Grateful for this post for it brings me into the space where there are so many remembrance stones errected.
Jesus has delivered me from so many things and the one I will share here is the deliverance of me from me. Even as I pen these words tears well up in my eyes because He has done it once again.
When I allowed myself, (recently I might add), to become so introspective I could no longer see; Jesus, He was there. His relentless pursuit of me is no less than absolutely relentless, remarkable—LOVE.
My heart is overwhelmed by our Deliverer🙌🏾 who saves to the uttermost🙏🏾
Very relatable and thanks for sharing. I like to be in control but I find when I let go it allows Christ to take over. For example I have a very hard time taking time off for work, I wrongly assume that sales are dependent on my efforts and the Lord shows me that sometime sales are better when I get out of the way. As was the case this past week in the family vacation.
“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.””
This was perfect and was so overwhelmed that almost did not read. I am reading Margaret George's "Mary of Magdeline," and it is not the first read. It is 600 pages of immersing oneself into what likely was Mary of Magdaline's life and world. Beautifully written, easy enough for one in high school. "Like a warm bath" yet intense because of the nature of the story. I'm in the 400's and your talk of Joanne and Susanna was right where I am. My personal journey is unusual and rough but am staying close to God. Trying to find a Gospel driven church that does not use Bible studies for political bashings, lol! God Bless You and Yours.
Awesome Melissa. Thanks for sharing I will have to pick a copy of the book. I always like new book recommendations and even better connecting the topic. Very understandable about the need for a church that is centered in the gospel and not politics. Be glad to pray for you about that, message me at thesaltandlightdaily@gmail.com if if I can assist further with connecting to a local church. I am trying to help people who are in need of a local church family. But will be praying, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Thank-you so much. I think that it is a good idea for you to check it out so that you know whether you like it before saying anything to anyone. You have a sense of people that makes me think that you would share it with your wife to get her perspective and perhaps your children some day.
I am no expert but am a life long Christian (I know that can mean anything!) but without "going-on" I will say that I am also married to clergy as of 35 years this month. I have learned more than I would have ever expected about both clergy and congregations! (heehee, nah it's not all that bad else I wouldn't be here)
Thanks for sharing. That is a relatable challenge. Some healing takes time. Hopefully some projects can assist with healing - I find writing can be therapeutic.
I believe my greatest challenge has always been the war within, the voice of insecurity and discouragement. It is the enemy's voice, yet it is in my own words that I've often spoke fear to myself - yet, Jesus encourages, embraces, enlightens. He teaches me, through my own struggles and gives me hope that I am learning (ever learning) - thought sometimes slowly. He is delivering me, over and over, from the voices that speak doubt into me and rage war within me. He is my Savior and I'm so very grateful! God bless you for your glorious expressions here.
Thanks Regina - discernment in who and what we listen for is so important. Thank you for sharing and we know the Lord desires to lead us always to better things than that discouraged content whether from within or the enemy.
Shame. This has been my biggest obstacle. I lived my whole life painting a perfect picture of what I wanted everyone to see on the surface and I was a pro at it, I also desperately wanted to be loved and liked by everyone changing who I was to fit their profile of “like” and I kept putting myself front and center “how great am I” mentality. Then I had an event in my life that required all the darkness in my heart be exposed to the people all around me, and my fall from grace almost killed me. I had a choice, and I am thankful Jesus stepped in and in a big way said “step into the light” there will be no more hiding your sin. It has been incredibly freeing, it’s also been incredibly difficult and a several years process in recovery. (3years this month) and I just keep moving forward. So my entire motivation now is to never see anyone be so lost in shame that they feel there is no path forward and no light to be found. It’s why I write about finding light in darkness (night sky themed). I believe God has called me to lean into my spiritual gift He gave me, just share his creation and help others find that encouragement beyond shame.
Thanks for sharing Greg. I think many can relate. My wife likes to say “bring things out to the light”, it’s easy to bury things we don’t like to talk about. It takes courage to be honest with others and the Lord. The Lord has given you a testimony to encourage others, be bold.
I really needed this. Delivered and fearless is such a powerful reminder—it’s not just about being freed, but about walking forward in that freedom without shrinking back. Luke 8:1–3 felt so personal in this moment. Thank you, Paul.
I have had so many coincidences in my life that served to protect me from myself. On my 37th anniversary of being clean and sober, I wrote about some of them in an essay entitled ‘Is There A God.” I updated it recently with an incredible story of multiple coincidences that my friend Deacon Bob calls Godincidences.
I spoke at a religious retreat yesterday and today about Jesus and about the Holy Spirit, interspersing the talks with my life experiences. Both speeches were well received.
My essay is here in my substack if you are interested.
Grateful for this post for it brings me into the space where there are so many remembrance stones errected.
Jesus has delivered me from so many things and the one I will share here is the deliverance of me from me. Even as I pen these words tears well up in my eyes because He has done it once again.
When I allowed myself, (recently I might add), to become so introspective I could no longer see; Jesus, He was there. His relentless pursuit of me is no less than absolutely relentless, remarkable—LOVE.
My heart is overwhelmed by our Deliverer🙌🏾 who saves to the uttermost🙏🏾
A purpose in it all friend. Your testimony will encourage others, be bold.
God bless you, friend. Thanks for the encouragement!
My challenge has been letting go of “having to be in control”. For me it’s been a process of pausing, and letting God lead.
Very relatable and thanks for sharing. I like to be in control but I find when I let go it allows Christ to take over. For example I have a very hard time taking time off for work, I wrongly assume that sales are dependent on my efforts and the Lord shows me that sometime sales are better when I get out of the way. As was the case this past week in the family vacation.
“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.””
Psalms 46:10
https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.46.10.NIV
This was perfect and was so overwhelmed that almost did not read. I am reading Margaret George's "Mary of Magdeline," and it is not the first read. It is 600 pages of immersing oneself into what likely was Mary of Magdaline's life and world. Beautifully written, easy enough for one in high school. "Like a warm bath" yet intense because of the nature of the story. I'm in the 400's and your talk of Joanne and Susanna was right where I am. My personal journey is unusual and rough but am staying close to God. Trying to find a Gospel driven church that does not use Bible studies for political bashings, lol! God Bless You and Yours.
Awesome Melissa. Thanks for sharing I will have to pick a copy of the book. I always like new book recommendations and even better connecting the topic. Very understandable about the need for a church that is centered in the gospel and not politics. Be glad to pray for you about that, message me at thesaltandlightdaily@gmail.com if if I can assist further with connecting to a local church. I am trying to help people who are in need of a local church family. But will be praying, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Psalms 37:4
https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.37.4.NIV
Thank-you so much. I think that it is a good idea for you to check it out so that you know whether you like it before saying anything to anyone. You have a sense of people that makes me think that you would share it with your wife to get her perspective and perhaps your children some day.
Thank you kindly. I will check out the work you recommended and sounds very informative and widens perspectives.
I am no expert but am a life long Christian (I know that can mean anything!) but without "going-on" I will say that I am also married to clergy as of 35 years this month. I have learned more than I would have ever expected about both clergy and congregations! (heehee, nah it's not all that bad else I wouldn't be here)
You have valuable experiences to share with others. Thanks for sharing.
My challenge is sitting in sorrow and not running from it by creating new projects to take my mind from dealing with it.
Thanks for sharing. That is a relatable challenge. Some healing takes time. Hopefully some projects can assist with healing - I find writing can be therapeutic.
I believe my greatest challenge has always been the war within, the voice of insecurity and discouragement. It is the enemy's voice, yet it is in my own words that I've often spoke fear to myself - yet, Jesus encourages, embraces, enlightens. He teaches me, through my own struggles and gives me hope that I am learning (ever learning) - thought sometimes slowly. He is delivering me, over and over, from the voices that speak doubt into me and rage war within me. He is my Savior and I'm so very grateful! God bless you for your glorious expressions here.
Thanks Regina - discernment in who and what we listen for is so important. Thank you for sharing and we know the Lord desires to lead us always to better things than that discouraged content whether from within or the enemy.
Shame. This has been my biggest obstacle. I lived my whole life painting a perfect picture of what I wanted everyone to see on the surface and I was a pro at it, I also desperately wanted to be loved and liked by everyone changing who I was to fit their profile of “like” and I kept putting myself front and center “how great am I” mentality. Then I had an event in my life that required all the darkness in my heart be exposed to the people all around me, and my fall from grace almost killed me. I had a choice, and I am thankful Jesus stepped in and in a big way said “step into the light” there will be no more hiding your sin. It has been incredibly freeing, it’s also been incredibly difficult and a several years process in recovery. (3years this month) and I just keep moving forward. So my entire motivation now is to never see anyone be so lost in shame that they feel there is no path forward and no light to be found. It’s why I write about finding light in darkness (night sky themed). I believe God has called me to lean into my spiritual gift He gave me, just share his creation and help others find that encouragement beyond shame.
Thanks for sharing Greg. I think many can relate. My wife likes to say “bring things out to the light”, it’s easy to bury things we don’t like to talk about. It takes courage to be honest with others and the Lord. The Lord has given you a testimony to encourage others, be bold.
Yessir. Thank you! That’s the plan, be bold for the Lord. 💫 your wife’s a smart lady, as is mine. We are blessed.
I really needed this. Delivered and fearless is such a powerful reminder—it’s not just about being freed, but about walking forward in that freedom without shrinking back. Luke 8:1–3 felt so personal in this moment. Thank you, Paul.
Paul, Great topic!
I have had so many coincidences in my life that served to protect me from myself. On my 37th anniversary of being clean and sober, I wrote about some of them in an essay entitled ‘Is There A God.” I updated it recently with an incredible story of multiple coincidences that my friend Deacon Bob calls Godincidences.
I spoke at a religious retreat yesterday and today about Jesus and about the Holy Spirit, interspersing the talks with my life experiences. Both speeches were well received.
My essay is here in my substack if you are interested.
Thanks, Andy!
Thanks for sharing Andy. I will check it out for sure and thanks for sharing your story.
Thanks for the restack.