come back

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

- Colossians 3:16

 

I like this verse, because it makes me feel like I am doing the right thing, sharing His word and finding all the song references!

This verse specifically led me to the song Freedom by Jesus Culture – here is a snippet of the lyrics:

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

I have had many people ask me things like what do I get out of “relationship” with God, or what can religion do for them, and my all time favorite, how can my God help them?

My response is come! 

If you’ve never been to church, come!

If you have not been to church in a long time, come back!

Friends, there is true freedom in knowing God, He loves you so much, and He will never stop loving you or pursuing you. 

He gave you a Book, that tells you how much He loves you, yeah it is a big book, and kind of intimidating if you don’t like to read, so come, let me introduce you to Amazing Grace! 

Oh, that is another song!

devoted

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

- Colossians 4:2

 

Thanksgiving 2020 is over and there are still some people out there that are going to be holiday shopping today (shudder).

Don’t forget to pray (I would have to pray for sanity before going into any store today!)

Watch what you say and do, be sure that you are out there with Jesus on your mind.

If everyone does that, perhaps there will be less road rage and less fighting over the hottest gift of the season, and maybe just maybe there will be “goodwill to men”.

thanks

Now, our God, we give You thanks, and praise Your glorious name.

- 1 Chronicles 29:13

 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I hope that everyone can enjoy a meal, maybe watch the parades or some football.

In the middle of the food and fun, remember to give thanks to God.

We wouldn’t have anything to celebrate if it weren’t for Him.

 

hungry?

Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.

- Psalm 107:8-9

 

Are you hungry yet?

Tomorrow most people will be having traditional Thanksgiving dinners, with turkey or ham, potatoes and stuffing and all the yumminess that comes with this holiday.

But don’t forget to feed your soul.

Take time to be with God, giving thanks and praying for others. 

Feeding your soul is just as important and nourishing your body.

 

always

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

I see a lot of “30 days of thankful” posts on social media right now, and have seen it every year for at least the last 10 that I have been on social media.

It’s great to call out the 30 things that you are most grateful for, but don’t forget that after November, we still need to be thankful.

There is so much craziness in the world right now, taking time to pray and be thankful for even the little things may change your outlook.

everything

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

- 1 Timothy 4:4-5

 

Everything God created is good.

Pretty powerful, isn’t it?

But what about that mean guy down the street. He’s not good at all!

God created him good, it was the devil’s influence that turned him bad.

Receive everything with a grateful heart, even the hard stuff, because it is going to be used for good somehow.

God does some pretty incredible things.

careful

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

- Ephesians 5:15-17

 

Sometimes I feel like the rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, I’m late, I’m late, I’m late.

I am always rushing to get things done, I fill up my calendar so fast, even when I try not to do that, I look and I have no time for me.

I often feel like there are not enough hours in the day.

This week I read a pretty profound statement: “at the end of the day, there is one reality we must remember: we have time for what we make time for.”

Oh dang.

For me, I think I need to step back and look at what I am filling my time, and prioritize what is going to help me make the most of my life.

I am pretty sure I will find the answer in spending less time on meaningless tasks and more time with God.  

birthday blessings

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.

- 3 John:1-2

 

Happy birthday to my amazing husband!

I am so thankful and blessed to have a wonderful man who leads his family in following Christ.

I am thankful for the incredible role models that raised and nurtured him, so he could grow to lead his family.

Today, I ask that God continues to provide him with good health and that he would continue to grow in the Lord.

Today I encourage my friends and family to pray this blessing over your loved ones, and that it is well with your soul also.

joy

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.

You love Him even though you have never seen Him. Though you do not see Him now, you trust Him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.

- 1 Peter 1:6-8 (NLT)

 

We are getting close to Christmas, ya’all!

Next week, I will start listening to the Christmas music that I love so well.

One of my favorites is Chris Tomlin’s version of Joy To The World because he added a great chorus in there.

Joy, unspeakable joy

An overflowing well,

No tongue can tell

Joy, unspeakable joy

Rises in my soul

Never lets me go

It is hard to explain to a non-believer how we can love and trust a God that we cannot see.

The overflowing joy in my heart, when I think of everything that God has done for me, how can I not trust Him?

The love and comfort that I feel when I give myself fully to Him, that is worth every trial.

I know I am not alone, even when I can’t see Him, He is there.

And that keeps my joy overflowing.  

look out

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

- 1 Peter 5:8

 

I saw a meme on Facebook this past week referencing this verse.

We are living in a time where Satan doesn’t even hide anymore, and the world still can’t see him – 1 Peter 5:8

I looked for the Bible translation on this verse and could not find it, so I decided to use the NIV.

But what a profound statement – wow. 

Everywhere we look, the devil is there, he is out in plain sight, pulling God’s children away.

And we are letting it happen, we are doing nothing to stop the evil.

We have got to take a stand, we have to do everything to chase the devil back to the shadows, but how?

We have to let God’s light shine through us for everyone to see.

We have to stop letting our human emotions block us from doing what is good, what is right.

The devil is truly everywhere, he is no longer hiding, and it is up to us to fight h

even if

When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other.

- Ecclesiastes 7:14

 

I had a pretty emotional weekend this weekend.

Our first grandson was born, and due to some complications, he had to spend time in the NICU.

Due to COVID, only mommy and daddy are allowed in the hospital.

I didn’t want grandchildren, but now that I have one and I can’t be with him, it is tearing me apart. 

And my emotions are nothing compared to mommy and daddy, who have not been able to hold him at all.

How can I write about how amazing my God is, when all I want to do is cry?

Enter Mercy Me:

They say sometimes you win some
Sometimes you lose some
And right now, right now I'm losing bad
I've stood on this stage night after night
Reminding the broken it'll be alright
But right now, oh right now I just can't

It's easy to sing
When there's nothing to bring me down
But what will I say
When I'm held to the flame
Like I am right now

I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone

They say it only takes a little faith
To move a mountain
Well good thing
A little faith is all I have, right now
But God, when You choose
To leave mountains unmovable
Oh give me the strength to be able to sing
It is well with my soul

I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt
Would all go away if You'd just say the word
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone

You've been faithful, You've been good
All of my days
Jesus, I will cling to You
Come what may
'Cause I know You're able
I know You can

I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, I know the hurt
Would all go away if You'd just say the word
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone

It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul

I love Mercy Me, they seem to always know just what to say.

God knows what He is doing, we have to trust Him.

In good times praise Him and in times of trouble pray to Him.

Remember when praises go up, blessings rain down.

overcome

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

- 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

 

When we are struggling with hard times, we often hear people say “God won’t take you to it if He won’t get you through it.”

That is not true.

We will have trials.

We be tempted to do things that are not right just to get through.

We will face huge obstacles.

God didn’t promise that we would never struggle.

What He does promise is that we are not alone on our journey.

He will give us the tools we need to climb the mountain.

He will hold us when we cry out in frustration, and in the end, we will endure, all we have to do is lean on Him and we will overcome the temptation.

your spirit

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

- 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)

 

Here, take this.  It is dangerous to go alone.

Some might recognize that line from the video game enterprise Nintendo’s Legend of Zelda.

I am not into video games, but it is funny how in most games you start out with something that is supposed to help you along your journey.

Now imagine walking into a cave when your journey begins, seeing and old man who tells you that your journey will be dangerous, but he has something that will help guide you, and he hands you a Bible. 

In that Bible you will find stories of courage and power, stories of love and sacrifice, all for you.

Your spirit can be calmed just by reading the Word, and knowing that God has not left you alone.

God gives you all the power you need to slay your dragons and rescue the princess (or prince), find His Word and let it fill you, then go on your journey. 

You are never alone.

pray and praise

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.

- James 5:13

 

Today is Veteran’s day, so first off, thank you – thank you to those who have served and are still serving.  Thank you to the families who did not spend special days with their loved ones so they may protect our freedom, thank you to the soldiers who gave their lives that we might be free.

Every year on Veteran’s Day, I am reminded of a poem I learned in 6^th grade:

The Soldier and God we both adore,

In times of need and not before,

But when the war is won

And the wrong is righted,

God is forgotten

And the Soldier is slighted.

Does that hit home for you? 

Obviously we should go to God in prayer when we are hurting or in need, but we should not forget Him when things are good.

Did you wake up this morning? Praise Him for waking you to a brand new day!

How was that first cup of coffee? Praise Him that you are able to smell the aroma, taste the flavor.

Was it a struggle to get out of bed due to pain or illness? Pray that He helps you overcome your hurt or sickness, it is ok to ask Him for help.

You should be able to talk to God about anything and everything, don’t just go to Him in need, tell Him everything.

 

the gate

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

- Matthew 7:13-14

 

According to scripture, our paths are pre-determined by God, He knows the plans He has for us, but we still have free will.

On our journey we are given many choices, it is up to us to pray and discern where God wants us at that moment.

One thing is certain, in this journey we will face many choices, and the easy way is not necessarily the right way.

Look back on your life for a moment, think about the choices that you have made, how they changed you.

If I would have left home right after high school to attend a college in another town, perhaps I would have a big degree behind my name and live in a different city and have a different circle of friends. 

But the choices I made led me here instead, with an amazing husband, incredible in-laws, great kids, a cozy home and a wonderful church family.

At this point, looking back I think that I chose the narrow gate, and I am so very glad that I did.

Where is your journey leading you?

journey

By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.

- Exodus 13:21

 

Everyone is on a spiritual journey.

The thing is, no one knows where people are in their journey unless we ask.

Even asking can be a bit intimidating, because we might get pushed away.

That doesn’t mean that people don’t want to talk about their journey, it might mean that they really don’t know themselves.

Most people don’t share their faith openly because they are afraid, uncertain or just don’t know how to approach people, especially people they don’t know.

What if it is as easy as asking a question like “how are you” and then really listening to the answer?

God goes before us on this journey, we are not alone. 

Seek out people on their journey, maybe it is someone that needs you to help them see the path.

Maybe it is someone that can help you on your path.

Or maybe it is someone to walk beside you as you are on this journey together.  

But you will never know where someone is on their journey until you ask.

contentment

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

- 1 Timothy 6:6-8

 

Remember the Harry Chapin song “Cats in the Cradle”?

It’s about a man and his son, but the man was too busy making a living to be with the child while he was growing, then when the man did have time to be with his son, his son was too busy for him. 

It’s a sad song in many ways, and yet so many families are still experiencing this today.

Why do we work so hard to always have the best of everything?

Why can’t we just be content with what we have?

Treasure the times that you are able to be with your family because stuff is just stuff, it can all be replaced and when you are gone, well, you don’t get to bring your shiny new car or fancy clothes with you when you die. 

Be thankful and content for the things you have.

a secret

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

 

Do you want to know a secret?

You can be happy.

You can be content.

Of course we can have dreams and aspirations, but it is important not to let go of the here and now.

Everything you have was given to you by God.

He loves you so much that He gave you the greatest gift of all – eternal life through His Son Jesus.

There were times when I was younger that I wondered where my next meal was coming from, or how I would get to work the next day.

There were times when I didn’t know if the check was going to clear or my power was going to be shut off.

Those were the times that I cried out to God to give me strength to carry on.

And He always gave me what I needed.

Even when it was cold and dark, I had a warm light in my soul, because God made sure I had enough.

Contentment gives us the satisfaction, knowing that God will continue to care for us.

It’s not a secret anymore, God will provide for your every need.

don’t be greedy

Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

- Luke 12:15

 

Have you ever felt like if you could just have a little more of something, you would be happy?

A little nicer house or a little newer car, maybe even being able to buy the latest computer or that cool new TV?

Sometimes it feels that our happiness in linked to our possessions.

We need to get out of that mindset sooner rather than later.

Remember that God will provide you with everything you need right now, what you have is enough right now.

When Israel left Egypt, God provided manna every day, more than enough to feed everyone, and He told the people to gather only what they needed for that day, to trust that He would provide. 

Life doesn’t come down to what you own, but how you use it in glorifying God.

Nice things are nice, but they are just things.

Things go away, God is forever.  

vote

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. 

- Titus 3:1-2

 

I don’t normally post political things in my social media, and I especially don’t talk about politics in my daily verses and thoughts.

But today is election day, our country is voting today to keep the current leader or send someone else to fill the very important role of President of the United States of America.

I took this verse from Titus, because it has some important words.

Regardless of who wins this election, that person will be leading the country for the next 4 years, whether we like it or not.

My brother, who was in the Army until the day he died used to get quite upset with our mother when she would complain about the president, telling her “I know you don’t like him but he is still my boss.” 

So please friends, no matter what the outcome of today’s election is, remember that whoever wins is still human, is still a child of God, just like you and me, and I ask you to be peaceful and considerate, and always be gentle. 

Politics should not divide families.

Do good.

enough

My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.

- Psalm 131:1-3

 

Every November I see people posting on social media about their 30 days of thankfulness.

They choose one thing everyday for which they are thankful.

It’s pretty cool, but should we limit ourselves to 30 days?

Ann Voskamp published a book titled “One Thousand Gifts”, where she talks about how we can find joy in the midst of trouble.

It’s a really good book, one I encourage you to read.

We need to center our hearts on thankfulness and gratitude, not only in November, but all the time.

My pastor (he is very wise) is preaching the next few weeks on living thankfully, i will likely take some of his words and share them because quite often, I find he is right!

It’s more than being thankful, you see, we will never be thankful if we can’t be content, a content mind precedes a thankful heart.

Let’s focus on being content with what we have instead of merely thankful.