A Subtle Stir

What am i scared of

What do i hide

Is it hate or is it love

 

What is stirring on the inside

What is waiting to awaken..

Hope, desire, something that's died

Tears, laughter, dreams in my heart

Maybe it's something that has yet to become

Waiting so patiently to get to the start

 

 There's so much to think through in this life
High school and college, weddings and kids
Joyful celebrations and painful strife
Growing up and becoming aware
All of the things that were once unseen

Now are the things that seem so unfair

Who or what is calling out
Will you respond
Or deny with doubt?



 

Transparent Tears

"Let your tears come. Let them water your soul." ~Eileen Mayhew

Let this love letter for you from God speak to your heart....taken from Sheri Rose Shepherd's book His Princess...Love letters from Your King

I see how hard you to try to handle your heart, and I know you want to live a life without heartaches or pain. I'm asking you to take a step closer to your Father in heaven by crying out to Me when you hurt. Let Me heal you. Remember My chosen, King David? He cried out to Me in his fears, disappointments, and sin, and I answered. You are also My chosen one, and you are My daughter/son...so it's okay to cry. I don't expect you to pretend that pain is not real. It is truth and tears that will give you the freedom that I want you to know. Now let go of that part of your heart that only I can heal. Let your heavenly Daddy hold you while you cry.
Love,
Your King who wipes away your tears

Often times we cover up the very feelings that God has called us to reveal to Him. We hide what's underneath so that we come across as someone who has it all together. The truth is we all make mistakes and have problems, it's okay to be vulnerable and transparent with the One who knows what we feel before we share it with Him. He wants to hear from you and He wants you to know it's okay to cry.

Whispers of His Nearness

As a lot of you know, I am now living in Colorado Springs attending the School of Worship at New Life Church. I am staying with an amazing family and they have made the transition an easy one. However, I wanted to share with you a major God-thing that happened recently because it reveals just how much he cares for each one of His children.
 
The first two weeks I was in Colorado I was busy with orientation for school, adjusting to the altitude (and believe me it's an adjustment), and attending the retreat planned for students in SOW. It was a whirlwind of activities, information, and new surroundings. I really didn't have time to think about missing home or my family because I was so busy. In the middle of September things started to slow down and I had more time to process everything that had happened in the last couple weeks. I began to feel overwhelmed, lonely and isolated. I felt as if I didn't fit in with my classmates or anyone around me. Backtracking a bit, a few weeks before I came out to Colorado I shared with my youth group about the nearness of God. The title was Never Alone. God has a funny way with things because within three days, he revealed himself to me in a way he never has.
 
Last weekend I attended Women of Faith with a group of women from New Life and while I was there I ended up going to lunch with my roomates at the conference. We went to Cheescake Factory (this has a point) and ate dinner but didn't have time to get dessert. I had never had cheesecake from there and was really wanting to get some but we didn't have time. One of my roomates offered to bring some back for me on Sunday so I told her I would really appreciate it. To my suprise, she brought it back for me and I text her later in the day to say thank you for thinking of me. A few minutes later she text back and told me she wanted me to know I was worth a trip to a restaurant and she also felt like God wanted her to tell me that he sees me and he knows where I am at. The next day I went to class and when I sat down in my usual spot, the lady I sit next to got my attention and said, "I felt like God wanted me to tell you that he thinks you are perfect the way you are and that he delights in you." Wow!! Two days in a row!! It gets better....The next day (day three), we had chapel and right after we got done worshipping, one of the interns came up to me and said, "I felt like God wanted me to come over and give you a hug and to tell you that he knows."
 
WHAT?!!! I was blown away. The fact that God would use three completely different people to speak into my life and tell me that God cares and he knows my needs was amazing!! He used the message I shared with the youth to minister to me in a powerful way. I know this is longer than what I usually share, but this story is an amazing testimony to the unique way that God speaks to us!! Just when I thought he'd forgotten about me, he whispered hope into my spirit and allowed the voice of those three women to reflect his love for me.

Trials of Refinement

1 Peter 1:7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

Just as silver and gold are sent through fire to be refined, so God refines His people through the "fire" of trials and difficulties. In life, we all face challenges that threaten to test our faith. However, God promises to refine and restore us to a better place when we step out in faith and push through to the victory that is waiting on the other side. Going through pain is never comfortable and that is the moment when we find ourselves stretching forth our arms to the King of Comfort. God never puts us through painful or uncomfortable situations without a divine reason. The next time you find yourself in the heat of the battle, remember that God is using your struggle to mold and shape you into the person He's called you to be!

The Love Problem

"Jealousy is simply and clearly the fear that you do not have value. Jealousy scans for evidence to prove the point- that others will be preferred and rewarded more than you. There is only one alternative- self-value. If you cannot love yourself, you will not believe that you are loved. You will always think it's a mistake or luck. Take your eyes off others and turn the scanner within. Find the seeds of your jealousy, clear the old voices and experiences. Put all the energy into building your personal and emotional security. Then you will be the one others envy, and you can remember the pain and reach out to them."

I found this a long time ago and was just reading over it again today...Wow, what a great check up!! This pretty much nails it right on. It's hard to love someone when jealousy is in the forefront of our emotions. God made us all unique, with different talents and personalities...all special in His sight. There isn't one who is more prized than another...yet as humans we are constantly finding things about people around us to compare. Did you see how perfect that woman's hair was? Wow, look at her complexion, I wish I had that!! Although I used examples for women, it is a problem that men deal with as well. Who can be the best self-made man? Who is the strongest and has the most endurance? There is an endless list of things that people can compare. However, God has made you to love who you are...just the way you are! Next time you find yourself in the comparison trap or filled with the jealousy bug, remember that you must see yourself the way God does. Wonderfully made with purpose and filled with talent.

Think Then Act

Proverbs 15:4 Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

Have you ever had someone spread slanderous lies about you or leaked something that was initially meant to be a private matter? Have you ever done that to someone else? The verse above tells us that a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. It hurts to have lies and hurtful words said to you or about you. However, we all have the choice to use gentle words and to spread words that will uplift someone instead of tearing them down. Next time you are about to let your deceitful tongue take over, think about how it feels when you are the one being talked about. Think then act.

Ultimate Burden Lifter

Psalm 55:22 Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

The most important part of this verse is the part that declares that we are to give our burdens to the Lord. There are going to be times in life when burdens of many kinds weigh upon our shoulders, however, God wants us to give our burdens to Him even though there are numerous things that people find as alternatives to the One who can truly lighten the load. He wants our burdens more than the alcohol that begs to be consumed until the burdens seem to be erased, more than the food that sits waiting to be devoured, more than the depression that wants to pull you in, and more than the person you believe can take away the pain. God is the only one who can take away the pressure of our every day lives and turn it into an everlasting joy! Learn to give Him those things that you have so willingly handed over to other people, things and ideas! He is your ultimate burden lifter.

Big Dreamers & Innovative Thinkers

"Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men."

We all have dreams inside of us that are waiting to burst forth into reality. However, at times they get crushed by the things people say and do or even things that happen to us that make us discouraged to pursue what is really in our hearts. Our dreams start out big and become smaller and smaller until they become wishful thinking and eventually disappear completely. The quote above states that small dreams don't move the hearts of men, and quite frankly they don't move the heart of God. God wants us to dream big and ask for His help to accomplish them! He's right there cheering us on and He is a God of the POSSIBLE!! Philippians 4:13 says NOTHING is impossible with God!! Have you let your dreams become crushed by what others have to say? Have you stopped believing that with hard work & God's strength that they can come true? Think again! God is a God who loves big dreamers and innovative thinkers!!

Dig A Little Deeper

Proverbs 16:32 Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.


Patience- Enduring trying circumstances with even temper or characterized by such endurance
Power- Physical strength


Self-control- The act of denying yourself
Conquer- To put down by force or authority


When I read Proverbs 16:23, I was immediately curious what the actual definitions of the words in the verse were. I looked them up in the dictionary and I was able to understand the verse at a deeper level by simply taking the time to look up the actual meanings. Sometimes all it takes to understand a scripture on a more intimate level is to dig a little deeper and see what you can do to analyze the message God is trying to speak to your heart! Next time you read a scripture that stands out to you, take the time to study it and go the extra step to find something that may change your perspective of what you just read!

Purpose Through Pain

Psalm 119:71 My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.


I don't always understand the things that happen to me or around me. Honestly, sometimes things that happen upset me, frustrate me, sadden me, stress me out and overwhelm me. Even though those are my feelings in the moment of the situation, I realize after it is over that it had a purpose. Whether that was to strengthen me, awaken me, challenge me, stretch me, or grow me. God has a purpose for everything that happens in our lives. His ways are not our ways. In the midst of a devastating circumstance it may seem impossible to see the purpose but God has one. A song by Kerrie Roberts called No Matter What says, "...before a heartache can ever touch my life it has to go through your hands." God is aware of what you are going through, He knows what is happening and why because it had to pass through Him first! God can take your hopelessness and create a story of great joy. He can take your unforgiveness and create a story that reveals His unending redemption. He can take your past of insecurities and make it into a story of His passionate love for you! The possibilities are endless through the mighty God we serve!! Look to Him through your circumstance even when you don't understand. He will show you the way!

We are Royalty

Isaiah 62:3 You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord's hand, a royal diadem (crown) in the hand of your God. No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah (my delight is in her), and your land Beulah (married); for the Lord will take delight in you...


This verse outlines the very greatness that God has placed on the inside of each of us. We are sons and daughters of the King!!! That means we are royalty! In this verse God tells each of his sons and daughters the amazing gifts He has given them by becoming an "heir" of the King! By accepting Jesus as Lord of your life, you are ushered in to a royal family...the family of Jesus Christ! You are a crown of splendor, a royal diadem, you are a delight in the eyes of the Lord! What great news!! Let someone know that they can be a part of a royal family by accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior! There's nothing better!

God Where Are You?

Psalm 89:11 The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours; everything in the world is yours- you created it all.

Have you ever asked the question, God where are you? Often times in a world where we are surrounded by adversity and broken people we forget that God is everywhere that we are. He's in the eyes of an innocent child, the beauty of a sunrise, the sweetness of a baby's giggle, the redemption of a new day and most of all in the love of the ones who mean the most to us. God is in everything He created and the verse above tells us that He created everything! God is everywhere. Be reminded today that you are never alone, you are surrounded by proof that God is alive and working in your life! Take time to see God in the everyday things that you see or are surrounded by!

Created with Purpose

Psalm 139:13-16 Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; your formed me in my mother's womb. I thank you, High God- you're breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration- what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something.


This verse applies to YOU!! You are a wonderful creation because you were created in God's image and He had your days here on earth planned before you were even born! You are not an accident no matter what you have been told, God wants you! He made you with a divine purpose in mind and He is going to use you to change the lives of those around you if you are willing to be used by Him!! Never doubt the uniqueness that characterizes the person you are! God made you a one-of-a-kind person because He knew that the impact of your life would be like no one else!! Isn't that awesome?! You are the only person in this world that can impact and influence the people who are meant to be reached by you! You are here to be a world changer and history maker...now live like God has called you to, with purpose and the knowledge that you are a unique, wonderful, beautiful/handsome man/woman of God!!

I Will Protect You

I have a book full of love letters written to us from God by Sheri Rose Shepherd. The name of the book is His Princess Love Letters from Your King. Even though it is full of love letters that are meant to be for girls, there are plenty of letters that speak to both genders. The one I want to share with you is one of those...


I am your shield and protection. Many times you wonder where I am in the midst of the battle that rages around you. You feel abandoned on the battlefield. Don't be afraid and don't lose faith. I am here, and I am always victorious. I will protect you, but you must trust Me. Sometimes I will lead you to shelter for safety and restoration. Other times I will ask you to join Me on the front line in the heat of the battle. The truth is, I can kill any giant that threatens your life, but, just like David the shepherd boy, it's up to you to march forward, pick up the stones, and face your giant. I love prove My strength when the odds are the greatest and hope is the smallest. I am truly your shelter and your deliverer- I will protect you no matter where you are.
Love,
Your King and your Protector


You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7

Awareness & Awakening

2 Samuel 14:14 All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him.

This verse brings gentle awareness while also awakening our hearts to the love God truly extends to us on a day-to-day basis. God wants us to live our lives with purpose and know that even when we mess up, He will take us back. This verse lets us know that we have limited time here on earth but it also tells us that just because the time is limited doesn't mean it's not worth investing our whole hearts into what lies before us. Just as God preserves our lives, we are to see each day with significance! Live life with wonder and purpose and know God is always there to bring correction and forgiveness when you need it!

A Pure Heart

Psalm 119:9-10 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.

Purity is a topic of discussion that is often avoided in today's secular world. However, in the Bible it is a topic of great worth and importance. God is giving the people of today the keys to the path of purity. It simply states in Psalm 119 that living according to God's word is what will allow us to renew our minds and stay pure before the Lord. Often times purity is only thought of in the physical aspect. However, the definition of purity is the condition or quality of being pure; freedom from anything that debases, contaminates or pollutes, etc. Purity is not a topic only to be discussed with those that have not yet been married, it is a characteristic that everyone must strive for on a daily basis. Our thoughts, actions and words are also a big part of being pure before the Lord. He doesn't say only stay pure physically, he says be pure. Be pure in what you do, God knows the motivation of your heart, be pure in what you say, and be pure in how you think! Take time today to think about what you watch, what you listen to and what you are saying. Does it line up with the word of God?

An Intimate Exchange

Proverbs 15:11 Death and Destruction lie open before the Lord-
how much more do human hearts!

Proverbs is my favorite book in the Bible because it offers such wisdom and knowledge. Among the verses in Proverbs, I read the verse above and was assured that God is the keeper of our hearts. He knows everything that is going to happen before it happens (the death and destruction part plays into that area) and even more so, He knows our hearts. He understands our needs, our dreams, our hurts, our disappointments, and even our deepest desires. How intimate!! God longs for us to know Him like He knows us. To dive into the deepest recesses of His heart and to know His desires and His dreams! So today, be secure in God's love for you and know that He loves you because He took the time to put those things in your heart which you may not understand but He sure does. Also, take time to get to know the One who created you and learn more about what He desires!! Don't let your side of the relationship be stagnant, make it an intimate exchange!

One

I want to be that one who will stand
To help those up who need a helping hand
Reach out to the broken and show God's love
Heal the sick with the power from above
I want to be that one who is a voice
Making my father in heaven rejoice
Being patient when it is unlikely for me
Opening the eyes of the blind, so they see
I want to be that one who can love all
Giving of myself although it is small
Being kind to the enemies all around
There is no limit, no capacity or bound


This is also a poem I wrote probably a year or two ago and even though it has been a while since I wrote this poem, I still want to make the difference I wrote about then. As followers of Christ, we are called to be in His image or like Him. That means in us we have the power to do as Christ has done, is doing, and will continue to do. With His power abiding in us, we have the authority to heal the sick, help the lost, reach out to the hurting and love the broken. Will you make it your goal to be the one that takes a stand for the things that God has called you to do??

Constant Companion

James 4:8 Come near to God and he will come near to you.

Acts 2:28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.

On Monday I got my wisdom teeth out and since then I have been laying around and not feeling the best. Today as I was eating, I decided I wanted to have a friend come over since my family has been gone a lot due to school and work. I was lonely and so I was just about to text a friend of mine to see if she wanted to come over and keep me company when I realized that God is a better companion than anyone in my life could ever be. I realized that when I choose to draw near to him, he will draw near to me in return. He filled me with joy in his presence and allowed me to be renewed and refreshed. I put on some worship songs and let His love, peace and strength wash over me. One of the songs I listened to, the girl was singing,"Fill me up God, fill me up" over and over again and I began to feel God's presence so strongly that I could not deny that in the process of my seeking after him, he had in turn filled me up. A problem that today's generation is struggling with is the constant need to be occupied by video games, friends, activities, sports, etc. We don't take time to draw near to God and allow him to fill us up and be the companion we won't find in anyone else. I encourage you the next time you find yourself seeking things to fill up your time or lonliness to take the time to draw near to God and see just how much he can fulfill those voids you have in your life. He is your constant companion.

Passions & Dreams

This is a poem I wrote a few months ago concerning the passions we all have burning inside of us...

We all have a passion that stirs inside,
We all have desire to let it take us for a ride.
We all have a dream that is a little beyond reach,
We all have a yearning to leave a lesson that will teach.

Passion is a drive that pushes to be best,
Passion is love that puts endurance to the test.
Passion is joy that has no bounds,
Passion is music that forever resounds.

I encourage you to think about and write out the things that motivate you as well as the passions that drive you to do the things you do. Dream big and let God fulfill what He has put in your heart. When God puts something in your heart there is a specific reason for it, don't let doubts or criticism from other people hold you back. Motivate yourself with drive and ambition from God to accomplish those things that stir on the inside of you!

Stepping out in Faith

In 1 Samuel, the story of David and Goliath takes place. The Israelites are in battle against the Philistines and each morning Goliath, a nine foot giant with all the best armor comes out to threaten the Israelites. He claims that if anyone can kill him, the Philistines will become the Israelite's servants, but if he kills whoever fights him, the Israelites must become the Philistine's servants. David decides he wants to fight Goliath and this is the exchange that happens between Saul and David.
 "Don't worry about this Philistine," David told Saul. "I'll go fight him!"
"Don't be ridiculous!" Saul replied. "There's no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You're only a boy, and he's been a man of war since his youth."

Saul, an authority figure in David's life tells David that he can't do it. Can you imagine someone in authority over you telling you that you couldn't do something you think you could overcome? Maybe you have had someone in your life tell you that you couldn't do something that you were determined to do. The story continues and David convinces Saul to let him have a shot at trying to kill Goliath. In the end, David overtakes Goliath and claims victory over him. David is courageous and pushes through the doubt of those around him to claim victory through Christ! Think of something that you are having trouble mustering the courage to overcome because of someone else's opinion of your capability. With God's help you can overcome anything you set your heart and mind to. Saul also looked down on David because of his age. However, in 1 Timothy 4:12 it says, "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Don't let anyone look down on you because of your age, young or old. Be an example in all you do and others around you will be inspired to do the same.

Joy Comes Back

"For somehow, not only at Christmas, but all the long year through, the joy that you give to others, is the joy that comes back to you." -John Greenleaf Whittier

Give joy in abundance to those that are around you! Be someone whom people enjoy being around, someone that makes those around you feel better after they've spent time with you. Bless others and God will in turn bless you! Put a smile on your face and be the joyful person that other people aspire to be!

We Are Overcomers

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)  No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (Message) No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it.

I included both translations of this verse because both translations have a unique way of giving a message to God's people. The first message is that God will never tempt us beyond what we can walk away from. He always gives us a way out of a situation that is tempting us to go down the wrong path or make a wrong decision. Any situation that we let God help us out of is going to become a victory. Lean on God to help you out of situations that may be tempting you right now. The second message that these verses give us is that God never puts us through any trial or test that He knows we won't be able to overcome with His help. God's very nature is loving, faithful and kind. He never wants to see His children fail or give up and that is exactly why He will never give us more than we can handle at one time. Even though there are times in life when we may feel like we are at the end of our rope and there is nothing left, we have to dig a little deeper because the strength we need to get through our circumstance is there! Trust God and depend on Him to help you through!!

Stability

2 Samuel 22:33 It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.

Many kids and adults in today's culture have been through a traumatic experience in their childhood years such as divorce, abuse, sexual harassment, and the list goes on. They experience instability and are lost in a world with so many troubles that it seems hopeless. However, there is a solution. Our Heavenly Father. He is our stability. He never changes, He is forever steady and faithful. In a world where people and circumstances change every day, there is a God in whom we can put our hope. He is the same today as He was yesterday and the day before that. He is our stability in an ever-changing world!

Who Will Love Me?

We have great freedom in the fact that God loves us EXACTLY how we are. No more, no less. He rejoices in His creations and YOU are one of God's masterpieces. Be confident that God loves you with all of your faults, all of your mistakes and all of your shortcomings!! He is calling out to you, wanting you to draw near to Him so He can continue to shape and mold you into the wonderful person He's created you to be. You never have to doubt God's love for you because it never fails, it never gives up and it never runs out! He loves you for you!!

Jesus, Friend of Sinners

I was driving to school yesterday and heard this song on the radio for the first time and it made me listen closely to the words. There is a part of the song that says,

"You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came
Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast
But you died for sinners just like me a grateful leper at Your feet"

Jesus chose to love the least of us so that we could have the freedom that He so graciously gives us. Time after time He never fails to extend mercy that is undeserved, forgiveness that we should not receive, and love that seems unjustified. This song challenges us to take what God does for us and to do our best at doing that for others. It's been said that "Those who are hardest for us to love need it the most." Take what God has done for you and share it with as many people as you can.

Heavenly Environment

Cherish your visions; cherish your ideals; cherish the music that stirs your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts, for out of them will grow all delightful conditions, all heavenly environment. -James Allen

Isn't it great to think about your deepest desires and dreams and know that God already knows them because He is the One who put them there? I know that when there is something stiring deep in my heart, God understands and He knows. I read this quote and the last part caught my attention the most because it says "all heavenly environment." I know heaven is beyond human description, but this quote gives us a little taste of the environment of heaven. What a sweet picture of the way God has surrounded us with His love and longing. What are your visions, ideals, the music that stirs your heart, and the beauty that forms in your mind??

Embrace Blessing

 Psalm 23:1-6
God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.

God always blesses us with much more than we could ever imagine. However, there are times we decide to settle for less than God's best for our lives. We settle for things that don't match up with what God has in mind. We are faced with choices on a daily basis that have the potential to be mediocre or to be the best. Decide to run after God's best. This verse in Psalm says, "my cup brims with blessing." Brim means to be full of and going over. We have blessings in our lives that can filll us up and run over. Be the kind of person that embraces all that God has for your life and choose to in turn bless others.

It All Adds Up

As I was driving home from school yesterday, I looked out the window to see a man who was getting off of a bus with a walking stick, feeling his way around his surroundings. I thought to myself and even voiced to my sister, "Wow! I couldn't imagine being blind!" I then took the time to thank God for my sight. A seemingly simple thing I take for granted on a day-to-day basis, countless people live without. I then realized there are so many things that I take for granted everyday that seem like the most natural functions such as; being able to hear, walk, and breathe normally. Unconscious body functions are easily taken for granted because we often don't think about what it would be like if things were any different. Take time today to thank God for those things that you have been taking for granted.

Walking in His Ways

Psalm 86:11 Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.

In today's world it's difficult for things such as television, advertisements, websites, and material things not to clog our hearts and create a block against the things of God to flow. All of these things can be great resources and they are not bad things until our hearts become foggy and clouded by the things of the world. I encourage you to seek the Lord's ways in everything you do and allow Him to show you the truth so you may honor Him.

God-oramic View

Deuteronomy 33:12 "Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders.

Do you remember what it felt like to be atop someone's shoulders? Whether it was a relative, a friend, or someone you look up to? I know I felt secure and powerful. I could see so much farther than when I was on my own two feet. I felt like I was on top of the world, like no one could harm me up there. That feeling is what we can experience when we choose to rest between God's shoulders. On His shoulders we can see things that we couldn't see before, we can feel peace that we have never felt before and we can experience rest when our lives are chaotic.

Hard Work

Proverbs 13:11 Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time.

It can be disheartening to see people who become "rich" overnight through get-rich-quick schemes as the verse above says, however, God will reward those who do diligent work over time. Hard work always pays off, even if it is not in a short period of time or the time period we feel like it should be. Be patient in your work and know that when you work hard and be diligent to follow through, God will come through on your behalf.

Be Teachable

Proverbs 13:10 Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.

Proverbs 13:14 The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death.

Sometimes advice and constructive criticism can be taken with defensive behavior and hurt feelings. Although there are times when people in our life say hurtful things, there are also times when advice and constructive criticism can be taken too personally and it was only meant to help or improve upon what you already have going for you. We all have mentors and authority figures in our lives, some that we look up to and some that we don't. No matter the level of admiration, those that have authority over you are there for a reason. They are there to guide you and to show you the way when something goes awry or could be improved upon. Know the difference between criticism and helpful advice or tips and be a person who is teachable.

Shielded in Forgiveness

Psalm 86:5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.

We never have to be ashamed to ask for God's help when we have failed someone or something. He is always there to forgive us and to love us back to the path He had originally set us on. Seek God's help every day and let Him be there for you when you mess up. He's the best comfort there is and He's waiting for you to ask Him for forgiveness and move on to bigger and better things.

Whole Being, Body & Soul

Psalm 84:1-2 How lovely is your dwelling place,
O LORD of Heaven’s Armies. I long, yes, I faint with longing
to enter the courts of the LORD.
With my whole being, body and soul,
I will shout joyfully to the living God

Picture a world of people who had their focus on praising and worshipping God with their whole being, body and soul. What would that look like for you? I'm sure if you asked six different people that question you would get six different answers. The way you worship with your whole being, body and soul is going to be different from anyone else. Take that picture and apply it to your life. Worship and praise God with your whole heart, your whole being. Long to spend time with the God who loves and adores you.

A God Who Answers Prayer

  Luke 18:1-8 One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. “There was a judge in a certain city,” he said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.’ The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’ "Then the Lord said, “Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?”

This story reminds us that there is power in prayer. God always responds to our prayers but it is not always when or how we may be wanting or expecting Him to. I encourage you to never give up on anything you are asking God for. He always comes through and He is always faithful. Be patient in your waiting and be aware that how you want a response may not be how God wants to reveal Himself. Stay open to His ways and His knowledge because He is a God who answers prayers.   

In Step

Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing.

Christ has called us to a life of interaction with other people. In life we encounter several relationships that usually include family, friends, acquaintances, co-workers, bosses, etc. Each relationship in our life is an important one whether it is good or bad. Relationships teach us lessons and often we learn things about ourselves as well as the other person. Maintaining relationships can be a very difficult thing and sometimes it can be easier to give up. However, when we are alone and have no one to interact with we are more suceptible to the attack of the devil. That is exactly where he wants you, alone and vulnerable. God placed people in our lives to stay connected and to keep us accountable to His word and His purpose. Next time you want to throw in the towel on a relationship, think about its importance and the outcome of giving up on that relationship.

Strong Fortress

Deuteronomy 33:26-27 "There is no one like the God of Israel. He rides across the heavens to help you, across the skies in majestic splendor. The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you. He drives out the enemy before you; he cries out, 'Destroy them!'

It's amazing how God can be everything we need. He can be our protector, provider, comfort. love, peace, etc! There is an endless number of positions that only God can completely fulfill in our lives. The verse above reveals the King and Protector that God is for us. When the verse says that God "rides across the heavens to help you, across the skies in majestic splenor," it reminds us that He not only wants to reach out and lift us up when we are weak but also that He is beautiful in appearance (inside and out) and also that He is powerful beyond measure. This verse also says that His "everlasting arms are under you," and "He drives out the enemy before you." These two phrases remind us that God's strength never runs out, it is always there to catch us and renew the strength that we may be lacking on our own. Have hope today that God is your Strong Fortress and HE never tires out.

Strong Enough

Sometimes we decide that we can do things on our own without God's help. However, He IS strong enough, He IS brave enough, He IS steady enough to fill us up and be the strength we lack on our own. Rely on God even when you think that you can make it on your own. He is everything you need in weakness AND in strength.

Lost & Found

There is a story in Luke 15 that tells a story of a father who has two sons that are going to be getting a part of his estate. His younger son asks for his share of his father's estate now, before his father dies. So his father gives him his share and the younger son sets out and spends all his money on "wild living," and by the time he is done spending all his money there is a famine that leaves him starving and working for a farmer. He goes back to his father and apologizes for what he did and offers to become his father's servant because he is not worthy to be his son. Before the son even gets home, his father sees him coming and runs to embrace his son with compassion and love. His father says this, "Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found."

Jesus used this story to illustrate the joy felt when his lost children turn and come back to him. I encourage you to look up the story and read the whole thing for yourself because it is a great illustration of the love God has for all of his children. He always rejoices when we run to him, no matter the circumstances. It doesn't matter if we are running back to him in desperation or joy, sorrow or happiness, he is there to embrace us and love on us. Be aware of the great joy that God has when you run to him for shelter and safety!

Called to Now

"I expect to pass through life but once. If, therefore, there can be any kindness I can show, or any good things I can do to any fellow human being, let me do it now and not defer ir or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again." -William Penn

When we feel "spiritual nudges" from God, it is always best to follow through with what he is speaking to our heart. I can recall multiple instances when God nudged me to go talk to someone or do something for a person and I found myself in resistance because I feared that person's opinion of me. Recently, I was in the lunch room at school and looked over to see a girl sitting all by herself. I instantly felt that I needed to go sit with her and ask her how she was doing, however, I became so resistant and fearful that I made excuses for myself out of the situation. I never went and sat with that girl and I later told my dad what had happened and how I felt such resistance and fear. He told me something like this, "It's not her view of you that matters, it is her view of the God in you. If God calls you to do something, he will give you the words and the way." I thought to myself, "Wow! I never thought of it that way!" If God nudges us to do something, we do it... plain and simple. He will provide the words and the way, we are called to now. I don't know what would have happened if I had gone and sat with that girl, but I do know that next time God calls me to do something, I want to do it now! What about you? Are you willing to answer the calling of God to your "now"?

Words Part II

Proverbs 12:25 Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

As followers of Christ, we are called to build one another up. Choose to say things that encourage the people that hear what comes out of your mouth. People will feel energized and welcomed when you encourage and uplift them with your words. Pick someone today to observe and encourage. Compliment that person from your heart and let them know you care. You never know whose day you will make with a simple word of encouragement!

Words Part I

"We all have days when we need a little emotional pick-me-up. Some of the greatest perks come from encouraging words we receive from our friends."

This quote sums up the feeling that we all have from time to time. Be thankful for those friends and mentors in your life that encourage & "pick you up" with their words! Rejoice in the fact that they are there for you to draw strength and encouragement from. Send a thank you their way today!

Be You

"Be a first-rate version of yourself instead of a second-rate version of somebody else."

God has called us to be uniquely ourselves and to live out the life that he has designed for each one of us.When you pretend or strive to be someone else, it masks who you really are. God created each one of us differently and no two people have the same exact personality, appearance, routine, style, hobbies, etc. Taking on the opinions of others and wanting to look or be exactly like other people can be detrimental to the person God has called YOU to be. It's always great to have mentors and friends that you look up to and admire, but it is another thing to want to be that person and cover up the wonderful person that you are. Be confident in who God made you to be and don't belive the lie that you aren't good enough the way you are. Becoming someone else creates a loss for yourself and the people around you. People need what you have to offer, don't be a second-rate version of someone else. Be YOU!

Refined

Luke 11:37-41 As Jesus was speaking, one of the Pharisees invited him home for a meal. So he went in and took his place at the table. His host was amazed to see that he sat down to eat without first performing the hand-washing ceremony required by Jewish custom. Then the Lord said to him, "You Pharisees are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy- full of greed and wickedness! Fools! Didn't God make the inside as well as the outside? So clean the inside by giving gifts to the poor, and you will be clean all over.


This verse shows us exactly what our society has become so obsessed about...outward appearance. However, this verse also shows us what God wants us to focus on and to nurture...inward appearance. Girls in magazines are airbrushed and edited to look perfect, guys have muscles that have been attained using illegal substances and both genders paint on plastic smiles so they can tell the world that if you look like they do, you will be wanted. That message is a lie. God wants you just the way you are and so do other people that see the Jesus in you. The world desperately needs a sign of hope and you can be that hope to someone in your realm of influence. Decide today to be the "true you" and seek God for his help when you have self doubt about who you are in him and also when you begin to focus too much on the outside! Be refined!

Light Within

"People are like stained-glass windows: They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light within." -Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Let's be the kind of people that when darkness sets in, our light sparkles and shines brighter than ever. The lost people around us need the light that so desperately wants to come out of us. You have the potential to light up your world even when you are going through a difficult test. Be the sun in the picture above to the dark world around you and see what joy will come as a result! Put on a smile and light up "your world"!

Hope & Cheer

Psalm 94:19 When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

This verse in Psalms along with Kari Jobe's song Steady My Heart is exactly the way God wants you to feel every moment of every day. When doubts cloud your vision and hope seems lost, God will come and steady your heart giving you a renewed sense of hope and cheer! Don't give up, keep pressing and know that hope and cheer can be yours today through our wonderful Father and Creator!!

Strength of my Heart

Psalm 73:26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.

Even when we are beyond drained physically and emotionally, God is always our strength. He's there to lift us up and to give us the strength we don't have on our own. If you are feeling weak, let God be your strength and let Him fill you up. He is always more than enough, you can't do it on your own.

Don't Forget

It is so easy to forget the significance of what Christ did for us on the cross. Every day we need to remind ourselves that what Jesus did on the cross for us was not something that anyone else has done or would do for us. He freely gave His body to set us free in Him, but He didn't stop there. He overcame the grave so that we could continually come to Him for anything we have need of. Don't forget what Jesus did for you, take time to remember what He did every day and thank Him for His sacrifice of love.

Follow God's Lead

"Too many choices at pivotal points in life can leave us feeling like confused coffee nerds- mouths hanging open at the Starbucks counter. Frozen in time, we may wonder. What do I do now? What if I make a mistake and place the wrong order? What if I make a fool of myself? At those times we need to take a deep breath, put our hands in God's, and follow His lead." -Rachel St. John-Gilbert

I have a fascination with quotes from other people and as I read this quote, I was reminded of the feeling of abandonment. Often times, if I don't receive an answer from God when I think I should have it, I feel like God has abandoned me. However, scriptures tell us the exact opposite. In Joshua 1:9 it says, "This is my command- be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Feelings can be misleading at times and even when we feel alone, God is there. All we have to do is reach out to Him and He will lead our steps. Put your hope in the God who knows everything about you and understands the way you are feeling. He loves and cares for YOU today and every day!

Let Go

1 Peter 3:6-7 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold- though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

We all endure trials in life and sometimes we want to give up and turn the other way. However, God promises that our season of trial will not last forever. There is an end to every season of life and in the verse above, God promises that our trials will make us stronger and that we will be like gold that has been purified through the fire. So today, let go and let God!!

Praise Worthy

Deuteronomy 10:20 You must fear the Lord your God and worship him and cling to him. Your oaths must be in his name alone.

This song by Jonathan Lee is an oath to God alone just as the verse above says. A lot of times we get caught up in the business of life and forget to take quiet time alone with God to worship him and soak in his presence. Take the time to listen to this song and receive restoration from the only One who can truly refresh you. When we cling to God, he gives us just what we need because he knows exactly what that is. Give him your praise today because he is praise worthy.

Hand It Over

Philippians 4:6-7

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

A great mentor of mine shared this verse with me a few weeks ago and I was amazed that just reading it gave me comfort. However, God was tugging on my heart with this verse, as He may be with you. He doesn't want us to only feel comfort from this verse, He wants us to believe it with everything we are. It's more difficult at times in our lives when we have testing or trial, but God promises to be there for us. To be the One we can trust with our heart and everything that is inside (including our fears, failures, worries and doubts)...He's asking us to hand it over!!

Are you willing to hand it over to God??

You Are More

"You are more than the choices that you've made, You are more than the sum of your past mistakes, You are more than the problems you create, You've been remade."


-Lyrics from Tenth Avenue North's song You Are More


I love this song that reminds us of God's redemption and grace that He so freely gives us and by receiving it, we become remade. No matter how big or small the mistake or failure, God is still and always will be there to pick up the pieces and restore your broken and tattered heart to a place of complete healing. It may not come over night or even in a few weeks or months but it will come in God's timing... and I've learned time after time that He's never early, never late, always just right on time. Trust God to come into your heart and clean up the mess. He can only restore you if you allow Him to draw you near and let Him tend to the wounds of your heart.

Approval Game

"There's trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, saying what flatters them, doing what indulges them. Popularity contests are not truth contests-look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by your ancestors! Your task is to be true, not popular. (Luke 6:26 MSG)


We all get caught up in pleasing the people around us or the people we want to recognize us. God knew we would struggle with this concept and that's exactly why there is a scripture such as this one. God wants us to do what pleases Him and if it gets the approval of others, great! If not we're called to live the same and be okay with the fact that God loves how we are and the approval of others' is small in comparison to His view of us. He wants us to be happy with the way He made us and live freely in who we are. You're free of others' opinions of you today and every day. Don't let opinions hold you back, rather be confident in who God has called you to be and put a smile on your face!!

Stop, Think, Listen

Proverbs 26:20 Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels diappear when gossip stops.


In the intro to one of my devotional plans I read this statement the other day, "Those who gossip to you will also gossip about you." That is a powerful statement and the more I read it, the more it makes me think. Gossip is a damaging and destructive thing and it has impact on not only the person being talked about, it also has impact on the people participating in the gossip. I have caught myself many times saying things that don't need to be said aloud about someone or something that happened. We all have thoughts about people and situations but we have the choice to either think about how it will sound to others if we say it or to ponder it in our hearts and give it over to God to deal with. He's always there to bear our burdens and He understands the way we feel. Who better to talk to? Next time you are tempted to say something destructive...stop, think and listen to what God will have you to do.

Sacrifice

March 30, 2012


"Later, as Jesus left the town, he saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector's booth. "Follow me and be my disciple," Jesus said to him. So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him. -Luke 5:27-28 (New Living Translation)


As I read this passage from Luke, I felt God asking me if I would do the same? Would I be willing to drop everything in the moment to follow God for a lifetime. I encourage you to ask yourself the same question today.