Put on your coat!!

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.

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.

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Gossip: it’s a Jungle out there!

Do you ever reflect on your own middle or high school experiences? Peer pressure, finding your squad of similar minded teens was a process. You felt exposed, insecure and yet your mom or dad would encourage hopeful surprises at school.

I don’t believe any of us would like to go back to the jungle of hormones, posturing by others and unfortunate gossip or lies from the most insecure; the mouthy or physically challenging bully!

One time in that jungle was enough. The strategies to navigate the lions, tigers and panthers came with time, testing of others intentions, and giving peace a chance.

In this day and age, the social media addition to peer formation extends the aggravation of FOMO ( fear of missing out) or joy of finding those amazing, compassionate, supportive girls and guys that help mold you into who God knows you are.

The enemy uses these challenging times to destroy us and our kids, but we, as parents, can be diligent in prayer over their day. Prayer breaks through into the battle of good and evil. It is power in the name of Jesus! When we show our kids how we go to the only source of truth in prayer and praise, we bring His truth to action. We can use the same coping techniques as big kids ourselves!

We can allow the kids to vent as we drive a country road or travel into the mountains for slice of cherry pie. ( This has been my go-to peaceful drive.) Time spent together brings a great listener, not providing solutions unless asked and we can remind our teens they are loved and treasured.

As the kids get older, we can’t be their rescuer, we have to lead them to deepen their own faith in God. we have to train them to seek Him!

Scripture is the power of God in His Words. Ephesians 6 reminds us to put on the full armor of God, including the Sword of the Spirit; Scripture, the Word of God is the key weapon.

Ephesians 6:10-18 MSG
And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no weekend war that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. [13-18] Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

So whether you are single, married, with kids or not, don’t give up like you may have in middle or high school. This world may have unkindness and gossip meant to destroy you, however, you can open your mindset, heart to His love and let Him give you the tools to be brave and strong! March on your army of kids, family and friends may just join you with Jesus!

Psalm 31:19-24 MSG
What a stack of blessing you have piled up for those who worship you, Ready and waiting for all who run to you to escape an unkind world. You hide them safely away from the opposition. As you slam the door on those oily, mocking faces, you silence the poisonous gossip. Blessed God! His love is the wonder of the world. Trapped by a siege, I panicked. “Out of sight, out of mind,” I said. But you heard me say it, you heard and listened. [23] Love God, all you saints; God takes care of all who stay close to him, But he pays back in full those arrogant enough to go it alone. [24] Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon.

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What do you really need?

Have you ever thought of yourself as thinking too deeply? Maybe you feel like you have the right interpretation for people or for situations and yet maybe in the confusion of daily life you realize it really is simpler than your harebrained ideas.

The truth is, the Lord has the whole world in His hands! The Lord has you in His hands. He molded you and needs you to give Him the reins of your life over to Him. Will you?

I just heard this song by Brian Fowler, “What I really need”. The message in the lyrics is so simple. What we really need is God! We don’t necessarily need answers to questions we need his Presence. We need time spent with him. We must actively pursue a relationship with Jesus then clarity will happen.

What I really need by Bryan Fowler

Instead of the mindless battle in our mind, which tends to make things more complicated. I need help, you need help, we need Jesus!

What we really need is hope! Not hope in anything of this world, but hope and faith in God, the Creator of all things, to complete the work He started in us and in this world.

So what are you doing to deepen your relationship with Jesus or maybe for the first time to seek Jesus! Seek the Holy Spirit, your Creator God, the Father of all things!

Forget time spent with social media, trying to keep up with appearances and turn to Jesus. Stop wasting time when all you really need is him.

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Comparison destroys

We are living in the land of FOMO, the fear of missing out can cause a person to miss out on the good moments of the day. Fear of missing out is a trap, just as comparison is a trap. Gratitude for what we have and who we are is a gift. You may be a child, teen, young adult, or seasoned adult, the struggle is real!

The enemy knows if he can build discontent in our life he could take our eyes off of Jesus and his plan and purpose. It’s always our choice. Whose voice, whose words cycle through our mind? What we give attention to becomes our self-talk. Who we listen to is always a choice.

This is why it’s so important to check in with God and memorize His words of truth. So when you have those times of insecurity, the Lord’s words come to your mind, instead of the lies of the enemy.

When you look in the mirror, what do you see; a woman or man created in the image of God, or is your vision distorted by the words of another?

Filter everything through what God says about you and your vision will become clear. God’s mission for your life will become clear regardless of the babbling people around you who don’t support God’s plan. Over time and with the support of Godly influencers the negative words will seem ridiculously easy to ignore. Find Courage in God alone!

1 Peter 5:6-7 MSG
So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.

The Message version of the Bible seems to paint a picture of the goodness of God! The words of truth are profound and stand the test of time. Meditate and read these words aloud. Take in the truth so it can push out the negative self-talk. Consider rewriting these scriptures on your own post-it note to declare every morning.

Psalm 34:1-10 MSG
I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise. [2] I live and breathe God; if things aren’t going well, hear this and be happy: [3] Join me in spreading the news; together let’s get the word out. [4] God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears. [5] Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him. [6] When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot. [7] God’s angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray. [8] Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. [9] Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness. [10] Young lions on the prowl get hungry, but God-seekers are full of God.

Life is for living not comparing ourselves. Did you know God made you perfectly just as you are? Your body is proportioned just right, your life is in His hands. Seek Him for the best instruction, take off the blinders of human communications that do not align with His truth, and see yourself as He sees you, perfect as you are.

I’ve witnessed it by Passion featuring Melody Malone is powerful declaration. Bask in it!Praise Him!!

You are set apart for great things, go to the One who created all things beautiful including you!!!

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Weights

Do you feel the weight of worry, fear, anxiety, or sadness lately? This weight may cause you to feel unable to slip out of bed or to take the steps of boldly moving into your day. Perhaps concerns over family or friends, are weighing you down.

We can’t trust in our own strength but instead trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Have you started your physical workouts of weight lifting or exercise only to compare yourself to another person in your real /imaginary gym? Stop looking around at others journeys, focus on the workout God is developing in you.

We are called to cast our burdens on the Lord! He wants us to let Him carry our heavy loads. But do we hand off our life challenges to Him?

In order to be strong in the Lord and gain the personal relationship with Jesus, we must share our load with Him.

I’m finding balance is an important tool in the daily steps of life. Jesus words regarding balances and weights are powerful. Our muscles physically, our mind spiritually and emotionally will grow as we take the time to grow with God.

Meditate on His scripture, speak them aloud there is more impact to hear your own voice speak God’s truth:

2 Timothy 1:7 AMP
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].

Proverbs 11:1 ESV
A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight.

Proverbs 16:11 ESV
A just balance and scales are the LORD’s; all the weights in the bag are his work.

1 Peter 5:8 AMP
Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.

Each of these scriptures reminds me and perhaps maybe you, to let Him carry the heaviest things in life, seek Him to guide you to an abundant life of exercises in faith and nutritional stability.

Take every thought captive it is the only way to become strong in God!

Joshua 1:9 NLT
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.”

Remembering His truth as solutions for our weighty trials, we must fight with the weapons from God so we can destroy the setups of the enemy. Look up Ephesians 6 for the full armor of God, put it on daily.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 GNT
It is true that we live in the world, but we do not fight from worldly motives. [4] The weapons we use in our fight are not the world’s weapons but God’s powerful weapons, which we use to destroy strongholds. We destroy false arguments; [5] we pull down every proud obstacle that is raised against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey Christ.

Sound minds come to those who put in the effort for the best end result; sound mind, body and soul can be the reward with Jesus as your spotter! Let Him bring His protective hand to you.

Open the Sails

Stepping into a sailboat and getting ready to sail an ocean is not in my comfort zone. There is something about gale-force winds, waves as high as houses, unpredictable weather patterns, and hurricanes that make me shudder.

In sailing, there are times to Trim the sails (pull them in), and times to Ease the sails (let the sails out). Luffing is when the whole sail is flogging, or let out too much and is flapping in the wind not being effective. There needs to be a confident, wise Captain at the wheel directing the crew or the boat may sink.

Life can feel like the same chaotic unstable adventure. We have moments when we follow the captain (Jesus) and life seems to be on calm water and the sunrises are beautiful!

Our lives have times of great joy, like when we were young, we may have learned “Jesus loves Me” as a children’s song. We may have been blessed with parents, or grandparents that sat with us at bedtime reading from the Bible, stories of David and the giant Goliath. Maybe we had a friend who asked us to go to a church kids’ event or summer Christian camp.

Maybe you are new to the beautiful message of Jesus, who died a sinners death for all of us, He is the bridge between God and each of His children, US! He intercedes for us to His Father after we have accepted Him as Savior and allow the Holy Spirit to guide our lives. Today can be a life-transforming day to seek HIM as Lord of our lives!

We may have accepted Jesus as Savior in the past, and we meant the action to believe Jesus can help us and loves us. But then life happened, and things around us were not as clear, perhaps there was division in family, brokenness, divorce, mental health, or violence and we put aside the idea that we were loved by Jesus! Human beings in our lives may have been disappointing and we are living in doubt of His love.

Even David wrote in Psalm 51 of his struggles with life and staying connected to God. David still called out to His Father God for advice as you will read here.

Psalm 51:10 NLT Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.

Psalm 51:11- 15 NLT Do not banish me from your Presence;
    and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. ¹²Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
    and make me willing to obey you. ¹³Then I will teach your ways to rebels,
    and they will return to you. ¹⁴Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves;
    then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness. ¹⁵Unseal my lips, O Lord,
    that my mouth may praise you.

David Leonard released a new song, Light a Fire, it is such a powerful message of hope and restoration found in the Jesus of our youth, He is a God who restores the broken and brings New Life from the ashes of the past. Enjoy this amazing song!

Let today be the day, you step into the boat with Jesus. Let Him calm the waves and direct the storm. Awake your soul. Set Sail with Him (Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit) as the captain of your ship. Open the sails and let Him direct the course of your life. The waves may be choppy at times but you are no longer alone.

Identity at war

Only a slight glance at current media or news reels will show us that the world would say our identity is in crisis. Our Identities are in crisis when we forget who created us in His image and we forfeit the plans and purposes He had for us at our creation.

There are many voices vying for our attention. The Enemy of our souls, the devil wants to take our identity and our purpose before we can make a difference for God‘s kingdom. He was dethroned when he was thrown out of Heaven.

Lucifer, the most beautiful angel was thrown out of heaven because he wanted to be bigger than God and he took along with him a portion of the angels who believe the same things.That began a battle of good and evil, the enemy was jealous of Adam and Eve and their relationship with God.

The serpent in the garden brought doubt to the minds of Adam and Eve at the tree of knowledge.

We have a similar struggle and the enemy knows the details of our greatest insecurities. Who’s voice are you listening to?

We get to choose just like Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. Again, I say whose voice are we listening to? Do we want to believe our identity in the devil who wants to detour God‘s plan for our lives or do we want to believe the One who created us beautifully and perfectly in his image and has our lives in the palm of His hand?

Psalm 139:17-18 NLT
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! [18] I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!

I am so grateful for amazing women who share their God given wisdom and prophetic gifts such as Jane Hamon.

“We were created to be like God! He put His nature inside us so we could be His ambassadors, His representatives on planet earth. Everything He is was deposited into us in seed form. Tom likes to say His DNA was put into us—His Divine Nature Attributes. So when the devil came to Eve and said “God doesn’t want you to be like Him,” he perpetrated spiritual identity theft. Eve forgot that she already was like Him. Her true identity was that she was made in the image of God! She was created to be His daughter, His friend and His companion. This is why Jesus came to earth: to reconcile us to God, our Father, and to remind us who we really are. Demons will always try to separate us from our Father’s love by getting us to question who God is, what He says in His Word and whom He has created us to be. Excerpt From: Discernment by
Jane Hamon

We are given free will to choose who we will serve, the enemy or God? Knowledge brings wisdom, the wisdom found when we meditate on what the Lord says and we seek His wisdom first, can change the trajectory of our lives.

We must decide as individuals who we listen to, and we must share the wisdom of the Word of God with our kids and others.

Our kids are counting on our willingness to teach them the best wisdom for their lives presently and for eternity. We can’t give up that role to anyone in community.

Go to the one who created you and all nature! He is the Rock on which we must build our foundation of truth and identity!

Trust fall

Do you remember when you were a kid and a friend would challenge you to believe how much they can trust you or you could trust them? One of the ways to show trust would be to stand in front of your friend and allow her to catch you as you fell backward. It was kind of a scary proposition. Did you know this friend? Well enough to believe they would catch you when you fell? Or were they going to let you drop to the ground.?

I’ve been thinking lately life is like that it’s a continuous challenge of who to trust. Except the older you get the more you realize that the only true place of trust comes from trusting in God. Oh yeah, I have many friends and I have done the TRUST-FALL with them some I continue to keep in my life. But the one true thing that never changes is God. He never changes. Yes, sometimes we could have experiences in our life that bring fear, worry, concern, and those are the times we have to remember the promises of God.

Proverbs 3:5-8 NLT
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. [6] Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. [7] Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. [8] Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.

Proverbs 3:5-8 reminds us trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, but in all things, acknowledge him, and let him direct your path.

Jeremiah 29:11 is also a reminder to believe that God is trustworthy.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLT
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. [12] In those days when you pray, I will listen. [13] If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.

Both scriptures of unchanging truth take our action to trust God and to seek Him above all other things. You can take these life changing steps or restart them today.

Teaching the same promises to our kids, or even friends and strangers, can be a challenge if we’re going through a time of doubt or fear. Yet it’s important for us to share with our kids, and others, the ability to trust God, regardless of knowing the end result.

Trust In You is a song by Lauren Daigle from a few years back. I just heard it on the radio today, and it reminded me yet again the importance of trusting in God.

Philippians 3:13-14 NLT
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, [14] I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

A dear friend shared this scripture with me recently, pearls of wisdom to jumpstart your day.

So today, if you were having a day of doubt or challenge, an unknown circumstance, not knowing the future remember you could do that trust fall with the Lord and he will never forsake you never let you down.

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Stones

While I was listening to Stones by Kim Walker Smith, I took six medium stones and wrote a scripture reference, drew a cross, for example: We walk by faith in Jesus, As for my house we serve the Lord, No King but Jesus, etc, then I anointed each with frankincense essential oil with a cross and prayed over my house as I placed each stone at the corners of our home. Glory to God!

Stones in the Bible are a memorial to God after He has moved in the lives of His children. They exemplify God and His faithfulness.

Not in my strength do I cover my home but by the authority of Christ who is the Holy Spirit inside of me!

Stones by Kim Walker Smith

Psalm 55:19,22 GNT God, who has ruled from eternity, will hear me and defeat them; for they refuse to change, and they do not fear him. [22] Leave your troubles with the LORD, and he will defend you; he never lets honest people be defeated.

As for me, I will trust the Lord! Sometimes we feel overwhelmed by the news; personal life or world events. We may feel fear creeping in but we are called to something bigger. The scriptures are filled with wisdom. There is perfect truth from God for every day.

This is a great scripture to memorize from the Message Bible, rewrite it on a post it note, make it a screenshot on your phone.

1 John 4:4-6 MSG
My dear children, you come from God and belong to God. You have already won a big victory over those false teachers, for the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world. These people belong to the Christ-denying world. They talk the world’s language and the world eats it up. But we come from God and belong to God. Anyone who knows God understands us and listens. The person who has nothing to do with God will, of course, not listen to us. This is another test for telling the Spirit of Truth from the spirit of deception.

For our lives and those of our family, those we love, we can take actions in faith of Jesus such as covering our home in His truth. We can say aloud the truth of God; His Word.

Father, May our faith grow in You alone. We want more of you! May we meditate on Your Word. May we open our lives to the Holy Spirit. We want to give You all parts of our life. In Jesus Name, Amen!

1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

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Be still

No matter what news reports share about rumors of wars, social injustice, conflicts between the races, maybe even conflicts within your own personal circle of family or friends. There is a place of peace when we lay our fears, worries, and anxiety down to our Creator God who is the Alpha and Omega, He knows the beginning and the end. He placed the stars in the sky and knows them by name.

The Lord wants us to trust Him. It takes faith in God for the unknown future. It is impossible to lay down our life to Jesus when we are not submitting our whole life to His authority. Let Him be the Lord of your life regarding your thoughts and feelings, and when we submit to Him your actions we will show your family, friends, and even kids a parent with more peace, hope, joy, and love.

Psalm 37:7 AMP
Be still before the LORD; wait patiently for Him and entrust yourself to Him; Do not fret (whine, agonize) because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.

Jeremy Riddle has become my favorite Christian worship artist. His song, Know ( Be still) is so anointed in the Word of God. Let the words of the Lord flow over your mind, body, soul, and spirit.

Be Still and Know He ( the Almighty God) has the whole earth in His hands. The Lord has you, loves you and wants to be in a relationship with you. Let go of worries and fear! Be still with Him.

Psalm 1:1-3 NLT
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. [2] But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. [3] They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.