January in the Glasshouse

Dearest Daughter of God,

Take a deep breath.

No matter what circumstances have led to this moment, let them go, breathe them out, and step into the glasshouse.

‘His house is my shelter and secret retreat.

It is there I find peace in the midst of storm and turmoil.

Safety sits with me in the hiding place of God.

He will set me on a rock, high above the fray.’

Psalm 27:5 (VOICE)

the glasshouse

Come in out of the weather. Let me take your coat. You won’t need it. Not here.

Breathe deep, Daughter of God. You’re safe.

The Master Gardener has long been at work in this place – replanting, pruning, and nurturing those long thought to be dead back to life. He is gentle, humble, and full of love and grace. No one is too far gone for Him. Here, He will nourish and restore.

He longs to speak to you through the fire lilies, through the fountain overflowing with Living Water. Even the rocks sing His praises in this place.

Here, His Presence is as tangible as the mist. Can you feel it settle over you now?

Storms still rage outside the glasshouse. Frost still clings to its frame. The scorching summer sun still threatens drought, and autumn’s chill desires nothing more than to trade lush green foliage for its signature auburn, amber, and maroon.

Some daughters may wander outside the glasshouse for a season, to experience the world beyond. A world that tries to strip our blooms and break our branches with arid heat, but the Master Gardener always invites us back home. The door to the glasshouse is never locked. And yet, sometimes, we can look in and wonder why all we see are windows? Sometimes, we need to feel our way back inside, led by nothing but His calm kind voice.

You shall hide them

in the secret place

of Your Presence.

Psalm 31:20 (NKJV)

Welcome to the glasshouse. We’ll visit together each month, hand in hand. I pray this will be a time of reflection and slowing down, if only for a few moments.

So, wherever you are right now, whisper these truths with me:

‘I am loved by God’ (Jn. 3:16)

‘I am fearfully and wonderfully made by Him’ (Ps. 139:14)

‘I am called to be a light to this broken world’ (Mt. 5:14-16)

love & light

Some flowers are created to reflect light around the glasshouse and help produce greater heat through this process, supporting the ecosystem as a whole. Similarly, we are called to reflect the light of our Heavenly Father.

‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.’

Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

What does it mean for you to let your light shine? What do you believe the Lord is calling you to in this season? You can be sure He loves you and is for you, and has created you for such a time as this. So, with Him behind you, what is your next step? How will you let your light shine?

Here, at DOLL Ministries, we long to nurture women of all ages and equip them to thrive as Daughters of God in biblical womanhood. Exciting projects are in the works, and in all these things we aim to be intentional and to keep coming into God’s Presence for guidance and strength.

Is this something you crave?

Well, our REVIVE event may be for you. It will be on Saturday 7 September. Save the date and more information will be coming soon.

And if, like me, you also like something tangible to nourish your soul, our annual magazine will be releasing in February, filled with articles to inspire and equip. If you would like to be involved in future volumes, with articles, short stories, or visual graphics, please express your interest to liz@dollministries.com

Before I leave you with your own thoughts as you linger within the glasshouse, do you have a prayer request? If so, please respond to this email. We would love to pray for you. You can also connect with us here.

Sending you so much love and prayers. And I’ll see you next month in the glasshouse.

Blessings,

Liz Chapman

DOLL Ministries

www.dollministries.com