering entering the small garden competition in the seniors community we live in.

All done for another year.

Archived in: I’m in the Garden

Trials

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Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (NIV)

How should we view the trials that we go through?  First, we should reflect on the reasons why we are facing them. Unfortunately, for most of us, our questioning comes from our human form of questioning of the— ‘why me?’ aspect.  This is of course just questioning God. Often this type of thinking easily moves into anger. This is the exact opposite of how we are directed to respond.

We are told to “consider it pure joy.” Now that seems a strange statement. If someone were to teach me to do that when facing trials, I would be tempted to call him an idiot. This would of course reveal only an immaturity and the unbiblical nature of my biblical and spiritual thinking.

We should view our trials with joyfulness, knowing what is really happening. That is, when we are being tried, our faith is being tested. What does that mean? When we face a challenge, do we respond by what we see and feel—or by what we believe to be true? If we are being tested it should increase our stability, our steadfastness, and our faith.

Father, help me to count all things as pure joy, whatever we face today. Give me the faith that is unwavering in all trials and let me found tested and true. Amen.

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

Riverside Peace (the poem)

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There’s something about a river
that draws me to its side
Effortlessly advancing
toward a lake or sea.

With an abundance of freshness
it’s filled with life and health
Uninterrupted flowing
beyond the distant fields.

From gentle humble beginnings
– a fact of life itself
Amazingly appealing
amid a lonely past.

Whispers of the river embrace
the peace renews my mind
Majestically embracing
yonder pathways I see.

© Chrissy Siggee

Archived in: 🦋  Poetry Mix

Faith’s Adventures – 8 stories from the Archives.

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From the Archives:  Faith’s Adventure – All 8 Stories

Faith to the Rescue
Faith Loses a Friend
Faith Goes on a Holiday
Faith’s Christmas Surprise
Faith’s Close Encounter
Faith’s Discovery
Faith Becomes a Mother
Faith – That’s my Blue Eye
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Partly true, partly fictional. 8 very short stories about Ken and his dog faith. Suitable for all ages. Please note: story “Faith Loses a Friend” may need parental guidance for younger children.

Archived in: 🦋 Teen Reading 🦋 Short Fiction  

Wisdom

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Psalm 32:8 – I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. 

Seeking wisdom should be a part of life. Wisdom should be sought when making decisions for a lifetime partner, parenting wisdom (from newborns through school days) teens, their wedding plans, etc. Wisdom is so important for guidance. Of course, there’s an assortment of classes, counseling, and generational pass-downs of valuable experience. Wisdom is also needed during times of crisis and when under financial pressure.

Where do we find such wisdom?

James 1:5 says: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” 

So why do we allow ourselves to stress out, panic, or worry in times like this? How often do we seek wisdom from the Lord?

In the early years of my marriage, I used to stress over every minor crisis, especially when my husband was interstate with work or on a course where I couldn’t contact him. When it came to a serious dilemma, I was panic-stricken. It took sheer willpower to seek wisdom through His word and be strengthened by His truths. By seeking wisdom when a situation arose, I could take my concerns immediately to the Lord in prayer.

The next time there’s a crisis or situation that requires wisdom, pray and seek out God’s wisdom in your circumstances. Through His Word and prayer, He will guide you through.

Father, show us wisdom in all situations that arise in our day-to-day lives. Teach us to trust you, seek out insights through your word, and prompt us to pray through every crisis. Strengthen us so we may stand firm when things happen that need your wisdom to see us through.  Amen.

 © Chrissy Siggee 

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

Wait!

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Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him Psalm 37:7a 

When an answer to prayer is not quick in coming, we often find ourselves focusing on the prayer itself and on the answer we desire to that prayer. While we know it’s well to be positive, and we know God will answer in His time, we need to wait on Him, the one who meets all our needs—and He’s never late.

It’s while we wait that we need to keep our eyes fixed on the Lord, study His Word, and find instruction, comfort, and encouragement. We need to trust Him and know that He can and will do what He considers best for His children.

There’s one thing I have learned through waiting; it gives me the opportunity to give God the glory for an unwavering assurance that He has all things under control. Everything is in His hands and there is a time for everything.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Verse 11 – He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. (NIV)

Wait in hope, perseverance, patience, and joy because His grace is sufficient for me.

Father, help us to be patient with answers to prayer. Keep our eyes fixed on You knowing all things will come to pass in Your perfect timing. Amen

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

New Achievement – This is why we need a chat room!

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Achievement unlocked: Got Carried Away

Leave a comment that is longer than the original post.

I discovered there are some fun achievements but this one I had to think about. And yes, with some comments I receive, they deserve an proper answer. Same too if I comment on someone else’s post who deserved an encouraging reply comment or answer their question. I’ve always wondered why WordPress doesn’t have a chat room or a messenger where if we want to chat amongst ourselves, we can do so – and in private.

Archived in: Updates