Category: choices

Slaps and Hugs

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A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.  Proverbs 15:13

Life can bring you stress or peace.

Stomach cringes or smiley fill up your bucket type of moments.

You know – slaps or hugs.

Do you have things you do every day you cannot stand?

Or have gotten really old?

Can you forget them?

If you’re honest, some of them you could.

You could throw away the plants that need water.

You could give away the dog.

You could get off that one committee.

You could stop being everyone’s maid.

Make a list.

Then decide if you can honestly stop any of them.

And if you still have some stomach cringing stressful “slap you downs” on your list, move them over to the hug side.

Now, what about your pick me ups? Your hugs? Things that make you smile?

Things in your life you would rather do for as long as humanly possible.

Picking up a book and becoming lost in the adventure.

Tickling the ivories as your fingers fly over the keys.

Lacing up your running shoes to take in a much needed breath of fresh air.

List what makes you smile.

Helps when you need that pick me up. That hug.

Now, remember your slaps you listed? The ones you need to keep in your short life?

Hopefully you moved them over to the good side. The side that makes you happy.

You know – your hugs.

What?

Yes. Change the focus, showing their positive side.

Watering my flowers? Boy, they sure are beautiful!

Creating healthy meals for my family? I am helping us stay our freshest and best, honoring our bodies God created.

Make sense? There’s a positive side to anything.

In our life, there are many stressors. Many slaps so to speak.

So don’t let it slap you down. Don’t let anything steal your peace.

Get rid of extra things you don’t need to bother with anymore.

But all the rest? Look at them in a positive light.

God gives you things. Use your talents and abilities to glorify Him.

And stop slapping yourself silly!

Photos by Andrew Neel, Joshua Clay, Ekaterina Shakharova, & Joice Kelly on Unsplash

Looking Glass

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Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Ever look back at life, admiring it’s beauty?

Memories in the past can look perfect.

Our brains usually remember only the good.

In fact, often we glorify it. Our memories can even become glamorized to the point of embellishment.

At least they do when you compare yourself to today.

Grass was greener, yes?

Actually, it was full of weeds, too, just different kinds.

You complained back then, too, you just don’t remember.

Instead of comparing yesterday to today, concentrate on the good with both.

Yes, back then I had the snuggles of little ones, but now I have friendship.

Back then I looked forward to a few moments of peace and quiet.

Now I wish they’d come over more often.

Be happy with wherever you are in this short life.

Remember with fondness your yesterdays, but smile at your todays.

And as you anticipate your tomorrows, place all of your hope in God.

He will walk with you through it all.

The good, the bad, and even the ugly.

Photos by Ryan Parker, Alfonso Scarpa, Fred Moon, & il vano on Unsplash

Yielding Ourselves

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Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Ephesians 6:10

Ever tried to stop doing something you know you shouldn’t?

Could be eating too much sugar, drowning your sorrows in alcohol, or spending way too much time scrolling through your phone.

Could even be your attitude or reaction when things don’t go your way.

Or choosing to listen only to yourself instead of others.

All of it points to placing, you guessed it – yourself on the throne instead of God, the One who created you and all things.

Yielding to Jesus will break every form of slavery in our human lives.

Food, exercise, exhaustion, perfection, fear, anxiety, or pride.

Anything placed before Jesus can become a form of slavery as we feed that characteristic within ourselves instead of feeding our relationship with Jesus.

Some of those things are super great, like exercise or eating healthy.

But if that desire replaces your desire for God, then that desire has become a god to you, probably rooted in fear if you don’t perform exactly right.

We can only find victory over ourselves through Jesus.

Through Jesus’ peace and strength.

Love this poem from Amy Carmichael, a missionary to India in the early 1900’s:

Before the winds that blow decrease, teach me to dwell within Thy calm; before the pain passed in peace, give me, my God, to sing a psalm. Let me not lose the chance to prove the fullness of enabling love. O love of God, do this for me; maintain a constant victory.

Don’t you just love that phrase: maintain a constant victory.

A plea for God to not only win in our lives, but to keep winning.

Only happens when we yield ourselves over to God, who is infinately more capable than our sinful selves.

Lord, give us a portion of your sweet spirit, spilling out your life and love to others.

As life consumes us, help us to place You on the throne of our heart, wanting only what You want for us.

With You, we will have constant victory, even if we don’t see it.

Because You have already won. You are our constant victory.

Photos by Joshua Earle, Pablo Heimplatz, Guillaume de Germain, & Patrick Fore on Unsplash

Hidden Treasure

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The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Matthew 13:44

Can you imagine finding treasure, hiding it back up, and then buying where it lay with ALL of your money?

You’d have a guarantee of your return.

Immediate investment return.

Happened to me once on a very small scale.

I love thrift stores. Never know what you’ll find!

The ugliest piece of pottery ever created (can I get an amen?) or a replacement dish from a vintage set your grandmother collected.

Love to comb through their books as I regularly find pearls for my classroom library for about a dollar each.

Once, while looking through the books, I found some bibles.

Not unusual to see bibles, but something drew me to choose one.

Flipping through the pages, I briefly saw a hundred dollar bill nestled onto a page.

Thought to myself, “Did I just see that?”

Flipped back and yes, there it was, staring up at me.

A crisp hundred dollar bill.

Unnoticed.

I quickly closed the book and told the children we were buying this bible.

Bought it for a dollar with my treasure inside.

Unbelievable, yes?

There was no way to find the owner as thrift stores constantly have new stock.

Plus, it could have been there for years. Literally.

It wasn’t a particularly nice looking book. Very ordinary.

But it held a treasure.

But you know what’s even better?

Jesus. He has a treasure for us worth His very life.

It’s Himself. Not only His salvation, but freedom here on earth.

When you fully realize all Jesus has for you, you’ll forgo your former ways.

Your new treasure will be way more important as you’ll have peace, joy, and strength for each new day.

Jesus says the man sold everything joyfully. It was his choice and he was so happy about it.

Are you happy about what Jesus has done for you? I sure am.

His peace, wisdom, and strength far surpass anything I could ever do within my own self.

Seek God. Seek a personal relationship with God, who created all things.

When you finally see Him, you’ll joyfully submit your whole self to Him.

But unlike the man in the parable, you can share your treasure with those around you.

And if you’re ever at a thrift store, feel free to thumb through the Bibles.

I still do!

Photos by Jouwen Wang, Michael Dziedzic, Max Böttinger, & Kiwihug on Unsplash

Order Your Steps

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The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way. Psalm 37:23

I was deeply reminded the other day of how God holds everything in His hands.

Yes, He gives us free choice, but He is ultimately in charge.

Of everything.

He allowed Adam and Eve to sin.

And us, too.

Because we sin, we become separated from God, who is holy.

Yet He always provides a way back to Him.

When we choose Him, He’ll even walk alongside us. If we’ll let Him.

Imagine that. Allowing God, who created all things, to walk beside us.

As if it should ever be our choice. But it is.

He desperately wants us, but on His terms – which is for us to freely choose Him.

No bullying or taking against our will.

Even Paul, I mean Saul, when he encountered God.

Paul could have chosen to say no to God.

He would’ve been blind the rest of his life, but he had a choice.

This brings me back to us.

Daily submitting and really giving everything to God.

All things.

Teeny tiny things like parking spots, ugly hair, or stubborn pounds.

Big huge things like wayward relationships, divorce, or death.

Everything else seems to fall in between.

Working on my book and launch party comes to mind.

God literally handed it to me through His faithfulness and mine.

But little anxious worrying thoughts have been popping into my mind.

Honestly, they’ve had the ability to take over, making me question my course.

But then God whispers into my ear, “Why are you even bothered about that? Remember My faithfulness, which will never run out. I’ve cleared My path for you. As you continue to walk with Me, I’ll have your back. Forever.”

That’s for you, too. Stop worrying. Like ever.

Worrying removes your focus from God’s truth, which is this: He will never leave us or forsake us.

He’s got big plans for all of us.

Allow Him to use you and enjoy letting Him take care of the details.

Because He holds everything, including you, in His capable hands.

Here is my video link from my interview yesterday! https://www.youtube.com/live/fxviofHPs2E?feature=share

Not for Sale

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

With God we shall do valiantly; it is He who will tread down our foes. Psalm 108:13

Seen the movie Sound of Freedom yet?

It was new this past week. Opened on July 4th.

That’s when we saw it. Powerful film.

It’s a true story about saving trafficked children.

The first one he saves at the U.S. border.

Shocking our beloved country is one of the top 3 destinations for child trafficking.

Worldwide, it’s a 150 billion dollar yearly business.

Ever chosen to attend a movie that begs for respect?

Like not your typical movie?

Read about a young reporter once, who attended a Holocaust movie premier with several survivors.

He was questioned about bringing popcorn to munch as the topic was horrific.

That was me the other day.

Sitting in the movie Sound of Freedom, my husband and I brought nothing.

Water, yes, but that was it. I just couldn’t imagine enjoying food while viewing what I was about to see.

The older couple beside us had a giant container of popcorn and two sodas.

To hear them crunching popcorn while watching the big screen swallow children into oblivion was a stunning contrast.

At one point, the older lady simply said, “Wow”.

I agree.

While I’m not here to judge anyone eating popcorn at a movie, it speaks to something larger.

What is your reaction to sin?

To the injustice of over 1.2 million children trafficked each year, adding to the already insane numbers?

Is your reaction to pat yourself on the back, knowing you are not participating?

Or is it to support the movie, forgetting about it when the credits roll?

Or will you allow it to change you, causing you to seek ways to make a difference?

As Psalm 108 reminds us, when we partner with God, He will destroy our foes.

I for one, have seen enough.

Partner with God to trample not only the enemies we see, but the ones we know exist.

Joined together, we can echo the truth God’s children are not for sale.

Sound of Freedom trailer link

Tim Ballard apple podcast link (movie is about his true story)

Get involved options link

Photos by Annie Spratt, Susie Ho, Nehal Patel, & Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Your Place

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13

How do you see you?

Before you gaze into the mirror, what do you know you will see?

Automatically judge yourself?

Don’t measure up? To what?

What’s the measure? Goal?

It’s never enough. You know that, right?

As soon as you measure up, the stick moves.

Always higher. Never done.

But how does God see you?

As His beloved. He sees you covered in His righteousness.

There is nothing you can do to earn His love.

Nothing you can do to have less of it either.

Look at yourself again.

Notice your strength.

Your faith. Your peace.

It’s all from God.

When you look, do you see God?

As a child of God, we are made in His image.

He created you perfectly.

As you keep surrendering to Him, His light will shine brighter and brighter through you.

As you live from the tree of life, your reflection will mirror His.

You are chosen.

Loved.

Valued.

Secure.

See God at work in yourself.

See God’s protection covering you.

See your value as God’s beloved.

See and know your place as His truth.

And then believe.

Photos by Ethan Robertson, Raphaël Biscaldi, & Unsplash Photo by Vicko Mozara on Unsplash

No Dominion

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Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:12-14

Did you catch that?

Sin will have NO dominion over you. Why? Because we are not under the law, but God’s grace.

We are no longer under the law because of Jesus’ payment on the cross for our many sins.

God’s grace covers us, removing the burden of our sin.

But Paul starts this passage with a warning: don’t let sin reign, or have control, in your body here on earth.

He recognizes we all have choices.

Hundreds of times each day, we choose whether to sin or not.

We often obey the passions or wants of our flesh even if they don’t line up with God.

But we don’t have to obey our flesh as sin has no power over us.

God’s power is bigger then the pull of our flesh which leads to sin.

When we choose to sin, we step out of grace.

We step out of what God has for us. What He wants for us, which is way better then what we want.

But when we repent, choosing instead to obey God, we step back into His grace.

We step back into what He has for us.

Recognize your choices.

Purpose to choose life each day.

It’s often incredibly hard as the pull of our fleshly desires is strong.

But sin has no dominion over us because of Jesus.

Live under Jesus’ power and authority over sin, death, and the grave in your life.

He’s your constant Protector, always ready to help when you simply choose Him over all else.

Photos by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

Nudges From God

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Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12

What is that nudge deep within your soul?

You know the nudge.

Deep within your soul you know God wants you to do something.

Something new.

For Him.

Listen to His whispers.

God is telling you something.

Could be big or small.

Life altering or life giving.

He wants you. All of you.

He wants you for the purpose of spreading His word to others.

His encouragement. His wisdom. His truth.

Answer that nudge.

Allow God to work through you.

Write that note to a friend.

Surprise your loved one with generosity.

Open that door for a stranger.

Speak life to the person behind you in line.

Connect with others, ministering God’s love through your kind smile.

Be His tangible hands and feet today.

In return your soul will be filled to the brim with the blessing of God as well.

Photos by Chris Smith & Hans Veth on Unsplash

Running Free

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. Malachi 4:2

Are you running into the freedom God has for you?

Running from the lies you have believed?

Running from the temptations that once held you captive?

Running from the ill reactions you normally exhibit?

Malachi reminds us that when you fear God’s name, when you are His beloved child, He will respond with healing.

Healing your mind.

Healing your will.

Healing your emotions.

When you ask Him to change you, freeing you from nasty ingrained responses, He will.

He promises you will not only be free, but you will run like a wild animal.

Uncontrollably free.

Decide to trust Him.

Read His word, worship, and pray.

And run as you are free.

Smile because you are loved.

Rejoice because you are His.

There is no turning back.

Every time you are tempted to return to the pit, align yourself with God and run free towards Him instead.

Run forward with God, never looking back.

Photos by Malik Skydsgaard, sporlab, & lucas Favre on Unsplash

Remembered No More

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For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. Isaiah 65:17

As God’s beloved, He renews you.

Renews your mind.

Your thoughts.

Your new self covered under His salvation.

God wants you to live within His freedom from your previous ways of thinking.

The untruths you held dear.

The inadequacy that gripped you.

The fears that wouldn’t let go.

When a thought pops into your mind, do you immediately believe it?

If it tears you down feeling worthless, it’s not God.

God will gently bring you into freedom.

He only wants the best for you, so as you embrace His freedom, you’ll feel better and better.

Science shows us brain pathways can be retrained.

But you must cut the ties with your former ways of thinking.

Your former ways of thinking apart from God.

Cutting your connection with the untruth means you don’t think about it like you used to.

When an old nasty thought pops into your brain, you declare God’s truth instead.

If you’ve suffered from negativity, you begin to thank God for His goodness.

You look for it. Search for it, proclaiming He is good.

If you’ve suffered from fear, you thank God for His protection.

You remind yourself how perfectly safe you are under His wings.

If you’ve suffered from loneliness, thank God for His companionship.

You begin to list all the ways God sees you and knows you.

Start today.

As Isaiah reminds us, the former things will be remembered no more or even come to mind.

Declare the lies you previously believed gone.

The fear previously holding you gone.

Your mind is pure, covered in God’s truth.

Renewed.

Walk in the freedom God has already provided you.

You are a new creation, inside and out.

As you replace the old thoughts with God’s truth, your brain will remember them no more.

Photos by Mike Tinnion, Priscilla Du Preez, &Timothy Eberly on Unsplash

Living with Yourself

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

What would that be like?

Living with yourself?

Are you nice? Sweet? Generous? Loving?

Do you put others first before yourself?

Serve the other person the larger piece of cake?

Allow others into your life to bless them?

Or are you a bit mean? Angry? Standoffish?

Do you put yourself first, serving yourself the bigger dessert?

Keep to yourself, putting up a grumpy front so you aren’t bothered with others?

Are your moods up and down like the winds of the ocean?

Just wondered.

Sometimes we wish those we love acted differently. We wish they would think of us for a change.

But do you think of them?

Do you put them first?

Matthew 7:12 reminds us Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Sounds like we should treat others how we would like to be treated.

Didn’t we all learn that in Sunday School? You bet.

Take a minute and try living with yourself.

Would you want to live with you?

I’d answer honestly absolutely and heck no. Depends on the moment if you want to know the truth.

Lord, help us to be as wonderful to live with as we think we are.

Live through us, helping us to deliver your goodness to all around us.

Photos by Sage Friedman, Milan Popovic, David Marcu, &  freestocks on Unsplash

Spilled Out

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45

What spills out of you every day?

Your moods from yesterday you simply cannot let go of yet?

Your depression from the hand life has dealt you?

Negativity, expecting the worst every time?

Anger as you are better then all of this?

Or joy, knowing God is above it all?

Peace, resting in the knowledge that God’s got this and more?

Mercy, remembering how God has poured out His mercy liberally on you?

What spills out of you tends to resort back to one question: who or Who is on the throne of your heart?

If it’s yourself, which is extremely common, then whatever spills out of you will be contingent upon your flighty circumstances.

It will depend upon who pleases you or not.

If God is on your heart’s throne, out will spill the fruits of the spirit as you remember God’s in control and you are not.

Luke 6 reminds us out of our heart’s abundance, the mouth speaks.

Out of your heart.

What’s in your heart? Values, beliefs, things you know and believe to be true.

If your heart believes God’s got this and more, spilling out of you will be His mercy and love to others.

But if your heart desires yourself and the things of this world, ugliness will spill when things do not go your way.

What will you choose?

Will you spread God’s very self to others this day?

Ask God to fill you with Himself.

Give Him the throne of your heart.

That way, when things spill out, you’ll be His hands and feet to those you meet.

Photos by Skylar Michael, Daniela Díaz, & Ben Moreland on Unsplash

Which Self

Published on by amylinnea4 Comments

Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practicers and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator. Colossians 3:9-10

Have you put on your new self?

The one God created you to live within?

Entering into our relationship with God, He forgives our sin away.

Our old selves.

But it tends to sneak back.

Our old habits, thoughts, actions, desires, and selves.

Yes, we are still the Lords, but we begin acting as if we are not.

We forget who we have become.

We forget Whose we now are.

Colossians 3 reminds we have put down our old self and its practices.

Our old habits. Our selfishness. Our life apart from God.

Instead, we have put on our new selves.

Our new identity as God’s.

And our new identity is continually renewed within the knowledge that we are created in God’s very image.

But as Colossians reminds us, it’s a choice.

When life happens, what self will you put on?

Will you react within your old habits of fear and inadequacy?

Or will you react within your new self, wrapped in God’s image of peace, love, and joy?

Notice which you choose.

And purpose to dress within your new self: the very image of God.

Photos by https://unsplash.com/@brodatafotografia, https://unsplash.com/@beccamchaffie, https://unsplash.com/@belart84

Coasting Through Life

Published on by amylinnea5 Comments

Are you coasting through life?

In it for the ride, surviving to live another day?

Or are you living with purpose, making each day count?

It’s easy in our world, to stay in our lane, creating comfort at all costs.

Unfortunately, those costs sometimes include relationships, serving others, or neglecting God’s very plan for our lives.

Did you know God has a plan for you?

Involves more than sitting around on your phone.

Or thinking only of yourself.

Are you pursuing it? Are you asking God what He wants you to do?

Oh, He can work without you, but He’d rather use you.

It’s better when you can be a part of what God does.

Are you intentionally pursuing God or your movie list?

Are you intentionally giving yourself to others or to your social media feed?

God wants all of you.

He wants your yesterdays, your todays, and your tomorrows.

Doesn’t mean you’ll be serving soup in the cold every day.

But you might a few times.

Doesn’t mean you will never relax with the TV.

But you might watch a little less, as you dig into His Word.

Doesn’t mean you will eat out less often.

But you might skip a couple, opting to give more to others instead.

Will you have to completely change? Neglect all the fun?

Nope. You’ll actually begin to desire what He has for you.

All boils down to asking God what He longs for you before bowing to your every whim.

Asking His spirit to heal your heart, allowing His love to flow through your fingers.

Asking Him to fill your thoughts with His wisdom, thinking of others before yourself..

And asking Him to guide your steps as you learn to walk step in step with Him.

Stop coasting, instead choosing to live intentionally for Him.

Photos by Clay Banks, Julian Hochgesang, & Rod Long on Unsplash

Hannah’s Submission

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

There is none holy like the Lord; for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2

Hannah proclaimed these words from her lips as she gave up her child back to God.

Her long-awaited child. The child who she longed to have.

She had made a promise to God to give him back.

Was she despondent? Or at least grieving?

Probably. But her lips declared the glory of God.

His holiness. His sovereignty. His steadfastness.

Hannah’s trust in God was more than her desire for earthly pleasures.

In her case, the continued joy of motherhood.

Hannah cared more about her promise to God than the cries of her flesh.

She chose God.

What about you?

What in your life do you need to trust God more fully?

What has God asked of you, yet you ignore, succumbing to your flesh instead?

God is holy. He is omniscient. He is above all things. And He is your rock.

What could be better than that?

Nothing this world offers, I guarantee you.

Remember Hannah’s words.

Lift up your praise to God, who deserves nothing less.

And as you choose His will over yours, He will faithfully fulfill His promises to you.

Guaranteed.

Photos by Liv Bruce, Thandy Yung, Xavier Mouton Photographie, & Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash

John 10:4

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When He has brought out all His own, He goes before them, and the sheep follow Him, for they know His voice. John 10:4

When we place our lives into God’s hands, He guides us.

We trust Him and in return, He guides us step by step.

Can be comforting when you realize Who is now in control.

Even when He leads you into the dark.

When God guides us into an ugly part of life, what do you think He feels?

Does God seek to cause us pain?

Does He enjoy watching us suffer?

Absolutely not.

It pains God to see us suffer.

But He sees the bigger picture, even when we do not.

He knows what must be endured in order to gain victory.

He knows we must walk through certain things life throws at us.

But when we trust Him through these times, God’s peace remains.

Trusting God in the dark is difficult, but we have help.

Romans 8:34 reminds us that Jesus, too, intercedes on our behalf.

Incredible.

God is Sovereign.

He was in our past, remains in our present, and will always abide with us in our future.

He knows absolutely all things.

As our Father, He blesses us, sometimes allowing pain, knowing the path we must face.

But He is always with us no matter what meets us.

Imagine.

God, who created ALL things, walks with us each and every day.

He longs to know you.

To be your all in all.

As you walk, run, or crawl through life’s days, remember to take His hand.

He will squeeze it with comfort on those ugly days.

And He will grasp it with joy on the beautiful days.

And all the ordinary days in between, He will remain Your most faithful friend.

So cry with God when you have hard times.

And let Him rejoice with you when things are amazing.

Trust Him as He brings you out, guiding you with Himself.

For when you trust Him, you are His sheep, guided by His voice as He goes before you every step.

Photos by Sam Carter, Michelle McEwen, Joe Green, City Church Christchurch, & Mitchell Orr on Unsplash

Stealing Your Joy

Published on by amylinnea4 Comments

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4

Why is it that blessings are often overshadowed by disappointment?

You can look at a field full of flowers but instead feel sour thinking of what didn’t transpire.

Of who disappointed you.

Why do we react like that?

Why does our flesh tend to focus on the bad while in the midst of the good?

It can even be rightly justified disappointment. Like the real deal.

I can give you an example.

Recently celebrated my birthday. It was a big one.

Some of the kids celebrated, some did not.

My husband celebrated me.

My mother and in-laws celebrated me.

My friends and even my school children celebrated me, belting out an impromptu happy birthday song first thing when they arrived at school.

So why did my focus choose the disappointments?

I really don’t know. But I do know this. No more.

Let’s concentrate on those who love us.

Let’s focus on the blessings we enjoy instead of the disappointments we mourn.

We cannot change others, so let’s not let the limitations of others steal your joy.

As my grandmother used to say, from the balcony of heaven, will it matter?

I choose to rejoice in the Lord, always. Even if.

Join me?

Photos by Adi Goldstein, Deva Williamson, Jess Bailey, & Lan Gao on Unsplash

Boasting in Weakness

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And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you. for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Ever thanked God for your temptations or weaknesses?

For how you are tempted to sin?

There are many ways we can be tempted in our flesh.

Eating too much, addictions to sugar, alcohol, drugs, or technology.

Reacting in anger, putting others down, or thinking of ourselves always first.

Even wanting to do the right thing, whatever it may be, but instead listening to our flesh, following it instead.

What are your temptations or your weaknesses?

Have you thanked God for them?

Thanked God for being weak?

I know, sounds foreign. Almost like why would I thank God for where I am weak?

When you thank God, you recognize your need for His power through you.

You recognize your need for His strength covering your weakness with His power.

Your need for not only God’s saving grace, but His every day grace transforming you into your new person God created you to become.

When you thank God, you allow His power to shine through your weakness as resisting your temptation is possible through God alone.

2 Corinthians reminds us to boast in our weakness. To recognize them positively.

Because God shines through our weakness, making us strong.

If you had everything all together, all your ducks in a row, why would you need God?

Why would you need to rely on His strength?

You wouldn’t. You’d be fine on your own. You’d never admit your need for a Savior.

We are human. Flawed. Weak.

But when we submit our weak selves unto Almighty God, we are transformed, slowly, into His likeness.

Thank Him today for your flaws. For where you are weak. When temptation knocks at your door.

Then respond with God’s strength. He’ll shut the door for you.

And you’ll rest peacefully, knowing you don’t have to do it all.

Knowing you can’t do it all.

But God can and He will.

Photos by Ýlona María Rybka, Debby Hudson, Ales Maze, & Miglena Georgieva on Unsplash

Fret Not

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Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. Psalm 37:8

Would you agree anger is usually a result of not being in control?

Your spouse’s actions, your child’s reaction, someone bumps your car on the road.

When we are not in control, we tend to get angry.

And when we are angry, we become anxious.

And when we are anxious, we sin, which is evil.

That’s what Psalm 37:8 reminds us.

Filling our head with anxiety invites fear – the fear of not being in control the next time.

Almost like we throw open the door, allowing fear to walk right into our mind.

And when fear walks in, he tends to take over. Like take over everything.

Allowing our mind to walk with anxiety comes back to control.

When we are not in control, simply stated, we don’t like it.

Everyone likes to be in control.

Control of the home’s temperature, television choices, dinner menu, division of chores, and more.

When we are not in control of whatever it is, anxiety is born.

If not removed immediately, anxiety can grow as a thorn in your flesh, infecting not only your current mood but beyond.

Anxiety that has taken root in your flesh affects other areas of your life.

Why?

Because fear, which is the root of your anxiety, likes to take over completely.

You begin suspecting others when suspicion is not necessary.

You start to anticipate the worst when the best is yet to come.

Psalm 37 reminds us God wants His children to refrain from anger and worry. He knows it leads only to evil.

And now you do as well.

So what should we think of instead? Whatever is pure, lovely, honorable, and just. Philippians 4:8 reminds us of that.

With God’s help choose to focus on pure and lovely things. Your mind will not worry. Nor will it fret.

Ask God to fill your mind with His thoughts. His wisdom. His peace.

Ask God to remind you of His faithfulness.

He’s always helped you more than you realize.

Give things afresh to Him today, allowing Him to bring you His perfect peace.

Photos by Jason Rosewell, Maksym Kaharlytskyi, & Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Recognizing Jesus

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Would you have believed?

When Jesus walked the earth, would you have believed He was the Messiah?

Or would you have looked the other way?

Or, even worse, cast a stone in His direction?

We shudder at the thought, yes?

But we are here, over 2,000 years later, looking back.

We know who He was.

The Savior of the World.

Back then, the Jewish people had been looking for generations.

Yet their hearts were hard towards Jesus.

It was more of a miracle for Him to change their hearts then perform physical healing.

Immediate reactions included blasphemy.

Immediate reactions.

Thinking about the Jewish people, some of them believed.

Some saw miracles and believed, some saw Jesus teach and it touched their hearts.

But the majority seemed to not.

Jesus’ own home synagogue threw Him out.

So again, I wonder: what would have been our reaction to the Son of God walking among us?

I like to think we would have been forever changed, following Him to the ends of the earth.

But you never know. We’ll never know.

Jesus was not what the Jewish people were expecting.

Thinking about today, does Jesus’ plan for you look different than what you thought should happen?

Does His purpose for your life match your heart?

When He shows up in your life, do you recognize Him?

The more you become like Jesus, the more you will see His influence in your life.

Look for Him.

Ask Him to align your heart with the great purpose He has just for you.

Photos by Nighthawk Shoots,  Hugo Fergusson, Jon Tyson, & Ben White on Unsplash

Thankful for the Mud

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Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

When you rejoice for the mud, the yuck, you thank God for all things.

For all things, including the yucky parts of life.

God is working for our good and when He works, sometimes there is mud.

Mud on your pants, mud on your hands, mud on your face.

Are you thankful for the mud?

God allows all things in your life. Even the mud.

He is working all things for good, and that includes, sigh, the mud.

Are you thankful?

Thankful for the good times and bad?

God uses life to gain our attention.

Sometimes we need a rude awakening.

Sometimes our family members need it.

God allows things because He loves us so much.

He sees the beginning from the end.

You cannot. All you see is the here and now with maybe a glimpse of the past.

Focusing our prayers on the immediate present, we seek God to intervene.

To stop whatever it is that is tormenting us or our family.

But what if God is allowing it to change us?

To change our family, bringing them into a deeper understanding of God?

To acknowledge we are not in control, but God is?

When we choose to praise God in every circumstance, we are acknowledging God’s sovereignty.

His perfect will for us.

God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3).

Will you praise Him for the mud?

Praise Him for everything: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Remind yourself Who is on the throne, Who is sovereign, and Who holds all things in His capable hands.

God’s got this and more.

So praise Him for all of it.

He’s working all things out for your good.

Photos by Chris Yang, Jess Zoerb, Rupert Britton, & Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Ephesians 4:27

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And give no opportunity to the devil. Ephesians 4:27

How many opportunities do you hand the devil?

During the day, how many times do you seek yourself over others?

Your selfish whims over the needs of your family?

How many times do you listen to the lies the devil whispers into your ear?

He’s there, literally all the time, wanting to influence you.

Wanting to fill you with his poison.

Whenever you listen to his lies, you give the devil an opportunity in your life.

Whenever you agree with him, you give the devil an opportunity to influence you.

When you submit to fear, you hand the devil a foothold.

The Bible, God’s precious word to us, asks us to give the devil no opportunity in our life.

And yet we regularly do.

Why?

Because our flesh agrees with the devil.

We agree we are unworthy.

We agree we are unlovable.

We agree we should be number one.

As humans, we are vulnerable to lies from the pit of hell.

But with God, we can withstand the evil onslaught catered specifically for our fears.

God declares we should not give any opportunities to the devil.

Yet we do.

Stop.

Stop agreeing with lies.

Stop agreeing we are weak.

And stop agreeing we are less than.

God has won the war.

God is and was and will be the ultimate victor.

Choose to agree with God.

And choose to give no opportunity to the devil.

Photos by Giulia Bertelli, Tim Mossholder, Nadine Shaabana, Anwaar Ali, & Patrick Fore on Unsplash

Holding Your Tongue

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It’s so easy to defend yourself.

Sometimes, you should.

You must.

But other times, it’s preferable to keep quiet, allowing the other to make a fool of themselves.

We are responsible only for ourselves.

Our actions.

Our words.

Our choices.

When you become agitated with your spouse, pause.

Takes maturity to look at things from their perspective.

Humility.

You could be wrong, you know.

And if you are, own it!

And if you’re not, say your peace in a quiet manner, and leave it.

You cannot convince others of your viewpoint if they refuse to move from theirs.

Remember, it’s their choice to walk in your shoes or not.

Just Iike it’s your choice to view theirs.

Goes for friendships, neighbors, co-workers, and your boss.

When your point of view is negated, your feelings thrown to the wall, you have a choice.

You can participate with the foolishness, upping the ante, or you can choose to walk away with your dignity intact.

I know what Jesus would choose, as he regularly chose it while walking this earth.

He chose the high road.

Make your point and go, feeling a bit of pity instead for their ignorance.

Fasten your crown, and declare once again, “None of this moves me.”

Photos by Shana Van Roosbroek & david laws on Unsplash

A Lying Fool

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Satan is a master of deception.

In fact, I’d even give him that official title.

But that’s the only thing I’ll give him.

He seeks to destroy life, shoving aside anything and everything in his way.

He cares not a whit for you.

Or those you love.

His goal is to distract you, tempt you, and discourage you from action.

There are many loved ones in my life walking away from God.

Oh, they think I’m the crazy one. The Christian.

They judge my standards, criticizing my thoughts as if they can read them.

Placing me on a pedestal of “the model Christian”, I shatter their perception of Christians each and every day when I fail in my human strength.

Satan uses that ignorance to prove his point – that Christians are not to be trusted.

When slanders fly my way, Satan is pleased.

After all, his goal is to bring me down as well. Me and anyone I love. Which is my whole family.

How did Jesus react when accused? Calmly explained His position.

Oh, I’m guessing not each time, but He never sinned. He simply explained.

Or not. Sometimes He simply left others as He prayed alone with God.

He focused on God’s promises and truth, which brought Him perfect peace.

If arrows fly your way this holiday season, remember Whose you are.

Remember God has promised to protect you fully, walking with you each and every moment.

But you must not let Satan win.

You must not allow the lies to penetrate your brain, giving them any residence whatsoever.

Listen to worship music. Open the Bible to His promises.

And choose to focus on the One who will solve all things.

Submit yourself to God, asking Him to help you love your family as only He can.

And don’t give Satan one inch of satisfaction.

Not even a millimeter.

While you cannot control others, you can control yourself. With God’s help, of course.

Not today, Satan. In fact, not ever. Period.

Photos by Josh Hild, Maria Teneva, Joel Muniz, & Aliane Schwartzhaupt on Unsplash

Living Free

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Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 1 Peter 2:16

Do you live as if you are free?

Free from sin, death, and the grave?

Free from past shame, burdens, or guilt?

Free from dwelling in fear?

Free from depressing thoughts arresting your mind?

Free from knowing you must do everything in your own strength?

When you live as a servant of God, the Creator of all things, you must. Live free.

God’s power not only saved you for eternity once your earthly breath ceases, but he saved you to live free today.

And tomorrow. And the next day.

He freed you, breaking off the chains which hold you in captivity.

The captivity of past sin, fear, listening to the devil’s lies, and on and on it goes.

But God did not free you to sin.

God’s freedom does not provide a license for evil.

For doing your own thing under the disguise of God’s way.

For wrapping yourself in selfishness while waiting for God to announce His plans for you.

He did not free us to cover up the evil we find on our own.

He freed us for now. To showcase His power.

Live as Scrooge when he discovered his future could be altered by his changed nature. By his newfound kindness and generosity.

When Scrooge discovered he still had Time, he was beside himself with freedom.

And he was never the same, always remembering the freedom he possessed, which he did not deserve.

The freedom Scrooge found through witnessing his future determined by his selfish choices.

And choosing to be different. To be generous. To live as a person freed from this world’s sin. That’s what Scrooge did.

So, what about you? Remember Whose you are.

Remember Whose power courses through your veins.

And remember Whose witness you are to the world He created.

Live as God’s servant, freed by Himself to be a light in His world for those still dwelling in darkness.

Photos by Gabriel Goller, Anita Austvika, Vladimir Fedotov, & Christian Dubovan on Unsplash

Others Focused

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Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31

Do you demand others treat you better than you treat them?

Do you walk like a diva, demanding others serve you?

Or do you put others first, seeking their needs above your own?

Jesus wants us to do just that.

To serve others.

To put others before ourselves.

Think about Thanksgiving.

Were you among the first in line?

Save the best roll for yourself?

Or did you defer to your guests, thinking of them higher than yourself?

How about your home?

Did you help your guests feel welcome?

Or wished they had stayed somewhere else?

When family showed up for dinner, did you demand they remove their shoes?

Or did you welcome them however they came?

Jesus wants us to think of others before ourselves.

Not always easy, but it’s what He asks of us.

My husband’s precious parents are staying with us for a week.

It’s such an absolute treat.

Even if I’m sleeping in the basement.

My time with them is precious because they live hundreds of miles away.

Only see them them once a year.

Family is simply the best.

Seeing my adult children over Thanksgiving was a total joy.

Do you want their memory of you to be full of angst for the next holiday or anticipation for the next time they join you?

Choose Jesus.

Choose people over perfection.

Choose people over performance.

Choose relationship over deadlines.

Jesus invited people into relationship because that mattered over perfect homes.

As you review your plans this holiday season, ask yourself this question: how do you want to be treated?

And treat others how you want to be treated. As kings and queens.

Photos by Virginia Simionato and Gillian Lingard on Unsplash

Psalm 13:1-6

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Ever complain to God?

Out loud with words or crying out within your soul?

David, the man after God’s own heart, did many times.

This Psalm is one example.

He starts by royally complaining.

From the depths of his soul he wonders how long God will forget him.

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? (verse 1)

He then tries to console himself.

We all do, when we fail to hear from God.

Or we think we don’t.

He forgets he can choose to praise God instead.

He focuses, instead, on his sorrow.

Again, like we all do.

David goes on: How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? (verse 2).

David again pleads, sharing with God he will die if his sorrow remains apart from God’s peace.

He desperately wants God to intervene so his enemies don’t take pleasure in David’s weakness.

Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death. Lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,” lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken. (verse 3 & 4).

David ends the psalm by choosing to praise God.

He remembers how faithful God has been to him.

That, in turn, helps David realize God will again bring him out of the depths.

But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me. (verse 5 & 6).

Maybe David has found the key.

The key to reconnecting our mind, soul, and body to the One who created us.

Praise.

Choosing to praise even in the midst.

Even when every fiber of our being wants to remain wallowing in the pit of self pity.

Praise the Lord even if.

Praise the Lord even if you don’t feel like it.

You will remember how faithful He has always been in every circumstance.

And you will suddenly lift your eyes, knowing He will once again show Himself.

As He will again the next time.

And the next.

Photos by Priscilla Du Preez, Rainier Ridao, Zac Durant, Jon Tyson, & Guillaume de Germain on Unsplash

Eternity

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Jesus. He is all that you need.

He is everything.

He is the beginning and the ending, encompassing everything in between.

You will only win when you submit everything to Him. Jesus.

God created us. In His image, He created us.

Yet we sinned.

We messed up.

Remember Adam and Eve? It could have been us.

We would’ve been tempted just the same.

God created us for relationship.

Adam and Eve walked with God every day. Literally talking with Him.

Can you imagine literally having an audible conversation with God Almighty?

I would so love that.

But God saw how we messed everything up, allowing sin to enter our very selves.

God’s creation was suddenly separated forever from Himself, the very One who created us.

Yet, because of His great love, He sent His only son to die in place of us.

We must pay for our sins. And Jesus covers that for us.

Have you embraced your sinful nature?

Recognized your need for the Savior?

To spend eternity with God, you must acknowledge Jesus.

You can certainly live within yourself, denying God, Jesus, and your need for redemption.

Completely within your right.

But you will regret it.

When your earthly body fails you, you will meet your Maker.

And if you haven’t declared your need for a Savior, it will be too late.

You’ll forever live separated from life, health, and God Himself.

Turn to Him while you still can.

At the very least, consider the consequences if you are wrong.

What then?

Trust in Him.

Now.

He will NEVER fail you. Not ever.

You have everything to lose.

Everything.

But it’s your choice. Completely.

Photos by Davide Cantelli, Chris Flexen, Rod Long, & Tim Wildsmith on Unsplash

Wearing Him

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How do you wear Jesus?

Does your face reflect His peace?

Do your eyes reflect His love?

Are your lips proclaiming His faithfulness?

Is your spirit praising His worthiness?

Is your mind focused on Him?

Aligning your will to His?

Wearing Jesus looks different from one person to the next as we are all created as unique individuals.

Since we are all created in the image of God, reflecting Him will ultimately look similar: peace, joy, love, and patience.

Do you invite Him to cover you with Himself?

Every day?

Each moment?

He will. We beg to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

That’s what He asks of us while soldiering on in this earth.

But that means more than having a servant’s heart.

More than thinking of others before ourselves.

Means aligning your very self with His.

Keeping a running conversation with Him, acknowledging His sovereignty.

And praising Him all the live long day.

Do you thank Him randomly for anything?

You should. Let’s start. Thank you, God, for the sweet air I breathe.

Thank you for the sunshine on my face and the coffee in my pot.

When you praise Him, the devil hates it.

He tends to run when hearing God’s name praised.

Hallelujah! The devil can’t run away from me fast enough.

Am I right?

Wear Jesus well. Show Him to the world. It might be their only glimpse.

Photos by Ben White, Mehdi MeSSrro, Redd, Nathaniel Chia, & Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Setting Your Mind on God

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For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:5-6

God made us human.

Flesh.

And when we have not recognized the need for our Savior, we live according to the flesh.

Ourselves.

Satisfying our every “need”.

Romans says when we set our mind on ourselves, it leads to death.

Death.

Literally the opposite of life.

But when we have recognized our desperate need for God, giving ourselves over to Him, we begin to live according to the Spirit.

That means life.

As Christians, the Holy Spirit dwells within us, helping us to live according to God’s will and plans.

We set our minds on the things of the Spirit.

And that, my friends, brings life and peace. Ahhhh.

But is it possible to choose death instead while living within the Spirit?

Yes, because we are human.

God allows us to make our own choices, choosing between living in the flesh or the Spirit.

It’s easy to tell if you are choosing to live within the Spirit.

Are your words producing life and peace or death?

Are your actions reflecting life or death?

Do your decisions cause others to recoil in death or thrive within life?

Setting one’s mind is critical, God says so.

Means you purposely align yourself to God’s ways through His Holy Spirit.

It’s a choice.

And then it’s a choice to stay fixed on God.

Choose to set your mind on God.

Ask Him to help you and His faithfulness will continually point you to life.

The choice is yours.

Photos by Meizhi Lang on Unsplash

Paying Zero Attention

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“Sir,” asked the demon who was tiny but had a large voice.

“What do YOU want,” demanded the demon in charge whose name escapes me.

“I found someone I can dominate. I’m sure of it. Look.” The tiny demon with the large voice pointed at a man sitting in a comfy chair. The man was starring at his phone. Life swirled around him unnoticed.

“Fine. He’s practically lost anyway. Go,” shouted the demon in charge whose name escapes me.

Demon #2, who was tiny but had a large voice, shrank away, excited to show the demon in charge his moves. He had just learned some new tactics. This man seemed like the perfect opportunity.

Demon #2 crept up to the man who was starring at his phone while life swirled around without him.

Whispering into his ear, demon #2 reminded the man of his failures, disappointments, and poor life choices. Causing the man to become uncomfortable, he suggested a snack even though the man had recently eaten.

The man shuffled to the refrigerator, pulling out some food. Balancing the food with his hands and phone, which he never put down, demon #2 startled the boy who immediately began running into the kitchen, knocking into the man. Food went everywhere. The phone went flying.

The man who usually starred at his phone while life swirled around him found himself yelling at the boy. The boy, who was only four and looked up to the man, began to cry. Instead of comforting his son, the man tried to find his phone. Finding it under the table, the man picked it up and gasped. The screen was broken.

The man who usually starred at his phone while life swirled around him swore as he began cleaning up the mess from the boy.

After cleaning up the mess, the man sank back into his chair, looking at his phone. Thankfully, he realized it really wasn’t broken at all. It was merely scratched. All was well. Demon #2 suggested the man did not need to apologize for yelling at his son. After all, his son was in the wrong!

The man sighed, agreeing with demon #2. Forgetting all about his snack, the man settled his focus once again onto his phone. Life continued to swirl around without him.

Demon #2 found the boy crying in his room. All alone, demon #2 began to whisper lies, confirming the thoughts the boy was having. “Your dad doesn’t really love you. He cares more about his phone than you. He ignores you because you’re boring. You’re not worth his time. You’re so clumsy anyway. You should stay away from him.” The boy sniffled as he listened to the lies from demon #2.

Checking back in on the family later, the woman wondered aloud to the man why the boy was so upset. The man didn’t have any idea, although he barely heard her as he was still on his phone while life swirled around without him. The woman left the room wondering what she had done to the man. The boy continued to feel unloved. The man continued watching his phone as life swirled around without him.

Demon #2 reported back to the demon in charge, whose name escapes me. “Sir,” began demon #2 who was tiny but had a large voice. “I influenced not only the man, confirming his previous believed lies, but I successfully planted new lies into the boy and woman, confirming them with actions from the man.”

Putting down his paper, the demon in charge whose name escapes me, looked up in surprise. “Well, that’s more like it,” he replied. “Maybe you’ll work out down here after all.”

Grinning, the tiny demon with a large voice said, “Yes, sir! Looking forward to more torment, sir!”

Demon #2, the tiny demon with a large voice, revisited that family many times. Over the years, he repeated the unloving lies into the boy, who was now becoming a man. This was almost too easy…

Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. Psalm 119:133

Photos by Johannes Plenio, Marjan Grabowski, Arifur Rahman, & Gianfranco Grenar on Unsplash

Slapping the Devil

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What situation in your life begs God to enter?

Something you have zero control over?

I know, you have control over your reactions, but not over the actions or responses of others.

You have no control how other people will react or sometimes not even care.

You also have no control over circumstances thrown your way.

Sickness, job loss, inflation, an inconsiderate spouse, ungrateful children, the threat of war.

You can only control your reaction.

What does your flesh immediately do when faced with any of that ugliness?

Become wrapped in self-pity as unloving or fear try to walk back into your mind?

Seems justified, yes, but that choice brings darkness.

Walks you away from God and His love for you.

What if instead, you began to thank God for walking with you, for providing you a continued walk with His peace?

And what if you continued to thank God for your circumstances and His provision for all things we pray?

You’d be slapping the devil in the face for sure.

I don’t know what you think, but to me, when we step out in faith while slammed by life outside our control, there’s a bigger hallelujah sung behind us.

Bigger than when we are simply obeying God through flowery, sun-shiney days.

When we choose to ignore our pity party, celebrating God’s goodness instead, the sting sent the devil’s way is a little more obvious to him.

A little more painful. A wee bit more disappointing.

The devil knows you, knows your weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

Why give him a good time instead of you?

Give him a bad time. An absolutely horrid time.

Keep showing him Who is boss over you. And it’s not him.

While life is often completely unfair, remember God is always kind and just to you.

He’s always with you no matter your attitude. And that’s not fair to God.

So resolve to give the devil a hard time by ignoring your fleshly cries, filling yourself up with God instead.

In return your days and nights will be even better.

The devils’ not so much.

Photos by Nick Page on Unsplash

Running to the Father

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God created you.

He created you perfectly for His purposes.

His purposes are higher than ours, so rest assured, your life is meant for good.

Your life is set up to bring God glory, while influencing others as only you can.

You are unique, designed with a purpose.

When God created you, He set out a perfect plan for your life.

When we choose apart from Him, we mar His plans for us.

But when we yield to Him, submitting our entire selves, we allow His perfect plan to unfold.

God sees you living under His influence, bringing others to Himself.

But it’s our choice.

Keep that in mind the next time you are tempted to live within yourself.

You might be the connection God had in mind for that person.

But you messed it up.

Yes, God can reach anyone through anything at anytime, but you matter.

Your witness matters.

You are in God’s plan as He brings others to Himself.

Will you help or stand in the way?

Photos by Jo Jo & Alexandru Tudorache on Unsplash

Shrink Back or Stand Up

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But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. Hebrews 10:39

Do you shrink back when life becomes rough?

When insults are hurled do you recoil?

When you are misunderstood, do you shrink back into nothing?

When you shrink back, you are destroyed.

Not literally, but emotionally and spiritually, it opens wide the door to the enemy.

Shrinking back is not standing up.

Not standing up in the armor of God.

Not standing up in the identity of Who you were patterned after.

When attacked, you have two choices: shrink back or stand up.

People attack out of their own insecurities.

Pain, disappointment, feeling out of control all cause people to react in ugly manners towards usually non deserving people.

So when that arrow is hurled your way, will you allow it to pierce you?

If you do, you’ll curl up into a ball, allowing the poison inside.

Staying in your system, the poison will slowly destroy you.

Doesn’t happen immediately, but over time, if you continually shrink back from your identity as God’s beloved, you’ll be destroyed.

Nothing the enemy would like better.

The enemy cannot keep you from believing in God, but he can and will try to keep you defeated.

Every single day.

Hebrews reminds us we are not those who shrink back and are destroyed, but we have faith.

That’s the difference.

Faith in God preserves our souls.

We know we are not in control. God is.

We know who has won in the end. God has.

We know who has redeemed us from ourselves and others. God does.

And God will continually redeem us from each and every arrow hurled our way.

Pull your armor back up.

Fasten that helmet tight.

And stand under your created identity from God.

Photos by Agnieszka Boeske, Anthony Tori, Luke van Zyl, & JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Constant Decisions

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Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

When you choose to place God in control of your life, He covers you.

His power, love, and grace flow into you when you submit.

Only when you choose to submit, because it’s a choice.

Doesn’t say we only have to submit once, but implies instead a constant decision.

Going on, we must resist the devil.

Once we choose to do that, the devil goes away.

He flees. Why?

Because you decided to resist him.

Fully resisting the devil’s crafty lies and selfish whims happens only when first you submit yourself to God.

Having chosen to submit to God, God’s power helps you resist the devil.

Make no mistake: your choice is still involved.

Even as a saved by grace singing hallelujah Christian, you can still fall into the devil’s traps.

Easily.

The choice is yours.

But when you choose to submit first to God, it’s easier to resist the devil.

Why?

Because you want what God wants for you.

And news flash, it’s not the devil.

Shocking, I know.

Resisting the devil is a constant decision.

The verse doesn’t say you only resist him once, but again implies a continual action.

Seems simple, doesn’t it?

Yet we resist submitting. Instead we want control.

Purpose to submit yourself to God.

Purpose to resist the devil.

The devil will flee and you’ll be left with God by your side.

Today, if your soul’s heavenly selfie was taken, who would be walking by your side?

Photos by Ben White & Kyle Anderson on Unsplash

Measuring Life

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Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. Hebrews 3:1

What do you measure your life with?

The yardstick of worldly success, fame, or money?

The ruler of putting yourself first?

Counting your possessions, 401k statement or stock market?

Or just God?

When we measure our life, we decide how happy we are or not.

How content we are, how peaceful, or fearful we have become.

Your focus equals your measuring stick.

What you focus on helps determine your level of contentment.

Take your family for example. They are needy, sometimes too much so, and you find yourself in a bad mood with the work load.

You are focusing on what you are unable to do at that moment while stuck helping others.

Focus instead on God and what He has you doing at this moment. Make your work an offering to Him.

Changes your mood.

God must be our first focus, our second, our third, and on and on it goes.

When you change your perspective, your measuring stick disappears.

When you focus on knowing God is always with you, walking beside you every moment, life suddenly brightens.

Remembering your inclusion into the family of God Himself yields the ultimate acceptance.

You don’t need the world’s love. It’s fleeting anyway.

God allows us wonderful times here on earth, but when you focus on those, disappointment is right around the corner.

Focus on God and His love for you.

When you put Him first in all things, you’ll begin to depend upon Him more and more.

And that, my friends, is the best life ever.

Photos by Diana Polekhina, Elisa Michelet, Roberto Sorin, & Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Watching You

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Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

I’ve watched him for years.

Actually since birth.

I’ve seen him grow into the young man he is today.

Witnessing his disappointments, I’ve gotten to know his weak spots.

Areas I can press him into walking towards sin.

It’s almost too easy, tempting him.

Take yesterday as an example. Years ago, I assigned self-pity to follow him.

It’s one of my usual tactics as getting people to think only of themselves delivers every single time.

Affects other areas of their lives as well, a bonus for sure.

Getting back to my example, I led him to believe he was the only one not invited to the party.

Began to feed him lies that his friends weren’t really friends, merely tolerating instead his existence.

Reminded him this was proof he actually stood on the outside of the group, instead of the inside.

Self-pity waltzed right in, confirming the lies and bringing up things from the past.

Before long, he was slumped onto the couch, convinced something was very wrong with him.

Took it out on his unsuspecting mother, who had just come home from the store.

His outburst placed a wedge in that relationship, perfectly executing my next step.

People are predictable.

I know how to tempt them for maximum effectiveness.

Why? Because I’m invited. Always around.

I’m invited through selfishness, lies, and the evils of this world.

And believe me, it’s everywhere. I’m everywhere. Me and my followers.

This young man is from a Christian house. Believed the Bible from a young age.

Thankfully, he’s strayed. No longer reads it, shutting out even the sermon in church.

Got him to stop singing there, too, as I told him it’s embarrassing. He believed me!

I have him right where I want him. Only have to worry about his mother.

She’s the one who keeps bringing God into the house through her prayers.

Sometimes I have to leave because the angels are guarding his door.

But other times, his door is open because he invites me in.

The young man happens to like self-pity, living for himself. It’s fabulous.

What door do you keep open? What activities, thoughts, or actions invite me into your life?

Keep your door open. Makes it easier for me and my followers to tempt you.

We can’t wait. In fact, we’re prowling right outside the door. Can we devour you and your family? Our appetite never ends.

Photos by Ingo Stiller, Arnaud Papa, Ihor Malytskyi, chrissie kremer, & Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Justified Sin

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It’s just the way I am.

It’s how God created me.

Nothing I can do about it.

How do you justify sin in your life?

Could be as simple as overeating or having one too many drinks.

But I deserve it, you might say.

Deserve what? Altering your body size or clarity of mind as a reward?

Confusing.

What if you like stealing. Could be from an actual store, or could be padding the expense report from work.

Again, you deserve it, I get it. Heard that before.

What if you’re attracted to the same sex? Bible calls that sin, too, when you act upon those urges.

But that’s the way I’m made, you say. Can’t help it.

Or even more popular: sleeping with your significant other outside the covenant of marriage.

Any sin can be justified. In our minds, we can satisfy our conscience with putting ourselves at the very top.

Don’t have time for children, so, putting myself first. I’m going for that abortion. After all, it’s my right.

Looking over these arguments, a theme emerges: justification of sin.

If you remove the moral plumb line, God’s decree of right and wrong, moral relativism moves forward.

That’s the notion right and wrong are different for different people who believe different things.

Societies fall when adhering to this philosophy.

And folks, we are close.

I’m justified to assault a judge because they ruled against my “rights”.

I am defacing this historical statue because it stands against my “rights”.

I am attacking a store owner because he won’t give my girlfriend her chips for free. That is her “right”.

Entitilism. Justification of sin. Demands.

All goes back to the moral plumb line of right and wrong.

C.S. Lewis reminds us “conscience is nothing more than the voice of God within our souls; the bridge that links the creature to the Creator.”

Pray with me for our homes, our country, and our world that the conscience of God deep within their souls will once again be heard.

We must return to listening to our conscience, created by God for determining what we know is right and what we know is wrong.

Justifying sin only allows it to continue with normalcy.

We all have tendencies to sin. Some greater than others. But justifying them as simply the way we are doesn’t cut it.

Take back responsibility, aligning yourself to God and the moral plumb line deep within your soul.

Photos by Maksym Kaharlytskyi, Ben Wicks, Jonathan Borba, & Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Slamming Open Doors

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How often do you slam doors God has opened for you?

Often?

Never?

What does it look like when we slam a door opened by God?

Selfishness.

Pride.

All points back to us, wanting to be in control.

Thinking we know best.

Better than anyone else, including God.

A thought pops into your head to initiate a conversation with that one person.

You refuse the thought because it’s too hard.

Your dream job comes across your desk, but you deem it unavailable as you are past your prime.

Your family becomes distant while you are distracted by selfish gain, ignoring what you know you should do.

Marriage communication stalls as choices to spend time elsewhere grow with importance, because you know better.

But what if those were God’s whisper to you?

Why was prayer not the first point of action upon realizing the nudging of God?

Why decide apart from God without asking Him?

Doors are opened all the time by God.

As we choose how to spend our time, we either focus on our needs or what God wants for us.

Submitting to God with our whole self enables us to walk through doors God has opened for us.

Sometimes they don’t make sense.

But your spirit finds rest in the decision, knowing God is directing you.

Submitting requires humbleness.

Realizing you have zero wisdom apart from God Himself.

Doors can be big or small as each decision differs in size.

Dating the right person, choosing friends or jobs or homes all rank large on the door scale.

Choosing how to spend your time or deciding to talk with a stranger at the store are smaller doors.

Yet they all matter.

When you let God flow through your decisions, you’ll walk through His open doors, ignoring the doors He closes.

Humbly remember He is your everything.

Yet walk confidently as His beloved through the doors He opens.

Still unsure? Confirm those big doors with trusted loyal Christians. People who seek God on your behalf.

Again, requires humility to seek the wisdom of another.

Big or small, don’t ignore the hand of God. He regularly opens doors for you to further His kingdom.

Often we walk right past, distracting ourselves from His very plan for us.

Honor your commitments. Seek God’s will for your short life. And walk boldly into the future He has for you, through the doors He opens just for you.

Photos by Denny Müller, Beto Galetto, Jan Tinneberg, & Roberto Huczek on Unsplash