Nicki's Blog

Hi friends – The Bible is full of wisdom that God wants to share with us. I also know that most of us don’t like being told what to do but we all need advice, counsel or wisdom at some point. Depending on the season in life, we need to gain understanding, learn to navigate, or just be still because God is in control and He wants to help.

Review – Proverbs 1:7 and understand that God has good plans for you when you follow His lead. God gives us His scripture so that we can see what He has to say and thoughtfully put into practice. Just like most parents care for their children, God truly cares for you.

Receive – I believe all of us need some wise counsel. Life is full of decisions and we all need support from friends, family and community. What I would also say is when you take some quiet time with the Lord, you are inviting something very special into your decision making – divine intervention. That my friends is a beautiful gift from God. God never leaves us or forsakes us especially when it comes to seeking Him for wisdom. That quiet time allows you to sit in the presence of God and listen to Him.

Respond in prayer – Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for your endless wisdom that is available to me. Give me the patience and understanding to follow you every day. Amen.

Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge

Until next time my friends, remember you are known and loved by God. Blessings!

Hi friends – As we start this week I want to encourage you to think about peace, how you find peace and some different thinking about peace based on scripture. God loves you so much and wants you to have peace, the peace that He provides.

Review – Take a moment to read through John 14:27. The word peace referred to in the first verse means to be at peace with God. The word troubled in the second verse means do not be thrown into confusion.

Receive – When we dig a little deeper into scripture it helps us gain understanding. There are days when peace is easier than others. Stand firm in God’s peace and if you need God’s peace receive it today.

Respond in prayer – Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for providing true peace and contentment especially in challenging seasons. In Jesus’ name. Amen

John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Until next time my friends remember you are known an loved by God. Blessings!

Hi friends – As I reflect on the word strength, what pops in my mind is the scripture I am going to share today. It is a beautiful promise. This verse comes to my mind often because I know that the joy of the Lord does give me strength. When we choose to receive this powerful scripture and this amazing promise from God, He changes us. This promise allows us to navigate the different seasons in life with joy in our hearts and strength that can only come from the Lord.

Review – Nehemiah 8:10 – The joy of the Lord is my strength – The word strength in this verse means refuge, stronghold, place of protection. God wants to be our refuge and place of protection. There is joy when we can rest in God’s strength.

Receive – God never planned for us to navigate this life on our own. I know not every season is easy. God wants to give us joy and He wants to provide us with strength so that we don’t have to navigate any of life on our own. I challenge you to memorize this scripture. It is an easy one to remember and a beautiful promise to receive.

Respond in prayer – Dear Lord Jesus – Thank you for your joy and strength. Remind me every day that you are there to fill me with joy and give me strength. Amen

Until next time my friends remember you are known and loved by God. Blessings!

Hi friends – As we enter this week, I have a promise to share with you. No matter what you are facing, God is with you. Every step of the way, God is with you. God is not just with you sometimes but all the time. God does not get tired or weary. There is nothing that is too hard for God to handle. The week may be pretty normal, unique with some tricky situations or maybe a few challenges that you are not looking forward too. He will give you understanding to navigate those situations. God will give you strength to do it all.

Review – Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Receive – This scripture tells us a few things. We don’t have to be afraid. God will strengthen us and God will uphold us. Uphold means to provide support. God’s hand is on your life. He is with you my friend.

Respond in prayer – Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for strengthening me every moment of every day. Thank you that you uphold me with your righteous right hand. Amen

Until next time my friends, remember you are known and loved by God. Blessings!

Hi friends – It has occurred to me recently that many people don’t understand all the promises of God and the power behind those promises. I invite you to explore two things with me. God’s promises and the impact on your life. Friends, let’s take a look:

Review – 1 Chronicles 16:34 – This scripture says – Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Receive – It is so important to give thanks. Science says that when we are thankful our dopamine increases. Dopamine is our brain’s pleasure chemical. God created us and He knows what we need. Give thanks to God throughout the day and see the difference!

Respond in prayer – Dear Lord Jesus, Help me have a thankful heart because you are a good heavenly Father. Amen.

Until next time my friends remember you are known and loved by God. Blessings!

Hi friends – The book of Psalms is full of songs and poems. One of the purposes of this book of the Bible is to provide praise, honour and glory to the Lord. Sprinkled throughout the book of Psalms are verses that cry out to God for help, guidance, forgiveness and understanding like Psalm 51:10. Let’s take at it together.

Review – Psalm 51:10 – Create in me a pure heart of God and renew a steadfast spirit within. There was a lot happening in King David’s life and he wanted God to create a pure heart in him.

Receive – King David’s circumstances were different but his motivation was to change his heart. We all have done things we regret. The beautiful thing is that we can go to God, connect with Him, ask for forgiveness and His death on the cross covers that sin.

Respond in prayer – Dear Lord Jesus – Thank you for creating in me a pure heart. Thank you for being a loving heavenly Father who cares deeply for us. Amen.

Until next time my friend remember you are known and loved by God. Blessings!

Hi friends – We are going to take a look at the name of God – YHWH Tzva’ot – The Lord of hosts. This is a beautiful name and an amazing meaning which can provide such comfort for us. Having the faith to know and understand (maybe not entirely but a portion of understanding) that God is greater than all things, situations and circumstances. Choosing to have the faith to know that the Lord Jesus is on our side.

Review – Read through 1 Samuel 17:45 – There is part of the fight between David and Goliath that becomes very intents. Ultimately David (the shepherd boy) knew he could defeat Goliath because God was with him. David speaks out that he comes in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Receive – It is one thing to walk into a situation with fear, concern, anxiety, sadness….something different to have God come along beside you. It is an ordinary feeling/experience to have God on your side.

Respond in prayer – Dear Lord, Thank you for being right by my side every moment of every day. I was never meant to do this life journey on my own. I am so thankful for your heavenly hand of protection over my life. Amen.

Until next time my friends remember you are known and loved by God. Blessings!

Hi friends – Over the last several weeks we have been reviewing the names of God. Today we are going to look at the God who sees us. There are times in my life when I felt unseen. I was not the popular kid in school. As an adult, there have been times when I have expressed my opinion or concern but don’t feel heard. I remind myself that God knows my heart and how I want to contribute. God hears our unique voice, He knows my motivation and He cares no matter what others say.

Review – Take a look at Genesis 16:13 – So she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.”

Receive – Please receive in a fresh new way today that God sees you. You might not feel seen at times in life (difficulties at work, challenging situations with your family). Alway know you are seen by God. He will never leave your side.

Respond in prayer – Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for seeing me and the value I have in this world. I am grateful that you are by my side. Amen.

Until next time my friends remember you are known and loved by God. Blessings!

Hi friends – A few weeks ago I was a bit discouraged about something. I can’t remember all the details but I was frustrated and I needed a little encouragement. Within a few short hours, I received two emails and a few texts with some beautiful words of encouragement. I don’t share this to brag, I share this because the Lord Jesus has a wonderful way of intervening when we need it the most.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. Friends let’s encourage each other.

Go a little deeper – I would challenge you to be an encourager to those in your life. It could be something simple (tell a co-worker that you appreciate what they do and how they do it) or something bigger. You never know the impact it will have in that person’s life.

Until next time my friends remember you are known and loved by God. Blessings!

Hi friends – As you start your day I would encourage you to take in what Psalm 46 is saying to us. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. We all experience trouble and we all need strength. Let’s spend more time learning what God has to say to us in Psalm 46.

Review – Read through Psalm 46 paying close attention to verse 1 and verse 10.

Receive – The Lord Jesus is our refuge. The word refuge means shelter. The word present in verse one means to be discovered, to be found out or to be uncovered. As you spend time with God in prayer you will discover Him. As you have more quiet time with God you will encounter that He is your refuge and shelter. Friends, enjoy connecting with the Lord Jesus.

Go a little deeper – Verse ten says to be still and know I am God. My friends, there are times in life when you just need to be still and allow God to speak into your heart. Take a moment or two mid-week and ask God for His guidance and direction. It might be an original or extraordinary week – God has something to say to each of you.

Respond in prayer – Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for being my refuge and strength every day of my faith journey. I receive everything you have to offer me today. Amen.

¹ God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
³ though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.^[c]

⁴ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy place where the Most High dwells.
⁵ God is within her, she will not fall;
    God will help her at break of day.
⁶ Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
    he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

⁷ The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

⁸ Come and see what the Lord has done,
    the desolations he has brought on the earth.
⁹ He makes wars cease
    to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the shields^[d] with fire.
¹⁰ He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

¹¹ The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Until next time my friends remember you are known and loved by God. Blessings!