Our lives are filled with colorful snapshots of brilliant pink joy, cool teal blue, fluorescent lime green, along with moments of cloudy grey, and dark blackness.
Abstract of color
We are a kaleidoscope of many experiences, times of solid connection to God, friends and family that may support our walk with Him too. We may have had dysfunctional family, mental health exposure, legalism over the message of Jesus in a personal relationship, or substance abuse in our environments. Or perhaps, we may not have been exposed to the gospel message of grace, love, forgiveness and mercy.
Living in this world, we can also have times of trial, disappointment in others or even our own choices, detours from the love and goodness of Jesus.
Each snapshot of our life provides a piece of the full picture of our testimony of life. We are created in Gods image to live a life of purpose. Just as Joseph and his coat of many colors (Genesis 37) shares the story of trial, family dysfunction, destiny, and ultimate restoration filled hope for the journey, we have a life story.
Brandon Lake has become my favorite Music artist, his powerful lyrics and melodies share his gift of story telling. However his humility in being used by God is the biggest impact. Listen to his newest song, “Coat of Many Colors”, powerful anointed message.
Coat of many colors by Brandon Lake
Let today be a day of putting off the old you, and putting on the new humble, wonderfully created by God, colorful woman or man as His chosen, beloved, purpose filled child.
Nahum 1:7 AMP The LORD is good, A strength and stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows [He recognizes, cares for, and understands fully] those who take refuge and trust in Him.
Romans 8:29-32 TLB For from the very beginning God decided that those who came to him-and all along he knew who would-should become like his Son, so that his Son would be the First, with many brothers. [30] And having chosen us, he called us to come to him; and when we came, he declared us “not guilty,” filled us with Christ’s goodness, gave us right standing with himself, and promised us his glory. [31] What can we ever say to such wonderful things as these? If God is on our side, who can ever be against us? [32] Since he did not spare even his own Son for us but gave him up for us all, won’t he also surely give us everything else?
Burst into song as you dance with your coat of many colors! He delights in you!
Psalm 30:11-12 MSG You did it: you changed wild lament into whirling dance; You ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wildflowers. I’m about to burst with song; I can’t keep quiet about you. God, my God, I can’t thank you enough.
There’s something about spending time in nature and seeing a raging river. Watching the power of the current crashing over boulders, bringing Living Water and life to the land. Jesus is described as the Living water for those who are thirsty. I believe every single person on the planet could relate to this statement.
As I was pondering the love of God this morning, I was reading Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, it can be found in Matthew 5.
Read it slowly, and realize all the different ways that God blesses His children. I have placed the many names of God across this blog post. I have italicized the Words of scripture found from many scriptures especially Matthew 5.
Whether you are feeling poor, overlooked, sad, hungry, and thirsty for justice there is a scripture of remembrance for that situation.
You are seen and known by the Savior Jesus!!!
““God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.
God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.
Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.” Matthew 5:3-12 NLT
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalms 119:105 NLT
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” Hebrews 4:12 NLT
“On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)” John 7:37-39 NLT
ABBA Father, thank you that even though sometimes we feel unseen, You are the God who sees everything, your name is El Roi( Hebrew for the God who sees!)
Please help us Lord when we’re overwhelmed and not sure what next steps to take. Thank you, Lord, that you would light the path that we need to direct our future and those we love.
El Shaddai ( Lord Almighty) you are faithful, even if we don’t know the future.
You are a good, merciful, loving Father! Bring Holy Spirit wisdom. Our hope must be in You!
Breathe Your Breath of Life in us again, Ruach Ha Kodesh.
You are the Living Water that we need. We are thirsty for an encounter with You, Lord God Almighty!
In the mighty name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Amen!
There is peace in observing nature. A beautiful sunset on the pasture reminds me I am a sheep who needs my Good Shepherd to give me wisdom. I need time with Him so I don’t listen to the wolves of the world.
The Bible is rich with His wisdom. His grace and wisdom is mandatory to live a wonderful life with His Presence.
“Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT
“And they said, “We give thanks to you, Lord God, the Almighty, the one who is and who always was, for now you have assumed your great power and have begun to reign.” Revelation 11:17 NLT
The world or others may encourage our decisions away from the plans of God for our future. We have to guard whose advice we think is truth. We need to filter the process of our future with how it lines up with scripture, the Lord never lies, He is the way, the truth and the life.
“We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer. People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives. Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed. The LORD has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster. The LORD detests the proud; they will surely be punished. Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the LORD, people avoid evil. When people’s lives please the LORD, even their enemies are at peace with them. Better to have little, with godliness, than to be rich and dishonest. We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:1-9 NLT
Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness and was tested by the lies of Satan. Here is how He recalled the truth and Word of God. We must do the same when we are tempted by the world culture that is against Gods ways.
“During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’” Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the LORD your God.’” Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the LORD your God and serve only him.’ ” Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.” Matthew 4:3-8, 10-11 NLT
By the way, Jesus was telling Satan the truth from Old Testament scripture that still holds true today.
Review again each scripture in this post especially those truth statements from Jesus. He wants the best for you. It may take a patient attitude and require work but it will build your character as His.
Titus 2:11-15 TPT God’s marvelous grace has manifested in person, bringing salvation for everyone. [12] This same grace teaches us how to live each day as we turn our backs on ungodliness and indulgent lifestyles, and it equips us to live self-controlled, upright, godly lives in this present age. [13] For we continue to wait for the fulfillment of our hope in the dawning splendor of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus, the Anointed One. [14] He sacrificed himself for us that he might purchase our freedom from every lawless deed and to purify for himself a people who are his very own, passionate to do what is beautiful in his eyes. [15] So preach these truths and exhort others to follow them. Be willing to expose sin in order to bring correction with full authority, without being intimidated by anyone.
As we learn to let His wisdom direct us, we get the opportunity to share. God bless you.
Good Shepherd, we thank You for not forgetting each of your children, the sheep of Your Pasture. We thank you that You would leave the 99 for the one who needs You most. We thank You for Your goodness, Your unfailing love, Your forgiveness when we repent for our sins and Your grace. Lead us on Your path for Your purposes. Help us when we feel left behind to know You never leave us but are forming our character into Yours. We love You and are grateful. In Jesus Name, Amen!
We are in a battle for ourselves, our families, friends, and world. We are feeling a deepened dark oppression cover many of our lives. The easiest thing to do when we feel overwhelmed by the circumstances around us is to give up.
God causes us to stand in his mighty power. It doesn’t make sense in a human minds, but it is the truth from the Word of God.
“Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth! Sing about the glory of his name! Tell the world how glorious he is. Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! Your enemies cringe before your mighty power.” Psalms 66:1-3 NLT
God promises never to leave us, because He is our Savior Jesus, who will never forsake us when we are following His ways and He has promises for us and our families. We have our own free will to decide to trust in Him.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.” Proverbs 3:5-8 NLT
It’s easy to stay with a relationship when things are going well. When everyone is getting along and people are choosing peace and healthy relationship skills. When challenges come, God is the only steady place to rest our minds and heads. Our faith in Him deepens when we trust His will over our own.
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT
Pastor Vlad Sauvcuk said in his book, “Make the Devil Homeless”, The Name of Jesus is mighty, it carries the power to break chains shatter the works of darkness. I Highly recommend this book with solid Biblical message.
“Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 NLT
The blood of Jesus sacrifice on the cross speaks a better word over our lives. Declaring the blood of Jesus by faith causes the devil to flee.
“You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel.” Hebrews 12:24 NLT
We may feel weary or heavy burdened. The enemy knows our weaknesses. We must yoke ourselves to Jesus.
“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”” Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
When we’re in the midst of exhaustion, distraction can fill our minds with lies. We can have an unsettled attitude that opens the door to the spirit of offense, a spirit of conflict, spirit of depression, spirit of materialism and comparison trapping. The spirit of discontent brings a sense of bitterness or an attitude of “I deserve this or that”, and that’s not from the Lord.
Being around others that have a struggle with comparison trapping, discontent, depression and the spirits of offense can seem to slink its way over to our minds.
We must know how to fight against the sneaky mind games of the enemy.
The Holy Spirit empowers and equips us for the battle when we stay in relationship with Him.
There is a battle plan for putting on the spiritual weapons of warfare that come from Jesus. Read aloud daily Ephesians 6:10-18. Reset your mind for each new day as you ask the Lord to bring His mighty strength and wisdom.
“Finally, grow powerful in union with the Lord, in union with his mighty strength! Use all the armor and weaponry that God provides, so that you will be able to stand against the deceptive tactics of the Adversary. For we are not struggling against human beings, but against the rulers, authorities and cosmic powers governing this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm. So take up every piece of war equipment God provides; so that when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist; and when the battle is won, you will still be standing. Therefore, stand! Have the belt of truth buckled around your waist, put on righteousness for a breastplate, and wear on your feet the readiness that comes from the Good News of shalom. Always carry the shield of trust, with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the Evil One. And take the helmet of deliverance; along with the sword given by the Spirit, that is, the Word of God; as you pray at all times, with all kinds of prayers and requests, in the Spirit, vigilantly and persistently, for all God’s people.” Ephesians (Eph) 6:10-18 CJB
If we choose to put first a relationship with God, and seek Him first every day, we can have a sense of peace that passes all understanding. But we must commit to reading His word aloud and trusting in His promises.
Nothing in this world will ever satisfy us as much as our relationship with the one who created us, ABBA Father, Jesus His Son and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit are the Voices we must listen to and obey.
“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 NLT
Whether you are traveling in an ocean or hiking a trail in the mountains, it’s important to remain connected to a compass. A compass can show you where to go. But you have to trust its direction.
I’ve heard it said: that following the Lord is following true North. As the world spins around, the distractions of news, war, potential new viruses, and social media can make our heads spin.
Distractions abound but the LORD is the Alpha and the Omega. He is the El Shaddai, our God who never changes. He’s the same yesterday today and into the future. He knows us from conception.
Jeremiah was one of the prophets of God, he was anxious, felt overwhelmed and not equipped to be a voice for the Lord. And yet God called him to be a prophet of the nations.
““I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” “O Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” The LORD replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the LORD, have spoken!””Jeremiah 1:5-8 NLT
I feel like the Lord laid this scripture on my heart for you. I truly believe the God has great plans for you. I can relate to Jeremiah, can you?
““This is what the LORD says—the LORD who made the earth, who formed and established it, whose name is the LORD: Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.” Jeremiah 33:2-3 NLT
Seek Jesus it is the best way to have a promised future.
The phrase “stay the course” keeps on being brought to my mind. No matter what we may be experiencing personally, financially, with joy or trial, “we must stay the course fixing our eyes on our Lord and what His Word says”.
The time spent with God will sustain us into the future. It is the one true thing they can direct our lives if we let it.
His word also says that “we are set apart for good things that he had planned a long time ago” (Ephesians 2:8-10). That means we must have trust in the One who created us. Trust takes faith, without seeing the end result. God is rich and mercy and loves us so much. However, we must choose to follow him.
“But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,” Ephesians 2:4 NLT
We must humble ourselves before Jesus and declare our allegiance to God. Jesus is the bridge for that amazing relationship. We get to choose to allow him to direct our lives. It’s His gift not to control us but in love to guide our destiny.
“that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:5-10 NLT
Call out to Jesus now and He will be your compass, True North. Let His destiny be yours.
Fix your eyes on Jesus. You are set apart for great things, listen to the Voice of God not the idols of culture. Turning off your phone, media and spending quiet time in the Bible is a reset to His plans.
“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:2 NLT
“For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NLT
“Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” Colossians 2:8-10 NLT
