Tag: Truth

Remaining Fragrance

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Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. John 12:3

I wonder how long the expensive fragrance lingered on His feet.

If the smell remained days later.

Guessing for a few it did.

After bathing? Probably.

Nard was expensive due to its high quality.

It was usually reserved for royalty, sealed in an equally expensive alabaster jar to preserve the special fragrance.

It was the best money could buy.

Mary poured it out on Jesus because of Who He was.

The Son of God.

Our Messiah.

The King of Kings.

How about 6 days later.

Do you think the fragrance lingered still?

That’s when Jesus was arrested.

Through the trial?

Through the flogging?

Through the agony on the cross?

What if God’s timing allowed the fragrance to whiff here and there while Jesus suffered?

Reminding Him of His purpose and identity.

Whiffs of sacrifice and worship while enduring.

How about you?

Do you recognize when God does that for you?

Notice.

Notice the goodness of God amidst the suffering.

Notice the love of God while enduring.

Notice the fragrance of God, who goes before you, stands behind you, and is always right by your side.

Jesus was fully God, yet fully man.

And God was there for Him, too.

Photos by Elena G, Tom Crew, Alicia Quan, & Danie Franco on Unsplash

Minutes in Hell

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Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

As we remember September 11th, the iconic images float before us once again.

A tower on fire.

Screaming sirens.

Plane slamming into the other tower.

Confused faces.

Firefighters running towards the chaos.

Blackness engulfing as the towers fall.

Silence and death creeping towards more victims.

We saw it in real time. We witnessed the horror. We try to make sense of the evil we saw.

Can you imagine the terror overtaking those souls as they waited in hell?

47 minutes. How long Flight 11 was in the air before slamming into the North tower.

48 minutes. How long Flight 175 was in the air before crashing into the South tower.

34 minutes. How long Flight 93 knew they were hijacked before crashing themselves to the ground in PA.

56 minutes. How long the South tower was on fire before collapsing to the ground.

100 minutes. How long the North tower was on fire before collapsing to the ground.

Minutes that seemed like eternity.

Minutes lived in uncertainty and fear.

Minutes which became their last.

Those in the planes or towers suffered while waiting.

Waiting for certain death on the plane or the unknown in the tower.

In an instant all went to meet their Maker.

Were they ready?

Were they ready to meet God?

We never know when our last day will arrive.

Could be today, could be tomorrow.

Or maybe in a few years.

Guessing none of these precious people even thought about death that morning before events erupted.

But that didn’t matter, did it.

We must be ready today as God doesn’t guarantee our tomorrows.

As those precious people waited long minutes in hell, their life ended, quitting the turmoil surrounding their end.

But if we are appointed to meet God, and we’re not ready?

Our hell will last for all of eternity.

Those minutes will evolve into hours, days, months, years, and decades, turning onto forever.

Forever separated from God.

Forever living in agony.

Forever living in hell.

We try to imagine the hellish moments endured by those precious people on September 11th.

We cry out from the depths of our souls at the injustice of their suffering.

Yet it will be nothing compared to our eternity apart from God.

The choice is still yours.

Where will you spend eternity?

Choose wisely. God has already chosen you.

Photos by Martina Mainetti, Aidan Bartos, Tim Mossholder, & Ben White on Unsplash

Wise or Foolish?

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The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

Proverbs 15:2

We all want to have knowledge.

That’s the ultimate pursuit of man, isn’t it?

Don’t we want to know all things so we can have absolute control?

The pursuit of knowledge is how sin entered the world.

Adam and Eve wanted to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

They wanted to be like God, knowing everything.

Genesis 3:6 says …when the women saw the tree was desired to make one wise….she took of its fruit and ate it, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.

But they weren’t wise.

We are still reaping sin’s consequences every single day.

When you are wise, you have knowledge.

Actually you have good knowledge as the Hebrew verb “commends” from Proverbs 15:2 means to be good, well, or pleasing.

Whatever the case, the wise person has the good kind of knowledge.

The kind that furthers you onto God’s plans.

Matthew 12:34 gives us a reason the wise have knowledge.

For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

Wise people follow God. Fools do not.

What is in your heart?

If God is your focus, your heart will share wisdom as you speak.

If you are your focus, your heart will share folly as you foolishly speak.

When speaking, ask God to cover your words.

Every one.

We all speak folly as fools sometimes.

But as we continue to press into God, becoming more like Him, our words will gain wisdom as our hearts overflow with God’s love, mercy, and grace.

The next time words pour forth from your mouth, stop and notice.

Are they wise or foolish? Do you feel humble or proud? A servant or a king?

Even if you can’t figure it out, your heart knows. And so does God.

Photos by Fiona Murray-deGraaff, Aaron Burden, & James Cousins on Unsplash

Bye, Bye Bacteria

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My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

Well today, I’m a bit grumpy.

Just over two days ago, my face erupted again into a painful bacteria infection.

Folks, it’s ugly inside and out.

The pain and burning is like nothing I’ve ever experienced.

Except for the last time this happened.

Three months ago, was my first time driving down into the depths of you know where with my bacteria enemy.

That time was worse as I did not have medicine right away, and when I finally got some, it didn’t work, leading me into another round a few days later.

Sheer misery.

Like this time.

Except this time, I was able to score the drugs that worked. On the first day!

Still waiting for them to wipe it all away, but I’m thankful.

That was God’s handiwork.

He’s also helped me through friends, knowledgeable in healing me with natural products.

I’ve become a walking experiment.

Oregano oil is really awful, but helps heal wounds and fights bad bacteria.

Worth it.

Coconut oil (not melted as I don’t care anymore) can be eaten instead of swallowed.

Really helps destroy bad bacteria, which I am in dire need of.

I picture the medicine and oils running around my body, searching to destroy the bad bacteria when sighted.

I could go on with a few more examples, but you get the point.

When we are ill, we become desperate for it to end. Yes?

Desperate enough to ingest things I never thought I would!

Makes me wonder how desperate we are for God.

It’s easy to ignore Him when life is expected. Calm.

But those are the times we should continue clinging to Him, expressing our gratitude for all He does for us.

For all He is for us.

So here I sit. Waiting.

Waiting on God to move or use the tools handed to me for relief.

But that’s ok.

Waiting before God begs us to trust Him.

To trust this too shall end.

He will come through.

I know this because of all the ways He’s been faithful to me.

What do you need to lay before the Lord today?

What do you need to trust God with, even when you seem stuck where you are?

Be still and know that He is God. Psalm 46:10

Photos by Kristine Wook, kazuend, &Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

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

Kerplop

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Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand. Psalm 37:24

The long school year finally came to a close.

Where was I with under an hour till the bitter end?

In a heap on the floor.

After missing the last step while waltzing down the stairs to assembly, I heard my ankle make a weird sound as I fell to the floor.

Happy summer to me!

Lying on the ground with my head on the stairs, I contemplated what had transpired.

Didn’t have to sit alone more than a couple of seconds before my friend came rushing to my side.

Not wanting to throw up or faint, I laid there quietly, unable to do much else.

My friend summoned help and over the next bits of time, I was covered with God’s provision.

While resting on the dirty stairs, I was cared for. All my needs answered.

When I was at my lowest, God never left my side.

He was in the people who came, helping with different things each time.

He was in my husband’s schedule who had not left for a job hours away.

He was in the friend who recommended where to go.

He was in the doctor’s office that helped me in and out in under an hour.

He was in the details.

He always is.

Yes, He allows things. Suffering.

But He’s always right there along with you.

We can have peace amidst our trials because we know Who is with us.

God goes before us, is beside us, and is behind us.

Every single day.

Even when we go kerplop.

We have no idea how blessed we really are.

Photos by Lindsay Henwood, Denys Sudilkovsky, Kelly Sikkema, & Jonathan Borba 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

All the Little Things

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Even to your old age I am He, and even to your advanced old age I will carry you! I have made you, and I will carry you; Be assured I will carry you and I will save you. Isaiah 46:4

Do you recognize the absolute pleasure of watching God take care of you?

We try so hard to control our worlds.

Our environments. Our decisions.

Our current and future moments.

We try, yet fail so often.

We can’t possibly ever reach perfection: perfect control of our worlds.

But that’s not our job. It’s God’s.

God is the one who controls all things.

He ultimately holds our breath in His hands.

When you try to manage yourselves, we rely on our own strength.

Our own wisdom.

Our own humanly flawed brains.

I for one don’t remember all I should. You?

Do you fret about it?

Suddenly become anxious when you, gasp, mess up?

You shouldn’t. Just try your best. God’s got the rest.

Went to a fun Mexican restaurant last weekend with my sweet husband.

For some reason, I used my credit card to pay and we went on our merry way.

The next day, I was first at the register, so I reached into my wallet to pay for our mulch and plants.

My credit card was missing!

My husband paid our bill, and we discussed where the card could possibly be.

At the restaurant from the night before!

Quickly we called and sure enough, it was waiting for me. No extra charges, just a sad, lonely card.

What a relief! I’m coming!!

Here’s where God comes into this picture: I rarely pay a store when the two of us are together.

What if I had not tried to pay for our mulch?

When would I have noticed the missing card?

Probably days later as I am a school teacher, never needing my card during the week.

God prompted me to use it, so I would notice it’s absence.

Isn’t God so kind?

But that’s His heart.

We learn a lesson (take back your card when you pay!), but He gently guides us along the way.

Stop trying everything on your own.

Do your best, and let God do the rest.

He’s much better at it, anyway.

Photos by Luke Ow, Vitolda Klein, Schiba, & Ben White on Unsplash

Waiting for You

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Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him. Isaiah 30:18

Morning dawned, and her alarm sounded.

Waking, the girl opened her eyes.

She stumbled out of bed, beginning her day.

Jesus was sitting on a chair by her bed. Waiting.

Returning to her room, she thought of opening her Bible and praying.

She wanted to, but realized she didn’t have the time. She was late.

And Jesus still sat, waiting.

After school the girl returned, but her phone begged for her attention.

Flopping down on the bed, she ignored the thoughts of reading the Bible.

Jesus was still there, waiting.

Dinner came and went. TV shows were watched. Homework completed.

Climbing into bed at the end of the day, the girl glanced at her Bible.

She wanted to read it, but her flesh cried out for sleep.

She mumbled a prayer as she closed her eyes.

And Jesus was still there, waiting.

He waited in her room every day.

He longed for a deeper relationship; He loved her so.

As the years went by, she changed houses and rooms, yet Jesus was always there. Waiting.

She had always grown up believing in Him, asking Him into her heart when she was young.

However, she had never really developed her relationship with God, putting it off even though she felt badly.

But Jesus never left. He was always there, waiting for her.

Did she sit with Him? That all depends. Do you?

Photos by Ben White & Amira Aboalnaga on Unsplash

Appointed and Annointed

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Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5

How do you see yourself?

Defeated or victorious?

Less than or worthy?

Demoted or honored?

Jeremiah 1:5 reminds us of our value.

Who God says we are.

Before we took our first breath, God set us apart.

God, who made all things, declares our worth.

His word is infinitely more important than the opinion of others.

Do you see this?

Do you see your value?

You must. You must cement it into your precious brain.

Because the firey darts will come.

They will come, trying to spread their poison into your very being.

Lies from others.

Jealous, hurtful words.

Or mere remarks not meant to be for your ears.

The devil will also try his hardest to influence you.

To confirm the fears he plants into your head, bringing your worth equal to a smelly trash heap.

Choose to believe the truth.

Choose to look at yourself through God’s eyes.

God sees you completely protected by His strength, purpose, and love.

Liken it to His armor, worn, yet strong as steel, covering every inch of your vulnerable self.

Pretend you are peeking through God’s armor, which covers you with His value.

His predestined value of you.

God’s protection over you is real.

Just like your truth as His beloved.

Marked to accomplish His work to the nations.

Trust God, obey His declaration, and believe your worth.

Will you partner with God today?

Photos by Yannick Apollon, Evgeni Tcherkasski, Stephen Bedase, & Nik Shuliahin 💛💙 on Unsplash

Your Value

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Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. Ephesians 1:4

You are capable. You are confident. You belong here.

Recently shared those words with a loved one, who was questioning her abilities.

When she repeated them, a smile broke out across her face.

She was reminded of her value.

When walking into a new situation, lack of confidence is normal.

You can begin to question if you’re even capable.

If you actually belong.

When we lose the belief in ourself, our outward actions tend to mirror our timidity.

We become shy. We fumble around, grasping at straws. We actually don’t belong when acting like so.

Do you believe who God says you are?

Because that’s where your confidence ultimately rests.

It’s where your words of belonging were born.

Before God made this world, He thought of us.

It’s like God smiled when you entered His mind, before anything on earth existed.

You are that important.

Knowing this, you can live from this truth.

You are capable. You are confident. You belong here.

Now it’s your turn to smile.

Photos by Brendan Beale, Madison Oren, Bethany Laird, & Ben White 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

Unaffected, Unmoved, Unavailable

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When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. Genesis 5:1

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10

How affected are you by others?

How often do situations move you into fear?

How available are you to the enemy’s agenda?

Guilty!

I know the truth of who God says I am.

Yet often, I fail to remember.

I know the truth, yet I often forget.

Am I alone in this, or does this happen to you, too?

When I forget, I am affected deeply by the ugliness of others.

When I forget, I am moved to fear or anxiety, sometimes even liking my pity party.

And when I forget, I become available to the devil’s lies. To his schemes. To his agenda.

That’s why we need Jesus, His ever present help.

Why we need the Holy Spirit’s whisper, reminding us of the Bible’s truth.

Only with our continual trust in God can we even hope to thwart the enemy’s plans for us.

One weapon we have is to memorize scripture.

Paste a special one somewhere you’ll see it often.

Continually remind your brain of Who made you. Of Whose image you bear. Of Who loves you.

Let’s try it for a second.

Think about how bad someone recently made you feel.

Feel your mood start to shift downward?

Now confidently speak these words to your brain: You are God’s temple and God’s Spirit dwells in you (1 Corinthians 3:16).

Picture yourself standing tall alongside Jesus, His crown on your head.

Picture yourself standing at the cross, Jesus looking at you, dying just for you.

Picture Jesus standing in front of you as you walk into a tricky situation.

You are protected, loved, and safe.

You are chosen.

The next time you begin to fall back into your poor me, even deserving of the attitude self, picture yourself seated in the high places with Jesus.

He chose you for this time.

He is for you, not against you.

With the Creator of the entire universe by your side, absolutely nothing else matters.

Walking in this world will only last for a short time, when compared to all eternity.

Why let others bring you down?

It’s not worth it.

You’re certainly worth more.

God says so.

Photos by Tim Mossholder, NEOM, & Adam Davis on Unsplash

Hugged by God

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And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them. Mark 10:16

Have you ever felt a hug from God? You know, a big bear hug?

Or maybe a little squeeze?

I have.

In fact He gave me a huge hug on Sunday.

How? It was through all the people filtering through my book sale.

The line was so long. And I was afraid nobody would show up!

Their words were so kind. Generous. Made me blush!

One mentioned I am a faithful servant, sharing what God has on my heart.

Another couldn’t get over how beautiful the book was.

Still more were so tickled I signed their books.

Me. Little ole me.

Years ago, God asked me to record His thoughts for our broken world.

I obeyed.

Fast forward two years ago and my publisher knocked on my door.

Producing the book was my second job for awhile, yet I knew God’s purpose was behind it.

Sitting in my house early summer, I also knew I should host a book launch party.

The thought almost terrified me. Me?

Deepest fears emerged such as what if I’m there all by myself?

But I obeyed. Again.

When we obey God again and again, He patiently shows us the way.

Then He shows up, doing what He does.

When folks stood in my book line, I shouldn’t have been the least bit surprised.

God is like that, isn’t He?

He asks us to do something. We obey, and He shows up. Big time.

It’s always been God’s blog.

And now it’s God’s book.

While it’s absolutely not about me at all, He chose me to be one of His vessels.

And I chose to obey.

On Sunday I felt wrapped in a big hug from God.

Like He was saying, “Great job, Amy!”

God is generous with His hugs. He longs to cover us with His peace, joy, and love.

How can you choose to obey God today?

Choose Him and obey. Then sit back for that big ole hug.

When you abide in His will, His peace will remain, wrapping you in His precious hug.

Photos by Joice Kelly, Rajesh Rajput, & Elijah Hiett 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

No Dominion

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

Did you catch that?

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

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

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

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

He recognizes we all have choices.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We step back into what He has for us.

Recognize your choices.

Purpose to choose life each day.

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

But sin has no dominion over us because of Jesus.

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

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

Photos by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

Nudges From God

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

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

What is that nudge deep within your soul?

You know the nudge.

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

Something new.

For Him.

Listen to His whispers.

God is telling you something.

Could be big or small.

Life altering or life giving.

He wants you. All of you.

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

His encouragement. His wisdom. His truth.

Answer that nudge.

Allow God to work through you.

Write that note to a friend.

Surprise your loved one with generosity.

Open that door for a stranger.

Speak life to the person behind you in line.

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

Be His tangible hands and feet today.

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

Photos by Chris Smith & Hans Veth on Unsplash

Running Free

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

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

Are you running into the freedom God has for you?

Running from the lies you have believed?

Running from the temptations that once held you captive?

Running from the ill reactions you normally exhibit?

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

Healing your mind.

Healing your will.

Healing your emotions.

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

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

Uncontrollably free.

Decide to trust Him.

Read His word, worship, and pray.

And run as you are free.

Smile because you are loved.

Rejoice because you are His.

There is no turning back.

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

Run forward with God, never looking back.

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

Dwelling Forever with God

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

One thing have I asked of the Lord, that I will seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. Psalm 27:4

There is only one thing that truly matters.

Only one thing.

To dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

My days here on earth and forever in heaven with Him.

On earth, the Lord resides within your heart, attending your every moment.

Dwelling with Him means you actively pursue what He wants for you, not your own selfish desires.

It’s incredibly hard to maintain. On your own strength.

But that’s the point. You can with God working through you.

You can and you will if you submit yourself to Him, each and every day, dwelling with Him.

Forever dwelling with the Lord equals forever in heaven with Him.

Can you even imagine forever separation from God?

There’s nothing worse. Absolutely nothing.

The only thing that truly matters is to live forever with God.

Living within that perspective shifts our daily issues, choices and living to focus instead on God.

Seeking after God puts life into perspective.

You shine, knowing there’s a bigger purpose for your ways.

You smile, knowing God sees you and will guide your every step.

Remember your purpose, allowing not the cares of this world to stifle your precious joy in Him.

Photos by IONUT NEDELEA, Annie Spratt, Anita Austvika, & S&B Vonlanthen on Unsplash

Humility & Sacrifice

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

Can you even imagine the love Jesus has for us?

Love so deep He gave us all of Himself.

He willingly came to earth, subjecting Himself to human life where hunger, thirst, and pain dwell.

He walked everywhere, dealt with constant questions, and ungrateful recipients.

His disciples seemed annoying at times and the Pharisees were downright rude.

Jesus didn’t need to put up with any of this. None.

Yet He did, because of you and me.

For our eternal home dwelling by His side.

Upon entering Jerusalem days before He would die, He wept for His city. For His people who could not see the Truth.

Can you imagine how frustrating that would have been for the One who created them?

How hard is it for you when your loved one either cannot see God or refuses?

That’s a tiny fraction of how Jesus felt while weeping for His people.

Praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, His body was in agony.

Luke 22 records drops of sweat as blood, which can happen when a body is under severe stress.

Yet Jesus still stayed, anticipating what was to come, knowing His Father would be with Him.

During His flogging, crown of thorns, and other punishment, He stayed.

Through the torture, which could have killed Him as well, He endured for the purpose of our salvation.

Obedience to His Father’s will came from His love for us.

Love which surpassed His humiliating death.

Hanging on the cross, God turned away as Jesus bore the sin of the world.

Because God is holy, He could not look at the sin dying on the cross.

And Jesus felt alone.

Crying out to God, asking why He had forsaken Him, Jesus was alone.

He became the sacrifice for the sin of the world.

At the moment of crushing pain, Jesus was alone.

But He stayed for you and for me, giving up His last breath.

Upon His resurrection, Jesus conquered sin, death, and the grave forever and ever.

Absolutely incredible. Literally.

I think we have no true reality of what Jesus has really given us.

We can never repay our Savior, but we can share His love, forgiveness, and freedom to our lonely world around us.

Will you do that for Him?

Remember His sacrifice for you and live like it matters. Because it does. For everyone.

Photos by Thanti Riess, Rod Long, Haley Owens, Jon Tyson, & Samuel McGarrigle on Unsplash

Coasting Through Life

Published on by amylinnea5 Comments

Are you coasting through life?

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

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

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

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

Did you know God has a plan for you?

Involves more than sitting around on your phone.

Or thinking only of yourself.

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

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

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

Are you intentionally pursuing God or your movie list?

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

God wants all of you.

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

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

But you might a few times.

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

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

Doesn’t mean you will eat out less often.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stop coasting, instead choosing to live intentionally for Him.

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

Hannah’s Submission

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

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

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

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

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

Was she despondent? Or at least grieving?

Probably. But her lips declared the glory of God.

His holiness. His sovereignty. His steadfastness.

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

In her case, the continued joy of motherhood.

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

She chose God.

What about you?

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

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

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

What could be better than that?

Nothing this world offers, I guarantee you.

Remember Hannah’s words.

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

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

Guaranteed.

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

Turn Your Eyes

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

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

John 10:4

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

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

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

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

Even when He leads you into the dark.

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

Does God seek to cause us pain?

Does He enjoy watching us suffer?

Absolutely not.

It pains God to see us suffer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Incredible.

God is Sovereign.

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

He knows absolutely all things.

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

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

Imagine.

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

He longs to know you.

To be your all in all.

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

He will squeeze it with comfort on those ugly days.

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

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

So cry with God when you have hard times.

And let Him rejoice with you when things are amazing.

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

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

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

Stealing Your Joy

Published on by amylinnea4 Comments

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

Why is it that blessings are often overshadowed by disappointment?

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

Of who disappointed you.

Why do we react like that?

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

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

I can give you an example.

Recently celebrated my birthday. It was a big one.

Some of the kids celebrated, some did not.

My husband celebrated me.

My mother and in-laws celebrated me.

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

So why did my focus choose the disappointments?

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

Let’s concentrate on those who love us.

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

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

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

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

Join me?

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

Boasting in Weakness

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

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

Ever thanked God for your temptations or weaknesses?

For how you are tempted to sin?

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

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

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

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

What are your temptations or your weaknesses?

Have you thanked God for them?

Thanked God for being weak?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Because God shines through our weakness, making us strong.

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

Why would you need to rely on His strength?

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

We are human. Flawed. Weak.

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

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

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

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

Knowing you can’t do it all.

But God can and He will.

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

Fret Not

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

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

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

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

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

And when we are angry, we become anxious.

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

That’s what Psalm 37:8 reminds us.

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

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

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

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

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

Everyone likes to be in control.

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

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

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

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

Why?

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

You begin suspecting others when suspicion is not necessary.

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

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

And now you do as well.

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

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

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

Ask God to remind you of His faithfulness.

He’s always helped you more than you realize.

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

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

Recognizing Jesus

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Would you have believed?

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

Or would you have looked the other way?

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

We shudder at the thought, yes?

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

We know who He was.

The Savior of the World.

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

Yet their hearts were hard towards Jesus.

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

Immediate reactions included blasphemy.

Immediate reactions.

Thinking about the Jewish people, some of them believed.

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

But the majority seemed to not.

Jesus’ own home synagogue threw Him out.

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

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

But you never know. We’ll never know.

Jesus was not what the Jewish people were expecting.

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

Does His purpose for your life match your heart?

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

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

Look for Him.

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

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

Thankful for the Mud

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

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

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

For all things, including the yucky parts of life.

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

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

Are you thankful for the mud?

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

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

Are you thankful?

Thankful for the good times and bad?

God uses life to gain our attention.

Sometimes we need a rude awakening.

Sometimes our family members need it.

God allows things because He loves us so much.

He sees the beginning from the end.

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

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

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

But what if God is allowing it to change us?

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

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

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

His perfect will for us.

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

Will you praise Him for the mud?

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

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

God’s got this and more.

So praise Him for all of it.

He’s working all things out for your good.

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

Ephesians 4:27

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

How many opportunities do you hand the devil?

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

Your selfish whims over the needs of your family?

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

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

Wanting to fill you with his poison.

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

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

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

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

And yet we regularly do.

Why?

Because our flesh agrees with the devil.

We agree we are unworthy.

We agree we are unlovable.

We agree we should be number one.

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

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

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

Yet we do.

Stop.

Stop agreeing with lies.

Stop agreeing we are weak.

And stop agreeing we are less than.

God has won the war.

God is and was and will be the ultimate victor.

Choose to agree with God.

And choose to give no opportunity to the devil.

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

Holding Your Tongue

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It’s so easy to defend yourself.

Sometimes, you should.

You must.

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

We are responsible only for ourselves.

Our actions.

Our words.

Our choices.

When you become agitated with your spouse, pause.

Takes maturity to look at things from their perspective.

Humility.

You could be wrong, you know.

And if you are, own it!

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

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

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

Just Iike it’s your choice to view theirs.

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

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

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

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

He chose the high road.

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

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

Photos by Shana Van Roosbroek & david laws on Unsplash

A Lying Fool

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Satan is a master of deception.

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

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

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

He cares not a whit for you.

Or those you love.

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

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

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

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

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

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

When slanders fly my way, Satan is pleased.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But you must not let Satan win.

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

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

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

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

And don’t give Satan one inch of satisfaction.

Not even a millimeter.

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

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

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

Living Free

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

Do you live as if you are free?

Free from sin, death, and the grave?

Free from past shame, burdens, or guilt?

Free from dwelling in fear?

Free from depressing thoughts arresting your mind?

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

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

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

And tomorrow. And the next day.

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

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

But God did not free you to sin.

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

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

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

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

He freed us for now. To showcase His power.

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

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

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

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

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

So, what about you? Remember Whose you are.

Remember Whose power courses through your veins.

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

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

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

Others Focused

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

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

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

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

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

Jesus wants us to do just that.

To serve others.

To put others before ourselves.

Think about Thanksgiving.

Were you among the first in line?

Save the best roll for yourself?

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

How about your home?

Did you help your guests feel welcome?

Or wished they had stayed somewhere else?

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

Or did you welcome them however they came?

Jesus wants us to think of others before ourselves.

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

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

It’s such an absolute treat.

Even if I’m sleeping in the basement.

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

Only see them them once a year.

Family is simply the best.

Seeing my adult children over Thanksgiving was a total joy.

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

Choose Jesus.

Choose people over perfection.

Choose people over performance.

Choose relationship over deadlines.

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

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

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

Photos by Virginia Simionato and Gillian Lingard on Unsplash

Too Familiar

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Are you used to Him? to God?

Meaning, the very fact that He is literally right with you does not bring you to your knees in awe?

I am, I’ll admit it. Too familiar.

I take for granted my daily devotions.

My worship time at church and home.

My multitudinous Bibles.

My job, which allows me to speak of His goodness whenever I wish.

I’m not saying that’s all a bad thing.

We should be used to God.

We should be so clothed with His presence and likeness others see Him not us.

We should be familiar with His word, His ways, and how He wants us to conduct ourselves.

But we must remain in awe.

In awe of His goodness.

In awe of His salvation.

In awe of Him.

May we pause to bow before Him, acknowledging our weakness made perfect only in Him.

May we humbly bring our requests only after thanking Him for all He does for us.

May we remember who we are in comparison to God, who created us and all things.

And may we recognize how much we continually need Him.

Thank you, Lord, for closing the separation from You to us through your son, Jesus.

May we remain always humble, recognizing our desperate need from our Savior each and every day.

Photos by Aliane Schwartzhaupt, Joshua Earle, & Alicia Quan on Unsplash

Open and Shut Doors

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

As I’ve prayed during these last dozen years, I’ve purposely begged God to fling WIDE the doors He has chosen for me and to SLAM shut the doors not in His plan.

When you are walking through darkness during a season of complete uncertainty, you need His light to guide you.

You rely on His guidance.  

I like the analogy of open and shut doors; although, I added an extra measure of assurance.

I wanted to easily walk through to His plan or get slammed in the face with a resounding NO.

Might as well be crystal clear, am I right?

I’ve had many doors open with ease: graduate degrees, student teaching, first job, and marrying the right man just to name a few.

I’ve also had plenty of slammed doors, mostly in the area of dating the wrong men before I married my husband. Giggle.

Guess what?

Those slammed doors are a whole lot of fun.

It’s a joy to know which man God did NOT have hand picked for me.  

Back in the day, one date never showed up after weeks of talking on the phone.

He would have been my first date post divorce.

It was the weirdest thing, but God knew best.

I won’t lie – I was bitterly disappointed for a few hours.

My pride was wounded.

But I turned my focus to God and realized it was simply a closed door.

And each closed door moves you closer to a door flung wide open!

Another story? Well, a different date ended in disaster after he told me he had been ‘quite bored’.

I was sitting at home when I got that text.

I began to laugh.

This man had spent the previous two weeks proclaiming his devotion and wondering ‘where I had been his whole life’.

He was also a Christian, but every time he called, I almost broke out into a sweat, because he was easily offended.

Not a good sign!

This guy was the one missing out on me.

It was his loss, certainly not mine.

When the ground shakes from a slammed door, get on your knees and thank God for having your back.

He knows what is best for you.

Because God flung wide the door with my beloved almost a decade ago, I am even more grateful for the closed doors.

I mean, God saved me from a lifetime of misery with the wrong man.

How can a girl not get on her knees thanking God for that?

When God answers you, it may be in a way you absolutely never expected.

Trust Him.

You pray for open and shut doors and wisdom for a lunch date.

The door slams shut.

Why? Because the date never shows up.

Recognize God’s shouts after you’ve ignored His whispers.

Yes, God will communicate to you, but we must listen.

And after listening, we must trust that yes, God still knows what He’s doing even after we hate His answer.

Pray for those doors.

Ask your friends and family to pray for you in this way.

It helps immensely.

Almost like a dot to dot puzzle.

And remember how fun those were?

Photos by valérie faiola, Ibrahim Rifath, & Jonathan Borba 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

Eternity

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Jesus. He is all that you need.

He is everything.

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

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

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

Yet we sinned.

We messed up.

Remember Adam and Eve? It could have been us.

We would’ve been tempted just the same.

God created us for relationship.

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

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

I would so love that.

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

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

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

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

Have you embraced your sinful nature?

Recognized your need for the Savior?

To spend eternity with God, you must acknowledge Jesus.

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

Completely within your right.

But you will regret it.

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

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

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

Turn to Him while you still can.

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

What then?

Trust in Him.

Now.

He will NEVER fail you. Not ever.

You have everything to lose.

Everything.

But it’s your choice. Completely.

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

God-breathed

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. Job 33:4

Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein. Isaiah 42:5

God breathed and life erupted.

His life filled what He breathed upon.

Creation.

The apostle’s baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Can you imagine anything better than the creation of life or the indwelling of God’s spirit within you?

When God breathes on something, life erupts. Multiplies. Becomes alive.

While at worship last week, I had a picture of God breathing on the ugly parts of life.

The sections of our hearts or lives that contain ugly, messy cobwebs.

With one word, God breathes and darkness disappears, clearing away the cobwebs.

Whoosh. God says, “I am breathing on all of your cobwebs. Cleaning them all away. Forever gone.”

What areas of your life do you desperately need God to breathe?

With His breath, you’ll replace death with life. Destruction with living. Selfishness with godliness.

Ask Him to breathe on your heart. Ask Him to clear away your cobwebs.

Cobwebs connecting to family members. Gone.

Cobwebs connecting to destructive habits. Gone.

Cobwebs connecting to ugly past sins, guilt, or shame. Gone.

Cobwebs convincing you God truly deems you unworthy of Him. Gone.

When you allow God to fill you with His breath, He will make all things new.

Breathe Him in and receive His healing. His power. His peace.

Breathe Him out and become His hands and feet. His witness. His proof.

All glory returns to God for creating us in His image, allowing us to experience the freedom, forgiveness, and purpose He has for us. Spread the word. To God be all glory.

Photos by Saad Chaudhry, Aaron Burden, & Hugo Fergusson on Unsplash

Watching

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God is watching.

Always.

He is always watching for you.

You.

He waits for your return.

Longs for it.

Like the prodigal son’s father watched every day for the return of his wayward son, God watches for your arrival.

For your restoration.

If you are completely lost, when you decide to return to God, He’ll scoop you up the second He sees you, forgiving you completely.

If you are wandering away, stepping off into self-focus, not relying on Him, the moment you decide to return life’s burdens to Him, He’ll take them back in an instant.

Because He’s always watching for you.

Watching out for you as you walk with Him, guiding you around the rocks so you don’t stub your toe.

Showing you which path to take, when the path splits in two.

And protecting you with His umbrella when the dark storms arrive.

He’s also watching for you when your choices take you apart from Him.

When you’re determined to make it all on your own.

When you selfishly trudge on alone, thinking the entire world is against you.

It’s not, and God’s available to give you His peace.

He longs to have a relationship with you.

What are you waiting for?

God, who created you and all things, craves a relationship with you.

He can make all things new.

He can cross your every t and dot your every i.

Effortlessly.

Why wait?

Whenever you are ready, God will be there.

Always.

Because He is forever watching for you, His precious child, to return completely unto Him.

What on earth are you waiting for?

Photos by Edu Grande, Mantas Hesthaven, Aaron Burden, & Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash