Always learning

As I was out doing chores this morning, I noticed the rising Sun lighting up this part of the yard.

The picture doesn’t do the reality any justice, so I walked over and snapped one of the flowers.

Everything about this was a blessing to my heart.

But it was the wire basket on metal feet that God used to teach me this morning.

That wire on metal legs was brought home by my husband and I remember asking him what it was.

“No idea.”

I stood staring at the mostly black object and tried to pray.

“Lord, please show me what Your plan is for this thing.”

It was well made and didn’t have any rust or missing pieces to the wire, but someone had spray painted some very bright colors on two sides, but not in any kind of attractive pattern.

It almost looked like it had been “too close” to someone’s graffiti project.

As I looked at, it the Lord answered.

A planter.

“Uhm…I don’t know how that’s going to work…”

The wire mesh wouldn’t hold potting soil.

However, I didn’t have time to deal with it then and we moved it out of the way.

Days later I bought some Rust-Oleum spray paint and put down a board to protect the ground from paint and the paint from grass.

Because I struggle with the fumes it took me days to paint the thing, but when it was done it was much more attractive.

As I’d painted the Lord had brought to mind some extra dark green chicken wire leftover from the coop and we had some hay as well.

Once I got the planter where I wanted it in the yard, I lined it with the chicken wire and then used a large amount of hay to line that, finally I placed inside the potting soil and plants.

And this morning, after faithful watering, I was rewarded by beautiful blooms.

I doubt this item was designed to be a planter, my guess is something for sports equipment, but it had been cast off and unwanted.

Yet, God had a different plan for this and it included a cleaning, a fresh coat of paint, and being filled with something beautiful.

The lesson being, God’s ability to transform.

It’s what He is doing inside my heart every day.

He shows me something ugly or an area I’ve cast off or something I’m not utilizing, He cleans it and places His beautiful Word inside and before long, I’m surprised by blessings I never expected.

I praise God for His wonderful works to transform those things damaged by sin back into beauty.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
Isaiah 61:1‭-‬3 NKJV

Jesus, I glorify Your holy name this morning!

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your lesson this morning. Thank You for holding me in Your ways and teaching me through Your Word and Your Holy Spirit. Lord, thank You for Your patience with me. I confess that I have been less than easy to deal with lately. I have no excuses, only repentance. Please restore those areas where I have been stiff-necked and bring about healing that I might not sin against You again in that area. Lord, You know my struggles and You understand my fears. I give both things to You and thank You for Your patience with me. Lord, please place a guard over my lips, that I might not speak unkind things. Please place Your Word in my mouth. Thank You for healing my heart and helping me to be honest yesterday. Thank You for watching over me and admonishing me when I was being self centered. Thank You for Your lessons, may I always be learning daily from You. I love You, Jesus. Blessed be Your name! Amen.

Violence

Yesterday was a strange mix for me.

Not a mix of activities, but a mix of information.

Our history class had carefully told the horrible, but true facts of the acts of those who committed violence against the innocent in opposition to the Reconstruction after the Civil War.

I’d read a blog about bullying and the horror they had inflicted upon another.

My daughter asked me about the attack on the Ukraine: why was it happening?

Earlier, I’d read that very question as the title of an article from a news source.

A thread seemed to be the same throughout.

Those causing the violence felt completely justified in their behavior.

“How can anyone think it’s okay to hurt others like this?” my daughter asked.

And the Lord answered clearly for me.

“It goes all the way back to the beginning.”

Genesis 4:6-9NKJV — So the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”

Murder of innocent people is a direct consequence of a life in rebellion against God.

“If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”

The violence being distributed is horrifying and it’s understandable why our hearts are outraged at these abuses.

For the follower of Christ it is our responsibility to stand in prayer for others.

To recognize the real truth behind this kind of behavior and to remember we have an adversary.

1 Peter 5:8 KJV — Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Although, our attention is grabbed by the people inflicting these atrocities, the battle is not with them.

Ephesians 6:12 KJV — For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

The spiritual battle is often overlooked, but the Bible makes it clear that the enemy is the one who steals, kills, and destroys.

As followers of Christ Jesus, we have hope for eternal life and a command to train up disciples in the truth of Scripture.

No time is more valuable for that than now.

Let us take up our cross daily, speak the truth in love, fulfill the calling to make disciples, encouraging, teaching, helping, and stand in the gap for the innocent, the helpless, and those who have yet to know Jesus.

Ezekiel 22:30 KJV — And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

May it never be so again.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your truth which helps us better understand why horrifying violence is carried out, it’s all the result of sin and the enemy of our souls. Lord, thank You that we know it will not always be this way. Thank You that You paid for my sin and saved me from living a life separate from You. Lord Jesus, it is so painful to know that people are hurting and killing one another, but I thank You for Your promises. Thank You for Your mercy, which stays Your judgement. Lord, thank You that we can stand in the gap for others. Thank You for Your helping the helpless, freeing the captives, and saving the lost. Thank You for Your scriptures which clearly outline not only the why of all this, but also what is to come. Lord, may our hearts remain steadfast, our feet not stumble, and our eyes see clearly, open our understanding through Your Word. Lord Jesus, I humbly lift up those who are being oppressed and harmed by wickedness. Please continue to save them and give those who stand literally in the gap for the innocent the courage and integrity they need to stand in the way of evil and defend those who cannot defend themselves. Thank You, Jesus. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your salvation. Amen.

We have reason to rejoice

1 Chronicles 16:10 KJV — Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

It’s not enough to simply seek Him, we should be rejoicing as we do, for He deserves all glory and honor.

1 Chronicles 16:31 KJV — Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.

Recalling that He made us, and His kingdom has no end are reasons to rejoice.

Psalm 5:11 KJV — But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

These governments and nations we now know are temporary, but God and His kingdom are eternal.

Psalm 9:2 KJV — I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.

We find both security and joy in placing our trust in God Most High.

Psalm 13:5 KJV — But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.

Jesus is our Savior and truly worthy of praise!

Habakkuk 3:18 KJV — Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

No matter the circumstances facing each one of us, we can choose to rejoice in God Almighty, remembering and praising Him.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for salvation! Lord, You are worthy of all praise, all glory. I thank You for how You sustain us and provide for us. Thank You that we can rejoice in You and trust in Your Word. This world is not the end and no matter the pain or suffering we experience here, we have so much to look forward to in Heaven. Thank You, Jesus! Amen.

A story about legacy

He wore jeans and a button up shirt.

Held an old Bible in one hand.

His grey hair and aged completion didn’t hinder his voice which was strong and pleasant.

He began with apologies.

“I don’t really feel comfortable talking in front of a lot of people, but sometimes you just have to give glory to God.”

He cleared his throat as if to steady himself and then began.

“You know we just celebrated my dad’s 100 birthday.”

This family is well known in the area and many heads moved in agreement and even some verbalized their feelings at this.

It had been such a community event the local diner had a flyer just to make sure everyone knew about the party and where it was being held.

As he continued he described the week just completed.

“You know Dad was a quiet man, private and we had all been praying God would take him home in his sleep, that he wouldn’t suffer.”

After a moment he continued.

“That’s what God did Thursday night. He took Dad in the quiet, without pain. He didn’t suffer.”

Eyes were dabbed throughout the room.

“I just wanted to say, that the gentle godly man you knew here at church was the same man he was at home.”

“He was an example of godliness in our home and our family.”

He shared the privilege of being able to care for his father the last few years and what a wonderful relationship he had with him during the end of his father’s life.

He finished by reading from Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 NKJV — Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD.

He finished with these words because they reflected the life of his father, a man who glorified God.

Pastor preached directly afterwards about being people of integrity.

It was so fitting.

Here was an example of a man who was well known in his community and whose 100 years will be remembered by his family and others as a godly man.

A man of integrity hearts be inspired to live in such a way as to give glory to God.

Let us be people of integrity.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your Word and Your truth lived out. Lord, thank You for those who live godly lives no matter the circumstances. People who are honest, gentle, faithful, and full of integrity. Lord, please help me to be a person of integrity. Please place a guard upon my heart that I might not fall into sin. Please teach me Your statutes daily. Lord, let those who are called by Your name be an encouragement to others, spurring each other on to live righteously before You. Thank You, Jesus for Your blessings. Thank You for this story of a godly man and the legacy he has left behind him. May Your name continue to be glorified in those who are called by Your name. Amen.

Remind them of the truth

No matter where the path of God leads those people we love, it’s important for us as fellow followers to do a few things regularly.

Philippians 1:3-6 NKJV — I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

We need to remember those God has placed in our lives, being thankful and praising God.

Being diligent and purposeful about our relationships.

We need to be praying for them, not just blanket prayers (safety, health, job), but seeking God for His guidance in prayer and then faithfully praying for them.

We need to remind them that God is the One doing the good work in their lives.

To exhort them according to scripture, encouraging them in their walk, and being the one who comes alongside.

Because we all need these things in our own life.

Philippians 1:9-11 NKJV — And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your Word. Thank You for the clear direction we find in it. Lord Jesus, please help me to walk in Your Word. Lord, to remember those in my life. To be purposeful about prayer and words of encouragement. Lord, please help me to grow in love more and more in knowledge, to be discerning, sincere, and without offense. Lord, help me to be filled with the fruits of righteousness, that I might be a blessing to others and bring glory to Your name. Thank You. Amen.

8th grade Promotion

I was surprised and blessed to be asked to share something at the ceremony.

The students who were promoting had been in my class years ago and I love them.

When I realized that I would not be able to attend my heart thanked God for being asked.

But God…

Another adult involved in the ceremony asked me if I’d like to write down what I wanted to share and she would stand in for me.

Talk about a blessing!

The following is what I wrote and she shared.

To begin I am deeply blessed to have the honor to send you not only my prayers, but also a word of encouragement as you take part in stepping into the road that leads to adulthood. Not many young people realize that the four years of high school are literally the last years of learning how to hone your skills, thoughts and habits, to introduce you into adulthood.

Many people use the four years of high school to live for themselves, to indoctrinate themselves into habits and activities that are not only harmful for them, but instill abuses and addictions into their future as adults.

It is my prayer for each of you that you do not follow the wide path of the world, but that instead you look to scripture and listen and most importantly apply God’s truth to the next four years of your life and continue that habit into adulthood.

With that being said I asked the Lord what verse would crystallize what His plan for each follower of Christ is, where we could find it simply and directly lined out. He led me to Micah 6:8.

Oftentimes, when a scripture is familiar we begin to disregard it’s important especially when we have grown up from childhood hearing it quoted and not really understanding how to apply it.

I know this was true with my own childhood. I didn’t understand the importance of many scriptures that I had been raised with and memorized, but as an adult the Lord began to open my understanding and to help me learn how to apply these things to my everyday. The truths, the blessings, the direction, and the very gifts of life have been granted to me through that and I’m so thankful to my parents, my teachers, and my Sunday school for having me memorize so much scripture.

With that being said, let’s look at Micah 6:8.

Micah 6:8 NKJV — He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

Although these are simple words, the first thing it begins with is to show you what is good. Many things in this world try to tell you they are good, they are right, they are true, but we only find those things in God’s Word. Nowhere else is there true goodness without God. We must understand, that God is good and in Him we find goodness.

The Lord requires of us to do justly. That isn’t a sometimes thing and it’s not a when you want it. Simply and straightforwardly it tells us that we are to do right at all times.

Often people, become confused as to what is correct, right, and just. Scripture again is our guide and should always be the first place we look for answering questions.

To do justly is not an option with the believer. The follower of Christ should always look to do what is right in every circumstance, never compromising, never wavering, never being lukewarm.

Next we see that God wants us to love mercy. To truly understand that, we have to realize that it is because of His mercy that we have salvation. We can see throughout scripture times that God chooses to show His mercy to those who least deserved it. For if we all wanted to be honest, no one deserves God’s mercy. But He gives it and we need to as well. That means loving others the way God loves us, not holding bitterness or resentment. Leaving no room for offense, but choosing to love as God loves. If anyone has the right to be offended, it is our righteous God and He chooses not to. Instead He gives mercy, grace, and forgiveness.

Lastly we are to walk humbly with our God. We know through scripture that it is because of pride that Satan fell. We know that it is because of pride that Eve chose to eat the forbidden fruit: she wanted to be like God. We know that throughout man’s history pride has caused people to harm others, to live selfishly, to spread abuse, pain, and injustice. And it is still wreaking havoc on the human race today. But the Bible also tells us that God resists the proud. Humility is truly something we have to work at putting on, because pride came with our sinful natures and we can hardly get away from it. Unless we are purposeful in keeping our hearts humble before God, pride will grow, hiding under a myriad of excuses.

We must realize that we are no better than any other human created, and we are far less than God Himself. Yet, He made each and every one of us in His image, in God’s likeness, and Jesus Christ died and rose again to save our souls. Those two things: being made in God’s image and being bought by the blood of Jesus Christ, makes us more valuable than we can ever imagine. Because of these things we can be humble, as well as thankful, to the Lord Almighty for His great gifts and His endless love.

It is through a truly humbled heart that we can actually find the answer to walking justly and loving mercy. It’s the final key to how we are to follow Christ daily. Surrendering our own wants and desires before Him and choosing to live for those He has placed around us every single day.

As you embark on the next 4 years, which begin right now, I pray that you will live for Jesus Christ and not for yourselves. I pray that you live for Jesus Christ and not for academics or achievements, whether it be in sports or intellectual things or even just enjoying the world that God created. Those things are good and He gave them to us, but they should never be what we live for. I pray that each of you today realizes the importance of the place in life that you are at and that you will choose to surrender each day forward into Jesus’s hands and serve Him as the bond servant that Paul spoke of in the scriptures. One who does not worry about his life, but only concern is in being an excellent servant of the Master. I love you and I thank you for this wonderful opportunity to speak into your lives. Again, I’m sorry I was unable to be there in person, but God knows what is best and I trust Him. I’m sending you each my love. God bless you.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Please bless these young people with wisdom and let their hearts be opened to Your Word. Lord, thank You for allowing me to have an opportunity to reach out to them. Thank You for the blessing of my friends. Lord, You have all things in Your hands and Your ways are perfect. I praise and thank You for all Your wonderous works. May You be glorified throughout the whole Earth. Amen.

Planting faith

We finished setting seeds yesterday morning.

I took this picture because I don’t want to forget what it looks like.

I’ve found in the past that I often grow impatient with the growth of the garden and it’s wise to take pictures of each stage.

It helps me see where we’ve been and be thankful for where we are.

These sorts of “reminders” are useful in growing faith as well.

No, it’s not a photo moment, but there’s many ways to remember where God has taken us and to be thankful for where we are.

In scripture we see God instructing Joshua to build a monument.

Joshua 4:3 NKJV — “and command them, saying, ‘Take for yourselves twelve stones from here, out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood firm. You shall carry them over with you and leave them in the lodging place where you lodge tonight.’ ”

Joshua 4:5 NKJV — and Joshua said to them: “Cross over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel,

Joshua 4:7 NKJV — “Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.”

The monument was to leave a legacy, a physical reminder of God’s faithfulness.

Because we need reminders.

Without them we grow careless and forget God.

When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel.
Judges 2:10 NKJV

Thus, God instructed the children of Israel:

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 6:5‭-‬9 NKJV

Let us love the Lord with our whole heart, soul, and strength.

Let us find ways to teach them to our children, to decorate our home, to wear them as a continual reminder.

For God is faithful, just, loving, patient, kind, good, true, and in Him is life eternal.

Plant seeds of faith today, so our future generations can grow up in the knowledge and goodness of God.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You that You command us to pass on the truths of scripture, because it sets us free from sin and death. It’s a gift too valuable to be forgotten. Lord, please help us to be creative and purposeful in planting seeds of faith. Lord Jesus, shine Your truth into our hearts and minds that we might weed out anything which would seek to choke our faith. Lord, teach us how to be diligent in following You and steadfast in Your Word. Lord, please keep us from evil, help us to walk straight, not turning to the right or the left. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for salvation. May our lives be fruitful for Your kingdom. Amen.

“… dominion…”

What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, All sheep and oxen— Even the beasts of the field, The birds of the air, And the fish of the sea That pass through the paths of the seas. Psalms 8:4‭-‬8 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.8.4-8.NKJV

These words struck me this morning.

Have I pondered this truth?

What does it mean to have dominion over the works of God’s hands?

Strong’s Definitions: מָשַׁל mâshal, maw-shal’; a primitive root; to rule:—(have, make to have) dominion, governor, × indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have) rule(-ing, -r), have power. (Copied from The Blue Letter Bible app.)

He gave mankind the job of ruling over His creation.

We are God’s stewards.

What He has given doesn’t belong to us, but is in our care.

I had to stop.

Do I handle my every day as if caring for the Lord’s things?

Do I even think about this truth?

Sometimes, I do not.

But as the sun climbed higher in the sky, the Lord encouraged me.

Today is a new opportunity to live with the proper mindset.

Today is open, a chance to be a wise caretaker.

Today, is all I have and I want to live it well.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for showing me these verses this morning. Thank You that all I think of as “mine” is really Yours and You will guide me as to what You want me to do. Lord, please continue to teach me how to view life and this world. Lord, help my heart to be filled with compassion and love. Lord, please help me to be wise and to use the things You have placed in my care well. Lord, teach me to be a good steward, that I might hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant”. Thank You, Lord. I love You. Amen.

Inspiring

I saw this as I was walking down the driveway.

I had to stop and take a picture.

This sweet little lawn daisy is growing surrounded by pavement.

Obviously, not the best conditions.

God used it to inspire me.

I’ve been reading through the prophets in scripture.

First, Jeremiah and now Ezekiel.

Neither of them are what you might call warm and fuzzy.

Jeremiah 1:15-17 NKJV — “For behold, I am calling All the families of the kingdoms of the north,” says the LORD; “They shall come and each one set his throne At the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, Against all its walls all around, And against all the cities of Judah. I will utter My judgments Against them concerning all their wickedness, Because they have forsaken Me, Burned incense to other gods, And worshiped the works of their own hands. Therefore prepare yourself and arise, And speak to them all that I command you. Do not be dismayed before their faces, Lest I dismay you before them.”

Wow!

That’s heavy.

Both Jeremiah and Ezekiel did exactly as God commanded.

They were faithful to the Lord and in the most difficult of times, when many all around them were not.

Jeremiah 6:10 NKJV — To whom shall I speak and give warning, That they may hear? Indeed their ear is uncircumcised, And they cannot give heed. Behold, the word of the LORD is a reproach to them; They have no delight in it.

Being a prophet of God was a serious and difficult calling.

Ezekiel 2:3 NKJV — And He said to me: “Son of man, I am sending you to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against Me; they and their fathers have transgressed against Me to this very day.”

These men were living unto the Lord, no matter how difficult.

The lawn daisy blooming in the stubborn and unyielding concrete reminds me of these men who spoke God’s Word to a stubborn and unyielding people.

Those who persevere for Christ should inspire all of us to do the same.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your prophets and the people of the Bible. Their stories inspire and encourage. Thank You for showing how great You are through these people. Please continue to help me to be reminded of Your Word and Your truth. Lord, each day is a new opportunity to live for You. Thank You. Amen.

Dear Christian young lady,

I wanted to write to you and remind you of who you are in Christ Jesus.

You’re worth to him is incredible, passed our understanding.

Romans 5:8 NKJV — But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Your value does not hang on your works, your possessions, your living status, or anything else you can do or are doing.

He loved you completely before you were even born.

Psalm 139:13-17

No one can remove that from you.

No one can change God.

The truth is the love remains whether you walk in it or choose to ignore it.

God’s love is steadfast, not based on how you feel or look, not moved by the opinions of others.

If you choose to live in God’s love you will find worth, value, peace, and security.

Nothing else can offer the true love of God.

When we accept His love and learn to walk in it, we can live a life of sacrifice, because nothing is more important than Him.

We can walk through the trials of this life and be free from fear, worry, doubt, or even ‘trying harder’ because we realize all we are and all we have are God’s.

We can sit at the Master’s feet freely, not burdened by the cares of this world.

Yes, you will have trials and tribulations. Yes, there will be suffering and pain.

No, it will not last. For our hope is in heaven. Heaven is where pain and sorrow will be over.

Eternity is worth the cost, because it is far more lasting.

That is why we can walk as women of God and endure what the world, sin, and the enemy throw it us, not in our own strength but through Christ.

We are not alone.

We are not unloved.

We are not held to any other standard than God’s.

What does God’s Word say? What is He saying to you through it? How are you living for Christ today? What are you looking at? Is it encouraging you to run after the things of heaven? How are you teaching your children about Jesus and His Word? What is the legacy you are leaving to other Christian women? How are you being held accountable to God’s Word? Are you hiding it in your heart?

Every stage of life we have a choice on how we live the day we are in.

Each moment we can respond with scripture or we can react with emotion.

It takes a gift of the Holy Spirit to be able to respond, without Him we simply react.

2 Timothy 1:7 NLT — For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

The exciting thing is, He promised to give us all we need if we put our trust in Him.

Be on your guard of placing your trust in mankind; whether it be your friends, your family, or even your husband.

God requires that He comes first in your heart, because that’s how we are designed.

You will never go very fast or well if you always drive your car in reverse.

It wasn’t designed to be driven that way.

Neither were we designed to have anyone in God’s place.

He must sit on the throne of your heart.

If you find that your heart has been wayward, God’s throne has been occupied by someone or something else then repent.

Get on your face before Him and humble your heart.

If you know something or someone is a danger then confess it before God.

Put away anything which hinders or causes you to stumble.

Stop going to or listening to those things which lead you to sin.

Remember the enemy is a liar and an accuser.

If you are hearing accusations, stop and seek God, because chances are they’re not from God.

Conviction is completely different.

It leads us to repentance and seeking God more.

Accusations make you feel want to hide, you feel inferior, dirty, damaged, unable, and worth very little.

Accusations bring up the most painful circumstances and parade them before you again and again. It is what the enemy does best next lieing.

When stuck in the lies and accusations seek God’s Word.

Look for His truth and place it around you as well as in your heart.

Remember that the enemy is a roaring lion, he wants to drown out the still small voice of the Lord.

He wants you to believe lies and choose to destroy yourself.

Don’t listen,

not even for a moment.

Walk away and seek God’s face.

If only Eve had done that instead of talking to the snake.

Above all, dear heart, walk in the truth.

Serve God and Him only for He is true.

His Mercy is abundant, His grace is sufficient, His word is enough.

I love you and so does He.

Zephaniah 3:17 KJV — The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your promises. Thank You for Your Word. Please help us as women to walk in integrity and truth. Please keep us from lies and deceit both within ourselves and those of the enemy might try to ensnare us with. Lord, please show us our hearts, help us to be humble, true servants of You. Thank You for my dear friend. Please bless her. Speak with her, encourage her. Lift her up and let her eyes see the well of living water, that neither she nor her children would die in the desert. Thank You, Jesus for Your faithfulness. Amen.