Category: choices

God’s Perfect Ways

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This God – His way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him. Psalm 18:30

God’s way is perfect.

His very word proves true.

If His way is perfect, why do we ever stray out on our own?

Because we’re human, wishing to live for ourselves.

The temptation to rely on ourselves sometimes is too much.

We think we can do everything on our own.

But Psalm 18 reminds us God’s way is perfect.

Ours certainly is not. In our own strength, we will fail.

What if we instead ask God to help us walk His path?

Psalm 18 continues reminding us He is our shield.

Shields protect from the onslaught of things hurled at us.

But only if we decide to partner with Him and His ways for us.

Why on earth would we choose to walk separate from God?

Selfishness.

Sinful desires.

Could be simple like eating too much junk, knowing our bodies are God’s temple.

Or sneaking an answer on our essay, copying another’s words because we are lazy.

Or it could be worse – knowingly cheating on a test, our taxes, or (gasp) our spouse.

When we choose to walk with God, God promises we will walk the perfect path He has ordained for us.

Not only that, but He will be our shield, protecting us from the world’s sin.

He will be our refuge.

But we must choose Him.

Choose Him for every little thing.

And when we do, He promises to guide us, protect us, and be our refuge in this messy world.

When you put it that way, how can we not choose Him?

Photos by Grace Galligan, Hasse Lossius, Martin Kallur (IG: @mkallur), & Michanne Lisa on Unsplash

Leaving Our Junk

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9

What is God calling you to leave behind?

Your identity?

Worry?

Anxiety?

Future fears?

Your health?

Your family?

Control over your surroundings?

When God calls you to Himself, He asks you to leave things behind.

But often, we begin following Him while dragging things along side us.

We drag worry along as we fear the future even though we know God’s got it.

We drag our family as we obsess about their poor choices even though God loves them more.

We drag our health as we demand to be healthy while choosing to inhale junk.

We drag our false identities even though we know who we are as God’s heir.

And we drag control, desperately wanting life to surrender to our every whim instead of surrendering to God’s will.

As God’s child, we need not bring anything on our journey with Him.

All we need is ourselves as God brings everything else.

And He is perfect, holding our perfect plan set before us.

We mess it up when we drag things along.

When we don’t leave all our junk behind.

We are so selfish, wanting to conform our surroundings to fit our whims. Our desires, hopes, and dreams.

But God’s ways are better. His ways are higher than mine. And they are higher than yours.

What is holding you back from running into all God has for you?

Photos by Karsten Winegeart, Jametlene Reskp, Jonathan Borba, & Aaron Owens on Unsplash

Perspective

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Life is really all about perspective.

Right?

When life bites you, all you want is a small break.

Any relief, really.

More particular.

But when things are smooth sailing, you’re pickier.

At the beach this week, our home was about 12 houses from the ocean.

Twelve.

More like two blocks.

Yet the girls nicely complained about walking to the beach.

They wanted a ride.

It’s perspective.

If you told them back at home, the beach was literally two blocks away, they would have ran down to see it. Often.

Would not have hesitated to use their two feet.

But at the beach home?

It’s perspective.

Do you complain about anything? Your house? Your job?

All the overwhelming choices at the store?

America is the land of the free, home of the brave!

So many people in our world today would happily change places with us if they could.

Instantly. They cannot comprehend our complaining.

Change your perspective.

Me? I absolutely adore the beach. Wish I could plop Omaha right by the ocean.

But what decided to visit me while vacationing? A giant cold. Seriously sneezing.

And no, I’m not allergic to the beach.

But I literally don’t care. I’m where I love best.

What blessings are staring you in the face today?

Might not look like what you pictured.

Might even be used to it, looking for more.

So look again, asking God for His perspective.

He sees you, knows you, and loves you.

He’s got your best in His mind.

So while you seek His thoughts of you, mirror Him with your perspective.

Stop complaining and walk to the beach.

Photos by redcharlie, Petar Jadek, Colton Jones, Sean Oulashin on Unsplash

I Refuse

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

..to allow my child’s negative attitude bring mine down to their level.

..to participate with fear when it whispers into my ear.

..to give worry any seat at my party when I know God holds my future in His capable hands.

..to withhold forgiveness from those who don’t deserve it.

..to filter life through a negative lens.

..to dwell on justified wrongs from others instead of living within my blessings from God.

..to participate with negative attitudes from those around me.

..to focus on what I don’t have, switching to all the blessings I do have from God.

..to agree with the lies from the pit of hell, instead purposing to agree with who God says that I am.

..to find my worth in ungrateful children who have not matured to what God has given them.

..to rely on the world to give me my worth in their terms.

..to define my value in the world’s unreachable standards.

..to stoop to the devil’s level as he tries to fill my head with destructive thoughts.

..to rely on myself, instead relying on God and His Holy Spirit to fill me with His power and all truth.

..to be a door mat, ignoring my God-given desires, quietly asserting my value within my home.

..to be ungrateful, instead smiling as I remember all the good things God has given to little ole’ me.

..to forget what my salvation has cost my dear Savior who sacrificed everything.

..to define parenthood on the ungrateful whims of children no matter their age.

..to seek my selfish desires above what plans God has for me.

..to expect more of others than they are capable; God is everything, filling in holes created by others’ lack of compassion or thought.

..to keep pursuing my own selfish ambitions, instead asking God what He has for me and my future.

..to listen to the devil as his only purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy all that I hold dear.

May God give us His strength to purpose our thoughts only on Him.

He is all that we need.

May God fill us up with His strength, power, peace, and love as we go forth spreading His purpose to others.

Listen, my friends, to our Lord, ignoring your flesh and the devil’s deception which foil God’s plans for you.

Photos Priscilla Du Preez, Drew Beamer, Miguel Bruna, Clay Banks, Heather Ford on Unsplash

Mommy-hood

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Moms are the most underpaid, under acknowledged, under revered bunch.

Not only do we grow humans from within our bodies, we grow them in our hearts.

Children, whether natural or adopted, are extensions of ourselves.

We ache when they cry. We rejoice when they laugh. We cry when they fail.

I can remember my eldest. I had pre-eclampsia, so my feet were puff balls.

Literally swollen and blue if I stood too long, which means like a few seconds.

He was 2 weeks late and I labored all day and night for him.

Having no drugs, I can remember referencing Eve’s sin while in the throes of labor pains.

But when he was born, it was literally all worth it. The pain evaporated.

Motherhood is like that. Sacrifice. Emptying of ourselves for another.

There is no relationship like it.

When these humans become adults, we let them go. Off into the world, exploring for themselves under the protection of their childhood.

It’s no easier, folks. My eldest recently married the love of his life. Wasn’t there as they privately wed before a judge.

I love them so much, but it hurt not attending their wedding.

But it’s their choice. Sigh.

As mothers, we must do our very best. We continually sacrifice for them, whether it’s when they are small or grown.

Mothers are always there for their children. Not letting attitudes pass, but we are their constant.

Yes, we face multiple disappointments. But we are still there. A constant in their life like God is for us.

What an honor. Thank you God, for allowing us to be your hands and feet to others.

Help us to navigate the waters of motherhood as you would want us to act.

Fill in our cuts and bruises, which seem to reopen with a child’s actions.

Only with Your constant presence may we even begin to excel at this, the toughest job in the world.

For Mother’s Day, we mothers choose to honor God, our loving, constant help.

God, who gives us His strength, when ours is never enough.

God, who gives us His love, when ours is all used up.

God, who gives us His peace, when ours last nerve has been clearly trampled.

God, who hears our every complaint and joy, yet never chooses to leave our side.

God is our constant. Our everything. He will always be your faithful companion as you navigate the calm or troubled waters of motherhood. Give Him your family again today. He will make you a happier mother today.

Photos by Guillaume de Germain, Alexandra Fuller,  Ben White, & Anthony Tran on Unsplash

Sometimes Saying Nothing

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But Jesus said nothing, much to Pilate’s surprise. Mark 15:5

When Jesus was before Pilate, He answered some questions, but He did not give a speech, defending himself.

He didn’t dive into a tirade, justifying His actions.

Jesus knew what He needed to do, and said only what was necessary.

Do you talk too much? Often defend your honorable intentions?

Sometimes we do. Talk too much.

For example with children, we explain ourselves WAY too often. Yes, offer an appropriate explanation, but you never need to defend yourself as a parent.

Why? Because you are the parent. And your child is not. They are the child.

Glad we are on the same page now.

Children enjoy trapping adults into arguments. Children are pros at arguing and whining.

Some regularly win when they keep going, grating on parent’s nerves.

You know you can stop that, right?

Tell the child no. Your only words offered for their benefit will be “because I said so”.

Repeat yourself when they keep asking why.

Then put a stop to their tantrums. Walk away.

While interacting with children is only one example, we sometimes talk too much in other areas.

Work, phone calls, emails, social media, the list goes on and on.

Sometimes saying less is more. Better. In fact, superior.

Let’s practice quiet authority. Not saying every thought that pops into our brain.

Think things through before uttering a word, asking God to help you speak His words of life.

Or, not to speak them…. yet.

Photos by Ilyass SEDDOUG,  Ben Wicks, & Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash

Canceling The Devil

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Ever think about this: the devil knows he’s lost.

He’s going to do everything he possibly can to take you down with him.

Doesn’t care if you’re a Christian.

If the devil can keep you down and depressed, full of fear or self-pity, you’ll infect those around you for him.

For the devil.

Living for yourself, you place a tally on the devil’s side. Score one for him!

Is it worth it?

Are those justified feelings of anger, self-pity, or revenge worth letting the devil have a point?

Nope.

Helps to look at sin from a different perspective.

Never want to let the devil win at anything in my life.

Unfortunately, I let him win daily when I think of myself before others and pride steps in, begging to put self first.

I know it’s unrealistic to think we can always be our best for God.

But if we ask God to help us each moment of every day, we’ll have a winning shot.

And when we ask God’s forgiveness when we mess up, the devil’s point evaporates. Poof!

Purpose your mind on Christ. Give Him yourself again today.

As God helps you, you’ll provide less and less chances for the devil to play the game.

Devil, you’re canceled.

Photos by Michael Dziedzic, Brina Blum, & Masaaki Komori on Unsplash

Succumbing to Temptation

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

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

Not only does Satan want to silence your witness, he also wishes to crush your very existence.

He always begins small.

Tiny.

Almost unnoticeable.

Look at this sinful site.

That wasn’t so bad.

Do it again.

And before you know it, you’re craving that sin.

You’ve even rationalized it’s acceptance in your life.

It’s now no big deal.

Happens with lying, cheating, gossiping, stealing – you name the sin, it generally starts small.

How did that happen?

Succumbing to temptation from the pit of hell.

It might not seem like a big deal, but it IS.

We are all human, so when you slip, repent.

Repent and ask God to help you resist.

He will fill you up with Himself, which is the only way to fully resist the devil.

James 4: 7 reminds us of what to do.

Only with God can you resist the devil.

And God is with you when you humble yourself, submitting to God’s authority.

His rules of right and wrong.

Not yours.

Sin begins and, if not squelched, grows.

It grows like a weed, taking over all of the good soil.

Before you know it, the garden is full of seeds, that left untouched, will keep infiltrating the future possibility of goodness.

Allowing sin as parents furthers its demise on our children.

The sin grows, and children begin to accept it as an acceptable alternative to the truth.

Absolutely breaks my heart.

But God is bigger.

And He is above all things.

He has all authority.

Yank out those weeds when they are easy to pull.

Ask God to help you pull out the ones with deep roots.

Submit yourself to God, asking Him to fill you with His power, love, and sound mind.

Your generations will unknowingly thank you for your faithfulness to Almighty God.

Fall on your knees, asking God if there is any sin in your life you have accepted as normal.

Submit yourself to God and He will help you resist the devil each and every time.

Photos by Annie Spratt, Jon Tyson, & Ben White on Unsplash

Locked Up

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The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Are you locked up?

Are you paralyzed with fear?

Filled with anxious thoughts, unable to move forward?

When we choose to rely on our own strength, we tend to lock ourselves up, away from everyone and everything.

When that happens, we choose to remain alone.

Stuck.

Separated by God’s peace.

Why do you choose to do that?

Don’t you trust God to help?

When life seems impossible, that’s when God can step in, revealing His purposes.

But only if we let Him.

God gives us a choice.

To move with Him or without.

If we choose to ignore Him, we will become stuck.

Stuck within our selfish strength or stuck within our paralyzing fear.

But if we let God help us, our lock will relent, releasing the door to open.

God promises to enter, but only if we say yes.

How have you said no to God?

What areas of your life are closed or even locked to God?

Time to allow Him to unlock your prison door!

Photos by Beth Macdonald, Shazaf Zafar, Everyday basics, &  Jornada Produtora on Unsplash

Dear God, Help!

Published on by amylinnea3 Comments

The Lord will rescue His servants; no one who takes refuge in Him will be condemned. Psalm 34:22

This is big.

Too big.

Too much.

I can’t even wrap my mind around it, so there’s that.

I’m going to call it simply impossible.

Dead end, that’s where this situation lays.

No literal way out.

My mind is wrapped in anxiety and dread.

Blanketed with fear, causing my stomach to lurch whenever my mind remembers.

Standing at the edge, I throw up my hands in surrender.

God, I can do nothing to help.

I am not in control.

God, please help.

Please take it all away, sweeping in with Your goodness, health, and peace.

I know Your plan is not for evil, but for good.

And I know you created us with the choice to follow Your virtues or not.

While I cannot control the whims of others, I can purpose myself on You.

On Your truth.

On Your wisdom.

On Your peace.

We all face mountains, be them family situations, health, or other, that become defining points in time.

How will your mountain define you?

Turning to God, trusting Him to solve it all?

Or turning into yourself, which will 100% fail you and those you love.

Turn to Him, who created our universe and everything within.

Turn to Him, giving Him every worry, anxiety, and fear.

Turn to Him and let Him hold you, making it all better.

And watch Him work miracles.

Either you’ll see Him solve things as only He can, or you will witness Him providing you with His perfect peace within the storm.

Either way, your front row seat will behold His perfect miracle just for you.

Photos by Phạm Trọng Họ,  Ben White, & Naassom Azevedo on Unsplash

God’s Faithful Path

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All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. Psalm 25:10

When you keep walking on the path God has for you, you will experience His love and faithfulness.

No, it won’t always be easy, but you will stay within Him.

You will walk in His love, which is God Himself.

God is always faithful to those who keep His covenant.

To those who keep His commandments, His word.

And when you obey Him, you will stay within His love and faithfulness.

There is nothing better then experiencing God’s love.

His love is perfect.

All encompassing.

All knowing.

His faithfulness reminds you He is always with you.

HIs promises are true.

God’s faithfulness to you is a beacon of hope.

A promise of future security.

A secure dwelling place.

When you choose to walk with God, He will be your faithful friend.

Your heart will be filled with His love.

Your blanks will be filled with Him.

But only when you choose to follow Him, walking hand in hand down His path.

What is stopping you?

Selfish desires?

Do you not know God has your very best interest at heart?

Seek Him with all you have.

Ask Him to fill you with HIs very self.

And in return, you will be reminded of His faithfulness and love for you.

As you keep His covenant, you will be a testimony to God Himself.

What an absolute honor.

Am I right?

God doesn’t need you to fulfill His plan.

But He wants you to join Him.

Take it in all humility, and watch Him work through you.

Become His vessel through which His love and faithfulness is revealed to the world.

Through this choice, you will keep His covenant, showing the world His testimony through you.

What an honor.

Photos by Ars Buchatski, Mick Haupt, Maksim Shutov, & Jan Huber on Unsplash

Zero Opportunity

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

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

That seems like a no brainer, doesn’t it?

Why would we ever want to give the devil an opportunity to reign in our lives?

To take anything over?

Why would we grant the devil a foothold into our lives?

If refusing the devil an opportunity is common sense, why would the Bible need to remind us?

Because we need it.

Constantly.

We are always inviting the devil back into our lives when we sin.

Through our thoughts.

Our actions.

Our words.

Sometimes all three.

Do we consciously invite him?

Like offering him a physical invite?

No.

But we do when we fight with our loved ones.

We do when we cause others to sin.

We give the devil opportunity when we listen to his lies planted into our mind.

Fights with your spouse come to mind.

Ever think the other person acted a certain way when they didn’t intend to?

Calm the heck down and lovingly talk with them.

Or, you can react within yourself, recoiling in anger.

That allows the devil his opportunity.

How about your child’s selfish retort towards your careful cooking?

Into your head pops a lie from the pit.

If you allow that sudden untruth to cement into true reality, you’ve given the devil his opportunity.

Cheating at work?

Or on your taxes?

There are millions of ways we can provide the devil an opportunity to step into our lives.

He’s literally standing right there, simply waiting to jump back.

He can’t wait.

Let’s make him wait.

Purpose in your mind to close the door on his schemes.

It takes God’s strength in you to fight off the earned selfish retorts you could honestly repay others.

When others hurt you, that’s when Satan comes full force as we seem weak.

And we are when we are hurt.

We start believing his lies about our loved ones.

Stop.

Stop giving the devil any opportunity in your life or your relationships.

Praise the name of the Lord instead.

That will send the devil and your self-pity ways screaming down the road.

And oh ya: don’t let the door hit you on the way out 🙂

Photos by Brina Blum, Van Tay Media, Jan Tinneberg, Maick Maciel, & Wolfgang Rottmann on Unsplash

Walking in Wisdom

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Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise. Ephesians 5:15

Are you walking wisely through life?

Or are you subscribing to any whim you possess, acting as an unwise person?

God asks us to look carefully how we walk.

He wants us to represent Him as wise people.

When we react unwisely, or as in anger or spite, we unfortunately place God in a bad light.

Are you walking in the flesh, acting on every selfish whim?

Or are you seeking God, walking in a wise manner?

Choosing to walk wisely is difficult at best.

Our flesh cries out for selfish desires.

For literally unwise actions as we seek justice, not God’s desires.

Additionally, we tend to listen to lies from the pit when unwisely, we succumb to self-pity or other sins.

Walking wisely with God requires dedication.

Dedication to God Himself.

Focus as well.

Rejecting selfish thoughts or feelings.

Our flesh cries out for selfish desires.

We feel we must feed ourselves.

But God asks us to walk carefully as wise people.

Wise people seek God.

May we purpose ourselves to reject our selfish natures, aligning ourselves instead to God’s ways alone.

As we walk along God’s path, we will reflect His wisdom, bringing the world His truth.

Our world desperately needs God’s truth.

Keep that in mind as you become HIs witness to our world.

Reflect His wisdom.

If you don’t, you will reflect unwisdom, which may turn others far away from Him.

Your life is a witness.

Reflect Him.

Photos by Syaoran 7,  Alex Lopez, Joel Muniz, Ben White on Unsplash

Teeny Tiny Thanks

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11

Thanksgiving, a time to be thankful.

We have SO much to be thankful to God for.

Life, our very breath breathed from God Himself.

Family, those to whom we would do anything to help.

Another day, pregnant with possibilities.

God, the creator of ALL things, who whispers His love to us every day.

Worship music, which allows us a tiny glimpse of worshipping God in heaven.

Nourishment for our mortal bodies as we keep walking on this earth.

Pure water, filling our teeny cells with life.

The Bible, which, when opened, allows us to see the very heart of God.

Shelter from the storms of life, whether a home, room, or cozy dorm.

Paychecks from our jobs, which allow the bills to be paid on time.

Blessings, which look different for us all, but every single one is precious, nonetheless.

Coffee, the drink from God, which allows us to do all He asks of us.

Kidding, kind’ve.

Wisdom from on High, which helps us choose just what He wants us to do.

Peace from God, which passes ALL understanding when considering what path we sometimes walk.

Pure joy, the fruit of the Spirit most unexplainable.

When we have joy in the midst of life’s sufferings, the world notices.

Joy in the storm proves God is above it all.

And He is.

Above it all.

God is above our wants and desires.

He is above our family.

God is above our past, present, and future.

God is our ultimate thanksgiving prayer.

God, who created ALL things, wants me.

He wants all of us to be His.

Surrender afresh again to Him alone.

And with thanksgiving, give Him your very self.

He will faithfully fill you with enough to not only survive, but thrive.

And thank Him for the hurt.

For the ugly.

For when we are in the midst of the fire, we see You more clearly.

We see Your suffering for us on the cross.

We see our human need for You.

We are humbled once again as we seek Your face.

So, yes, we are thankful, very thankful for the churning seas of life.

Thank you, God, for all You do for us, the good and the ugly.

We could not even breathe without You.

To You, everything we owe.

And we are so very thankful.

Photos by Simon Maage, Volodymyr Hryshchenko, & Ryan Christodoulou on Unsplash

No Condemnation

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1

There is absolutely zero condemnation when you are His.

God’s.

When you have given your life to God, the world’s condemnation no longer sticks.

It’s no longer your identity.

You are covered, instead, by God Himself.

Chosen.

Loved.

Valuable.

Are you still living under your old identity?

Your old condemned self?

Why?

Whatever for?

Because it’s what you know.

Your old ways are safe.

Known.

When you face trials, you revert to old labels.

Because they are like old familiar blankets.

Wrapping up in self-pity feels normal.

Clothing yourself in anger feels justified.

When you choose to become God’s, you are changed.

Your identity becomes new.

Condemnation falls away.

Fear goes.

Anxiety flees.

But only if you choose to stay under the new identity from God.

The choice is yours.

Romans 8 reminds us God declares we have no condemnation when we are His.

But He gives us free will.

You can choose at anytime, to walk from under His wings.

Out from His identity for you.

Your old identity is out there.

Easily attainable and readily available.

But with it comes the usual fear, anxiety, and angst.

Because it also includes the absence of God’s peace.

Reaching for your old identity results from walking in the flesh.

In your own sinful self.

Romans 8 urges us to walk in the Spirit, not in the flesh.

Because when we walk with God according to His will, we are within His peace.

Not condemned.

Choose every day to walk with God.

Choose every day to refuse the pull of the flesh.

When you do, condemnation will fall away as God Himself remains.

Photos by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Prickly People

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Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3

You know the type.

Recoils when you give a loving pat.

Or even a loving word.

They shun it, choosing instead to dwell on their own misery.

Their prickles scream stay away or else.

You don’t see them at first.

But after the initial reaction, they are completely obvious.

Well, they are obvious, plus you notice a trickle of blood down your arm from their stab.

Ouch!

What did you do?

Think back.

Anything there?

Maybe if you have a teenager, you looked at them wrong.

Or you limited their freedoms based on their choices.

Or insisted they eat veggies before dessert.

Oh the horror!

Guessing you saw prickles.

Maybe your spouse isn’t themselves, responding to your loving words with apathy.

Or they recoil in horror when you suggest a change.

Ouch!

Maybe your friends have a prickly text response.

Maybe your boss is unapproachable and all you feel are prickles.

How about the checker, assuming you still use a real person.

Through no fault of your own, they might be prickly because of their job or life circumstances.

What should you do when encountering prickles?

If you fight back, deliciously succumbing to fleshly desires, you’ll get pricked.

Stabbed.

Blood will trickle out.

Ouch!

Sometimes, their attitudes have nothing to do with you.

You are simply in the way.

Other times, it is directed specifically at you.

I’ll ask again.

What should you do?

What would Jesus do?

Love them.

Provide grace through strength.

Infuse His peace into the circumstances.

While you must stand firm with adolescent discipline, sprinkle in some grace.

Don’t allow yourself to be wounded with someone else’s pricks.

Those are meant to harm you.

But only if you let them.

Stand tall.

Wear your crown, and declare none of this moves me.

I will stay in His peace as I keep my eyes steadfast on Him.

The author and finisher of my peace.

Photos by NeONBRAND, buddika Gunathilaka, & frank mckenna on Unsplash

The Witness of God

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8

Are you living in the authority of one whom God has saved?

Are you remembering God’s promises, pointing your very existence to Him?

Are you seeking God’s face for the souls of your family?

Are you asking God to show you how you should serve Him today?

Our eternal salvation is for later.

When we’re standing at the judgement seat of God.

But Jesus saved us for today.

He saved us to be His witness.

He chose us to spread His good news.

He uses us to be His hands and feet to those we meet.

Yes, God died to save us from our sins.

For eternal life praising His name.

But He also saved us from ourselves for today.

Today and tomorrow.

For the world.

The world needs to see your salvation and what that looks like.

Reasons why they should follow you to God.

You are a witness of Almighty God.

Walk in His power.

Stand in His faithfulness.

And show the world just how amazing He is today.

Photos by Silvestri Matteo on Unsplash

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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