Grave Clothes

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Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” John 11:44

What grave clothes are you still wearing?

What temptations or selfish acts do you still participate with?

What lies still tie your hands?

When we place our faith and trust in Jesus as our Savior, asking Him to forgive our sins, He does.

He cleans us, wiping our slate clean.

But too often that’s all we do with our salvation. We trust Jesus for eternity, but continue wallowing in our filth on earth.

Do you realize it’s possible to be saved, yet sinful? Sanctified, yet selfish? Free, yet bound?

God sent Jesus to restore His relationship with us for now and eternity. Did you catch that? Our saving relationship with Jesus is also for now.

We all understand the later part. Upon our death, we will rise to heaven to spend forever with Jesus. Eternally praising Him. Sounds heavenly, right?

But God has bigger plans than just you. He wants you to show others His goodness right now.

He wants you to show others His forgiveness right now. His mercy, love, and peace right now.

And that’s next to impossible if you are walking around in your grave clothes.

What do I mean by that?

You’re saved, yet you still cling to the bitterness and unforgiveness that has clung to you for so long.

You’re saved, yet you still bow to the lies in your head, deeming you unloved or unworthy.

You’re saved, yet you still allow anger to rule, justifying your actions due to this or that.

You’re saved, yet you continue to live for number one: your self.

You are on the throne of your heart, not God.

The devil knows you are saved. Nothing he can do about your eternity. But he can keep you stuck. Sad. Decaying your beautiful soul as you live in your stinky grave clothes. Literally imprisioned.

A.W. Tozer once said, “Why do we claim on one hand that our sins are gone and on the other act just as though they are not?”

God gives us free will. The choice to choose Him or not.

Delighted you’ve chosen to God. Seriously, it’s wonderful!!

But have you chosen Him with your whole self? Have you given Him your plans? Your time? Your todays and tomorrows?

Do your thoughts match what He says about you?

Do your actions match what He says to do?

Do your words mirror God’s words of life?

Stand up and get dressed. Declare Jesus is Victor over all! Let’s leave those stinky grave clothes in the dust. It’s time for a new wardrobe!

Photos by Deep Doshi, Alex Sheldon, Hanna Morris, & Samuel McGarrigle on Unsplash

Time to Stand!

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“Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” Nehemiah 4:14

Do you have those people in your life, too?

People who taunt you while working God’s plan? Those who belittle your faith in God? People who think they know what you should do, yet are themselves far from God?

Nehemiah was sent by God to orchestrate the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s outer walls.

Obviously, there were those who disagreed. Their enemies.

So, Nehemiah and his men worked with a stone in one hand and a sword in the other.

“From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail….Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other” (4:16-17).

Nehemiah led the people to fulfill the work of the Lord even though.

Nehemiah led the people to walk in God’s promise even though.

Nehemiah led the people to finish what God wanted them to do even though.

Even though there were enemies.

Even though there was real danger.

Even though it had never been done before.

How did Nehemiah so wildly succeed? Because he held onto God’s promise. Nehemiah 2:8 says, “for the good hand of my God was upon me.”

Nehemiah knew God would be with him as he stepped out in faith to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. And he didn’t let one enemy get into his head.

He didn’t walk in his own strength. He continually asked God for protection.

He didn’t walk in his own knowledge. He continually asked God for wisdom.

He didn’t walk in his own pride. He humbly submitted everything to God.

What is God asking you to do? What are you cowering in fear of because you are focusing only on your strength? What’s that one thing you keep resisting, because you haven’t yet seen God’s strength over you instead?

Not talking about living for yourself. We’re talking God assignments.

That’s what Nehemiah had. A God assignment to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Rebuilding what God calls you to do takes grit, faith, and stamina. All coming from God. And you’ll have the enemy, too, reminding you of your past failures, inadequacies, and weakness.

So arm yourself with the promises of God. Arm yourself with the protection of God. Arm yourself with the truth of God.

And start rebuilding whatever God has asked of you. From little cracks of unforgiveness to big holes of bitterness, walk in God’s identity for you, standing up to the enemy with your sword. It’s time!

Photos by Kristen Sturdivant, Vigmund Djupang, Gioele Fazzeri, & Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Your Gift

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Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17

White gift box with large red velvet bow on wooden table

Every day, God wakes you up. Isn’t He so kind?

After you’re awake, He hands you a gift.

It’s wrapped with a big giant ribbon. I picture it white with a soft, red floppy bow. How about you?

What’s inside, you ask?

Your day. Your brand new day.

Each day is a gift, bursting of possibilities.

He watches as an excited parent while you loosen the ribbon.

I can imagine His father heart bursting with anticipation when He knows this day holds a precious surprise.

Even when it’s a ho-hum, normal sort of day, He smiles when you open up your day. Because each day is brimming with potential.

I can also see His father heart heavy, as He allows you to open a day full of sorrow.

Does your attitude depend on what’s inside? Or are you always grateful for each new day?

Will you thank Him, no matter what comes?

Will you use this gift of time wisely, not squandering it away on worldly cares?

Or will you live within your self, satisfying your fleshly desires above the cost of obedience to God?

Each day’s time is finite. You are finite as so am I.

God, on the other hand, is not. He is infinite. Timeless. Eternal.

God created you for a reason. A specific purpose. Probably several.

Are you seeking Him for what these are, or are you only living for yourself?

Maybe a mixture of both?

Today is here. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.

Ask God how to spend your time. He’ll tell you. How? Possibly through an idea popping into your head, a person to call, or a task to complete.

Maybe today your job is to smile at the stranger sitting next to you in the waiting room, asking how they are. Or maybe you’ll pray with the waiter.

God will not only tell you, but He’ll stay by you, helping you finish today with a flourish.

You’ll lay your weary head on the pillow, smiling because God used your willing heart to bless others.

Your day may or may not have gone as you planned – but the gift God gave you? You willing gave it back to Him.

Photos by Mia Golic, Rob Laughter, & Sincerely Media on Unsplash

My Wall

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Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

How do you picture life?

Do you view it from above, seeing everything behind you, the mess you’re standing in, and the foggy distance?

Or do you see only what’s now? Literally what’s directly in front of your nose?

If you want to know what I think, I think we often see things in different ways.

Thoughtful times causes the past to look so precious, stretched out way behind our lovely selves.

Tough times can block our view of God’s faithfulness in the past, causing us to see only our frustrated present.

When you’re feeling great, the family is peaceful, and all your ducks are in a row, it’s easy to view your life from above: a casual observer of the wonderful space of time you currently sit.

Times of stress can cause our walls to almost cave inwards; as if life around us is defined as a literal wall.

Wall of what? Well, stuff, stress, noise, to do’s, or pure anxiety.

I’ve been stressed lately. Why? Well, life has plopped many large problems directly in my path. And I’ve grown weary of walking all the way around them. Or trying to move them.

But God reminded me today of something: when we are weak, He is strong.

When we are weak, when we have come to the absolute end of our everything, God will pour Himself into us again and again.

When we are done, He is not. In fact God is just getting started.

So if you are at the end, get excited, because God is ready to take over! If you’ll let Him, that is.

I know, we need to daily rely on His strength. And I do. You do. But I’m talking about more stress than normal. Like several big things all at once.

When that happens, it’s easy to become just plain tired. We keep going with God’s help, but our mind doesn’t completely give everything over to God. We don’t because there is just so much. We give God some, but apparantly not all.

Ever happened to you? Well, that was me. And now it’s not.

As I was praying, God showed me His strength over mine. And now I’ll show you.

Picture yourself sitting by a giant wall of water. It can be the ocean if you want.

As you reach up your hand, God grasps it, pulling you up.

He looks at you and waits for your words, “Ready.”

Together, you take a step. A giant step. As you step together, the water parts. Boom!

You take another step together and the water parts even more. As we step, I hear a loud Boom.

Before you know it, you’ve walked together a ways, all on dry land. Just like the Israelites.

Your problems and messes are next to you, but God has walked you through.

With His strength. With His peace. With even His joy.

Join me and keep your hand in His as you purposely place your problems, your joys, and your just right moments with God. He’s not going anywhere. But it’s your choice to go with Him. Or not.

Pathway between massive parted ocean waves with people walking in the distance

Photos by Matt Hardy and  hangjia xu on Unsplash

Pray with Me

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But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

Today is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Pray with me today:

Dearest Jesus, You have blessed me beyond measure.

You have gone before me with every step.

You have prepared me for Your future plans and have equipped me for the circumstances in my life.

Nothing escapes Your notice.

You know when I fall and when I get back up.

You know my thoughts.

You know and care about me.

Little ‘ole me. Nothing surprises You.

When I come to You in prayer, You already know.

However I say it, You get it.

Thank you for filling every corner of my body with Your peace.

My mind is at rest knowing You are in control.

Go before me this day and let me walk in Your strength, love, and joy. I love You with all of my heart.

Amen.

Photos by Gourgen Karapetyan, Leslie Cross, Artem Gorbachev, & T Y on Unsplash

Standing Against Sin

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 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. James 4:17

Do you have an intense desire to sin?

I’m guessing no. Not many people do.

If that’s so, then why do we sin? Or why are we more apt to sin when surrounded by others who sin?

Because when one is in the midst of those who allow themselves to sin, our minds have one of two reactions: we either abhor it, wanting to run away or we smile, beginning to allow our minds acceptance. Enjoyment even.

It’s as if our minds begin to embrace sin when influenced by others around us.

If everyone around us enjoys partaking, it can’t be that bad, right?

Our flesh begins to agree and before you know it, we are full on sinning just like the others.

Doesn’t matter if you’re a Christian or not.

Doesn’t matter if you believe in the fruits of the Spirit or not.

Doesn’t matter if you pray or not.

Sin affects everyone. And its temptations lurk around every corner.

Knowing this, what’s the solution? The antidote?

To be aware. To recognize tempting situations, staying far away.

To share sinful behavior with the necessary authority, breaking the code of friendship.

Enjoying the sin of others, yet staying silent?

You’re guilty.

Know what is coming, yet say nothing at all?

You’re also guilty.

That’s the sin of omission.

When you intentionally neglect to do something you are obligated to do.

The sin of commission is doing the deed.

So, back to the original question: When a situation presents itself, do you have an intense desire to sin, or do you simply sit back and do nothing?

Stand for God’s truth. Stand for what’s right. And go and sin no more.

Photos by Papaioannou Kostas, Camylla Battani, Justice Amoh, & Aaron Burden on Unsplash

What We Obey

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Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world.  He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. Ephesians 2:1-2

We all obey something.

Without Jesus, we live in sin like the rest of the world, obeying the devil.

Ephesians 2 says the devil rules the world and all who do not follow Jesus.

But do you recognize the sin still living within your actions? Your words? Your thoughts?

When we follow our flesh instead of Jesus, we are just like the world. Obeying the devil.

However – as those who have given God our entire selves, we have the gift of the rest of Ephesians chapter 2.

God had mercy on us. Underserved, rich mercy poured out on our sinful selves.

Jesus died in place of us. He died for the sins you committed long ago and the ones you’ll do tomorrow.

This pure gift from God doesn’t become even more available when you’re good.

This grace from God doesn’t become even easier to obtain when making the right choices.

God’s grace is simply given because God loves us. It’s never from our own merit.

He renews us because we are His children. Because He loves us.

He abundantly pours out His grace on us when we repent for our sins. Every single time.

While covered by God, our human selves can still fall into temptation away from God’s perfect design for us.

When that temptation arises, reframe it: do you want to obey God or the devil?

Because it’s either one.

Notice I said temptation, because that involves a choice between what’s right and what’s wrong.

Ask God to cover you afresh with Himself. With what He wants you to do. What He wants you to say. Where He wants you to go.

And keep choosing to live with your heart close to His.

Otherwise, you’ll probably obey the devil at some point and that, my friends, is definately not good.

Photos by Julia Weihe, Hugues de BUYER-MIMEURE, magnezis magnestic, & Tracy Higashi on Unsplash

Again and Again

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The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:22-24

How often do you seek the Lord?

How often do you soak in His great love for you?

How often do you say, “Not my will be done, but Yours, Lord.”

How often do you bend your knee to the majesty of God?

How often do you open your hands, worshiping His holy name?

How often do you declare His authority over the ungodly thoughts shouting in your brain?

How often do you cry out in desperation, asking God to take this cup of suffering from you?

How often do you contend in prayer for those you love who have lost their faith?

How often do you ask God to fill you anew with His strength, peace, and love?

How often do you give yourself to God, asking Him to take over your fleshly desires?

How often are you thankful for His sacrifice on the cross just for you?

How often do you rely on God’s armfuls of mercy and forgiveness?

Again and again. Every moment of every day.

Remind yourself of your dependence on God.

Without Him we are sinful, selfish, and lost.

But with Him we are whole, found, and victorious.

Photos by Nikolay Loubet, Samuel Quek, Jametlene Reskp, & Aaron Burden on Unsplash

A Carpenter

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Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Mark 6:3

Ever pictured Jesus working as a carpenter, during the years before His ministry?

Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, worked with wood, teaching his son the trade.

I can imagine Jesus making a table or a chair. Maybe working on a house.

While I’m not sure what all carpenters created in Bible times, I do know this: it would be incredible to find something He made! Am I right?

Imagine going to an estate sale in Nazareth, finding a bowl with his initials. Or maybe a chair.

Maybe carpenters didn’t sign their work back then.

Guessing the wood hasn’t lasted all these years, waiting to be unearthed.

But it sure would be neat, wouldn’t it?

Then I thought about something else: do you think Jesus enjoyed working with wood?

Probably. We know He was worked in this trade until God called Him into ministry.

Do you think it was hard for Him to leave the trade?

I bet He couldn’t wait to spread His Father’s plan to our needy world.

But that doesn’t mean Jesus loved leaving his trade. The life He had always known as one of us.

But God called Him to His higher purpose. The very reason for coming down to earth.

Think maybe Jesus missed working with wood from time to time?

But that’s life, isn’t it? And that’s exactly what Jesus came to do: to live like us before taking away the sins of the world.

When God calls you forth into something new, it’s not necessarily because you’re leaving something bad.

Jesus didn’t. Working as a carpenter wasn’t bad. It was a good honest way to make a living.

But God’s higher calling came and Jesus followed.

Does God have something new for you? You might leave a good thing for something better.

Doesn’t mean you won’t question your decision after seeking God’s will.

Doesn’t mean you’ll always be happy, thinking about leaving.

But it does mean this: God has taken care of you and He will continue to do so. Wherever He calls you to go.

So walk confidently within God’s plan as you continue seeking His face above yours.

Like Jesus, God may ask you to leave something you love to fulfill His greater purpose written just for you.

Photos by Ricky Kharawala, Alexander Andrews, Tanya Barrow, & Kiwihug on Unsplash

Ever Lovin’ Minds

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As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct. 1 Peter 1:14-15

What is this world coming to?

Just look around and you’ll notice.

Parents deferring to screaming toddlers, bribing them to stop.

Grown adults holding fake animals as if they were real.

Students turning to AI so their homework is done in an instant.

Many choosing to believe social media rumors over actual facts.

Whole families bent over individual devices while going out to dinner.

I could go on and on. Deeper and deeper into real identity confusion.

While the world’s problems seem to scream in our faces, pause to see past it all.

What’s behind family division? Student cheating? Stroking your ego instead of peace?

The absence of God.

When God is absent, something else is in charge.

Your flesh. You. Your desires before all else.

As our mind begins to focus instead on self, we lose it. We lose our ever loving minds.

How? Slowly. Once we drink the desires of our flesh, whatever drug that may be, the positive reaction encourages the next sip. The next fix. The next lie.

And before you know it, we’ve gone down the road: hook, line, and sinker.

Look inward long enough, and you won’t recognize yourself when you finally begin to look outward.

Look down at your own feet long enough, and you won’t recognize the path you walk when you finally look up.

God must remain our focus.

God must remain our King.

God must remain our all in all.

Take stock today of your heart. Are you all His? Where have you replaced God, placing yourself first instead?

Where have you sought the pleasures of self before your submission to God?

Repent, confess, and point your compass back to God.

As you purpose to follow His will for each day, your mind will be renewed through His strength, peace, and love.

Let’s keep our ever lovin’ minds focused on God and God alone.

When you do, others will notice your freedom and peace amidst a world where God is not.

Photos by Aleksandr Ledogorov, Helena Cook, Jametlene Reskp, & Katy McCray on Unsplash

Announcing: My Journal!

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Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:2

Wanted to have space to write while reading Trusting God with Every Breath?

Well, here she is!

Each day includes the same title and Bible verse – with a tiny devotion summary. Below that, you have plenty of room to write, answering the day’s pondering thought.

Easily apply and contemplate the day’s theme as you seek God to become more like Him.

Perfect as a stand alone book or natural extender to your daily reading of Trusting God with Every Breath.

Will you join me and spread the word?

She launches May 5th on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Target, Walmart, Books a Million, Christianbook, and more!

Locally, you can grab one early from me! Just let me know!

Perfect gift for Mother’s Day, graduations, and showers.

One more thing: I need at least 25 reviews on Amazon the first two weeks after May 5th. Would you pretty please do that for me? Don’t need to purchase from Amazon to rate my books! But we must wait until May 5th and beyond!

The way Amazon calculates recommendations directly relates to the amount of reviews when a new project launches.

Let’s see her soar!

Maybe you’re wondering how Trusting God with Every Breath is doing? Last numbers show over 175k sold! Should be over 200,000 this summer, which would be a year after winning my bronze award (100k sold) from the ECPA. Onto the next level!

Love and hugs to you all!

Let’s keep trusting God for our every breath as we continue fixing our eyes on Jesus!

The Steps of our Savior

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And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him. Mark 15:20

His steps were so heavy on the way to the cross.

Stumbling over dips in the road, my Savior could hardly carry the load.

The load of the cross and the load of our sin.

As I watched, I couldn’t help but stare. I had heard about His trial. That’s why I was here.

I had to know. To see it all for my own eyes.

As He fell before me, I reached out to help Him. How could I not?

He had healed me. Completely. And now they were sending Him to die.

I’d heard the reasons. Lies. All of them. Jesus was God’s Son. And for that, He was to die. The priests must not believe.

As I tried to help, the soldiers shouted for me to back off. I looked into the face of my Savior and all I could see was love.

He saw me help. He knew I cared. I backed away, unsure of what else to do.

As He walked past, I hung my head. Memories instantly flooded back of all I had seen and heard.

I was one of the 5,000 that day. I was stunned at how He had fed us, satisfying my hungry mind and body.

I was in the crowd when Jesus passed through my town. He talked with us, showing such insight and kindness.

I’ve talked with my friend, who knows Lazarus. You know, the man who Jesus raised from the dead. Incredible!

And my father’s friend has known Jesus from a small child.

And just over a month ago, Jesus healed me. It was an old injury, but after talking with us, I simply asked, and here I am.

I believe Jesus is God’s Son. He’s said it. And I believe him. He’s our Messiah. Our Savior. The King of Kings.

And now, Jesus, God’s Son who has done nothing wrong, is walking to the cross. He is walking there to die. And it’s just not fair.

I stop and realize what I must do. I need to be there for Him. He’s been there for me. I owe Him that much.

Running up to the cross, there are still so many people.

Making my way to the front, I see Jesus, my Savior. His body laboring to breathe. Slowly ceasing to live.

I see the soldiers laughing. Casting lots for His garment. I feel so ill, because they are mocking God, Himself.

As I gaze up, Jesus suddenly cries out, “It is finished.”

What, Jesus? What is finished?

The soldiers stop and look as all of heaven becomes dark.

A loud bang echos as if tombs have been opened. Or the temple disturbed. A cold wind whips by and Jesus is still.

I join the weeping as we mourn His death.

A gut wrenching sob breaks forth while my legs give way.

I wish He wasn’t gone. I wish there was a way He could rise from the dead.

I know he raised Lazarus after a few days, but Himself? Could He?…..

Our personal story keeps going, doesn’t it? We have the privilege of knowing the rest. The finale. The GRAND finale.

Not only does Jesus rise from the dead, but His death completes payment for all our sins.

The sins of the entire world. The finality of death is cancelled. There is nothing more important.

Can you imagine being there that day? Finding yourself in the crowd?

What would you have done? What would you have said?

Would you have shouted with the crowd? Cowered back in fear? Stood there till the bitter end, loving Him from afar?

We owe Jesus our everything. Bring yourself to Him afresh this Easter weekend.

Give back to Him your life. The life He died to save.

Photos by Dimitri Kolpakov, Jon Tyson, Alex Noriega, & Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Celebrating Me

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The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17

Don’t you love a celebration?

Happiness explodes while loved ones bring honor to the one celebrated.

God celebrates you. While He is in your midst, meaning with you, He saves you.

Not only does He save you, but He rejoices over you with gladness.

Repeat after me: God celebrates me!

Rejoicing over you with gladness can mean only one thing: God cheers you on. He is your biggest and loudest cheerleader.

His love quiets any storms within your heart. Any doubts. Any fears. Anything less than the goodness He has for you.

He delights in you. So much so, that He sings over you.

Can you picture yourself singing over something? You’re usually in a pretty great mood over something to sing about it.

It’s like you can’t help it, but break out in song when something is just pure delight.

And that’s how God thinks about you.

And the best part is we don’t earn any of this love. God’s love is not for sale. Not earned. And not taken away.

Genesis reminds us God created us in His image (1:27).

And many verses declare we are also God’s child (1 John 3).

God delights in you because you are His. Do you act like it? You should! Wear that crown!

God delights in you simply because you are His creation.

God, who created all things, notices and celebrates little ‘ole you. Someone throw me a pom-pom!

Photos by Samuel Myles, Nathan Anderson, Eliza Diamond, & Adi Goldstein on Unsplash

Fashioned after God

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Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” Genesis 1:26

We are fashioned after the image of God.

Created in the pattern of God Himself.

From your pinky toes to the hairs on your head.

From the tips of your fingers to the soles of your feet.

From your shining eyes to your intelligent brain.

Your entire being is created by God’s design.

Crafted after His imprint.

Look at all of God’s creation.

The trees and the flowers. The oceans and the deserts.

The lions and the otters. The birds and the bees.

The mountains and the beaches. The valleys and the hills.

God has created all of it. Yet, there is only one creation that mirrors Him: us.

We think, feel, plan, and create.

We love, sacrifice, serve, are sometimes disappointed and other times full of joy.

None other of God’s creation is so complex.

None other has built up our world with God’s creative brain.

And none other has a relationship with Almighty God.

Yes, the Bible says all of creation will bow down and worship (Revelation 5:13).

All of creation will praise His name.

Even the rocks will cry out if we do not (Luke 19:40).

Yet God has given us our very own choice: to serve Him or not.

To praise Him or not. To love Him or not.

As you spend your minutes here on earth, live in a way that honors God.

That honors the creation God made you to be.

Photos by Vitaly Gariev and Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Our Rescuer

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The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous. Psalm 146:8

Know anyone locked away in a prison of their choosing?

Sometimes they know it. Other times they do not.

Prisons are erected using anything really.

Living from within yourself. Addictions. Unconfessed sin.

Mounting fear or anxiety, crippling your next move.

Longings of your heart never answered.

Holding too tightly to past pain, letting it define you.

Controlling everything and everyone because you know best.

Pushing others away so they don’t know the real you.

Prison walls can be short or tall, depending upon the length of your stay.

Sometimes a door will crack open, but often it’s shoved shut again.

Why? Prisons are safer than the real world.

Living for yourself is much easier than giving of yourself to others.

Keeping your pain close is comforting because forgiveness is too painful.

But prisons are lonely. Sad. And time only increases both.

The world offers keys like medication, counseling, and permission to wallow.

While these keys can work for a while, there is only One who can unlock complete freedom.

Only One who holds your final key.

And He is waiting on the other side of your prison door: God.

He patiently waits for you to decide you are ready. That you want freedom. He gives you that choice.

But once you choose, God promises to rush in with His love. It will seep through every crack in your heart.

God promises to rush in with His peace. It will calm your anxious heart, mind, soul, and body.

And God promises to rush in with His freedom from your prison.

God’s salvation from our sins is your first stop to freedom.

But God’s continued strength, wisdom and peace in your life will continue your journey to freedom as life unfolds.

Satan wants you to stay stuck or become stuck over and over with those same prison walls.

But God’s here to say no. He’s here to free you as many times as you need.

Allow God to move in your life. Allow God to take your brokenness, exchanging it for His life within you.

Step out of your prison, holding God’s hand. And never look back as you turn your face only to Him.

Photos by Egor Myznik, Dimitri Iakymuk, Eric Prouzet, & Everyday basics on Unsplash

Permission to Pause

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Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. Psalm 116:7

Life can become unbearably busy.

Like you can’t even turn around.

What should a person do when surrounded by so much noise?

Shut the door.

Push the pause button.

Sit and simply be.

Life will still happen.

Dates will still come and go.

And you don’t have to do it all.

Don’t have to be all things for all people. Even if it’s yourself.

And whether you realize it or not, God created rest.

He created your body to rest when overwhelmed.

He created you to pause when your mind contains too much.

He created you to unwind the string that’s been wound too tight.

Ask Him to quiet your soul.

Ask Him to bring you rest.

And ask Him to help you close the door for a bit.

Need permission?

You’ve got it.

Photos by Sid Leigh, Florian Siedl, & Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Down, but Not Out

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I trust in the Lord. I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul, and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place. Psalm 31:6-8

God has seen all of it. All of your hesitations. Your unbelief. Your drama.

God has seen all of your afflictions and distress deep down in your soul.

YET – He has chosen to keep you close.

He has chosen to keep you safe.

He has kept His commitment to you.

What afflictions are we talking about? What distress? The Psalm doesn’t say.

It could be literal physical sickness. It could be enemies surrounding the camp.

It could be death building within his heart. The affliction could be wrapped up in unbelief deep within.

But it doesn’t matter. The reasons don’t exist or matter because God chooses to keep his servant close.

He does not deliver him into the hand of the enemy even though afflictions and distress present themselves.

Not only does God keep him safe, he increases his safety by setting his feet in a secure place.

Making him even more secure.

This truth is yours, too.

Look around. God has protected you from so much.

You could have wandered away from Him, but here you sit.

He has protected your very soul from death!

The enemy is not victorious, but crushed.

God has won, is winning, and will win.

Thank Him for seeing your afflictions. The distress deep within.

And thank Him for keeping you close, raising you up out of it all.

How has God set your feet in a broad place, despite the afflictions of your heart?

Photos by Pascal Debrunner, Jordan Whitt, Ben Hartley, & Tim Wildsmith on Unsplash

My Declaration

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Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Read this aloud for yourself and your family:

Jesus, You are in full control. I am giving up myself as I invite You to take full reign. I am not capable of loving my family on my own. I need Your love to love them fully. I need Your peace to reign in my home. I need Your strength to do all You ask of me. I am laying down myself, as I seek Your will instead of my own.

I give you my family. Guard their hearts, minds, souls, and bodies. Protect them from all evil. Draw them close to Your heart, as You surround them with godly influences. Keep tapping on their hearts, as they bend their will to Yours and Yours alone.

I give you my future. My hopes and dreams. Open the doors you have for me, and shut firm the doors against Your will. Align my desires to Yours and Yours alone. I only want to dwell within Your will for me, Lord. Burn any dreams that are not from You. Give me answers to the areas I desperately seek You for. Let me see Your purpose for me, Lord. Walk with me, hand in hand, as I continue to seek You and You alone.

I give you my time. My talents. My everything. As You reveal your plan to me, allow me to see Your purpose. Allow me to see Your timing. Allow me to see the point of why You have allowed certain things. As I sit with You this day, remind me of Your love. Remind me of Your promises. Remind me of Your identity fashioned just for me.

I love You with all that I am. With all that I have. With all of me. Amen.

Photos by riis riiiis, Chicago Cameraslinger, Hailey Tong, & Karina Syrotiuk on Unsplash

Common Conflict

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Do not take revenge on others or continue to hate them, but love your neighbors as you love yourself. I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:18

Are you ever shocked at the ugliness which can pour out of you or your loved ones?

It’s as if sin has a literal face. And sometimes that face is your own.

Relationships really shouldn’t be all that complicated.

Jesus wants us to always put the other person first.

If we all did just that, conflict would evaporate.

If we all loved the other like Jesus loves us, we’d rejoice at serving the other.

We’d rejoice at allowing the other to choose.

We’d be happy to accommodate their reasonable wishes.

But when our flesh demands attention, when ourselves get in the way, conflict occurs.

And once it begins, one rarely wants to succeed ground to the other party, especially because they are always totally wrong, yes?

Since conflict will come yet again, what is your plan?

Will you deal as it comes? Take one for the team? Or be ready with the first punch?

Ask God how He would have you react. Before the next conflict.

Ask God to hold your temper. Ask Him to hold your words. Ask Him to hold your heart.

While we cannot control others, we can control ourselves. We can control ourselves as we invite God to have our whole selves.

When we submit to God, giving Him everything, it includes our tempers. Our wanting to rise up to defend ourselves no matter the cost.

Am I implying we should become doormats to ill? Heck no.

I am also not referring to abusive behavior towards you.

We’re talking normal everyday conflict. Most of it can be diffused by one, you, who is allowing Jesus full control of their heart, mind, and body.

Yet, often our responses invite the enemy to have a hay day with our relationships. Often our ill retorts throw fuel to a fire, which needs nothing to burn.

You are responsible for you. Within normal relationship conflict, will you throw fuel to the fire, or will you calmly stand as a wall the fire cannot penetrate?

Even if the other has lost all sense of reason, you can stay fastened to God. To His calm stand in the storm.

So before your next normal conflict arises, plan your response. Because when it comes, it’s terribly hard to choose the high road.

Choose it today. And tomorrow. And the next day. And the next.

Forgiveness seventy times seven seems an impossibility when wronged by a loved one. But it’s how Jesus wants us to respond.

After all, we have wronged Jesus many more times than that. Yet He still patiently waits for your precious, little heart, too.

Photos by Kelly Sikkema, Dirk Ribbler, & Pin Adventure Map on Unsplash

Ready my Hands, Lord

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The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hands. Psalm 37: 23-24

Are your hands open or closed?

Ready or resistant to all God has for you?

Are you holding onto your life with close-fisted hands, unable to see past your today?

Often, when we close our hands to God, we place ourselves back in the driver’s seat.

Back in charge we remove God from the throne, resulting in our closed hands. Our grip closed too tightly on how we see our future. Our todays. And our past.

Why do we close our hands to God?

Fear of change. We tend to love routine, yes?

Fear of making the wrong choice. We all want to follow God’s plan, yes?

But closing our hands to God points ultimately to fear of completely trusting God.

We cannot see God sitting next to us on the couch, but He is.

We cannot see God moving in our life, but He is.

We cannot see God going before us, clearing the way, but He is.

God asks us to live with open hands to Him, allowing Him to move us closer to His loving arms.

When our hands are closed, gripping our own desires, we become closed to new things.

Closed to what God has for us.

Closed to the beautiful future God plans for us.

Look back at the faithfulness of God in your life.

Look at the many details He’s given, providing proof He sees and knows you.

As you fully trust God for your life, open your hands.

Release your grip tightened around your will alone.

And ready your hands as instead God pours His life into you.

Photos by Milada Vigerova, Andrew Moca, Eugene Chystiakov, Cristofer Maximilian, &  Patrick Fore on Unsplash

Is This It?

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Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2

Ever wonder, “Is this it?”

You wait your whole life to grow up. To finally be on your own.

Time passes and life doesn’t turn out how you dreamed.

Haven’t met “the one” yet.

Yes, you love your job, but even that begins to get old. Redundant.

After all, it’s almost every day.

You enjoy the freedom to buy what you want within the confines of your budget.

But after a while, even that novelty begins to wear thin.

You search for a new hobby, landing on something great.

Lasts a bit, you meet some new friends, but again, after time, it gets old, too.

So you ask yourself again, “Is this it?”

Fast forward and you’re approaching your fifteenth wedding anniversary.

Yes, it’s been wonderful. The love of your life lives with you!

And the children are simply perfection. Except when they act soley within their flesh, which happens too many times in your opinion.

The monotony of this stage becomes routine and you ask yourself, “Is this it?”

Each stage of life brings this question. We think of the next part romantically, as if boredom or loneliness will not be our friend.

Yes. That’s the answer to your question. Yes, this is all this life has to offer you.

But the biggest piece of your life, making the most difference, is Jesus.

When Jesus isn’t the center of your world, life simply crawls by in dull excitement at best.

But Jesus fills the void our bodies were created with. A void that can only filled by God Himself.

Ask God to fill you. Ask God to walk alongside you each and every day.

As He dwells within you, humbly submit to His ways as He guides your every step.

Each day can become pregnant with fabulous possibilities as you focus not on yourself, but on Him and Him alone.

Instead of asking, is this it, you will be declaring, this is it!

Return your focus back to God. After all, life really is all about glorifying Him.

Photos by Jon Tyson, Ethan,  Darius, & Alex Shute on Unsplash

Carried Home

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Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15

Death comes like a thief in the night.

Often without warning.

Sometimes we have ample warning when holding our loved one, riddled with sickness.

But more often than not, life ends when no one is watching.

But God always is.

He sees our every breath we take.

He holds our days in His hands as He knows our past and future.

And when our days are done, He carries us to Himself, together forever with Him.

This comfort, for those trusting God for our salvation, remains when God comes for our loved ones.

God came for my husband’s brother today.

Unexpectedly. Sudden for the family and my brother-in-law.

Nobody was expecting this, especially him.

But he was ready. He always was.

Actually, there was a time when he wasn’t. He was lost. So very lost.

But through the faithful prayers of many, including his precious parents, God rescued him.

God not only rescued him, but brought him fully back to restored relationships.

Completely redeemed from his broken life.

As a result he was eager to share his deep love for Jesus with whomever he met.

From ignoring God’s beckoning to praying with strangers.

From living for himself to giving himself freely away to others.

God transformed his life, resulting in his compulsion to share God’s great love with family, friends, and strangers.

With anyone. With everyone.

His intentional words ministered life because his well overflowed with the love of God.

While not expecting his life to end today, he was ready to meet God.

His soul was prepared.

Are you? He would want you to ask yourself that very question.

And if you’re not, he would want to know why. What are you waiting for?

We never know when God will carry us home. We must be ready before it’s too late.

My brother-in-law knew what it was like to live without God.

That’s why he focused on sharing his redemptive life. Sharing God’s deep love with others.

He knew life with God is the only way to live.

Goodbye, sweet man. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Photos by Yannick Pulver, Priscilla Du Preez , & Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Loving the Unloveable

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Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31

Anyone in your life unloveable? Anyone fit that description?

Family? Acquaintances? Coworkers?

Children come to mind.

At times they seem unloveable when demanding things their way.

When irritated, they can spew forth ugliness, wishing you’d disappear.

Fine. I’ll go.

But that’s not biblical. Not God’s way.

He wants you to stay, loving the unloveable.

Can you even imagine a harder assignment?

Not me. Goes against my every fiber.

We usually love others because we get things in return.

Love, acceptance, respect, you get the idea.

But loving the unloveable? Yikes, that’s a whole new arena.

Yet that’s what God calls us to do. Literally. We are called to love others, no matter the response.

Jesus is our example. He loved us without reserve.

Without compromise. Without question.

And He loves us still when we revert back to our sinful selves, choosing our flesh too many times to count.

In other words, when we, ourselves, are unloveable, God still loves us.

If you’re willing, partner with God. His power through us can begin our attempt to love those who distain us.

God’s love. Not yours.

At the end of the day, God will be glorified if you love even when others don’t deserve it.

Even if they roll their eyes, talk back, or wish upon your disappearance.

Ask God to fill you with Himself each day as you wear His identity for you.

Only then, will you fulfill His greatest commission: To love your neighbor as yourself.

May we witness God through our daily human reactions. And may God Himself be manifest through our human attempts at love as we place others before ourselves.

Photos by Saad Chaudhry, Mark Boss, Elia Massignan, & Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

Does It Depend?

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And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10

When Jesus doesn’t give you what you want…

When your arms remain empty…

When you fall upon your knees in prayer and God’s reply seems to be no…

What then? What is your response?

Take matters into your own hands because you know better than God?

Trust yourself instead because deep down you believe He doesn’t really care or understand you?

We often stoop to unbelief when unable to see over the horizon.

And when we’re full of ourselves, our eyes seem to fail us.

It’s like we can’t see over the horizon to God’s plans because me, myself, and I get in the way.

But God can and does see it all. Your everything. He made your now, your horizon, and beyond.

Is God’s no because God is so very mean?

Could God be protecting you instead?

Maybe He is going to give you something way better – but we refuse to see that (or even look) because our vision demands to be satisfied in the present. Right this very second.

Either you believe God has your back or He doesn’t.

Look behind at all of His faithfulness demonstrated to you over years and years.

He’s been faithful when you’ve danced for joy before Him and when you’ve pouted in the corner.

He will also prove to be faithful in your wants. Your nows.

Thank Him for giving you His very best.

And keep trusting Him when you like what you see and even when you don’t.

Photos by Alinson torres, Irvin Aloise, Maëva Vigier, & Ugne Vasyliute on Unsplash

Embrace Daily Bible Reading

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For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6

How often do you read the Bible?

Do you open His Word every day or only when you happen to have the time?

Have you made devotions a daily habit?

Morning, noon, or evening – whenever you have carved the time each day?

I can remember wishing I wanted to have devotions. This was years and years ago. When the children were small.

I consciously wanted to dive into the Bible, but that desire never materialized as I always pushed it off for later.

About five years before my family fell apart, God mercifully dropped into my head, creating a desperate need to know Him more.

I craved His wisdom. His mercy. His strength.

I began to get up earlier than the others, sitting with God and His word.

Reading through the Bible, I became familiar again with God’s heart and His faithfulness over the ages.

Looking back now almost 16 years later, my time with God has been an anchor during the aching years of my life.

Where would I be without God? Certainly not sitting upright, wearing my crown as God’s daughter.

Come with me this year and read through the Bible.

Journey with me as we navigate His word.

Me, I’m reading straight through. Genesis through Revelation.

Last year I read through choosing some from the Old Testament, a Psalm or Proverb, and a New Testament portion each day.

Other times I’ve read the Bible chronologically.

And another year it was the New Testament only with Psalms and Proverbs.

What’s your decision? Pray about it then jump right in when you know which plan to choose. The year’s still young, so you can easily catch up.

I have many listed on my Media page (link below), but there are hundreds of choices other places. There are even audio versions from the YouVersion Bible app.

The precious Bible is easier than ever to access – you just have to choose to do it. So let’s go!

You won’t regret it. 🙂

Amy’s Bible plans: Click on Media, scrolling down to Bible Plans. Choose from Psalms/Proverbs/NT; Chronological; Genesis through Revelation (Bible straight through); 365 Bible ( OT, Psalm/Proverb, NT).

Photos by Kristaps Ungurs, Aaron Burden, Joel Muniz, & Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Christmas Perfection

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And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Luke 2:10-12

What do you picture Christmas to be? Specifically yours?

You know. The anticipation. What’s the picture in your head?

Children all accounted for and pleasant. Smiling, dressed in their new outfits, perfectly calm and cooperative.

Husband abiding dutifully by your every wish – after all, your ability to orchestrate the perfect Christmas cannot be doubted.

Your parents playing the proper grandparent role, doling out hugs and kisses to one and all.

The family traditional meal perfectly prepped. Your Grandmother would be proud.

Presents all wrapped, waiting for the excited hands to tear open. Everyone will love them as you spent your time thoughtfully shopping along their tastes and needs.

All family members happily sitting together at the lovely Christmas Eve service, complete with candles and carols, accompanied, of course, by the organ.

Finally, your home is clean, laundry caught up, and even the mail has been filed away.

This Christmas scenario seems like a one in a million lottery draw, creeping to align with one of God’s lesser creation miracles.

When what you picture doesn’t materialize, because it just won’t, what is your reaction?

Do you try harder the next year after your disappointment the year before?

Pout and grieve parts of the actual day away?

Or smile and stand tall anyhow?

Jesus wasn’t born among perfection.

So actually, an imperfect Christmas is holy. Right?

We try to create memories for our family. But the picture in our head is ours alone. Not theirs. Not God’s.

Prep and plan. But pause and pray more.

If your family is not all present, Jesus is still born.

If someone comes to dinner in a bad mood, Jesus is still born.

If your church forgoes real candles for fake battery imitators, Jesus is still born.

If all your presents are absolute flops, Jesus is still born.

We celebrate only because of Jesus.

We celebrate our love for others because of Jesus’ love for us.

Remain focused on Jesus, our baby in the manger.

He came to free you from sin. And from any chain that binds you up while you’re still here.

And that includes our unrealistic expectations of the day, others, and yourself.

Photos by Keith Tanner, Ksenia Yakovleva, Mike Cox, & Patti Black on Unsplash

Grateful to Your Toes

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And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you. Ezekiel 36:26-27

A Christmas Carol is a popular Christmas classic penned by Charles Dickens well over a hundred years ago.

One cannot comprehend the panic Scrooge felt as he walked with the Ghost of Christmas Future, unless one has made sinful choices such as Scrooge.

Because Scrooge was so selfish, he was blind to anything but himself.

Increasingly becoming aware of his sin only that night.

The consequences of his actions finally spoke louder to Scrooge than his fleshly habits.

Finding him in the graveyard, he sees the man’s name so ridiculed in death pages before: his own.

Falling on his face, he begs the Ghost of Christmas Future for a second chance.

Scrooge is agonized beyond anything he’s felt before.

He recognizes he is literally doomed.

Doomed forever and ever unless given a second chance.

A second chance as a changed man.

Begging the Ghost, he claims to have changed.

Begs and pleads with all his might.

He finally understands his truly bleak future written by his choices lived his entire adult life.

Stop and imagine yourself. What if that was you?

Do you have sections of your life ugly to God?

So ugly you deserve eternal damnation, too?

We all do. All of us deserve death.

But Jesus. His birth, death, and resurrection bring us hope as we place our trust in Him.

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

Let’s return to the question at hand: what ugly parts of your life do you still need to give to God?

Why haven’t you? What’s stopping you? Are you even bothered by them?

Scrooge wasn’t for most of his life. But when his eyes were opened, he was horrified.

Release your fleshly desires to God. Release your sinful ways, hurtful to so many.

Scrooge never cared about hurting others, but he did when he finally got it.

We don’t have the luxury of seeing future consequences of our sin.

But we do have the gift of God’s redemption. And second chances.

When Scrooge finally pried open his hands, he released his bitterness. His anger. His selfishness.

And in return he was given new eyes. And boy was he happy!

Releasing those burdens caused Scrooge to well up with joy unlike anything he had ever felt before.

Just like us, when we are forgiven by God.

Covered by Jesus, we are made new. Forgiven. Hopeful. Loved.

Bring your whole self to Jesus, this Christmas. Ask Him to show you any part you’ve neglected to give to Him.

Gather up your courage, give Him that ugly part, too, and welcome the healing He promises to bring.

Like Scrooge, you’ll be grateful all the way down to your toes.

Photos by Elin Melaas, David Abrams, Jez Timms, & Elliott B on Unsplash

Our Christmas Gift

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For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Do you find it odd our entire world celebrates Jesus’ birth?

Our secular world who seeks to elevate themselves more often than not?

Sure, you could argue Jesus’ birth has morphed into Santa, presents, and reindeer.

But even Santa is based on Nicholas of Myra, a fourth century bishop who left gifts for poor children.

Maybe the world isn’t totally lost. Yet.

How can you help your friends and family see the baby Jesus instead this Christmas?

Through you. Your witness. Your focus.

Jesus is the reason for the season. Overused phrase, yes, but it’s so true.

When you think for just a moment how deeply God loves you…..

When you ponder why God sent Jesus to earth…..

When you stop and realize how desperately you need our Savior…

You’ll discover the true meaning of Christmas.

Jesus came to earth just for you.

God missed His relationship with you that much.

He missed you and desperately wants that relationship back.

He wants you to trust Him. To love Him. To realize how much you need Him.

Because His plans for you are so good. The very best.

And to communicate that love, God set Jesus’ birth in motion.

That’s how much He loves you. All of you.

Begin to replace the commercialism of Christmas with the celebration of Jesus.

God’s peace on earth will come to your corner.

Your “why” you celebrate will alter everything. Real peace and real joy for once.

Let’s replace all the trinkets nobody needs. The gifts people return. Events we feel compelled to attend.

Replace it all with an increased devotion to Jesus, thanking Him for His gift. Himself.

Rely on Him for your peace as you dwell on the love He has just for you.

Let your celebrations stem from this and all of the gifts, events, and chaos will become worship to God.

While the world has lost the focus of Christmas, let’s keep ours, shifting back our focus to God and His precious gift of Jesus for you and for me.

Photos by Tristan Maness, Max Beck, Matt Botsford, &  Alda González-Cuevas on Unsplash

Christmas Rush

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Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men! Luke 2:14

Why is it this time of year seems to cause armfuls of stress?

Anyone else feel the pressure to buy everyone and their dog the perfect gift?

Anyone else feel pressured to provide all things to all people, creating perfect Christmas card memories?

And why is that?

Keeping up with the neighbors. Our friends. The entire world.

Expectations of ourselves, others, and the day.

What’s interesting is Jesus’ birth was so not complicated.

Mary and Joseph did not make the perfect reservation weeks in advance for the best room.

The angels did not record their songs, capturing the perfect moment for their social media.

The shepherds did not rehearse their reaction for perfect timing, nor did they have a Christmas outfit to celebrate the new King.

Everything just happened.

Mary and Joseph found what they could.

The angels broke out in song when they could no longer hold back.

The shepherds simply ran to the manger, wearing what they had on at the time.

And Jesus came amid it all.

Peace on earth is more than a silent night.

Peace on earth begins in your heart, surrendered to God and God alone.

When your heart is His, nothing else matters.

His peace can reign within, no matter what else churns around you.

Do the Christmas things. Have fun while you’re at it.

But keep God’s peace above all else.

Because nothing else matters, but Him.

Photos by Deep Doshi, Raymond Petrik, Tj Holowaychuk, & Greyson Joralemon on Unsplash

Thanksgiving

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And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

This holiday, created by the Pilgrims in 1621 and made official by President Lincoln in 1863, evokes many types of emotions.

Thankfulness to God for all He provides, including food and shelter.

Thankfulness for our family and friends.

Thankfulness for our great country and the freedom she gives.

Deep down thankfulness for every blessing in our lives.

But what about the icky parts? The ones you’re not thankful for?

Give thanks anyway.

Thank God for keeping you safe within the storm.

Thank God for giving you His peace when your world seems anything but.

Thank God for filling you with HIs joy when yours has walked out the door.

Thank God even if. Because ‘even if’ still includes God.

Your world may look dark, but God is light. He’s your light in the darkness.

God will forever lead you down the path He has for you. Faithfully.

He will never leave your side in good times and bad. Period.

He stands with you, surrounding you with Himself.

And that is something we can all be very thankful for.

Photos by Thibault Mokuenko, Libby Penner, Debby Hudson, & Autumn Mott Rodeheaver on Unsplash

Genesis 6

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And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. Noah found grace in the eyes of God. Genesis 6:6,8

God regretted creating man.

The evil, which was ruling man, grieved God’s heart.

Man became so selfish and evil, God actually wished He had not created them.

Verse 5 says “every intention of the thoughts of his (man’s) heart was only evil continually.

Wow.

Like nothing but evil.

Literally.

Imagine living in that world where only evil reigns free and kindness is nearly non-existent.

Nearly non-existent due to the life of Noah.

Noah and his family found favor in God’s eyes.

That’s it. The only family on earth.

Only a few hundred years after God created Adam, He regretted man.

Not only did God want to destroy man, He also cut short future man’s long life which had been the norm.

Noah was 500 when he fathered Shem, Ham, and Japheth (Genesis 5:32).

That’s pretty old!

God declared man would live no more than 120 years in verse 3 as God did not want His spirit to abide in man forever.

You can see why.

God does not condone evil.

Period.

We might not be as bad or evil as the population Noah walked among, but evil is evil.

Sin is sin.

Do you ever stop to think your sin grieves God’s heart?

Sure some sins are worse than others, but any sin at all goes against God.

It goes against everything He is.

Sin is the opposite of God.

Lots of grace for us when we sin, yes, but ask God to help you live only within His ways.

Ask the Holy Spirit to build you up in your mind, body, and soul, as you pursue God and God alone.

Maybe the thought of grieving God’s heart will stop you from sinning.

After all, why would we ever want to cause God any pain ever when He’s done everything and more for us?

Photos by Lucas Dial, Aram, Aaron Burden, & Anne Nygård on Unsplash

How Badly?

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Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. Ephesians 5:1

How badly do you want it? To imitate God?

How much do you want to change in order to do just that?

We cannot do anything in our own strength.

It will certainly fail, why?

Because we are flawed. Human. Not God.

Oh sure, sometimes we can do things amazingly well in our own strength.

But that tends to lead us into pride.

And pride eventually leads us to humility in a usually embarrassing way.

The humble spirit is different.

A humble person is not weak.

They have quiet strength.

They have great wisdom, yet they do not push it on anyone.

They have peace, because they realize it’s not all about them.

Who can you relate to?

A prideful person who does everything themselves?

Or a humble person who realizes God must work through them to accomplish great things?

A prideful person thinks it’s all about them.

A humble person knows it’s all about God.

Prideful people demand.

Humble people serve.

When you look in the Bible, the Pharisees were extremely proud.

They knew everything and no one could tell them any different.

Know anyone like that?

Jesus is our example of a humble man who served.

He knew everything, but served the lowest of the low.

His gentle strength showed God’s power and love.

Standing before Pilot, Jesus could have explained it all.

He could’ve shown His accusers a thing or two.

How badly do you want to be like Jesus?

Are you willing to give up yourself?

Are you willing to put aside your own plans to follow His plan for you?

Ask God to fill you up with His strength, wisdom, and love.

Rely on Him to keep filling you every day.

In return, God will use you to bless others.

And you’ll be blessed right back in the process as you imitate Him.

Photos by Greg Shield, Aaron Burden, Patrick Tomasso, & Taylor Cole on Unsplash

 

Miserable by Choice

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“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

There once was a miserable lady, who lived in a cottage near the edge of the forest.

She lived by herself and had grown to an old age.

Her many belongings gave her comfort since her relationships were complicated.

Her loneliness was compounded by her attitude as she continued to blame everyone and everything for her misery.

Everyone except herself.

Looking back, she had lived a good life.

She was accomplished, pretty, and comfortable.

On the outside she was the picture of health.

But she was deathly afraid.

Afraid of what, you may ask?

Letting go. Forgiveness. Not being in control.

Surrendering and accepting life.

And change.

To protect herself, she lashed out and declared herself “Mrs. Always Right.”

Her loved ones and friends never spent much time with her, because her bitterness was easily spread.

Her cottage was nestled on the edge of the great forest.

It was so beautiful – once.

Her memory smiled as she recalled all the beautiful years spent in the forest.

Simply lovely.

But her frown would always return and stay firmly planted on her face when she recalled the devastating fire that had swept through her precious forest.

Everything had burned down.

All the trees, flowers, and life.

The forest was like that for years.

Too long, actually.

And when things look bad for years, it’s easy to forget the beauty.

One day, the forest began to regrow.

New life had sprung all over the place.

Months went by and suddenly the forest was beautiful again.

Stunning, actually.

Radiant.

But she could not see it.

When the lady looked at her beloved forest, all she could see was destruction.

She could not see all the beauty.

Her bitterness had changed her forever.

Her eyesight would not allow her to see the goodness.

She refused to acknowledge her new beautiful surroundings, choosing instead to remember the fire and how her forest once had been.

Are you blind, too? Miserable by choice?

Do you only see what once was, refusing to recognize God’s new blessings in your life?

Allow God to enter, letting His new blessings flood your heart with promise and thankfulness.

There is no need to be miserable by choice.

Choose instead to be thankful as God will never leave your side.

His new plans will be great. God says so.

Photos by Chastagner Thierry, Gustav Gullstrand,  kazuend, & Bruce Hong on Unsplash

Wall of Fire

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And I will be to her a wall of fire all around, declares the Lord, and I will be the glory in her midst. Zechariah 2:5

When walking through life, do you feel alone?

Do you feel often overwhelmed by the world’s rubbish thrown your way?

Tired of falling too often towards temptation?

Walk in your authority from God.

He’s with you. He covers you with His strength, protection, and peace.

Psalm 5:12 reminds us: Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

When feeling overwhelmed by life, picture God surrounding you with HIs favor like a shield.

But it gets even better.

Our verse from Zechariah shares God’s promise of a literal wall of fire.

This wall of fire surrounds you. Nothing can come through.

Picture this wall of fire burning up temptation. Burning up fear. Burning up anything coming your way that is not of God.

Can we still have problems with God as our wall of fire?

Sure. Jesus reminds us we will suffer.

But suffering under God’s plan is different from allowing the world’s rubbish to affect you.

Within God’s plan, suffering looks like glory. Suffering looks like peace. It’s the opposite of how the world defines it.

Paul mentions suffering as a time to boast in God’s strength.

May God surround us as a wall of fire.

May God’s wall of fire burn up anything that comes our way not of Him and Him alone.

May God’s wall of fire burn up our selfish tendencies, placing in us the desire for God alone.

May God’s wall of fire burn up fear when tempted to rely on human knowledge.

And may God’s glory be forever in the midst of us.

Photos by Paul Bulai, Cullan Smith, Olivia Snow, & Zac Durant on Unsplash

What’s Normal?

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Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! 1 Chronicles 16:11

Ever heard the phrase “the new normal”?

Usually means something bizarre is becoming commonplace.

Normal used to mean a two parent family with a few children, living in the same house for decades.

Normal used to mean church anchored the neighborhood, threading lives together as one.

Normal used to mean children knew their place and it wasn’t in charge of adults.

While we can sit here and debate “normal” social behaviors, I was wondering something completely different.

How often do you think about God?

Does He fill your thoughts most of the day? Or just when there’s nobody else to turn?

Do you talk with Him once a day, maybe as your eyes close?

Or do you talk to Him in a constant chatter about this or that, basically whenever anything comes to mind?

Do you wake with His song on your lips?

What’s your music choice? Whatever it is demands space in your head.

Sometimes I think I’m not normal.

I adore worship music. It’s all I listen to, with the exception of occasional classical music.

My head is filled with God because of it. I regularly wake with His song on my lips.

I think of heaven, too. Life is incredibly short and I hope I’m helping others see the importance of God.

Do you feel an urgency to align your heart to God’s?

What if you don’t wake up tomorrow?

Or what if you have only today to share God with another?

God takes our life seriously. So seriously that He rescued us from eternal separation by sending His son, Jesus, to take our sin for us.

If we really thought long and hard, we’d prioritize filling ourselves with worship to God, seeking His face. We owe Him everything.

So, in the end, normal for Christians should be our never-ending focus on God.

Putting Him first.

Above all else.

And that means above you and me.

As we live God’s purpose for our lives, may we consistently place Him first as we seek Him in all we do and say.

Photos by Doncoombez, Jeremy Thomas, & Taylor Cole on Unsplash

Casting off the Flesh

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Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:14

What do you think Paul was talking about in this passage?

Thinking of putting on Jesus, what comes to mind?

Armor of God. Holy Spirit’s influence. Listening to God instead of the enemy’s lies.

It’s intentional. Notice Paul asks us to literally do something. To put on Jesus.

Do you? Do you choose to invite Jesus to fill you each day with more of Himself?

Do you open your Bible to hear the words of God?

Do you worship him on any day besides Sunday?

With what are you filling your mind?

Paul continues to say we must put our flesh beneath us. To make no provision for it.

Why? Because our fleshly desires tend to rule over us.

They tend to take over, don’t they?

They take our focus off of Jesus, putting it back on ourselves.

Our needs. Our wants. Our desires.

Yes, we need to take care of ourselves. So how does it move to gratifying the flesh instead?

Choosing to be lazy instead of exercising or moving.

Choosing to eat junk when we should honor our body with health.

Choosing to spend mindless hours on digital games or social media when we should be reading our Bible, reading books, or learning something new.

Going to substances that numb the world’s pain instead of walking with God to freedom.

A couple of verses before, Romans 13:12 says this: Let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Casting off works of darkness is not gratifying the flesh.

Putting on the armor of light is putting on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Because our flesh is often so loud, Paul thinks we should make no provision for it.

Gratifying the desires of the flesh should never usurp what God has called us to be.

And the enemy often comes in sneaky ways, taking an inch at a time.

Today we should take inventory of how our life looks. How we spend our time. What our mind dwells upon.

Is your flesh in charge or is it God?

Cast off the flesh. And put on God.

Photos by Ingmar &  Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

Shopping for More

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For in Him we live, and move, and have our being. Acts 17:28

Where are you gathering your identity?

Are you shopping at Walmart when you should be selecting items at the most expensive store?

You might reply you cannot possibly afford the most expensive store.

Remember, I’m not talking about material goods.

I’m talking about your worth. Your identity. Your very core.

When you surrender your life to God, He steps in, scooping out the ugly, replacing it with beauty.

Jesus’ death on the cross provides the transaction removing sin. The sin we were born with. The sin we chose. Our heredity. God’s power removes all of it, replacing it with redemption.

When redeemed, we have God’s power. His life. His disposition.

Acts reminds us we live and move and literally are within God.

Your identity is God’s.

Your worth is God’s.

When we live from within God’s power, we have everything.

When our being is literally from God, our worth is immeasurable.

It’s time to stop shopping for your worth at the thrift store.

Time to stop settling for your used former self.

Instead, select God’s exquisite self. His perfection wanting to shine through you.

Start living as if God is speaking through you.

Start living as if God is working through you.

Start living as if God is moving through you.

Because when you live and move and have your being in God, He’s already here.

Photos by Tem Rysh, Lucrezia Carnelos, Markus Spiske, & Joel Muniz on Unsplash

Acting Like It

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The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him; all the upright in heart will glory in him! Psalm 64:10

Do you ever observe your life as an actor?

Maybe the phrase “fake it til you make it” comes to mind?

I’m not talking about times when you’re genuinely smiling.

Like really enjoying life.

Because that’s when it’s as easy as falling off a log to act happy. Because you are.

But what about the times when you’re not?

Can you choose joy even when you’d rather be anywhere else?

Can you choose love even when you feel anything but?

Yep. Know why? Because God’s strength in you is bigger than your weakness.

Bigger than the flesh that covers you.

Picture yourself in a situation where you really should be nice to someone undeserving.

Approach it as an actor would in their starring role. You can do it, I promise.

And after your performance, you might even feel a bit happier, too.

Yes, we must not pretend everything is always hunky dory.

Yes, we must not let horrible people run over our lives.

But generally in life, if you are needing to keep that fresh face forward, act like it.

Often removing yourself and becoming a happier version keeps relationships humming.

And before you know it, God may help your happy mood become your genuine reaction.

Until then, ask God to fill you with His strength, and jump into that loving actor self.

And give yourself an Oscar! I’ll applaud you!

Now you’re smiling!

Photos by Jon Tyson, Avel Chuklanov, & Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Raised Hands

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But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Psalm 22:3

When worshiping the Lord, we often raise our hands.

Why? Absolute surrender. Acknowledging God is God and we are not.

Proclaiming His holiness. Bringing ourselves to Him as an offering.

As we lift our hands to heaven in worship, God comes down.

Psalm 22:3 reminds us God inhabits our praise. Chooses to manifest His glory and power amid our worship.

Picture your hands raised to heaven.

As your voice lifts your song in worship, God reaches down to you.

His hands clasp yours, filling you with Himself.

He receives your worship as His glory comes down to you.

A holy exchange.

That picture jumped into my head today as we worshipped at church.

If I could bring you into my head, you’d get the full picture I wish I could correctly share.

It was beautiful. Comforting. Full of strength.

God longs to fill us with more of Him.

He is so worthy to be praised.

The next time you sing in worship to Him, raise those hands.

Give Him all of you as He reaches down to give you more of Him.

Photos by Jake Hill, Steve Adams, Jametlene Reskp, & Guillaume de Germain on Unsplash

Forgiving Anyway

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For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15

Are you harboring bitterness? It’s easy to.

When wronged unjustly, we feel the need to hold onto it, somehow justifying ourselves.

When kept close, it grows roots deep down, affecting thoughts, even remembering things incorrectly.

When the root keeps growing, we close our ears against anything that touches the root.

We love feeling bitter, not wanting to give room to love.

Is there any area in your life that is filled with bitterness, crowding out love?

When wronged, we have two choices: forgive and let go, or not forgive, holding onto bitterness.

It’s not easy to choose forgiveness, especially when the other person doesn’t deserve it.

We were wronged!

Bitterness seems familiar when we are used to holding grudges. It’s almost comforting to keep it close, justifying your continued actions as a result.

The prison of bitterness keeps only one person captive: you.

Relationships suffer and die when you choose that prison.

I completely understand wanting to stay for awhile. It feels safe. But it’s only a trap.

Ask God to help heal your heart.

To forgive with his strength, not yours.

To release the bitterness grown so familiar.

Ephesians 4:31–32 says “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

When you think about the mercy God has shown you, it’s easier to forgive others.

God asks us to forgive those who sin against us in Matthew 6.

Ephesians 4 asks us to be kind and forgiving.

Goes against our flesh for sure.

But God is here to help you. He asks us to forgive and He’ll help you do just that.

Ask Him and you’ll soon walk freely into the freedom of God’s forgiveness.

Photos by Annie Spratt & Lee 琴 on Unsplash