Blended Not Shaken Ministries and Publications

Christian step/single parent and blended families ministry.

Sing A Song Devotional Series 9 & 10

Images taken from ‘Sing a Song to Single Mums. ‘Sing A Song To Single Mums

We are coming to the end of our 5 month series of devotionals surrounding the scriptures from ‘Sing a Song to Single Mums’. This month, my focus is on God’s Plans for our lives and this will be divided into two parts. Firstly, from Jeremiah 29, we will look at His plans for our good and secondly, from Romans 8, we will build on the first devotional by looking at the freedom and fulfilment God promises within His overall plan for humanity.

GOD’S PLANS- FOR OUR GOOD

Key Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11-13

Many of us would know, if only in part, of the story of God’s people, the Israelites. Throughout the Old Testament, we see story after story of His people following God and His ways for a time, then disobeying Him and seeking after false gods with prophet after prophet being send to warn them to repent and turn from their wickedness and back to God. The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in mercy and ready to forgive. And yet the time came where God’s patience came to an end and His judgement came upon the Israelites. For many years the message was the same through many prophets- repent or be judged. Jeremiah and his long ministry shows us that God disciplines those He loves. When we quote this well known and well loved passage of scripture from Jeremiah, we use it to remind ourselves that God always has a plan and those plans are for our good and to give us hope for the future.

“For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go pray to Me and I will listen to you. And you will seek me and find Me when you search for me with your whole heart.”

So when you find yourself in a difficult or depressing situation, accept it and let God have His way. He never makes mistakes and anything that happens to us never takes Him by surprise. Hold fast to Him, press into His Word and claim the promises within. The Lord is your true hope. God makes the plans for us, they are good plans that will ultimately bring us a peaceful future. We need not be fearful or discouraged. In every situation- we have the responsibility to seek the Lord, pray and ask Him to fulfil His promises, for the Word and prayer go together. (Acts 6:4)

Scriptures for further study: Psalm 139, Psalm 33:11, Job 42:2, Isaiah 14:27, Rev.22

GOD’S PLANS- FOR OUR FREEDOM AND FULFILMENT

Key Scripture: Romans 8:28

One must look at the entire chapter of Romans 8 in order to grasp more fully the verse found in verse 28 which many a Christian has quoted to others or reminded themselves of during trying times.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

God has never promised a life without pain and suffering despite what many a preacher would have you believe. In fact, Jesus Himself promised we would. Yet, at our conversion, we are gifted the Holy Spirit and in Romans 8, the Holy Spirit is mentioned 19 times! Because of our relationship with Jesus through the indwelling of His Spirit, we can enjoy the spiritual freedom He offers. My favourite Bible commentator, Warren Wiersbe calls Romans 8 the Christian’s Declaration of Freedom and outlines 4 freedoms we have.

  1. Freedom from Judgement. The Law cannot claim you; because of Jesus, you are free from the law of sin and death. The law cannot condemn you; Jesus took it upon Himself at Calvary. The law cannot control you; the Christian lives a righteous life by the power of the Holy Spirit, as He enables you to walk in obedience to God’s will. The Spirit-led Christian, yielding to the Lord can experience the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in their life.
  2. Freedom from Defeat. In writing to the Christians in Rome, the apostle Paul encouraged them to live in such a way that the Holy Spirit ruled their lives on every level. It is only then, that the Christian can experience victory over sin, “putting to death the deeds of the flesh”. We need to be willing to be led by the Spirit of God and be bold in following Christ.
  3. Freedom from Discouragement. The Christian need not faint in times of trial and suffering because they know that God is at work in the world (verse 28) and that He has a perfect plan:

“For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

God has a two fold purpose in His plans: Our good and His glory. Ultimately, He will make us like Jesus. And this plan of God’s WILL succeed. How can we be discouraged when we already share in the glory of God? Our suffering today only guarantees much more glory when Jesus returns.

(W.W.Wiersbe- Be Right. Commentary Romans)

4. Freedom from Fear. We never will be separated from God. Nothing or no-one can separate us from Him. This part of Romans 8 should give the Christian great confidence. This security in Christ and His unfathomable love for us should cause us to live victoriously- whatever is going on in our lives.

Scriptures for further study: Romans 8

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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