the same

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

- Hebrews 13:8

We all change, right?

I am not the same person I was in high school, and I am certainly not the same as I was before I found Christ.

I would like to think, however, that now I am the same person, whether you know me from work, church, a cat gathering, or the neighborhood.

I would like to think that if I see you in the store, I will show you the same respect as I do in our “normal environment”.

Some people are not like that though, if they know you at work, they don’t socialize with you.

Or if they know you socially, they feel awkward working with you.

Or there is the old joke about how to tell the difference between religions at the liquor store (I’ll let you google that one).

Aren’t we lucky, that Jesus never changes?

Jesus is the same, from the time that you first learn about Him, to the time you decide to follow Him, all the way through the time you get to meet Him face to face.

I’m so glad that Jesus is constant, especially since humans are not.   

thanks for that?

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

- 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Ok, this is a hard one.

Even for me.

Give thanks in ALL circumstances?

But, I have missed out on some great things this summer because I broke my leg.

I’m supposed to give thanks for that???

My friend recently lost a dear friend of hers.

She is supposed to be thankful?

Yes.

Really, yes.

I am thankful that when I broke my leg, it was not worse, that they were able to get me out of the area and to a hospital in reasonable time.

I am thankful that I have learned how strong I am, and how weak I am, and when to ask for help.

My friend, she is thankful for the time she had to know her friend, her world was changed for the better because of that friend.

So yes.

In all circumstances, give thanks.

You’ll be surprised at how your outlook changes!

are you worried?

So never worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

- Matthew 6:34

I believe that my biggest sin is worry.

I worry about the tiniest things.

I feel like this is my biggest sin because the Bible says many times “do not worry”, “do not be afraid”,  “fear not” – get this – over 300 times!!!

It has been said that the above phrases appear in the Bible 365 times – that is one “fear not” for every single day of the year.  

Song reference snippet:

And because he lives
I can face tomorrow
Because he lives
All fear is gone
Because I know he holds the future
And life is worth the living
Just because he lives

And then one day
We'll all cross the river
And fight life's final war with pain
And then, as death gives way to victory
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know he reigns

Because he lives
I can face tomorrow
Because he lives
All fear is gone
Because I know he holds the future
And life is worth the living
Just because he lives

Each day that we are given is a beautiful gift from God.

Should we really spend that gift in worry?

you can't make me!

And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.

- Matthew 5:41

One of life’s greatest arguments as a child is that of “you can’t make me”.

We hear it from our children when we tell them to clean their rooms or do their homework.

Growing up we heard it on the playground.

Some of us still react this way, when a manager or co-worker “makes” us do something.

And at that point, most of us become bitter, resentful, defensive . . .

I’m kind of a control freak, so when someone messes with my routine, yeah I get a little fussy.

Jesus says that we need to go the extra mile, that whatever is asked of us, we do that and more.

We should be generous with our time and talents.

But in that, we need to make sure that people know that our helpfulness comes from a heart of God, not an angry heart.

A heart focused on serving Jesus is a happy and generous heart.

perfect love

Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.

- 1 John 4:18

It is not often that humans experience unconditional, perfect love. 

Often we say that when we look into the eyes of our newborn child, we experience that kind of love.

But true love, Agape love only comes from one place.

Song reference!

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back
I know You are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know You here on the earth

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
Oh, You never let go, You never let go

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
You never let, You never let go
You never let go of me

His unconditional love sets us free, free from every fear, from every sin.

The closer we get to God, the more we feel this love.

the One

“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.”

- Revelation 1:8

Did you know that we have a very powerful God?

God is the One you can turn to, no matter what you are going through.

Sometimes it seems hopeless, like you are just at the end of your rope.

But there is an answer, even in the storms, He is there.

Song reference!!

I was sure by now, God you would have reached down
And wiped our tears away,
Stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
That it's still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear your whisper through the rain
I'm with you
And as your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
The God who gives and takes away

And I'll praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
That you are who you are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone how can I carry on
If I can't find you
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear you whisper through the rain
I'm with you
And as your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
The God who gives and takes away

And I'll praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
That you are who you are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of heaven and earth

And I'll praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
That you are who you are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm

And though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm

I can’t imagine wanting to turn to any one else, but the One, the Alpha and the Omega, Almighty God.

partners

I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.

- Matthew 18:19

Having friends that pray for you and with you can certainly make a difference in your world.

Praying together gives comfort, you aren’t alone, someone else understands and shares your joy and your sorrow.

Praying with a friend gives you accountability that you are being realistic, that you aren’t trying to make deals or manipulate God.

It builds bonds between friends, knowing that you have someone that you can count on through thick and thin.

Can I pray for you?

don’t hold back

If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.

- Matthew 16:25

Listen up! 

Are you all in?

Seriously, there are some things that you can’t just do half way.

A female can’t “sort of” give birth.

No one can “kind of” lose weight.

And you can’t “sort of” follow Jesus!

You have to give Him everything – surrender all.

Song reference!!

All to Jesus I surrender
All to Him I freely give
I will ever love and trust Him
In His presence daily live

All to Jesus I surrender
Humbly at His feet I bow
Worldly pleasures all forsaken
Take me Jesus take me now

I surrender all
I surrender all
All to Thee my blessed Saviour
I surrender all

All to Jesus I surrender
Make me Saviour wholly Thine
Let me feel the Holy Spirit
Truly know that Thou art mine

All to Jesus I surrender
Lord I give myself to Thee
Fill me with Thy love and power
Let Thy blessings fall on me

All to Jesus I surrender
Now I feel the sacred flame
Oh the joy of full salvation
Glory glory to His name

For real!

Give up your wants, desires, passions, give it all to Jesus.

He wants you to live for Him, with Him.

I promise, the rewards are amazing.

hard hearts

For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes — so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.

- Matthew 13:15

Have you ever known someone that just closed their heart to everything?

They refuse to believe that there is good in the world, or that someone could possibly love them.

Disappointment, past hurts, anger, all of these can lead people to put on a shell, to protect their hearts from opening.

It is really sad, because usually this means that someone has closed themselves off from God, and when they do that, they will never fully know the love He has for them.

If this is you, please know that you are loved.

If this is someone you care about, never stop telling them that you care.

One crack in that shell is all you need, to get in there and spread love.

uphill battles

For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.

- Jeremiah 31:25

It’s been a long uphill battle, me and my broken leg.

I’m out of energy.

On the outside I look like I’m doing great, when people ask me how it’s going, I smile and say it could be so much worse.

Because realistically it could.

I complain a lot though, and I cry a lot.

I really need to stop that, and fully rely on God. 

Song reference!

This current is trying to wreck me
Like castles of sand, castles of sand
My fear, like an enemy army
Is marching again, but I'm making a stand

You surround me on every side
Your love is my armor, I fear no evil
Darkness runs from Your light
So I won't be afraid, I won't be afraid

You're going before me and oceans are parting
You're fighting my battles
When my feet are failing and my heart is shaking
You're fighting my battles

You're fighting my battles
You're fighting my battles
You're fighting my battles

Time after time, You're my refuge
You heal every scar, You're guarding my heart
Your promise, the hope that I cling to
My rescue, my friend, You come rushing in

And surround me on every side
Your love is my armor, I fear no evil
Darkness runs from Your light
So I won't be afraid, I won't be afraid

You're going before me and oceans are parting
You're fighting my battles
When my feet are failing and my heart is shaking
You're fighting my battles

You're fighting my battles
You're fighting my battles
You're fighting my battles

You're fighting my battles
You're fighting my battles
You're fighting my battles

In my weakness, You are strong
Every trouble, You have overcome
In my weakness, You are strong
Every trouble, You have overcome
In my weakness, You are strong
Every trouble, You have overcome
You have overcome

You're going before me and oceans are parting
You're fighting my battles
When my feet are failing and my heart is shaking
You're fighting my battles

You're fighting my battles
You're fighting my battles
You're fighting my battles

Complaining and crying to others, it does no good. 

It opens doors for self-pity and rage, and those are not Godly traits.

No matter what happens, God is on my side, holding my hand, loving and protecting me.

I’ll get through this mess with Him.

take care

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

– Colossians 3:21

How often do you go to a store or a restaurant and observe how people react with their kids?

Sometimes, you see people that are amazing with their kids, and sometimes, not so much.

Poem/song reference

O be careful little eyes what you see
O be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above
is looking down in love
So, be careful little eyes what you see
O be careful little ears what you hear
O be careful little ears what you hear
For the Father up above
is looking down in love
So, be careful little ears what you hear
O be careful little tongue what you say
O be careful little tongue what you say
For the Father up above
is looking down in love
So, be careful little tongue what you say

O be careful little hands what you do
O be careful little hands what you do
For the Father up above
is looking down in love
So, be careful little hands what you do
O be careful little feet where you go
O be careful little feet where you go
For the Father up above
is looking down in love
So, be careful little feet where you go

O be careful little heart whom you trust
O be careful little heart whom you trust
For the Father up above
is looking down in love
So, be careful little heart whom you trust
O be careful little mind what you think
O be careful little mind what you think
For the Father up above
is looking down in love
So, be careful little mind what you think
So, be careful little mind what you think

Little kids are sponges, they soak up everything around them.

So whether they are your kids or someone else’s kids, make sure that you are filling them with good. 

be glad

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

—Psalm 5:11

The definition of refuge is a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble, something providing shelter.

When I was little, I used to hide in my closet when I would get scared.

My closet now is so crazy full that I could not possibly hide there.

It’s a good thing that now I know that my real refuge lies in God.

Sometimes, I just need a big hug, and God, as my refuge gives me that hug.

I am safe in His arms, so I will sing for joy, and I will rejoice.

trust

Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

- Isaiah 26:4

It is really hard to trust people, especially when you’ve been hurt before.

But let me ask you this – has God ever hurt you? 

Go ahead give me an example – because I guarantee you that it was not God.

The evil one will do anything to cloud your judgement, to make you think that horrible things happen because God lets it happen.

Trust in God, He is your Rock, your Salvation, no matter what horrible things you are going through.

peace

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

—Romans 5:1-2

Peace.

Given what I have been through in the last two months, it is hard to imagine that I can have peace.

It is hard for me to believe that there is peace.

But we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

Hope.

I have hope that these things I am going through are just things.

I have hope that I will come to peace with the craziness.

Because we have peace, with God, through Jesus.

what is your motive?

All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.

– Proverbs 16:2

When you make a decision, can you look in the mirror and be honest with yourself that your decision was the right one?

When we follow God’s word, we should be able to look into that mirror and see our reflection more clearly.

When we stop looking in the mirror, stop following God’s word, that is when the bad things take over our lives, the pride, the lust, all those things that feel normal, until we open the word.

Where do your motives come from?

giving

Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.

- Isaiah 55:2-3

As a parent, we try to teach our kids the basics of life: get an education, get a job, work to earn your living, live within your means.

But do we teach our children to give?

If we don’t, we are doing them a great disservice.

Doesn’t it feel good to do something nice for someone else, especially if they aren’t expecting it?

Isn’t it cool to witness the kindness of a stranger?

Give, your time, your kindness, your heart your money.

You will end up so much richer than if you try to keep it all for yourself.

After all, God promises you that.

are you afraid?

Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.

- Proverbs 29:25

Oh hey, it’s October!

Crisp fall days, bonfires, apple cider, and oh yeah, for some of you – pumpkin spice everything . . .

Some folks fear October, because it brings Halloween.

Goblins and ghosts and freaky creatures.

Personally, I have a crazy fear of spiders, so intense in fact that I will avoid aisles at the store with the creepy fake spider webs and things.

I have a crazy fear of people, too, I will avoid situations that place me around a bunch of people I don’t know.

People, fear, it is indeed a dangerous trap.

As humans, we need to feel safe.

Trusting in God will keep you safe.

Not “go play leap frog in traffic and you’ll be fine” safe, that is just dumb.

Spiritual safety.

If we have spiritual safety, everything else just falls in place. (except spiders – keep them away from me!!)

just believe

“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

- Mark 9:23-24

I believe.

Even though I believe, I need reminders – daily reminders – that His word is where I need to be.

People say that they believe in God, but they don’t believe in organized religion.

I believe that we need to be able to go to a place where we are safe, loved, protected.

Song reference:

There was a time that I swore I would never go back
I was blind to the truth, didn't know what I had
I was running, I was searching
But every place I turned for healing
Left me more broken than the last

Take me back
To the place that feels like home
To the people I can depend on
To the faith that's in my bones
Take me back
To a preacher and a verse
Where they've seen me at my worst
To the love I had at first
Oh, I want to go to church

Tried to walk on my own but I wound up lost
Now I'm making my way to the foot of the cross
It's not a trophy for the winners
It's a shelter for the sinners
And it's right where I belong

Take me back
To the place that feels like home
To the people I can depend on
To the faith that's in my bones
Take me back
To a preacher and a verse
Where they've seen me at my worst
To the love I had at first
Oh, I want to go to church
I want to go to church

Oh, more than an obligation
It's our foundation
The family of God
I know it's hard
But we need each other
We're sisters and brothers

Oh, take me back
To the place that feels like home
To the people I can depend on
To the faith that's in my bones
Take me back
To a preacher and a verse
Where they've seen me at my worst
To the love I had at first
Oh, I want to go to church

Yeah, I want to go to church
Oh, I want to go, want to go, I want to go
Oh, I want to go to church
Oh, I want to go to church

I have found my home.

It is my hope that you have yours as well.

If not, reach out to me, I will try to help you find a good home, people you can depend on to have your back.

anxious much?

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

- Proverbs 12:25

I have had anxiety for a long time.

Fortunately for me, I’ve had people that understand my fears and help me through them (for the most part!)

It says right in the Bible that we should not be anxious.

So why then, is it so hard?

We need to lean less on ourselves and more on Him.

We are the sons and daughters of a King, what could possibly make us anxious that can’t be turned over to Him?