Guest post: Teen reflections, loving your enemies!

There was a question brought to me that asked “What do you find difficult that Jesus teaches to stand by or follow?

This question made me think, because often as humans, even if we are Christian, we sin all the time and follow worldly desires, even while reading the Bible and Jesus’ teachings.

One thing I find very difficult is following Bible teachings while also going and doing what you say and know is wrong. It can also be hard to believe some of the Lord’s teachings and agree with them or understand them. One teaching that I find difficult to understand or agree with is loving your enemies.

Now growing up most of us are told to love our enemies and forgive them because Jesus does the same thing for us. But as a teenager that can be very hard, people are backstabbing and cruel, and even though we all make mistakes, some just seem like they aren’t worth forgiving. People gossip, say rude things, judge each other, do things to make you feel bad, or not trust them.

While we can judge someone else for doing that, we have probably done the same thing to Jesus. You may be wondering how do we forgive the people we hate? The Bible tells us to forgive those we hate, but it can be hard.

In the Bible “Luke 6:27,28, 35” it summarizes that: 1) we should love our enemies and bless people who hurt us or mistreat us. We must love and pray for our enemies. Jesus calls us to pray for those who we hate and to love them. Kill them with kindness.

2) Another thing it says is to pray for those who do us dirty. In verse 35 it explains to do good to our enemies and lend to them. Kind of like the verse to treat others how you want to be treated. But it’s true, even if we have been told that our whole life.

Jesus rewards those who do as he says and treats everyone with love and kindness, even when it’s hard.

I think one thing we have to remember is how much Jesus loves us and did for us, and remember we are sinners as well. We also need to remind ourselves that Jesus did the same for all of us, and we are all created by him.

The people we love, the people we hate, every nation, and every creation was made by God and we need to respect the Lords creation. Genesis 2:15 talks about how we are to love and care for Gods creation, not destroy it. As it may be implying to just nature and earth, it is implying to humans as well, because we are Gods creation too.

From my perspective, I’ve been hurt or stabbed in the back by people, but I have probably also done the same, and the same way I can feel about other people, they can also feel about me. I believe this can draw a lot of people away from God, “who wants to love their enemies when we have every reason to hate them and get revenge?”

We can never do this on our own with our sinly nature, we need to ask for Gods help and strength. And put the past behind us or our thoughts of anything to harm another human whether or not we want to.

– Anonymous

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Wisdom comes from the Holy Spirit, when we say aloud “I am a sinner needing Jesus to save me from my sin, He brings grace and mercy! I believe in Jesus! When we declare we want the Lord to be the authority in our life and ask the Holy Spirit to pour His wisdom into our minds, hearts, and souls. We need you Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!” We can be filled with wisdom despite our age.

Thank you Jesus for your love, wisdom, and guidance! Amen!

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Harmony

What is harmony? Merriam-Websters’ dictionary defines harmony as agreement, in one accord, tranquility. It is also a tuneful sound, melody.

In the 60s, “give peace a chance” was a common slogan. Somehow the struggle continues in 2023 and yet we still find ourselves with discord and conflict. It’s not only a war of nations but a war of words.

Being human, we have our own opinions on life, respect, politics and maybe even love. The other person is broken and perhaps as hard headed as you.

We can let our pride over being right get in the way of conflict resolution. We can close our eyes to obvious self destructive words or actions we may speak or receive from another. We can have past patterns of relationships cause unhealthy insight. We can choose to remain stuck in our opinions and sadly miss opportunities for growth in love, in our faith in God, in the potential for a better community of truth.

Lately, I find myself seeking wisdom from the Bible for healthy relationships. This is one of the best, concise instructions for harmony.

Scripture Tools to apply in all relationships:

Romans 12:9-18 NLT
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. [10] Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. [11] Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. [12] Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. [13] When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. [14] Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. [15] Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. [16] Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! [17] Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. [18] Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

May you ponder on how you may reflect these examples in your relationships and community and as a result live in more harmony as you grow more in love like Jesus.

Be humble and willing to live as peacefully as possible. Give the situation or person (in prayer) to God.

Matthew 6:8 NLT
Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!

The words and actions we spread to others matter to either build up and encourage or to curse and tear down another human, created in the image of God. Choose wisely!We will all be held accountable for the words we speak and the actions we give.

James 3:7-18 MSG
This is scary: You can tame a tiger, but you can’t tame a tongue—it’s never been done. The tongue runs wild, a wanton killer. With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image. Curses and blessings out of the same mouth! [10-12] My friends, this can’t go on. A spring doesn’t gush fresh water one day and brackish the next, does it? Apple trees don’t bear strawberries, do they? Raspberry bushes don’t bear apples, do they? You’re not going to dip into a polluted mud hole and get a cup of clear, cool water, are you? [13-16] Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn’t wisdom. It’s the furthest thing from wisdom—it’s animal cunning, devilish plotting. Whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats. [17-18] Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.

Don’t be afraid to make the necessary changes as you trust God with the challenges in your life. Some times we have to speak other times we have to leave and let God bring truth to the situation. He sees you and the conflicts! He is for you!

Father God, we pray for Your perfect harmony in our own lives and with those whose lives intersect our lives. We want to live lives of musical tranquility and bring more of Your Light to the world. It can begin with each of us!

Proverbs 29:25 NLT
Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety.

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Wild flower

The biggest misconception of guys and girls is the need to stand out. Each one of us is a beautiful masterpiece. Seeing ourselves the way God made us; absolutely wonderfully is the best way for us to stay stable in the world. The world would tell us we should add some thing in order to be supposedly perfect.

The thing is, God doesn’t make junk. He makes beautifully unique guys and girls absolutely wonderfully. We don’t want to look like each other. We want to look unique!

Some days we may feel tired, weary or let comparison make us feel like we are flawed physically. God wants us to remember we’re awesome the way we are!!

Carrie Underwood has an older song “Nobody ever told you”. The lyrics remind you just to be who you are no extra make up because you’re beautiful just as you are.

Nobody ever told you Carrie Underwood

Interestingly, God’s word reminds us to be content with who we are, and at the right time, God will promote you. Isn’t it amazing this wisdom is in the Bible!

1 Peter 5:4-7 MSG
When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he’ll see that you’ve done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for—God has had it with the proud, But takes delight in just plain people. [6-7] So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.

So live carefree, before God, He cares for you! Run or dance like a wild flower, and be free! You are a diamond, You are amazing just as you are!

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Comparison destroys

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Trust fall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

https://youtu.be/FXlo_usosYM

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

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

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

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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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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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