Tag: focus

Grateful to Your Toes

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

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

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

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

Increasingly becoming aware of his sin only that night.

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

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

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

Scrooge is agonized beyond anything he’s felt before.

He recognizes he is literally doomed.

Doomed forever and ever unless given a second chance.

A second chance as a changed man.

Begging the Ghost, he claims to have changed.

Begs and pleads with all his might.

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

Stop and imagine yourself. What if that was you?

Do you have sections of your life ugly to God?

So ugly you deserve eternal damnation, too?

We all do. All of us deserve death.

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

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just like us, when we are forgiven by God.

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

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

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

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

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

Our Christmas Gift

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

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

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

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

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

Maybe the world isn’t totally lost. Yet.

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

Through you. Your witness. Your focus.

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

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

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

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

You’ll discover the true meaning of Christmas.

Jesus came to earth just for you.

God missed His relationship with you that much.

He missed you and desperately wants that relationship back.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanksgiving

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

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

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

Thankfulness for our family and friends.

Thankfulness for our great country and the freedom she gives.

Deep down thankfulness for every blessing in our lives.

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

Give thanks anyway.

Thank God for keeping you safe within the storm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

He stands with you, surrounding you with Himself.

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

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

Miserable by Choice

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

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

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

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

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

Everyone except herself.

Looking back, she had lived a good life.

She was accomplished, pretty, and comfortable.

On the outside she was the picture of health.

But she was deathly afraid.

Afraid of what, you may ask?

Letting go. Forgiveness. Not being in control.

Surrendering and accepting life.

And change.

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

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

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

It was so beautiful – once.

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

Simply lovely.

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

Everything had burned down.

All the trees, flowers, and life.

The forest was like that for years.

Too long, actually.

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

One day, the forest began to regrow.

New life had sprung all over the place.

Months went by and suddenly the forest was beautiful again.

Stunning, actually.

Radiant.

But she could not see it.

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

She could not see all the beauty.

Her bitterness had changed her forever.

Her eyesight would not allow her to see the goodness.

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

Are you blind, too? Miserable by choice?

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

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

There is no need to be miserable by choice.

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

His new plans will be great. God says so.

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

Casting off the Flesh

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

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

Thinking of putting on Jesus, what comes to mind?

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

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

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

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

Do you worship him on any day besides Sunday?

With what are you filling your mind?

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

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

They tend to take over, don’t they?

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

Our needs. Our wants. Our desires.

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

Choosing to be lazy instead of exercising or moving.

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

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

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

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

Casting off works of darkness is not gratifying the flesh.

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

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

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

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

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

Is your flesh in charge or is it God?

Cast off the flesh. And put on God.

Photos by Ingmar &  Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

Shopping for More

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

Where are you gathering your identity?

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

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

Remember, I’m not talking about material goods.

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

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

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

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

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

Your identity is God’s.

Your worth is God’s.

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

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

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

Time to stop settling for your used former self.

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

Start living as if God is speaking through you.

Start living as if God is working through you.

Start living as if God is moving through you.

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

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

Acting Like It

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

Do you ever observe your life as an actor?

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

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

Like really enjoying life.

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

But what about the times when you’re not?

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

Can you choose love even when you feel anything but?

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

Bigger than the flesh that covers you.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now you’re smiling!

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

Zipping Your Lips

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Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Philippians 2:14-15

What are God’s purposes for you on this earth? To glorify Him, and you cannot do that while complaining.

You’ll also live caught in the web of self-condemnation, probably in a bad mood most of the time when your speech is perverse.

Subsequently, your witness for God is tarnished.

Sends others off screaming in the other direction.

So how do we glorify God when we feel like complaining?

We praise him anyway.

We choose to push aside the complaining thoughts, praising God instead. Even if.

When we choose to continue trusting God as life tempts us to sour – that’s when our witness shines. That’s when God’s transformation of our very selves shines brighter.

It’s how the world sees the difference God makes in our lives.

So if we choose to complain every time things go south, we’re absolutely no different from the world.

They complain, too.

But if instead you choose praising God in the midst, choosing to trust him instead of your circumstances, you’ll show the world how good God is.

How trustworthy He remains. How much better off you are with Him by your side. How much you need Him as life often deals badly.

Your purpose on this earth is to glorify God, reflecting Him to others.

Draw them today, instead of leading them away.

Photos by Kristina Flour, Jelleke Vanooteghem, Richard Bell, & Naassom Azevedo on Unsplash

How Dare We

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Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31

How dare we question God.

Yet we do.

Why? Because we want our own way.

We think we know better than Him.

Do you see how selfish that is?

How arrogant?

Did we create the earth and all it contains?

Did we place the stars in the heavens?

Did we design life with such variety and beauty?

Absolutely not.

We are God’s creation.

God is not our creation.

I get it though. Often our lives seem to turn unexpectedly, down a path we wished to avoid.

We question God. We question because we hate it. The direction we travel.

God allows things.

He created us with the ability to choose, and sometimes people make bad choices.

Or, sometimes it’s our own fault.

Yet God allows it.

We can be assured from Ecclesiastes 9:1 that “… how the righteous and the wise and their deeds are in the hand of God. Whether it is love or hate, man does not know; both are before him.”

All we do are in God’s hands.

We need God. He helps us filter out bad choices when we cannot see what’s right.

Further, we can rest assured God works all things for His purpose.

Romans 8:28 reminds us,” And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

God sees everything.

He sees the good, the bad, and the ugly.

While He might allow circumstances you detest, He will stay by your side.

And He has a plan. Do you trust Him?

You are worth more to God than anything else He created.

He sent His only son to die on the cross for you so you can spend eternity with Him.

Yes, God is holy.

Yes, He created all things.

And no, we are not in charge.

But you can rest assured God is.

God, who created order and beauty, is on the throne.

And when trials come, He will be with you every step of the way.

His ways are higher than ours.

We must not question God, but live peacefully, knowing He cares for all of His creation.

Yet we are of more value than many sparrows.

We are made in His image.

Photos by Marshall Patterson, Mathew Schwartz, Cédric VT, & Nicole Wreyford on Unsplash

Final Curtain Call

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Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. James 4:14

Ever think about how life is not a rehearsal?

Only get one shot at all of it.

Every milestone.

Every age.

Every day.

Today, for example, you have only these minutes to spend once.

The ones you are spending reading this blog are used wisely.

Good job!

But what’s next?

Yes, life is spent with many mundane things, such as laundry, shopping, and caring for others.

But even the mundane can be exciting when thinking how temporary it all is.

Thinking about your emotions, do you want to spend your only today racked with guilt?

Will you spend your only today filled with self-pity, un-forgiveness, or fear?

You only get today once.

Don’t give it to the devil.

Today, you have a chance to spend your minutes praising God.

Today, you have a chance to spend your minutes praying to the One who created you.

You get the chance to care for those God has entrusted to you or relax with well-deserved rest.

Don’t allow yourself to squelch these precious minutes you can only spend one time.

Don’t give these minutes to the devil by dwelling outside of God’s peace.

Or living only for yourself.

Why? Because minutes turn into days, which turn into years.

Before you know it, you’ll be a decade older and not at all wiser.

Your family might become distant and you’ll find yourself alone.

Bitterness and self-righteousness are not good companions.

So choose to spend your once in a lifetime minutes as God ordained.

Ask God how He would like you to live.

Ask God who He would like you to love.

Ask God who He would like you to influence for His kingdom.

And spend those precious minutes for Him.

Because every minute is only spent once in our final curtain call called life.

Photos by Steve Sharp, Jon Tyson, Gwen King, &  Tony Lomas on Unsplash

Oceans of God’s Love

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How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:7

Ever tried to comprehend the vastness of God’s love for you?

Let’s try.

You and I deserve to be punished for our sin.

Why? Because God is holy.

Because God is holy, sin cannot enter heaven.

Because God created us in His image, we have a spirit, soul, and body.

And with those, we make choices every single day.

To follow God or not.

To bow to our flesh or not.

Because we have chosen sin once and then way more than we’d like to ever admit, we deserve death.

Someone has to pay for our sin.

And that person should be us.

Except for Jesus.

He stepped in and paid it all for us.

He suffered and died in our place.

Why?

Because of His great love for us.

His ocean of love, waiting to surround our very selves.

What will you do?

What is your response?

Will your heart overflow with love and gratitude, spilling onto the lives around you?

Your choices each day either reveal your gratitude to God or showcase your selfish dependence on flesh.

If you really think about God’s enormous love for you, you cannot help but smile.

Are you smiling yet?

Photos by Jamez Picard, Saiph Muhammad, Brett Jordan, & Madison Oren on Unsplash

Tired Like a Mama

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And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat……And they went away…..When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them… Mark 6:30-34

Jesus preached and worked all the live long day.

Every day, tirelessly, He fed His sheep.

But even Jesus wanted rest.

But when He tried, the crowds would run to find Him.

And He would begin again, feeding them. Healing them. Helping them.

As mamas, our children tend to find us, too.

We try to get away, but it’s never for more than a few minutes.

You hide in the bathroom.

Pretty soon, you hear the little feet outside your door. A timid knock. You reply, “Just a minute!”

You lay your tired head down to sleep, and your baby awakens, demanding attention.

You try sleeping in past the ungodly hour of 6am, but the dog comes in with a note on its back, asking for pancakes. Pancakes?

When babies are little, you carry them everywhere with you.

Bedtime? They are next to you in a cradle.

Want a shower? You bring them to the floor in a bouncy seat.

Just starting to walk? They are always within view.

Going anywhere? Guess who is coming with you!

Yes, we have moments where they nap.

Yes, we have moments when they’re occupied and you can catch your breath.

But the constant parenting is never ending, even when they’re older.

I’m convinced tired mamas are under God’s wings.

He knows dog tired as He was so many times while walking this earth.

Humans are exhausting.

But here’s the good news: God is never exhausted.

He has unlimited strength to give you.

Jesus experienced human tiredness as He was fully human, yet fully God.

And He remembers.

Ask Him to fill you with His strength. His peace. His joy.

And smile, because He understands tired.

He gets it!

So if you’re in the season of tired mama stuff, take heart.

God understands. And I promise it will end, but not soon enough, I know.

And if you’re plain tired from reasons other than helping tiny humans survive, God’s ready to fill you up with His strength, too.

Because when we are weak, He is strong. So very strong.

Photos by Jon Flobrant, Ephraim Mayrena, Olivia Snow, & Sai De Silva on Unsplash

Living Within God’s Presence

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Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. Psalm 25:4-5

Picture living within the blessing of God.

Within His purpose for your life.

What does that look like?

Peace resonating from the depths of your toes.

Comfort knowing you are obeying God’s will for your length of days.

An absence of fear knowing God is right by your side.

Sound good?

Of course it does.

Let’s keep going.

Living within God initiates a constant conversation with Him.

After all, it’s not possible to know Him without talking with Him. Constantly.

You begin to share all the details of your day.

As they happen.

No, you’re not literally talking out loud all the live long day, but you know, in your head.

Constantly referring everything back to God.

Asking Him for wisdom.

Patience.

Mercy and love.

As you are tempted to look within yourself for solutions, fear creeps back.

Like an old weed that never completely dies, it rears its ugly head at the least likely moment.

But when you live within the presence of God, you don’t allow that weed to take root.

You cancel the lie with the truth of God.

You push the worry away as you remind your brain how God is in control.

Your heart remains at peace while you purpose again to focus on God. On His truth.

When you choose to live within God’s presence, it’s a moment by moment choice.

You purpose to focus on God.

And when you forget, you plop yourself back into His arms as you again refocus your brain.

Training yourself takes time.

Retraining your brain that is.

But as you choose God moment by moment, it will become easier and easier.

Before you know it, you’ll react less within yourself when life bumps you.

Our life has so many choices.

Too many if you ask me.

But there’s one choice that is easy to make: choosing to focus on God.

Ask God to help you and He will be more than happy to accommodate you.

After all, He loves you like nothing else.

Photos by Luke Thornton, Pascal Bullan, Elijah Grimm, & Allef Vinicius on Unsplash

Foolish Talk

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A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. Proverbs 18:2

What do you think as you read that verse?

Do you immediately think of people who fit the bill?

I do.

I think of arguments or conversations where the other person is obviously the fool.

I feel bad for them.

I’d hate to be the fool.

And when I further think about it, I understand the other person’s problem.

They are so focused on themselves, they only want to share themselves, not stop to understand the other point of view, which is usually mine.

I think of people who are quick to speak, seeming to reply so quickly, they couldn’t have possibly even listened to me. Or tried to understand.

So foolish!

Taking no pleasure in understanding is when a person thinks only of their retort while the other person complains.

They know they are right and only want to express their almost holier than thou opinion, never wanting to ever understand the other person.

We can all identify, yes?

But what if that fool is you? Me?

How often do we stop to understand the other person?

Or do we only want to express our opinions as we are certainly right about this and most other things.

Do you see how foolish we look when we stay stuck behind ourselves?

Even if your opinion is the correct one, will the other person see it when we are so focused on ourselves?

When we are so focused on spewing forth our wise words with the absence of understanding?

A person doesn’t have to say all that’s in their head.

We can listen, ask questions, and offer our opinion in a gentle manner.

Reminds me of Proverbs 15:1, which says, “a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger”.

A fool doesn’t seek to understand, instead pushing to insert his or her opinion.

A wise person seeks to understand, sharing their opinion when it’s appropriate.

I know we see others as fools.

Let’s not forget to look at ourselves as we sometimes are the biggest fools around.

May God set a guard over our mouth, watching the door to our lips (Psalm 141:3), so we no longer remain the fool in our relationships.

Photos by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Is It Well with Your Soul?

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When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows, like a sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.

Tho’ Satan should buffet, tho’ trials should come, Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin- oh, the bliss of this glorious thought- My sin- not in part but in whole,
Is nailed to His cross and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, oh, my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
The trumph shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, “Even so”- it is well with my soul.

It Is Well with My Soul by Horatio G. Spafford, 1873

God created us with a body, soul, and spirit.

Our body is temporary. No surprise, but we have an expiration date.

Our soul is our mind, will, and emotions.

It’s our human side that generally drives our decisions.

Works in sync with our body.

We decide to eat poorly (our will) because we’re grumpy, and our body is affected.

Then our mind and emotions feel guilty and we pledge to do better until the next time something annoys us.

Then the cycle continues.

Our spirit is what communicates with God.

It’s what is broken when we have not given ourselves to God.

When you continually ask God to fill you with Himself, your spirit can reign over your mind and soul, transforming them according to God’s plan.

Bringing me back to my original question.

Is it well with your soul?

Your mind, will, and emotions?

You can only be well with your soul if you focus on Jesus.

If you give Him your burdens.

If you allow Him to work through you as we cannot do this on our own.

If you allow Him to give you His peace in the midst of a stormy season of life.

It is well with your soul if you can remain calm when attacks come your way.

It is well with your soul if you can continue loving others when instead they cause you harm.

It is well with your soul if you do not dwell on negative thoughts, but instead praise God even if.

The writer of the hymn, Horatio Spafford, was a Christian, who endured tragedies like Job.

First he lost his son, then his sprawling investments during the Great Chicago Fire, and finally his four daughters on a boat to Europe. Only his wife survived.

While going to rescue his wife in Europe, he wrote the words to the hymn while sailing over the spot his daughters perished.

Enduring the loss of almost everything, his focus remained on God.

His soul was well, meaning his mind, will, and emotions were fixed on God.

Only when Jesus is your single source of peace can it be well with your soul.

Not another human.

Not any circumstance.

Not even yourself.

Only Jesus.

Humans regularly fail us.

We regularly fall short.

But Jesus never has, never does, and never will.

Allow Him to be your all in all as you seek Him first and declare to all it is well with your soul.

Photos by Nani Williams on Unsplash

Forgiveness

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Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and pure heart. Psalm 24:3-4a

What does it mean to have clean hands and a pure heart?

It’s one who seeks God. Who seeks God’s will, purpose, and plan for his life.

One who seeks the face of God.

One who lives within the forgiveness of God, extending in turn forgiveness to others who wrong him.

One who lives humbly under the authority of God.

One who stands in awe of God’s power, remembering Who is ultimately in control.

One who walks daily with God, obeying His written word and the promptings within his heart.

Clean hands require God’s grace, mercy, and strength.

There is no possible way to successfully rely on ourselves instead.

We are dependent on God. We must remain dependent on Him.

He gives us strength to obey His word.

He gives us grace for others when we must forgive.

He gives us peace amidst the storm.

He gives us salvation from our sins.

But we must choose to clean our hands.

We must choose to walk with God, asking Him to fill our hands with His plans.

Extending forgiveness to others ranks high on the “later, Lord” list.

But how can we have clean hands and a pure heart when we harbor un-forgiveness?

Even if it’s not deserved, we must.

We must forgive.

Doesn’t mean we are now forgetful or best friends with the offender.

Means we let the offense go, allowing God to heal our hearts.

I did that recently. Someone who has known me a very long time.

I let it go. And you know what? It freed me.

God reminded me how much He has forgiven me.

Immediately I knew it must be extended to others.

My person didn’t deserve it.

But neither do I.

I don’t deserve God’s forgiveness.

Want to ascend the hill of the Lord with me?

God wants us to have clean hands and a pure heart.

Includes forgiveness.

Ask Him to help you, and grab those shoes. The hill looks lovely.

Photos by Joseph Liu, Adrian Jakob, Tim Wildsmith, & Thomas de LUZE on Unsplash

Selfish Switch

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For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. James 3:16

Isn’t the switch too easy?

Usually a moment of pure insanity.

One moment we are living for God…

And the next minute we are focused again on ourselves.

One minute we are speaking life to others…

And before we realize it, we’ve refocused again completely on self.

James reminds us selfishness breeds disorder and every evil thing.

Yuck. Can you picture the ugliness we spread when focused on ourselves?

Ignoring others breeds rejection in their minds.

Always placing your needs first spreads the superiority message.

And that’s just scratching the surface.

What do you generally focus on as you go about your day?

With what lens do you see life?

Your own lens or God’s?

May we stop switching back to our own.

May we look through God’s lens to see what He sees.

And may we choose to focus on what He has for us today.

Come along and make the switch with me.

Photos by Bravingbird on Unsplash

 

Belief in the Truth

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Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. Psalm 25:5

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. Psalm 86:11

How often do you believe only what you think is the truth?

How do you know it’s true?

What if it’s only partial truth? Or actually a complete lie?

Here’s an example. The Israel/Palestinian conflict is generations old.

Long-held beliefs passed down within families.

Each side seems justified in their own minds.

But what is their focus? Peace or war?

How do they teach their children to live among their enemies? Love or hate?

Recently, Hamas surprised innocent Israelis, killing civilians, capturing others as hostages.

Most shockingly, babies were found murdered, some with heads and some without.

Many people were required to witness the carnage. It’s almost unbelievable this level of evil exists.

The witnesses were there for one reason: to testify what they saw.

It’s what Allied troops did when liberating concentration camps in WW2.

Witnesses were necessary as people wouldn’t have believed it otherwise. How could they when one couldn’t imagine such evil?

And some don’t, still to this day, believe the holocaust existed.

They want to believe their own narrative instead.

Thinking about the recently murdered Israeli babies, there are protestors who deny this happened.

Say it’s propaganda.

They believe what they want instead

To keep the hate going.

What truth do you refuse to see in your own life?

What addiction, habit, or attitude do you regularly engage in that seeks to block you from seeing God’s truth?

What lies do you believe in your mind about your true identity in Christ?

What lie wraps you in fear, disabling your ability to see the truth?

Evil is real. Satan is real.

And both want to destroy you, the people you love, and any hope of peace in this world.

Oh God, let us see Your truth.

Let us humble ourselves under Your authority in our lives.

May we humbly see the errors of our ways, wanting instead for You to make known Your perfect way, which leads us in Your truth.

Photos by Timothy Eberly, Jeremy Yap, & Carlos Magno on Unsplash

Hairy Vacuums

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Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Does your vacuum become stuck when hair completely wraps around the spinner thing or is it just me?

Smelly rubber wrapped in junk doesn’t move well.

We must stop and dejunk it. Eww.

Grab a coin to open up the bottom.

Lay the vacuum down.

Taking scissors, carefully slice through the thick hair all the way down.

Pull it off in hunks, repeating the action again and again and again, while tossing it into the trash.

Continue until it’s all gone.

Needed to continue the vacuum’s optimal function. Admittedly a bit satisfying, yet completely gross.

How often do you dejunk your heart? Your mind? Your body? Your soul?

It must be a regular thing.

Like literally regular.

Sin can attach to us, causing us to muck up ourselves.

Attitudes creep up.

Fleshly desires become bigger.

And before you know it, back we are as full of junk as our dear vacuums.

Step back today and assess yourself.

What’s your focus? Your level of anxiety? Your resting face?

Choose to refocus on Jesus.

Allow Him to dejunk your heart once again.

Then choose again to focus on Jesus the next moment. And the next. And the next.

Cleaning hairy vacuums isn’t only completed once. It’s done again. And again. And again….

Just like cleaning out your heart. Choose to refocus on Jesus.

The only difference? It gets easier and easier to choose Jesus.

But cleaning out hairy vacuums? It’s disgusting every single time.

Photos by No Revisions, Corina Rainer, Ryan ‘O’ Niel, & Brian Lundquist on Unsplash

Worshipping Even If

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We’re all so different.

Different in personalities, the way our bodies work, and our priorities.

While singing in church last Sunday, I observed three distinct differences.

The congregation rose to worship. All but the man in front of me. Why?

The man in front of me was distracted.

He instead was sitting, reading and typing on his phone’s screen.

Not worshipping at all.

A few rows up, another man stood to worship.

Clapping in time with the music, I noticed his clap was different.

One of his arms was useless. Literally.

Yet he was clapping the best way he could by using his arm and his good hand.

He was engaged, giving his best to our Lord.

Near the alter was a third man.

His mind is not whole like mine, yet he is very sincere and kind.

He was worshipping as he knelt, arms spread wide in submission to God.

Three men. Three different responses. Two engaged, one not.

The man sitting on his phone was missing out.

Funny thing is this: he looked “normal” on the outside.

Normal body. Normal mind.

The two men engaged in worship had something “wrong” with their physical body.

But their focus was on God.

The absence of conflict creates complacency.

When our bodies function, our minds work, and we sit in relative comfort, it’s easy to rely on ourselves.

Why would we need God?

But when life isn’t perfect, or causes us to say ouch, back we rely on Him and His provision.

Let’s keep our focus fixed on God, in good times and bad.

Let’s fully rely on Him, instead of our incapable selves.

Let’s follow the example of the men, who embraced worshipping God, no matter what.

My book releases on Tuesday. Epic event in the short life of me.

But I’m like the men who have something “wrong”.

My life has not been what I pictured.

But I’d rather have my scars, because I can witness to you the faithfulness of God.

Because of the choices of others, I can testify of the goodness of God even if.

Even if life sometimes says ouch, God is still sovereign. Good. He’s the calm amidst the storm.

Our testimonies are richer when we walk with God during life’s storms.

Just like the men who chose to worship even though they looked different, let’s also choose to worship God when life looks different.

God is and was and always will be on the throne of life. Embrace Him always with yours.

Photos by Zac Durant, Guillaume de Germain, Joel Muniz, Ben White, Stephanie Klepacki, & Luis Alberto Sánchez Terrones on Unsplash

Slaps and Hugs

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

Life can bring you stress or peace.

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

You know – slaps or hugs.

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

Or have gotten really old?

Can you forget them?

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

You could throw away the plants that need water.

You could give away the dog.

You could get off that one committee.

You could stop being everyone’s maid.

Make a list.

Then decide if you can honestly stop any of them.

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

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

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

Picking up a book and becoming lost in the adventure.

Tickling the ivories as your fingers fly over the keys.

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

List what makes you smile.

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

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

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

You know – your hugs.

What?

Yes. Change the focus, showing their positive side.

Watering my flowers? Boy, they sure are beautiful!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And stop slapping yourself silly!

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

Order Your Steps

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

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

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

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

Of everything.

He allowed Adam and Eve to sin.

And us, too.

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

Yet He always provides a way back to Him.

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

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

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

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

No bullying or taking against our will.

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

Paul could have chosen to say no to God.

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

This brings me back to us.

Daily submitting and really giving everything to God.

All things.

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

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

Everything else seems to fall in between.

Working on my book and launch party comes to mind.

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

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

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

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

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

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

He’s got big plans for all of us.

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

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

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

Turn Your Eyes

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Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Proverbs 4:25

Turn your eyes upon Jesus.

What else in the world is there?

What could possibly compare to Him?

Look full in His wonderful face.

Gaze your eyes.

Stop everything else, and look.

For the things of earth will grow strongly dim.

Everything else will fade in comparison to the One who created You and all things.

As my grandmother used to say, “From the balcony of heaven, what will it even matter?”

For in the light of His glory and grace, these things simply won’t matter one bit.

Why do earthly things grow dim?

Because of Him.

His power, His glory, and His grace above all.

God created everything.

He reigns over it ALL.

So, we must turn our eyes upon Him, Jesus.

Because He is our everything.

When you allow your mind to settle on things out of your control, people who do not care, or circumstances you wish would change, peace will leave as fear is invited to stay.

As Proverbs reminds us, focus yourself on Jesus. Leave no room to divert your eyes from Him.

Means you will purpose your mind to focus on Jesus and His truth.

You will focus on His love, protection, and provision for each and every little thing.

Focusing on Jesus means you trust in Him fully.

For your everything, today and tomorrow.

Focus on Jesus, the Author of your story, whose steadfast love and faithful presence will remain with you now and always.

Photos by Anita Austvika on Unsplash

Stealing Your Joy

Published on by amylinnea4 Comments

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

Why is it that blessings are often overshadowed by disappointment?

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

Of who disappointed you.

Why do we react like that?

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

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

I can give you an example.

Recently celebrated my birthday. It was a big one.

Some of the kids celebrated, some did not.

My husband celebrated me.

My mother and in-laws celebrated me.

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

So why did my focus choose the disappointments?

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

Let’s concentrate on those who love us.

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

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

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

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

Join me?

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

Psalm 13:1-6

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Ever complain to God?

Out loud with words or crying out within your soul?

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

This Psalm is one example.

He starts by royally complaining.

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

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

He then tries to console himself.

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

Or we think we don’t.

He forgets he can choose to praise God instead.

He focuses, instead, on his sorrow.

Again, like we all do.

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

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

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

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

David ends the psalm by choosing to praise God.

He remembers how faithful God has been to him.

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

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

Maybe David has found the key.

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

Praise.

Choosing to praise even in the midst.

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

Praise the Lord even if.

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

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

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

As He will again the next time.

And the next.

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

Securely Held

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God holds you tight.

Securely.

Completely tight.

Right within Him, He holds you.

He holds your now, your past, and your future.

Navigating your path, He holds you securely.

Can’t see what’s ahead?

His hand will guide you.

Securely.

Fumbling around like there’s nothing to hold onto?

He’s right behind you, so it’s ok to let go.

Let everything go.

Let your burdens go.

One by one, place them into His capable hands.

Frustrated? Throw them down at His feet.

He doesn’t care how you do it, just give your burdens to Him.

And when you release the burdens, trust Him.

Completely.

Trust Him for your everything.

Here’s a picture of trust.

Recently, I volunteered to harness myself to a high rope, trusting not only the people, but the materials to hoist myself safely high into the air.

Panicking in mid-air, I asked to be let down closer to the ground before choosing to release myself to a safe swinging motion.

I had nothing to hold onto.

I had to let go.

That was the only option to feeling my feet once again on the safe ground.

I let go.

And I was fine.

It’s the same way with God.

Sometimes we have no vision of the future, or solid ground for our feet.

We only have God and trusting His vision for our future.

Your choice is this: to trust and let go or hang on for dear life with your own strength.

Choose to let go and let God have His way.

Yes, it might be scary, but with God next to you, there is absolutely nothing to fear.

Say no to fear and choose to let God be your everything.

I’d much rather choose God then relying on my strength alone.

But it takes guts. Real life guts.

But it’s so worth it.

Face your fears.

Face your what if’s.

Because those are nothing compared to a future with God.

Let go of what is secure and let God hold you instead.

Photos by Kayra Sercan, Elahe Motamedi, Catherine, & Ben White on Unsplash

Wearing Him

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How do you wear Jesus?

Does your face reflect His peace?

Do your eyes reflect His love?

Are your lips proclaiming His faithfulness?

Is your spirit praising His worthiness?

Is your mind focused on Him?

Aligning your will to His?

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

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

Do you invite Him to cover you with Himself?

Every day?

Each moment?

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

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

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

More than thinking of others before ourselves.

Means aligning your very self with His.

Keeping a running conversation with Him, acknowledging His sovereignty.

And praising Him all the live long day.

Do you thank Him randomly for anything?

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

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

When you praise Him, the devil hates it.

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

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

Am I right?

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

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

Paying Zero Attention

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Slapping the Devil

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

What situation in your life begs God to enter?

Something you have zero control over?

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

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

You also have no control over circumstances thrown your way.

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

You can only control your reaction.

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

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

Seems justified, yes, but that choice brings darkness.

Walks you away from God and His love for you.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A little more painful. A wee bit more disappointing.

The devil knows you, knows your weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

Why give him a good time instead of you?

Give him a bad time. An absolutely horrid time.

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

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

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

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

In return your days and nights will be even better.

The devils’ not so much.

Photos by Nick Page on Unsplash

Running to the Father

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God created you.

He created you perfectly for His purposes.

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

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

You are unique, designed with a purpose.

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

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

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

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

But it’s our choice.

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

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

But you messed it up.

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

Your witness matters.

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

Will you help or stand in the way?

Photos by Jo Jo & Alexandru Tudorache on Unsplash

Shrink Back or Stand Up

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

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

Do you shrink back when life becomes rough?

When insults are hurled do you recoil?

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

When you shrink back, you are destroyed.

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

Shrinking back is not standing up.

Not standing up in the armor of God.

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

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

People attack out of their own insecurities.

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

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

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

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

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

Nothing the enemy would like better.

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

Every single day.

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

That’s the difference.

Faith in God preserves our souls.

We know we are not in control. God is.

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

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

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

Pull your armor back up.

Fasten that helmet tight.

And stand under your created identity from God.

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

Measuring Life

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

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

What do you measure your life with?

The yardstick of worldly success, fame, or money?

The ruler of putting yourself first?

Counting your possessions, 401k statement or stock market?

Or just God?

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

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

Your focus equals your measuring stick.

What you focus on helps determine your level of contentment.

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

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

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

Changes your mood.

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

When you change your perspective, your measuring stick disappears.

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

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

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

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

Focus on God and His love for you.

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

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

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

Whispering Dark Thoughts

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The demon in charge, whose name escapes me, is upset.

He’s a champion for the dark side.

Here is his rant.

I am discouraged. First the overturn of Roe vs Wade.

Good grief, it was so utterly easy deceiving Americans for almost 50 years now.

Guess we relaxed our efforts too much, thinking the law would never change.

Who would have thought those Christian prayers would ever really help?

I sure didn’t. Especially not after this long.

Time to work on the states. Surely most will keep choosing death. They think it’s a choice, but I know the truth.

What? The court decided coaches can now pray after a public school game?

On the field? In public? Like out in the open? Are they crazy?

Need to ramp up the violence. Let’s concentrate on the cities with less police protection.

What about the Christians? I’m not worried. I know how to get them.

Let’s take him over there.

I know him well. He looks spiritual, but underneath, he’s a mess.

He’s full of self-pity, one of my favorites. Tends to affect him every night about 7pm.

Becomes morose thinking of his family. I know how to stoke that.

Sometimes, he doesn’t crumble under the lies, because he prays, bringing the power of God into the room.

Not tonight. I got this.

Look – he’s thinking of his family. I’m going to plant a doubt, telling him they don’t care a whit about him.

Neither does his wife. Good. He’s quite upset. Perfect.

Let’s keep going, as this is quite fun.

I’ll whisper, ‘You’re nothing. You’re old and it’s almost over anyway, so what does it matter…’

Haha, good. He bought it. Closed his eyes and tried to escape.

He’s done for the night. Who else can I torment? Time’s wasting.

Now we will peak into his evening as the demon in charge, whose name escapes me, determines the next assignment.

“Who’s got her?” shouted the demon in charge, whose name escapes me.

“I have her, sir,” answered a tiny demon with a large voice.

“Excellent, #2”, replied the demon in charge, whose name escapes me.

“Want me to apply the usual tools, sir?” asked the tiny demon with the large voice.

“Yes, #2. Full report when you are done,” answered the demon in charge, whose name escapes me.

Running to the girl, demon #2 assessed the situation.

He saw her sitting at the table, heads in her hands. It was late. He saw no one else up.

“Fabulous!! She’s staying up past her children and husband. She’s all alone, ready for my thoughts,” declared demon #2 with a large voice, although he whispered not wanting to disturb her.

Whispering into her head, demon #2 said, “You’re right. No one ever cares. Certainly not your family. They couldn’t care less about you. You might as well leave. Would they even notice your absence? They could live totally fine without you. You are not needed. You are useless. You are stupid.”

Sitting back, demon #2 witnessed her reaction. While the words began to take affect, she started to cry. Confirming the lies from demon #2, she agreed with his words, blowing her nose from the tears, which were beginning to flow from her weepy eyes.

The angels were stirred. Immediately, they circled her, knowing her heart and loyalty to God. They began to whisper God’s truth, combating every lie from demon #2.

Demon #2 sat up, scared. “Crap, they are negating my lies.” Immediately, he began to whisper more lies into her head.

Suddenly, the girl was aware of two trains of thoughts entering her head: the angels and demon #2.

Burring her face into her hands, demon #2 thought he had won. He started to celebrate, a smile erupting on his ugly face.

All of a sudden, the girl yelled, “NO.” She began agreeing with the angels, opening her bible to read. Her lips declared the name above all names, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.”

Demon #2 shrank back in fear, recoiling from that powerful name.

Immediately, he ran back to his nest, more comfortable among the evil comrades.

“Back so soon?” asked the demon in charge, whose name escapes me. That demon was certain of demon #2’s triumph.

Shuttering in fear, demon #2 replied, “Sir, she was helped by the angels from On High. They came and I didn’t know what to do. She began agreeing with them. And sir…she even declared that name. Jesus.”

“NOOOO,” cried the demon in charge, whose name escapes me. “Next time, I will personally accompany you. We must not let that girl out of our grip. She’s too important. Her mission from God MUST be accosted no matter what. Do you understand me?” He roared in anger.

And that ends our story. Demon #2 went on to worry about the next assignment. The demon in charge, whose name escapes me, went on a giant rant for a long time, certain to pull out all stops the next time he could encounter the girl.

The girl remained in her home, unaware, or partly aware of the spiritual battle swirling around her. Knowing she needed to remain whole, she began to pray deep in her heart, wanting to remain always loyal to Him, deciding from then on to listen closely only to His voice.

Are you loyal to Him? What might the dark side say to you when visiting your thoughts? Will you choose to believe God’s truth today and always?

Photos by Chris Barbalis, David Gabrić, Duncan Sanchez, Timeo Buehrer, Noah Silliman, & Anthony Tran on Unsplash

Slamming Open Doors

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

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

Often?

Never?

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

Selfishness.

Pride.

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

Thinking we know best.

Better than anyone else, including God.

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

You refuse the thought because it’s too hard.

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

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

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

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

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

Why decide apart from God without asking Him?

Doors are opened all the time by God.

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

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

Sometimes they don’t make sense.

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

Submitting requires humbleness.

Realizing you have zero wisdom apart from God Himself.

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

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

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

Yet they all matter.

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

Humbly remember He is your everything.

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

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

Again, requires humility to seek the wisdom of another.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Warrior

Published on by amylinnea4 Comments

For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 1 John 5:4

Where are you?

I’m over here.

Where?

Here. In the corner. I’m a huddled mess.

You are? Oh, now I see something over there. What did you say you were? A huddled mess?

Yes. I’m crouched down in the corner.

No, you’re not. All I see is a giant warrior standing tall.

You do?

Yep, in the same corner you say you are.

What do you see?

A giant warrior wearing shiny brass armor covering every square inch. And a gleaming helmet. Oh, and a beautifully sharp sword.

In my corner? You don’t see me?

Hold on, let me walk over. Now, do you see me?

Yes, I see you coming towards me.

But I’m walking towards the warrior. Wait. That’s you.

Me? I’m the warrior?

Yes. Look down. What do you see?

Oh my goodness. I see a sword. And armor. And I’m looking through a helmet.

God has covered your weak self with His very own power. You are literally no longer a huddled mess.

But I still feel like a complete wreck.

You might feel like that, but you don’t look like that with God’s power covering you.

I see a warrior.

God’s warrior.

Remember when you prayed for God to fill you with Himself?

Well, He came and did just that. You are now completely covered by God, because you have chosen Him.

Guessing the devil won’t bother messing with you looking like this as he sees you as God’s protected child.

I sure wouldn’t want to mess with you covered in God’s power like you are.

So even though I feel like the same person, when I prayed for God to fill me with Himself, He actually covered me with His power?

Praise God! Well, this changes things, now doesn’t it?!!

Watch out world, here I come, a beloved, protected child of God!

God has set me free and I will stand tall because His power lives in me.

Oh God, please fill us up with Yourself today, tomorrow, and always.

May we constantly be reminded that we are Your child.

Loved.

Protected.

Safe.

And let us never forget to live within Your power as we fight every lie, sinful deed, or selfish way.

Photos by Nik Shuliahin, Brownyn Erb, & Jon Tyson 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

Fearing the Lord

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will He instruct in the way that He should choose. Psalm 25:12

Are you someone who fears the Lord?

Fearing the Lord is not cowering in the type of fear we think of first.

It’s honor.

Respect.

Submitting to the One who created all things.

Putting God first and foremost in all things.

Knowing how small you are in comparison to all of creation, eternity, and God Himself.

I know we cannot always put God first, but you can think about Him and what He would want you to do.

With even tiny things like your response to literally anything.

Thinking about what God would want you to do brings security knowing you are under the shadow of His wings.

In return for placing God on the throne of your life, He promises to instruct you in the way He chooses.

And God chooses the best for you.

How do we know that?

Because Romans 8:28 reminds us that “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose“.

Walking with God, submitting to Him, brings us to God’s purpose for us.

And that is good.

Maybe your life has been affected by other’s poor choices.

And maybe you bear the brunt of that.

Remain under God’s instruction as He works everything out for good.

Through trials of your choosing or not, choose to remain God’s.

Confident He will work everything out for your good, because you love Him.

Photos by BRUNO EMMANUELLE on Unsplash

Choosing Hope

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Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God. Psalm 42:5

Do you ever talk to yourself?

Talk yourself into something or out?

Ever tell yourself to buck up?

Or to stop it?

These days, when you’re talking to yourself, you can pretend you’re important, talking instead to someone on your wireless headphones.

The verses above are written by someone who is talking to himself.

Asking his very soul why he is down.

When you are down, do you ask yourself why?

Or do you already know the reason.

The Psalmist is not asking why his soul is down.

He knows why.

He is asking why he haven’t risen above the crud.

Why he is still choosing not to praise God instead.

He goes on to literally tell himself to hope in God.

He reminds himself to choose hope.

Then declares he will again praise God, reminding himself of God’s salvation.

Try it.

The next time you are down, tell yourself to hope in God.

Declare you will praise God instead.

Remind yourself of God’s perfect salvation.

Choose to focus on God, purposing to choose hope instead of despair.

It’s ok to remind yourself.

Until it becomes a habit to choose hope in God instead of despair in your situation, you’ll need to purpose yourself.

But don’t worry.

God would love to help you.

Every single time.

Photos by Lina Trochez on Unsplash