September 2023 - But Her Leaf Shall Be Green

I don’t give up

By Natalie Lapacek-Trout

On September 27, 2023

In Empowerment, Faith, God is with you, Reliance, Trust

Daughter, the tasks I give you are not burdensome.

They are designed for you and me,

Together.

I don’t give them to you and leave.

I don’t give up on you.

I don’t give up.

Did I give up on my children in the desert?

Did I give up after the wickedness, the flood, the idolatry?

Do I give up now?

Daughter, I am working every day,

In you, in all my children, simultaneously.

It is beyond your understanding,

But that does not make it less so.

See Genesis 8:20-22; Deuteronomy 8; Psalm 102:26-27; Proverbs 3:5-6; John 15:1-11; Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 and 13:7; 2 Corinthians 1:17-20 and 6:1-2; Philippians 1:6 and 2:13; James 1:2-4 and 17-18; 1 John 5:3-5

These links share just a glimpse of the story God is telling us. When you have time, read a chapter or two around the verses to get the context and see the whole picture. My preferred Bible translation is the New Living Translation, so all links will be in that version.

Whole

By Natalie Lapacek-Trout

On September 13, 2023

In Faith, Fear, Listening to God, Rest

Daughter, how often do I tell you to rest?

You think there is too much to do.

It is only through my rest that you will accomplish anything.

I won’t give what you ask when you strive.

I won’t guide you when you insist on leading me.

Daughter, know my sovereignty.

Know that with me, you have everything.

You have my favor, child.

You don’t have to earn it.

You can fight.

You can move.

You can achieve.

But only with me.

Otherwise, it is fruitless.

It will only make you tired, susceptible.

With me, you are strong.

With me, your weaknesses are transformed.

Your mind, your heart, your body are made whole.

Nothing outside of me is whole.

See Genesis 2:1-3; Psalm 32; Proverbs 3:5-6; Ecclesiastes 4:5-6; Jeremiah 14:22 and 17:14; John 15:1-17; Matthew 7:7-11 and 11:28-30; 2 Corinthians 12:5-10; Ephesians 1, 2:8-10, and 3:14-20; Philippians 4:6-7 and 10-13; Colossians 2:8-10

These links share just a glimpse of the story God is telling us. When you have time, read a chapter or two around the verses to get the context and see the whole picture. My preferred Bible translation is the New Living Translation, so all links will be in that version.

I know, and still

By Natalie Lapacek-Trout

On September 6, 2023

In Feeling vs. believing, God knows you, Letting go, Rest

Daughter,

Everything you do, everything you say, everything you think –

I know it, and still,

I love you.

I want you close, to come with me.

It’s no trick.

It’s not too good to be true.

It’s not burdensome.

You don’t have to work extra hard to know me,

To be with me.

You only need to believe in me, in my sovereignty.

You only need to remember how I’ve worked

For you.

Take a breath.

Look for me, and

You will find me.

Forgive yourself,

Think of the good,

Pray, and

Rest, my daughter.

See Numbers 23:19; Psalms 34:17-18, 73, 139, and 145:17-18; Matthew 7:7-11 and 11:28-30; Romans 5:6-11 and 8:1-4; Galatians 3:21-29; Ephesians 2:1-10 and 3:12-20; Philippians 4:6-9; James 4

These links share just a glimpse of the story God is telling us. When you have time, read a chapter or two around the verses to get the context and see the whole picture. My preferred Bible translation is the New Living Translation, so all links will be in that version.

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Month: September 2023

I don’t give up

Whole

I know, and still