Debbie W. Wilson

Refreshing Faith

7 Ways to Increase Your Joy

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I met Patty Mason this summer at an AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Association) conference. I asked her to share the habits that brought her joy after suffering with depression. Now here’s Patty.

Are you struggling to find joy in life? Are you haunted or weighed down by your past? In a world filled with sin, chaos, trials and pain, it is difficult to find lasting joy.

I’ve been through a great deal in my life, but God has shown me that it is possible to have a heart filled with joy, even in the middle of life’s circumstances.

These seven strategies may not be easy. But, if you put them into practice, they will not only help you triumph over painful emotions, but will help you remain joy-filled and free.

#1 Get to the Root of Your Pain

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How Do I Get Unshakable Faith?

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Sometimes we think…

When this hurricane passes—then I’ll rest in God.

When I’m out of debt—then I’ll trust Him.

When I have more knowledge and experience—then I’ll live my faith.

Of course, we know when/then faith is not faith at all. Putting conditions on trusting God keeps us in turmoil. It deprives us of the peace and joy that come from experiencing God—and it’s disobedient.

Waiting for an Experience?

Does the parting of the Red Sea count as a faith-building experience? Israel stood hemmed in between Pharaoh’s approaching army and the Red Sea. Had God brought these unarmed slaves out of Egypt to destroy them?

The angel of God, who’d been going before them, moved behind them. The pillar of cloud also circled behind them and stood between Israel and Pharaoh’s chariots. A strong east wind whipped through their camp and created a dry path right through the middle of the sea. Israel padded across in between heaped walls of water.

Israel emerged on the other side and turned to look back. Cold fear zipped down their spines. Continue Reading

Does Fall Make You Melancholy or Hopeful?

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I’m delighted to introduce you to Vanessa Hunt. She and her sister Heather Patterson write a beautiful blog, At the Picket Fence. Today she shares a devotional from their book Life in Season. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and savor your pause.

Mellan-fall-y

We walked slowly down the hall together, his little hand clutching mine. The noise from the room got louder and louder the closer we got and the flurry of activity around the doorway was a good indication of just how important this particular room was. He spotted a few of his friends and quickly we were engulfed in the madness known as the first day of kindergarten.

His daddy and I passed his younger sister back and forth as we followed him around the room. He sat at his little desk and took out his school supplies, obviously pleased by the fact that he had his very own pencil case. Continue Reading

12 Traits of Unsafe People

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Facebook reminded me of this post. The material is still timely—

Do you have a Laban in your life? Laban was Jacob’s father-in-law and employer for twenty years. He was Rachel and Leah’s father. His name means white, but he was a dark cloud in Jacob’s life.

Unsafe people live, work, and worship among us. They appear friendly and good. But beneath their scrubbed exterior lies a dark streak.

Laban sold his daughters to Jacob. He betrayed Jacob and Rachel by switching the bride the night of the wedding. He cheated Jacob by changing his wages ten times. His story helps us identify the Labans in our lives.

12 Traits of Unsafe People

  • Unsafe people use you as long as it benefits them. (Gen. 30:25-28)
    Laban wanted Jacob to stay while Jacob made him prosperous.

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