I’m ok

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.

- Philippians 4:11-13

 

Have you noticed that it is easy to be happy when everything is going well?

I learned early in life that I let things bring me down very easily, and all it takes is one tiny thing to send me spiraling down.

I needed to learn that i can find happiness in all circumstances, even the worst things that could possibly happen, God will use those things for good.

We may not see it now, but we will, in His time.

So for now, I will do everything I can do to be content, because He is always there for me, my comforter, my strength.

He’s there for you too, and you are also OK.

good company

Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

- Philippians 3:17-20

 

I want you to think of something that you do.

Something that you have always done a certain way.

Why do you do it that way? 

Most of the time we do things because we learned them from someone else, good or bad.

I have been known to end friendships because I notice that I act differently when I am around certain people, we all do that – we hang out with people and we start to emulate their actions, their behavior and sometimes, it is not flattering to us or others.

We have to be strong in our friendships (iron sharpens iron and such) and we have to have friends that are determined to live as Christ followers, so that we don’t fall away from the path.

We should guide others to this path, but never ever lose sight of the path when you are trying to lead someone and let them start leading you down a wrong path.

Choose your friends wisely.

faith

With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling, and that by His power He may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.

- 2 Thessalonians 1:11

We need to stop hiding and share our faith with others.

This is what God has called us to do – to go make disciples, to tell the Good News, to share His love with everyone.

Paul was trying to tell the Thessalonians in Macedonia that they were not alone, that He and many others were praying for them, that they would be able to teach, learn and grow and that it would be done not because he was asking them, but that their faith in God would lead them to share.

There is nothing to fear about sharing your faith, God sends His Holy Spirit to give you the power when you feel empty.

Go!

greater

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

1 John 4:4

Everyone who reads my “daily bread” knows how much I love music. 

I have so many favorites, but Mercy Me is definitely a group I turn to when I need my spirits lifted.

Here is an example:

Bring your tired

And bring your shame

Bring your guilt

And bring your pain

Don't you know that's not your name

You will always be much more to me

Every day I wrestle with the voices

That keep telling me I'm not right

But that's alright

'Cause I hear a voice and He calls me redeemed

When others say I'll never be enough

And greater is the One living inside of me

Than he who is living in the world

In the world

In the world

And greater is the One living inside of me

Than he who is living in the world

Bring your doubts

And bring your fears

Bring your hurt

And bring your tears

There'll be no condemnation here

You are holy, righteous and redeemed

Every time I fall

There'll be those who will call me

A mistake

Well that's okay

'Cause I hear a voice and He calls me redeemed

When others say I'll never be enough

And greater is the One living inside of me

Than he who is living in the world

In the world

In the world

And greater is the One living inside of me

Than he who is living in the world

There'll be days I lose the battle

Grace says that it doesn't matter

'Cause the cross already won the war

He's Greater, He's Greater

I am learning to run freely

Understanding just how He sees me

And it makes me love Him more and more

He's Greater, He's Greater

There'll be days I lose the battle

Grace says that it doesn't matter

'Cause the cross already won the war

He's Greater, He's Greater

I am learning to run freely

Understanding just how He sees me

And it makes me love Him more and more

He's Greater, He's Greater

'Cause I hear a voice and He calls me redeemed

When others say I'll never be enough

And greater is the One living inside of me

Than he who is living in the world

In the world

In the world

And greater is the One living inside of me

Than he who is living in the world

There'll be days I lose the battle

Grace says that it doesn't matter

'Cause the cross already won the war

He's Greater, He's Greater

I am learning to run freely

Understanding just how He sees me

And it makes me love Him more and more

My God is greater (He's Greater, He's Greater)

Than he who is living in the world

If you read the lyrics (I know some people skip over the lyrics when I do song references), you’ll see that no matter what, if you are tired, if you are afraid, hurt, guilty, ashamed, no matter what, God is greater.

And He loves you.

Run freely to Him and feel that love.  

what are you wearing?

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

- Colossians 3:12

I know that a lot of us are not going out right now, but let me ask you, when you go out, what are you wearing?

When you run to the store, are you wearing compassion, offering to help someone reach something on a shelf, or let a mom with a screaming child go ahead of you in line?

Are you wearing kindness when you go to the restaurant to pick up the food that you ordered, when it takes them a little longer to bring it to you?

Do you show patience when the lines are long?

We are God’s chosen people and how can we live up to His mighty name if our “clothing” is not acceptable to Him?

Look in the mirror before you go out, make sure you are wearing the right clothes.

good morning

In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice. In the morning I will lay my prayers before You and will look up.

- Psalm 5:3 (NLV)

Most of us have a routine in the mornings, and if that routine gets messed up, it sets the tone for the whole day.

This is true of me for sure, but here I am challenging myself to mess up my own routine.

Set your alarm 15 minutes earlier tonight, and when it goes off don’t hit snooze, but immediately turn your thoughts to God.

Talk to Him, tell Him good morning, and talk to Him about your plans for the day.

Look up, turn your eyes to heaven.

Here – just for you, a song reference:

Where are You now

When darkness seems to win?

Where are You now

When the world is crumbling?

Oh I, I-I-I, I hear You say

I hear You say

Look up child, ayy

Look up child, ayy

Where are You now (where are You?)

When all I feel is doubt?

Oh, where are You now

When I can't figure it out?

Oh I, I-I-I, I hear You say

I hear You say

Look up child, ayy

Look up child, ayy

Look up child, ayy

Look up child, ayy

Look up

You're not threatened by the war

You're not shaken by the storm

I know You're in control

Even in our suffering

Even when it can't be seen

I know You're in control

Oh I, I-I-I, I hear You say

I hear You say

Look up child, ayy

Look up child, ayy

Look up child

I saw a coffee cup a while back that said “Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says, “Oh crap, she's up!”

If you focus on Him first thing in the morning – you can take on the day, just look up.

insomnia

Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.

- Psalm 4:4 (NKJV)

Things get to me.

There have been times that things get to me so bad, that I don’t sleep, but instead I lie awake for hours, restlessly thinking about these things, running scenarios through my mind (most of which will never see the light of day.

Insomnia weakens our minds and our spirits and allows the evil one to slip through the crack in the foundation of your faith.

Over the years, I have learned that these are the times when I need God the most.

Picking up my Bible, meditating on His word, being still and listening for His voice, these are the things that get me through each day.

I have a lot of things that stress me out, but I have God on my side.

Oh – and so do you.

peace > anxiety

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

- Philippians 4:4-9

Peace is greater than anxiety.

HA.

That being said by someone who actually lets anxiety stop her from doing a lot of things.

I have been learning to examine why things freak me out, and face those things, I have been forcing myself to do things that would put me in a panic attack not so long ago.

I pray – a lot – before I walk into a store alone, I pray while I am in there and I thank God when I walk out!

In every situation, I bring it to Him.

And the God of peace is indeed with me.

together

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.

- Matthew 18:20

“Unprecedented times”

“New normal”

“Social distancing”

These are the words that we hear today, a chilling version of reality where we are no longer able to assemble together for any reason because in doing so we are risking our lives as well as the lives of people we care about.

Things we took for granted, like going to church on Sunday was suddenly stopped cold and we were told not to congregate for our own safety.

What happens when the church is no longer able to meet?

Thankfully many churches have been able to continue services via live streaming, however some folks are still unable to view these services.

Grab your Bible and grab your family, or if you live alone call a friend and have a phone Bible study.

Jesus said that when we gather in His name He is with us.

I am pretty sure that this includes phone calls, so no more excuses, we are alone together!

I saw something on FaceBook over the weekend that made me smile:

“just like nasty flies disappear when the flyswatter comes out, so does the enemy when we pray – prayer is the devil swatter!”

Don’t let evil and darkness creep in just because we can’t go to Sunday services, grab someone and pray, because He will be there!

i'm adopted

At that time Moses was born, and he was no ordinary child. For three months he was cared for by his family. When he was placed outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and brought him up as her own son.

- Acts 7:20-21

Forty-four years go yesterday, I stood before a judge in a courtroom in Iowa.

The judge asked me who my mom and dad were, I looked at my parents and said “this is my mom and dad”.

He asked me if I loved them and my brother and if I wanted to live with them forever, and I said yes.

The kindly old judge smiled and signed a piece of paper, then told me that these were indeed my parents and I could never be taken away from them.

That is a lot for a seven year old to take in, but really all I knew was that this made my last name the same as theirs.

It was not until many years later that I understood the sacrifices that were made – by my biological parents, by my adoptive parents, by all those involved.

I used to send my adoptive mother roses on my adoption day, but when Alzheimer’s kicked in, it stopped making sense to her.

The fact remains that I was raised knowing that I was chosen and loved.

This verse references the adoption of Moses by the Pharaoh’s daughter, she took him as her own and he was raised as royalty, no question of his heritage or worthiness.  

For nine months I was carried by my biological mother and for six months she cared for me to the best of her ability, but when it became apparent that she would no longer be able to give me my best life she chose to give me to someone that could, much like Moses’ mother.

Moses’ story shows the love and sacrifice made by both his birth and adoptive mothers and clearly shows that adoption is important to God.

God loves His children and wants them to have their best life, we are called to care for one another, every child of every family is loved, no matter what.

be kind

You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit.

- Job 10:12

Kindness. 

It really is not that difficult, but it is clearly important as God listed it as one of the fruits of the spirit. 

Kindness is more than being friendly, kindness is being generous and considerate. 

When we choose to spend our time or our money with those less fortunate, it is a form of kindness.

Thinking about the feelings of others, how your words or actions may affect them, this too is a form of kindness. 

Do you choose kindness every day? 

Do you go out of your way to care about someone else? 

It doesn’t take much to be kind. 

Try it. 

there is freedom

But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

- 2 Corinthians 3:16-18

It has been a couple of days since we all celebrated Independence Day in the U.S. but realistically, we have freedom every single day when we lean into the Spirit of God. 

Song reference! 

Step out of the shadows, step out of the grave

Break into the wild and don't be afraid

Run into wide open spaces, grace is waiting for you

Dance like the weight has been lifted, grace is waiting

Where the Spirit of the Lord is

There is freedom, there is freedom

Where the Spirit of the Lord is

There is freedom, there is freedom

Come out of the dark just as you are

Into the fullness of His love

For the Spirit is here, let there be freedom

Let there be freedom

Bring all of your burdens, bring all of your scars

Come back to communion, come back to the start

Run into wide open spaces, grace is waiting for you

Dance like the weight has been lifted, grace is waiting

Where the Spirit of the Lord is

There is freedom, there is freedom

Where the Spirit of the Lord is

There is freedom, there is freedom

Chains will fall, prisons shake

At the sound of Jesus' name

Lives made whole, hearts awake

At the sound of Jesus' name

Let there be freedom!

True freedom comes from the Lord, when we give in, give up and give ourselves completely to Him.  

all i need

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

- 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NLT)

I see a lot of social media posts where people want things. 

Some of them are legitimate, some a little silly.  

I mean, who doesn’t want to spend a weekend isolated in paradise with no worries? 

Then there are the real needs, the family that needs a home, the neighbor that needs food, the friends that need help moving. 

I hope that you have all noticed that God does provide, maybe not exactly what you want and maybe not in your timing, but always what you need and in His timing. 

If you bring me a story telling me about a time God didn’t provide what you wanted, I will ask you if it is what you needed. 

I wanted to grow up to marry Erik Estrada (I should have warned you to not be sipping your coffee, sorry if you snorted!), but God knew that I would need Randy and his family, and that the relationship I have with them (far better than Erik) would bring me closer to Him.  

Because of my relationship with my family I am loved in abundance, and I am happy to share that with others. 

abide

If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

- John 15:6 

Long ago I heard that the word Bible is an acronym for “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth”.

Makes sense, doesn’t it?  

I mean there are literally instructions for living in nearly every chapter of the Book. 

I’ve shamelessly stolen today’s title from my church’s summer series covering John 15. 

The sermon this week was around this verse, our pastor did a really good job explaining how we have to live IN Jesus, we have to abide in Him.  

We are given a choice in the matter, but are strongly encouraged to follow God. 

Here is the thing, Jesus, Peter and Paul, they all preached about the good things that happen when you choose God, not about the bad.  

If we do not remain in Him, we lose our nutrients, our life force, just like the branches of a vine, if we are cut away from the vine, we will wither and die, and the only purpose for old dried up wood is to throw it in the fire. 

My pastor said “Jesus has never sent anyone to hell, the fact is people choose hell over Jesus.” 

Choose life, so that you may live. 

birthday

Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.

- Jeremiah 1:5

Happy birthday to my brother-in-law, Tim, I am so glad that you let me share your birthday! 

As we reflect on this day and all we have been given, remember that we are children of God, that He knew us long before we were born, and He knows the tasks that he has for us. 

We have been told many times to share His Word, to go make disciples, to teach others to know and love Christ Jesus. 

As I begin my 51^st year on this earth, I want to thank God for giving me life, and what better way to do that then to share with everyone what an amazing God He is! 

whisper

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.

- 1 Kings 19:11-12

Do you long to hear God, to see Him at work in your life?

Perhaps you are not listening or looking close enough.

I heard a poem long ago (I tried to find it but I could not) about how someone asked God to show him things, but the man didn’t see the things God sent.

We can look for beauty and miss the butterfly, we can seek a miracle and miss the child playing at the park, we can search for answers and miss the whisper of His voice.

Sometimes it is hard to discern what is God and what is the craziness of the world around us or the evil one trying to pull us away from God.

Talk to someone, if you are not sure of what you feel or hear and it is a big decision, continue to pray, share your concerns with a pastor, a friend, someone that can help you hear the whisper.   

always

God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock?

- Psalm 18:30-31 (NLT)

We all have that friend that is there for us no matter what, through thick and thin, fire and ice, that one friend that will stand beside us.

What – you don’t have that friend?

Human friends can be flaky, it’s true.

You can count on them most of the time.

But there is One you can count on always – God will be there anytime, day or night, rain or shine.

In the middle of the messes that we are in, our trying circumstances, the flames under our feet we call out to our friends, but sometimes, they too are under unbelievable stress and they just can’t be there for us.

But God can.

You can count on Him to hear your every cry, to be there and to hold you when you need Him the most.

He will dry every tear and tell you everything is going to be ok.

Don’t abandon your friends, they still need you, but let God help you comfort them – always.

weak

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.

- James 4:10

Know your weaknesses.

That is something that has popped up a lot in recent events.

You’ll get this question when you go for an interview, you will see it in self-evaluations and you will hear it in updates from your managers.

When we are aware of our weaknesses, we are able to address them,,

When we are aware of our weaknesses, we understand the need for His strength.

When we humble ourselves before Him, He is there for us, happy to help, ready to transform your life by lifting you up and restoring you.

1,000

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

- Romans 1:16

I’ve been sending “daily bread” emails since 2010, these emails officially became “daily bread” when I started my blog in 2016. Today I am posting my one thousandth “daily bread” blog.

One thousand times I have shared the Word of God with people.

What started out as about a dozen friends has turned into a daily email, blog post, facebook share and text message that spans across the globe.

This is what God put me here to do – to share His word, to change hearts, to bring His children back to Him.

I will continue to post, I will continue to share because I am not ashamed.

The power in the words that God has written are meant to be shared because they bring salvation – and if you don’t think you need salvation, you are lying to yourself!

I am NOT ashamed!

compassion

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

- Psalm 103:8

We all need to show compassion to others, because God shows us compassion every single day.

You know there is a song reference here!

Well, everyone needs compassion
A love that's never failing
But let mercy fall on me
Well everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Savior
The hope of nations

My Savior
He can move the mountains
My God is Mighty to save
He is Mighty to save
Forever
Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

So take me as You find me
All my fears and failures
And fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
And now I surrender
(I surrender)

Savior
He can move the mountains
My God is Mighty to save
He is Mighty to save
Forever
Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

Shine your light and let the whole world see
We're singing for the glory of the risen King
Jesus

Our God is truly all of these things, compassionate, gracious, might to save, a love that never fails us.

Open your eyes and your heart to the King who loves you without question.

i know

But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!

- Job 19:25-27

You know that this is leading to a song reference! 

This has always been one of my favorite songs:

Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?
And who told the ocean you can only come this far?
And who showed the moon where to hide 'til evening?
Whose words alone can catch a falling star?

Well I know my redeemer lives
I know my redeemer lives
All of creation testify
This life within me cries
I know my redeemer lives, yeah

The very same god that spins things in orbit
Runs to the weary, the worn and the weak
And the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken
They conquered death to bring me victory

Now I know my redeemer lives
I know my redeemer lives
Let all creation testify (aaah)
Let this life within me cry
I know my Redeemer, he lives
To take away my shame
And he lives forever, I'll proclaim

That the payment for my sin
Was the precious life he gave
But now he's alive and (aaah)
There's an empty grave

And I know my Redeemer (lives) he lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify (aah)
Let this life within me cry
I know my Redeemer, i know
(My redeemer lives) I know my redeemer lives
I know, know, know, know (my redeemer lives)
I know that I know, that I know, that I know, that I know
(I know my redeemer lives) my redeemer lives
Because he lives I can face tomorrow (he lives)
Whoo, whoo, yeah, yeah, yeah
I know, I know (he lives) he lives, he lives, yeah, yeah
I spoke with him this morning (he lives) he lives, he lives
The tomb is empty, he lives, he lives
I'm gonna tell everybody, yeah

People!!

Jesus is the Redeemer and HE IS ALIVE!

You can talk to Him, anytime, anywhere, and know that He’s got this!!

strong, graceful oaks

To all who mourn in Israel He will give: beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness. For God has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for His own glory.

- Isaiah 61:3 (TLB)

2020 has been a chaotic year thus far, I don’t think that anyone would disagree.

We have to be strong, we have to keep our faith and know that these challenges we are facing are temporary.

We have a promise from God that we can rely on – He is there for us.

Turn to Him when you are unsure about each day, He will give you peace.  

because . . .

Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

- Romans 5:2 (NLT)

How thankful are you when you receive something unexpectedly?

Are you extremely grateful, so much so that you shout it from the rooftops?

Start shouting friends, because we have the gift of unexpected generosity given freely by our God!

We are sinners, we deserve no grace, but God sent His Son Jesus and it is our faith in Him that bring us home to Heaven, sharing in His glory.