Hope and Light

Light, it is the thing that illuminates our path. It brightens our day. It provides a vision through the darkness. Light, it is what the Lord brings to us when we’re in the midst of storms and struggles. Light, it is what we need, today, in this dark world, more than anything else. Scripture tells us that He, the Lord, Jesus, is a light for our path. It is the guidance we need when things seem chaotic and insecure.

When God created the world and everything in it, He started with light. He created light on the first day.

Genesis 1:2-5 AMP
The earth was formless and void or a waste and emptiness, and darkness was upon the face of the deep [primeval ocean that covered the unformed earth]. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters. [3] And God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. [4] God saw that the light was good (pleasing, useful) and He affirmed and sustained it; and God separated the light [distinguishing it] from the darkness. [5] And God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.

Light came from Him! He separated it from the darkness. He had plans from the beginning of time for this amazing wonder on the earth and within us!

Genesis 1:14-18 AMP
Then God said, “Let there be light-bearers (sun, moon, stars) in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be useful for signs (tokens) [of God’s provident care], and for marking seasons, days, and years; [15] and let them be useful as lights in the expanse of the heavens to provide light on the earth”; and it was so, [just as He commanded]. [16] God made the two great lights—the greater light (the sun) to rule the day, and the lesser light (the moon) to rule the night; He made the [galaxies of] stars also [that is, all the amazing wonders in the heavens]. [17] God placed them in the expanse of the heavens to provide light upon the earth, [18] to rule over the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness; and God saw that it was good and He affirmed and sustained it.

With Gods’ direction, Moses lead the people of Israel through the desert wilderness. It was God’s pillar of smoke, and the light that directed their path.

God guided His people as explained in Nehemiah, God sustained them.

Nehemiah 9:11-12 AMP
You divided the sea before them, So that they passed through the midst of the sea on dry land; You hurled their pursuers into the depths, Like a stone into mighty and raging waters. [12] And with a pillar of cloud You led them by day, And with a pillar of fire by night To light the way for them In which they were to go.

We also must walk in the Light despite the darkness seeming to swirl around us! Do not forget to praise in the storms, it can push away depression, anxiety and fear.

Psalm 56:10-13 AMP
In God, whose word I praise, In the LORD, whose word I praise, [11] In God have I put my trust and confident reliance; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? [12] Your vows are binding upon me, O God; I will give thank offerings to You. [13] For You have rescued my soul from death, Yes, and my feet from stumbling, So that I may walk before God In the light of life.

Choosing to follow the Creator of Light by following His promises can seem impossible but nothing is impossible with God!

Psalm 112:4 AMP
Light arises in the darkness for the upright; He is gracious and compassionate and righteous (upright—in right standing with God).

Seeking the Lord at these times is mandatory! He will light your path and bring hope in the darkness that is internal and eternal when we trust in Him alone. Jesus is the Prince of Peace!

Isaiah 42:16 AMP
I will lead the blind by a way they do not know; I will guide them in paths that they do not know. I will make darkness into light before them And rugged places into plains. These things I will do [for them], And I will not leave them abandoned or undone.”

He wants our free will choice for His plans, we were created to make our own personal decision. He loves us and wants us to choose Him.

He tells us in Isaiah 58 what will be our reward:

Isaiah 58:8-12 AMP
Then your light will break out like the dawn, And your healing (restoration, new life) will quickly spring forth; Your righteousness will go before you [leading you to peace and prosperity], The glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. [9] Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; You will cry for help, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away from your midst the yoke [of oppression], The finger pointed in scorn [toward the oppressed or the godly], and [every form of] wicked (sinful, unjust) speech, [10] And if you offer yourself to [assist] the hungry And satisfy the need of the afflicted, Then your light will rise in darkness And your gloom will become like midday. [11] And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your soul in scorched and dry places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. [12] And your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; You will raise up and restore the age-old foundations [of buildings that have been laid waste]; You will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

Let Him repair and restore your life bringing more of His Light to the world!

John 8:12 AMP
Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, “I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

What does it mean to be baptized in Jesus Christ?

Romans 6:3-5 MSG
That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we’re going in our new grace-sovereign country.

How can we bring His Light to others? It is not about us it is about bringing hope to others about Him!

2 Corinthians 4:5-6 MSG
Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we’re proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, “Light up the darkness!” and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.

Our human minds can’t fully grasp how Jesus may use our life story!

1 John 1:7 AMPC
But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light, as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations].

Walk in the Light, find hope in His promises, ask Him to direct your steps to His sisters and brothers, , there is freedom in His Arms. Then shine your Light for all to see Him!

Father, I am a sinner in need of Your saving grace and mercy! Please forgive me for my selfish ways, my impulsive choices that have led to death. I want new life in your love, Jesus! I repent ( turn away) from the sins that have held me captive to the enemy___________. Forgive me of my sins. Fill my life with you, Jesus! I place my life in Your hands! I give you permission to guide my path! Thank you Jesus! I want your Light to shine through me! Amen!

Struggle is real

Why do we struggle with sin? Is it others who lead our choices or is it a battle within? What a tug of war between good and evil desires. It does not matter our skin color, it is a human condition!

I heard on the radio recently the best definition for the reason we sin. “We sin or make choices against the Lords’ ways because at the time is seems fun, and in our sin nature we want to rebel against the Lord God who created us. We want to be our own God!”

Wow, this is the truth, we struggle with sin because we want to be our own God!!! Sins can be impulsive, prideful, false appearances, murder, adultery, jealousy, anger, lies, the snarky need for the last word , disrespect of others; even parents for their children or children for parents. It can be a known sin or a hidden sin.

However, we must remember God sees all things and wants us to turn from all unrighteousness and return to Him, we must verbally call on the Lord Jesus to forgive us of our sin and guide us to a new mind, life and future.

If we don’t submit fully to the Lord we cannot resist the devil and we will not have the authority of Christ to protect us from the devil and his attempts.

Quarrels and fights within our family, in community, and the world come from evil desires, as James 4 relates, we all have a war within us. This is a reflection of our sin nature.

James 4:1-10 MSG
Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it. [2-3] You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.

The Word of God has the potential to bring new life, new hope, and grace to the humble.

[4-6] You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”

I have had my eyes opened to my own areas of sin: pride, gossip, bitterness, and allowing fear of the future rule my mind.I repent today and ask the Lord to purge me of these tendencies. The work to remove my tendencies may take a while but having the lover of my soul, the Holy Spirit direction will complete His work when I allow it!

How about you, do you need to bend your knee and ask the Lord to chip away destructive habits? Is your loyalty divided between God and the world? We are all sinners, tears can bring cleansing but letting God transform you brings so much more.

[7-10] So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.

Look up James 4, it is filled with wisdom for living. All these steps are relevant for today. If you don’t have your own Bible consider these resources: Youversion Bible App or The website, Biblegateway.com.

It has to be an all-in decision, submit all your ways to the Lord, or you will remain stuck in past cycles of destruction. Just as the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, (Genesis 19) the wife of Lot looked back at the fiery town even though she was told to look forward to a new future, but she turned into a pillar of salt.

Looking back on life’s regrets does not bring hope. Looking at our future through the eyes of the Lord, brings strength, hope, and direction for a new trajectory.

So humble yourself before the Lord and let Him work from the inside out. Changing patterns of sin takes time but today is a great day to start a new habit.

Prayer:
Father God, you are the Lord of my life, I repent for ——- and I ask Lord that you would forgive me of placing my own self as God. Free me from my sin, cleanse me of all unGodly behavior, I know you are a jealous God who loves me and wants me to seek You first. I want more of you, I want Jesus to fill my heart and soul, He is my Savior, change me from the inside out. I want you to be the authority in my life Father! I humbly submit to you alone, Amen!

Titus 2:11-15 NLT
For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. [12] And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, [13] while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. [14] He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. [15] You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.

Maverick City has a powerful song, God problems! What meaningful lyrics, enjoy!

God problems Maverick City

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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.

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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