Tag: strength

How Badly?

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

How badly do you want it? To imitate God?

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

We cannot do anything in our own strength.

It will certainly fail, why?

Because we are flawed. Human. Not God.

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

But that tends to lead us into pride.

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

The humble spirit is different.

A humble person is not weak.

They have quiet strength.

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

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

Who can you relate to?

A prideful person who does everything themselves?

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

A prideful person thinks it’s all about them.

A humble person knows it’s all about God.

Prideful people demand.

Humble people serve.

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

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

Know anyone like that?

Jesus is our example of a humble man who served.

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

His gentle strength showed God’s power and love.

Standing before Pilot, Jesus could have explained it all.

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

How badly do you want to be like Jesus?

Are you willing to give up yourself?

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

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

Rely on Him to keep filling you every day.

In return, God will use you to bless others.

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

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

 

Wall of Fire

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

When walking through life, do you feel alone?

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

Tired of falling too often towards temptation?

Walk in your authority from God.

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

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

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

But it gets even better.

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

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

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

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

Sure. Jesus reminds us we will suffer.

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

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

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

May God surround us as a wall of fire.

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

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

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

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

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

Acting Like It

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

Do you ever observe your life as an actor?

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

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

Like really enjoying life.

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

But what about the times when you’re not?

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

Can you choose love even when you feel anything but?

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

Bigger than the flesh that covers you.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now you’re smiling!

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

Raised Hands

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

When worshiping the Lord, we often raise our hands.

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

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

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

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

Picture your hands raised to heaven.

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

His hands clasp yours, filling you with Himself.

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

A holy exchange.

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

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

It was beautiful. Comforting. Full of strength.

God longs to fill us with more of Him.

He is so worthy to be praised.

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

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

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

Forgiving Anyway

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

Are you harboring bitterness? It’s easy to.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We were wronged!

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

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

Relationships suffer and die when you choose that prison.

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

Ask God to help heal your heart.

To forgive with his strength, not yours.

To release the bitterness grown so familiar.

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

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

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

Ephesians 4 asks us to be kind and forgiving.

Goes against our flesh for sure.

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

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

Photos by Annie Spratt & Lee 琴 on Unsplash

Setting the Mind

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For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6

Where do you set your mind?

The things of this world?

Things like your bank account, career, and politics?

Or the things of the Spirit?

Things like love, joy, peace, and strength?

Romans 8:6 says death comes from setting your mind on the flesh.

Know why?

Because it’s never enough. Your bank account, expectations, and self-acceptance.

Assigning your mood to our sinful world brings disappointment.

Counting on this world to meet all your needs never lasts.

And these are just when times are good.

Imagine the death in your mind when things go south.

The chains that bind you when choosing the world over God.

Trading your soul for temporary pleasure, like drinking too much, drugs, or stealing.

Romans also says life comes from setting your mind on the Spirit.

Life and peace to be specific.

Why? God is life.

He brings you life.

Life in your mind when He give you HIs perfect peace.

Life in your heart when He gives you His unconditional love.

Life in your body when He gives you His never-ending strength.

Life in your relationships when you serve others more than yourself, modeling after Jesus.

Setting your mind means to focus intently on a goal or decide firmly to achieve something.

To purpose your mind.

What will you set your mind on today?

God’s peace or the absence of it will be your answer.

Photos by Havle Kaya, laura adai, Taylor, &  Humble Lamb 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

Your Glory

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Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11

This verse is not an easy one to read.

It’s way more fun to keep an offense, especially when you’re completely justified.

And we always are justified in our own mind, yes?

Looking at the first part, it’s easy to understand.

When we have good sense, meaning solid countenance or common sense, we don’t get angry often.

We don’t allow anger to grab us when we are in our right minds.

Trouble is, other people cause us to exit our good sense, trying to justify our offense at them.

After all, they wronged us! It’s not fair!

When we have good sense, we focus on Whose we are.

Our feet are solidly planted in our relationship with God first.

We know God is living through us, and we fully trust Him to provide us His strength, wisdom, and peace.

Could even be that we ask God how to react before we do. We train our brain to do just that. Putting God first.

So, back to the ouchy part of the verse: not taking offense.

Proverbs says it’s our glory to overlook an offense.

Means we could be offended, but we choose not to be.

Because we remain peaceful, the glory is still ours.

Our mood isn’t in the toilet.

Clouds are not hanging around.

Others can be down in the dumps, but we’re not.

It’s still sunny where we’re at, because we are choosing not to associate with the other person’s offensive behavior.

It’s their problem, not ours.

Is it more fun to take their offense and make them pay?

Sure.

But in the process, you are robbed of peace. You are robbed of minutes or hours, stewing in what they did to you. You are robbed of God’s glory shining through you.

Jesus could have put people verbally down so many times, but he regularly chose to overlook offenses.

And glory remained His.

You can pity others, if it helps.

You can feel badly they are stuck in the mud of getting back at life.

But don’t stay there or you’ll think of yourself as better than them.

And that’s almost as bad as keeping an offense.

So shrug them off.

Remain steadfast in God’s good sense.

And keep your glory as you overlook the other’s offense.

It’s hard, but it’s completely worth it.

Photos by Ingmar H, Gene Dizon, Patrick Fore, & name_ gravity on Unsplash

Calling You

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But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1

God is constantly calling on you.

He’s calling you higher, to live more honorably within His strength.

Or He’s calling you to come home.

To lay it all down.

To finally submit, allowing Him to direct your steps.

When He calls, what do you do?

What is your reaction to Him?

Scrooge, from Dicken’s Christmas Carol, was called multiple times before he finally changed.

The story begins with his nephew calling on him to celebrate Christmas.

Then two gentlemen ask for a donation to charity.

Some carolers sing to him through the door.

Marley, his dead partner for seven years that very night, appears and Scrooge still refuses change.

Scrooge keeps walking through that night, witnessing the past and future, only begging for a chance when he sees his lonely grave.

While our moments are not as bizarre as what Scrooge experienced, God still calls us.

Do you notice?

What did you do when that thought popped into your head, asking you to act on something?

Or when that person came into view, did you talk with them?

Did you answer the phone when they called you?

When the sermon appeared on your social feed, did you watch it?

When the prayer meeting calendar invite reminded you, did you ignore it or attend?

God’s ways are higher than ours and He is constantly calling us higher.

Up from our sinful selves, or continuing up if we are already His.

When He calls, will you answer?

Photos by Adria Berrocal Forcada, Ambitious Studio* | Rick Barrett, Dawn McDonald , & Allef Vinicius on Unsplash

Audio Book News!

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Surprise! A couple of months ago, I did a little thing. Professionally recorded my entire book!!! It was tons of work, but so much fun! Who knew tummies made that much noise? 🙂 My audio recording of Trusting God with Every Breath is now available on Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify, and other platforms! I had great fun recording it at Tesco Productions (that link will take you to my article on his site!) the end of November. It’s humbling to be asked to record your words, knowing God plans to use each one.

In other news, my publisher shared I sold about 60,000 books on Amazon the past six months! AND- I was in the top FIVE of three categories for about a month, staying as #1 a few days! Super fun, I tell you! Thrilling, actually!!! As God continues to use my book, I am reminded how He is in control, and I am not. God’s plans are higher than ours. Isn’t it delightful to know we are in His thoughts?

I do have a humble request. If you have my book, could you please give it a review on Amazon? My publisher specifically asked for video reviews as the book’s popularity keeps growing. Written reviews work well, too!! I really REALLY appreciate it! A whole lot 🙂

Through all the stuff we do each day, we must remember our Helper, who stays by our side.

Keep your thoughts close to God.

Keep asking Him to guide your ways.

Keep nestling under His protection.

Keep close, allowing Him to fill you with His strength, love, and peace.

Because, He will. 🙂

Ready to Come Home

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And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.  John 10:28

When will it be your time?

When will God decide to call you home?

Will you be ready?

Because ready or not, God will call.

He might give you a big long warning.

Like a diagnosis that doesn’t seem to leave.

Or He might take you in the blink of an eye.

A vehicle accident or fall.

Doesn’t really matter how you go, does it?

The point remains this.

One day you will leave this earth when God calls you home.

Will you be ready?

You won’t have any second chances when He calls.

What’s your hold-up?

Pride? Wanting to live for yourself?

Are making your own selfish choices for a blip of time worth eternity separated from God?

Not only separated, but eternally miserable? Like forever?

I can promise you what will be worth it.

Bowing your knee to God, who created all things.

It will be worth it when He calls you home, but it will be worth it, too, while you live here with us.

The peace that passes all understanding will blanket your sweet self when you rest in the knowledge that God is in control and you are not.

God’s strength will enable you to do great things as you rely on Him alone each day.

His wisdom will provide direction when the path of life looks cloudy.

Allow God access.

Allow God access to all of you.

Then when God calls you home, you’ll rest in peace.

And those you leave behind will as well, holding to that hope of seeing you again.

My sweet student buried his mother yesterday morning.

He and his brothers bravely carried her to her grave.

She was a precious girl who loved Jesus and her family, too.

Holding them in their grief, they have Jesus.

I cannot imagine if they didn’t. If they had no hope.

Reach to Jesus and trust Him with your heart. Your everything.

Be ready when He calls you home.

Photos by Liane Metzler, Terren Hurst, Sabine van Straaten, & Ben White on Unsplash

Hardest Thing

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Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:13

What do you think is the hardest cross to bear as a Christian?

Let me put it another way.

God asks us to become more like Him.

When we accept God as our Savior, He begins to transform us into who He made us to be.

We begin to walk His path, noticing what He notices.

We begin to speak to others, speaking with the words He wants to share.

We begin to have compassion, spreading His love to those around us.

When we ask God for His salvation, we become His.

His to transform.

But we’re human with human desires, wants, feelings, and actions.

Plus our soul is full of cracks from lies, and our broken world.

When God asks us to forgive others who have not asked, it’s a bitter pill to swallow.

For me, this is the hardest thing God ask of me.

Why?

Because it’s personal.

Personally painful when the other person doesn’t deserve it.

But when I don’t forgive, that person continues to strike blows after the words have faded away.

On the other hand when you forgive, you simply release that person back into the arms of God.

You let the offense fall away from your tightly gripped hands.

You allow the boulder to roll down and off your back.

Is it fun to hold onto unforgiveness because you’re justified?

Of course.

But is it worth the cost?

The cost of your peace?

The cost of a broken spot in your relationship?

Nope.

God forgave you for way more then He’s asking you to forgive now.

You didn’t deserve it either.

But God forgave you all your sins.

All your sins from yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Allow God’s strength to help you release your unforgiveness.

I know, they don’t deserve it, but that’s beside the point.

God asks us to forgive. Period.

Swallow your pride, forgive, and let God move in your life and theirs.

God will help, and His peace will rush in, helping you each time you choose to forgive.

Photos by Jametlene Reskp, Cody Otto, Felix Koutchinski, & Patrick Fore on Unsplash

Freedom Walk

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The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Romans 8:11

Are you as free as you can be?

As Christians, we profess to be free from death, sin, and the grave.

Free from eternal damnation.

And yes, that would be correct.

As a Christian, you have placed your trust in Jesus, and He has paid the penalty for your sin.

So, yes, technically, you are free from all of the above.

But what about freedom as we step upon this earth?

Are you walking as if you are free?

Just because you are free from the penalty of sin, does not mean you are free from its effects.

Do you feel pitiful and ugly when someone ignores you?

Do you feel a rush of anger when someone wrongs you?

Do you feel sarcastic while belittling someone who doesn’t understand you right away?

Do you put others down, lifting yourself up instead?

Do you put your needs first, serving your number one above all else?

Do you refuse to look at life through the lens of another, wanting your way instead?

How are you at listening?

Or, gasp, asking for forgiveness when you are wrong?

How are you at even admitting you are wrong?

Do you help others before asked?

Leave the room better than before you walked in?

When we do not clothe ourselves with the fruits of the spirit, walking as Jesus did, we are not free.

When we jump to satisfy ourselves over others, we are not free.

When we listen to lies in our head, we are not free.

When we become defeated in our many mistakes, we are not free.

Only with the power of God, can we break the chains that bind us.

Speak Jesus’ name over what binds you.

Over your flesh that speaks louder than your spirit.

Cancel the enemy’s assignments and send it to the dry desert.

Ask Jesus to cover you with His wisdom, power, strength, and joy.

And remember, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you.

That, my friends, is freedom.

Photos by Michael Baccin, Rikke Hembre, Anita Austvika, & Olivia Snow on Unsplash

Silencing the Tempter

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And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. Luke 4:13

The devil will come tempt you when you were at your weakest.

That’s when he comes.

Do you know when he came to Jesus?

After Jesus had fasted for 40 days.

Luke 4:2 says Jesus was hungry.

Probably the understatement of the year after not eating for 40 days am I right?

After fasting 40 days, Jesus was physically weak.

But that’s when the devil came.

When does the devil come for you?

When does he visit, tempting you to sin or simply help you off the straight and narrow?

When you are weak.

When is that exactly?

Is it after certain situations?

After you listen to lies in your head?

Do you feel weak every day?

When the devil tempted Jesus, He rose up in his weakened state and refused every lie the devil threw at Him.

He refuted the devil’s statements with scripture.

God‘s living word.

Every drop of God’s word breathes life with the power of the Almighty behind every single syllable.

God reminds us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

Put your name in that.

God’s grace is sufficient for me.

God’s power is made perfect in me.

Absolutely incredible. Looking at verse 10, when we are weak, we KNOW God’s power is working through us.

When I am weak, I am strong because Jesus covers me with Himself.

When I am weak, I am strong because Jesus’ strength literally replaces my weakness.

Replace means exchange, so my weakness is exchanged for the strength of Almighty God.

Reminds me of 1 Peter 5:7 which calls you to cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.

Put your name in there.

I cast all my anxiety on Jesus because He cares for me.

Time to tell the devil enough.

Next time he tempts you, because he will never quit, stop him with the word of God.

You’ll send him packing, wondering if he should return.

Photos by Mike Hindle on Unsplash

Lace Them Up!

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I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called… Ephesians 4:1

Are you lacing up your tennis shoes?

Making sure they are on tight?

Double knot or single?

When you lace up your tennis shoes, you’re getting ready for something.

Something requiring walking, running, or simply going about your day.

I like to put lotion on my feet before I don my socks. You?

When you put on your tennis shoes, you are readying for something more.

You are prepared. You can now walk on legos (ouch!), in the great wide world, or simply in the yard.

Lacing up your tennis shoes is similar to preparing your heart, mind, and soul for the day ahead.

Preparing for the day, we open our Bible.

We read a devotion book (I know a great one if you need it, haha!).

We meditate on scripture.

We pray for God to fill us up with Himself afresh.

We lay our burdens again before the feet of God.

We pour out ourselves, so we can be filled with God’s mercy and strength.

When we begin our day listening to Jesus, we are ready for whatever the day holds.

And you know that could be anything up or down, as we live among a broken world.

But when you purpose to ready yourself, God will help you face whatever comes your way.

It’s like lacing up your tennis shoes.

Your feet are ready to walk on whatever.

And after spending time with Jesus, you are ready for whatever comes your way.

Spend time with Him each morning.

Read His word and pray.

And just sit.

God wants to speak to you.

And when you’re done, your laces will be all tied and ready to go for whatever God has for you this day.

Photos by Lee Campbell, Kristian Egelund, Sophia Kunkel, & Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Let Go and Live

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And when you stand praying, forgive if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you your sins. Mark 11:25

How many offenses do you carry?

How many follow you while you go about your day?

Dozens?

Hundreds?

Thousands?

Even one is too many.

Why?

Because offenses discolor our moods.

They cloud the lens we view life.

Not only do offenses keep us in moods not worthy of companionship, they cause us to stink.

Ever been around someone easily offended?

You tend to step back, because you don’t want to get near their odor.

Those people are obvious.

But there’s another type of offense.

It’s the subtle hurt you carry because of unforgiveness.

Yes, it’s probably justified as you were wronged, but you still have a choice.

You can choose to let go and forgive, or keep the hurt and the offense.

Choosing to keep it close, bitterness enters your heart and mind as you begin to dwell on the pain.

And that causes you to stink.

When you don’t forgive, you allow the offender to continue hurting you.

You let them win again and again.

And there’s no winning.

Unfortunately, you’re the big loser with unforgiveness.

When you choose to forgive, you simply release it back to God.

You are asking God to cover the offense with His peace and forgiveness.

As you ask God to help you forgive, He rushes in with His peace to cover the wrong done to you.

Doesn’t mean you reconcile with the person, justify the hurt, or anything of the sort.

You simply let it go, so it does not control you anymore.

We talk a lot about control, because as humans we want control.

But you know as well as I, that we cannot control other people.

We cannot make them humbly apologize.

We cannot make them change for the better.

And we cannot make them be nice to us in the future.

But you can change yourself.

You can release it to God, asking Him to help you forgive that person.

You can choose freedom.

But it’s all up to you.

I know it’s hard to forgive when the other person seems to get away with any and all things.

But don’t allow the real prisoner to be you.

With God’s strength, you can forgive, freeing the prisoner. You.

Photos by Annie Spratt  and  Kiwihug on Unsplas

No Match for God

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For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and He knows everything. 1 John 3:20

Ever realized something about fear?

When fear speaks into your life, it’s about the present.

Your current circumstances.

It fills you up with worry about what may happen when presented with your current situation.

Except it’s so sneaky, you begin to think fear can perfectly predict your future.

I know because we listen. We listen so well, we believe it.

We believe the lies of fear.

Why does the devil try to wrap you up in fear about your future?

Because the devil, who is fear, doesn’t know your future.

He likes to predict it for you, but he has no clue.

The future fears you dwell upon are simply fiction.

Made up to scare you.

Paralyze you from acting on the will of God over your life.

But you know what is absolutely real and complete truth?

God’s promises for you.

He knows the beginning from the end and God’s promises to you will not return void.

When God tells you in Isaiah 41:10 NOT to fear and He is WITH us, holding us up with His right hand, you can believe it.

Because He said it, He will do it.

Or in Jeremiah 29:11, God tells us He KNOWS the plans He has for us. And they are very good, FULL of hope and promise, not harm.

That flies in the face of fear’s lies, does it not?

Finally, God promises to NEVER ever leave us. Deuteronomy 31:8 also reminds us God will not forsake us.

God is with us always and He’s not turning His back.

So when fear whispers into your ear, turn your head towards the promises of God.

Fear is full of lies, and God is full of truth.

Fear plays to your weakness and God is your strength.

When we are weak, He is strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

Thank you, God, for being our strength.

Fear, your lies have zero chance anymore.

Photos by Virginia Marinova & Joel Muniz on Unsplash

Image Bearer

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So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Colossians 3:10

God created us in His image.

Meaning, unlike the rest of creation, we can make decisions, have thoughts, feelings, dreams, and disappointments.

We are complex, not existing on pure instinct.

As the one creation made in the image of God, we stand higher than all the rest of God’s magnificent creation.

We have God’s image literally stamped on us.

Our capacity for love mirrors God.

Our capacity for jealousy mirrors God.

Our capacity for anger mirrors God.

On the other hand, we are nothing like God, because God is holy.

We live in a sinful world, constantly tempted to listen to our flesh instead of God.

We sin all the time and God is without sin.

However, Jesus took our punishment for our sins.

Because of Jesus, we can restore our relationship to God, our Creator.

We put on our new self, which is renewed in knowledge, bearing the image of God.

When you are God’s child, you put on who you are in His image.

Who you are is love.

Who you are is wanted.

Who you are is valued.

Protected. Safe. Chosen.

A bullet-proof vest against the lies of the enemy.

Oh, they still hurt and sting even, but the lies are not fatal.

They pierce you, but fall away because you are reminded of Whose image you bear.

Place your trust in Almighty God.

Ask God to remove your sins because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

Walk in the freedom He gives you as you clothe yourself in His image.

Allow God’s strength to fill you.

His peace to cover you.

And His love to ground you as you walk as a child of the Most High God.

Photos by Rhendi Rukmana, Alex Lopez, & Laura Rivera on Unsplash

Plugged In

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

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26

How closely are you plugged into the Holy Spirit?

God within, who gently nudges you into His will?

When you’re plugged in, you listen to the nudge.

Actually you do more than listen; you act.

First things first.

How do you plug into God?

Reading the Bible regularly.

Praying for yourself and others, lifting your burdens to God.

Praising Him whether you feel like it or not.

Asking God to fill you up with Himself, not relying instead on your own strength.

In a nutshell: surrender.

When you surrender to God, you allow Him to use you how He sees fit.

You extend mercy to others.

You shower them with love and grace.

You become a rock on which to stand with truth.

You act unselfishly, thinking of others before your own comfort.

Recently I was a witness to the power of the Holy Spirit.

As I listened to His whisper, I simply knew beyond a shadow of a doubt what I should do.

And when I obeyed Him, the other person responded with great leaps and bounds towards love.

It was profound.

All because I listened to God.

I was available.

My choice of surrender was my only part.

My obedience opened the gates of heaven.

Yes, certainly God works all the time without us.

But He generously wants us to take part of sharing His love with others.

When God whispers, listen.

Because those gentle nudges might begin to change your corner of the big wide world.

Get ready, because it’s going to be so great!

Photos by Kelly Sikkema, Joel Muniz, & Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Broken Bars

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I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that you should not be their slaves. And I have broken the bars of your yoke and made you walk erect. Leviticus 26:13

The Israelites were slaves in Egypt for a long time.

One day is actually too much.

But God rescued them, bringing them out of slavery under Moses’ leadership.

God broke the bars of their yoke, which was incredibly heavy as slaves.

He freed them, causing them to lose not only their yoke, but instead walk completely upright.

They were no longer prisoners.

One can only walk upright without a burden on their back.

Ever tried to carry something heavy or awkward?

We usually stoop at least a bit.

Or what about internal burdens not physically seen?

Those are usually bigger.

The pressures and weight cause us to walk around slightly hunched, eyes downward, gloom written on our faces.

Even our eyes look sad when we are under the yoke of burdens, which become our prison as we constantly feel the pressures, not aware of any escape.

God reminds us in Leviticus of His deliverance from slavery. Of the prison the Israelites were dwelling.

And He also reminds us He has broken the bars of that yoke, allowing us to walk uprightly.

Do you want to walk uprightly as one who has received God’s peace and strength?

Eager to break out of your prison?

Have you given your burdensome yoke to God?

Those pressing situations causing you to stoop over with anxiety or fear?

He wants to break your yoke, allowing you to walk out of your prison, into the freedom He has for you.

As you release all things to God, He will straighten your back, causing a smile to spread across your face.

Walk uprightly. Smile. Look others in the eyes.

You are God’s beloved one. He has your life in His hands.

And He has all the stuff you worry about, too.

When you place your trust in God for not only your salvation, but your life here on earth as well, your prison doors are opened.

Give God your relationships, your jobs, your addictions, your future, and more.

And don’t allow that yoke to reattach as worry and fear begin creeping back into control.

God is more powerful than your burden.

Allow Him to take it off.

He’ll even help you with the transfer.

Now don’t worry about where He put it.

Just pray and trust Him instead.

Doesn’t it feel great to stand tall again?

Photos by Artem Beliaikin, Daniel Born, Daniel Krueger , & Ben White on Unsplash

Hidden Treasure

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

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

You’d have a guarantee of your return.

Immediate investment return.

Happened to me once on a very small scale.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A crisp hundred dollar bill.

Unnoticed.

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

Bought it for a dollar with my treasure inside.

Unbelievable, yes?

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

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

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

But it held a treasure.

But you know what’s even better?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I still do!

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

Boasting in Weakness

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

Ever thanked God for your temptations or weaknesses?

For how you are tempted to sin?

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

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

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

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

What are your temptations or your weaknesses?

Have you thanked God for them?

Thanked God for being weak?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Because God shines through our weakness, making us strong.

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

Why would you need to rely on His strength?

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

We are human. Flawed. Weak.

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

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

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

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

Knowing you can’t do it all.

But God can and He will.

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

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

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

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

Refuge and Strength

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God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way; though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Psalm 46:1-3

This Psalm depicts absolute dire circumstances.

The earth gives way.

The earth literally moves away.

The mountains are moved into the sea.

Tall giant mountains are now in the water.

The water surrounds, causing the mountain to tremble.

Real calamity.

But yet, the psalm starts with God.

God is a present help in the midst of earth shattering consequences.

He is above the fray.

Has your life given way?

Do you have important people or situations impossibly thrown into the sea of chaos?

God promises to be your strength in the midst.

In the midst of the swirling waters, which make no sense, God is there.

He is present even in the midst.

Even in the unanswered prayers.

Even in the misunderstood situations.

Your life can become like nothing you recognize, but you can still rely in God.

He has, is, and always will be with you.

But it is your choice.

God cannot remain your ever present help if you choose to focus on the storm.

On your mountain which has been thrown unexpectedly into the sea.

When the safety of the ground beneath gives way, what is your response?

Trusting God, who promises to be your refuge in the midst?

God is our present, real, never leaving help in trouble.

Because of this, we will not fear when life throws up around us.

Why?

Because our God stands with us.

In Him we find refuge and strength.

Photos by Christian Cueni & Joseph Barrientos 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

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

Simply Jesus

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If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:7

Jesus, I need You.

I need You with all I am.

I need Your strength, because mine is all gone.

I need Your wisdom to see through all the worldly crud.

I need Your love to flow through me when mine seems to be used up.

I need Your compassion when I feel as though people deserve what they get.

Or mercy when people get what they don’t deserve.

I need your peace.

Your perfect peace.

The world at large is a mess.

And so is my little world.

Everything always demands my attention, yet You are all I seek.

May I measure every demand against Your will.

May I seek You above all else.

And may You fill me with everything I need as without that I am nothing.

Thank you for Your faithfulness.

Thank you for Your love.

And thank You for Your comfort.

As I settle into You, all I can do is be.

I so long to be what You want me to be.

I so long to do what You want me to do.

Guide me, Lord, into what plans You have for me.

Bring me into Your will.

For then, and only then, will I truly find Your peace.

You are my everything.

I so love You, my Lord, and Savior.

Photos by Cameron Venti & Drew Dau on Unsplash

Needing God

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(God) who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:4-5

God, I need You.

I need Your strength.

Mine is all gone.

I need Your love for others.

Mine is all used up.

I need Your peace.

Don’t have any on my own that lasts more than a second.

I need Your love for me, too.

Mine is all gone.

I need all of You.

Because all of me is used up.

Fill me anew with You.

Cover my ugly shivering self with Your arms.

I need Your safety.

I need Your protection.

I need Your security.

I need You.

You are always faithful.

Always.

In every single thing as long as I ask You.

You’re so gracious, You also let me live in my own self if I bow to my selfishness.

But I choose You.

Totally.

Completely.

Absolutely, I choose You.

Fill me up with all of You.

Only then will I begin to hope again.

Only then will I have strength to keep going.

Only then will I be as I should.

Photos by Tony Eight Media & Ben White on Unsplash

Appetite

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O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1

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How is it?

Your appetite for God?

What’s on the menu?

Heart sugary with a side of forgiveness?

Worship and thankfulness?

Gut wrenching prayers?

Pleas for change?

Or have you been skipping meals?

Ignoring your appetite for God?

Maybe you have a snack once in awhile, whispering a prayer here and there.

Sure way to lose the weight of God’s influence.

His blessings.

His peace.

When one’s appetite for God is healthy, the body is strong, resisting easier Satan’s taunts.

However, the opposite is also true.

When we indulge on worldly gain, ignoring the meat of God, our bodies rarely resist the devil’s temptations.

Even worse, when those worldly gains eat up our time, it always becomes more and more and more, never really satisfying.

And God becomes less and less and less.

Where are you?

Where do you fall on the menu of God?

If you have fallen into the circle of poor diet, stop.

Decide today no more.

Open Psalms and begin again.

Grab that pen and begin to journal all God has done for you.

Pray earnestly, seeking the face of God and His will for you and your loved ones.

And do it again the next day.

And the next.

And the next.

Your strength will grow and before you know it, you’ll be craving God more than the world.

Then, my friends, you’ll know you’re appetite has changed.

For the better.

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Photos by Bundo Kim, Erik Mclean, Stella de Smit, & Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Purpose

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The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of Your hands. Psalm 138:8

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What if God’s purposes are for you, not against you?

His purposes you don’t yet understand?

What if God’s ways are higher than yours?

Ways you don’t yet fully see?

What if His allowing trials in your life are for a purpose greater than your very life?

What if His tests are to grow your strength in Him?

To grow your faith in Him?

What if He allows things in order to use you to change others?

What if He plans to use your sorrows through your living, human example of walking through into new life with Him?

Would that make a difference to you?

If you knew that?

That His ways are higher than yours?

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Do you trust Him?

Completely?

What if your consistent faithfulness to God in the face of evil is used to glorify Him?

Would that matter?

Would that make a difference?

I think yes.

When we trust God is ultimately in control, our walk is a bit easier.

Steps are easier to take when we know our ultimate purpose is to live for Him.

And the tiny little fact that He is using us.

Using you to bring others to Himself.

You might still step into mud, but you know He is right there to lift you out.

God will use you when you trust in Him.

And it’s just a bit easier to trust Him when you remind yourself of His purpose for you.

To be that light to others.

May your trials be that mush easier as you align your will with His, resting in the knowledge that His purpose will be fulfilled in your precious little life.

Photos by Anita Austvika and Ben Eaton on Unsplash

God’s Continuing Provision

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He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He causes me to stand on the heights. 

Deer are so nimble.

Unlike us.

We tend to fall.

A lot.

But deer rarely stumble.

God made them that way.

When we trust God, He will cause our feet to stay strong.

Firm.

Securely on the path He has opened for us.

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He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 

God helps us fight.

He shows us what to do and just how to do it.

He gives us His incredible strength to accomplish great things.

Necessary things.

We are amazed at our strength when we are strong through Him.

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You make your saving help my shield, and your right hand sustains me; your help has made me great. 

God helps us, saving us, shielding us.

We do not falter with His right hand steadying us.

Keeping us upright.

More than upright, but successfully tall.

Standing tall and unharmed.

Perfectly whole.

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You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way. Psalm 18:33-36

God creates the path and walks with me, guarding every step, ensuring I don’t fall. 

All I must do is trust His way, holding onto Him.

The way is unknown, every step taken in faith; however, it is very good. 

Why? 

Because God is perfect. 

God is good. 

I am His.

And He is mine.

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Photos by Matt Palmer, Rebecca Prest,Guillaume Briard,Orlova Maria, & Karsten Würth (@inf1783) on Unsplash

Abide With Me

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

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Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.

Lord, the evening is here.

Literally and figuratively.

I am surrounded by dark thoughts.

Lies are sweeping into my head.

No one knows, but You, Lord.

You know my anxious thoughts.

Stay with me.

Right here.

Endure with me without yielding.

Because I can’t without You.

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Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see—
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

Lord, You never change.

You are always the same.

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Forever.

I can count on You every moment of every day.

There is nothing in this world that compares to You.

While I am surrounded by the cares of this world, I am reminded You are here.

Your patient care fills my every need.

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I need Thy presence every passing hour;
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

I need you every moment.

You made me strong, but Your strength is stronger.

Only You can foil the enemy’s plans for me.

I can stand only with Your strength pulsing through my veins.

Your constant guidance carries me throughout each day.

In days of happiness and sadness, You never change.

You are always here.

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I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness;
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Who should I fear with You at my side?

You, who died for me and raised to life again?

What can man possibly do to me?

The cares of this world are nothing compared to You.

They might weigh me down, but when I give my burdens back to You, I triumph still.

I win only with You by my side.

Thank you for patiently bearing my burdens, walking with me every day.

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Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies;
Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Remind me of what is really important.

You died for me.

You care deeply for me.

Your ways are higher than mine.

You have my best interest first and foremost.

I am in Your thoughts.

Your presence lifts the pressing darkness away.

You scatter it into a million pieces.

Your light and presence fill the room with peace.

And my heart rests, because You have and will always abide forever with me.

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Hymn by Henry F. Lyte, 1847

Photos by Dapo Oni , Jake Gard , Aleksandr Eremin , John Mark Arnold , Tyler Lastovich & Ben White on Unsplash