When we encounter hardships, we can lose sight of truth. The pain we experience in life through a divorce, loss of a loved one, health challenge, or trauma of any kind can overtake us. We encounter shame from past failures, all the "what ifs" we are afraid to live through again, the anger and resentment over pain that was inflicted upon us. These heavy emotions can crowd out the reassuring voice of God.
Read MoreAll wisdom comes from seeking God. As women, we have a great capacity to not only seek the Lord, but to know Him intimately. Have you ever been confused, troubled or agitated and wondered, “Where is Jesus in all this?” Those times when you feel discouraged, confused or unsure, and when circumstances or relationships seem unsteady, that is the time to seek Him.
Read MoreThe story of two lives dramatically healed and changed, not connected at all, but somehow intertwined. One was a 12-year-old girl dying, whose father, Jarius, openly begs Jesus to come with him. The other an outcast woman in the crowd who secretly reaches out by sheer force of will. Both are desperate, both need a miracle. Jesus, moving to meet one need, ends up meeting two.
Read MoreHave you ever been reading something when suddenly words seemed to jump off the page at you? That just happened to me recently.
Read MoreI think purpose for many of us feels far away. We struggle to live out our purpose because we do not know what we are called to do. I always believed God called me to something, but I didn’t know how to find it.
Read Morey hands trembled as I opened the dental bill that had kept me up at night, wondering how I would ever pay it. I stared in wonder as I read CANCELLED written in bold red letters across it. How did this happen? God had kept His promise. God asks you to trust Him with the tithe (ten percent) of your income. In return, He promises to bless you and meet all your needs.
Read MoreWe live in a world of polarizing thoughts. Jesus told us it would be this way, describing it as two competing kingdoms—one dark and earthly, and one flowing from heaven—a place of wholeness and health, filled with God’s Spirit and the abundant life we all crave. There is one problem, though…the dark kingdom has a pretty cruel master and he loves to steal, kill and destroy. He looks at those things God has for us—things that would bring us health and joy, and distorts our need or desire for them. He fans the flame of our flesh and what we truly want gets lost in the “imbalance.”
Read MoreOur relationship with God is the most important relationship we will ever have but God also intended for us to have other relationships throughout our lifetime. He knew that we would need each other as we live out His plan here on earth. But as you know, relationships can be a blessing and challenging at the same time.
Read MoreGod desires to be close to us and he offers us uninterrupted access to himself. Let’s put forth the same foresight in our relationship with Jesus as we do with our auto-renewals. Let’s decide to posture ourselves to wait on Him, spend time in daily devotion, and expect to hear His voice and experience His presence in a greater way.
Read MoreLet the peace of God rule your heart and mind. Settle yourself down in My love and peace. Just sit there, don’t move. Keep your feet dug in the soil of my presence. Let them get wet for that soil has the nourishment of my Spirit in it. Let peace rule, love felt, allow kindness and gentleness to flourish. Let patience blossom like a flower. It will have a fresh smell of self-control and long-suffering. The fruit of my Spirit will come forth in this process. You will look and smell like Me. The smell of sacrifice is a sweet smelling fragrance to Me. Remember I’m not human, I am Divine. So are my ways, they are Divine.
Read MoreChristmas is supposed to be the happiest time of the year, right? Then why do many of us struggle to find joy during the Christmas season? Maybe it’s because we confuse joy with feeling good.
Read MoreThe story of Christmas through the life of Jesus speaks about God’s great love for us. But sometimes the reason for the season can be drowned out by all the noise. Christmas time can amplify pain, add to the stress, and cause depression and anxiety instead of joy-filled wonder. We can lose sight of what God is saying and find ourselves going through the motions.
Read MoreI’ve found that favor isn't man made or coincidental. It comes from heaven as a gift, with the intention to bless and advance us towards God’s will. Just like the passage we’re reading today, it was unmerited and perfectly designed for Mary.
Read Morehow do busy women give God first priority and experience success in their full life? He gave Joshua some ways to give God first place. See Joshua 1:7 & 8.
Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do [everything] according to all the law which Moses my servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, SO THAT YOU MAY HAVE SUCCESS WHEREVER YOU GO.
Read More“Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, you wine vats will brim over.” Proverbs 3:9-10
Tithing is how we honor God with our first portion. However, it can be a challenge to give, especially in times of hardship
Read MoreAs I am driving my kids to school, I like to remind them that they are special and loved by our Heavenly Father, and that God has a beautiful plan for their lives even as young kids. Very often, we will go through the Shema which is the first prayer that Jewish children learn. Traditionally, the Shema is prayed twice a day in Jewish families. It is the centerpiece of their prayer services, found in Deuteronomy 6:4 it says, “Hear Oh Israel, the Lord is your God, the Lord is One. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your might.” This prayer is meant to be a daily reminder of who God is, and whose they are, as well as highlight their responsibility as the people of God to love Him above everything else.
Read MoreWhen you reflect on what’s most important to you, what comes to mind? It may be your relationships, your children and family, or maybe it's your job or school or finances? Often what is most important to us takes up the greatest space in our thoughts and ultimately determines the way we live our life. Simply put, these are our priorities.
Read More15-years-old and nervous, I carefully walked into the baptismal tank in the church sanctuary. I could feel the presence of God. As I came out of the water my Youth Pastor began prophesying over me, "You are called to..." Time stood still and I prayed he would say to evangelize, to travel, to preach...But instead, he said, "You are called to disciple."
I thought to myself, "NOOOO!
Read MoreI’ve been thinking a lot about the word “choice.” And the power that comes from having the freedom to choose.
Read MoreHave you ever been a part of a team? Maybe you were on a sports team or collaborated with a group at work to finish a project. There's something special about contributing to the overall success of a goal. When we come together, we can pull on the strengths and resources each person brings to the table. That takes the pressure off any one of us to "do it all."
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