Do you want to grow?

Summer is a season of sunshine, 321 days a year in Colorado, that is what I know from my personal experience. Most years, Colorado is known for being a great destination of sun and fun year round. Colorado, also, has horrendous severe thunderstorms, golf ball size hail, flood conditions and even more bipolar weather patterns.

This year I believe we are setting records for thunderstorms, hail, rain and flooding. Storms can bring trials and they can clear out the dirty, brown clouds in the atmosphere. Storms and great weather have purpose. We can grow in each climate experience.

In order for growth to happen, we need sunshine, a properly prepared soil, plenty of water ( even torrential downpours) to quench the dry parts of ground and times of peace and stillness.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 AMPC
And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God]; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete [and found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).

In order to grow in our faith with the Holy Spirit, Jesus, our Father God, we need Sonshine, an open heart, mind and soul connection (our spirit man to the Holy Spirit). It is necessary to make action steps to deepen this life giving relationship. Otherwise, the desert times in life will cause us to whither away and dry up our God given purposes.

We need the Living Water of Jesus, through time spent in the Bible, His Word fills the empty soil of our lives and brings more productivity. We need solid accountability field workers to encourage our digging up the weeds and tenderly caring for the tender green places of growth with Jesus!

One of the hardest things for humans is to be still and open in humility to allow God to speak into our lives. Without this step of faith and submission nothing really changes. Our stubborn nature to pride and closed ears can cause us to walk the wrong way.

As Aerosmith used to sing “Walk this way”, however, over time the world will bulldoze our potential with distraction in culture, the promise of good things but at what cost, a fleeting moment of happiness over a blessed path to a meaningful future of harvest: relationships of likeminded, loving people who realize we are sinners and it’s one step at a time that we can grow in Jesus with a full field of harvest.

So, do we go by impulsive now mentality or plan a future of potential purpose blessed by God? Deuteronomy 28 is the Bible chapter that discusses the difference between walking with God’s blessing or choosing to curse God and receive our consequence. I think I avoided this scripture but now see it’s truth.

I appreciate Paul sharing with the Ephesians his gratitude. The encouragement of a fellow Christian who spends time with God cannot be underestimated. I leave you with this prayer blessing from Ephesians 1.

Ephesians 1:16-21 NLT
I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, [17] asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. [18] I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called-his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. [19] I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power [20] that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. [21] Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else-not only in this world but also in the world to come.

Thank you for reading my spontaneous blog. I appreciate your taking the time to stop by for a while. May you feel the love and presence of God as you take the steps necessary to grow in Him. It will be a mighty harvest for those willing to take the risk.

End of a school year

Schools out for summer was an anthem song in the classic rock era. It’s a song that makes me reflect on the rigors of school, homework, peer relationships and all that entails.

I am humming that song today as I witness a close to the school year in my community and personally. There is more pressure on todays’ youth post-Covid to complete the school year strong. Even the years of past Covid isolation cause many students to struggle in social situations. I have seen the problem of limited skill set for healthy relationship building in communications due to cell phone use. Pressure to keep up homework and with solid results on final exams can seem daunting. Distractions abound.

Have you seen the level of academic expectations for your child? I may be in a bubble however, As I attempted to share my old time academic ability, I was blown away by the college level coursework.

Colossians 1:9-12 MSG
Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul-not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.

Our prayers matter, the Master, God, will give us and our kids endurance and ability. We must rely on God to give us wisdom for encouragement and strength for our children. We must share what we are learning in this postCovid era. We can endure anything with our faith in God.

Proverbs 15:22-23 GNT
Get all the advice you can, and you will succeed; without it you will fail. [23] What a joy it is to find just the right word for the right occasion!

Ecclesiastes 12:11 TLB
The wise man’s words are like goads that spur to action. They nail down important truths. Students are wise who master what their teachers tell them.

We remind them to keep moving, keep taking the steps into Gods’ plan for their future. We remind them they do not walk alone. We are with them and so is their Savior JESUS! Even if you feel your kid doesn’t want to hear about Jesus, God will honor your efforts.

Our walk with the Lion of Judah is being observed by our kids. Do they see you spend time with God? Praying daily with them as you drive to school, or in your room at the close of day.

Do they see you seek wisdom from the Bible for the hard circumstances of life? Or do they see impulsive responses without self control? We are works in progress. (By the way, I have had moments of mistakes, I am grateful for do-overs as I ask my kids to help me to improve my approaches).

Our determination to change generational patterns from unhealthy to Gods’ best plans can turn the tide for future generations. We must be willing to build resilience, be humble to learn from Jesus, and share what we are learning.

A day without learning truth is a wasted day, take time to be in nature with your people, observing nature reminds me the amazing God created each plant and animal for our benefit. His hand is in nature, it brings joy on the journey, enjoy the summer.

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Life is a test, Speak Life

Just as in high school, you can get test anxiety and fret over the multiple choice answers. Your test prep in the Bible, the wisdom of your favorite teacher and the compassion of wisdom shared can impact your future.

Life boils down to multiple choices, turn to the left or the right, choose joy or conflict, choose pride or humility, choose to be the one with the last word or listen and consider another’s heartfelt communication.

Today I spent time asking God for wisdom in relationships. I was reminded of a solid truth, I get to make a choice to bring life or death to any person by my words and actions. I get to choose and you get to choose to speak life or death.

Deuteronomy 30:15-20 ESV
“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. [16] If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you today, by loving the LORD your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. [17] But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, [18] I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish. You shall not live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess.

It is a daily sometimes moment to moment process of speaking life or death. The power of the tongue can not be underestimated.

Our excuses of I am tired, hungry, I feel ignored and lonely, or no one cares about me, can be the impetus for our speaking without thinking.

After all, every person has spoken without thinking. I know I have had to learn to restrain my comments and ask the Holy Spirit to help me express the truth without destroying others. Sometimes, I have to receive the truth from someone else and seriously consider if their comment and opinion has merit. Many times, I need to ask forgiveness and humbly work at restoring relationships.

Can you relate to this quick speaking impulse? It is like a Wild West movie with a quick draw from your holster. The weapon of life and death is not the gun but the tongue.

The need to have the last word is a problem in our world and in personal relationships. The best place to gain a healthy insight and solution is working on our relationship with God. When we seek His solutions, obey their content, we will find more of His life giving perspective.

The fruit of living in obedience to God is our character can be molded into more life giving responses. His pouring into our lives by the Holy Spirit gives us the ability to pour out to others more life. Generational habits can be changed, more of God in us and in our relationships leads to chains of oppression, codependency and other dysfunctional patterns broken, by the power of Jesus.

We must choose the One true God, we must turn from any idols that obstruct this relationship to our Creator God.

Asking another student for the exam answers is cheating your own life of the best source. No other person or thing should be worshiped over Him. Idols destroy our connection to God, He alone is worthy to be praised.

Scripture is clear, we get to choose who or what we serve. We can be blessed by our choice for God or cursed for seeking the wrong source.

19] I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, [20] loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”

Life and death, blessing or curses are your free will options. Our choice effects generations, so love GOD, the best Teacher, OBEY his voice, hold fast to Him, He is life just as He was to Abraham.

Don’t flunk the Final exam! There is no cheating, we each stand before Him with our lives. Your willingness to get extra guidance from the Great Teacher, Jesus and spend time gaining the best knowledge will be rewarded. This is a promise not only for you but for future generations.

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Be renewed!

You may feel pushed down, you may feel unseen, you may feel unknown, the enemy wants you to stop believing in the goodness of God. Praise is the best remedy for a weary soul!

Psalm 112:1-10 NLT Praise the LORD! How joyful are those who fear the LORD and delight in obeying his commands. [2] Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. [3] They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever. [4] Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. [5] Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly. [6] Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. [7] They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them. [8] They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly. [9] They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor. [10] The wicked will see this and be infuriated. They will grind their teeth in anger; they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.

If we fix our eyes on the world we can feel the oppressive, dark, chaotic presence of evil. The multiple reports of spontaneous fighting, shootings, and strife can make us feel like giving up. Add to this world focused mindset and having children can bring us fear, unrest, worry and more. Our minds can effect our lives for despair or hope. Our kids can learn resilience in Jesus or to get stuck in a mind of death and despair. We have to reflect Jesus!!

Fix your eyes and hearts, minds, and souls on Jesus! There is no other place where we can gain His Presence and His peace for a new day! Something has to break, break the strongholds of depression, addiction, past hurts and renew your mind in Him!

Romans 12:1-2 NLT
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. [2] Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Let Basking in His Presence become a daily action. I have heard it said doing an action for 20-30 days, makes a habit become a lifestyle change. Consider making a contract with your kids, or accountability buddy (a family member or friend).

For the benefit of your life and those you love, family and friends, take the time to listen to His people praise in storms, Christian worship calms me and resets my mind on Him. Open the great book, the Bible, ask him to open your eyes to new beginnings! Give your worries to Him!

Nothing else+ The Heart of Worship, by Kari Jobe and Worship together, is beautifully reflected of the need to rely on no one else but Jesus!

Make a change today, Renew your mind in Jesus and His plans, be transformed as He fills you with truth, hope and a new perspective. Your kids, family and friends will watch your walk with Your best friend, Jesus! Others can be transformed to the best path with Him! He brings us a new confidence and strength even for the unknown future. Walking with Him is better than walking alone, He will never leave you.

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Exposure hurts but leads to new life

Exposure to the Light and truth can be painful especially when we watch injustice abound. Those who know how to hide their sin can seem to get away with things. I have to be reminded that God sees all things.

Watching someone you love still stand for truth, boldly speaking for the underdog, is an interesting perspective. No one wants to witness conflict but standing on the Rock even when we may be faulted for our imperfect witness as a Christian is a growing opportunity. We can use every misspoken word or action to learn self control, be a better witness and speak truth in the future. We are still works in progress. God sees our heart, our perfection is complete in Him alone.

Philippians 1:6 says and I paraphrase, “He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion”. Aren’t you humbled to think he takes our imperfections and wants to guide us to completion in Him?

Faith grows in the midst of trial. Romans 5:6-9, reminds me hope builds endurance, and He will strengthen us. I want those I love to learn resilience and deepen their tenacity seeking Jesus first, and remembering He loves them, sees their efforts and will continue to mold them into who He knows they can be. So regardless the voices that surround, as a parent, or in life, I must intercessary pray and trust God for their journey.

Proverbs 10:9,12,18-22 NLT
People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed. [12] Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.

18] Hiding hatred makes you a liar; slandering others makes you a fool. [19] Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

20] The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless. [21] The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense. [22] The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.

Don’t be stuck in fear or feel unprepared, spend time meditating on God and His Word, He will equip you for the journey. He is for you not against you.

Spirit move by Bethel Music and Kalley Heiligenthal

I love this song, Spirit move, it’s lyrics remind you we can have a life transformed by the goodness of God. Today, submit to His authority, call on Jesus, repent and move with the Holy Spirit!

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Parenting is not for wimps

Your life may have been difficult. Perhaps, your parents struggled to be the best example of love and nurturing qualities. We are all broken people. We are on a journey!

Our life experience can grow our ability to love, be patient, and compassionate, have self-control, and be the best parent. These are some of the key qualities of raising children. However, the most important key is being a parent who puts God first. This parent understands their sinful nature, seeks God for every step, submits to the authority of God, asks forgiveness of God and others when they fall short in words or actions, and shares the wisdom found in scripture with their kids.

Being a parent is not for the faint of heart. You are not given a human guide to follow. However, you are given the most important guide that stands the test of time, this guide is for every stage of life, it is true no matter the generation, its truth never fades.

Where can you find this amazing guide for life and parenting? The Bible is filled with wisdom from the Lord. John 1 talks about the Word coming alive, Hebrews 4:12 shares, the Word is sharper than any two-edged sword, and James 1:21 shares that the Word has the power to save as we use it aloud declaring its wisdom.

I remember being single, then newly married, and watching people with children. I would observe the relationships at stores, in nature, and at restaurants, and I would think, I want to make a difference for a child.

I may have even thought as I saw a strong-willed child sass their parent, Wow I couldn’t let my kid get away with that behavior.

Once I had children I realized how in my own strength, I can be prideful, selfish, and demanding my way. I needed to work on my relationship with my Father God, discover the truth in the Bible, and seek like-minded women who are older and can share with me what they have learned from the joys and challenges of parenting. The best place to gain this wisdom I have found was in women who love Jesus, walk in humility, see their need for Him, and share their lives freely with younger moms.

No matter your stage in life, God is a Father to the Fatherless, if you were abandoned if you were mistreated by your parents, He is true to His promises.

Psalm 27:10 -13 Although my father and my mother have abandoned me, Yet the LORD will take me up [adopt me as His child]. [11] Teach me Your way, O LORD, And lead me on a level path Because of my enemies [who lie in wait]. [12] Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, For false witnesses have come against me; They breathe out violence. [13] I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.

We must not despair and we must not give up learning how to be a better parents. We come with our own baggage of good and misplaced parenting, our own hurts, our abandonment, and our trauma. Hurt people hurt people unless they seek to be healed. We must give all these hurts to our Father and let Him heal and restore our lives.

When we take this step of faith in the unseen yet amazing, trustworthy, Almighty God we can break the chains of past trauma and generational mistakes and start a new path of love, compassion, forgiveness, and restoration in the God who creates us and wants to give us the world full of promise and purposes.

Helpful scriptures to memorize and post in your home or car: Proverbs 15:1, Galatians 5, Colossians 3:20-21, Matthew 6, Psalm 130

Proverbs 15:1 NLT
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

Galatians 5:14-15 NLT
For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” [15] But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.

Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Colossians 3:20-21 NLT
Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. [21] Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.

Matthew 6:9-15 NLT
Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. [10] May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. [11] Give us today the food we need, [12] and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. [13] And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. [14] “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. [15] But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Keeping our minds, souls, and spirits fixed on His truth can change the trajectory of our lives and those in our family for generations but we need God’s help to heal and restore.

Psalm 103:6-18 MSG
GOD makes everything come out right; He puts victims back on their feet. He showed Moses how he went about his work, opened up his plans to all Israel. GOD is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, He’s rich in love. He doesn’t endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs. As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him. And as far as sunrise is from sunset, he has separated us from our sins. As parents feel for their children, GOD feels for those who fear him. He knows us inside and out, keeps in mind that we’re made of mud. Men and women don’t live very long; like wildflowers they spring up and blossom, But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly, leaving nothing to show they were here. GOD’s love, though, is ever and always, eternally present to all who fear Him, Making everything right for them and their children as they follow his Covenant ways and remember to do whatever He said.

Peace and Harmony

Harmony and peace go hand in hand. You can not have one without the other. What is harmony? According to Merriam Webster’s dictionary, harmony means agreement, accord, or tranquility. Interestingly, harmony also means the combination of simultaneous musical notes.

I resonate with the musical definition and relate to the peace that I find in music especially when there is no harmony.

We live in a time of disunity, unrest abounds. You don’t have to have personal conflict to feel the world hurts. The continual discussion of World War 3, the cultural divides, the left and the right not even being willing to debate but instead demanding their opinion, can leave us feeling disharmony.

This condition has been a struggle since the beginning of time, man wants his way, period. The costs can be destroyed relationships, destroyed lives, or war.

What does scripture say about peace or harmony?

Psalm 133:1-3 NLT
How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! [2] For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. [3] Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the LORD has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting.

Proverbs 10:20-22,29 NLT
The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless. [21] The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense. [22] The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. [29] The way of the LORD is a stronghold to those with integrity, but it destroys the wicked.

Mark 9:49-50 NLT
“For everyone will be tested with fire. [50] Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other.”

Sometimes we are called to speak the truth in a circumstance. Sometimes it may feel the conflict that occurs as a result of our willingness to step out bravely for a wrong to another is so overwhelming. Yet, our obedience to be bold will be rewarded by God.

As we step out in faith, He will bring harmony (even if it seems impossible) and we will better reflect His character.

Just as spring flowers sprout through the snowy, frosted ground, we may get opportunities to push through some hard ground. Spring is a great season to feel the harmony of nature in action. New growth can ultimately lead to the building up of others (or ourselves) with more harmony.

Romans 14:17-19 NLT
For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. [18] If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. [19] So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

Leanna Crawford’s song, “How can you not” expresses well trusting God in the midst of trials, let the harmony found in Him bring you peace.

John 16:29-33 AMP
His disciples said, “Ah, now You are speaking plainly to us and not in figures of speech! [30] Now we know that You know all things, and have no need for anyone to question You; because of this we believe [without any doubt] that you came from God.” [31] Jesus answered them, “Do you now [at last] believe? [32] Take careful notice: an hour is coming, and has arrived, when you will all be scattered, each to his own home, leaving Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. [33] I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]

Peace and harmony are attainable with Christ alone. It does not mean your struggle has no meaning but the purpose can be explained by God. Peace with God is possible. In this world there is trouble, but Jesus has overcome the world!

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Take a hike

We want to be in control of our lives. This has been an impulse and self control issue since Adam and Eve. We think we know best, best answers to questions, best opinions for everyone, best future plans. However, it has been proven those who think and act without seeking wise council end up missing key opportunities.

Proverbs 16:1-3 NLT We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer. [2] People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives. [3] Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.

Just as a toddler may get near a hot stove ( gas or electric powered). The glowing light of heat from the energy source may be visible as in a gas stove or glowing on the electric range top and at times heat seems invisible. The heat is still there under the surface of the burner. After the electric source has been turned off, the danger to get burned remains for a while.

My daughter at three years old learned the hard way, that getting close to the stove and touching the burner when it is hot can get you burned. Just like most of us, she made mistakes. Just as many adult children learned, her parents were smarter than she thought as a teen. Listening to a wise mom brings safety ;). I am not sure the impulse issues change that much as we grow older, it can still be a trap.

Listening to the wise Father God brings the best safety. At times, I have heard it said, “it’s no fun to follow rules of religion, it’s boring, girls just wanna have fun”! What we consider fun today can have consequences that last a life time. Ponder for yourself the traps that enticed you to temptation.

We each live and hopefully learn from our mistakes. When I have avoided pitfalls of impulsive choices, I have been rewarded.

“Good things do come to those who wait”. Self control is one of the hardest Christ like character traits. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self control, are fruits of the Holy Spirit ( Galatians 5). I believe self control is the most important to ensure a successful God led life. Without it, we are wandering sheep with no shepherd.

When I look back on my life, I consider the distractions that I chose to bypass. I love Jesus and because I love Him, I want to walk in His plans.

I have not missed any fun things, I have been rewarded with great friends, likeminded encouragers who love Jesus too. I have seen and shared His harvest with others. So take a hike with God. In the end, it’s not about chasing the unknown it’s about flowing in His Ruach ( Strong’s concordance: Ruach means – Hebrew word for wind, breath, spirit) and being blown where He sees fit.

Psalm 18:30-36 NLT
God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. [31] For who is God except the LORD? Who but our God is a solid rock? [32] God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. [33] He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. [34] He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow. [35] You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great. [36] You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.

Strong

We live in a dog eat dog world, look at the banking system, the materialism, the constant striving for keeping up with others, is our car status representative of our success? The survival of the fittest is another example, it’s great to be healthy and use our body temple for purpose. Or are we feeling constant comparison to others’ and cursing the body and face created in the image of God?

My reading of 2 Corinthians 10 this morning was so impactful. It made me ponder the world, my community, personal interactions, and even my own walk with Jesus. Paul, shared a message of God, was transformed from persecuting Jesus and His followers to an amazing apostle who led the Gentiles and even fellow Jews to Jesus. Because Paul allowed Jesus to use his life for amazing things, Paul was bold and Holy Spirit filled in his preaching.

2 Corinthians 10:3-8 MSG The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way-never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.

7-8] You stare and stare at the obvious, but you can’t see the forest for the trees. If you’re looking for a clear example of someone on Christ’s side, why do you so quickly cut me out? Believe me, I am quite sure of my standing with Christ. You may think I overstate the authority he gave me, but I’m not backing off. Every bit of my commitment is for the purpose of building you up, after all, not tearing you down.

In the Life Application Study Bible, we are given a narrative background for the times of Paul and the Corinthian culture. Just as in our times, peoples feathers get ruffled when another human speaks boldly and they are not in agreement with the same philosophy. The truth found in the Word can ruffle feathers.

Here is the notes for the Life Application Bible found in 2 Corinthians 10: Verses 1-2 Paul’s opponents were questioning his authority. From verses 7:8-16 we know that the majority of Corinthian believers were siding with Paul; however, a minority continued to slander him, saying that he was bold in his letters but had no authority in person. Second Corinthians 10 through verse 13 is Paul’s response to this charge. Paul used Jesus as a model for being gentle and kind rather than demanding respect.”

Does this description from Paul’s journey feel strangely familiar? I don’t know about you, however, I want to reflect Jesus character with gentleness and kindness over demanding respect. In love, I want to share what the Lord is showing me regarding how to live with Him as my authority.

In love, I want those I love friends, family, even perfect strangers, to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus! But I can’t do it for anyone. If I love like Jesus, speak His truth in love when I feel His prompting, seek forgiveness if I have overstepped in discussion, then maybe others will want to seek Him too!

Love Them Like Jesus also means speaking the truth found in the Bible about complicated issues and being willing to speak the truth even if it’s hard!

Where do you get strong? Is it in the gym or in time spent being built up by the Lord? This workout with God lasts longer than the next time you crave your favorite sweet. Time spent with gaining His wisdom is muscle building for mind, body and soul. As a surfer needs, core strength, focus and tenacity, when we ask the Living Water, God will provide these necessary traits with even more ability to stand in balance no matter what we face.

Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT
So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

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Where’s your hope?

We are His chosen. He looks down at His children with understanding and we are created in His image. How the Father wants our connection!

Psalm 33:12-22 NLT
What joy for the nation whose God is the LORD, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance. [13] The LORD looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. [14] From his throne he observes all who live on the earth. [15] He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do.

How many times have you counted on your own strength and lost? Whether it is haywire emotions or a spiritual time of isolation, we can feel drained of all energy, hope and contentment. I used to ponder ‘ is God still with me?’ Then I realized, it’s at these times of exhaustion and perhaps aloneness, I can best hear the message of my Savior. It isn’t a time of punishment but a time to seek to be refreshed by the Living Water that saves and has the best future in store.

15b We can’t count on our strength. We can’t succeed without Him. He wants to guide us to His purpose. We must have reverent awe. Fear with respect for God is understanding. He is our Father.

Fear with respect for God is understanding. This is not meant to cause PTSD, it is meant to bring us to Him in awe, fear with courage attached as we honor and respect our Creator who loves us and knows us individually.

16] The best-equipped army cannot save a king, nor is great strength enough to save a warrior. [17] Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory- for all its strength, it cannot save you. [18] But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.

Our rescue is in Him alone. We must rely on His unfailing love. He is our commander Our Father is our only hope. He is with us in the battle.

19] He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine.

He is our help and our shield! Our barrier to the evils of life that want to tear down our defenses. The distractions of other idols vey for our heart, mind, and soul to slowly erode our strong tower of defense. We must let God provide His barrier of protection. The Armor of God is full body and mind protection.

20] We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield. [21] In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.

We can rejoice and trust in His Holy Name! He is worthy of our love and our hand must be in His! He knows the future.

22] Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.

Choose today, who you will serve: the Holy One, Jesus or your own or another humans’ foolish plan.

Today, I am ending this post with the first part of Psalm 33 positioned last. These words from scripture are a great reminder in our world, trust in Him alone!

Psalm 33:1-11 NLT
Let the godly sing for joy to the LORD; it is fitting for the pure to praise him. [2] Praise the LORD with melodies on the lyre; make music for him on the ten-stringed harp. [3] Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy. [4] For the word of the LORD holds true, and we can trust everything he does. [5] He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the LORD fills the earth. [6] The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. [7] He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs. [8] Let the whole world fear the LORD, and let everyone stand in awe of him. [9] For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command. [10] The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes. [11] But the LORD’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.

Stand in awe, when He spoke the world began! His intentions can not be shaken.