Cart is empty In the days when weariness had settled on many hearts, a Voice called across the silent night:
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NIV)
Do Roots Just Happen?
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is in the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river.
Jeremiah 17:7-8a NKJV
Walking with Jesus isn’t a performance. In fact, ninety percent of our walk with Jesus is unseen. What makes a tree strong and able to withstand the storms? It’s the hidden root system. And yes, we have all heard that in a sermon at church. But what I didn’t hear was how that root system takes time, energy, and proper nutrients to grow strong. It just doesn’t happen without those things.
So why do we think a deep walk with Jesus can “just happen?” Just by going to church, listening to sermons, raising our hands, singing “I surrender all,” going up to the altar for healing, and yet going home and doing nothing different? Yes, these things are good, but is there a private heart surrendering time with Jesus? Trusting? Releasing? Letting go of our life for Jesus’ life? That is not done in the marketplace. No, that is done in the quiet, secret place of the heart. Just me, Jesus, Holy Spirit, and Papa God. And it takes multiple, on-going sessions, not a once-and-done thing.
We walk by faith, not by feelings, although it is much easier to walk by feelings and not by faith—believing what God says in His Word. We MUST get into God’s Word, and KNOW what He says. Refuse to give Satan’s lies, half-truths, or schemes any power. Kick them back into his face!
Psalm 1:2-3a RPV (Rheyma’s personalized version): “But my delight is in the law of the Lord, and in God’s law, I want to meditate day and night. Then, and only then, will I be like a tree that is planted by rivers of water, that brings forth fruit in its season.”
Blessings,
Rheyma Oosterman
Sanctioned Love
Jesus, My Compass in the Middle of Change
Life has a way of shifting under our feet. One moment you’re comfortable, and the next, everything’s changing—your homelife, your friendships, your routine, even your view of yourself. I have walked through those transitions. Some were exciting; others left me confused, wondering who I was and where I was going. But one thing I have learned is that transition is not just about change—it’s an invitation to transformation, especially when Jesus is the one leading the way.
Baby Bird
Welcome to the days when spring is rapidly being overtaken by summer, a time when Mother Nature is in full birth. Hope you enjoy this poetic chapter from my book Messy Poems And-Not-So-Private Prayers. This poem is a concentration of our dependency on the Father and our need for Spiritual contentment.
Navigating The Seasons: From Storm To Shore
For the past few months, I have found myself in an unsettling place—a season of seasons—with the Lord. It feels like I’ve been adrift on a ship, sailing the vast ocean of forgiveness and repentance, with only His voice guiding me as I gaze across the sea of humanity and at my own humanity. How do I navigate this ocean when my compass point is steering me in the direction of unforgiveness and stubbornness?
Adding Your Faith
What kind of cook are you? Me? I am your basic cook—and I mean basic. Three ingredients or less, and no slicing, dicing, or folding in, allowed. If it can fit all in one dish, even better!
Rest P.2
Spiritual Rest allows you to remain in perfect contact and communion with the Spirit of God at all times. There is nothing taking place for which you would not have God’s knowledge or wisdom to do what needs to be done.
I Found It Hard To Forgive Him
I was out walking the other day and listening to Exodus 32:1-29
I found myself pausing after this passage as I often do, realizing that I had a feeling of disgust around Aaron, the high priest’s blatant sinful acts of idol worship, and cowardly lies. I voiced my thoughts out loud to the Lord. “Lord, how come Aaron got away with doing these sinful acts? I really do not like this guy.” This is when I decided to dig a little deeper. But first, let’s read this passage.
The Twins Of Purification
The twins of purification are Repentance and Forgiveness. These two “cleansing agents” wash away the debris and dirt of sin and bring us back into a posture of humility, clothed with a clean and pressed garment.
Rheyma Learns To Fill Her Bucket
Rheyma: “Jesus, You know that my main “go-tos” have been people and food when I got overloaded/overwhelmed, or my heart hurt and needed comfort.
You also know, as I have had to learn, that neither of those satisfied or comforted me or my heart. But why is it that even when I now “run to You,” my heart isn’t comforted either? I mean, isn’t that what I’m supposed to do? Run to You? That’s the right thing to do instead of running to food or people, right? So why am I not comforted?”
