The Word This Week - Page 8 of 10 - But Her Leaf Shall Be Green % %

The desire and the power

By Natalie Lapacek-Trout

On November 3, 2022

In Daniel, Dreams and callings, Jeremiah, Jonah, Joseph, Listening to God, Moses, Purpose, Trust, Your will, not mine

Listen to a reading of the text below

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

-Philippians 2:13

Daughter, I know you struggled with that verse today.

It’s okay to struggle with the Word sometimes. You are human, and sometimes you don’t understand.

Remember that you always have the desire to do what pleases you – again, you are human.

But the desire to please me can take some time.

I’m teaching you this. I’m always teaching you this.

And yes, I will give you the desires of your heart.

But let’s look at your heart first.

Does it want to serve me or serve you?

Don’t you think I need someone to serve me where you are?

See.

That’s hard for you to ponder. Hard for you to hear. You don’t want to serve there.

Remember how I said I was teaching you to think differently?

Think about Jeremiah. Think about Daniel. Think about Moses.

Did they always like where they were assigned?

Think about Jonah and Joseph.

Did they like serving me where they were?

I put you in places where you’ll be different, but I give you people who aren’t so different to help.

Your sisters. Your family. Your children. Your friends.

Places and riches and things are made by man, but you, daughter, are made by me.

Don’t think for a second that you are less than what man makes or that it has to influence you.

Don’t think that you must conform or belong.

I put you here not to belong but to show my light.

Show them who I am, even if you think they won’t care or it won’t do any good.

Daniel was just a man, but with me, he was more. Same with the others.

Look at what they did. Look at how they showed my glory for generations to see, for you to see.

Think of these deep things, and try to understand.

Think of how I am working on your behalf, wherever you are.

And don’t forget the things that bring you joy without you even having to try.

I give those to you as a gift.

The hard things are a gift, too.

You’ll see it.

Just give yourself time.

Listen to me.

Trust me.

Rest in me.

See Genesis 39; Exodus 3 and 4; Ecclesiastes 2:24-25; Psalm 37:4 and 139:13-16; Isaiah 55:8-9; Jeremiah 1; Daniel 1 and 6; Jonah 1, 2, 3 and 4; Matthew 5:16 and 28:16-20; Luke 9:23-24; Romans 8:28 and 12:2; Galatians 6:9; Philippians 2:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 6:10-12; James 1:2-4

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.

Everything, every day

By Natalie Lapacek-Trout

On October 26, 2022

In Blessings, God is with you, Letting go, Trust

Listen to a reading of the text below

Oh, daughter, you will see what I have for you, but you can see what I have for today, too.

Every day is a gift. There is something in every day.

I am with you every day. Always.

I never tire of you.

I know you have dreams and all the things you wish you could do and all the things you wish you didn’t have to do.

But I am with you in all these things.

I don’t leave you to fight it out alone or even enjoy it alone.

I want you to share it all with me.

I’m there. I’m in it anyway. Remember I’m there.

Acknowledge me, yes, but invite me to be with you.

I like when you come to me.

I never turn you away. I always want to help.

No task is too big or too small for me.

You and I can achieve so much more together.

On your own, you can do so little. With me, you can do so much.

So much more than you can think or ask.

What I have is yours, daughter, because you are my inheritance.

See it and accept it.

Take what is given to you not just for one thing or one area of your life but for everything.

See how my glory and my abundance fills everything in your life.

See Deuteronomy 4:20 and 32:9-11 (NIV translations*); Deuteronomy 8:17-18 and 31:8; Psalm 16:5, 7-8, 11; Psalm 37:3-5; Psalm 139:7-10; Isaiah 54:10; Matthew 6:33-34 and 28:18-20; John 15:5-8; Ephesians 3:20; Philippians 4:11-13; Colossians 1:11-17; 1 Peter 5:6-7

*I have used the New International Version for these verses in Deuteronomy because of the word “inheritance,” which is also in the King James Version. In the New Living Translation, it is written as “special possession” in Deuteronomy 4:20 and 32:9. The words are synonymous, but “inheritance” is clearer in this case. However it’s stated, know that you are precious to God.

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 most links will be in that version unless otherwise noted.

My yoke, not yours

By Natalie Lapacek-Trout

On October 19, 2022

In Forgiveness, Letting go

Listen to a reading of the text below

Daughter, why have you put off being with me?

I know you’re sorry for how you were today.

It’s okay.

There’s no condemnation, daughter.

I know it’s hard. I don’t underestimate how hard it is for you.

I know it is because of how I made you.

But don’t forget or shut out what I’ve told you.

Shift your focus away from the things that burden you.

They are temporary. They will not last.

Don’t you remember that I am willing?

See Matthew 11:28-30; Luke 5:12-13; Romans 7:14-25 and 8:1-17; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Philippians 3:12-14

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.

There’s more today

By Natalie Lapacek-Trout

On October 12, 2022

In Move forward, Trust, Worry

Listen to a reading of the text below

Daughter, this day is not lost.

There’s still joy in it to be had. Go get it.

Don’t worry about anything. I’m taking care of it.

I’m taking care of you.

The tears today have made you stronger. In your weakness, I am strong, daughter.

And you thought today would be just another day.

I always notice you.

Keep going. I love you.

I hold you by the hand. Read that word again, and take a deep breath.

There’s so much more for you, daughter.

I can’t wait to give it to you.

I’ll tell you everything you need to know to keep moving.

Remember that I love you. I want what’s best for you.

Keep moving forward. Rest.

It will all be fine, my daughter.

See Exodus 33:12-17; Isaiah 41:10 and 13; Isaiah 43:16-19; Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 32:8; Psalm 143:8 and 10; 2 Corinthians 12:8-10; Ephesians 3:20; Philippians 4:6-7

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.

So much more

By Natalie Lapacek-Trout

On September 28, 2022

In Feeling vs. believing, Letting go, Move forward, Trust

Listen to a reading of the text below

Daughter, you are so much more than you even know.

Please believe it.

I know it doesn’t feel that way. I know you think that being more is too good to be true.

It’s not.

It’s not because I made you with my own hands.

Do you know how precious you are to me? Do you know I see you and feel with you?

Yes, I know those thoughts when you don’t feel good enough, when you snuff out your dreams because you don’t believe it.

Start believing.

I can do anything, child. Find your joy in that.

Not in work, not in the moment you’ll be able to leave it, not when all is made right and all is how you’ve hoped.

Find joy in moving forward, that every day moves you forward.

Oh, daughter, don’t ever despair. You are not mediocre. You are not sentenced to mediocrity. That’s how you think sometimes.

I know you’re sorry. You’re becoming aware of it. Remember when I said it’s okay if you don’t always get it right? That’s why I’m here, to guide you.

Now just keep going forward, daughter.

I’ll love you the whole way.

Let me do the work, let me make the plans. Let me work in hearts.

I’ll show you where you need to be. I’ll open the door. You just have to wait and remember and listen.

Keep coming to me. Don’t go where you’ll only hear what you want.

Go where you’ll hear truth from me.

See Psalm 126; Psalm 138:8; Psalm 139:13-16; Isaiah 41:9-10, 43:1-4; Matthew 6:33, 7:7-8, 10:39; Luke 9:23-25; John 16:13-14; Romans 8:26-39, 10:10-11, 11:28-29; Galatians 3:10-12, 5:25, 6:9; Ephesians 1:18, 2:4-5, 2:10, 3:20; Philippians 3:12-14, 4:11-13; Hebrews 4:14-16, 12:1-2

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.

You are more

By Natalie Lapacek-Trout

On September 21, 2022

In Feeling vs. believing, In the world, not of it, Reliance, Trust

Listen to a reading of the text below

Daughter, don’t let your heart be troubled.

I know you hate doing what you don’t see as relevant, but aren’t my plans relevant? Aren’t my plans the best for you?

I know you don’t feel it, but you have to remember the difference between feeling and believing.

You won’t always feel the good things you believe.

You won’t always see them with your human eyes. But your eyes are limited.

Mine are not.

Remember who holds you and sees ahead of you, behind you, beside you, all around you.

Daughter, I see all, and I know what is best for you.

I know there is so much you don’t agree with, and there is so much you don’t get excited about like the others. And I know there is so much you don’t understand.

But remember that I am not training you to think and see like everyone else.

Daughter, you will always feel like an outcast in this world.

But that’s okay. You’re not supposed to be a part of this world. You abide in it, but only through me.

Remember Jeremiah? I put my words in his mouth. Do you think he thought like everyone else? No.

Daughter, my daughter, my chosen, my love, you have so much more than any of them.

You have me with you.

You have a real promise, not a castle in the sand. That castle gets washed away as soon as a wave comes. What you have will never be washed away.

You’re building a better foundation. It will survive floods and winds and rain and snow and anything that comes its way.

It is firm, and it is real, not made of sand that deteriorates before your very eyes.

You are more.

See Psalm 139:3-12; Jeremiah 1:4-10 and 20:11; Matthew 7:24-27; Mark 10:23-27; Luke 12:31-32; John 14:1, 14:27, 15:16, 15:18-20, and 16:33; Romans 8:28-37, 11:33-36, and 12:2; Ephesians 3:20

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.

Just follow me

By Natalie Lapacek-Trout

On September 8, 2022

In Letting go, Rest, Trust

Listen to a reading of the text below

Daughter, don’t worry that you don’t get it right.

Just follow me.

Don’t hesitate to follow me.

And don’t rush.

Don’t rely on your timing. Rely on mine.

Rely on me.

I’ve got this all timed right, and I know how to guide you.

Let me guide you.

Don’t rely on yourself and what you think. Rely on me and how I think.

Keep learning, child. Learn as though your life depended on it. Don’t believe you have to know it all.

I’ll show you and teach you.

Don’t worry.

Trust me. And know that I love you.

Rest from your work for now, child. Think and pray today.

Rest in my name.

See Deuteronomy 13:4, 28:1-6; Proverbs 1:7, 2:1-11; 3:5-7; Psalm 32:8-9; Psalm 37:5 and 34; Psalm 139:5; Isaiah 55:8-9; Lamentations 3:25-26; Matthew 11:28-30; Romans 8:1-2, 24-25, 28, 31-39; Philippians 4:6-7

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.

Just rest

By Natalie Lapacek-Trout

On August 31, 2022

In Rest

Listen to a reading of the text below

Daughter, remember to rest in me.

Don’t feel bad for resting.

Resting is from me, and it is holy.

In rest, you find me.

In rest, you are renewed.

In rest, you are prepared.

In rest, you find your focus.

It only comes from me, daughter.

The world tries to be clever and offer its rest, but it’s not real rest.

It only comes from me.

See Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 33:12-14; Psalm 4:8; Psalm 23; Psalm 37:7; Psalm 95:8-11; Psalm 116:7; Jeremiah 6:16; Matthew 11:28-30; Hebrews 3:14-4:11

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.

Just listen

By Natalie Lapacek-Trout

On August 24, 2022

In Letting go, Listening to God, Purpose, Spiritual gifts

Listen to a reading of the text below

Daughter, I want you to stop and listen.

I want you to be used to hearing my voice.

You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, my very own possession. You can read those words and know they are true.

I chose you for specific and special work. Look how we are working together now. I love when you listen.

I want you to be used to hearing my voice.

You used to think it wasn’t something you could do, but now look what I have done for you. You wanted communion and closeness with me, and look what I have done.

Keep looking at what I have done, child.

I’ll keep doing it. I’ll keep speaking and keep working through you.

I want you to be used to hearing my voice.

Remember that I am a good father who gives good gifts. Let others know. I want all my children to hear my voice.

You can help me. This is why I gave you your talents.

They are not selfish gifts. They are gifts you can enjoy, but they are helpful, too. They will help and do more than you can imagine, child.

Just listen.

See Psalm 32:8; Psalm 73:28; Psalm 85:8; Psalm 145:18; Isaiah 30:21 and 55:3; Jeremiah 33:3; Matthew 7:11; Mark 4:24-25; Luke 11:28; John 10:27; Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Hebrews 3:14-15; James 4:8; 1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 3:20 and 22

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.

Like Esther

By Natalie Lapacek-Trout

On August 17, 2022

In Letting go, Move forward, Purpose

Listen to a reading of the text below

I will never tire of you, daughter.

I will never stop loving you and drawing you nearer. Yes, there is still more to do for me and you. Remember that I give you joy. And I will be with you, no matter what.

You won’t mess things up. You are my daughter.

I’ve chosen you for such a time as this. I’ve chosen your skills and abilities. I’ve chosen your husband and children, all for you.

With what I’ve chosen, you will grow and live and see me clearly.

Here and now, I am with you, and I’ll keep showing you the way. Be open to my way. Give up your own.

Remember how I am doing things differently?

Let me work how I work. It is much better, and you only have to listen and rely on me. Yes, come to me, rely on me, rest in me.

Remember this, and remember what I’ve done. Watch what I’m doing. You’ll see it, daughter. You won’t miss it. You won’t miss me because I am so close.

Remember that I hold time. I know what you can do in a day. Give me your day so you can make the most of it.

Shine my light today, and don’t grumble. Do your work, and remember that I have work for you. Aren’t you amazed at what we’ve accomplished so far?

Go, child, and be my vessel. Share my light. We have so much to do together, and I am excited for it.

You can be, too.

See the book of Esther. The link will direct you to chapter one and then you can read the other chapters by clicking the arrow on the right, or grab your Bible and get cozy while you read this amazing story. Friends, I encourage you to read the whole book to supplement this week’s post.