Faith over Fear

We are facing such interesting times right now. Our world is ravaged by fear and uncertainty as this virus, Covid-19, makes it way across the world. While the virus is our enemy, it is not our main enemy. We have an Enemy who has masterminded this set of circumstances. And it is time for the body of Christ to take a stand. 

Now, let me first say that I am all for doing what you can to protect yourself, your family and those vulnerable around you from contracting this disease. But this is not the time to live in fear. This is not a time to stop living. That is exactly what the Enemy wants us to do. 

We can see how he has isolated us as a people through social distancing. We can see how he has turned us against one another as people hatefully attack others for various reasons. Again, I will say, I am all for using your brain and being smart and proactive about not spreading the disease. But, people are not your enemy. 

Ephesians 6:10-12

Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. 

As a believer, my heart has been unsettled these last few weeks. We keep hearing that we are living in unprecedented times. And quite frankly, those words can strike fear very quickly that takes over one's mind and heart. But as a believer, let's look at this situation through a different lens.

• We have an innate desire placed within our soul for community, to do life with other people. The Enemy has attempted to strip this away from us. We are not powerless to live in isolation, though. We have the opportunity to really see the people around us. Those living under our roof, those living next door to us, those the Lord brings to our minds and hearts. We have the opportunity, now, to be intentional in our relationships-to invest through time and presence with the precious family in our home, to serve our neighbors through whatever means possible and to use technology to connect with those He puts on our hearts. We do not have to succumb to the Enemy's attempt to isolate us. 
• We see the Enemy's attempt to keep us trapped in fear-fear of the unknown, fear of what could be, fear of man. But, we have the truth of 1 Timothy 1:7. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and sound judgment." We have the opportunity to allow God to grow our faith and trust in Him. We do not have to be slaves of fear. Through God, because of His great grace and love for us, He has given us freedom from fear. And, as this verse says, He doesn't just give us freedom from fear but gives us a spirit of power, love and sound judgment.
• We see the Enemy's attempt to silence the Church as the doors of churches have been closed. But the Church is not a building, the Church is the people, the body of Christ. As such, we can take His good news to every corner of our home, our neighborhood and our world. Let's not neglect the opportunity and the call we each have on our lives as children of God to take His truth to our lost and scared world. Matthew 28: 19-20 "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."  
• We see the Enemy's attack to turn us against one another, making us live in fear of one another. We are afraid of our neighbors and those we come in contact with grocery shopping-afraid that we may get the virus from them, afraid that they will 'turn us in' if we are not following the guidelines to a T, afraid of how the people in our government are potentially taking away our liberties one by one. That is a lot of fear towards people who are made in the image of God. But here's the thing, we have another promise from Scripture regarding our fear of man. Romans 8:31(b) "If God is for us, who is against us?" Just as I am for my children, God is for me. And He is for you, too, if you are His child. 
• We see the Enemy's attempt in making us think our voice doesn't matter and isn't heard. We may try harder and harder to make our voice heard to those around us, especially through social media in this time of social distancing, but it seems there is always someone who comes against our voice to silence us. But, we have a God who hears us and deeply desires that we bring every single concern and word to Him. Matthew 6:6 "But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." 1 Peter 5:7 "casting all your cares on Him, because He cares about you."

What I keep coming back to is a deep desire to not waste this time and opportunity trapped in fear. My desire and prayer everyday is that the Lord would fully ignite every barely flickering flame in His children across our country and across our world. For I know in my life and in our country, it is terribly easy to become complacent and comfortable in our daily lives and keep God out of our daily life. But this pandemic has stirred us up. Taken away our comfort and normal living. Let's not waste this time. 

The Lord is coming back. He will take His children home with Him once and for all, sooner than later. But He is so gracious and kind. He is delaying to allow every single person possible the opportunity to be with Him forever. Church, do not waste this time. Do not miss this opportunity to live out your faith. Do not miss this opportunity to share your faith. Remember, because of Jesus, because of the cross, His victory is ours. Make today, this new start to a new month, the day you forever say no to fear and a resounding yes to faith!

First Love

This summer the Lord has been taking me on a journey of simplicity, of contentment, awe and wonder at Who He is and what He has done for me. How He desperately loves me and pursues me every.single.day. Sitting in His presence and just being with Him, I have been blown away by Him.

It all started in the book of Philippians as I sat, really sat and pondered, 2:6-8. Listen to these words- "(6)who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, (7)but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. (8)Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."


Reread that a time or two and ask the Lord to really soften your heart to His gift to us. We grasp this amazing truth when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, but I fear too often and too soon we forget this incredible gift.

If you are like me, you have had a relationship with the Lord for a long time. You have walked with Him and your relationship with Him has grown and matured. But somewhere along the way, we have forgotten our First Love. We do 'all the things' for Him, but not with Him. Does that make sense? Somewhere along the way we have made it about measuring up for Him instead of humbling ourselves to Him.

So, over the last few weeks, He has been peeling back the layers of my heart and mind, drawing me to Him. To just come, sit and soak Him in every day. Nothing else.

Through that my heart has returned to my First Love. My Lord and Savior. I sit in awe of Him. I sit in awe of how He poured Himself out, humbled Himself to the point of death, all for a relationship with me.

And when I sit with that truth and reality, it makes me wonder how I could ever lose sight of it in the first place. How on earth does life creep in and cover the precious truth that He loves me and invites me to simply rest in Him?

And yet there He is, with all His grace, arms wide open saying "It's ok. Just come to me. Let Me hold you and love you perfectly just as you are."

I encourage you to run to Him today. Ask Him to peel away the layers weighing you down and free you to live today in His love, His peace, His grace. Go back to your First Love and remember the sweet truth of Philippians 2:6-8.

Waiting

Wait. Waiting. It's not something we're too accustomed to in our culture. We want the biggest, the best and we want it right now

But there is tremendous value in waiting. It teaches us patience. It teaches us self-control and self-discipline. It teaches us to live in the moment.

 

Psalm 130: 5-6 says "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning."

Often times, we find ourselves waiting in His presence when life is hard, when things don't make sense, when we're ‘watching for the morning’. The nights, dry spells, wearisome seasons can be so very long. We may be struggling financially, relationally, to have children, to have a spouse, to have friends. Our long nights and trying seasons can look very different from each other’s. But, we have the same promise.   Morning always comes. The Lord always comes.

Psalm 33:20 says “Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.”

Matthew 11:28-30 declares “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

There is sweet refreshment and strengthening when we sit before the Lord, waiting. He longs for us to wait in His presence. Linger...just a little longer with Him in His word, in His presence. Patiently listen to His voice. Letting His promises and His word sink deep into our soul until we are convinced we have no other hope than Him.

Whatever your burden is today, whatever your night looks like, causing you to long for morning, lean close into Him. Wait with Him. Wait for Him. Sit in His presence and let Him speak to you today. Let Him love you. Let Him show you His faithfulness. Let Him redeem you and your cares to Him. He will not let you down!

 

My Grandma

The last few days, weeks really, have been flooded with memories and thoughts of Grams. My entire life is filled with memories and experiences with her, which makes it nearly impossible to pick a favorite memory. And for that I am thankful.

A dear friend recently commented to me that she loves how fiercly I love my family. And when she said that, Grams immediately came to my mind. I get that fierce love from Grandma. To know Grandma was to know love and home. She made you feel loved and accepted no matter where you were. From her home, to church, to our tire shop and beyond. She brought love and a sense of home and comfort with her.

She got that love from our precious Savior, Jesus Christ, whom she is now with for eternity. Her love and relationship with Christ wasn't just something she did on Sunday-it was her life. And because of that, her influence and impact goes farther than we will ever know this side of Heaven.

As I think about the days ahead, the memories and experiences we have yet to come, my heart aches with the reality she won't physically be with us. But God is good and gives comfort and peace in all things. He has reminded me that we move forward with her in our hearts. We continue on the legacy she has left.

So I will continue to fiercly love my family. I will continue to press into my Savior and walk with Him daily. I will ask the Lord to fill me with His love to overflowing so I can leave a trail of love and belonging-just like my Grandma.

Friendships

2 Corinthians 13:11(ESV) "Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. "

I love the words of this translation when holding it up in light of friendships and relationships. Through that lens, those are lofty words! Let's take a few minutes and consider the beauty and weight of friendship and how we can reflect Jesus in all of our relationships.

Friends are the family we chose. Proverbs 17:17 says "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." And Proverbs 18:24 says "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Our friends, those we truly let in, let see the real us-good and bad-are there for us, loving us. And it's not difficult to live out the declarations of this verse. Yet, it is very important that we chose our friends wisely. For who you spend time with, you become like.

That truth can go either way-build you up or tear you down. "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17 There is such beauty in friendships that are God honoring, pushing each other to grow in Him and reflect Him more. It doesn't mean things are always cheery and happy, though. Sometimes sharpening requires tough love, but always spoken in love.

The flip side is also a real possibility in friendship-tearing you down. "Do not be deceived: bad company ruins good morals." 1 Corinthian 15:33 It really does matter who we let into our life, who we let speak into us. While we need to be investing and pouring into others with different beliefs and morals from us, we must do so with extreme caution and prayer. "Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?" 1 Corinthians 5:6 A small, undetectable amount of influence can have tremendous impact on our life.

Now, in talking about how friendships affect us, it's important to consider what kind of friend we are. Do we push others to be their best in Christ? Lift them up in their strengths? Encourage them in their weaknesses? Or do we cause division? Stir up discord among the body? This is vitally important to consider in all of our relationships, not just friendships.

The body of Christ, the church, is so beautiful and unique. We all bring different things to the table and they are all equally important. We have an enemy, though, who seeks to destroy our diversity and create division and discord among the body. Do not fall into that trap.

"But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together." 1 Corinthians 12:24-26 We are a beautiful picture of the many attributes of God. While we will not have close friendships with everybody in our life, we can honor God through the love and respect we extend to the body of Christ.

Consider your friendships. Are they good, healthy, life-giving friendships? Or are there some friendships you need to remove from your life?

What kind of friend are you? One who builds up or tears down?

2 Corinthians 13:11

"Dear Brothers (sisters), I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you." 2 Corinthians 13:11(NLT)

I'm sure we have all had instances with other people, especially as women, where we feel like the outsider, outcast, unwanted. We know from Scripture this is not God's design for the church at all. We are meant to live in unity, harmony and love with one another.

I have the opportunity to lead women's ministry at our church and when I think about the women there, I get so excited! I see a desire to be real with one another, vulnerable, walking through the good and bad of life in real time together. And I am encouraged by them and this verse and charge to live this way. Let's break this verse down and apply it to our everyday life.

-Be joyful. Life isn't always happy, easy or fun. But, we have the true source of Joy available to us always-Jesus. We can walk through hard, unhappy circumstances, but tap into the Life Source and experience and extend joy to our situation and those we are around.

-Grow to maturity. We have to dig deep into the Word. Meditate, pray, spend time intentionally growing our relationship with Him. Then we can share that growth and maturity, sometimes by default, sometimes intentionally, with others and encourage one another to press in deeper to Him.

-Encourage each other. Life is difficult. The critics are always ready to pounce on us and point out everything out we are doing wrong. Even in the church. Let's instead encourage one another. Take the time to really see one another, look into each other's lives, see how we can come alongside one another and offer encouragement. This literally can be offering a helping hand, offering a word of encouragement or a simple smile. There is some way each of us can encourage somebody else and we all know the tremendous impact that can have on our day, week or even month.

-Live in harmony and peace. It takes less than a minute looking online to see we have very strong and differing opinions about what others should or shouldn't be doing. But we see right here that we are called to live in unity and peace with one another. We must remember that we are all made in God's image. We are His masterpiece. When we really mull over that, we begin to see beauty in each and every person. We then are able to celebrate and encourage our different personalities, different opinions, different ways to doing things because we see unique pieces and attributes of God in each person. We will never see eye to eye on everything, but we can always strive to live in harmony and peace with one another.

-Then the God of love and peace will be with you. That's what we want. We want God with each one of us. Because a relationship with Him is the important thing in life. When we are joyful, growing in Him, encouraging one another, living in harmony and peace, we are creating an environment for Him to move and use us to reach other to others who need Him. Let's passionately chase after Him and bring as many others along with us as possible!

Two are better than One

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil .

Ecclesiastes 4:9

 

 

Today, Robert and I celebrate 9 years of marriage. That is worth celebrating!! As I think back on the years, I see God's incredible faithfulness, grace and love all over our marriage. And I am so grateful!

 

I am very much a work in progress, but I have seen God's hand at work, miraculously, in our marriage this past year especially and I can't help but share a few things He has taught me and is continuing to teach me everyday.

 

Marriage is hard! But it is oh so sweet when we surrender it to Jesus and let Him mold us into the people He has created us to be. Here's what I'm learning, perhaps something will encourage you in your marriage today.

 

~We are in a battle...not with each other, but for each other. The bible is very clear that we have an enemy who's only 'MO' is to steal, kill and destroy. In my opinion, the first place he targets is the heart of the home, your marriage. Remember, you are not fighting against each other! Rather lock arms together and fight for each other.

 

~Forgive quickly and fully. We have the opportunity to forgive big and little things, daily. Forgive the big and the little and move on. Just as Jesus has forgiven us, we are to forgive others.

 

~Love never fails. The world will tell us that love isn't enough. But it absolutely is! Love, Christ's love, is more than enough and will never, ever fail.

 

~Give grace, abundantly. Nobody is perfect. Don't hold your spouse to standards you are not willing to fulfill yourself. Give grace!

 

~Seek to understand, not be understood. Make it your goal to understand your spouse, to ask questions, to study them as you did when you were dating. The more we seek to understand, the more we are understood. Sounds illogical, but it's true.

 

~Dream together. Life has a way of stealing our dreams from us. Take them back! Dream together and find a way to pursue those dreams together.

 

~Love well. It is easy to get caught up in the "game" of "I'm not feeling loved, so I'm not going to give love." Don't play that game! Figure out how your spouse feels loved and then fill that "love tank" up to overflowing, everyday! And when you think you have nothing left to give, tap into the Source of love and love some more!

 

~Pray. Pray for each other...together and separately. There is nothing better you can do for your spouse and marriage, than to surround, inundate, saturate your spouse and marriage in prayer. Prayer is powerful!

 

~Encourage. Be your spouse's biggest encourager! Always see the best in them and never, ever stop telling them what you love about them and that you are proud of them.

 

~Celebrate. Celebrate the big and little things. Celebrate accomplishments together and just celebrate who your spouse is. There is beauty, and something to celebrate, in each day. Look for it.

 

~Remember. Remember why you fell in love. Remember that God is for you and your marriage. Remember that your love and your spouse are worth fighting for, always.

 

I am so grateful for my life with Robert. There have been incredibly difficult times and incredibly beautiful times and I am grateful for them all. When we surrender ourselves to Jesus, He uses all things for His glory. And through marriage, we have the privilege of understanding a little bit more how much Christ loves us and how we can, in turn, love like Christ.

 

Happy Anniversary, Babe! There is nobody else I would rather walk through life with than you. Here's to countless more years together!

 

 



Battlefield

Colossians 3:1-10

 

 

Our mind is a battlefield and we control who wins the battle and takes control of our mind. It takes intentionality and discipline to 'seek the things that are above' and 'set our minds on things that are above.'

 

Colossians 3:1-2 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

 

We are constantly under attack to focus on things "below", things we face and deal with everyday. From social media to TV, to music and articles we read, we are encouraged to focus on ourselves and indulges our desires.

 

Or how about this...Have you ever had a dream you enjoyed that seemed so real, that you were disappointed that it wasn't when you woke up? I have. Even things as seemingly innocent as that can wreak havoc on our minds.

 

So, how do we discipline our minds to focus on Christ and things above?

 

Colossians 3:6 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. {emphasis mine}

 

There's the answer, we make Christ our life. We give it all to Him, the good, the bad and the ugly. We get alone with Him and pour out everything that is in our hearts and on our minds.

 

It isn't always pretty, what we pour out at His feet, but that's ok! Christ wants our hearts and can handle the junk we sometimes leave at His feet.

 

Remember...

 

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

 

Jesus already knows what's in our hearts and in our minds and He still loves us! So why not willingly release it to Him?

 

Walk in His freedom and set your mind on things above.

 

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



 

 



Colossians 2:6-23

Colossians 2:6-23

Religion vs. Relationship.

I love this passage. Paul really gets in your face, emphasizing the importance of not letting anyone lure you away from relationship with Jesus over the religion of Christianity.


We have all come in contact with religion. Whether we've had personal experiences in a church, watched people in our lives live out their religion, or witnessed it on TV, we know what religion looks like. It is full of rules and regulations. "Do not's" and "Thou shalts". Restricting and condemning. Off putting and something you avoid.

Relationship with Jesus is completely different, though! It is full of freedom, love and grace. When you are in a relationship with Jesus, you long to linger with Him. To spend time with Him in His Word and through prayer. And your life is different. You are different! People gravitate toward you because they want the joy and perspective you have on life because of Jesus.

Colossians 2:6-7 says "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

If we are to "walk in him" as that verse says, we must spend time with Him and hide His words deep within our hearts. We must listen closely to His voice, quiet ourselves throughout the day in order to hear His leading. We must love!

John 13:35 says "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Have you been lured away by religion? Do you avoid Jesus because you think He is out to get you?

Can I invite you today to a relationship with Jesus?! He is love. He is grace. He is truth. He is everything religion is not!! Turn to Him today!

Colossians 1:24-2:5

Colossians 1:24-2:5

I don't know about you, but sometimes I forget that I am called to share Jesus with others. That it is my calling, not just the "job" of my pastor or church. Whether you are a stay at home mom or you are climbing the corporate ladder, we all have the responsibility to share Jesus with others.

Paul says in Colossians 1:25 "of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known"

In the past, I've skimmed past this verse, assuming it didn't apply to me since I'm a stay at home momma. Paul was a full time minister, so surely that verse only applies to those in full time ministry, right?!

Wrong.

The Lord has really opened my eyes to the "mission field" all around me. He's shown me people He's entrusted me with {my children} or people I come in contact with throughout the day, that I am to share Him with.

That could be through a simple smile or act of kindness or something as big as a personal conversation with somebody about their relationship {or lack of} with Jesus.

As I continue to "do life", experiencing highs and lows, I'm understanding more and more that we don't go through things only for ourselves.

 

Every person has a story, some more intense than others, but we all have a story. And those stories are meant to be shared with others. To encourage one another in their faith in Jesus.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:11 says "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."

Proverbs 27:17 says "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."

Colossians 2:2 says "that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ"

No matter where you are at today, you have the chance {and responsibility} to share Jesus with others. Through your life story, you have the ability to reach others that perhaps your pastor or church never will.

Who needs to experience the love of Jesus today? Who can you share your story with today?

 



Colossians 1: 15-23

Colossians 1:15-23

 

 

Sometimes we need to be reminded who exactly God is and why we put our faith and trust in Him? Just like the Pharisees did in Bible times, we put so much pressure on ourselves to "do this, not that", that following Jesus can become a list of rules. It turns into religion, not a relationship.

 

 

This passage of Scripture reminds us that Jesus is everything and from Him, everything was made. Jesus is all we need. He gave His life for our sins so that we might have a relationship with Him.

 

 

"For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through him and for him." Colossians 1:16

 

 

Because of His gift on the cross, we have been reconciled to God and have the privilege of having an intimate, personal relationship with Him. (If this is something you're not sure you have, please let me know!) This reality is truly amazing and sometimes hard to grasp.

 

Colossians 1:21-22 "And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him."

 

Although I believe we can never lose our salvation {John 10:28-29} I think it's important for us to slow down, spend time with Jesus and ask Him to show us what we've put before Him. What sin we have in our life. That way, we can remove it and repent and once again be in right relationship with Him.

 

Wherever you find yourself today, I hope you know and understand that Jesus wants a personal relationship with you. And that there is nothing extra you need to do to enjoy that relationship. Repent and accept.

 

 



Dig In

"And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding."

 

Colossians 1:9

 

Do you feel intimidated to open the Bible and start reading? Do you feel like you don't have enough knowledge or credentials to make sense of what you're reading?

 

I have good news for you! You don't need any special training or education to read your Bible. All you need is an open, willing heart that asks Jesus to help you understand and apply what you're reading.

 

I love this verse in Colossians. That is exactly my prayer for this page and all who come here. I am by no means a Bible scholar, but I do believe when you spend time with Jesus, He gives you wisdom and knowledge that you don't get any other way.

 

 

"Now when they say the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus."

 Acts 4:13

 

I want to encourage you to open you Bible today and spend some time with Jesus. Even if you only have 5 minutes or read only one verse, He will bless that time!

 

"so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."

Isaiah 55:11

 

Any time you spend with Jesus and any time you spend reading His word is not in vain! God will use every bit of it, even if you don't understand what you're reading right away, to bless your life!

 

Don't delay, dig in today!!

 

And if you need some direction, I'd love to study Colossians with you! I've been spending some time in the morning studying that book and have been so encouraged by what God has been showing me. Come back next week and we'll dig into chapter 1.

 



Abide{in Prayer}

John 15:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Philippians 4:6

 

1 Thessalonians 5:17 says "pray without ceasing"

 

Do you find this verse intimidating? Something that seems out of reach? How is it possible to 'pray without ceasing?!' We have huge demands upon us each and every day and the "noise" level is often off the charts. How can we find time to slip away someplace quiet and pray, without stopping?!

 

 

As I've spent more time with Jesus and our relationship has grown, I've come to understand that "pray without ceasing" is indeed possible. That doesn't mean I slip away to a closet or dark corner and talk to Him in peace and quiet.

 

What it does mean is that I'm constantly talking with Him about my day, about the circumstances and situations I'm facing. Just as you would text, email or call a friend throughout the day, you can talk to Jesus throughout the day.

 

 

He wants to be involved in every minute detail of your day. Do you realize that? I mean really understand that it delights Him when you invite Him into your day and share everything with Him. It's mind blowing, really.

 

The demands of our days are real and the pressure can be intense. And it can be easy to think we can handle it on our own OR feel helpless to handle it at all. But, we always have Somebody ready and willing to help us face and walk through whatever the day lays before us.

 

Philippians 4:6 says "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let you requests be made known to God."

 

Share your day with Him. Share your thoughts and feelings about whatever is consuming your mind throughout the day. Abide in Him today.

 

 



Abide{In Praise & Thanksgiving}

John 15:4; Psalm 51:15; Psalm 146:1,2; 1 Corinthians 14:15 

Last Friday we talked about Abiding in Him. That each morning we have a fresh start, a new chance to align our mind and day with Him; that we can begin our day abiding in Him.

But, as the day wears on, life can get crazy. Something can happen at work, or school or home that takes your mind completely off of Jesus and on to the task, crisis, or circumstance at hand. And then a downward spiral can begin in our minds.

So, how do we get back to abiding in Him when we lose focus?

For me, it's praise and thanksgiving. I've walked through some deep pain, life crisis' I would never wish on anybody. And I've allowed my mind to be taken off of Him and onto the chaos around me.

But, inevitably, when I literally stop what I'm doing or thinking, turn my focus to Jesus and praise Him for being Him, my problems lose their weight in my mind. No, they don't magically go away or solve themselves, but my focus shifts onto the One who can do something about them.

Psalm 51:15 says "O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise."

Psalm 146:1-2 says "Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being."

1 Corinthians 14:15 says " What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also."

So, if you find yourself overwhelmed or stressed out with your day or circumstances in your life, stop what you're doing and praise Jesus for being Jesus.

Turn on your favorite worship music and belt it out to Him. Allow yourself to realign your focus and abide in Him once again.

Abide

John 15:4; Romans 12:2; Isaiah 26:3

 

What consumes your mind? Is it the next item to check off on your to-do list? Is it the disagreement you had with your husband last night? Is it the difficultly your child is facing at school?

 

 

Who consumes your mind? Your husband? Your children? Your friends?

 

 

As children of God, we are called to abide in Him. John 15:4 says, " Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide I me."

 

 

This is a convicting verse for me. It's hard, isn't it?! The things that consume my mind aren't bad in and of themselves. However, when they take the place of Jesus, that becomes a problem. How can we abide in Him if we are so consumed by our lives?

 

 

Romans 12:2 says "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect"

 

 

We each have jobs we are called to carry out in our lives...each day. God has placed us, or allowed us, to be exactly where we are. And He wants to use us! But, when we are distracted, not abiding in Him, we will miss what He has planned for us in each individual day.

 

 

It is possible, and important, to address the thoughts that come through our minds. But, it's even more important to turn them over to Him and not be consumed by them.

 

 

Every morning we have an opportunity to start fresh; to align our minds with Him; to align our day with His plans; to abide in Him. We do that by submitting our day and mind to Him, and allow Him to transform our minds.

 

 

When we're abiding in Him each day, we will be equipped to properly handle what come our way. We will live out Isaiah 26:3 which says, "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You."

 

 

Practice abiding in Him today! If you have trouble, stop that minute and start over. Remember He is grace. 

 

 

Uncommon Grace{In Forgiveness}

Ephesians 1:7; Nehemiah 9:17; Luke 6:37-42; Hebrews 12:15

 

 

Forgiveness is hard. Especially when you are wronged and the offending party doesn't ask for forgiveness. How can forgive then? How can we forgive ever, for that matter?

 

Jesus.

 

Jesus and His abundant grace He has poured out on us allows us to extend forgiveness to others, whether they ask or not.

 

Ephesians 1:7-8 says "In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight."

 

He has lavished grace upon us, forgiving our sins, which enables us to forgive others. In fact, we are called to forgive others just as He forgives us!

 

Luke 6:37 says "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven."

 

As you read farther into Luke 6, we see that we are called to forgive others, treat others how we wish to be treated, so that we can also receive forgiveness from others. None of us are perfect, we all need grace and forgiveness.

 

If you are in a position to forgive somebody, there obviously has been pain. Sometimes deep pain. And you may not know how you can ever forgive that person, that hurt.

 

But, I'm telling you, you can! And you must! For your own well being, you must! When we are unforgiving, we open the door wide open to bitterness. Unforgiveness and bitterness only hurt you.

 

Hebrews 12:15 says "See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled."

 

This is where God's grace, and abiding in Him, allows us to do things we never thought possible. It will take time and intentionality on your part to forgive others, especially when they haven't asked for forgiveness, but through Christ you can do it.

 

I know. I've done this myself.

 

The pain won't go away when you extend forgiveness, but freedom and healing from the pain begin immediately!

 

Give your burdens, your hurt, your pain to Him. Let Him heal you and give you the grace to forgive others, just as you have been forgiven.

 

 

 

Uncommon Grace{In the Bad}

2 Corinthians 12:9; James 1:17; 2 Timothy 2:13

 

Life is hard sometimes, isn't it?! It can be ugly, messy, painful. It can be hard to see God during those times. To understand why we're walking that difficult path. Is God really there? Is there grace in the bad?

 

Yes!

 

Even in the bad, God is there and His grace is present.

 

2 Corinthians 12:9 says "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

 

When we're walking through difficult seasons, heartbreaking seasons, we are faced with a choice-turn to God or turn from God. Where we have placed our faith and trust in the good times is revealed in the bad.

 

When we chose to turn to God, sometimes turning minute by minute, we begin seeing God's grace scattered throughout even the worst circumstances. A sweet word from a friend you haven't spoken to in years; a glimmer of hope from a new doctor about treatment options; His grace in revealing sin before it could fester any longer. His grace is in everything.

 

 

Life is hard and we will have difficulties, but God never changes. He is always faithful, always waiting to pour out His grace upon our lives, upon our circumstances.

 

James 1:17 says "Every good and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." (Emphasis mine)

 

2 Timothy 2:13 says "if we are faithless, he remains faithful."

 

Truth Him today. Run to Him. Look for His grace in all circumstances.

 

 



Uncommon Grace {In the Good}

James 1:17; Psalm 84:11; Ephesians 2:7

 

It is so easy, isn't it, to not pursue God when things are "good" in our life. Work is going well; the kids are doing well; you and your husband are connecting like never before. Life is good!

 

We often get so wrapped up in the flow and goodness of our day that we don't stop and see God, His grace, in all the goodness of our life.

 

James 1:17 says "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

 

Ephesians 2:7 says "so that in the coming ages he might show immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."

 

We've already seen in Scripture that God waits to pour out His grace on us.{Isaiah 30:18} He delights in giving us good gifts!{Luke 11:13} We need to slow down and recognize where, and from whom, those good gifts, gifts of grace, are coming from. And then thank Him for them.

 

When we look for Him in the good, and thank Him for His gifts, we are training ourselves to be aware of His presence in all things, in all circumstances.

 

I especially love the second part of James 1:17 in which we see that God never changes, He is always there in the good...and the bad.

 

Take time today to see God's grace, His good gifts, in your life. And then thank Him for them! Allow these moments of gratitude and recognition of Him to strengthen your faith, so that the foundation is laid, strong and ready, to turn to Him, in all circumstances.

 

 



Uncommon Grace{to Others}

Colossians 4:6; John 15:5; 2 Corinthians 12:9

 

What does it look like to pour out grace on others? Is it possible only in big ways? Can we show grace to others every single day? In the little mundane tasks? What about in the big? In moments of pain and heartache caused by others? Can we pour out grace then, too?

 

Yes! Undoubtedly yes!

 

BUT, it's not always easy. And it's never something we can do on our own. It is only by Jesus' power within us, working through us, that we can pour out grace on others...in the little and the big.

 

John 15:5 says "I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

 

When we are resting, abiding in Him and receiving the grace He pours out on us, we can, in turn, pour grace out on others. The key is abiding in Him.

 

As a mom of two little ones, I have opportunities all day, every day, to pour out grace on them in little ways, in the mundane parts of my day. They can try my patience and push my buttons and there are many times I fail to show them grace. But, when I'm abiding in Jesus, He puts a check in my spirit and gives me grace, to give them grace.

 

And it's when we make the choice in the little things to show grace, that we are more likely to show grace in the big things. Really big things.

 

Colossians 4:6 says "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."

 

But, again, this is only done through Christ in us. We must submit ourselves to His grace and let it transform us so that we can pour that grace out on others.

 

2 Corinthians 12:9 says "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

 

Let's submit our natural inclination to not show grace to others and be transformed by the grace of God. Let's pour grace out on others!

 



Uncommon Grace{to Ourselves}

2 Timothy 2:1; Hebrews 4:16; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Matthew 11:28-30

I don't know about you, but I have a terrible time showing myself grace. There are all these voices and loud noises shouting at me, telling me I am not enough, I shouldn't do that, but rather do this. That I'm not worthy as a wife, mother or friend.

And I believe them.

So, I strive for perfection in all I do. And, I increase my expectations on myself while simultaneously increasing my work load. I become exhausted before my feet even touch the floor in the morning.

BUT, all those voices I'm hearing are lies. Lies straight from the pit of hell!

Jesus, sweet Jesus, sees me completely different. He sees me as His beautiful creation. His masterpiece! {Ephesians 2:10}

The very reason He came to earth and died on the cross for my sins! He sees me as somebody He wants to spend eternity with! And He sees YOU the exact same way! {John 3:16}

He pours out His grace on me! 

He views my weaknesses and insufficiency's as opportunities to let His strength rule in my life. Listen to these incredible life giving words He has spoken over us!

2 Timothy 2:1 "You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus."

Hebrews 4:16 "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

What incredible words of truth and life! Let them sink deep into your soul.

I wish I could sit with you over a cup of coffee and tell you that you are enough. You are beautiful. You are God's masterpiece!

Give yourself grace today! Jesus is...!