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.
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.
We have all been in the place where we wonder what will happen in the future, be it personally, for family members, or in life.
Many nights I may be awake until the early morning hours. I am realizing the stillness of the night or early morning hours is a great time for me to remember God doesn’t sleep.
He is the Alpha and Omega. He knows all things present, past and future. We plant seeds of faith as parents, siblings, friends, with strangers regarding Jesus but the Holy Spirit waters them.
I am becoming less frustrated when awake at 2a, instead realizing this is a gift from God. I am more open to listening to His instructions. Can you relate?
His word is rich with a peace, giving encouragement that we need. Sometimes during the day too many distractions caused us not to hear his voice.
I don’t want my actions to be an obstacle to faith in God, personally or for those in our sphere of influence.
Romans 4:17 AMP (as it is written [in Scripture], “I HAVE MADE YOU A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS”) in the sight of Him in whom he believed, that is, God who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.
Just as Abraham was likely overwhelmed at times, his faith was tested and God brought life.
Yes, God gives life, and wisdom, believing this premise when we don’t see the end result brings our faith to another level. We aren’t ignoring the complicated circumstances we’re just allowing God to be the one to direct our steps and laying the circumstance at feet of Jesus.
We are all works in progress; I don’t want to be an obstacle to someone else’s amazing experience with Jesus who loves them more than I do.
“Faith recognizes the problem, the presents it to God, acknowledging Him in the face of the problem and declaring his truth and promises have a greater answer…. Authentic faith does not deny the obstacle but believes God is greater than the obstacle.” Roman’s 4:17 insight from the New Spirit Filled Bible
I am a recovering people pleaser, some call that codependency, it’s an obstacle for me at times. However, the more I spend time with God the more I realize I seek to please Him over others.
So let go and let God, trust Him even as you may be shaking in your boots, bit by bit you will grow your faith in Him over man. Bit by bit you will feel greater peace that passes human understanding.
Abraham chose to believe God would allow him to be a father at 100 years old, even though it seemed impossible. As a result of his trust in the power of God and His promises, he was not disappointed.
Romans 4:20-21 AMP But he did not doubt or waver in unbelief concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and empowered by faith, giving glory to God, [21] being fully convinced that God had the power to do what He had promised.
One step at a time we must trust God too! It will be worth it! God never sleeps! He wants you to have a clear path to freedom with Him and into the future. He wants to bless generations of your family. Glory to God!
We are called as women to impact the lives of others, whether we are women who give birth, serve others who are in need, spend time listening to others who need hope, open our home to mentor or foster children, or become moms of adoption.
Infertility is a part of my story, yet so is adoption as a mom of three and a child of God baptized in water and by the Holy Spirit.
Today at church, my amazing pastors ( women and men) shared their life stories. Their willingness to be transparent about their struggles and Gods’ goodness brings hope to all sinners, myself included who are saved by the grace and mercy of Jesus.
The story of Deborah in the book of Judges 4 is amazing because it shares the power of God and a woman willing to walk in the calling of God despite social constructs.
Deborah was a judge, prophet, and warrior bold to answer Gods call for her life, however, this scripture was brought to mind today at church. Powerful message as Deborah was also a mother to Isreal. ( we are spiritual mothers to whoever the Holy Spirit intersects with our lives). ❤️
Judges 5:6-9 MSG In the time of Shamgar son of Anath, and in the time of Jael, Public roads were abandoned, travelers went by backroads. Warriors became fat and sloppy, no fight left in them. Then you, Deborah, rose up; you got up, a mother in Israel. God chose new leaders, who then fought at the gates. And not a shield or spear to be seen among the forty companies of Israel. [9] Lift your hearts high, O Israel, with abandon, volunteering yourselves with the people—bless God!
I never heard this part of Deborah’s’ story, she was listed as a mother in Israel. This story is for all of us, mom’s especially, daughters of King Jesus, who volunteer for God with abandon. May the Holy Spirit bring favor to you.
Happy Mother’s Day to moms of all types: single, married, step moms, foster, adopted, grandmoms, great grandmoms, spiritual mentor moms, dads who serve as single parents too. God sees you! The best way to feel the fullness of His unconditional love, grace, forgiveness, mercy and blessing is to get to know Jesus!
Those who have regrets in miscarriages or abortions, God sees you too. Call out to Jesus! Find a Holy Spirit led church that directs you in the Word of God. The Bible is our instruction for life.
Father God- I thank you, Lord that you are the God that sees each one of us: we are uniquely created in the image of Jesus. I ask you Lord Jesus to direct whoever is praying this prayer to a deeper relationship by the Holy Spirit. All power all might all glory comes from you Heavenly Father. Thank you Lord for the story of Deborah. It’s a great reminder of how much you love mothers and how you equip those you call into service, in Jesus name, amen.
If our minds are racing with anxiety, worry, or fear, it is hard to hear the Voice of God! Between our personal lives, news reels, community unrest, wars and conflict, we feel overwhelmed.
The enemy of our soul wants to keep us in racing thoughts, anxiety, worry and fear. When we stay in that mindset, we are like a gerbil on a wheel. Ruminating on those unhealthy emotions leads to being stuck and cycling like the gerbil into more distress.
Joshua 23:8-11 AMP [8] But you are to cling to the LORD your God, just as you have done to this day. [9] For the LORD has driven out great and mighty nations from before you; and as for you, no man has been able to stand [in opposition] before you to this day. [10] One of your men puts to flight a thousand, for the LORD your God is He who is fighting for you, just as He promised you. [11] So be very careful and watchful of yourselves to love the LORD your God.
We must break the cycle of rumination, we can only accomplish this transformation when we submit to His authority. He awaits our step into relationship; clinging to the Lord who wants to renew our minds for a wonderful future.
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.
Life brings crashing waves of conflict, storm clouds build into a deluge of crushing rain that seems like a curtain of darkness. The oppression may be overwhelming and yet there is a Light in the darkness. Like a lighthouse on the rocky shore, Jesus is the beacon of hope, wisdom and peace.
An amazing scripture Mark 4:35-41, shares how the disciples ( Jesus chosen friends on earth) were on the boat with Jesus who fell asleep, as a storm rose. They became fearful and awakened Him. Even though they walked with Jesus on earth, they let fear rule over trust in Jesus.
Mark 4:39- 41 NLT 39] When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. [40] Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” [41] The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”
We serve an amazing God who equips His children for life including stormy times. If you don’t know Jesus yet, today change that mindset.
Because He wants to be in relationship with you and bring His supernatural peace and wisdom. No matter the storm, “Peace be still”! He brings the calm.
Mark 4:39 NKJV Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
Proverbs 14:30 MSG A sound mind makes for a robust body, but runaway emotions corrode the bones.
“Sound Mind”, by Melissa and Jonathon Helser, is my go-to worship song when I feel the cycle of worry or fear attempt to attach itself to my mind.
Sound Mind- Melissa Helser
Our Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, fights for us as He has promised in His Word. Cling to Him, our Lord and God! Be steadfast in seeking Him! The battle of the mind is escalating and yet those who are steadfast with Him will have victory, as will their children. Seek Him no other idol will save or bring peace. He is the God of all peace, Jehovah Shalom!
Do not become weary in doing good, He rewards those who keep His commandments. He is faithful and just to finish the work He started in us and in those we love. Glory to God!!!
Praise the Lord that he gives us a sound mind at these times! The sound mind over the spirit of fear. Go with God!
2 Thessalonians 3:13,16,18 NLT As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good. [16] Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. [18] May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
ARE YOU A FOLLOWER OF JESUS?
Have you invited Jesus into your heart? Now is the perfect time. Pray this sinner’s prayer found at Gotquestions.com.
God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection provided for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen.”
This is a reblog from May2024. One year later, the words in this blog post are even more relevant. Stick to the Creator God who knows all things and awaits your voice in relationship. Jesus is the only way to truth, peace and hope.
Lately, I find myself reading a chapter of the Bible called Job. A little background on Job. He was a follower of Adonai (The LORD God) who had many blessings in the standards of the world. God gave Job the blessings, family, land, material things.
However, one day, the Adversary (devil) asked Adonai if Job really was a follower of Him, and in challenging trials, would Job be able to stand up under the pressure?
I chose the Complete Jewish Bible as the resource for today. Iyov is the Hebrew word for Job.
Job 1:6-12 It happened one day that the sons of God came to serve Adonai, and among them came the Adversary. Adonai asked the Adversary, “Where are you coming from?” The Adversary answered Adonai, “From roaming through the earth, wandering here and there.” Adonai asked the Adversary, “Did you notice my servant Iyov, that there’s no one like him on earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and shuns evil?” The Adversary answered Adonai, “Is it for nothing that Iyov fears God? You’ve put a protective hedge around him, his house and everything he has. You’ve prospered his work, and his livestock are spread out all over the land. But if you reach out your hand and touch whatever he has, without doubt he’ll curse you to your face!” Adonai said to the Adversary, “Here! Everything he has is in your hands, except that you are not to lay a finger on his person.” Then the Adversary went out from the presence of Adonai.” Iyov (Job) 1:6-12 CJB
So God allowed trials and challenges to be a part of Jobs’ life. I challenge you to read the Book of Job!! Job ended up losing family members to death, his wealth in livestock and property diminished, losing prosperity by world standards and his friends questioned whether God was really with him anymore.
In chapters 38 and 39, the LORD ( our personal Creator God named in Genesis) speaks to Job. The Lord asks Job who made all things on earth, in the skies and heavens? The LORD reminds Job who He is as Creator God.
“Then Adonai answered Iyov out of the storm: “Who is this, darkening my plans with his ignorant words? Stand up like a man, and brace yourself; I will ask questions; and you, give the answers! “Where were you when I founded the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Do you know who determined its dimensions or who stretched the measuring line across it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” Iyov (Job) 38:1-7 CJB
I love when I read scripture and find a new insight or instruction in new ways. I found the following description on horses, hawks and eagles.
Job 39:19-30 The Lord said, “Did you give the horse its strength? Did you clothe its neck with a mane? Did you make him able to leap like a locust? Its majestic snorting is frightening! It paws with force and exults with vigor, then charges into the battle; mocking at fear, unafraid, it does not shy away from the sword. The [rider’s] quiver rattles over it, [his] gleaming spear and javelin. Frenzied and eager, it devours the ground, scarcely believing the shofar has sounded. At the sound of the shofar it whinnies; as from afar it scents the battle, the roar of the chiefs and the shouting. “Is it your wisdom that sets the hawk soaring, spreading its wings toward the south? Does the eagle fly up when you say so, to build its nest in the heights? It lives and spends its nights on the cliffs; a rocky crag is its fortress. From there it spots its prey, its eyes see it far off. Its young ones suck up blood; wherever the slain are, there it is.”” Iyov (Job) 39:19-30 CJB
What I am trying to express in this post today? Just like Job, when we are going through trials it can seem our Adonai ( personal Lord God) has left us. Perhaps a better reflection would be remembering our LORD may be teaching us something about His promises and there can be deeper relationship with our Father Creator God, our Adonai, our Jesus and listening to the Holy Spiritdeveloped when we are open to growth.
Spending time to rediscover and grow our faith in a God who sees all things, created all things, knows the future and loves unconditionally is powerful, life changing and eternal.
Jamie MacDonald has a great song, Desperate that describes well the need to be restored by the Lord. Praise Him in the trial.
Prayer: Father God, Adonai, please forgive our human desire to be independent and falsely believe we can do life alone. All things are possible through You LORD. Show us through the trials what You want us to learn about Your love and promises. Just like Job, the sifting of our trials can be a place of deepening faith in You. Thank you for loving unconditionally and being our personal LORD. We need You, in Jesus mighty Name, Amen!
Are you tired? Do you need rest? Are you striving for peace but feel like an ADHD human, unable to be still? Is your task list overwhelming each day?
Hebrews 4:1-7,11-16 NLT God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it.
You can access the only One who can prepare your rest. That was Gods plan, in the beginning, to have an amazing loving relationship with His son and daughter, Adam and Eve. But the sin of pride, took both humans created in His image from the garden of Eden, there was a consequence. They didn’t listen to God to stay away from the tree of knowledge.
2] For this good news-that God has prepared this rest-has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn’t share the faith of those who listened to God. [3] For only we who believe can enter his rest. As for the others, God said, “In my anger I took an oath: ‘They will never enter my place of rest,'” even though this rest has been ready since he made the world.
4] We know it is ready because of the place in the Scriptures where it mentions the seventh day: “On the seventh day God rested from all his work.” [5] But in the other passage God said, “They will never enter my place of rest.” [6] So God’s rest is there for people to enter, but those who first heard this good news failed to enter because they disobeyed God.
God gave another chance through David, but even though he was a man after Gods own heart, he sinned in an adulterous relationship and murdered a man.
Hardened hearts make it hard to follow God. Unfortunately, this is the same problem in our lives.
7] So God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today. God announced this through David much later in the words already quoted: “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.”
God wants to give us rest, we must follow His ways, because He knows what is best for us, He loves us.David did not have the luxury of a Bible to follow the wisdom of God. I’m grateful we can learn from the lives before us. Choices, mistakes, consequences, unconditional love, Grace, mercy, forgiveness are shown in the stories written in scripture.
11] So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall.
We all fall from perfection as humans, but God gives us His Word which is all powerful, it cuts between soul and spirit and exposes our fleshy nature.
12] For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. [13] Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.
Even knowing we are created in the Image of God and with sinful potential, God sent His Son, Jesus as the bridge for our relationship with our Father God. What an amazing gift of grace, freely given to us, His children. Jesus is the High Priest of heaven.
14] So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. [15] This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.
Don’t be afraid to bend your knee and ask Jesus to be the authority in your life. He loves you so much that He died a sinners death on the cross. We need Him.
16] So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
So are you weary, tired of doing life alone? Call out to Jesus, allow Him to transform your life.
Jesus talked to His Father in scripture about being willing to help His children. Our burdens can be so exhausting, but Jesus wants to help you carry the load and bring you wisdom from God.
Matthew 11:27-30 NLT “My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” [28] Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
When my kids were little someone exposed me to Scripture Lullabies, a wonderful musical artist that combines scripture and music. “I will never leave you” is one of my favorites. You don’t need to be an infant to enjoy this song and the truth of God’s love that is unconditional for each of us.
I will never leave you Scripture Lullabies
We truly can’t do life alone. Being self sufficient has an endpoint. Let Jesus carry you!
Coming soon to the heavens and nighttime skies near you, cosmic connection of planets in a row. I can’t wait to see this amazing light show.
According to earthsky.org , “in January 2025 there are four bright planets – and two faint planets – in the evening sky. Yup. They’re arrayed in a line across the sky”. Many other astronomy experts including NASA, support this premise.
I’m not sure about you, but I sure hope in my state, the clouds will not obscure an opportunity to view this amazing site of planets and stars.
The Creator God, Himself spoke all things into existence, scripture supports this truth.
Psalm 33:4-9 NLT For the word of the LORD holds true, and we can trust everything he does. [5] He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the LORD fills the earth. [6] The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.
Even Genesis, the first book of the Bible describes, God made the lands and the seas.
Psalm 33: [7] He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs. [8] Let the whole world fear the LORD, and let everyone stand in awe of him. [9] For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command.
Just as God made the heavens and earth, the skies and the stars, God made you, Perfect in His image for great purpose.
As we begin the year 2025, meditate on the fact a new year brings great new possibilities. Forget 2024 , looking back at the mistakes or challenges, but look forward in 2025. God will be working in your life if you let Him guide.
Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. [9] Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. [10] For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
It is not where you start, but where you finish that matters the most. You are His Masterpiece. Trust Him ( God, Jesus, Holy Spirit) by receiving His free gift of grace and mercy.
Change the trajectory of your life. Stop listening to the lies of the enemy.
James 4:6-10 NLT And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” [7] So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. [8] Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
What is described in James 4: 8 -10, is an explanation of repentance and surrendering your life to God.
9] Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. [10] Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.
God has good plans, a hope and a future. But we must seek Him wholly for He is holy!
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.
Welcome in a new life 2025. Time is wasting. Time is now!
Do you need a moment to just breathe? Did you know so did Jesus?
Our fast-paced world with all its distractions can truly drain us, heart, mind, and soul. We must take time to rest, but not in loneliness, but in Him.
I’ve heard it said recently that even Jesus took time to rest before he spoke wisdom or guided the growing crowd of people.
Matthew 13:1 NLT Later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake.
What is your place of peace? Is it in nature? Is it taking a hike in the mountains? Is it walking down the dirt road listening to the birds? Is it finding a water source lake or a river to sit by? Is it just listening to the sounds of nature?? Is it listening to the laughter of a child?
Whether you are single, married, a parent or not, we all need to take time for rest and renewal.
We all have a place that fills our senses with God‘s creation. Nature is a place of peace for me.
If we don’t take the time to spend with the one who created nature, we will never be ready for the crowds of people.
Some people may be sent for us to help and others may just be very draining. We need to ask for the Lords discernment on when to speak and connect with others and when to give the experience and relationship to God.
Matthew 13:2 NLT A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore.
Our souls need filling by the Holy Spirit! Our minds need wisdom from our Father God. And reading the Word of God, brings a little slice of heaven for us to share with others. Reading about how Jesus communicated in relationship can bring us so many pearls of wisdom.
Find your place in nature that fills your soul and all five senses. See with your eyes, the beauty around you, hear with your ears the sounds of a hawk or a horse whinny or the sounds of a river. Feel the cool, crisp wintry air on your skin. If you have snow, taste of snowflake on your tongue. Share aloud with God your gratitude for good things.
Meditate on the goodness of God as Jesus did. Reread aloud this Scripture:
Matthew 13:1 NLT Later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake.
Rest in the Living water and be filled with His Presence. Then go where He sends you knowing you do not walk alone.
Inspiring Light Through the Cracks 