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Month: May 2020

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Forgiveness |Colossians 3:13

Hey friends! This is from my Facebook Live from May 28, 2020.

Today I am talking about forgiveness. The passage I am reading from is Colossians 3:13.

“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

Colossians 3:13 NLT

Friends, I am going to be real with you. My husband called me out the other night on the topic of forgiveness. Have you ever wanted to just craw in a hole? Yep, that was me. 

I had no idea I was holding on to some pain from the past couple of years. As I prayed about this yesterday morning, God spoke to me and said you need to write a letter to that person. Not to give it to them, but release the emotions and truly forgive that person.  

God reminded me that sent his only son to die on the cross for the forgiveness of MY sins. I am so thankful how God has forgiven me for all the wrong sinful things I have done.  God reminded me the importance to forgive others. 

Friends, I did it. I wrote the letter, expressed my feelings and released that person from the hurt they caused me. It was so freeing.  I knew if I didn’t forgive, the enemy was going to keep me stuck. 

Forgiveness heals. Unforgiveness keeps you stuck. I am learning that often times God uses our waiting season to bring healing in our lives. Perhaps it is emotional healing. Perhaps it is physical healing or a spiritual healing. For me, it was emotional healing. I believe God was waiting for me to forgive someone who caused me pain in my past. 

Is there someone you need to forgive today? Maybe it isn’t another person. Maybe you need to forgive yourself. My friend, God wants to bring healing and restoration to you.

Listen, if you need someone to talk to, I am available! I would love to pray with you. 

Let’s pray.. 

Heavenly Father, Thank you father for your infinite love and forgiveness. Bless all those who are listening to my voice today. I pray you will bless each one this day. Meet them where they are. 

Father, I lift up those who may be suffering from Covid 19 – whether it be from the virus or from a job loss. Continue to give us strength for each new day. 

Today, I pray your blessings over everyone listening today. 

In Jesus name. Amen. 

Thanks for joining me today! 

Have a blessed day! 

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Isaiah 41:13 | Transitions

This is from my Facebook Live from Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Hi Friends! Thanks for joining me today! Today I am reading from Isaiah 41:13, The New Living Translation.

“For I hold you by your right hand—I, the Lord your God.  And I say to you, Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.”

Isaiah 41:13

Oh friends. I don’t know about you.. but I am so thankful God is holding my hand. I think this verse is such a beautiful reminder that we do not need to be afraid… God is always with us! 

You know, along every life stage comes transitions. Whether you 

  • just graduated from high school
  • going off to college
  • about to be married 
  • About to have a new baby
  • becoming empty nesters
  • Getting ready to retire. 

These transitions, whether good or bad, can feel scary. BUT… God never changes. We are reminded that He is with us where ever we go. He is faithful and will be there right beside you. He will never leave you or forsake you.  

Another verse that reminds me how God is always with me is Joshua 1:9, 

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. ” 

Joshua 1:9

I mentioned a quote by Louie Giglio yesterday.. “To US, waiting is wasting. To GOD, waiting is working.”  

Let this be a reminder that in the midst of our transitions God is working! 

Let’s pray.. 

Thank you father for your love. Thank you for being with us and holding our right hand as we walk through change and transition. 

Father, I lift up those who may be suffering from Covid 19 – whether it be from the virus or from a job loss. Lord, we are weary. Continue to give us strength for each new day. 

Today, I pray your blessings over everyone listening today. 

In Jesus name. Amen. 

Thanks for joining me today! 

Have a blessed day! 

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Micah 7:7 | Waiting Is NOT Wasting

This is from my Facebook Live from Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Hey friends! Thanks for joining me today. 

I trust you are doing well today. It is another rainy day here in the Dayton area. Things are definitely green and lush!

I grew up on a farm and have a lot of family who farm around the area. I’m concerned for all the farmers who may have just planted their crops… Please know I am praying for you all! 

Friends…For some reason, the Lord keeps drawing me back to this topic of WAITING.  I’m not sure who this is for… but I trust God knows!  

Today, I am reading from Micah 7:7 from The New Living Translation. 

“As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.”

Micah 7:7

I’ve been listening to an audio book, “Fear Is Not the Boss of Me” by Jennifer Allwood. Jennifer loves Jesus. She wrote this book for women who are stuck and have let FEAR rule their decisions. Boy, am I getting a good kick in the pants! I am already listening to it a second time! I love her enthusiasm and her humor! I am being challenged to step out in faith! 

While I was listening yesterday, there was a quote at the beginning of her chapter where she talks about God never being late… but rarely is He early either. The quote by Louie Giglio punched me in the gut…  

“To US, waiting is wasting. To GOD, waiting is working.” 

Louie Giglio

OH, FRIENDS… did you catch that? God doesn’t waste ANYTHING… He is working in the waiting. It’s hard to sit in the waiting room, isn’t it? 

I know there have been seasons when I have been praying. And waiting. Praying and waiting. UGH.. it feels long and unproductive. But I need to remember that God hears my prayers and although I can’t see it… He is working! 

Be prepared… God is about to show off!! He isn’t about to waste the wait! 

Let’s pray.. 

Thank you father for your love. Thank you for the reminder that waiting isn’t wasted. Waiting is working. Today, many are in this season of waiting… 

  • Some are waiting for a loved one to come to know you. 
  • Some are waiting for healing. 
  • Some desperately want to be parents – and they are waiting for a baby. 
  • Some are waiting for test results about a diagnosis.  

Lord, you know their hearts. Remind them today that waiting is working. 

Today, I pray your blessings over everyone listening today. 

In Jesus name. Amen. 

Thanks for joining me today! 

Have a blessed day! 

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Psalm 46:10 | Be Still…

This is from my Facebook Live from Monday, May 18.

I trust you are doing well today.  I’d love to share a verse that God has placed on my heart for today. This passage can be found in Psalm 46:10.

“Be still, and know that I am God!”

Psalm 46:10

I had been a children’s pastor for eleven years before I finally discovered what it meant to “Be Still”. Y’all I was 50 years young!! 

I was blessed that my church had given me a 3-month sabbatical – as it was custom for pastors after serving 10 years there.

There was nothing that I was “supposed” to do on this sabbatical – no studying, writing papers, visiting churches – and that bugged me!  So I got busy doing tasks. The first few days I deep cleaned my house, I ironed all our clothes and painted the front porch. After I finished checking everything off my “to do” list, I checked the calendar. I was a week and a half into my sabbatical. It was going to be a lo-o-o-ong summer!

It took three weeks before I began to be still. Eventually, I discovered why stillness and solitude are important. God wanted a relationship with me. I was too busy doing when He just wanted me to be with him.

Sitting in stillness and silence was such a new thing for me. I had been faithful at doing devotions and praying, but sitting in STILLNESS and LISTENING for God’s voice transformed my relationship with Christ that summer. 

At the beginning of Psalm 46 it says…God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 

What can you do today to take time to just be still and feel God’s love for you? 

I would like to encourage you to take some time today to do this little exercise… Close your eyes and say this verse slowly – taking in some deep breaths.. 

Be

Be Still

Be Still and know

Be Still and know that

Be Still and know that I

Be Still and know that I am

Be Still and know that I am God. 

Take time to be still and let God speak to your heart.

Thanks so much for listening! Let’s go to God in prayer… 

Heavenly Father, Thank you for being with us this day. Thank you for hearing our prayers. I continue to pray for those who are experiencing loss from COVID 19. I pray for those who are on the front lines. I pray for the leaders who are making decisions to open up our states and economies. Lord, give them wisdom. 

Today, I pray your blessings over everyone listening today. 

In Jesus name. Amen. 

Thanks for joining me today! Tomorrow I will be sharing about Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. I can’t wait to share some insights about how our emotional health and spiritual maturity are connected and how we can all benefit by being emotionally and spiritually healthy! 

Also… If you would like more inspiration like this, you can go to my website paulakayspear.com and subscribe to my email newsletter and get a free devotional.

Have a blessed day! 

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Psalm 62: 1, 5 | Waiting

This is from my Facebook Live from Thursday, May 14, 2002

Hey friends! Thanks for joining me today. 

I trust you are doing well today. It’s Thursday, May 14. Guys..  I can not believe our daughter is getting married one month from today!! It’s crazy that even in the middle of a pandemic, time seems to be passing quickly! 

Today, I will be sharing another scripture on WAITING… this is from Psalm 62:1, 5  I am reading from The New Living Translation. 

“I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him.

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.”

Psalm 62:1, 5

I have my Bible Promises to Live by for Women in front of me and wanted to read what the author, Katherine Butler has to say on waiting…. “We’re not always good at waiting. It requires being still and passive, allowing God to unfold matters in his timing when we desire quick fixes to our problems. But sometimes God doesn’t answer our prayers right away because real spiritual growth develops in the waiting and the watching. We are continually confronted with the choice to either despair or trust. The Bible promises that those who choose to trust during times of waiting will be blessed with strength, hope, and confidence. 

What prayer are you still waiting for God to answer? Read his promises to you in his Word, and be encouraged that he is doing great things in your heart as you patiently wait for him to act.”

Friends, I need this message just as much as some of you do.. Sometimes I think about how long Moses had to wait to make it to the Promise Land or how long Sarah and Abraham had to wait before receiving God’s promise of having a son. They waited a LONG time!! I admit.. It’s hard to wait! I am thankful for God’s promises to hold on to while we wait!

Thanks so much for listening! Let’s go to God in prayer… 

Heavenly Father, Thank you for being with us this day. Thank you for hearing our prayers. Thank you for the victory that comes from you. Lord, help us to wait quietly and patiently before you. 

Today, I pray your blessings over everyone listening today. 

In Jesus name. Amen. 

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Psalm 5:3 | Waiting Expectantly

Hey friends! Thanks for joining me – this is from my Facebook Live from May 13, 2020.

Today, I will be sharing from Psalm 5:3  from The New Living Translation. 

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”

Psalm 5:3

Have you ever woken up from a dream and wondered what was that all about?  Not too long ago I had a dream that I was pregnant and had a baby. Yep. You heard me… A BABY! 

As I have been praying about that dream, God revealed to me that he is about to birth something new in me. 

The Lord showed me this through a creative process called SoulCollage®. It is a creative process where you let the images choose you to make collage cards representing an aspect of your personality or Soul. It was so incredible! 

As I started the process that day, I was drawn to a picture of a pregnant woman. She had a flowing fabric draped around her, she looked beautiful. The background photo I chose had desert mountains with double rainbows.  I chose one more photo of a toddler picking flowers. The photo of the toddler reminded me how we are to remain curious as we seek God’s plan.  

As this collage came together, the message I received was that through the expectant waiting God promises double blessings.

 I am choosing to wait expectantly for this double blessing! 

So let me ask you…What requests are you waiting on God to answer? Are you spending your prayer time grumbing to God about everything you wish he would do? Or are you waiting expectantly?  

I encourage you as you make your requests each morning to wait expectantly for his answers! 

Thanks so much for listening! Let’s go to God in prayer… 

Heavenly Father, Thank you for being with us this day. Thank you for hearing our prayers. Thank you for being with us as we wait expectantly. 

Today, I pray your blessings over everyone listening today. 

In Jesus name. Amen. 

Thanks for joining me today! 

Have a blessed day! 

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Isaiah 40:28-31 | Weariness

This is from my Facebook Live on May 11, 2020.

Hey friends! Thanks for joining me today. I hope you all had a great weekend! I was blessed to spend some time with my momma and sister on Saturday and then to skype with our kids yesterday. I’m so thankful for technology!  Friends, I’m reminded of those of you who lost their sweet mommas this past year, I am so sorry. I know it was a rough day. Please know I have been praying for you. 

Today, I will be sharing from  Isaiah 40:28-31.

“Have you never heard?
    Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
    No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
He gives power to the weak
    and strength to the powerless.
 Even youths will become weak and tired,
    and young men will fall in exhaustion.
 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
    They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
    They will walk and not faint.”

Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT

Today, I want to focus on verse 31. “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”

I just discovered something about Eagles… Did you know that other birds try to flee from the storm and hide from it’s fierceness, but eagles fly into it and will use the wind of the storm to rise higher in a matter of seconds? They use the pressure of the storm to glide higher without having to use their own energy.


What an amazing image of strength. I think God gives us this image in Isaiah to remind us that when we are facing the storms of life, if we stay connected to him, he will carry us and renew our strength. He will see us through the storm. He doesn’t want us to expend our energy in weathering the storm alone. He doesn’t want us to become weak and weary. He will give us strength and power to go THROUGH the storm.  God will see to it that we fly on the wings like eagles if we trust him! 

Friends, God is our creator. He is the everlasting God and HE NEVER grows weak. I hope you find rest in that today. 

Thanks so much for listening! Let’s go to God in prayer… 

Heavenly Father, Thank you for being with us this day. Thank you for giving strength and power to us as we face our storms. 

Today, I pray you will be with everyone who is listening to the sound of my voice. I pray you will wrap your arms around them. I pray you will hold them close and allow them to feel your presence. I pray for the requests that are on our hearts:

  • for those who are sick
  • for those who are still without work
  • for those who are continuing to serve on the front line. 

Lord, Give strength to the weary.  

Lord, Thank you for hearing our prayers. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thanks for joining me today! 

You are loved!

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1 John 5:14-15 | Listening & Waiting

This is from my Facebook Live on Friday, May 8, 2020

Hey friends! Thanks for joining me today. 

It’s Friday, May 8th – Mother’s Day weekend! A big shout out to all the mom’s out there! I also want to give my mom –  Kay Leis – a shout out. She as a huge heart of gold and is one of the most grace-filled persons I know!  I am so thankful for you, mom! 

Today, I will be sharing from  1 John 5:14-15.

“And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.”

1 John 5:14-15

I’ve shared from “Bible Promises to Live By for Women” before…  I love what the author, Katherine Butler says in this devotional on Listening… 

Friends, I know some of you are in a season of waiting. Waiting for your kids to be done with school so you can move on to summer break.  Waiting to hear when you can go back to work. Waiting to hear when your church can gather again. The conversations you are having with God during this season of waiting are not wasted. In our busy, fast-paced culture, we all struggle with slowing down and waiting. Trust me… I KNOW!

God has taught me a lot about waiting these past 5 years. One of my favorite verses on waiting is found in Psalm 27:14.  

“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”

Psalm 27:14

He has taught me that things happen in HIS timing and not mine! Remember this… “Maybe one of the most loving things God can do for you in this season of waiting is to sit beside you and listen to your heart.” 

Thanks so much for listening! Let’s go to God in prayer… 

Heavenly Father, Thank you for being with us this day. Thank you for hearing our prayers. Thank you for being with us in the waiting. 

Today, I pray you will be with everyone who is listening to the sound of my voice. I pray you will wrap your arms around them. I pray you will hold them close and allow them to feel your presence. 

Heavenly Father, 

  • I pray for parents and children as they are wrapping up their school year.   
  • I pray for our state and national leaders as they implement the plan to open our states back up. 
  • I pray for those who are on the front lines: first responders, doctors and nurses, people responsible for cleaning the hospitals and nursing home facilities. 
  • I pray for all those who have lost jobs. I pray for those going back to work today, that you will bless them and encourage them. 
  • I pray for family members experiencing health crises right now. 

Oh Father, thank you for the privilege to come to you in prayer. We ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Thanks for joining me today! 

I hope you know that you are loved! 

Have a blessed day! 

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Jeremiah 29:11-13 | Prayer & Listening

This is from my Facebook Live on May 6, 2020.

Hey friends! Happy Wednesday to you! Thanks for joining me!  

I hope your day is going well today!

Today, I will be reading from a favorite passage,  Jeremiah 29:11-13. If you would like to join me, I am reading from The New Living Translation. 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”

Jeremiah 29:11-13

Most of us know Jeremiah 29:11 well – God has plans for us. He has a hope and a future. Friends, I hope you believe that! God is not going to let you fail during this season of interruption by the coronavirus.  I know weariness has set in for some of you. We may not know what the days ahead may look like, but we know that God has a plan and he is with us! 

 I love verses 12 & 13… I love that God put the responsibility back on us!   “In those days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” 

Friends, I think sometimes we are the roadblock – sometimes we’re guilty of not taking the time to foster a relationship with our maker. Just like the time required to invest in our relationship with our spouse, with our kids, or with our friends, we have to make time for our relationship with God. 

If you aren’t currently spending some one on one time with God, I would encourage you to make it a priority. I would encourage you to spend the first few minutes of your day – Before you check your social media, email, or the news..  begin each day with 10 minutes in scripture and prayer. If you need suggestions on what to read, reach out to me. I’ll share some ideas!

I know your day will be blessed if you spend the first part of your day with Jesus! I know He will guide you in your plans when you make Him a priority! 

Thanks so much for listening! Let’s go to God in prayer… 

Oh precious Heavenly Father, Thank you for being with us this day. Thank you for your promises for good. Thank you for listening to our prayers..

Today, I pray you will be with everyone who is listening to the sound of my voice. I pray you will wrap your arms around them. I pray you will hold them close and allow them to feel your presence. 

Heavenly Father, 

  • I pray for parents and children as they are wrapping up their school year. 
  • I pray for the high school and college grads who aren’t able to be celebrated    
  • I pray for our state and national leaders as they implement the plan to open our states back up. 
  • I pray for those who are on the front lines: first responders, doctors and nurses, people responsible for cleaning the hospitals and nursing home facilities. 
  • I pray for all those who have lost jobs. I pray for those going back to work this week, that you will bless them and encourage them. 
  • I pray for family members experiencing health crises right now. 

Oh Father, thank you for the privilege to come to you in prayer. We ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Thanks for joining me today! 

I hope you know that you are loved! 

Have a blessed day! 

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Psalm 138| Faithfulness

This is from my blog post from May 4, 2020.

Hey friends! Thanks for joining me today. I hope you had a wonderful weekend! I was happy to get some flowers and some herbs for our patio! 

Something else that was fun… My daughter’s future mother-in-law and I hosted a Pampered Chef virtual bridal shower with Mariah and Zack this weekend. The consultant had us gather yesterday for a Zoom call with her bridal party, family, and friends to celebrate them since we were not able to do a traditional shower. 

So Today, I will be reading  Psalm 138 from The Message. 

“Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!”
    Angels listen as I sing my thanks.
I kneel in worship facing your holy temple
    and say it again: “Thank you!”
Thank you for your love,
    thank you for your faithfulness;
Most holy is your name,
    most holy is your Word.
The moment I called out, you stepped in;
    you made my life large with strength.

When they hear what you have to say, God,
    all earth’s kings will say “Thank you.”
They’ll sing of what you’ve done:
    “How great the glory of God!”
And here’s why: God, high above, sees far below;
    no matter the distance, he knows everything about us.

When I walk into the thick of trouble,
    keep me alive in the angry turmoil.
With one hand
    strike my foes,
With your other hand
    save me.
Finish what you started in me, God.
    Your love is eternal—don’t quit on me now.”

Psalm 138

This passage takes me back to last fall, 2019.  I was in a season where God was asking me to surrender my position as the Children’s Pastor at Salem. He made it clear to me in July that I was to step away at the end of the year. Now, I am stubborn and I am a planner. I knew our daughter was getting engaged and would probably have a summer wedding. SO financially speaking, I thought June made more sense! In October God made it very clear… he spoke to me and “Do you trust me, Paula?” You guys… He asked me 3 times! Well, as most of you know. I did leave my position at Salem on December 31. 

The Lord has had me on a journey these past few years. He has shown me that slowing down, being still, and listening for his voice is so essential in my growth as a Christ-follower – especially in our busy culture.   I think that is why I love the passage so much that I shared last week from Jeremiah … “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.” God continues to grow my roots along the riverbank – I am a continual work in process! 

I guess I am sharing all of this because I know some of you need some encouragement today. I know you are weary.  Friends, God is faithful – He has a plan for your life.  God loves you. God sees you. God hears your prayers. Continue to praise him through your trials… He is not going to give up on you! 

Thanks so much for listening! Let’s go to God in prayer… 

Oh precious Heavenly Father, Thank you for being with us this day. Thank you for giving us the strength to continue to navigate these trying days and thank you for hearing our hearts. 

Today, I pray you will be with everyone who is listening to the sound of my voice. I pray you will wrap your arms around them. I pray you will hold them close and allow them to feel your presence. 

Heavenly Father, 

  • I pray for parents and children as they are wrapping up their school year. 
  • I pray for the high school and college grads who aren’t able to be celebrated    
  • I pray for our state and national leaders as they implement the plan to open our states back up. 
  • I pray for those who are on the front lines: first responders, doctors and nurses, people responsible for cleaning the hospitals and nursing home facilities. 
  • I pray for all those who have lost jobs. I pray for those going back to work today, that you will bless them and encourage them. 
  • I pray for family members experiencing health crises right now. 

Oh Father, thank you for the privilege to come to you in prayer. We ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Thanks for joining me today – you are loved! 

Have a blessed day!