8/7/2022 0 Comments Fight the Drift
After lunch, we’d beg our parents to take us to the community pool— that was where the real fun was to be had. The water was clear and current-less. We played games, performed jumping contests, and practiced our handstands. Oh, to be young again.
Here’s one thing I know to be true: life is more like an ocean and less like a pool— especially when it comes to our faith. This isn’t new news, though. It’s exactly what the author of Hebrews cautioned nearly 2,000 years ago. If you spent this week scratching your head over this labyrinth of a letter, just know you’re not alone. Hebrews is a theologically complex letter, but when we zoom out to see the big picture, two things become clear:
As a mom and ministry leader, I can really relate to these tired and discouraged folks. The current of culture is strong. Every day, the world’s idea of “truth” becomes more muddled. I, too, have friends and family members drifting away. It’s clear there is... A drift that moves away from zeal, toward apathy. A drift that moves away from truth, toward deception. A drift that moves away from others, toward self. With all this pull, how do we stand firm? Unfortunately there’s no "pool” of faith where we can plop ourselves to play, but Hebrews gives us solid advice on how we can remain steadfast, even in the current. Hebrews 10:22-25 gives us three ways:
These disciplines are simple, but don’t be fooled— they are tried and true. Deepening our dependence on Jesus, growing in our knowledge of Him through His Word, and gathering to encourage one another are all imperative to stand firm. We’re all susceptible to drifting. We must acknowledge that reality to fight it. Today, if you find yourself far from “base,” it’s not too late to make your way back. It may take a thousand arduous steps, but every one will be worth it. Let us fix our eyes on the shoreline, where we entered in— Jesus, the Way. Let us anchor our hope in the promises of God, found in His Word. And let us look out for our brothers and sisters in Christ and point one another home.
Memory Verse: “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV
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8/5/2022 0 Comments The Coffee Stop
At some point in our conversation, she began to wave excitedly to someone behind me. “You need to meet someone!” she said and got up hurriedly. I stood and watched as my friend swooped in and hugged a middle-aged woman. “This is my friend, Katie,” she introduced me. The stranger pulled me in for a hug before I could even squeak out the words, “Nice to meet you.” When she let go, I noticed her piercing eyes that seemed to stare straight into my soul. She wasted no time with small talk and, despite the crowds all around us, I could tell I had every ounce of her full attention. I don’t exactly remember the words we spoke that day— I only remember feelings. In the following moments God used her to impart life and healing. As my friend and I returned to our table, I blinked away tears. For the first time in a long time I felt whole and hopeful. Have you ever had an encounter that was life changing in ways you can’t explain? That’s the kind of encounter I had that brisk October morning. It’s also the kind of encounter we find over and over throughout Jesus’ life… A leper. A centurion’s servant. Peter’s mother-in-law. Countless others. Over and over again, Jesus was moved with compassion for people. Though the needs were many and His days were numbered, Jesus never wavered from His mission. He saw. He stopped. He spoke. He healed. But Jesus didn’t just stop for them— He stopped for you and me. When we were dead in our sin, He left His heavenly throne to carry out the greatest rescue mission of all time. He lived and died for our healing and wholeness. Because Jesus stopped for us, we should stop for others. As a Christ-follower, I’ll admit I too often fall short in this area. Far too many times I have ignored the tug in my Spirit… To text a friend who is going through a struggle To make time for coffee with the neighbor To attend a funeral, joining in someone else’s grief As moms our lives are busy; the crowds are loud; the to-do list is demanding. But if we’re paying attention, God will point out people He wants us to stop for along the journey. It’s not enough to hear God’s voice— we must have pliable hearts to obey. It will cost us our time, talents, and treasures, yes. But our God is faithful to impart grace. The truth is, Jesus still stops for us. He stops to find us when we wander. He stops to speak life into us. He stops to sit with us in our joy, confusion, and grief. He also sends others, like my coffee shop friend, to be His eyes, ears, hands, and feet. My question to you is: will you do the same? Take a moment to think about all the times someone else stopped for you. Thank God for his mercy and their obedience. Then, pray that He will help you to stop and do the same. Make your plans, but hold them loosely, yielding to ways He wants to work through you today. Memory Verse: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34, NIV
7/31/2022 0 Comments Be a Get-To Girl
“What is the secret to a long, happy marriage?” the DJ asked. The couple had the whole room’s undivided attention; we were eager to know the answer. Sandra took the mic, “Putting the other person first,” she said, locking eyes with her husband. “If each of you do this, then you will always be taken care of.” It’s the way she said it, you could tell taking care of her husband gave her joy.
More than anything, Paul wanted to deepen his relationship with Jesus, and bring others to Jesus. This is how he saw it: he got to wake up and show people Christ or he died and got to be with Jesus. Paul did not put Jesus first because he had to; he desired to. Paul had an ‘I get to’ attitude. A ‘have to’ attitude is the product of acting with half of our hearts. (And girl, Jesus wants the whole thing.) Just as this couple shows their love by caring for each other, we can show God we love Him by how we love others around us. We get to serve His church, we get to read His word, we get to be the light of a dark world. We can do all these things for and through Him, who strengthens us when we adopt this attitude, because our eyes and hearts are set on Jesus. While we are here on this earth we can be the hands and feet of Jesus. We can do this in small ways such as paying for someone's coffee behind us in the Starbucks drive-thru or bigger ways such as sacrificing our spare time to help in a soup kitchen down the street. Paul knew life was so much better this way and he was committed to sharing this with others. We can have joy and the strength to hold on in a world full of sin, because that is what Jesus brings to the relationship. He will have and hold you at your best and even at your worst. He is our forever and always, our ride or die. He came down, the Son of God, and humbled himself, so he could save you and me. He didn’t do it because he had to, He did it because he loved you. Jesus laid down his life for us so we would get to wake up for eternity with Him. You do not have to give Jesus your heart, your mind, your soul, or your life… Girl, you get to!
Memory Verse: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” Philippians 2:14-16a NIV
7/24/2022 0 Comments Plant Lady
Jesus’ vegetation verbiage was passed down and perpetuated by the early church apostles. I love how Paul exhorts the church at Colossae. In his letter to them he says, “So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude.” (Colossians 2:6-7, CSB)
When I read the words “rooted and built up... established,” my mind immediately goes to the forest behind my house. Unlike the succulents in my office that could easily be plucked from their soil, our Georgia pines can withstand the fiercest storms. They bend, but rarely break. Their roots go deep, and they draw nourishment from the soil. While my indoor plants need routine attention, I’ve never had to go out and water the towering trees in my yard. Friend, this is what God desires of us. When I think about the implications of Paul’s admonition to be “rooted and built up,” a couple truths become clear:
Are you rooted? In the book of Isaiah, we read that we are “a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor” (Is 61:3). Our new life is buried in Christ, and the intention is that we turn from our self-confidence and fully rely on Him, because it is to His glory that we do so. The goal is not just to trust Jesus for our righteousness, but in every area of our lives. He is not just good soil— He is all-sufficient soil, completely worthy of our confidence. We can push our roots down deep into Him; He is our firm foundation. Today, identify one area or situation in your life you’ve been holding tight to control. Pray a prayer of heartfelt surrender, even if it’s “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mk 9:24). Are you built up? I have a fiddle leaf fig tree that can’t stand on its own without support. All of us, early on in our faith journey, are understandably like that. The problem is some of us stay that way. Do you constantly need stakes and string such as constant affirmation or “mountaintop” experiences to keep you from going down, or are you strong from being nourished by the Word of Truth? 1 Peter 2:2 tells us, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” Make a plan to study your Bible regularly. The more you taste its goodness, the more your desire for it will grow. Green thumb or not, we are all plant ladies because we have been sown, by faith, into Jesus. Now, just as we have received Jesus, let’s continue in Him— being rooted down and built up by putting our full trust in Him and growing in His Word.
Memory Verse: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 NIV
7/17/2022 0 Comments Perspective Changes Everything
Since that day, I have heard so many stories. Perhaps, I had heard them before but not really heard them?
So many stories. I realized these women had a perspective not unlike Paul. Paul, a hero to many, endured much during his lifetime but always seemed to respond in joy. It was almost as if he sailed above it all. In Acts 23, the secret to his joy becomes apparent. He was living according to God’s story. Imprisoned for years and brought in front of many leaders, he shared his testimony over and over again and often to big crowds of influential people. A glimpse into how Paul saw his life can be found in Acts 23:11, ‘The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, 'Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.'" The truth was revealed! God was using Paul’s imprisonment to give him opportunities to testify and bring the Gospel where it would not have gone. Paul’s small story was difficult, inconvenient, hard and full of physical and emotional pain, but through the lens of the larger story he could see the eternal impact. What if we began to see the hard circumstances in our lives as a place of opportunity? Maybe even the mundane moments we often find ourselves in actually have us strategically placed to display God’s love and hope to those around us. No matter what season of life we find ourselves, every day is an invitation to partner with God and what He is doing in the lives of those around us. We do not do this alone, because He has promised to be with us no matter what season we are in! May God give us the perspective to see our lives through His eyes.
Memory Verse: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV
7/10/2022 0 Comments No More Playing Princess
If I’m honest, I haven’t completely quit playing dress-up...
I put on a sheer covering of joy, in an attempt to hide the depression underneath. I smear superficial admiration on my lips to hide my secret jealousy. I don too-tight shoes I was never meant to fill to boast my capacity. I try so hard to be the princess I feel like God wants me to be. I don’t think I’m the only one who struggles in this area. Do you, too, feel like an imposter sometimes? In Romans, this week, Paul takes us deep into some important spiritual truths. While it can be easy to get tied up in one small portion, it’s imperative that we zoom out to see the bigger picture here. At the start of Romans, Paul lays out a strong case against all mankind: we are all guilty of sin, no matter how “good” we seem in our own eyes. Fortunately for us, he follows it up with some really good news: we are “justified freely by His grace... apart from the work of the law.” (3:24, 28) Paul ushers us into the reality of the life lived in faith— peace with God, unlimited access, unshakable hope, and righteousness, to name a few. “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin” (Romans 6:6). For we know... But Paul, do we know? I mean, I say I know that... but do I live like I know it is true? Our old self was crucified... Dead. Buried. Gone. That’s the reality of what happened to our old self the moment we called on Jesus as our Lord. God’s Word says sinful me with the addiction, the hatred, the envy, the impurity, and the idolatry is simply no more. “How can anyone who died to sin still live in it?” Paul asks. The obvious answer is we can’t. So then how come we still struggle with our flesh? Because we forget we’re no longer slaves to it. We are not just sinners playing dress-up to look righteous. The Bible makes it clear: we have a completely brand new identity— Daughter of the King. Ladies, it’s about time we stop pretending to be God’s princesses, and live out of the reality that we truly are. It’s time to grow up and put away our pretentious garb of dead religion, and clothe ourselves with Christ alone. I can embrace suffering because I know it is transforming me into His likeness. I can speak genuine words of kindness to others because I have received His love, first. I can embrace the unique roles God has invited me to fill. I can rest in the truth that Jesus was perfect for me. Life lived in the Spirit leads to life and peace, not condemnation and striving. We don’t have to fix ourselves up to look the part— as Paul puts it in his letter to the Corinthians, “...the old has gone, the new is [already] here” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This week, every time that old flesh comes knocking, seeking its own way, remind it where it belongs— in the grave. Then allow the gentle whisper of God’s spirit to lead you in His ways.
Memory Verse: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
7/3/2022 0 Comments Visits with a Purpose
Another friend, Martha, set two mugs of coffee on the kitchen table when I stopped by her house for a visit. It was raining pretty hard and the warm welcome was just what I needed. She gently inquired about the family, made small talk about the weather but quickly turned the conversation to me. She wanted to know how I handled a recent disagreement with a friend at church. She wanted to make sure I had acted with integrity during the conversation. She cared deeply about the person I was becoming and how I was growing as a Christian woman.
Mary and Martha (the irony is not lost on me) were two older, wiser friends God gave me as I was learning to be a wife, mother, and disciple. Similar, yet different, each one shared wisdom with me in a way I could receive it—often with a mug of something warm and comforting in my hands at the kitchen table. Maybe you have an older, wiser friend who pulls up a chair at the table with you, too. In Romans 1:10-12, Paul tells the Romans that he prays for the opportunity to go see them. He has a specific purpose in mind for his visit. Verse 11 says, "I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong." Paul isn’t just talking about a gab session or a social call. He knows his time with the Gentiles in Rome needs to have some substance—too much is at stake. The faith of the Roman church was being talked about all over the world! Paul needed a personal visit with his friends to teach them and invest in their spiritual growth. Being the wise apostle that he was, Paul also knew the relationship had to be a two-way street. In verse 12 he continued, “When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.” If you have had the input of a Mary, a Martha, or a Paul in your life, count yourself blessed. A seasoned saint who shares truth and seeks to sharpen your faith is a gift not to be taken for granted! If you have not had this privilege in your life, no matter your age, seek out someone who can be that person in your life. It can be as simple as asking someone whom you admire to meet for coffee. Tell them you value their wisdom and want to grow in your own faith. Or perhaps you are a woman of faith who can share wisdom, time and cups of coffee with a younger woman. Ask God if it is time to seek out one who can be taken under your wing. Then pay attention when He starts showing you women who need the valuable input of a Mary or Martha. Mentorship does not have to be a formal discipleship program put together by your church. It can look a whole lot like two women sharing life at the kitchen table.
Memory verse: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 NIV
6/26/2022 0 Comments Conduits of Comfort
I held her baby for her so she could finish packing up. I carried her baby all the way to their seats and we ended up sitting behind her. Throughout the whole flight, myself and another passenger helped keep her toddler distracted and happy.
If I would have waited any longer, I would have missed my opportunity to help. Instead, I trusted God and gathered up the courage to step in and extend God’s comfort. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul describes God as the God of all comfort. Paul is not describing comfort as a warm cup of coffee, but he describes it as being called to one’s side to help. No matter what we face, His Holy Spirit is with us in every situation. While God is our ultimate source of comfort and strength, often He uses others— like you and me— to extend them. We were made to be conduits of God’s comfort. With God as our comfort, we can also provide comfort to others. Look around your community and ask the Lord to show you where you can extend help...
Remember a time when God provided comfort and strength in your time of need. Next time you think about being that comfort for someone do not let fear get in the way; let God lead you to their side.
Memory Verse: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV
6/19/2022 0 Comments Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
I imagine the Apostle Paul shared the same sentiment, as he wrote to the Corinthian church. Still (spiritually) young and immature, the believers struggled with comparison. To paint a mental picture for them, Paul likens the church to a body where Christ is the head and each believer a part: head, shoulders, knees, and toes. Eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. Kidney, heart, gallbladder... you get the point. All different. All significant.
Truth be told, I’m not all that different from my kids at times. Some days one scroll through Instagram can send me spiraling down the rabbit hole of comparison. The problem with comparing personalities, gifts, and passions to someone else’s is that it can only end one of two ways— leaving us feeling prideful, or filling us with shame. Neither are God’s best. The marker of a mature believer is seeing diversity as an advantage, not a threat. Can you celebrate someone else’s gifts and strengths, while also standing on the truth that yours are also equally valuable? If you struggle with this, you’re not alone. Chapter 12 provides some insight on how we can embrace this all-in mindset: ● The body needs you. (1 Cor. 12:15) Your gift matters. None is more important than another. 1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others...” (emphasis added). My grandmother is 83, and always says she doesn’t feel like she has much to offer. But that grandmother raised four adults, who raised nine grandchildren, several of whom started businesses and/or went into ministry. She also prayed me through one of the hardest seasons of my life. Whatever your role is, the body needs you to play it. Don’t fall for the lie that your bread-baking, word-typing, or on-your-knees-praying isn’t needed. ● You need the body. (1 Cor. 12:21) I hear you, friend: relationships are tough. Trying to do life together in unity with a bunch of other broken people can result in a lot of hurt and frustration. But we weren’t made to do life amputated and alone— we must be plugged into the body. If community is what hurt you, community is where you will find your healing. ● The goal is unity, not uniformity, for God’s glory and the common good. (1 Cor. 12:7) Think, for a minute, about how countercultural this is— embracing our uniqueness, instead of trying to be like everyone else or make everyone else like us. Using our strengths to serve others, not ourselves. Setting aside personal differences to come together for the advancement of the Gospel. That is good and God-glorifying. And that’s exactly the point. In Psalm 133:1, King David wrote, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” The opposite of this is also true— “How evil and unpalatable it is when God’s people divide in disunity.” And all the parents said, “Amen.” When we each embrace our God-given roles and submit ourselves under the lead of the Holy Spirit, the body becomes a living, breathing, helping, glorifying picture of Jesus.
Memory Verse: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” Psalm 133:1 NIV
6/12/2022 0 Comments Keep On Keeping On
The past few months living through COVID-19 and all the restrictions that it brings has really solidified to me the importance of being an encouragement to one another. But, what does that look like? My youngest daughter’s obsession with horses illustrates how we can encourage one another. Horse riders use spurs to direct a horse to move forward or laterally while riding. It is usually used to refine verbal and physical commands.
We have the Bible to guide us and show us the way, but we need that person who is willing to be the spur in our side to keep us moving forward. The Bible puts it this way, “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) No one knows when Christ is going to return. This just reinforces why it is so important to encourage one another! We need to be prepared and it’s hard to do that on our own. When we encourage one another in love, we have the strength to persevere. We can do life together and live in unity and community. Not only is this a testament to Christ’s love to those around us, but it also holds us accountable in our actions so we can all be ready for when Christ returns! The apostles renamed one of Christ’s followers from Joseph to Barnabas. Barnabas literally means “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36). Barnabas traveled with Paul on many occasions. Even the great apostle Paul needed an encourager. I can only imagine why Paul needed his personal cheerleader with him. As I continue to press on in what God has called me to, I encourage you to do the same. If you don’t currently have a Barnabas, or an amazing Aunt, in your life, go out and find one! Or, even better, be a Barnabas encourager to those around you! We all need someone to remind us to keep on keeping on and spur us in the right direction.
Memory Verse: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV
If we look in at the early church, we see believers looking for affirmation too. The Gentiles were new to the faith, and they needed others to point them in the right direction. This was a natural part of being a new believer, but over time these Gentiles began listening to the voice of man over the voice of God. Paul, directed by God, told them they didn’t have to convert to the practices of Judaism, but eventually they were misguided by other religious leaders into thinking they needed to follow Jewish rules such as abstaining from certain foods, circumcision, and the list went on.
When Paul received word of this misdirection, he was disheartened. These Gentiles had abandoned the freedom of the gospel message he preached and became enslaved to a long list of dos and don’ts. They were not living according to the Spirit who gives life, but according to the rules of man. Paul sums up his heart when he says: “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10 NIV). When we accept the approval only God can provide, we can live in freedom because we realize that we don’t need others to validate us. The affirmation we receive from others is temporary, but the security we receive from God is ours to keep. It does not change when we mess up. His grace is not based on anything we do, but on his unchanging love for us. In my journey as a new mom, God showed me that he chose me as my son’s parent. The reassurance I craved was found in the quiet moments I sought God in the middle of the night. He saw each and every step I took in love, and each time I questioned myself. If you’re struggling in your journey as a mom or a follower of Jesus today and need affirmation that you’re headed in the right direction, ask yourself these questions:
Friends, invite God into the everyday hard work of mothering today. Allow him to affirm you as his child. He is right there, waiting for us to seek him. Let’s accept the free gift of his wisdom and walk in the freedom he gives us.
Memory Verse: “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 NIV
5/29/2022 0 Comments Joyous Trials
We were told many times that having a baby in the NICU was a test of patience. During those weeks, there were many days that I just could not see through to the other side of this trial.
When we read James 1, notice he doesn’t say, “IF you face trials,” but “WHENEVER you face trials.” Trials in this life aren’t meant to break us, but to strengthen our perseverance. The point is not to pretend to be happy when we face pain, but to have a positive outlook because of what trials can produce in our lives. When we find ourselves entering times of trouble or sudden change, we can take comfort in knowing that God has it under control and there is a purpose for our pain. We must choose to learn and grow in our present circumstances, whatever they may be. Face each day with the assurance that God will be with us and see us through. In the middle of the scariest time of our lives, God was right there. He was not worried or wondering or asking “why?”. He knew exactly what was going on and where we would go from there. He used each trial we went through to prepare us and produce the strength we needed for the next trial. The five weeks I spent in the hospital, away from Brianna and trying to keep Brayden in the womb, helped prepare me for the weeks that he was in the NICU and I had to split my time between home and the hospital. Yes, we had a very challenging season, but we also got to witness some amazing miracles firsthand. With God by our sides, my husband and I were able to navigate this season on His strength. Not only did he strengthen Brayden, but he strengthened us. In September of 2020, after what seemed like an eternity of ups and downs, we got to bring our sweet, healthy baby boy home to meet his sister. That, my friend, is nothing less than a miraculous testament to the faithfulness of the loving God we serve. Friend, if you are in the middle of a trial or a time of waiting right now, rest in the comfort of knowing that God loves us too much to answer our prayers at any other time than His time and in any other way than His way. He is with you, whether you see it right now or not. Ask Him to help you trust in His plan for your life and place your fears in His hands, knowing that He is strengthening you while you walk through this trial with Him.
Memory Verse: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3 NIV
5/22/2022 0 Comments Healing Brokenness
That silence resulted in a forever-malformed toe. But to be honest, its brokenness has made no huge impact on my life, other than an occasional uncomfortable shoe-fitting.
What about the broken things in my life that aren’t quite so easy to ignore? What about the broken relationships, broken promises, and broken hearts? I’m encouraged by several stories of brokenness in the book of Acts. Throughout the book, we see the Church born and launched to impact the world. We hold our breath as thousands receive the Holy Spirit for the first time, and cheer when Saul realizes his new identity in Christ as Paul the apostle. We cringe as Stephen is stoned for his faith, while secretly wishing our faith was as strong as his, without the high cost. We cheer when Peter and John visit the beggar at the Beautiful Gate and take time to really see him - as more than an inconvenience. Over the span of a few verses, a man who had been lame from birth has his brokenness healed. A few chapters later, Peter is traveling the country when he finds a man, Aeneas, who has been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. I’m willing to bet that neither the lame beggar nor Aeneas believed they would ever feel the weight of their bodies supported by their own two feet. But God. But God had another plan for both of their lives. A plan that included full healing of brokenness that seemed impossible to fix. Do you find yourself accepting your brokenness? Some brokenness is physical, other times it is emotional. All of us experience spiritual brokenness, and God sent His son Jesus to heal that brokenness. It’s possible that God has chosen to have you wait for full healing until heaven. But, friend, take heart! It’s never too late for God to choose to heal something in your life that you never thought would heal. Broken things become whole in the hands of our God. What are the broken things in your life that need the touch of the Savior? They may be small and seemingly insignificant, like my middle toe. Remember that nothing is too small, or too big, for God. Neither of the men in Acts were actively pursuing healing, but God chose to heal them anyway. How much more does He want to heal those who come to Him and ask? Don’t wait. Ask God to redeem the brokenness in your life. He is willing and able to restore you to wholeness in Himself.
Memory Verse: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 NIV
5/15/2022 0 Comments Who Are You Looking For?
How could the ones who spent three years living with Jesus not realize He was standing right in front of them? In John 20, when Mary arrived at the tomb, she couldn’t recognize the true Jesus because she had her mind set on a lifeless version. Our expectations of what we think God will look like, what He will do, as well as when and how he will work and move can cloud our vision so that even when we are in His presence, we are “ever seeing but never perceiving…” (Mark 4:12) who He really is.
Mary wasn’t alone in missing the real Jesus because she was busy looking for an expected one. Herod was looking for a Jesus that would impress him (Luke 23:8). Pilate looked for a Jesus that would explain himself (John 18:35). The crowd looked for a Jesus that would wield political power (Matt 27:18). The Pharisees and Sadducees looked for a Jesus that would do what they told him (Matt 12:38). Nicodemus looked for a Jesus that would fit into his religious tradition (John 3:4). The disciples on the road to Emmaus looked for a Jesus they could understand (Luke 24:21) And, like Mary, I’ve often looked for a Jesus that looked the same as He did last time I saw Him (John 20:15). If I’m honest, I can think of a few different ways I, too, have asked the Living God for a dead one. The only person in these chapters that recognized Jesus for who He truly is, was the centurion who declared “Surely he was the Son of God” (Matt 27:54). Unlike everyone else, he had no expectation and wasn’t looking for Jesus at all. Rather than looking for Jesus as He imagined Him to be, this man looked directly at him, and saw Him as He was. Unlike everyone chasing a counterfeit Jesus, this man saw the real thing and wasn’t disappointed. The nature of our God is the same yesterday, today and forever, but that doesn’t mean He’s predictable. We can depend on His unchanging faithfulness, but we’ll miss Him entirely if we expect Him to always show up the way we assume He will. If you’re struggling to see God’s hand in your life, ask Him to reveal to you any expectations that may subtly be sketching a counterfeit savior that conceals the real One. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can surrender these expectations and simply gaze at Jesus as He is with no imposed filter. When we no longer look for God to fit conveniently into a predictable image like Waldo, we’ll find He’s more alive and infinitely closer than we ever thought possible. Let’s surrender our expectations, and be ready for God to reveal who He truly is.
Memory Verse: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
5/8/2022 0 Comments The Helper
It was at that moment, the Father sent an angel to strengthen Jesus (Luke 22:43). What a good Father! What a beautiful picture of the Father’s heart providing for His child. He knew Jesus needed help in that place of anguish, so He released a helper. As we catch a glimpse into this tender moment between Father and Son, can you sense that God wants to be there for us as much as He was for Jesus?
I think one amazing quality Jesus possessed was His ability to receive from His Father, and because Jesus knew how to receive, He also learned how to give to His followers. In John 14, Jesus shares about the coming gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus saw the sorrow and confusion in the disciples' eyes as He forewarned of His death and departure. He knew there were future generations to consider and was aware of all the enemy would dish out to them, because Jesus also experienced it. He knew we would need a Helper! God never asks us to do anything without Him. How comforting that He sees, He knows and He provides. How wonderful to know we have full access to a loving Father. We can ask daily for a fresh filling and He loves to give it. His Spirit empowers, comforts, teaches, and reminds us what Jesus said and did for us. Remembering truth is vital as we continue on life’s journey. We need His truth in our marriages, our parenting, our workplaces, our homes - our everything. And just as we don’t withhold good gifts from our kids, He doesn’t withhold from us either (Luke 11:13). Where do you find yourself needing some help? Maybe you are having a hard time in your marriage feeling like you can’t get on the same page. Maybe you are having a hard time being patient with your two year old. Maybe you are living in a place of isolation because you’ve been hurt, but you are longing to establish some deep friendships. All of these things can make us feel defeated before we even start to address them. Let’s get into the right posture as we move forward...on our knees and hands open expecting the Holy Spirit to come alongside us. Expecting He will help us, teach us, guide us and equip us. And knowing He’s enough for everything we will ever face. The Helper. The Comforter. He is more than enough for all of us.
Memory Verse: “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 NIV
5/1/2022 0 Comments Childlike Faith
But Jesus had different thoughts. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all tell us Jesus rebuked the disciples and said to them, “’Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them" (Mark 10:14-15).
I just love that Jesus made time for the children. This shows us his great love. I think this is a call for us to bring our children to Jesus. We need to make sure that we are introducing our children to Jesus even at a young age. It’s not up to the church to teach them about Jesus. We need to be leading them in our homes day in and day out. This also shows us that the gospel is not meant to be complicated like we sometimes try to make it. It is simple enough for a child to understand and believe. In fact, Jesus said it takes childlike faith to come to Him. I remember talking to my mom about my son accepting Jesus as his Savior later that day and wondering if he really knew what he was doing at just five years old. She reminded me that we are the ones that make it so difficult. The more we know, the more difficult we try to make it. However, it is simple, childlike faith that brings us close to Him. Maybe you, like me, have gotten caught up in all the do’s and don'ts, all the rules and requirements. Maybe we need to go back to the basics and come to Christ again like a child. May we trust Him.
Memory Verse: “Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18:17 NIV
4/24/2022 0 Comments The Blessing of a Warning
The warning didn’t stop there. She told us that a teddy bear cactus could actually leap toward us if we moved too close to it. My mind was spinning trying to envision this man-eating cactus that might attempt to chase me up the path. Apparently, this type of cactus has stems that disconnect quite easily. The spines have barbs that burrow into the muscle fiber and make it painfully difficult to remove. Needless to say, we spent our hike looking more closely for a loose teddy bear cactus stem than we did watching for rattlesnakes.
I’m grateful for the warning about the cactus and even more grateful for the warnings we find in scripture: “Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: ‘Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs’” (Luke 12:1-3). The danger of hypocrisy is how it can lead people astray. It can fool and blind those who are unable to discern. The teddy bear cactus appears to be soft and cuddly, but in reality, it is harmful to us. The Pharisees Jesus warned about were guilty of hypocrisy, and in His kindness, Jesus warned His followers. Warnings found throughout scripture are there to guide and protect us. They are filled with God’s love, mercy, kindness, compassion, and blessing. Sometimes we hear warnings and choose to ignore them. Sometimes we disbelieve there’s true danger. But when we believe we are hearing a warning from God, we can focus on His nature and character. He loves and cares for us. He desires us to follow truth and not find ourselves at the hands of deception or a prickly, barbed cactus. In order to strengthen our discernment muscles we can do two things: pray and read the Bible regularly. God delights in answering our requests to become greater discerners in a culture filled with competing ideas to Biblical truth. The more time we spend soaking in God’s Word, the more equipped we are to spot hypocrisy when it presents itself to us. We must be on our guard as Jesus warned us. As I reflected back to our hike among the prickly teddy bear cacti, I found myself overwhelmed with gratitude for God’s faithful warning and protection. He kept me safe from a plant that appeared soft and cuddly but in reality would pierce my skin and cause severe pain. His heart is to keep us on the safe path. His “word is a lamp for our feet, a light on our path” (Psalm 119:105). On His safe path, we can trust that little by little we will see growth.
Memory Verse: “Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.” 2 Peter 3:17 NIV
4/17/2022 0 Comments Oodles of Noodles
After hours of feasting and good-natured family friendly competition the evening came to a close and we found ourselves exhausted and happily cleaning up leftovers. How could leftovers be possible when I had not purchased enough food for our hungry crowd?
Have you ever found yourself in a position where you had little to give but God turned it into exactly what was needed? Luke 9:10-17 reminds us of a time when Jesus did just that. Jesus and his apostles had spent some time in the villages of Galilee preaching the Good News and healing the sick. They were tired and were in need of rest so they slipped away toward the town of Bethsaida seeking solace. As the apostles were telling Jesus of their adventures in ministry they noticed a crowd following him. Despite his need for rest and rejuvenation, Jesus welcomed the crowd and continued teaching and healing. As the afternoon faded into evening the apostles begged for Jesus to send the crowd away so the masses could get food and lodging before nightfall. At this point Jesus stunned the disciples with three simple words, “You feed them” (Lk 9:13 NLT). Collectively they came up with a decent excuse to offer the Lord—we don’t have enough food! Luke 9:13 explains that there were only five loaves and two fish. Clearly this measly amount would not be enough to feed the crowd of over 5,000 who were gathered. As Jesus organized the people into small groups and gave thanks for the small picnic, he made sure that every person there was not only fed, but fully satisfied. After the meal, the disciples filled twelve baskets of leftovers! God takes the little we have to offer Him and increases it to fulfill his purposes. Are you feeling tired, weary or drained but the day hasn't even started yet? Or maybe the weekend is too far away to think about? Offer what you have to the Lord. He can take the meager bits that you hold in your hands and turn it into something more useful and productive than you could have imagined. Is there an area in your life when you feel like there is never enough money, time, focus, energy, effort, appreciation or compassion? Ask God to take your sparse supply and supernaturally upsize it! When we offer God the little that we have and trust him with it, he does the miraculous! And don’t be surprised if you have baskets of leftovers; He specializes in abundance!
Memory verse: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV
Would my weary head ever hit the pillow?
My heart was so overwhelmed and my thoughts couldn’t keep quiet any longer. I surprised myself when I heard my tired confession. “I have nothing left to give you, Jesus!” I blurted out. That deep frustration bubbled up to the surface and forced its way out of my mouth. In my moment of overwhelming defeat, I felt incredibly vulnerable. I didn’t realize how hard I had been trying to manage my day. I didn’t realize how helpless I felt on the inside. I didn’t realize how tired I was. It wasn’t the end of my day yet, but it felt like the end of something. Like the woman at the well in the city of Sychar, which translates to “end,” I had come to the end of myself. The Samaritan woman went to the well at the hottest part of the day to avoid seeing other people. And yet Jesus went out of His way to meet her. Jews did not associate with Samaritans. But still the Messiah spoke straight to her heart. In a moment when she least expected grace and mercy, she received both in abundance. In my own “woman at the well” moment, God spoke to my heart. He reminded me that I don’t have to muster up strength to meet with him. I simply offer my heart and he meets me in my mess. He knows my weaknesses and shortcomings. And just like Jesus visited the woman at the well at noontime, He visited me at lunchtime when I didn’t know how I was going to get through my day or put food on plates. When I had nothing left, Jesus reminded me that his strength is sufficient in my weakness. His love and forgiveness for the woman at the well shows me that his love and forgiveness for me not only redeems me, but gives me the strength to keep going. Jesus’ invitation to drink from the living water extends to every tired mother in the noontime hour or any other hour of need. Have you ever felt stuck in a cycle of sin or shame? Maybe your burden was so heavy that you went out of your way to avoid others? When we receive the living water, the Holy Spirit, we can be filled to overflow for our people. But it all starts with Jesus. Nothing inside of me is strong enough to make it to 5’oclock. It is only from His living water, the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39), that I can drink and not become thirsty. Jesus knows us at our most vulnerable; He sees the secret parts and loves us more than we can fathom, just like the Samaritan woman. Not only does He see us, but He offers His Holy Spirit to fill us up. Do you need encouragement? Are you weary? Remind yourself of this powerful truth today. Jesus meets us right where we are! Yes, He meets us in our sin, shame, and self-defeat. He meets us at the end of ourselves, whether in the noontime or midnight hour, and offers the living water to sustain us. The next time you feel like throwing your hands up in defeat, lift them just a little higher, look up to where your help comes from, and ask Jesus to give you a drink of living water.
Memory Verse: “Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’” John 4:13-14 NIV
4/3/2022 0 Comments Identity War
I ran to get the ruby necklace and put it on. The little necklace helped me get my bearings and remember not only who I am but who I am created to be. It gave me the courage to go to God and ask for forgiveness. Simply remembering changed the course of the entire day. Knowing who we are changes how we live.
Even Jesus’ ministry started with God declaring Jesus’ identity. In Matthew 3:16, immediately before beginning His ministry, Jesus approached John to be baptized. When Jesus came up out of the water, God the Father declared, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Immediately after God’s declaration, Matthew 4 tells us Jesus was led into the desert to be tempted. After forty days of fasting, the devil came to him and questioned Jesus’ identity saying, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread” (Matthew 4:3). That statement was an attempt to get Jesus to question His identity and then feel the need to prove who He was. Jesus was so firmly established in who He was, He felt no need to prove Himself. Instead Jesus replied in verse 4, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Bringing Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple, Satan once again tempted him to prove Himself in verse 6 saying, “If you are the Son of God... throw yourself down.” Jesus answered, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test” (Mt 4:7). He again did not succumb to the temptation to prove Himself because His identity was firmly established. The Father’s truth was stronger than the fleshly need. That little necklace reminded me of who I am and helped me resist the temptation to act like who I am not. Whenever I get a bit testy, I have found I am often trying to protect a piece of my threatened identity, but when I remember who I am to God, that need dissipates. You may not have a little necklace to remind you of what is true, but remembering who we are has the power to change us. We will act like who we believe we are. Because of Jesus’ death on the cross, through Him we are:
We do not need to prove who we are because God has already declared it. As His children, we get to live in the identity HE has given us.
Memory Verse: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” I Peter 2:9 NIV
3/27/2022 0 Comments Dwell in Jesus
My husband had been so gentle and patient with me, even after I had come down on him like a ton of bricks. I knew I had to apologize. As I drove into the parking lot, I saw him standing there, propped up against his car. He had already dropped off my girls in their Sunday school classrooms but he had come back for me. I was pleasantly surprised to see him. Stepping out of the car, I apologized and I asked him, “Why did you wait on me?” Taking my hand, he looked me in the eyes and said, “I thought maybe you needed me.”
As the people came to understand what Ezra was preaching, they also understood they had sinned. They were ashamed, but their remorse was a promising sign. Ezra then tells them to get up, and celebrate. Yes, you read that correctly. These are Jesus’ words: “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” (Luke 15:7) Heaven celebrates when you repent! Jesus is telling us that repentance is an act of humbling ourselves, and admitting a desperate need for a savior. If God never shed light on our sin, how would we be able to fix it? If you don’t know what there is to be sorry for, you can’t deliver a proper apology. When we are able to acknowledge our sin, and bring it to God, the Holy Spirit works on our hearts, bringing us into a deeper relationship with Him. This is what Ezra wanted the people to understand. Not only was the wall accomplished, but when they acknowledged their sins, it showed God had been up to something bigger. He had worked on their hearts. Why did he say not to mourn? Didn’t they need to feel sorry for what they had done? Yes, and they did! But there is a difference between repenting and dwelling. When we dwell on our sin, we can become discouraged. Repentance is not just about our sins, it is more so about our need for Jesus Christ, who indeed paid for all sin. To dwell means to “live in.” We were not meant to live in our past mistake. We are told by Jesus Himself to live in Him: “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me” (John 15:4). Repentance is a sure sign that the Holy Spirit has not left you, sister; it means that the Spirit is working in you! Come to Jesus, the one who has the power to take away all sin. He is waiting for you and He is glad to see you. You are never too far gone for His love. Dwell in Jesus and celebrate with Him!
Memory Verse: “For the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him.” 2 Chronicles 30:9b NIV
3/20/2022 0 Comments Obedience in Opposition
Every time we moved on the Lord’s unction, walking in obedience, it was as if the devil was moving with equal force. But still, knowing that this was the Lord’s Will, we kept exploring our options - we kept trying. In the end, we circled back to trying Facebook messenger’s video chat one more time. And, finally, Glory to God, success was realized! In Nehemiah 2 - 6, Nehemiah was given favor with King Artaxeres by God to, once more, bring redemption and restoration to the Jews. He was sent to Jerusalem to rebuild the ruins of the city and rebuild the wall surrounding it. While Nehemiah and his fellow builders were busy doing what had been ordained, they were met with aggression, intimidation, and even schemes to undermine and harm Nehemiah - opposition upon opposition. But, what the Lord wills, no man can disparage. Nehemiah, instead of being discouraged or giving in to doubt or fear, responded with holy defiance and blessed assurance, “Our God will fight for us!” (Neh. 4:20b). When faced with physical aggression, Nehemiah girded his men with weaponry, stationing half at various points in the wall and the other half continued with the work at hand. Therefore, can we not say that when we are pressed from all sides, we can call forth the holy covering of the Lord, donning ourselves in the Armor of God and standing firm against our adversaries, knowing that we are well equipped and victorious. When met with intimidation, Nehemiah rose up with holy indignation, rebuking the falsity. So then, when the enemy tries his best to disrupt our confidence in the Lord and His Will, we must rise up, heartened in the knowledge that His Will is the only will, casting out the emotional oppression with faith ablaze. When his very life was being threatened, Nehemiah responded with wisdom, outwitting his oppressors. Can we not also respond in the same manner? When the very fate of our spirits are threatened and goaded, we have every authority to pull upon the wisdom given us by the One from Whom it flows, allowing us the comprehension necessary for our next steps into blessed favor and sanctified security. When Nehemiah faced trials and oppression, he didn’t stop, he didn’t question, he didn’t bow down to fear - he persisted, and in 52 days, the wall was complete. Even more, all the oppressors who once stood against him, now cowered at the realization of what Nehemiah knew all along: the Will of the Lord had been realized. Sisters, brothers, friends, be emboldened! When we are walking in obedience down the path of the Lord’s will and find ourselves toe to toe with antagonism, we must gird ourselves with that holy defiance and blessed assurance, responding with wisdom and righteous rebuke. Take up arms, not the physical weaponry of Nehemiah’s time, but the Holy armor of God; stand with confidence, because even as the fight against us approaches, they could never stand a chance against the One who sent us. Because, my friends, if God is for us, who dares to be against us? Memory Verse: “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31 NIV
3/13/2022 0 Comments God’s Grand Design
The book of Esther is an example of God’s divine guidance and care over our lives. God’s sovereignty and power are seen throughout this book. Although we may question certain circumstances in our lives, we must have faith that God is in control, working through both the pleasant and difficult times so that we can serve him effectively. Esther’s circumstances may seem coincidental; however, they were part of God’s grand design. It may have seemed coincidental that Esther was placed on the throne, or that Mordecai uncovered a conspiracy, or the king was not be able to sleep and decided to review the history of his reign, and just so happened to stumble upon the truth of Mordecai’s good deed. However, the truth is that God was at work. Around the time we moved to Kansas we were also struggling with infertility. Once we got settled in Kansas, I started a new job that through a series of events led me to a fertility specialist who helped us get pregnant with our first child. It would be easy to say that those events were merely circumstantial, but I know that God had it all planned from way before we even knew we were moving to Kansas. God also prepared a place for us there. He provided us with a wonderful home, a beautiful church community that quickly became our second family and so many amazing friendships that I still cherish to this day. I could talk all day long about the blessings that move brought me. God is always at work. God has been working quietly and patiently throughout your life as well. The events that have come together for good are not mere coincidence; they are the result of God’s sovereign control over the course of your life. If you are changing jobs, position, or location and can’t see God’s purpose in your situation, rest in the truth that God is in control. Where you are is not a coincidence. I believe God has placed us all, intentionally, where we are for “such a time as this.” God may be placing you in a position so you can help when the need arises. Look for God’s hand at work in your life, and trust that God will be faithful to complete His good work in and through you. Memory Verse: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV
3/6/2022 0 Comments Super Power
Even with Daniel’s displacement as a youth and the loss of everything he had ever known, he excelled. God had his hand on Daniel, but that is not the only place we see it. In fact, the supernatural works of God are on full display throughout our reading this week: writing on the wall, shutting the mouths of lions, a heavenly battle! Maybe Daniel really did have a super power. He wasn’t bitten by a radioactive spider or from another planet, nor did he have access to amazing technological breakthroughs. He prayed. Not just in emergencies, but as a daily routine. Daniel was so committed to prayer that when jealousy overcame the chief satraps, they knew his steadfastness in communing with God through prayer was how to trap him. When Daniel received a troubling vision and needed comfort, he prayed and fasted. Answering, God sent a warrior angel to his aide and we got a glimpse of heavenly warfare that could have come straight out of the comics. As the angel began to speak, he said something that blew my mind. He was on his way to answer Daniel’s prayer from the moment it was prayed. FROM THE MOMENT. It turns out that Daniel did not have power of his own; he was merely in relationship with the one who was Power. It is this relationship that he carried with him which gave him the strength and ability to interpret the writing for King Belshazzar and that gave him the courage to defy the decree of Darius and address him with wisdom and respect after surviving a night with the lions. Relationship with our Heavenly Father blessed him with the ability to not just receive visions, but interpret. And when the vision for God’s people, whom Daniel loved, became too troubling for him to bear, it was relational prayer that brought the warrior angel to help him. Saying there is power in prayer seems a bit cliché, but it doesn’t make it less true. However, I would add that there is power in relationships too. In my own life, there have been many times when I wished a superhero would swoop in and save the day. Funny though, that never happened. Instead, I would pray and cry out to my Heavenly Father and be strengthened. And help would come. An encouraging text, a check in the mail, a miraculous change of heart, life blossoming when the circumstances spelled death. Friends, it was not by my might nor my strength; it was never due to my striving or attempt to persuade circumstances. It was the Spirit of God, acting relationally through His people. As Christians, God’s Spirit is available to all of us. His power is not just for salvation, and when we are rooted in Him, His power becomes palpable in our lives. Daniel prayed out of relationship, not just ritual. As a result, Daniel’s spirit and God’s Spirit were in tune and he lived life in supernatural power. So, “dare to be a Daniel.” Commit to being in relationship with God and others, praying consistently, rooting your spirit in His. Memory Verse: “So he said to me, ‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty.’” Zechariah 4:6 NIV
2/27/2022 0 Comments Bloom Where You are Planted
Hearing about as much of my complaining as she could stand, she looked at me directly and said, “When are you going to stop playing tourist and start living here?” Her words, while truthful and direct, stung a bit as I let them seep into my heart. Have you ever moved to a new place and had a hard time adjusting? Perhaps it was a short-term move like summer camp or college? Maybe you relocated for a deployment, a job or even retirement. In Jeremiah 29:4-23 we read a letter from Jeremiah addressed to all the people who had been exiled to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. He plainly tells them to build homes and plan to stay. In other words, stop playing tourist and start living. He instructs them to plant gardens and eat the food they produce. He encourages them to marry and have families. He instructs them to not dwindle away just because they are in a new place. These words in Jeremiah 29:7 hit close to my heart: “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” God places each of us into unique circumstances. No matter your address, God wants you to live fully where you are right now. Are you in a dorm room or apartment? That’s your home! Make a difference in your community with the people who are living in close proximity. Are you living in a bustling suburb? Invest in the community around you. Invest in the people who shop where you shop, worship where you worship and play where you play. Do you live in a rural area? God has placed you there for a purpose. Look around and find a need that you alone can fulfill. Perhaps it can be as simple as taking a neighbor a jar of flowers or making a point to get to know the cashier or librarian or car mechanic in your town. God may have plans to do something even bigger through you—but you won’t know until you plant yourself, let your roots take hold, claim your new community and start living faithfully right where you are! The change you make in your new community may bring the same kind of beauty as a flower blooming in a garden. Memory verse: “Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them.” 1 Corinthians 7:17 NIV
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