Loving people does not always come easy. Our expectations of others can cloud receiving love from people.
Our thoughts start in the mind. It doesn’t mean those thoughts are true and as a result, we can have people around us that love us, but we can feel unable to receive the love.
Past experiences of betrayal, abandonment, disappointment, codependency, depression and even struggles with addiction, can bring obstacles to the simplicity of love.
Whether it’s our actions or the actions of others, Jesus came as a baby because of love for us. He loved first.
“We love each other because he loved us first.” 1 John 4:19 NLT
God sent His Son as a bridge between humanity and Himself. What an amazing love, God could’ve turned His back on His people because of their sin. But that’s not the God who created us.
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17 NLT
Oh what a love, Jesus laid down His life so that we could be saved, and Jesus gave us the grace that we don’t deserve.
“Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:23 NLT
Christmas is a time to reflect on the love of Jesus! It’s a time for family and friend gatherings.
Sometimes our relationships are so complicated. It’s hard to forgive others.
We are to forgive others, but it doesn’t mean we forget the pain and hurt by others.
We must talk to Jesus and lay those experiences at the foot of the cross. Giving all of our hurt to Him. Only He can change another person’s heart.
Go to Jesus in Prayer:
Father God, I thank you that you’ve created me uniquely. I thank you Lord, that You know the challenges in my life and in my relationships I give those concerns to You now. I repent for the words or actions that I may have done to another and I asked forgiveness from you. Transform my mind to be like yours, give me the ability to forgive others. Give me strength for every circumstance. Please give me wisdom.I trust in You alone.
Nature has always fascinated me. Ever since I was a child, watching worms dig out of the mud or having a ladybug land on my arm, as I was pulling weeds, or even just watching a monarch butterfly land on the butterfly bush in my parents yard.
Awe
Fascinated, and in wonder at how God created each one of these insects for a specific purpose. I choose to believe one of the purposes is so that we, as His children could enjoy their beauty.
Even watching a number of black carpenter ants bringing food to their home, or hearing the sound of a honeybee eagerly gathering the nectar from a beautiful flower, brings joy and wonder if we take time to just be still.
When we’re going through complicated times it’s hard to remember to pause and allow ourselves to remember how much God loves us and His wonder is all around. It can give us encouragement for the next step to pause and look at nature.
God created His specific insects, birds, animals, and even us for a specific purpose.
There’s a scripture that reminds me to work hard as though you’re working for the Lord and not man. What a reminder to not worry about what other people are doing, but instead, focus on what God wants you to do.
“Work willingly at whatever you in do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Colossians 3:23 NLT
Now I may not like spiders that much but they have purpose too. One of their purposes is to take care of flies, which can be pesky.
Working in a chicken coop over the years I have gotten a few spider bites. They may have swelled my arm and caused damage pain, but spiders serve a purpose so they are forgiven.
You may feel unseen or without purpose. Those thoughts are not from God they’re from the other guy, the enemy, the one that wants you to stop living in your life with purpose.
Enjoy the truth of the word of God found in Matthew 6.
“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:24-28, 30-31, 33-34 NLT
Project of Love, a talented musician, shares music, it can be found on Spotify or even on YouTube, bringing scripture to beautiful melody.
Look at the Birds by Project of Love is a reminder from Matthew 6, God loves His creation whether flowers in a field, birds of the air and even more His children, created in His Image, YOU!!
Take time to observe nature it is a gift from our God! Give thanks to Him, He is good!
God loves you live with purpose. There’s a reason why you’re here on this planet so do the work for the Lord.
Today give gratitude to the Lord and be blessed!!
“Give thanks to the God of gods. His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of Lords. His faithful love endures forever.” Psalms 136:2-3 NLT
I have had the privilege of developing mentees and training mentors along with the founder of Christian mommas, Dr. Temi for multiple years as they initiated their Mentor/mentee program spreading the gospel message, being in fellowship and accountability one on one and as a small group for the glory of God. Although I have moved into another season of serving women, I am forever changed by the goodness of God and these relationships.
Emotional and spiritual intelligence change generations for His Kingdom purposes. Learning our power and authority comes from Christ, we can break through the darkness. Jesus calls us to make disciples of His people and we can bring forth women who are praying, declaring and interceding for their families.
Sister Shanica was a mentee and has been sharing her God given insight for the Christian Mommas blog. She has been in leadership at Christian Mommas, I was so blessed to know her and am excited to see how God is using her humble submission to His calling.
I repost today’s blog because it is rich in wisdom. Please take time to read and meditate on the Word of God explained so well.
May God continue to bless Christian Mommas.
Glory to God for His wisdom can change the atmosphere in our families, generations of sons and daughters impacting the world.
Is it possible you’re right where you’re supposed to be? Perhaps a detour occurred in your life or maybe a health scare, or someone has decided to break off relationship, trust God.
The hardest thing is to rest and know that His plans are greater than yours. Maybe a detour or a change in position is actually a tremendous blessing for the future.
Though our feelings come and go, [God’s] love for us does not. —C. S. Lewis
So many scriptures support this quote by CS Lewis, feelings are a distraction at times. Here are a few powerful truths from the Bible.
Psalm 136:1-3 MSG Thank God! He deserves your thanks. His love never quits. Thank the God of all gods, His love never quits. Thank the Lord of all lords. His love never quits.
Psalm 136:23-26 MSG God remembered us when we were down, His love never quits. Rescued us from the trampling boot, His love never quits. Takes care of everyone in time of need. His love never quits. Thank God, who did it all! His love never quits!
1 John 4 is an amazing reminder of the love of God. Love is the most important commandment in the Bible and yet is the hardest to give to others. Take time to slowly read through this chapter in the message version it’s full of the wisdom.
1 John 4:4-19 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. [7-10] My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can’t know him if you don’t love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God. [11-12] My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!
God loves us so much, detours can be an opportunity to grow deeper in love with Him. Detours may be protection from future problems or to redirect our steps to better relationships.
By the Holy Spirit and the giver of life, our Creator God, we can stay on the path that was always our life purpose.Trust Him!!
13-16] This is how we know we’re living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He’s given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. Also, we’ve seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God’s Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we’ve embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God. [17-18] God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love. [19] We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.
I know from experience it’s hard sometimes to let God lead, fear likes to provide obstacles to the beautiful mountain top experience that God wants for us. Fear is a liar, faith in God is the answer and truth.
Today, if you’re struggling to understand, break up in relationships, the career path, the health scare, whatever it may be, ask yourself this question, “God, help me to understand what you are trying to teach me, but more important help me to trust you? Show me the path you want me to take and thank you for giving me the comfort of unconditional love as I seek You for all things in Jesus mighty name amen.”
“Hand of God” is a new song by Todd Galberth (featuring Chandler Moore), it is rich in lyrics that declare we serve a God of love and He has the best plans as He molds our future.
Psalm 37:23-24,29-31 TPT When YAHWEH delights in how you live your life, he establishes your every step. [24] If they stumble badly they will still survive, for the Lord lifts them up with his hands. [29] The faithful lovers of God will inherit the earth and enjoy every promise of God’s care, dwelling in peace forever. [30] God-lovers make the best counselors. Their words possess wisdom and are right and trustworthy. [31] The ways of God are in their hearts and they won’t swerve from the paths of steadfast righteousness.
Today I leave you with some amazing scriptures that remind me and you, that sleep and calmness comes when you run to God.
The illusion we are in control of anything is just that an illusion. There’s a God in heaven that loves you so much. That he would leave the 99 sheep and search for the one who may be lost, weary, regretful, or stuck in world culture.
Jesus spoke in parables, to bring understanding of His wisdom. One of my favorites is found in Matthew 18.
“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.” Matthew 18:12-14 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.18.12-14.NLT
Meditate on these scripture examples:
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” Psalms 4:8 NLT
“When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you.” Proverbs 6:22 NLT
“He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.” Psalms 91:4-5 NLT
“He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” Psalms 121:3-8 NLT
Phil Wickham’s new song, “Running to a Runaway”, shares the amazing grace of our God. Play it on repeat as its beautiful lyrics prompt you to run to the Father. Let Him bring blissful sleep as you rest in His arms and be restored as His precious lamb.
For some reason I am unable to post it here. However look it up on Youtube. Be blessed by Your Great Shepherd, the King of Kings, Jesus!!
I’m not sure about you, but I feel like distractions abound lately. It’s almost like a tornado of information and data. Whether it’s social media, current news, events, strife, opposing opinions, politics, etc.. but God wants us to pause. Take a step back from the distractions and fix our eyes on what’s really true.
He is the way the truth in life. He is the way to peace. He’s the way to wisdom. We need His direction. The battle with distraction starts in the mind.
“Send out your light and your truth; let them be my guide; let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the places where you live. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and delight; I will praise you on the lyre, God, my God. My soul, why are you so downcast? Why are you groaning inside me? Hope in God, since I will praise him again for being my Savior and God.” Tehillim (Psa) 43:3-5 CJB
Visualize yourself sitting at the feet, Jesus. His smile lights up His eyes as He extends His hand to you. He wants to be in relationship with you. It’s your choice. He brings joy, peace and hope.
What is your happy place? Your favorite places could be next to a rolling river, listening to the sounds of the wind blowing through the pine trees. Could it be taking a hike in the mountains, the gravel crunching beneath your feet. Or is it sitting on the beach, listening to the waves crash at the shore. Wherever you find peace and can observe His creation is a happy place. For me it can be sitting in the middle of a horse pasture, listening to the neighs and whinny of a happy horse calling to its herd. Those beautiful, happy places reflect the gifts of the only One who can give you rest. God wants you to fix your mind, your soul and your body on Him alone.
He is lovely, He is excellent, He is the King of Kings, He is wisdom, He is waiting for you.
If you already know Jesus as Savior, and have declared Him aloud as Lord of your life. Let Him direct your steps to a great destiny. Filter your day with your eyes, mind and heart on the message of Philippines 4:7.
If you have stepped away from God, it’s time to reconnect, call on Jesus. He knows all the details of your life.
“He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the earth is from the earth and talks from an earthly point of view; he who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies about what he has actually seen and heard, yet no one accepts what he says! Whoever does accept what he says puts his seal on the fact that God is true, because the one whom God sent speaks God’s words. For God does not give him the Spirit in limited degree — the Father loves the Son and has put everything in his hands.” Yochanan (Jhn) 3:31-35 CJB
If you have not called on Jesus and humbled yourself before Him as Savior and Lord. I must say there is no better place to rest in this world than to feel His Presence.
“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”” Romans 10:9-13 NLT
So get caught up in the whirlwind of the breath of God. Breathe Deeply, and receive rest for your soul, and remember where there is peace when we rest in Him.
Photo credit by M. Mesikapp and scripture photo by Youversion.
As I was driving in town today, I saw on the bumper of a raised Ford F250 pickup truck, “you are never alone”. I found it a powerful message of hope in the midst of challenging times.
I was reminded of the powerful Word of God that cuts through every possible human condition. No matter our circumstances God has a Word for it. In our joyful times, we can remember God is with us celebrating our lives.
Zephaniah 3:17 NLT For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Jesus described in John 16, why He had to die for our sins, He willingly took on our sins so the Holy Spirit ( Spirit of truth) could come and dwell within us as our helper. It took me a long time to understand the 3 parts of God, Father,Son and Holy Spirit. Each character has purpose for our relationship with Him.
John 16:7-8,13-15,33 NLT But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. [8] And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. [13] When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. [14] He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. [15] All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’ [33] I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
When life gets tough, the devil wants us to become isolated and feel the depth of despair, however, our God gave us His Holy Spirit to live inside as His advocate and gift.
Our Father God knows our life from conception, He is our guide when we let Him direct our lives moment to moment. Did you know you are created in His image? Let me remind you, you are wonderfully made!!! Read Psalm 139 aloud place your name where it applies!!
Psalm 139:13-18 NLT You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. [14] Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it. [15] You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. [16] You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. [17] 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!
Whether the day brings beautiful sunrises, cloudy days, or the coolness of fall, we get to see the hand of God in His creation and remember He created each of us with beautiful potential.
We must actively participate in our relationship with Jesus. We must awaken to His unconditional love. We must break through the dark thoughts with His promises and crush the dark attempts of the enemy and declare a loud the power of God overcomes all things.
Picture yourself holding the hand of your Creator God, He knows all about your challenges, joys, life choices. He awaits your action steps. Reach out your hand, close your eyes and feel His Presence.
Psalm 37:23-24 NLT The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. [24] Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.
Nothing in this world will ever satisfy the Jesus shaped hole in each of us. Fill that hole with time spent in stillness with God. Put down social media or any other distractions, open the Bible, let His Word illuminate His truth. Consider writing any of the scriptures in this post that resonate with you on a post it note and stick it on your mirror, car visor, wherever it can encourage your day.
Psalm 37:34,39-40 NLT Put your hope in the LORD. Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you by giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed. [39] The LORD rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. [40] The LORD helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him.
Praise God especially if you are feeling alone, it will lighten your load and bring His Presence to the atmosphere. You are never alone!!!
Psalm 67:1-7 AMP God be gracious and kind-hearted to us and bless us, And make His face shine [with favor] on us— Selah. [2] That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation and deliverance among all nations. [3] Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. [4] Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, For You will judge the people fairly And guide the nations on earth. Selah. [5] Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. [6] The earth has yielded its harvest [as evidence of His approval]; God, our God, blesses us. [7] God blesses us, And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him [with awe-inspired reverence and submissive wonder].
The One who created all things is on the throne. See the steps on the left of this photo, picture yourself sitting on those steps and rest in His Presence and creation.
“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NLT
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalms 91:1 NLT
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”” John 16:33 NLT
Just rest with the One who created all things.
Father God, we thank you, Lord, that You created all things from the beginning of time and you know all things. Help us to rest and sit at your feet. No matter what events occur in the world You are faithful. You are the truth, the way, and the life. Help us to feel the peace that surpasses all understanding, even when our eyes and minds feel differently. We trust You. In Jesus name, amen!
We need to be still and get caught up in the Presence of God to reset our minds, bodies, souls and spirits.
The comparison of an image of trees, such as the one in this blog and our lungs can’t be denied. We have an amazing Creator God who made us in His image and created our beautiful nature such as a tree which gets sustenance from its roots and water and nutrition help it to grow strong.
Our lungs need the same things, sustenance nutrition, lubrication by water in order to grow strong. Both the tree and the lungs need oxygen to provide the gift of life.
Pause right now, take a deep breath, count one to six as you inhale and exhale, slow and easy. Do it again ! Inhale and exhale 6 more times.
The Creator of the universe, God gives us the breath of life. It really is true that He gave the breath of life to Adam in the first book of the Bible (Genesis). God gave us all the breath of life. We are created in His image for purpose and destiny. He created nature for purpose and to bring shelter and beauty.
One of the names for God is Yahweh! It is considered a name that is so sacred and precious that some people in the Hebrew tradition whisper it.
Exodus 3:15 NLT God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: Yahweh, the God of your ancestors-the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob-has sent me to you. This is my eternal name, my name to remember for all generations.
I’ve heard it said if you consider when you take your life giving breath, the inhalation would be the expressed in the Sacred Name of God, YAHWEH. Splitting this name in two parts it would be with inhalation (YAH- ) and with exhalation it would be the second half of the word -WEH!
Exodus 15:2-3 NLT The LORD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him- my father’s God, and I will exalt him! [3] The LORD is a warrior; Yahweh is his name!
So use this imagery to bring His Presence into your life as you rest with Him. We are not alone.
This song “Nothing Else” by The Belonging CO and Cody Carnes is so beautiful.
Take this moment to be In His Presence, nothing else matters. God is here!
We are at the time of great decision. Are we willing to choose God over the things of this world? Are we willing to speak boldly for the truth found in the word of God? Do we have character traits of Jesus and loving God first and loving his people enough to share the truth so many others will come to a saving grace and salvation with Jesus?
Are we willing to lay down our lives for people we know and don’t know because we love God so much and we feel called to share his word? I’ve been following Charlie for at least 12 years. I truly believe Charlie Kirk was chosen for such a time as this, he answered the call of God. His willingness to share his gifts of intelligence, compassion, and unwavering willingness to debate others and share the love of God are just mind blowing. Multiple generations have been affected by him. But he always wanted the light to be shined on Jesus and not himself.
I truly believe that he was welcomed into heaven, with our Savior Jesus saying: “well done good and faithful servant”. I lift up Charlie’s family and thank you, Lord for their steadfastness and support of him in this anointed calling to make disciples for His Kingdom. I pray peace and a double portion of God‘s presence over The Kirk family, which I know is already with them. May they feel the love a nation of Gods’ family in gratitude for Charlie’s service.
This particular scripture impacted me this morning, Are each of us willing to make the sacrifices that are required to further guys’s kingdom? I think that’s a question for all of us when the fiery furnace experiences are around us.
“You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.” 1 Peter 2:4-5 NLT
What we really need is Jesus? This song by Bryan Fowler was so impactful to me this morning. it really is that simple. We all need Jesus, to repent for our sins that He already knows, to ask forgiveness from the Creator of all things and then be transformed by His Holy Spirit for amazing purposes.
What I really need is you
Let Jesus lead your life. Be bold for His purposes and plans. Fear God in awe, but know He is for you not against you. Live honorable lives, live God and love His people. May we all step up to our calling in love and purpose. We must be the holy fire that burns for Jesus no matter the cost. 
“It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king.” 1 Peter 2:15-17 NLT
Father God, we thank you that we are born for such a time as this. Even though we don’t understand what is going on in this world, we see and feel an increase of evil, but we know that when we align ourselves with Your ways, we are covered by the blood of the lamb. We know that there’s victory sticking to our Creator God, Father,Jesus and allowing Him to use our lives for greater purpose. Help us to be willing to lay down our lives for our friends as you did. Thank you, Jesus that all things are possible with you in Jesus name amen.
Inspiring Light Through the Cracks 