Blended Not Shaken Ministries and Publications

Christian step/single parent and blended families ministry.

‘Sing a Song’ Devotional Series 7 & 8

Hello,

I trust that this blog finds you and your families well. If you have been following along lately, I have created a series of short devotional Bible studies surrounding the scriptures in my latest book “Sing a Song to Single Mums” and this month I’m drawing our attention to God’s Provision and God’s Justice.

I hope that these videos and accompanying notes have been helpful to you. Please feel free to comment at the bottom of the blog post or send me a private message and share these devotionals with others.

So, grab your Bible and perhaps a pen and paper and let’s get started.

7. God’s Provision

Watch video:

Key verses: Psalm 34, Philippians 4:19

Does anyone remember the old song Jehovah Jireh? It is great to sing to yourself as a reminder that God truly is our Provider. From lions being looked after to every sparrow’s life being known by the Father, the Lord outlines in His Word from the beginning of the Old Testament to the end of the New, that He always provides for our every need. In fact, He knows each and every need before we even ask. If He can count every hair on our heads and has created everything we see in the natural world, surely our needs are not too great for Him to answer and provide for. We simply need to believe Him when He says, “I will provide for you.” To trust in the Lord brings peace and hope. If you are struggling today, try to bring to remembrance each time the Lord has provided for you in the past. As He is the “same yesterday, today and forever” (Heb. 13:8),He will not let you down now.

“Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken of His descendants begging bread. He is ever merciful and lends and His descendants are blessed.” (Psalm 37:26)

Scriptures for further study:

Matthew 6:31-32
Matthew 7: 7-11
Matthew 21
Luke 12:24

8. God’s Justice

Watch video:

Key verse: Psalm 82:3

Justice comes from God. God IS Just- always. It is His very nature. The psalmist was very confident that God’s justice will prevail.

“I know the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted and justice for the poor.“
(Psalm 140:12)

The ‘poor’ doesn’t only define the financially poor. In the Beatitudes, the ‘poor’ were defined as those who are humble and not proud.

“Blessed are the poor (in spirit), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 6:3)

Those who are truly humble know their correct standing before God. What we deserve from a just God is punishment. What we get instead, by faith in Jesus and repenting our sins to God, is grace because God is also merciful. This is how we must position ourselves at all times, particularly when we believe we have been mistreated in some way, when we want to see God’s justice avenge us. He will avenge- He says so. As a result of this knowledge we possess, we must submit ourselves and our unjust situation to God to sort out. He will- in His perfect time and in His perfect way.

“Humble yourselves therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6, 7)

Other scriptures for further study:

Isaiah 30:18
Job 34:12
Deut. 32:4
Psalm 99:4
Psalm 9:7-8
Deut. 10:18

This may be the last blog post using my current system. I am having my website upgraded at the moment and may be using a different format and platform next month.

May you all have a blessed Easter season. xx

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TESTIMONIALS

What people say?

My Two Houses was one of my favourite books as a younger person. It helped me understand how I was feeling about having two homes. I feel as though Karina’s books have simplified a confusing situation, in a way for all ages to understand.

Charlotte

There is affirmation and encouragement to single dads and mums through “Let’s shout out to single dads” and “Sing a song to single mums”, anchoring their value, peace and endurance in the Word of God.

Librarian

Clear, fun explanations in “My family bush” of hard to decipher terms like half-brother and half-sister, full brother or sister, step-parent and how they connect to the relationships within a family.  Relating that to Jesus’ own family could be a revelation to children that their own family structure is not so different after all, that families who love and care for each other are part of God’s plan, no matter how they are made up.

Librarian

One step at a time: a step family journal“ is an honest, humorous yet life and faith affirming read for those approaching and in middle years. The use of illustrations in the text make it appealing and engaging.

Librarian

Karina’s books are very helpful when you struggle to relate to a child of separated or divorced parents when you haven’t experienced this yourself. I have quietly read or given time for a child to read one of the books and then wait for their responses. I find Karina’s books extremely helpful in my ministry to children.

Chaplain

I am often in awe of God’s amazing timing! My morning began with feelings of despair over a family relationship that had broken down. I poured out my heart to the Lord, seeking His comfort and guidance. A short time later there was a knock on my door and the postie handed me a package. It was Karina’s book “Sing a Song to Single Mums”. As I read, I came across a page that spoke directly to my situation!

Even down to the illustration! My day ended with renewed hope in God’s promise that He works all things… good things and bad things… together, for the good of those who love Him. I am so thankful to Karina for writing such a beautiful book and for the Lord’s timing in delivering it into my hands precisely when I needed to read it!

Single Mum

Caught in the Middle is one of my favourite books because, whenever I read it, I feel close to God.

River

I read My Two Houses with my entire Year 5 class. They loved it! It began a wonderful conversation which allowed many students to be vulnerable enough to be open about their feelings and situations at home as well as to a better understanding of what some of their classmates go through with divorced parents.

Primary Teacher

I have used My Two Houses with a 13-year boy during one of my sessions with him. He loved that he could relate so well with the book, stating, “That’s just like me” and I could see a change in his demeanour and body language in his knowing that there are other kids out there, just like him.

School Counselor

As a nuclear family, we love that the books contain so much scripture in teaching our children God’s word.

Ces, Father of 5, Pastor

Karina’s books give children permission to have their feelings validated and provide comfort and healing to their souls.

Tania

When it comes to blending 2 families together or doing it by yourself there are a number of unique issues.  If you find yourself in a role as a single parent, stepparent or trying to help siblings navigate their new situation it can be very tough.   

We at Focus on the Family Australia, want to help relationships and families  be as healthy as they can be.  We know it is not an easy task unifying 2 families or doing it solo.  

We highly recommend Blended Not Shaken Ministries to help provide some tools to cultivate a loving, blended or single parent home to achieve a sense of unity in your new family. 

Brett Ryan, CEO Focus on the Family Australia