Ashley Farrell: Blog

Well ladies and gents. Week 2 of 2010 has come and gone. I hope it was blessed week for you! This week brought some very interesting news my way. Last Saturday (1/9) I found out that Steve & I will be expecting our first child in September! We have been trying for a year. It was such a blessed surprise to get that positive pregnancy test (actually 3 positive tests!) and we can't stop praising God for His faithfulness to give us the desires of our hearts. :)

This week also brought some bad news, however, as my husband lost his job just days after finding out we were expecting. :( But, Steve said he had a peace about him when he was let go and we know that God is faithful to provide for us. We've seen evidence of His provision and exerienced His outpouring of blessings many times in our marriage. We know 100% that God will take care of us and the baby He is creating inside of me.

OK, so let's review some of the scriptures we read this week. Here's what stood out to me during my reading...what spoke to you?

Isaiah 8:19,20 It never ceases to amaze me the things people will do to find "answers" to their problems. God is in control. He is the creator of Heaven and Earth and He is the only one who knows all things. God gives us people to go to for wise counsel. But ultimately, it is He who is the giver of wisdom and guidance. Which bring me to...

Isaiah 10:15 & 11:1-8  If you're not following along with the weekly reading, I suggest you grab your Bible and read these verses.

Matthew 4:1-11 My favorite part of these verses where Jesus is being tempted by Satan is the use of the Word of God. Satan tries to twist God's word (and he is still doing this all the time everyday...) and Jesus knows the Word of God and the context in which it belongs and turns the Word of God right back around on the devil. The scriptures are our weapon against enemy attacks. Your Bible is full of answers and comfort and wisdom. It's worth reading and knowing. ;)

Matthew 4:24 He is our Healer!

Romans 3:10-20, 22-26 When I talk to people about Jesus and the realities of Heaven & Hell, I often get the response, "But I'm a good person." These verse show that we ALL have messed up and are all in need of God's grace. It is through faith in Jesus Christ alone  that we are made right with God.

Joshua 6:20 & 10:12-14 Proof that all things are possible with God. LOVE these verses!

I read the Psalms the day after Steve was fired. They all spoke so sweetly to my heart. Here are a few verses that really jumped off the page:

Psalm 3:3-6,8 "But, Lord, you are my shield,
       my wonderful God who gives me courage. 
  I will pray to the Lord,
       and he will answer me from his holy mountain.
 I can lie down and go to sleep,
       and I will wake up again,
       because the Lord gives me strength. 
 Thousands of troops may surround me,
       but I am not afraid. 
 The Lord can save his people.
       Lord, bless your people."

Psalm 4:1,2,8 "Answer me when I pray to you,
       my God who does what is right.
    Make things easier for me when I am in trouble.
       Have mercy on me and hear my prayer. 
 People, how long will you turn my honor into shame?
       How long will you love what is false and look for new lies?
 I go to bed and sleep in peace,
       because, Lord, only you keep me safe."

But let everyone who trusts you be happy;
       let them sing glad songs forever.
    Protect those who love you
       and who are happy because of you. 
 Lord, you bless those who do what is right;
       you protect them like a soldier's shield."

Job 4:1-6 Remember what God has done for you and how you've encouraged others by your testimony. Keep the faith- no matter what the situation is. :)

Also: Isaiah 7:10-12  Isaiah 9:6,7  Matthew 3:3,11  Matthew 4:15-16  Romans 3:31  Romans 4:16, 18-25

Well, that's it. I can't wait to hear from you and see what the Lord is speaking to you. I pray that you will trust in the Lord and be hapy, that you will sing gad song forever! If you need prayer, don't hesitate to ask. Love & hugs to you all!