Category: choices

Our Highest Help

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

I will lift up mine eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

Need help?

I know, we all do with anything and everything.

This life presents challenges which come and go, both internally and externally.

We need help with our jobs, family relationships, and extra commitments we join.

We need help with our minds to focus on what God wants us to do.

We need help to purpose our hearts, aligning them to God’s.

We need help to follow through with God’s purposes for our temporary lives.

We need help to filter through all of the world’s noise, attempting to constantly distract us.

We sometimes even need help to simply place one foot in front of the other.

The psalmist begins by deliberately choosing to lift his eyes to the hills.

Deciding to ask for God’s help is first, realizing we cannot perform our best apart from God.

We remind ourselves we cannot do things on our own.

We must ask for help.

We then declare our help comes from God.

Finally, we declare God’s power to help as we affirm Him Creator of all things.

Who better then the Creator of all things to help us with our small needs?

God created us.

God created our desires.

And He created us to need Him.

Only with a relationship with God will you become fulfilled in this life.

When the many needs press you for a solution, remember to raise your eyes to heaven.

God is always ready and willing to help you.

All you have to do is ask.

Ask Him to fill you up with Himself.

Then keep your peace, knowing the Creator of heaven and earth will give you everything you need.

Lift your eyes to God, asking Him to work through you.

And He will, every single time.

Photos by Hans Isaacson on Unsplash

Re-Focus

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

When all the noise is stripped away, what is your focus?

In the dark of night, what grips your soul?

Worry?

Dread?

Fear?

Or Jesus?

In this world, we will have trials.

But Jesus.

In this world, we will struggle.

But Jesus.

In this world, pain will come and go.

But Jesus.

Jesus has overcome the world and everything in it.

All our trials, struggles, and pain are piled at the foot of the cross.

What has removed your focus from Jesus?

Family?

Job?

Our country?

Jesus knows the beginning from the end.

What better to focus on then the author of all life?

Look at your mountain.

Now look again through Jesus.

Looks manageable now, doesn’t it?

Trials are real, but Jesus is bigger.

Struggles are exhausting, but Jesus is bigger.

Pain can be excruciating, but Jesus is bigger.

But Jesus.

Jesus is over, under, and beside all things.

All of the trials, struggles, and pain.

Refocus on Jesus, purposing only to trust Him with everything.

Your past, present and future.

Photos by Brady Stoeltzing, Michail Dementiev, Matteo Grando,  Kyle Johnson, & Tim Bogdanov on Unsplash

Rest in God

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Psalm 62:1

blake-meyer-336619-unsplash

Summers are for rest.

At least for teachers.

We plan summer projects and accomplish home things, but we are in rest mode.

We become like old farmers, driving the truck on a country road.

Not in a hurry.

Or like old Southerners, shooting the breeze on the porch of an old store, chatting with anyone and everyone.

Why?

Because we can.

Do you have periods of rest?

Days or seasons when you can even forget what day it is?

Yes, it’s important to accomplish things when you have more time to spare.

But don’t forget to simply be.

Allow your mind to rest as well.

Disconnect from social media, emails, and the news.

Close the door to all the noise.

And rest.

Unfortunately, my summer has ended.

The rush has returned.

But even so, take time to rest.

Fill yourself up with God and His peace.

And take the time to rest.

Photo by Blake Meyer on Unsplash

Other’s Opinions

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“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He.” Isaiah 43:10

Why do we allow others to steal from us?

We allow others to step into our minds, stealing one of the most valuable items we own.

Our peace.

Which affects our security.

And our sense of being valued.

Securely loved.

Just for being us.

When we allow someone to take away our peace, we are choosing to believe their small opinion of us instead of God’s.

I’m not in any way referring to ill behavior on our part, justifying their words.

Normal, everyday annoyances.

Spouse not thinking of you first.

Or at all while they get coffee for themselves.

Or choose the agenda not asking for your input.

Children, who fly into anger at the drop of a hat, blaming you for their problems.

Neighbors who voice displeasure over your landscaping choice.

Bosses who praise the next person, passing over you most times.

Drivers who have zero consideration for your pressing need to merge.

Restaurants with distasteful food you still must pay for.

Everyday things.

Why do we allow little things to bore into our very souls, determining our moods?

We take those opinions, which are dependent upon the other person’s sour moods, as truth.

We accept them as truth over God’s.

Over what you know to be the absolute truth.

That you are loved.

Secure.

Precious in the sight of God.

Never alone.

Always covered.

Safe.

The next time you are tempted to agree with someone’s poor mood towards you, stop.

Brush it off.

And declare “none of this moves me“.

Perfect.

Photos by Timothy Eberly,  Gabriel Jimenez, & Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Crashing Down

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 116:9

When the world comes crashing down, just give me Jesus.

When loved ones fall away from you, just give me Jesus.

When family fails to value you, just give me Jesus.

When you feel utterly alone, just give me Jesus.

When you are crying and no one hears, Jesus does.

He hears you and His heart breaks for you.

Jesus is everything.

He fills in the empty spaces others should fill.

He sits with you when others neglect to listen.

He understands your pain when no one seems to care.

He holds your hand when your pain is unbearable.

When no one else sees it, He does.

He sees you and He cares.

Jesus is the only one with whom we can fully rely.

He will never disappoint.

Never fail you.

Never leave you all by yourself.

When the world falls away, just give me Jesus.

Photos by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Fret Not Your Pretty Head

Published on by amylinnea4 Comments

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. Psalm 37:8

Jesus never fretted.

He knew He was completely loved by His father.

Accepted.

Cherished.

Why do we fret?

Yes, because we hold onto things, not giving them to Jesus.

But why do we hold onto things?

Is it because we do not believe God truly will take care of us?

Or that He loves us unconditionally?

Or that we are His beloved?

Jesus was fully human, so his temptation to fret and worry was real.

Like it is for us.

But He knew His father would always be there for Him.

He knew.

Suffering on the cross was the only time Jesus was separate from His Father’s presence.

So, that leads me back to us.

Sinful humans who stubbornly hold onto life’s woes when we know it drags us down.

We must continually make a conscience choice to obey.

To obey God when He says to fret not.

Command your mind to obey.

Tell your flesh to back off.

Purpose your mind on the promises of God.

Test them.

Remember His faithfulness.

And every time your worry rises up again, picture it as an ugly weed.

And yank that thing out.

Photos by Colter Olmstead, Shabnam Bakhshaliyeva, & Emily Wade on Unsplash

Living with a Purpose

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I will walk with integrity of heart within my house.

How does one walk with integrity of heart in his house?

And is the Psalmist speaking of his actual house or inside his very self?

Walking with integrity within yourself means aligning yourself to God.

Asking Him to fill you up with Himself.

His very wisdom and power.

And choosing to keep doing that, looking away from evil.

I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.

How does one not look upon worthless things?

Things not worthy of God?

Maybe God wants us to concentrate on Him, not worldly cares.

We should only purpose to look upon or seek out what He wants us to do.

See what He wants us to see.

Notice what He wants us to notice.

I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.

How do we hate the work of those who fall away, not allowing it to cling to us?

When people fall away from God, they tend to spread poison.

Words.

Accusation.

Fear.

They fall away for a reason.

Don’t cling to that.

Don’t accept it or allow any of it to cling to you.

Fling all of it off, pursuing God’s truth instead.

Pursuing the truth you know is God’s.

A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil. Psalm 101:2-4

How do we keep our heart from being perverse?

By concentrating on God’s sovereignty.

His purpose for us.

His identify for us chosen before we were born.

Align yourself to God’s heart and your heart will be far from perverse.

As the Psalmist ends, they purpose to know nothing of evil.

Nothing.

Evil creeps in every moment of every day.

Are you purposing to know nothing of evil?

We all say so, but do we actually mean to?

Believing lies in your head is evil.

Refusing to believe how loved you are by God is evil as you call God a liar when you declare yourself unlovable by Him.

Creating space between yourself and God, wanting your own way is evil.

Selfish.

Purpose to know nothing of evil.

I’m going to try my hardest.

You?

Photos by Jonathan Cooper on Unsplash & https://unsplash.com/@inchristalone

Friendship with God

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“The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He makes known to them His covenant. My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He will pluck my feet out of the net.” Psalm 25:14-15

God, who created ALL things, wants to be my friend when I place my trust with Him.

When I declare He is my God, He becomes my confidante.

When I decide to live how He wants me to be, He becomes my personal companion.

Someone who listens when I’m lonely.

Who watches me through the night.

Who longs to hear my voice.

Who wants to know all about it.

Every day.

Additionally, God will make known to you His covenant.

His unbreakable connection with you.

Forever.

Forever and always, God promises to be by your side as you fear Him.

May our eyes ever be towards the Lord, as the psalmist says.

As we continue to trust God for our everything, He will rescue us.

Our tangled ugly mess will become pretty as He plucks our feet out of the net.

I don’t know about you, but I regularly need God to rescue me.

Usually from me, myself, and I.

Our sinful selves rise up, don’t they, demanding we place our needs above all else.

May we continue to fear the Lord.

May we listen to the instruction He gives.

May our souls dwell within His peace.

May God’s friendship walk with us all of our days.

May we truly understand our incredible covenant with God.

May our eyes be ever focused towards the Lord.

And may He continue to rescue us from not only others, but ourselves, too.

Photos by chris liu on Unsplash

Loving Your Spouse

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. Proverbs 24:3-4

Communication is fundamental to any relationship.

Not only communicating, but listening to the other person.

Really listening.

Not half listening while also paying attention to your phone.

Not listening just to let them vent, then forgetting all of it and moving on.

Real communication is when two people come to an understanding that things need to and must change.

One voices a need.

The other listens and tries their best to understand that need.

While talking and listening are definitely important, the next step is the most.

Changing.

Actually doing the thing talked about.

That’s when your spouse knows you were actually listening.

And not nodding just to keep the other content with listening.

Action speaks louder than words.

Don’t just tell your spouse you love them, show them.

Don’t just nod your head in agreement, do the thing you agreed upon.

Don’t just give lip service to undone promises, actually do them.

Show your love in a big way.

A noticing way.

A personal way.

You know what to do.

Aren’t they more than worth it?

I know two people who have recently both lost their own precious spouse to heaven.

They’d admonish you to shower your spouse with love, not stopping.

Ever.

They wish they still could.

But you can.

So do it.

Photos by Ryan Franco on Unsplash, Kelly Sikkema, & Kiwihug on Unsplash

Words

Published on by amylinnea3 Comments

Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Proverbs 18:21

Wow, that’s a contrast.

Literally, death can come through your words.

Your words can eat through a person’s soul, confirming lies they might already believe.

Words can crush a person, crumpling them down to the floor.

They can create a rift, that without repair, grows over time.

Words can belittle.

Shame.

Or curse.

All of these bring death.

Maybe not immediate physical death, but emotional or spiritual damage, which becomes death if not removed.

But – the Bible also says your words can produce life.

Literally, your words can breathe life into another’s soul.

Words of encouragement to a parched and thirsty soul.

Words of comfort to a soul distressed upon life’s cares.

Affirmation to bolster another’s mood.

Hope that things will be bright again soon.

Words from God, reminding others of His peace that passes all understanding.

Words that share God’s love through you.

All of these bring life.

They water the soul, allowing life to ooze into the very corners of one’s heart, mind, and soul.

Which will you allow to flow from you this day?

Whispers of life?

Or the shouts of death?

May we continue to ask God to fill us with Him, so the flowing from our hearts brings life to others.

Photos by Raphael Schaller, Markus Winkler, & Ryan ‘O’ Niel on Unsplash

Pride

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God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. 1 Peter 5:5

If we are all completely honest, pride is our number one problem.

For most of us.

Almost all of us.

We are disappointed when others don’t see our needs.

Pride.

We are wishing others would go along with what we want.

Pride.

We compare ourselves to others, wishing we had what they had.

Pride.

We erupt in anger when our spouse doesn’t please us.

Pride.

We hesitate to notice our need to apologize as it’s always the other person’s fault.

Pride.

We decide we can never be good enough for others to love us.

Pride.

We disagree with how God created us, arguing with Him about His choices.

Pride.

It’s so easy to see pride in other people.

But not so easy to see it in ourselves.

Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall”.

One of the verses we all memorized as a child, right?

Always used to think we’d literally trip and fall if we had pride.

Maybe, but it’s probably just looking like a fool in general or at a specific time when we’re full of pride.

I for one would hate to look like a fool, so that verse helps me remember.

But if you’re thinking it would be worth it, let’s look at this next verse.

Remember, 1 Peter 5:5 says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble”.

All the fools who think pride is worth it should now reconsider.

God literally opposes the proud.

Opposes.

Is not working for the good of.

Do you want God to be against you?

Is your pride worth that?

Absolutely not.

May we all resign to put others first, forgoing ourselves as the most important.

May we repent for our sin, asking God to fill us with His Holy Spirit.

May God give us abundant grace and humility to replace the ugly pride that fills up our hearts.

Only with God can we possibly overcome the sin of pride.

Ask Him every day to help you.

And because you are focusing on humility, He absolutely will help because He won’t oppose you anymore.

Photos by Sticker Mule, Nagy David, & Jakob Owens on Unsplash

Fraud

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

In my distress I called to the Lord, and He answered me. Deliver me, O Lord from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue. Psalm 120:1-2

I am a fraud.

Flawed.

Not perfect.

You?

If you’re honest, you’ll agree.

Yes about me, but I’m referring to you.

None of us are perfect.

We all demand.

We all seek number one (us).

We all judge.

Living for ourselves, we seek to put ourselves first.

We do that in countless ways.

Too many really to count.

When was the last time you decided to put someone else first?

To ignore your needs, seeking to serve the other first?

Think about Jesus.

He was fully human while serving all of us.

Imagine how tired he was when people kept streaming into his company for ministry after a long day of preaching.

Imagine how hungry he was when tempted and fasting for 40 days in the desert.

Imagine how much agony he suffered while climbing the hill to die for us.

Imagine how separate he felt when God turned His back, allowing Jesus to die for our sins?

Jesus did all of that for us.

He always thought of the bigger picture.

Of the suffering people.

Of how He could help all of us instead of Himself.

We can be generous, too.

Generosity will take our focus off of ourselves.

And when we stop focusing on our number one (us), the things of this world that fill us with anxiety will slowly fade away.

Does it matter if our Christmas tree doesn’t please us in the way we wish?

Nope.

Does it matter if we don’t have that perfect family photo?

Not at all.

What matters is people.

Helping others see the love of God.

And that, my friends, will help us move from fraud to real.

Knowing we are really loved by God.

May we focus on others, spreading the love of God as it oozes from our very selves into the lives of others.

The Robe

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Great is Your mercy, O Lord; give me life according to Your rules. Psalm 119:156

Ever read The Robe?

It was written in 1942 by Lloyd Douglas and has become an enduring classic for millions over the years.

Sharing the story of a young Roman soldier, you are drawn into the story as this soldier crucifies Jesus.

He literally commands the soldiers who nail our Jesus on the cross.

While Jesus is dying, this Roman soldier wins Jesus’ robe while gambling.

The story winds through the the days after Jesus died and the couple years after.

Books are so interesting when Bible stories are woven into a novel.

It’s as if you are there with the Roman soldier.

Feeling the sun on your face and the dusty roads under your face.

Because the Robe disturbs this Roman soldier, he is drawn to find out about Jesus.

Through talking with disciples and hearing the Bible stories from first hand accounts, this Roman soldier becomes a Christian.

I won’t give away the ending, but it takes place in Rome when the Emperor was a bit nuts.

It got me thinking.

How many times have we been there?

Hurting our Lord’s heart?

Like this Roman soldier, sometimes we don’t realize our sin because we’re so wrapped up in ourselves.

Only when we are touched by Jesus can we possibly understand.

Jesus wants us to love like He loved.

Jesus wants us to serve like He served.

And Jesus wants us to forgive like He forgave.

While dying on the cross, Jesus forgave that Roman soldier.

Could you?

May we remember our Lord’s example and may we strive to be ever more like Him.

Always.

Photos by Yannick Pulver, Hush Naidoo. Robert Bye , & Sylvain Brison on Unsplash

Wide Open

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The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27

Jesus is forever our always.

Forever, Jesus is our always.

Always and forever, is Jesus to you.

To me.

To us.

He is and always will be there for you.

Always.

For all things.

Every little thing.

There is no place we can hide from His love.

There is no place away from His presence.

We simply cannot run away from Him.

He is always here, waiting for you.

In good times and bad.

When you want Him and when you don’t.

He is always standing with His arms wide open, waiting for you.

There is nothing you can do to close His arms to you.

There is nothing you can do to close His thoughts towards you.

And there is nothing you can do to separate His love from you.

All you have to do is turn towards Him, accepting His love.

Today.

Tomorrow.

The next day, and the next.

Each day, you must choose Him.

You must choose to abide in His love.

You must choose to listen to His voice, showering you with His blessings.

Since there’s no place you can hide, step out into the light.

Allow Jesus to wipe away your tears.

Allow Jesus to lift your burdens from your shoulders.

And allow Him to give you His strength.

His peace.

His joy.

Allow yourself to be loved by God.

His arms are wide open for you.

Photos by Alex Woods, Milada Vigerova, Nathan Dumlao, Ben White, & Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Slow Slide

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today”, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:12-13

Satan rarely enters with a bang.

He rarely announces his presence, coming through our choices instead.

It’s usually one choice.

That leads you to another.

And another.

And another.

And before you know it, you don’t recognize the path anymore as you’ve veered away from God.

It’s rarely fast; it’s usually slow.

So slow, you don’t even notice.

Panic from not studying, you glance at your friend’s test paper.

Just one look.

Just one answer.

Never again, you tell yourself.

That was easy.

Next time, it’s even easier.

Justified in your mind.

You sneak a pack of gum into your pocket without paying.

At home, the gum doesn’t taste as good as you thought, but it was free.

The next time it’s easier.

Justified in your mind.

You start spending alone time with a person of the opposite gender.

Lots of time.

But you’re married.

The friendship grows.

Becomes more.

One day at a time.

Justified in your mind.

Satan rarely announces the wrecking of your life.

The justification he wants you to follow.

How do we keep doing exactly what God wants us to do?

We must weigh everything with Him.

Ask Him.

Ask Him about everything.

He’s always right there, wanting to help you.

I Peter 5:18 reminds us to Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

It’s possible to love God and remain passive.

I’ve seen it multiple times as little sins become big, building up and refusing to leave as pride takes over common sense.

Lord, may we seek Your will in all we do.

Please guide us into Your plans and give us Your wisdom for every little thing.

Amen.

Photos by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Living with Jesus

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:2-3

Who is He to you?

Jesus.

Was He simply a nice guy?

Model of morality?

Or your King of Kings?

Savior of your soul?

Yes to all of the above.

Although, He was and is more than simply a nice guy.

Is He more than your King?

More than your Savior?

While that role is the most important, what about the here and now?

Is He your friend?

Your confidante?

Your comforter?

Your secure dwelling?

Jesus is so much more than the Savior of our wreched souls.

His role for when we die is the payor of our sins.

Completely paid for.

Miraculous.

His role for the here and now involves your everything.

He wants to be your heart’s cry.

He wants to be your first thought when you wake and your last as you close your eyes in rest.

And everything in between.

He wants to fill you with Himself so you can be His witness here on earth.

Taking other precious souls with you when death arrives.

Are you letting Him?

Letting Him be your everything?

If not, you’re missing out big time.

Allow Him to be within you, using your hands and feet to bless others.

Allow Him to bless others while you speak His words of life.

Surrender your life beyond asking Him to save your soul.

Saving your soul is the first step.

Very important, yes, but it’s not the whole package.

Allowing Him to work through you as you surrender every little thing to Him will yield not only happiness, but His perfect peace as you let fear, anxiety, and control fade away.

Simply ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit.

Talk to Him throughout the day.

Tell Him how you feel, what you need, and ask Him for His help.

His faithfulness will overwhelm you and His presence will comfort your precious self.

That, my friends, is living.

Photos by Kari Shea & Jenny Ueberberg on Unsplash

I’m Sorry

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Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Proverbs 28:13

What do those words mean to you?

An apology?

Heartfelt from you to the offended?

Or a necessary evil?

Something to get your loved one off your back?

Apologies mean the world.

They write the wrongs.

Cover the faults.

Restore relationships.

Why is it so hard sometimes to apologize?

Pride?

What is true Christ-like apology?

Acknowledging your part with no strings attached.

Simply saying you are sorry for what you have done.

End of story.

No excuses.

Is that what you do?

Or do you apologize on the wings of accusing the other person along the way?

True apology only acknowledges your part.

You and you alone.

Fess up and relent.

Accept responsibility for what you and you alone have done.

End of story.

When you offer a sincere apology, void of blame and accusation, all will be well.

Relationships will be smoothed and offenses forgiven.

But only if you take responsibility for your own actions.

Don’t apologize by blaming the other person.

Simply say you’re sorry for what you did.

Honestly and sincere.

Look at the other person and say those words.

Only then will God redeem your situation.

Forgiveness is quick and sweet.

Humble yourself and ask.

It’s the only way.

Photos by Brett Jordan & Sandra Grünewald on Unsplash

Imagine

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But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. I will thank you forever, because you have done it. I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly. Psalm 52:8-9

I cannot even imagine life without Jesus.

Living in absolute fear without the foundation of my all knowing God.

Not sharing my deepest fears with the One who already knows.

Not asking Him to remove my fear, replacing it with His complete peace.

I cannot imagine not having the eternal security of heaven because of Jesus’ death on the cross for my sins.

Imagine thinking about death without Him.

Death would be the end.

No more.

Imagine life without Him.

Life would be completely up to you and me…….and chance.

That would be too much pressure.

With my personality, I’d beat myself up for sure.

A lot.

I cannot imagine going through the valley of death without God’s perfect peace.

Walking in the shadow of death without God’s protection and presence would have been the end of me.

Even with God, life is no walk in the park.

But without Him in my life, all I can say is wow.

I cannot imagine life without my Savior.

Life would not be life.

It would be so materialistic and surface like.

I’m so thankful I don’t have to trust myself to get through life.

Not only to get through, but to succeed.

Thankfully, we don’t have to imagine life without God.

God is here.

He has been, is, and always will be.

Forever and ever.

There is no life without Him, there was no life without Him and there will be no life without Him.

Can I get an amen? 🙂

Guess what?

We never have to imagine a world without Jesus, unless we choose to.

Thank God!

Photos by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Wonder Woman ’84

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Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

How are you blocking God from showing you what He has for you?

How are you blocking your freedom from springing forth?

How are you blocking God’s peace from covering every fear?

How are you blocking the very presence of God through what you hold too near?

When we hold onto things we shouldn’t, we block our progress.

When we hold onto the way we think things should be, we block God from moving.

When we hold onto our old familiar fears, we block God’s peace which passes all understanding.

When we hold onto things from the past, focusing on the loss instead of the present, we block God from carrying us into the future He has for us.

Yes, God is sovereign.

Yes, He can do anything.

But He allows us to choose.

We can choose to stay stuck with ourselves or move into the freedom He has for us.

Forgive me, but I must bring up Wonder Woman.

Yes, the female super hero in the movies today.

Watching Wonder Woman 84, she wrestled with letting go of her first love.

By focusing on that loss, she slowly lost her super powers.

Only when she let him and the stinging pain completely leave did she regain her superhero strength, pivotal to her destiny.

Completely applies to us and what we hold onto instead of God.

When we hold onto things instead of giving them to God, our “super powers” are blocked.

God’s peace cannot penetrate.

Fear stays.

Deep disappointment overwhelms.

Give every little thing to God.

Everything from your past, present and future.

Only when we let old things go can we move into the amazing plans God has for us.

Let the disappointed dreams go.

Let the past hurt rest.

And let God fully reign.

Photos by Priscilla Du Preez, Jack Ward, Helena Cook, & Jared Subia on Unsplash

Whose Are You?

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For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. Romans 14:7-8

Are you your own?

Or are you God’s?

Do you live for yourself?

Or do you live under God’s breath?

Living for yourself can be fun, I will admit.

But it’s also sad.

Lonely.

And it’s a pit that never ends.

The deeper you go into yourself, the farther away you are from God, who, in fact, created everything, even that pit.

The more you chase the world, trying to find yourself, the lonelier you will remain.

What if, instead of chasing selfish whims, you chased God’s will for you?

What if, instead of slipping deeper into a selfish pit, you walked God’s plan for your life?

When you remember Whose you are, you’ll be able to stand a little taller.

When you remember Whose you are, you’ll realize none of it matters.

The matching tea towels.

The latest athletic shoes.

The perfect family photo.

None of it matters because it all points to you.

Stand up.

Stand tall.

And stand for the One who was born for You.

Because Whose you are matters more than who you are.

Photos by Fadi Xd, sergey mikheev, & Em M. on Unsplash

Morality

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What is morality?

Well, it’s when one is moral or has morals.

What’s the definition of morals?

Webster says “of or relating to principles of right and wrong in behavior- ethical.”

Makes perfect sense.

Especially when Webster continues: “conforming to a standard of right behavior or sanctioned by one’s conscience.”

So, morality has to do with right and wrong.

Knowing deep in your conscience the right and wrong ways to go.

Wait.

I thought our world no longer held the standard of absolute right and wrong, because God has essentially been removed from the public square.

Unfortunately, that’s true.

Our world has adopted moral relativism, meaning what is right for me might not be right for you.

They declare right and wrong are different for everyone, depending upon what they believe is right for them.

Think about voter fraud.

If you believe it’s right for your candidate to win, you’ll justify the fake votes, because that’s right for you.

Think about extended lockdowns.

If those in charge believes it is right to remove personal freedom for the good of the general public, then that is right for them.

Nothing will stop them as it’s right for them, even if it’s wrong according to the Constitution.

Think about politically correct speech.

If someone thinks it’s right for them to be whatever pronoun they desire, no matter their God-given gender, then it’s right in their mind, suddenly becoming wrong for you to object.

Think about abortion.

If someone thinks it’s right for them to kill their baby, they remove your right to protest as they deem you wrong.

When there is no standard of absolute right and wrong, societies always fail.

They crumble.

May God help us.

May God increase our strength and words, providing us His wisdom to stand up against the moral decline of America.

May He provide us avenues to stand up for His absolute truth, teaching our children to do the same.

May we not be afraid to speak up.

Oh, God, give us your strength to stop being silent.

Have mercy on our country.

You, God, are the Author of our liberty.

Long may our land be bright, with freedom’s holy light.

Protect us by Thy might, Great God our King!

Photos by Aaron Burden, Paul Weaver, Justin Casey, Luke Michael, & Martin Jernberg on Unsplash

Longing

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May He grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans! Psalm 20:4

What is the longing of your heart?

The deep down longing?

To win the lottery?

To get married?

To make it through the day?

How bout to know God?

To know the living God, who made ALL things?

He wants to know you.

In fact, He already does.

Inside and out.

All those ugly things you don’t like to talk about?

He already knows.

All those deep dark fears, thinking you’re really not good enough?

He knows.

He sees your future fears.

He sees your past regrets.

He sees your broken heart.

He sees everything.

And you know what?

He still loves you.

Not only that, but He longs to have a relationship with you.

Jesus longs to fill your voids, canceling your debt upon your back.

Sometimes Christians keep their burdens.

We know we are saved, but we hold onto the things we regret.

We hold onto the things we wished were different.

Bitterness.

Anger.

Fear.

Unloving.

We hold onto it all.

But guess what?

God knows it all.

Every little thing.

And He still wants you fully as you are.

Come unto Him, lay down your everything, including that secret fear you’ve held for your entire life.

Might be scary, but it’s worth it.

Know why?

Because God, who knows the beginning from the end, will take your fear and hold it for you.

He will hold it.

When He holds it, it becomes love.

Your fear becomes perfect, because God is perfect.

He rights wrongs.

He cancels sin.

He creates beauty from ashes.

What are you waiting for?

Run to Him.

Submit, and give Him EVERYTHING.

In return, He will give you His peace.

His perfect peace.

There is nothing in this world that compares.

Nothing.

Photos by Vadym Lebedych on Unsplash

Coming to Our Senses

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“…and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” 2 Timothy 2:26

I assume you want to come to your senses.

To live honorably before all men.

Senseless living showcases foolishness.

Usually on display for all to see.

Sometimes we don’t see our own folly. Why?

Because we have not come to our senses and are living under the influence of the devil.

The verse above states when we are not living wisely, meaning not living in our senses, we are in the snare of the devil, biding his will.

Actually participating in the devil’s evil plans instead of God’s holy design. Ouch.

Paul elaborates speaking to the Lord’s servant about not being quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. (2 Timothy 3:24)

Who are the Lord’s servants? Us.

Those who love God and wish to serve Him with our whole selves.

Especially pastors.

Those in spiritual authority over us.

If you want to categorize servants, pastors must strive more to live as examples of humble servants.

Only when we are kind, gentle, and patient is God able to free us from ourselves.

From living senselessly under the capture and will of the devil.

God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:25)

Only when we live with the fruit of the spirit will God allow our eyes to revel our own selfishness, leading us to God’s truth before our eyes.

Folks, we often miss it.

We think we are following God.

But we are mistaken, because we are trusting in ourselves before Him.

We trust in our reasoning, not allowing the Holy Spirit to convict us of our past.

Instead may we fly from youthful passions, pursuing instead righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with a pure heart.

And may God open our eyes to His will, giving us the courage to obey Him.

I for one cringe when I think about acting in the will of the devil.

How ’bout you?

Photos by Hello I’m Nik 🎞, Chris Lawton, Artur Rutkowski, Anastasiya Romanova, & Anthony Lee on Unsplash

Fed Up

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Are you as fed up as I am?

Fed up with the enemy trying to step foot into your life?

Trying to gain a foothold in your home and with your family?

How fed up are you?

Enough to do something about it?

Or will you simply complain from your comfy couch?

Reclaim your territory.

Declare your Savior in charge.

Of you.

Of your family.

In every inch of your precious home.

Psalm 44:5 reminds us: Through YOU we push back our enemies; through YOUR name we trample our foes.

Invite God to fill yourself, your family, and your home with His peace and knowledge of all things true.

Repent to God for participating with anything not of God.

And kick out the devil, reclaiming your family for God.

Folks, the battle is long.

The wars repeat.

It can seem to go on and on and on and on…

BUT: you must never lose faith.

You must never give up on the journey.

God is faithful.

He is sovereign over all.

Keep your peace and take back your family.

Let’s all be fed up with the enemy.

And show him Who is boss.

I’m dead serious.

Who’s with me?

Photos by Attentie Attentie, Arisa Chattasa , and Guillaume de Germain on Unsplash

An Example or Stumbling Block?

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Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2

Let yourself be an example instead of a stumble.

An example of Christ’s love instead of a stumble into sin.

Man, that’s hard.

Not always, but sometimes.

Actually, usually it is, am I right?

Especially when our flesh cries out for justice.

Or judgement.

Or pride.

Every time we succeed as an God’s example, we extend life to others.

And every time we succeed as a stumbling block to sin, we bring death to those same people.

So how do we become an example instead of a stumbling block?

Ask God.

All we can do is ask Him to help us.

When we are weak, He is strong.

God’s greatest examples are people who have no strength of their own to complete the tasks God had for them.

But that’s when God’s power shines forth the brightest.

Knowing we cannot without God is the first step.

Then choosing to let Him work through us is the next.

Let Him choose your words.

Let Him choose your actions.

And let His very nature flow through yours.

And when you do that, God will bless others.

Literally through you.

Quite an honor when you think about it.

Be stamped with God’s nature, and His blessing will come through you all the time. Oswald Chambers My Utmost for His Highest reading May 16

Photos by Rachel and Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Gifts

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Rest in the knowledge that He is enough.

That He, our Lord, holds all things in His hands.

Are you resting?

Or are you resisting?

Matthew 7:11 reminds us “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

Are you trusting God to give you those good gifts?

Might not be what you asked for, but it will be a good gift nonetheless.

Socks for Christmas are not a favorite, but your feet will be thankful next winter.

A new kitchen appliance is not as sparkly as jewelry, but making dinner from now on will be easier, so frankly, that gift means time.

Taking something away from a child is hardly met with enthusiasm, but it’s a gift.

As parents, you give the gift of self-control and thinking of others, hoping to kick pride to the curb.

Mostly.

We try.

We try to give these good gifts to our children.

Guessing they don’t think of them as gifts.

When God gives you the gift of unemployment, are you thankful?

Thankful for the fresh start?

When God gives you the gift of a child who operates completely different from you, are you thankful?

Thankful to see things from a whole new perspective?

When God allows challenges in your life, it’s for a reason.

To shape you further into His image.

We’re just fine, Lord, thanks anyway!

Good gifts from God belong in His will.

Rest in the knowledge that He is in control.

Allow all of His gifts to mold you into who He wants you to become.

Good can mean lots of things.

To our Lord, it means for your very best.

Photos by Toa Heftiba, Christopher Jolly, Cody Black, and Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash

Devouring Your Family

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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

Are you watching?

Or are you blind?

The devil is constantly looking for a way in.

A way into your home, your children, yourself.

He can’t stop the good gifts God provides; however, he can mess things up.

He can cause conflict where there shouldn’t be any.

He can wilt your relationships, causing them to wither away.

He can tempt your children, sucking them into the world instead.

He can cause you to focus on the wrong things.

To focus on the ugly, forgetting the beautiful.

I Peter 5:8 reminds us to “be sober minded; be watchful.”

Why?

Because “your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

Who will be devoured?

Will it be you?

Your kids?

The devil might have lost because he knows you’re saved, heading to heaven.

However…..

Through YOUR choices, he can make you miserable here on earth.

He can negate your witness.

He can crush your spirits.

He can cause you to turn inward, focusing on all the wrong things.

Take back your ground.

Put the enemy on notice and declare once again your home is God’s.

Your children are God’s.

Your very self is also His.

Give the devil a piece of your mind and rise up.

He’s no less real then an existing lion sneaking up on your children, literally trying to devour them.

It’s really no different.

At all.

Take your stand.

And fight.

Photos by Madhavan Malolan, Jordan Heinrichs, and Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Trapped Animal

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Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked. Proverbs 25:26

Ever feel backed into a corner?

Kinda like a trapped animal?

How would you react?

Defensively?

I would.

The flesh wants to be protected.

While maturity is always the goal, sometimes the flesh wins.

Differing points of view can complicate matters.

But in the end, what really matters?

Your response.

Your continued response.

When you feel misunderstood, what should you do?

Own your own actions.

Apologize when you give into your flesh.

But then you have a choice.

Especially if you’re alone in the conversation.

Still not feeling heard.

Do you hold on, digging your heals into the ground?

Or do you move on, beginning anew?

I choose life.

I choose beginning anew.

Even if my active mind can justify feelings, connecting the dots.

I choose to move on.

While that might sound like an odd choice, I ask myself this question:

What would God want me to do?

What does God want me to do?

Would He want me to keep carrying burdens alone?

Nope.

He wants it all, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Picture that other person as Jesus.

Treat them as you would Him.

Because all humans deserve nothing less.

We don’t know what goes on in everyone’s minds.

As my students read To Kill a Mockingbird, I’m reminded to “walk around in other people’s shoes.”

We must look at things from their view.

Especially important when one doesn’t see eye to eye, or doesn’t feel heard.

Talk to God, asking Him to fill you with His compassion.

His love.

His understanding.

And move on.

Paste that smile on your face and stand tall.

Once your heart is clean, there’s nothing to worry about.

Because Jesus is all that matters.

Photos by Holger Link, Richard Brutyo, Ben Hershey, sydney Rae, & Jonathan Fink on Unsplash

Choose and Refuse

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“Today I have given you the CHOICE between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would CHOOSE LIFE, so that you and your descendants might live! Deuteronomy 30:19 (emphasis mine)

We all have choices don’t we?

Too many when it comes to laundry soap or paint colors if you ask me. But in this life, in each moment we breathe, we have a choice set before us.

We must choose and refuse.

What?

We must choose life and refuse death.

Words.

Interactions.

Attitudes.

Real life.

Apply this to your own words, interactions, and attitudes you choose to exhibit.

But I’m really thinking about our reaction to others’ words, interactions, and attitudes.

When reacting to hurtful words, choose and refuse.

Meaning, choose life as refraining from participating in that talk and refuse to take those words to your heart.

When reacting to painful interactions, choose and refuse.

Meaning, choose life as walking quietly away and refusing to react in anger which steals your peace.

When reacting to unpleasant attitudes, choose and refuse.

Meaning, choose life as not taking on that horrid attitude and refuse to let others bring your down.

Real life is so real, isn’t it?

Words, interactions, and moods will sneak up on you in any conversation.

Through you or through someone else.

So you must be ready.

Like a firefighter.

To choose and refuse at any moment.

Takes practice.

If you find yourself going down the wrong path, beginning to stink like your friend’s words, choose and refuse.

You can do that anytime, even if you’ve already begun to fall.

Choose and refuse.

And remember, none of this moves me.

Photos by Jon Tyson, Vladislav Babienko, and Letizia Bordoni on Unsplash

Freedom or Slavery

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For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

God has set you free.

Free.

Not yoked.

He has set you free for freedom.

He has saved you with the intent of freedom.

Freedom from what?

Sin.

The penalty of sin, which is death.

Literally.

What?

When we trust Jesus as our Savior, He literally saves us from eternal death.

It’s the most wonderful thing, but I’m not telling you anything new.

Most of us have known this since we were young.

But how else does He set us free?

He can set us free from fear.

Free from jealously.

Free from unloving.

Free from guilt.

The freedom Christ offers extends beyond salvation to the here and now.

His invitation extends to this life.

Paul reminds us to stand firm, choosing life.

Choosing God’s freedom.

To not give into our old ways, by listening to lies or succumbing to the flesh, which then becomes slavery.

When one isn’t free, they are a slave.

What ideas, actions, or thoughts still enslave you?

We must be renewed by God every day, but that takes a choice.

Your choice.

Your choice to walk in God’s freedom, or to yoke yourself back with the old ways.

Yoking to the old equals slavery.

Walking with God and living with His power equals freedom.

Choose to walk in the freedom of God.

Keep doing it, standing firm with the help of Almighty God.

And every time you do so, your slavery ties to sin will be break, making this life a whole lot more peaceful.

Keep choosing God’s reactions and it will become more of a habit as you throw off the yoke of slavery to sin.

Experience the freedom of God.

Choose it.

And with His power, withstand the submission to your familiar yoke of slavery.

Photos by Noah Silliman, Robert Collins, Paul Green, & niu niu on Unsplash

Wisdom

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For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of His saints. Proverbs 2:6-8

Isn’t it amazing the Lord simply gives wisdom to us?

From His mouth comes forth knowledge AND understanding?

God actually stores up sound wisdom for us?

You might argue we’re not exactly upright people.

Yes, but no one is perfect, except God.

The upright are those who seek God for their very lives.

I guess the question remains, do we want God’s wisdom?

I suppose if you say No, then I’d say why the heck not?

Walking with God is not stifling.

Doesn’t cramp my style in the very least.

It’s freedom.

Let’s continue.

Verse 7 shows us how God’s wisdom is an actual barrier to evil.

His wisdom protects us from poor choices, which, one could argue, could easily become evil.

Think about the recent looting.

Poor choices which have become evil.

Destruction is evil and one has the choice to participate.

Making it relevant to more, putting yourself above your spouse is a poor choice.

Do that again and again and the relationship will never be the same unless you return to God’s wisdom, asking forgiveness of the one you love.

How many hundreds of choices do you make on a daily basis?

Too many to count.

So many opportunities to walk under God’s protection using His wisdom.

And so many chances to step out from His umbrella, choosing instead to follow the flesh.

Stand with me under the shelter of Almighty God.

Proverbs 2:8 closes with reminding us how God guards and watches over the ways of His saints.

Doesn’t mean we won’t have trials or pain.

But standing under God’s umbrella, His wisdom will guide us, inviting the very peace of God.

Photos by Marionel Luciano, Wilhelm Gunkel, Joyce McCown, and Timothy Eberly on Unsplash

Perspective

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There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

As I sit in my freshly built suburban home, I can pretend to know what it’s like growing up in the South during the 1930’s while reading To Kill a Mockingbird or Roll of Thunder.

From either person’s perspective.

I can pretend to know what it’s like as a poor desparate child in war-ravaged Ethiopia or Sudan while reading A Long Walk to Water.

I can pretend to know what it’s like as a wild animal, imprisoned in a concentration camp during WW2 while reading The Hiding Place, Lilac Girls, or The Tattooist of Auschwitz.

Books are wonderful windows into other worlds.

I can glimpse another reality while safely seated in my chair, feet propped up, coffee in my hand, wind settling the air on my covered porch.

Books fill in the gaps.

They help you see perspectives from those you have never met.

And help you understand those you have been introduced.

Our God has mercifully given us life.

He’s given us all life.

And with our lives, He asks us to be His hands and feet to all we meet.

What does that look like?

Smiling at strangers.

Holding doors.

Respecting and honoring others before yourself.

Our country has a rich history.

Like anything in this world, it’s not perfect.

But America is filled with wonderful people.

Hard-working, honoring people who want their fellow neighbor to succeed like themselves.

Keep spreading God’s love.

Stop participating with lies and hate.

Honor others before yourself.

Peacefully protest, but honor the curfew when it’s set because of rioters.

Remember that most Americans, including police, have good hearts.

Purpose in your mind not to assume the worst.

And read about someone else’s perspective.

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb in his skin and walk around in it.”

Thanks for the reminder, Atticus.

Photos by frank mckenna, Christopher Jolly, Nick Fewings, Jessica Furtney, & Will Esayenko on Unsplash

Knock, Knock

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“In the day of my trouble I shall call upon You, for You will answer me. Psalm 86:7

When darkness knocks at your door, why do you open it?

Why answer at all?

Curious?

You’re asking for trouble.

You know that.

Ignore it.

Ignore the persisting knock of darkness.

Ignore the whispers of doubt.

Ignore the feelings of condemnation.

Unloved.

Unwanted.

Mediate on God’s breathed words of life.

Focus on the Bible and the truth of God’s words.

Focus on Him and for heaven’s sake, don’t open the door to darkness again.

Or better yet, have God answer it.

Photos by Siora Photography,  Mitchell Luo, & Jan Tinneberg on Unsplash

Power of Your Witness

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Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what He has done for my soul. Psalm 66:16

Are you so sold out for the cause of Christ that you minimize yourself?

You subtract your needs before others?

Are you so concerned for the love of God to flow through you that you put others before yourself?

Consistently?

Or are you still focused on number one?

Yourself?

And when it’s convenient, you put others before yourself?

This life is but a blip.

A drop in all of eternity.

Yes, God created us to live on this earth.

Yes, God created pleasure.

But is that your focus?

Is meeting your needs of comfort number one to you?

God’s greatest need from us is not preaching.

Dare I say most humans in at least America have heard it time and time again.

It’s serving.

It’s pouring out God’s love and mercy on our neighbors.

It’s literally being the hands and feet of Jesus.

It’s our witness.

When others see how different we are because of God,

When others see how much we care about them first,

When are a witness of the living God,

Hearts become open to God changing them.

So I must ask you this:

How are you helping people’s hearts to open?

Or instead, are you helping hearts to stay closed?

Photos by Hans Veth & Becca Tapert on Unsplash

So Over It

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Going out on a limb and stating my opinion.

Last time I checked, it was still a free country.

But it doesn’t seem like that anymore.

Sigh.

Attitude.

Specifically, my attitude.

I am in such a bad mood about our world.

If I even hear the word social distancing….

Don’t get me started about wearing a mask.

They are so hot and awful.

Went to Costco today donning my mask.

So weird to walk around and see EVERYONE in a mask.

I’m living on a movie set, but instead it’s real life.

I’d totally be on board with ALL of it, every restriction if I truly thought it would help.

If I thought it was really necessary.

But after reading so much over the past few weeks, it doesn’t add up.

It just doesn’t.

First, projections of death upwards of 240,000 were announced if we didn’t stay home.

We stayed home.

Of course.

Who wouldn’t with death predicted like that?!

As a result, we “flattened the curve”.

Ok.

Now what?

Did it work?

Yes, but now we’re told those original numbers were wrong.

Like way wrong.

No one knows what would have happened if we had ignored those first numbers and only stayed home if we were ill.

Or old or vulnerable.

Instead, we all obeyed and exponentially more lives have been drastically affected through staying home then death.

Our economy is now shot.

Kids are behind in school.

Parents are at their absolute wits end.

Small businesses are literally dying.

Family livelihoods have disappeared.

Mental depression is rising.

So is abuse of children.

Rights of Americans are ignored.

Fundamental rights.

And most of America is still acting like we need to stay home.

If science backed it up,

If common sense was used,

If all leaders would put the people first,

I’d feel better.

That brings me back to my attitude.

I really hate doing things I don’t think necessary.

I don’t do well just going along with the crowd if the crowd is blindly following the world.

I think people mean well.

Hopefully.

I always assume so anyway.

I guess my rant is over.

Pray for our leaders.

Pray for those affected physically, mentally, and financially.

And pray for our attitudes. 🙂

I want to go to church.

I want to try on clothing at Target.

I want to return groceries I deem not edible at the store.

I want to teach my students in my own classroom.

And I would like to shop without a mask.

I promise to stay home if I feel sick.

Ok?

Oh, and my husband really needs a haircut.

Photos by Tai’s Captures, Glen Carrie, BRUNO CERVERA, Matt Seymour, Hello I’m Nik 🎞 , & Tobias Rehbein on Unsplash

Attracted to Godliness

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…make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8

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Are you?

Attracted to godliness?

Or are you enamored by the things of this world?

Enthralled by power, status, money, and things?

Do you desire goodness or do you selfishly want whatever toots your horn?

Is your first thought the service of others or do you want others to serve you?

Are your needs first or are the needs of others above yours?

When you are all by yourself, would God himself be at home by your side or would you be covered in embarrassment at your actions, thoughts, or attitudes?

Deep down, do you cherish God’s opinion, or do you want to feed the hunger of your flesh?

Are you attracted to godliness?

Or are you living for yourself?

Think a moment.

And repent, knowing it’s impossible to be completely attracted to godliness aside from the grace and strength of God Himself.

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Photos by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Toilet Paper

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For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.        2 Timothy 1:7

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The spirit of fear is real.

And it is NOT from God.

Nor are the feelings of panic or anxiety.

They are also NOT from God.

Rushing to purchase extra toilet paper stems from fear.

Combing stores for even more supplies rises from fear when your pantry is already overflowing.

Submitting to anxiety while watching the news creates a response in your body that long term, will lower your immune system.

Science backs it up.

Fear is not good for you.

Fear binds you up.

Fear causes you to react irrationally.

It is the opposite of peace, which is ordained by God.

Instead of fear, God has given us power.

His power.

He has given us love.

His love.

And He has given us a sound mind.

His.

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When we refuse the thoughts of fear and embrace God’s words of truth,

When we submit to His love for ourselves and others,

And when we use His power to stay in peace,

Fear will melt away.

Anxiety will leave.

Our mind, body, soul, and spirit will be filled with Him.

Choose to focus on Him.

Choose to weight fear with wisdom.

You’ll be able to walk away from the toilet paper, the eggs, or the cleaning supplies at the store, leaving it for someone who really does need it.

Yes, we all like to be prepared, but let it rise from wisdom, not fear.

And in the end, trust in Him for all of it.

Even more toilet paper.

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Photos by Joseph Barrientos & Claire Mueller on Unsplash

Ugliness

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Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24

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We are so comfortable with our ugliness, aren’t we?

Our fleshly irritations.

Our selfish demands.

Our ‘higher than thou’ attitudes towards all else.

Our complaining when sacrificing.

Our responses when wronged.

Ugliness.

Does your ugliness repulse you?

When it rears it’s ugly head, do you embrace it?

Honestly, we usually do, don’t we.

We not only embrace it, but wear it proudly.

All boils down to flesh and sin.

Our flesh cries out selfishly.

But God wants us to respond differently.

It’s so hard, isn’t it?

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“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

Those words from Paul in Galatians 5 remind us to put away our flesh.

To literally kill those fleshly desires that are ugly.

Impossible apart from God.

Literally.

When we purposely put down our ugly flesh, God will fill us with His Spirit.

You remember His fruit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Isn’t it so much better to reflect kindness than malice?

Gentleness instead of anger?

Love instead of hate?

Peace instead of war?

Folks, we can either react with the fruit of God or the flesh of ourselves.

One is lovely, the other is ugly.

Stop the next time you face an irritation.

Ask God to react through you.

Each time you do that, your ugliness will melt away.

I know, it’s not as fun as feeding your flesh.

But wouldn’t you rather please God than your sinful self?

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Photos by Cain, Korpa, Nohassi, Boer, & Gonzalez on Unsplash

Reflecting

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But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18

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Reflecting.

We reflect what we honor.

We reflect what we love.

We reflect Whose we are.

Do you reflect God?

Or do you reflect things of the world?

Or yourself?

The Bible talks about us becoming so filled with God, that we reflect His glory.

When we continually seek His will,

When we consistently empty ourselves,

When we continuously purpose to be His alone,

Our mirror will reflect the glory of God more and more.

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What does your mirror reflect?

If we’re honest, our mirrors mostly reflect ourselves.

Our wishes.

Our demands.

Our needs.

Keep your open conversation running with God.

Continually seek His wisdom and peace in every situation.

In every moment.

And slowly, your mirror, too, will begin to reflect the glory of God.

When your mirror reflects more of God than yourself, others take note, polishing their own mirrors for Him as well.

Photos by Alex Lopez, Noah Buscher, Inga Gezalian, & Kenzie Kraft on Unsplash

Controlled by Anger

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And do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:27

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Is it ok to be mad?

Super angry at an uncontrollable situation?

Yes.

It’s ok to be mad.

Just don’t let it control you.

There’s a difference.

A difference between anger and a life dictated by it.

The anger.

Sometimes situations in life have justifiable angry responses.

Literally justified.

But if you hold onto that anger, it controls you every time.

Every time you are reminded of the situation, your body will respond as trained.

In anger.

Blood will boil.

Tempers will flair.

You will lash out at people for no apparent reason.

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It’s sin.

Why?

Because the anger controls you.

You have trained your body in that way.

And don’t sin by letting anger control you.  Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.  Ephesians 4:26-7

When God talks about letting go of anger, He means just that.

Let it go.

Guess He coined that phrase long before the Norwegian ice princess movie we have all watched way too many times.

Doesn’t mean to forget or allow yourself to be hurt again in the same way.

It simply means to keep your peace.

To surrender the anger, knowing God is in control.

To  choose peace over anger, learning instead from the pain.

Giving a foothold to the devil is keeping your anger.

Choosing to wallow in it.

Probably deservedly, yes, but that’s not the point.

Living in freedom with God sometimes defies all logic.

Logically, you should be mad as you know what.

But God wants you to live in freedom.

And you cannot dwell in His freedom if you are shackled by anger’s prison.

Break free and allow God to heal your wounds.

How?

Ask God.

Remember, forgiving is not forgetting.

But it’s freedom.

Ask God to forgive through you.

Then whenever it pops back into your brain (you know the devil will insist on reminding you often!), throw it back to God.

Forgive again and again.

Your body will begin to retrain itself, reacting instead with peace.

The absence of anger will release you from the prison of pain.

Learn from situations, yes.

But don’t keep the anger.

It’s simply not worth your time.

Or your peace.

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Photos by Clem Onojeghuo, Kenni Fil , &  Lauren McConachie on Unsplash