Tag: faith

Keep Opening Those Gifts…

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“On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”

Matthew 2:11

I love to see the excitement on people’s faces when they open their Christmas gifts, especially young children who tend not be as concerned about expressing their joy. The unexpected gifts are always the best. They are the ones given just at the right time to fulfill a long-awaited desire or address a specific need.  The gifts are an expression of our love for the recipient or value we place on the relationship. 

When the wise men came to see the newborn baby Jesus, they came bearing gifts of various types, for various uses – their best offering. They didn’t just leave their gifts at the altar of the manger, but they opened them so that their value could be displayed. They didn’t offer the gift for a response but as an expression of love for the One who came to give them life.

God has placed many gifts in all of us – valuable gifts, gifts to honor Him and be an extension of His love and goodness to others. These gifts are not for own benefit but to bring joy, hope, encouragement, and inspiration to the lives of others so that they might see the awesomeness of God as His children unwrap their gifts. 

Christmas may be over but there are still gifts to be opened. If you are holding on to that gift for a special occasion, the perfect time, or not quite sure about the value of the gift, open it up! There is someone out there waiting for you.

Imagine the joy it brings Your Father when He sees you opening the gifts that He has placed in you.

Keep opening those gifts!

Struggling to Finish…

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Transparent moment…I have difficulty finishing things. I have gotten much better over the years but I struggle when I get to the end of a thing. It often takes a lot of encouragement, caffeine, and a little bit of prodding to accomplish the task at hand. I start off excited, strong, hopeful and as the end nears impatience, fatigue, and frustration sets in – all deterrents from finishing strong. Can you relate?

As I was reading the story of Gideon, it dawned on me that I am not alone.

After overcoming insecurity and becoming the valiant warrior that would defeat many – just as God said he would – he settled for complacency. Settled for doing things the way his people were accustomed to. Returning to what was familiar, perhaps even easier. What happens to us, happens to many. After a strong start, after seeing how God can work through us and on our behalf, we try to finish in our own strength.

Gideon and I are not alone. We share company with Noah (who decided to turn up after being spared from the flood), Moses (who hit the rock because his people were getting on his nerves) and Jehoshaphat (who thought it would be a good idea to help God out by making a deal to protect his people) to name a few. God’s chosen people who temporarily lost sight of the power they had access to and instruction they received to finish their race strong.

As we close out 2021, let us be reminded of the words of Brother Paul and finish our race strong. Whatever it is you need to finish before the end of the year, get back to it, pour yourself into it and finish your race strong. Keep the faith!

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” -2 Timothy 4:7

Do You Know?

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“I will praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 NIV

Do you know?

Psalm 139:14 is probably one of the most quoted and popular passages of scripture. We recite it to boost our confidence, revel in it when we are ‘snatched’ – hair done, make up on point, clothes perfectly laid. We wear it on statement tees and sip on coffee mugs reminding us just how great we are…but do really know and believe that we are wonderful? That we are great? One of a kind..daughters of a King?

Underneath all the clothing, hair, and makeup is often an uncertain soul. Uncertain about who she is, her worth, her calling, and uncertain about who she belongs to. Do you know just how wonderful you are? Do you believe what God says about you? That even in your lowest state, He was there…that He loved you…that you had a purpose even then? Do you believe that you are the apple of His eye…that He sees the inward parts and that is what He’s pursuing…not the clothes, not the hair, not the makeup? Do you believe that He loved you enough…to come to earth in flesh, to die for you even when He knew you could never measure up to your own standards? Do you know and know full well that you are….

Beautiful?

Wonderful?

Gifted?

Chosen?

Forgiven?

Redeemed?

Worthy?

Treasured?

Loved…

Loved by a Father who would move heaven and earth just for you…

Loved by a Father that would send His Son to die for you?

“I will give thanks to You because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this. My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was being skillfully woven in an underground workshop. Your eyes saw me when I was still an unborn child. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book before one of them had taken place. How precious are Your thoughts concerning me, O God!” Psalm 139:14-17 God’s Word

Thank You Father for reminding of us of how amazing Your works are. That to be known by You is to know that we were created on purpose, for a purpose, in Your image – fearfully and wonderfully made. We are grateful to know You and to know who we are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Keep On Moving!

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I recently went out for a walk – one I had been putting off for most of the day and for many reasons. Discouragement over not seeing the results in the timeline I had expected, not feeling like it was as important as some of the other things on my to-do list, and to be honest…just not feeling like it. But I knew it was something I had to do in order to reach one of my goals.

On the way out, it started to rain despite the forecast calling for clear skies. I contemplated turning around and going home, but I kept it moving. When I arrived at the track, there was a parked construction vehicle blocking a portion of the course leaving just enough room for me to maneuver around. Again, I considered calling it a wrap. But I kept it moving. Further down the trail, there was a small group of people gathered appearing to be on break from their construction work. Though they were minding their own business, my insecurities turned them into hecklers watching this chubby girl make small ineffective strides to knocking off a few pounds. I considered hanging up my walking shoes for the day. But I kept it moving.

As I kept going, with each lap the obstacles were removed…one by one. The light rain came to a pause. The tractor was moved giving me full access to the track, and the perceived hecklers (lol) went back to work. The obstacles were removed. I was able to accomplish what I had set out to do, while learning a valuable and practical lesson to keep it moving and not to focus on the obstacles. God constantly reminds me, even through practical illustrations like this, that He will remove anything in the way of advancing His purpose and plans for our lives. We don’t need to move them…just trust Him to do the heavy lifting. He wants us to focus on Him more than the obstacle, keep moving and trust Him in the process knowing that He is working with each step we take.

No matter what you are trying to achieve there will always be an obstacle in the way. Stop focusing on the obstacles, you may be overlooking how God is moving on your behalf – clearing the path for His beloved child.

“The path of the righteous is level, You clear a straight path for the righteous. Yes, Lord, we wait for You in the path of Your judgements. Our desire is for Your name and renown.” -Isaiah 26:7-8

While You Wait…

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I am in the middle of quite a few things in this season of my life…home improvement projects, new projects at work, ministry initiatives, personal goals, and mid-life if I am counting the years…

The middle is often a place of waiting. You have certain expectations – a desired outcome, a preferred timeline, and excitement of seeing whatever you’re waiting for come to pass. Then there’s the anxiety about what’s next, deviations from your plans and timeline, and frustration that comes from feeling stuck when things don’t seem to be going the way you would like them to.

This weekend I received a practical lesson on what to do while you wait. I was in between commitments with a few hours to spare. Part of me wanted to take advantage of the down time – just count down the minutes until the next thing and think about the responsibilities piling up instead of doing what is in front of me while I wait.

As I took inventory of my to do list and assessed my current situation, I stared at a pile (well piles) of clothes I was in the process of transitioning to storage for the next season mixed with some freshly laundered clothes that accumulated throughout the week as I tended to more pressing matters. I started working on each pile until each piece of clothing made it to it’s appropriate location. Working on the thing right in front of me…working while I was waiting.

Then I fixed my attention on a pile of unopened boxes containing some items requiring assembly. Items that were part of a home improvement project that was still in progress. I ignored the boxes because I was waiting for the room to be finished and in my frustration I put them off to the side. I opened the few boxes and started assembling. I started working on the next thing in front of me…working while I was waiting.

Before I knew it, it was almost time to get ready for my appointment. I had lost track of time. I was focused on accomplishing the tasks in front on me. Though the things I was working may not have been directly tied to the actual thing(s) I was waiting for, I felt lighter, less overwhelmed more organized, accomplished and encouraged about the very things I was waiting for. Not only that, I went into my next commitment feeling undistracted, prepared and ready to focus on that particular task.

I am learning how to manage the waiting room (sometimes not as well as I would like) and not neglect the sometimes seemingly small or insignificant things we tend to put off in our arrogance and impatience believing we will take care of them at a later time or better yet when the thing we are waiting for becomes a reality.

Waiting doesn’t mean do nothing or just sit around counting the hours that pass until you arrive at your final destination. There are things waiting for you in the wait. People waiting for you in the wait. Places you need to be in the wait. Things to learn in the wait. Commit yourself to the work in the wait. Do the next thing. Wait well.

Don’t just sit there….there is something for you to do in the wait!

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 NIV

Pick Up Your Crown

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‘But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. ‘

1 Peter 2:9

Before the pandemic, I hosted a small group of women for an informal Bible study and time of refreshment. As we shared our experiences, responsibilities and various hats we wear, one of the women shared a statement that made me chuckle but was unfortunately a truth many of us can relate to – “I wear so many hats I just want to ask someone , ‘Can you please take a hat?‘”

As women, we wear and try to balance so many hats…mother, wife, daughter, business woman, employee, ministry leader, mentor, friend, sister, coach, volunteer, and the list goes on. These various hats can cause us at times to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, discouraged, and irritated leading to procrastination, stagnation, neglect, and even anger. If we are not careful, our growing collection of hats can knock off our crown causing us to temporarily lose sight of Who we belong, who we are in Him, and what HE wants us to do.

Polishing and adjusting our crown should be a daily practice. Our crown should identify us as part of the King’s court – on assignment to represent His kingdom and serve others with the grace & love that is part of our DNA completing our daily ensemble.

‘Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. ‘ Colossians 3:12-14

While there may be hats we can put on a shelf for a season or hand over to another eager owner, we can not afford to take off our crown. You may need to adjust it from time to time…just don’t let it come off.

Remember who you are…YOU ARE ROYALTY.

Pick up your crown!

What do you see?

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I recently watched a movie where the main character had an overwhelming desire to be attractive. She felt unloved, unwanted, overlooked, and overweight – when in fact she wasn’t any of those things…at least to those that mattered. Through a series of made for movie events – including a bump on the head, she ended up believing that she was pretty.

While she believed with all her heart that her physical appearance changed, it didn’t. It was what she thought about herself that changed. As a result, she was more confident, outgoing, courageous and carefree – living her life to the fullest (sadly though at times her personality wasn’t so pretty…that’s a word for another day).

When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

As believers and followers of Jesus Christ, it is important that we see ourselves correctly. We need to believe what Our Father says about us and how He sees us so that we can live in the fullness of all that He desires for us.

Don’t allow the world, social media, culture or other people to determine what you see when you look in the mirror. Allow them to see the beauty that is inside of you…the hope of glory, Christ in you (Colossians 1:27).

You are:

  • Beautiful. (Psalm 45:11, Song of Solomon 4:7)
  • Made in His image. (Genesis 1:27)
  • Fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
  • Precious. (Isaiah 43:4)
  • Loved. (John 3:16, I John 4:9-10)
  • Chosen. (Ephesians 1:4, I Peter 2:9)
  • God’s handiwork. (Ephesians 2:10)
  • A special possession. (I Peter 2:9)
  • A crown of splendor. (Isaiah 62:3)
  • Royalty. (I Peter 2:9)

True transformation begins the moment you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, allowing Him to reign in your heart as King. He can help you adjust your vision so that you can see yourself as the king/queen He has created you to be.

Now let me ask again…when you look in the mirror, what do you see? Let Him transform you.

CRY OUT!

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“…but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”” – Luke 18:39

Sometimes it may seem pointless to call on God. We may feel that our situation is impossible or we have been crying out for so long and our situation has not changed. It can seem as if our desperate pleas for help go unheard. We don’t understand. Those around us don’t understand. They watch us worship, serve, cry out and wonder where God is when we need Him most. Some may even encourage us to stop our seemingly unheard prayers – or we may give up on our own because we can’t see how God is going to change our situation.

“As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭18:35-43‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Bartimaeus wanted to see. He probably hoped all of his life to have his sight. He heard about the miracles Jesus did, believed Jesus could change his situation and had faith to cry out when He knew He was near. The men who tried to silence him probably didn’t see any hope for Bartimaeus’ situation. They didn’t want him to distract the Master from His Father’s business. But Bartimaeus’ faith would not allow him to remain silent. While he couldn’t see any of the miracles Jesus performed, he could hear the testimony of others, he was aware of the power of crying out His Name. He believed Jesus could give him the one thing he desired. His faith restored his sight.

Don’t let ANYONE – the enemy, your family, friends or even YOU, silence your prayers. Despite what you can or cannot see, don’t give up! Keep crying out to the One who is capable of changing you and your situation.

Father, Thank You for hearing us when we call on Your Powerful Name. We know that all things are possible through You. Even when we can’t see what You are doing, help us to remember that You are working all things out for our good. Thank You for restoring our spiritual sight and increasing our faith to trust You in every area of our lives. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Waiting…

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I don’t like waiting. Period.

I want what I want when I want it. I like to have the details, the expected wait times, and timelines in front of me. Slow wi-fi and computer start ups cause me to tap on my mouse pad a little faster. Waiting on people frustrates me, long lines annoy me (or any line if I am being honest) which is why I am thankful for advance ordering and pick up options. However, even with that there is the possibility that waiting is required.  Waiting tends to make me tired, frustrated and cranky.  As you can see, I am not too fond of  waiting.

I have to sadly admit, I am the same way with God. I am way too eager to see His plan unveiled, anxious to get out of the trial, ready to share what He is sharing with me without giving it time to settle in my own heart. I want to know all the details, the timeline, and reason for the wait. Though I know God is faithful, I tend to be impatient during the wait – missing out on the benefits of the wait. Often missing what is happening in the moment because I am too focused on what is on the other side of the wait. Neglecting those I am supposed to be serving while I wait. Not taking care of the things that I need to while I wait. Missing the lesson in the wait.

Why do we have to wait?!?!?! 

“My brethren count it all joy when you fall into various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be complete, lacking nothing.”  – James 1:2-4 

Waiting is part of life. The wait is important. Learning how to wait is part of maturity. Waiting well is called patience. Patience is learned. Patience requires practice, which means we can expect many opportunities to let patience work in us.  It is in those moments of waiting that our faith increases as our patience is being developed…so that as James reminds us…we will be complete, lacking nothing allowing God to work His perfect plan for our lives. There’s a lot happening during the wait. Trust Him.

Just because we don’t like something, does not mean it’s not good for us…

Wait well.

Father God,  Give us the grace to wait well and trust what You are doing while we wait. Amen

Not Forsaken

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When you turn on the news to hear the number of COVID19 cases continue to rise, the death count steadily increasing, unclaimed bodies being buried in massive ditches, unemployment numbers rapidly increasing, and lines for food banks spanning miles, it can be easy to believe that God has forsaken us.

The psalmist David was acquainted with suffering as he asked God in Psalm 22 why he had forsaken him —when would the trouble end. Jesus cried out in His suffering on the cross, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?“.  In the midst of our pain it can often feel as if God is no where to be found. As we find ourselves in these turbulent and difficult times, it may seem as if our prayers are going unanswered, our pleas for help seem to be ignored, and our tears seem to be wasted. We have encountered times of restlessness and even hopelessness. The pain sometimes unbearable.

The soldiers who mocked Jesus as they watched Him suffering in agony in those final moments on the cross help give understanding to why we tend to lose hope. “Let Him come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him and acknowledge Him.”(Matthew 27:42 AMP)  Simply put – sometimes we need to see a sign in order to believe. A sign to restore our hope. A sign to help us rest.

In the midst of all of this uncertainty where there may not be many visible signs of hope, find encouragement in Jesus’ parting words to His disciples:

“Take careful notice: an hour is coming, and has arrived, when you will all be scattered, each to his own home, leaving Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]

-John 16:32-33 AMP

We are never alone! The Father is with us. Because Jesus lives we can have this hope. Continue to cry out to Him. Allow Him to turn your pain to praise, your worry to worship, your anxiousness to awe. He is here with us. He never left.

Be encouraged. You are not forsaken.