First Assembly Marble Falls http://firstmarblefalls.org Sun, 03 Aug 2025 11:48:54 +0000 Sun, 03 Aug 2025 11:48:54 +0000 hourly 1 3600 SnapPages.com Stay Positive http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2026/02/12/stay-positive Thu, 12 Feb 2026 11:37:42 +0000 http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2026/02/12/stay-positive
Let’s look at being positive, constructive, optimistic, confident, and grateful in the Lord.
Why do we need to consider these attributes?

Paul tells us in Philippians 1:6 that we can and should BE POSITIVE and CONFIDENT, because “…HE who has begun a GOOD WORK in us will complete it…”

2 Corinthians 5:21 reminds us that we are His and we are the righteousness of God in Christ.

1 Corinthians 6:19 tells us that Christ is in us, we are His temple. And as His temple, we must glorify Christ with positive, optimistic, confident, and grateful thoughts and behavior.

How can we be more positive, grateful, and happy?

We are to do ALL things without murmuring and complaining. Philippians 2
We are to build ourselves up -- “The wise woman builds her house.” Proverbs 14:1

Focus on hope and NOT despair—
H – Happiness in Christ (hope in Christ)
O – Optimistic
P – Positive
E – Eternity with Christ

Monitor your mind. Monitor your thoughts. Keep your mind and thoughts stayed on Christ. Trust in Him. Isaiah 26:3

Take captive all negative thoughts to the obedience of Christ. Remember that we serve a mighty and powerful God. And in Christ, we have MIGHTY weapons to pull down negative strongholds in our mind. 2 Corinthians 10:4,5

Sing, make melody continuously in your heart to the Lord. Be filled with the Spirit! Be filled with thanksgiving and gratitude always! Ephesians 5:18,19,20

Practice humility. Practice being in the presence and grace of the Lord. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

When do we need to be positive and confident
in the Lord?

When David felt alone and depressed or despondent he built himself up in the faith. “Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved…But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6

When Paul was in prison writing the Epistles, he was alone, isolated, and perhaps forgotten, but he kept encouraging others through his writings. He had needs just like we do: to be in community and be connected. Yet his focus was not on himself, but on the church. He encouraged the church to live in peace by thinking and meditating on things that are noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report. Philippians 4:8,9

Paul had needs, just like you and I have, yet he knew the importance of being content. He knew and learned: how to suffer; how to be abased and abound; and how to be full and hungry. He learned that he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him. Philippians 4:13

What I've Learned

I have found that positive, optimistic, confident people are thankful, grateful, humble, joyful, and happy (rooted in hope in Christ), with singing and melody in their hearts. ❤️
]]> http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2026/02/12/stay-positive#comments 0 The Season Between Seeds and Harvest http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/11/07/the-season-between-seeds-and-harvest Fri, 07 Nov 2025 06:31:00 +0000 http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/11/07/the-season-between-seeds-and-harvest

"Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up."

Galatians 6:9 (CSB)


There’s this stretch in life that nobody writes Hallmark cards about.
It’s not the moment of planting — where everyone is full of hope and excitement.
And it’s not the celebration of harvest — all joyful shouts and “look what God did!” kind-of energy.

It’s the middle. The in-between. That place where faith feels like work, and patience feels like punishment.

And if we’re being real, that middle ground?
It can seriously mess with you. Because it looks like nothing is happening, yet God is still whispering, “I’m still doing something.”

The Quiet Work of God

I think sometimes God hides growth on purpose. Because if we saw it all unfolding, we’d try to control it. Harsh, but true. We’d rush the process, yank the roots, and call it “helping God out.” But His timing isn’t based on our timeline — it’s rooted in eternity’s rhythm.

Hidden work is holy work.
Roots deepen before fruit develops.
Strength forms before harvest shows.
And that quiet, unseen stretch? It’s where trust grows legs.

Ask Joseph — sitting in prison while his dream looked dead.
Ask Hannah — weeping in the temple while her womb stayed silent.
Ask the disciples — staring at a sealed tomb while Heaven was writing the comeback story.

The pause wasn’t punishment. It was preparation.

When Waiting Feels Like Wasting

Can I be honest? Waiting feels like the worst sometimes.

You’re showing up, praying, doing the right things — and still nothing looks different. But waiting isn’t weakness. It’s warfare.

It’s declaring, “God, I’m still planted even when I can’t see progress.” 
It’s refusing to dig up what He told you to sow.
Waiting is worship in disguise.

And sometimes, that worship sounds less like a song and more like a sigh —
a tired mom whispering, “Lord, help me not lose it today,”
a weary heart saying, “God, I believe, but help my unbelief,”
a broken dream saying, “I’ll still trust You, even if I don’t understand.”

That’s the heart of Habakkuk 3:17–18, the “even if” kind of faith –
"Though the fig tree doesn’t bud and there’s no fruit on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, yet I will celebrate in the Lord; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation."

That’s not denial — that’s hope that refuses to quit. 
It’s saying, “Even if nothing’s blooming, I’ll still bless the One who planted me.”

Because like Romans 8:25 reminds us, “If we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”

My friend, don’t mistake the silence for absence. Sometimes the soil is just shifting under the surface.

Heart Check

Ask yourself –
  • What seed have I planted that I’m tempted to abandon?
  • Where have I gotten weary instead of expectant?
  • What small obedience can I keep doing even when I can’t see the outcome?
  • Where do you need to rest your shovel and let God handle the soil?

You might feel buried, but maybe — just maybe — you’re being planted. And the same hands that formed the seed are forming your season.

Prayer

Jesus, Thank You for being patient with me when I’m impatient with You. Remind me that delay doesn’t mean denial. Grow my roots deep in Your Word and my trust stronger in Your timing. Teach me to worship in the waiting and to see Your hand in the hidden work. I won’t give up — because I know You’re not done. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
]]> http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/11/07/the-season-between-seeds-and-harvest#comments 0 Tending the Temple http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/10/21/tending-the-temple Tue, 21 Oct 2025 05:45:00 +0000 http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/10/21/tending-the-temple

“Do you not discern and understand that you (the whole church at Corinth) are God’s temple (His sanctuary), and that God’s Spirit has His permanent dwelling in you [to be at home in you, collectively as a church and also individually]? If anyone does hurt to God’s temple or corrupts it [with false doctrines] or destroys it, God will do hurt to him and bring him to the corruption of death and destroy him. For the temple of God is holy (sacred to Him) and that [temple] you [the believing church and its individual believers] are.” 
1 Corinthians 3:16–17 (AMPC)

Personal Reflection

Are we defiling God’s temple or honoring God’s temple?

Wait! What?

What does it really mean that “I am the temple of God”—that “God’s Spirit has its home or permanent dwelling in me”? — 1 Corinthians 3:16

Perhaps we should start by defining the word temple. The New Oxford American Dictionary defines temple as a building for religious worship. Another definition is a place of divine presence; a building dedicated to the worship of God.

Are we worshiping God and dedicating ourselves daily to honoring Him? Do our actions and behavior glorify His temple, or do our worldly behaviors of lust, greed, gossip, unforgiveness, criticism, anger, and rage defile His temple?

If God’s Spirit has His permanent dwelling in us, then we should be beacons of holiness, godliness, and righteousness—because “the temple of God is holy.” (1 Corinthians 3:17) As believers, we are called to live set apart—our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1–2; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; Ephesians 4:30).

Truths to Hold On To

In order for us to maintain and bring honor and glory to this holy dwelling place, we need to follow a daily maintenance plan of spending intimate time with God—meditating on His Word, keeping a positive mindset, doing good, and allowing His truth to permeate our entire being.

To keep and have a positive mindset, we need to think on “whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious.” — Philippians 4:8.

Pause and Wonder

Are we bringing glory and honor to God’s temple by living righteously, or are we defiling God’s temple by neglecting His Word—living a life of apathy, without worship, with a bad attitude, full of unforgiveness, bitterness, and overindulgence in worldly things?

Live It Out

If we truly are the temple of God and His Spirit has a permanent dwelling place in each of us, then we need to bring glory to Him by allowing Him to live in us. And we need to remember that “those who honor God, He will honor.” —1 Samuel 2:30

Prayer

Father, It is a privilege and a gift to have You and Your holy presence dwelling in each of us. Help us to maintain and honor Your temple as we meditate on Your Word and act as beacons of peace, light, hope, holiness, and righteousness. In our Redeemer Jesus’ Precious Name, Amen.
]]> http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/10/21/tending-the-temple#comments 0 Abiding in the True Vine http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/10/10/abiding-in-the-true-vine Fri, 10 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000 http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/10/10/abiding-in-the-true-vine

“I am the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser. I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.” — John 15:1, 5 (AMPC)

When I picture a vine, I think about an umbilical cord—a cord that supplies life, blood, and nutrients to whatever is connected to it. This sounds just like Jesus. “…He gives life and life more abundantly” (John 10:11). His blood that was shed covers our sins. The nutrients we receive from Him are many. The nutrients can be the fruits of the Spirit—examples being love, joy, and peace. Nutrients can be help in times of trouble, heirship, belonging, and salvation.

Jesus is the True Vine that supplies our every need. His Father is the Vinedresser. The vinedresser is a person who cultivates and prunes grapevines. Do you know why they prune grapevines? To obtain maximum yields of high-quality fruit. Pruning also allows adequate vegetative growth for the following season. God prunes us, removing things from our lives so that we can grow—preparing us for the next season of our life and allowing us to produce more fruit.

John 15:5 tells us that Jesus is the Vine, and we are the branches. Whoever lives in Jesus and Jesus in him bears much fruit. However apart from Him we can do nothing.

Abiding in the True Vine

To have this fruit—the very nutrients of life, covered by the blood—we must abide in the Vine. To abide is to remain and exist in Him, allowing Him to change us through our relationship with Him.

We cannot do anything severed from the Vine. You might ask, How do I abide in the True Vine?

Spend Time Reading the Word: God talks to us through His Word. Reading the Bible teaches us about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. The Word will grow you, change you, and reveal the True Vine—Jesus—to your heart.

Prayer: Prayer is a vital part of abiding. Prayer is just talking to God. Prayer will keep you connected and can even begin to grow your faith when you see your prayers being answered.

Obedience: Learning to listen when God speaks and obey what He says will keep the “nutrients” flowing from the True Vine. 1 Samuel 15:22 reminds us that obedience is better than sacrifice.

Worship: When we worship, it opens doors and changes atmospheres. Worship keeps us in tune with the True Vine and the Vinedresser, showing Him honor, adoration, and gratefulness for all He is and all He has done.

Pause and Ponder

Are you connected to the True Vine?

Maybe you’re a believer but have become severed completely? Or perhaps you’re hanging on by a thread and need to reconnect and recommit the parts of your life that you’ve been struggling with.

Maybe you’ve never been connected to the True Vine and need to connect for the first time.

No matter where you stand, Jesus is ready to meet you right where you are. He offers freedom, redemption, salvation, and grace.

Prayer

Connecting to the True Vine—Jesus Christ—begins with a simple, sincere prayer from the heart:

Dear Lord Jesus, I ask You to come into my heart, be my Lord and Savior. I believe You are the Son of God and that You died on the cross and rose again. I ask You to forgive me of my sins and be the Lord of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray.

Lord Jesus, I pray that You will show me how I can abide in You. Help me to draw near to You so that You will draw near to me. Prune me and shape me to Your will, not my own. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

]]> http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/10/10/abiding-in-the-true-vine#comments 0 The Beauty of Dependence http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/09/20/the-beauty-of-dependence Sat, 20 Sep 2025 05:29:00 +0000 http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/09/20/the-beauty-of-dependence
“I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. If a person does not dwell in Me, he is thrown out, like a [broken-off] branch, and withers; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, and they are burned.” — John 15:5–6 (AMPC)
How many times have I said to myself: “Hey, I got this! I can do this. I’m self-sufficient. Independent. I can do this on my own.”

And lo and behold, I fall flat on my face, often humiliated and reminded of my limits. How often I forget that I “can do nothing apart from Him.”
When we live in Him, and His words remain in us and dwell in our hearts, we can be successful and bear much fruit. As we trust in the Lord and lean not on our own understanding but acknowledge Him in all our ways, He directs our path (Proverbs 3:5–6).
In doing so, He is honored and glorified, and His joy and delight are in us. His desire is for us to be full of joy — complete and overflowing — as we trust in Him. (John 15:8–11)

Dependence Over Independence

Our culture promotes independence, but God honors DEPENDENCE — dependence on Him and trust in Him. A mature Christian knows that anything of eternal value will be done only through God’s grace and favor.

Truths to Hold On To

  • God wants us to live in vital union with Him.
  • His joy and delight are in us as we depend on and trust in Him.
  • He is honored and glorified when we bear fruit.

Pause and Ponder

God delights to be gracious to us as we trust and depend on Him.

  • Do we really want to live apart from Him (not trusting, not depending on Him)?
  • How do you see your faith walk when you are trusting in Him?
  • How do you see your faith walk when you go it alone?

Live It Out

This week, look for ways to include the Lord in your decisions and actions — trusting, depending, and asking for His guidance. Invite Him into the small as well as the big choices.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
Help me to know You as my vital source. I want to be successful in all that I do, and all that I think and say. I want to bear fruit to Your honor and glory. Thank You that You desire for me to be joyful as I make You the vital part of my life.
In Christ’s glorious name, Amen.
]]> http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/09/20/the-beauty-of-dependence#comments 0 Hearing the Good Shepherd http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/08/29/hearing-the-good-shepherd Fri, 29 Aug 2025 05:00:00 +0000 http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/08/29/hearing-the-good-shepherd
"I pray but God does not answer me."  
"I don't know where God is." 
"I cannot hear Him anymore."
Have those thoughts ever rolled across your mind or stumbled through your lips?

If this fits your life right now, I’d ask you: Where have you strayed? Granted, we do have seasons when our Teacher is quiet, but there are times when we lack. We lack in INTIMACY, lack in PRAYER, lack of time spent in the WORD, lack of PRAISE or WORSHIP. When we have lack, we stray, and it gets hard to hear His voice.
"My sheep hear my VOICE, I know them, and they follow me.”— John 10:27
Why do the sheep follow the Shepherd? They know His voice, they stay close because they’ve come to trust Him.
“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”— John 10:11
“I am the Good Shepherd, and know my sheep and am known by mine.” — John 10:14
How do the sheep know the Shepherd’s voice? Just like actual sheep in the field, they hear and recognize their shepherd because they spend a lot of time together. Every day the shepherd is with his sheep, and they know each other.

If you cannot “hear” Him or don't recognize the voice of God, maybe you need to draw closer to the Shepherd.

Think about your relationship with Him and ask—Have you strayed? Are you giving Him your time? Are you in communion with Him—a deep personal fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? Do you acknowledge His presence in your life?

He is with you every day. He never leaves you or forsakes you, but we are the ones who sometimes wander off.

We cannot know the Good Shepherd if we do not spend time with Him. I want you to picture the scene you've seen in paintings of the shepherd watching over his sheep. Your Good Shepherd is watching over you just like that. Are you His? Do you belong to Him? If so, you can take heart—His sheep know His voice and recognize Him!

Action Steps

  • Pick one way to grow intimacy with your Good Shepherd and spend time doing that each day this week. 
    • Examples: time in the Word, intentional prayer, worship, sitting in His presence—being still.

  • Intentionally look for His presence throughout your day. 
    • Keep a note on your phone or a journal of how you noticed that He is with you throughout your day.

Prayer

Lord, I thank You for being our Good Shepherd and for laying Your life down for us. Father, I pray for those of us who might have strayed from You, that we would realize You are always calling us back into relationship with You. Father, I ask in Jesus’ name that hearts and minds will be opened and will feel the nudge of You calling them back into Your love. I pray for the one who may be in a “quiet season,” that they will remember this season will change. Please help us to hear and recognize Your voice and Your presence in our lives, Lord. You are so worthy, Jesus. Thank You for loving us—we give You praise and honor, and it’s in Your holy name we pray. Amen. 
]]> http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/08/29/hearing-the-good-shepherd#comments 0 Think About What You’re Thinking http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/08/22/think-about-what-you-re-thinking Fri, 22 Aug 2025 13:17:33 +0000 http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/08/22/think-about-what-you-re-thinking

“He allowed no man to do them wrong; in fact, He reproved kings for their sakes, saying, Touch not My anointed, and do My prophets no harm.”

Psalm 105:14–15 (AMPC)

Have you ever had one of those nights where you just couldn’t sleep because of the offensive thought or thoughts you had toward a fellow believer? It’s amazing how quickly our thoughts can spiral in the quiet of the night.

The good news is this: God is not a God of condemnation, but of conviction. He brings those things to the forefront of our thought life to redeem us and call us back to Him — to live righteously, to walk humbly, and to do justly with our thoughts.

Personal Confession

Today I’m having to ask the Lord for forgiveness due to my offensive thoughts toward His beloved, anointed people. I find that when I judge or criticize my fellow sisters in the Lord, it is highly offensive to our God.

I am grateful for His mercy and His forgiveness, but it still weighs heavy on my heart when I am being critical or judgmental of others. That heaviness, I’ve come to see, is not condemnation but a holy nudge from Holy Spirit — a reminder that my thoughts need His reshaping.

The Power of Forgiveness

When I receive God’s forgiveness for my offensive ways, it allows me to walk in the freedom, the power, the victory, the hope, and the love that Christ’s death on the cross provides.

He does not condemn. He convicts — and leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Thing On These Truths

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live and walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit.” — Romans 8:1 (AMPC)

“He refreshes and restores my life; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” — Psalm 23:3 (AMPC)

“Amid all these things, I am more than a conqueror and gain a surpassing victory through Him who loves me.” — Romans 8:37 (AMPC)

“…what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God?” — Micah 6:8 (AMPC)

Pause and Wonder

God’s forgiveness is healing and powerful, allowing us to take our offensive thoughts and lay them at the cross.

Reflect: What thoughts do you need to take captive to the cross today?

Live It Out

This week, think about what you are thinking about. Ask yourself: Is this beneficial to the body of Christ? Are my thoughts building up fellow believers, showing mercy, kindness, and love?

And when you catch a thought that tears down rather than builds up — pause, surrender it, and invite the Spirit to replace it with His peace.

Prayer 

Dear Lord, thank You for Your mercy and goodness. Thank You for Your forgiveness when we judge others or think offensively. Teach me to think about what I’m thinking so that my thoughts bring glory to Your name. Amen.
]]> http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/08/22/think-about-what-you-re-thinking#comments 0 Through the Raging Sea http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/08/15/through-the-raging-sea Fri, 15 Aug 2025 09:46:30 +0000 http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/08/15/through-the-raging-sea

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you.”

Isaiah 43:2

Have you ever felt like life has pulled you into deep water—where every wave hits before you can even catch your breath? The unexpected happens. The ground shifts. And suddenly, you’re desperate for something—or Someone—to steady you.

God promises that He is that anchor, and His presence is our peace—even when the waters rise.

Knowing that God is constantly at work in our lives is a beautiful concept to realize and to meditate on, especially during a period of transition.

Shortly after the love of my life became ill, “the raging sea“ began to overwhelm me. But in the midst of the turmoil — the constant care that my husband needed and the endless flow of people in and out of our small condo — God was working in my life to bring peace and comfort.

The early morning quiet times with the Lord helped me to focus on His Love for me and His never-ending faithfulness to be with me, and to grow me into a kind, caring, patient, and thoughtful woman.
“You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves arise, You still them.” — Psalm 89:9 (NKJV)
“… My love and kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed…” — Isaiah 54:10 (NKJV)

Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me. — Psalm 23:4 (AMPC)

“… thus says the Lord, He who created you, O, Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: fear not, for I have redeemed you… I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… the rivers will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you. For I am the Lord your God….Because you are precious in My sight and honored, and because I love you, I will give men in return for you and peoples in exchange for your life. Fear not, for I am with you…”— Isaiah 43:1-5a (ESV)

Some Truths To Hold On To

  • God rules over the raging seas in our lives.
  • His love and covenant of peace will never be removed.
  • No wave or fire can consume you because He is with you.

Pause & Ponder

God’s peace is not the absence of the storm—it’s His presence in the storm. The waves may still crash, but they cannot steal His love or silence His voice.

Where in your life right now do you need to invite Him to speak peace and love?

This week, find a few quiet moments to sit with Him, even if the storm still rages. Open His Word, pray honestly, and let His promises steady your heart.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for being the One who calms both the seas around me and the storms within me. Help me to trust Your presence when the waves are high and my heart feels weary. Teach me to rest in Your love and remind me daily that You are with me. Amen.
]]> http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/08/15/through-the-raging-sea#comments 0 Peace, Be Still http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/08/09/peace-be-still Sat, 09 Aug 2025 12:49:34 +0000 http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/08/09/peace-be-still
"Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful, intimidated, cowardly or unsettled]" John 14:27 (AMPC)

How often do we allow the little things in this life to agitate or disturb us?
How often do we allow circumstances in our life to put fear in our hearts and minds?
Enough is enough. I’m tired of allowing life’s circumstances to agitate me, causing me to lose my witness or ruin my day.
Jesus says, “My peace I give to you.”
So what is His peace? Let’s think about Jesus’ life on Earth:
  • Jesus’ peace calmed the raging sea.
"And He got up and sternly rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still (muzzled)!” And the wind died down as if it had grown weary and there was at once a great calm – a perfect peacefulness." Mark 4:39 (AMPC)
Maybe that can be an example for us of what we need to do in our lives when everything is coming at us. Rebuke that circumstance and tell it to be still in Jesus' name!
  • Jesus’ peace kept Him calm when questioned by the chief priests and elders. Even when He knew what was to come!
"But when the charges were brought against Him by the chief priests and elders, He did not answer." Matthew 27:12 (AMPC)
This can be another example for us: Keep silent. Allow the Lord to fight for you.
"The Lord will fight for you while you [only need to] keep silent and remain calm. Another version says to "keep your peace."' Exodus 14:14 (AMPC)
Jesus showed peace with outward signs, but He also had internal peace.
How do we receive internal peace in all circumstances?  Through Jesus.
He said, “My peace I give to you.”
To know what His peace is, we have to know Him.
We need to be in relationship with Him.
Relationship leads to intimacy and trust with our Lord.
His peace—He gives to us.
Believing in Jesus, truly allowing our souls and our daily lives to be anchored in Him—that is the peace He gives.
Knowing Him brings His peace because to know who He truly is—that He is in control of all circumstances—allows your heart to rest in Him.
It’s hard for us to accept this in times of crisis, but He does not change with the winds of our life’s circumstances. He is the same today, yesterday, and forevermore.
We need to believe He is who He says He is!
We need to believe He is God in all circumstances!

Pause & Reflect

  • What daily rhythms or choices can help you lean into God’s presence and trust Him more—so His peace fills your heart and mind?
  • What intentional steps can you take to keep your heart and mind anchored in faith instead of being driven by fear or shifting circumstances?
  • When fear starts to take over, what truth about Jesus do you need to speak back to your soul?  

Prayer for the Week

Lord, I pray for the peace that You give to rule in my heart. Help me in my understanding of who You are and let the love You have for me keep me anchored in Your peace. Help me to not let my heart be troubled or afraid. I know in my heart and mind that You are who You say You are. Help me trust You in all circumstances, to keep peace in my mind and heart.
In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
]]> http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/08/09/peace-be-still#comments 0 When You Feel Like You’re Not Enough (Spoiler: You Never Were—And That’s the Point) http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/08/03/when-you-feel-like-you-re-not-enough-spoiler-you-never-were-and-that-s-the-point Sun, 03 Aug 2025 11:48:54 +0000 http://firstmarblefalls.org/blog/2025/08/03/when-you-feel-like-you-re-not-enough-spoiler-you-never-were-and-that-s-the-point

Ever had one of those weeks where the coffee doesn’t hit right, the to-do list grows faster than your patience, and your prayers sound more like sighs than sentences? Same.

Some days we feel like we’re running on empty—spiritually, emotionally, and let’s be honest… even deodorant-ally.

But here’s the truth that meets us in the middle of that mess:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9


God never asked you to be enough. He just asked you to be His.

Because His “enough” is better than any checklist you’re chasing.

His grace is stronger than your worst moment, and His love doesn’t flinch when you fall apart.

So today, breathe my friend.

Let go of the hustle.

Trade in the weight of performance for the wonder of His presence.

You're not a failure for feeling weary. You're human. And Jesus knows exactly how that feels.

Between You & Jesus

  • What area of your life feels stretched too thin right now?

  • What would it look like to invite God into that space?

Prayer for the Week

Jesus, remind me that Your strength meets me right where mine runs out. I don’t have to be perfect—I just have to be present with You. Help me rest in Your ‘enough’ today. Amen.

You’ve got this—He’s got you.

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