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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Unseen women

Mother’s Day brings a conundrum of emotions. There are many thoughts swirling in a women depending on your current status as mom or not. We must remember the amazing commitment in love, joy, nurturance, and role mothers play in the lives of their children. We should celebrate their efforts and extended actions for their families. Mother’s Day is an annual celebration however daily we should show gratitude for this amazing toughest job.

However, Mother’s Day can also bring sadness and despair for other women who either struggle to be moms due to infertility, not finding the best guy to share parenting or those who live with regret after abortion.

Another possible challenge to Mother’s Day can include deaths or trauma from families. We can’t always be sensitive to those who lived an unhealthy life with unstable moms who did not represent a Godly character. Trauma, mental health and addiction can destroy healthy bonding of mom and child. The effects of this foundation of parenting can effect generations. We are all broken people who need Jesus and we can break the patterns of unhealthy parenting for future generations.

We must be willing to do the personal work along with other older women who have traveled this road before us. Women who are being guided by the principles found in the Bible, who have servants hearts, learn from past mistakes, seek forgiveness and love Jesus.

Every woman should be celebrated as a child of God with a God given purpose. Some women have children, others shepherd children as a result of work, coaching in sports, being a great aunt who speaks wisdom to her nephews and nieces, or even in kindness to a stranger.

Proverbs 27:23 TPT
A shepherd should pay close attention to the faces of his flock and hold close to his heart the condition of those he cares for.

Women can be available to shepherd other children in their sphere of influence. This is a noble place to be an example of love and care.

God says for us to seek Him, let the shepherd lead you to the best relationship builder, Jesus.

John 10:9-15 NLT
Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. [10] The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. [11] “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. [12] A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. [13] The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep. [14] “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, [15] just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.

I am grateful for the wisdom I have gained in my life as emergency trauma nurse, center director for a pregnancy medical clinic and as a mom. However, the greatest wisdom in all relationships I have and am gaining from is in my time with God.

I am grateful for those people who have invested time in my life, as surrogate parents, wise kind hearted people who love.

God is love, He is hope, help and wisdom for all women and men. We have a place to be shepherded regardless the family of origin.

So on the day after Mother’s Day, I am encouraging all women ( and men) to show compassion and love to any woman, whether a parent or not!

Just love each other, support each other, share words of encouragement, be a good listener to those who need you. Extend a hand or hug to someone near you today! Sending hugs!

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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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Mercy

2 Corinthians 4:1-12,14-18 GNT
God in his mercy has given us this work to do, and so we do not become discouraged.

There is work to be done. What are you being called to do today? Where has the Lord given you a gifting, a passion for serving, a place to nurture others?

[2] We put aside all secret and shameful deeds; we do not act with deceit, nor do we falsify the word of God. In the full light of truth we live in God’s sight and try to commend ourselves to everyone’s good conscience.

We must live a life that even behind closed doors, or when no one is looking, represents the light of truth and following the Character of Jesus.

3] For if the gospel we preach is hidden, it is hidden only from those who are being lost. [4] They do not believe, because their minds have been kept in the dark by the evil god of this world. He keeps them from seeing the light shining on them, the light that comes from the Good News about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

We can not hold the wisdom of God for ourselves. “This Little Light of Mine”, is a children’s song. Yet the lyrics are relevant no matter the age. We must share Jesus not hide our testimony under a basket.

[5] For it is not ourselves that we preach; we preach Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. [6] The God who said, “Out of darkness the light shall shine!” is the same God who made his light shine in our hearts, to bring us the knowledge of God’s glory shining in the face of Christ.

We must remember it is not our words that save us or others from death, our words are human communication. It is the power of Jesus and His Words of life that save. We must seek Him first to guide our conversations. We are human but He is our Father, Son and Holy Spirit, all knowing, Almighty God!

7] Yet we who have this spiritual treasure are like common clay pots, in order to show that the supreme power belongs to God, not to us. [8] We are often troubled, but not crushed; sometimes in doubt, but never in despair; [9] there are many enemies, but we are never without a friend; and though badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed.

Our growing relationship with Jesus is a benefit to our eternal connection and to those we intersect. We must keep our hope in Him even as our lives may feel overwhelming.

10] At all times we carry in our mortal bodies the death of Jesus, so that his life also may be seen in our bodies. [11] Throughout our lives we are always in danger of death for Jesus’ sake, in order that his life may be seen in this mortal body of ours. [12] This means that death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

Our human brain can not comprehend love and the infinite presence of Jesus. It is faith without seeing Him physically.We will make mistakes however, we can be made new and have a life that uses our mistakes for better responses by His grace. Repent ( turn away from sin) and start anew.

14] We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus to life, will also raise us up with Jesus and take us, together with you, into his presence. [15] All this is for your sake; and as God’s grace reaches more and more people, they will offer to the glory of God more prayers of thanksgiving.

Do not be discouraged! Our spiritual being is renewed as we cling to Him, believe He is all truth, and trust Him for even our breath.

16] For this reason we never become discouraged. Even though our physical being is gradually decaying, yet our spiritual being is renewed day after day.

Sometimes I can allow troubles to explode into a mountain of distress instead of a mole hill. Go to the Rock, the great wisdom of God. ( Isaiah 2:2) Teens and even adulting can seem overwhelming and impossible. I must remind myself to fix my eyes, heart, mind on Jesus. Reading scripture on the topic of my distress and listening to praise music calms me. The trouble may still exist but my soul within me seems more at peace. He is with me!

17] And this small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble. 18] For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever.

We must fix our attention, not on what is before our eyes, but the comfort and wisdom from our connection of Jesus within.

If you have not accepted Jesus as your Savior. Today could be the turning point of your life. Call out to Jesus today, say Jesus I need you, I believe You are my Savior, I want You to guide my life, words and actions. I give my life to you, I repent and want Your help to turn from past sins, make me new by Your sacrifice on the cross. Show me more of You. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Colossians 2:18-19 MSG
Don’t tolerate people who try to run your life, ordering you to bow and scrape, insisting that you join their obsession with angels and that you seek out visions. They’re a lot of hot air, that’s all they are. They’re completely out of touch with the source of life, Christ, who puts us together in one piece, whose very breath and blood flow through us. He is the Head and we are the body. We can grow up healthy in God only as he nourishes us.

Reason I sing, is a perfect song, Phil Wickham expresses well the importance of praise. Be blessed today, Jesus, is the reason I sing.

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Times ticking

Our impact with our children sharing life experiences; the mistakes and the successes, have a small window of impact as an intentional parent. We must share an absolute truth: our identity must be in Christ alone.

Before we know it, the eye rolls start, the convenient ignoring of our communication or even the disrespectful, angry outbursts of contempt can replace a cooperative, loving relationship.

Unfortunately, way to soon the world influences and culture will attempt to taint the best emotionally sound perspective that includes wisdom from God.

Our voices will seem drowned out by the media, music, our kids peers, social media and many other forces. What a scary thought! Our time is running out.

“There are 936 weeks of time with your kids until they are independent. What are you doing with each week?”, a podcast quote from Doug Fields regarding “Intentional parenting”.

Mr. Fields also shared 5 Cs of parenting: confidence, character, conviction, Acts of service, and competence.

This begs the question for me and for you, what are you doing with the weeks you are blessed to parent your treasured children?

My second question, how am I responding to my relationship with Jesus, my Father God and being open to an amazing walk with Him?

Brandon Lake shared a song, “Just Like Heaven”, it really touched my soul as I listened intentionally to the lyrics. Here’s a sample: Doesn’t it sound like Heaven
When You’re singing over me
There’s not a voice more constant
Your melodies, they never cease
Here I will stand in Your presence
In my true identity
Doesn’t it sound like, yeah, it sounds like
Just like Heaven

What if we treasured our children as much as God treasures us, His kids. To think He sings over us ( Zephaniah 3:17). Our true identity is found in Him.

So don’t waste another day, make the changes necessary for treasuring your kids, there’s only around 936 weeks from their birth to 18 so realize we can make a difference.

Proverbs 22:6 AMP
Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it.

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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.

What amazing love!

As I reflect on the importance of understanding holy week, I considered specifically, Jesus taking on all of our sins in the world; your sins, my sins. Jesus was willing to die for us. What kind of pain and love intertwined! His own disciples didn’t support him in the garden, they slept. Jesus cried out to God!

Matthew 26:36-42 NIrV
Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane. He said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” [37] He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him. He began to be sad and troubled. [38] Then he said to them, “My soul is very sad. I feel close to death. Stay here. Keep watch with me.” [39] He went a little farther. Then he fell with his face to the ground. He prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, take this cup of suffering away from me. But let what you want be done, not what I want.” [40] Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. [41] “Watch and pray. Then you won’t fall into sin when you are tempted. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” [42] Jesus went away a second time. He prayed, “My Father, is it possible for this cup to be taken away? But if I must drink it, may what you want be done.”

Jesus was scorned, and beaten, He took on all punishment by His own people. Our human minds can not fathom this level of pressure, with every lash of a whip, with the crown of thorns placed on His head, with the mocking crowd as He walked to His death on the cross. Mocked by the Roman guards, in and out of consciousness, He hung by His hands and feet. He forgave all who persecuted him, Jesus even said “Father forgive them, they know not what they do!”

Matthew 27:44-53 NIrV – Jesus Dies
45 From noon until three o’clock, the whole land was covered with darkness. 46 About three o’clock, Jesus cried out in a loud voice. He said, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” This means “My God, my God, why have you deserted me?” (Psalm 22:1)
47 Some of those standing there heard Jesus cry out. They said, “He’s calling for Elijah.”
48 Right away one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar and put it on a stick. He offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, “Leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”
50 After Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, he died.
51 At that moment the temple curtain was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook. The rocks split. 52 Tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs. After Jesus was raised from the dead, they went into the holy city. There they appeared to many people.

He is the bridge between humanity and our Father God. Without Jesus willingness to take on our sins and die for each of us, we would forever be dead. He gives us hope and eternal life, undeserved yet freely given when we accept His free gift.

God provided a way out from our sins from death because of our sins to new eternal life, a new birth, because of Jesus death.

Would any of us sacrifice our own child in this way? Would any of us be willing to lay down our lives for everyone in this world?

I will say it again, Jesus is the bridge between God and humanity! Believe He is the Savior of the World, He died for you! Repent from past sins, choose Him to guide your future.

There is no greater love than Jesus who died for you and me! He wants to know you, you have the option to choose Him, He awaits!

Jeremy Riddle, has become one of my favorite humble yet powerful worship artists, his song “Known and Make Known”, is so well written. This song fits the message of Easter! Choose who you will follow, choose Jesus!

Jesus was raised from the dead, a woman, Mary Magdalene, was the first person to see Him. What awe, what amazing supernatural vision of Savior Jesus! Then the disciples were amazed to see the resurrected Jesus and they believed He is the Messiah!

Matthew 28:1-7 NLT
Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. [2] Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. [3] His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. [4] The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. [5] Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. [6] He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. [7] And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”

We are called to share the Great Commission, tell others about Jesus, He is risen! This is the truth that will never be denied!

Matthew 28:18-20 NLT
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. [19] Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. [20] Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Jesus is the Rock on which we all must stand, just as the earth quaked at His death, He is the foundation of all things, the mountains will not be shaken!

Psalm 46:1-5 NRSV
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. [2] Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; [3] though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. [4] There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. [5] God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns.

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.

Inspiring Guest Post: Your Mess Can Become Your Message

There’s a testimony waiting to come out of your story. I made a mess of things, but God knew what message was coming from it. I remember being pregnant out of wedlock, focusing on my mistakes and the mess I had made. I remember the pain and disappointment. I remember thinking that my child was a mistake that I had made. I remember the feeling of being a single mother with a child whose father was nowhere in the picture. I remember someone calling my baby a bastard as I held her. I remember the look of embarrassment and shame. I remember the fear and the pain.

But I also remember God sending a stranger to remind me that my child was a blessing from God and wasn’t a mistake. She looked and saw the pain I was carrying and helped me to see my situation, my baby, through the eyes of God. At that moment, God sent a messenger to remind me that He still had a plan for my life and my child’s life. There was purpose coming out of my pain.

When I laid my mess at the feet of Christ, He cleaned it up and reminded me that there’s no failure in Christ because He makes all things new.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
~ 2 Corinthians 5:17

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
~ 2 Corinthians 12:9

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
~ Romans 8:1

He knew what you would be tempted with, the failures, the setbacks, but He also knew what was deep inside you waiting to be released at the appointed time.

Is anything too difficult for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”
~ Genesis 18:14

“For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.”
~ Habakkuk 2:3

We go through the valleys to climb to get to the hills. Look to the hills from whence cometh our help; our help cometh from the Lord. God has mountaintops ready for you, but you must be willing to push through the storms of life to get there. On this journey, you will have storms that arise. The word says, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

When Christ died on the cross, He gave you victory over all circumstances because He rose over it all: sickness, pain, grief, trials, lies, fears, and shame. Whatever you are going through, remember there’s glory coming out of it. There’s glory in your story.
By Iris Pelton-Hamlett