Real Devo: I Want to Rise Up

I heard this in a prayer once and it has really stuck with me. This is the kind of person that I want to be. I hope that it encourages you to do something big with your life today!! Ashley Phillips, RTF Staff Writer

To be a confident and secret keeper,
and know all your plans for what will come to be.
I’m tired of seeing people who just praise in steeples.
I want to see people who will be the key. (more…)

Real Poem: Ashley Phillips – Moving Mountains
You are worthy of it all,
I trust you with my life
Though I may stumble and fall,
I am undeniably attracted to your light
Although my faith is tiny,
and my footsteps so small
You said “Mustard seed faith would move mountains.”
It doesn’t matter how tall
Sometimes my trust may come up short,
but your love and mercy never fails.
No matter what plans are waiting about,
I trust that you hold me in the palm of your hand.
I know that most times I tend
to trust only in myself; but,
This time I’m trusting you to be
my life, my plan, my wealth!
You never promised that this path you planned
would be the easy road,
you just said “To trust you to be
with us wherever we may go.”
So, this today is my simple prayer,
My undeserving plea….
That you would take my tiny faith,
and use it to put mountains in the sea!

~Matthew 17:20 says “He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Ashley is a Senior who is so excited about what adventure lies ahead
next!!!

Real Devo: No One Said Trusting Is Easy. . .

No One Said Trusting Was Easy. . .

But It’s Worth It

By RTF Staff Writer, Ashley Phillips

Trust is something that comes easy to some and is so much harder for others. Mostly trust issues (whether it’s hard or easy for you to trust) is based on your past experiences. For example, it’s been really hard for me to trust God as a Father, because my earthly father and I don’t have a good relationship. there is no trust between my earthly father and me, which makes me think that sometimes God will act the same way. But, I have to try to trust that God will be different and that He is worthy of my trust. (more…)

Real Devo: New Beginnings

New Beginnings

by Ashley Phillips, RTF Staff Writer

When I think of new beginnings, I think of new chances. And when I think about new chances I think about King David and Bathsheba.

Basically, King David and God were on the same team, God told David how to do things and David did them. But, then David made a mistake! (more…)

Real Poetry: I Don’t Understand

“I don’t understand”

By Ashley PhillipsI just don’t understand how you can walk away.
After knowing all the things He planned for you today,
And not just today but everyday you’re alive.
I just don’t understand…

I still don’t understand why you want to run away,
From the God of grace and mercy; who runs after you today.
How after spending so much time chasing after God,
You could turn and walk away and not even care.
I still don’t understand…. (more…)

Ashley Phillips: Comfort in the Midst of Chaos

Comfort In The Midst Of Chaos
by Ashley Phillips

Have you ever noticed how the world all around you seems to be telling you that the only way to find rest, is to blow everyone off just to sleep a couple of hours? Or to find hope and joy you have to put yourself first? Well, the bible tells us different.

Matthew 11:28 says: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (The Message Bible) (more…)