Category:

God

Acceptance

Posted on January 12, 2018

I still have a perverse need that people accept me and I can’t figure out why. It’s funny that when I don’t crave the acceptance of people I receive it, but when I do crave their acceptance I don’t receive it. Why do I have that need for people’s acceptance when the only opinion I should care about is God’s?

I care intensely about God’s opinion of me. It is very important to me to be pleasing in God’s sight. I need him to approve of me. I need Him to be pleased with me. But there’s always that nagging voice in the back of my mind wondering what people think. If I do this or do that, what will people say? My real concern should be what will God say? People have let me down over and over but God has remained faithful. He’s always been there.

What would I do without God? He still listens to me even though I haven’t been as faithful as I should be. Even though I haven’t listened like I should. Even though I don’t pray like I should. Even though I’ve been disconnected. Even though I run away when I need Him the most. He hasn’t abandoned me or disappointed me like people have.

I know none are perfect and we all fall short of the glorious standard of God, but that’s not an excuse. He is wonderfully kind, patient, and tolerant of me. He is still waiting with open arms because of the blood of Jesus. The devil accuses me of being lazy and undeserving of God’s love, but I plead the blood of Jesus. I have to do more than plead the blood, I have to earnestly repent with a Godly sorrow. I cannot have any intention of repeating the same mistakes that caused me to repent in the first place.

There’s always this place that tells me I’m only human, and I agree to a certain extent. Yes, I’m only human but I’m also God’s child. I’m held to a higher standard. I’m to shed the old and put on the new. I’m to become a new creation in Christ. Does that mean I’m supposed to be something more than human? No, it means I’m supposed to be Christ-like. I’m supposed to have the mind, attitude, and behavior of Christ. To live like He did, believe like He did. Obey like He did. Pray like He did. Listen to the Holy Spirit like He did.

The devil is a liar. The words he says against me are not true. I often have to remember what is true about me.  I’m created in the image of God. In Him I am complete. In Him, I can live without fear, shame, or regret. In Him, I can live in total forgiveness and peace. He loves me totally and covers me. I don’t have to worry about anything other than pleasing Him. When I trust Him, my paths are made straight. Nothing I do will ever separate me from His love.

I have to remember that my faith isn’t in myself. My faith is in God to produce in me what He already planted in me. My job is to trust God. Trust that He will finish in me what he started until the day that Christ returns. This is a process, it’s not overnight, it’s not quick. The only way to get through this is with God. God’s grace and mercy are sufficient. How do I get out of my own way? How do I get over craving people’s acceptance? By letting God be God. Being open to the Holy Spirit. Knowing God’s voice. Following Christ, every day, consistently, with practice, and with intention. Spending more time with God and His word. In Him is where I find absolute acceptance.

Our Father,

We know that you have a master plan and that all things will work for the good of those that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. Help us to continue in the way You have called us to go; in the way, You would have us to go. Please help us stay in Your good and perfect will. Help us be comforted in knowing that you only provide your best for us. We will continue to bless your name. Thank you, Holy Spirit for reminding us of our Lord’s grace and comfort and His truth. Help us to hold on to your everlasting truth in these perilous and deceiving times.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen!

Psalm 19:14

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock, and my Redeemer.

Romans 12:2 (ESV)

 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Confessions of a Lonely Girl

Posted on January 5, 2018

Listen, I’m not trying to be alone forever. These cold and boring nights have me feeling lonely and in need of a companion. I decided to hop on Plenty of Fish and see what’s out there. I told myself that I’m not committing to anyone. I’ll just swipe through some pictures and go to sleep. Why do I lie to myself?

I log in to Plenty of Fish and I already have two messages. The first message is a legit paragraph about how I should overlook his gold fronts because he always accomplishes his goals and that he’s not about playing games so I should just get at him. Oh boy, here we go. I don’t make up my mind about him just yet. I need more information. 

I look at his profile, and his gold fronts are definitely prominent in every photo. He even has some whole body pictures. I’m thinking to myself, okay, he’s not bad-looking and I can get over the gold fronts. I scroll down to read more about him and see that he’s 44 years old. Hold up, that’s a little beyond my age range, but I continue to read. 44 isn’t that old right? Then I see that he has 4 kids. The kids are probably grown too. Ugh, no thank you, sir.

Next message is literally two words, “Hey there.” Okay, so he isn’t much of a conversationalist. That’s fine. I can find something on his profile to spark a conversation. I head over to his profile and he seems cool. He’s cute, a Christian, 36, and doesn’t have any kids.

I message him back saying, “Hello, how are you?” He replies, “Good.” The conversation is starting off a little slow, but I keep going. I reply, “Do you enjoy being a tattoo artist?” He says, “It’s good.” I roll my eyes in frustration. That’s it? Don’t you have any questions for me? Are you forcing me to keep the conversation going? No thank you. I’ve gone down this road too many times and I don’t feel like it. I’m done. I log off.

Why do I do this? I know online dating isn’t for me. Why do I allow myself to go on there when it’s always so disappointing? When I’m bored and a little lonely it’s tempting to log in to some app or website and be distracted by men that I know aren’t my husband. It feels good to know I’m attractive. It’s so tempting just to settle for the old man with 4 kids or the one-word reply guy because they are available.

Those guys are always there. They are always ready. They are always willing. It’s easy to keep the conversation going and not be lonely. It’s easy to date an established gentleman to have a companion.  I can have someone if I set aside my standards. Just for a little while. That would be easy right?

Thankfully I snapped back to reality and gave praise to God because whatever He has for me is great. No matter how many men I look at online, He won’t allow me to settle. He’s put a desire in me that I refuse to let go. I don’t know when it will come, or what it will look like exactly, but I know God is faithful. He will do what He said.

This new year I’ve resolved to study and pray when I get bored and lonely. I’ve resolved to call up a friend that’s been on my mind so we can encourage each other. I’ve resolved to finally drop my Plenty of Fish account so there won’t be the temptation to go fishing. I’ve resolved to put God first and live righteously.

I’m determined to take what God has placed in me and serve. I still don’t want to be alone forever, but I’ve realized that I was never really alone in the first place. I have a wonderful Father that loves me dearly. I have friends and family that want the best for me. I don’t have to be a lonely girl anymore.

Our Father,

Thank You for renewing my mind. Help me to not worry about tomorrow. Help me to put You first in all things. Allow me to delight in You and Your word. Help me to serve You as never before. Give me the strength to cast down thoughts that come against Your word and Your will. You are my joy. You are my peace. I place my hope in You, God.

In Jesus’s name,

Amen.

Matthew 6:33-34 (NLT)

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

 

God Is Still Faithful

Posted on December 29, 2017

No matter what has taken place this year, remember that God is still faithful. In these last few days of 2017, God can do whatever He promised. There are countless examples in the bible where God’s promises have come to pass.

Remember when God promised Abraham and Sarai a child? Abraham and Sarai birthed Isaac. God kept His promise. Genesis 21:1-2–Then the LORD took note of Sarai as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarai as He had promised. So Sarai conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time of which God had spoken to him.

Remember when God promised to take the people of Israel to the promised land? They had some detours and hardships on the way, but God kept His promise and provided for them along the way.  Joshua 21:45–Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass.

Remember when God promised the Israelites deliverance from their enslavement? He kept His promise and set them free.  Exodus 13:3–So Moses said to the people, “This is a day to remember forever—the day you left Egypt, the place of your slavery. Today the Lord has brought you out by the power of his mighty hand.”

Didn’t God promise us a redeemer, a messiah, one who would save the world? Didn’t he give us His only Son, Jesus? John 3:16–For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

What has God promised you? He will keep his word. Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” As we approach a new year, don’t forget about the promises God has kept this year.

Keep trusting God for all of the promises that have yet to come. The wait will only make you stronger. Habakkuk 2:3 says, “For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail; though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay.”

Though the year is almost up, the time hasn’t run out for God. God is still the same miracle-working, way-making, promise-keeping God that He has always been. Do you believe that He can still do a major work in your life? Do you still trust Him to be as faithful as He has always been? Do you believe that God can move in your life in a major way, even now?

I admit that there have been days throughout the year when I lost faith. I lost hope. I actually believed that God had changed His mind and forgot about me. During these low moments, the Holy Spirit reminded me God is still faithful. He delivered on every one of His promises so far, why would He stop now?

For the remainder of this year, and for the year to come, it is my prayer that you and I remember and rely on the faithfulness of God. Hebrews 13:5 says, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He, Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” That’s another promise He continues to keep. God will not leave us, He will always provide for us.

God is still faithful. This statement has honestly gotten me through some of my lowest moments. No matter the circumstance God is still faithful. It’s not always easy to remember this when times get rough, but believe me when I tell you God is still faithful. He will do what he said. I believe it with everything in me; God is still faithful. For this reason, I refuse to let go. I will not give up. I will hold tight to Him, and not just for what He’ll do for me. I’ll hold on because God is still good, He’s still loving, and He’s still faithful.

Our Father,

You are holy. I give you all the praise and honor. I come to You asking for forgiveness for losing hope in You. Thank You, God, for restoring my joy and faith in You. Thank You for reminding me of Your faithfulness. Without faith, it is impossible to please You. Help me to hold tightly to my faith in You. You have proven yourself over and over again. I trust You, Lord for Your word is true. Thank You for renewing my hope.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Hebrews 10:23 (NLT)

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.

Have a happy new year!

Called to be Single

Posted on December 22, 2017

It seems like singleness is rampant these days. There are so many seminars and books to help people cope with being single. There are countless dating apps and websites for finding love and making sure you find “the one.” There aren’t many places devoted to helping one be single. There is an enormous societal push to get people married, yet so many remain single. This question was impressed on my spirit this week, can being single be a calling for someone’s life?

Jesus said in Matthew 19:12, “For there are some eunuchs who were that way from birth, and some who were made eunuchs by others, and some who became eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who is able to accept this should accept this.” To give this verse some context, in the beginning of Matthew 19 the disciples are asking Jesus about divorce. Jesus says that Moses allowed it in cases of immorality, or adultery, because of our hard hearts, but this is not God’s original plan. The disciples say if this is the case, it’s better to not marry. It’s at this point that Jesus says, some are naturally incapacitated for marriage, some are made to not marry by others, and some voluntarily abstain from marriage for God.

Jesus lays out three situations in which people remain single. There are some people who never intend to marry or can’t do so because of mental or health reasons. They are naturally incapacitated for marriage.  I can understand that.  Another situation is when some choose not to marry in order to serve God. I can understand this too. I admire people who are able to do this. They get to serve God wholeheartedly without certain distractions their entire lives.

These people are like Paul, choosing to remain single in order to best serve the kingdom of God. In 1 Corinthians 7:7 Paul says, “ But I wish everyone were single, just as I am. Yet each person has a special gift from God, of one kind or another.” Paul says singleness and marriage are both gifts, but it’s better to stay single. How often do you view singleness as a gift?  What if you fall into the other category Jesus talks about?

The other category Jesus talks about is when someone did not marry because of others. The message bible puts it this way, “Others never get asked–or accepted.” These people clearly have the desire to marry, just never had the opportunity to do so. This one is a little harder to understand because this very well could be me. Only time will tell. In the meantime, I will look at singleness as a gift; a gift God gives to everyone, at least for a little while.

Lastly, Jesus says, “the one who is able to accept this should accept this.” Marriage isn’t for everyone. Are you called to be single? The only way to find out the what God has in store for you is to get closer to Him through praying, fasting, and studying His word.  The only way to accept this is to know His will for your life. He will give you everything you need to sustain you. Take this time of singleness and enjoy life. Pursue God, serve Him with reckless abandon. Go out into the world and tell them about all He has done for you. Once you get married, you may not have the same opportunity to do these things.

I had a hard time writing this because I want to marry. I wasn’t quite sure why God impressed this question upon my heart. Even as I type this, I’m praying for my future husband.   In the book When God Writes Your Love Story by Leslie and Eric Ludy, a woman says that she is called to be single today. That answer resonated with me. I can’t worry about tomorrow, today has enough troubles of its own. So, am I called to be single? At least for today, I am. Hopefully, my answer will change one day, but if it doesn’t, I will still live for God. I will pursue Him. I will make sure my heart is in the right posture by putting God first. I will view my life as a gift.

 

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the gift of singleness. You know what I need and when I need it. I’m deciding to put my trust in You. I want what You have for me. Let Your will be done. Thank You, Father, for this time so that I am able to get closer to You than ever before. Thank You for gracing me in my singleness. Thank You for renewing my mind in Christ, helping me to see this time in my life as I have never seen it before. Thank You for a refreshing, and for the peace that comes along with it.

 

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Living My Best Life

Posted on December 15, 2017

As I think about what I want to accomplish in the coming year, the phrase living my best life comes to mind. That phrase is not just a popular hashtag. It’s a phrase that encompasses an attitude about a life that I want to have. A certain freedom that I long for. What does living my best life really look like? Does it mean my dream life or making the best out of what I have now?

I believe I can have it now. I’m making the decision to be happy. Regardless of what is happening in my life, I can appreciate it. I can choose happiness. I can choose to have joy. My best life looks like me living for me. My best life looks like me making decisions that allow me to be free in my finances, free in my spirit, and free from emotional baggage. Living my best life looks like freedom. Freedom in all aspects of life.

I want to be free from the trappings and materialistic things the world says are necessary. I want to be free from other people’s opinions. I don’t want to sit at a desk working to build someone else’s dream. I cannot allow my God-given gifts to go to waste. I want to be free to pursue whatever passion God puts on my heart. The freedom I want is dependent solely on me and God. No one else gets a say.

Living my best life means that whether I’m married or single, I am who I was created to be. I don’t know how long that will take. Maybe it will happen next year, or maybe it will take a decade. I don’t know how long it may take but, I’ve decided to be free. I don’t want to be the old person with regrets. I’m willing to risk it all just for a moment of freedom.  I’m not even quite sure what this freedom looks like, but I know I’ll achieve it.

All I’ve ever seen is the daily grind. You wake up, go to work, come home, pay bills, live a little on the weekend, and that’s pretty much it. Isn’t there more to life? I’m not disparaging anyone living that life. There is nothing wrong with it. I am grateful for it. But this intense desire to be free came from God and I’m going to pursue it with everything in me. I can no longer ignore it. I can grow and live in the freedom God provides.

I cannot and will not allow myself to wonder if there is more to life. I’m going to find out. If I fail, I’ll still gain invaluable experience. But what if I succeed beyond my wildest dreams? What if I do better than I could have ever imagined? Honestly, that scares me the most. If I fail, then no big deal. I’d just be like a bunch of people who go to work and get a steady paycheck. If I succeed if I truly become free, then what? What will my life really look like? I’m ready to find out.

Now, living my best life is not an excuse to take advantage of God’s grace. The wages of sin are still death. I don’t want to die, I want to live. I still believe holiness is the standard. I’m not going to do anything reckless or dangerous. That’s not the type of freedom I’m describing. The type of freedom I want gives me options that allow me to pursue the things God puts on my heart.  

I think the first step to this type of freedom is deciding that I deserve happiness. I’m choosing life. I’m choosing joy. I’m choosing me. I’m choosing to live my best life. Living my best life will lead to me living my dream life. I’m absolutely convinced that it will. The great thing is, I can live my best life today. I don’t have to wait until some magic moment, I can do it now.  I’m ready for a fantastic year for me living my best life. I urge you to live your best life too.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the freedom You have given me through Your son, Jesus. Wherever the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. Your spirit is in me and I declare now that I am free in the name of Jesus. I set aside every weight and sin that so easily entrap me. I cast all of my cares and worries upon You Jesus. I receive my freedom now. I declare freedom in every area of my life. Thank You for the gift of freedom. Thank You for Your grace and mercy which allow me to move in the freedom You have given. Help me to choose You, to choose joy, to choose to live a life that is worthy of the calling You have placed upon my life. For all these things I bless Your name.

In Jesus’s name,

Amen.

2 Corinthians 3:17 (NLT)

For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

John 8:36 (NIV)

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

 

 

Why Am I Still Single?

Posted on December 8, 2017

I’m still single because I am a happy, whole, and confident woman. I am complete by myself and I am totally satisfied waiting on whomever God has for me. I refuse to settle for just any old person. I want the fullness of God’s promises and that includes whomever I marry.

Now that the holiday season is upon us, this is the answer I give to all of those nosy well-meaning relatives.  It’s always asked with such disdain as if something is wrong with me. So, I came up with an answer that would allow them to know I’m not afflicted with some rare disease. I’m satisfied being single.

While that answer sounds good and is essentially true, I can’t help but wonder what’s the hold-up? What is this waiting period really for? Have I missed the person I was to marry? Am I causing this period to be longer than necessary? Or is it that God has some great destiny for me and I need this time to define myself? 

In all honesty, the answer is it’s a lot of me and a little of God. Maybe I messed up with the person I am supposed to be with because I was in my flesh and didn’t find him attractive. I probably held on too long to unforgiveness and it turned to bitterness and no one finds that attractive. I may not have let my heart be as open to love as it could have been.

God has some work to do on me and I’m willing to let Him do it. So, I do need this time to become better. Yes, I’m complete, whole, and happy but, I could be more forgiving. I could love people more. I need more discipline. Do I have to be perfect to get married? Is that why I’m still single? I don’t think so. No one is perfect. Every one of us has flaws and kinks that need to be worked out.

Marriage is not some great prize or reward I get for doing good things, for being a good Christian. I understand that. I try not to think about marriage that way, but it’s hard not to sometimes. I totally get that my reward is in heaven. I live for Christ because I truly believe His will is what’s best for my life. I know that I need Him to make it through any situation in which I find myself.

I know His grace is sufficient; that contentment is the goal for every aspect of my life.  But how can I ever truly be content if a long-held desire is not fulfilled? I know God put the desire there. I always heard that my husband will come once I’m content with just me and Jesus. It’s always been me and Jesus, and I really do love Him. How much more content do I need to be?

The dictionary defines content as, “in a state of peaceful happiness; satisfied; glad.”* The Greek dictionary defines the word content as, “self-sufficient, adequate, needing no assistance.”* That puts a different spin on it. Needing no assistance is definitely different from peaceful happiness. I was thinking of contentment as being happy when it’s really just leaning on Christ for strength for everything. Whether I’m single or married, I need to be content.

I don’t mean to sound like I’m complaining, or woe is me, I’m sad and single. That’s not the case. I am quite satisfied. My life is good. I’m learning and growing every day. As for my husband coming when I’m totally content, maybe that’s true. I don’t know. I’ll tell you if or when that happens. One thing I know, that it will happen in God’s timing and I will rely on Him to give me strength in the mean-time.

I know that when I put Him first, all the other pieces will fall into place. I’ll just wait on God and get closer to Him. I’ll learn to trust Him more, especially with matters of the heart. Prayerfully I’ll have fewer days like this. I will focus on what I do have, which is every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. I have amazing friends and family. I have a good life with few major responsibilities. I get to sleep late on Saturdays. I’m so thankful that God puts up with me. He’s wonderfully kind, patient, and tolerant. I really am blessed.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You, for blessing me abundantly. Help me to focus on what I have. Help me to put Your kingdom above all else so that You can give me everything I need. Thank You for the strength You give so that I can do everything through Christ. You are my keeper. You are my refuge. I place my trust in You, Lord. Have Your way in all areas of my life. I surrender my will to Yours. I will look to my future with confident assurance because You sustain me. 

In Jesus’ name,

Amen. 

Philippians 4:11-13 (NLT)

11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

*dictionary.com

* page 47, Greek Dictionary of the New Testament, The New Strong’s Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible.

Healing From A Broken Heart

Posted on December 1, 2017

I know the pain of a broken heart. The despair, the brokenness, and feelings of helplessness and loneliness. I’ve cried those same tears. I’ve felt there was no one to turn to; no one who could understand what I felt. I’m here to encourage you. You’re not alone. There is an after-this. There is hope. You can heal from a broken heart.

Healing from a broken heart requires you to first process the pain. Processing the pain looks different for everyone. Some people cry, others shout, and some go to therapy. In my case, it was all three combined. Whatever you do, don’t hold it in. Someone or something broke your heart and it hurts. It’s OK to hurt, just don’t suffer in silence. Don’t allow your feelings to control you. Let the pain out. Psalm 34:17 says, “The Lord hears His people when they call to Him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.” The Lord hears you when you cry out, so cry out. No one can hear what you keep hidden inside. Once you cry out to Him, he will hear you and rescue you from your troubles.

Once you’ve processed the pain and cried out, stop replaying the hurt over and over in your mind. Stop thinking about all the ways you could have avoided it, or things you should have done. It won’t ease the hurt. It only makes things worse because you keep reliving the pain. I know it’s going to be hard, but try not to think about it. You have to let it go. Let it go by keeping your mind fixed on God. Isaiah 26:3 says, “God will keep you in perfect peace when you fix your thoughts on Him.” You can keep your thoughts fixed on Him by thinking about what is true, honorable, right, pure, excellent, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8). If you find yourself thinking about the hurt, stop and redirect your thoughts to God and more pleasurable things. In time you will find that you are in His perfect peace and on your way to having a healed heart.

In that peaceful place, you’ll find it easier to forgive. You will be fully healed when you forgive one who hurt you. Why should you forgive someone who hurt you so deeply? Why should you forgive someone who knew you, loved you, and still hurt you? Why should you forgive someone who doesn’t even deserve forgiveness? It doesn’t seem fair. Believe me,  I struggled with this the most. It seems like someone should pay for the pain they inflicted. Someone should hurt, just like you are hurting. The thing is though, it’s never quite satisfying to hurt someone else just because you’re hurt. It doesn’t erase your pain. You may feel vindicated, but what does that feeling do? It just adds more hurt to the world.

In order to forgive, you have to do so from a place of compassion and mercy. Forgiveness cannot be done in your own strength. You have to rely on God to give you the grace to forgive. Why does God continually forgive us when we constantly hurt Him? When we intentionally disobey Him? He forgives us because He is full of grace and mercy and expects us to extend that same grace and mercy to others. Colossians 3:13 says, “make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” We are commanded to forgive as we’ve been forgiven. In order to forgive, I had to remember that God forgave me when I didn’t deserve it and He did the same for you. Consider how God has forgiven you. Think about all that you have done and how much mercy God has shown you. Ask the Holy Spirit into your heart so that you can rely on Him for the mercy and compassion needed to forgive someone. Forgiveness will lead to healing. Healing and wholeness are God’s desires for you. Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.”

Healing is a process and there is no timeframe for it. It may take some people a week and take others years. Although dealing with and healing from pain isn’t easy, you will survive. I did, as have so many others. You are still living and breathing and making it through. You may have been knocked down, but you were not destroyed. There is a joy that is coming that you cannot believe. Not only will you survive, you will be happy, whole, and completely healed. You will love again and it will be all that God has promised. He hasn’t failed you yet and He never will.

Heavenly Father,

You are a healer. I pray that you come into my heart and heal every wound and every broken thing. You are close to the brokenhearted. You rescue those whose spirits are crushed (Psalm 34:18). I am in need of rescue Lord. I cry out to You Lord. I’m looking to You for help so that I may be radiant with joy (Psalm 34:5). Help me to remember all that You have done for me, all the mercy you have so graciously bestowed upon me. Give me the compassion and mercy I need to forgive. Help me to forgive the person and not judge their actions. Help me to keep my mind fixed on you and stay in your perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NLT)

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.

 

A Thank You Note

Posted on November 24, 2017

During this holiday of Thanksgiving, we often show gratitude for the people and things we value in our lives. I appreciate my family and friends and all the joy they bring into my life, but I just want to take time to thank God Almighty for all that He has done, is doing, and will do.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this day You have made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.  Thank You for Your son Jesus Christ and for His sacrifice. I pray that I am following Your will for my life. Help me not to lean on my own understanding, but acknowledge You in all things.  Thank You for everything that You have already blessed me with. I pray for patience. I know that You will provide my every need according to Your riches in glory. Thank You, God, that I’m accepting of Your will for my life and that I will not push it away or not recognize it when it comes. 

Thank You, Father, that You have given me the authority to speak life. Thank You for the power to defeat death with everlasting life in glory. Thank You for the resurrection power that dwells within me. Thank You for wisdom and discernment. These are gifts that I pray I use correctly every day. Thank You for each spiritual gift You have bestowed upon me. I pray I use each one for Your glory and the upbuilding of Your kingdom. Help me to recognize and utilize each one in Your perfect timing. God, You are glorious, marvelous, and wonderful. Thank You, Yahweh, for being God all by Yourself. Forgive me for trying to do Your job and having the audacity to think I can do it better than You. Thank You for humility. Thank You for the confidence I have in You. Thank You for always being faithful even when I was not.

Thank You for guarding my heart so that I will not give it to the wrong person. Thank You that my husband will come to you, my Father, and ask for my hand in marriage. Thank You, Father, that my marriage will be one that glorifies You. Thank You, God, that my husband will see me as a treasure and will value my worth. Thank You, Lord, that I will see him as Your son, and treat him with the respect that royalty deserves. Thank You for a marriage that will exhibit the love Christ showed, by dying on the cross and rising three days later. Thank You for a marriage that will involve daily prayers together and for each other.  Thank You for a marriage that will have open and honest communication, with a lot of grace and forgiveness. Thank You that my husband and I will be patient with each other. Thank You for a love that goes beyond physical pleasure. Thank you that our love for each other will stimulate our minds, bodies, souls, and spirits. 

Thank you for the power of Your love, God, for it covers all things. Thank You that I will not be conformed to this world, but I will be transformed by the renewing of my mind in Jesus. Thank You, God, for calling, justifying, sanctifying, and glorifying me and my family. Many are called, but few are chosen. Thank You for choosing me. Help me to be selfless and reach Your people. Make my walk speak for itself. Make my testimony help others. Help me to see people through Your eyes. Help me to be who You have called me to be, so that You may be glorified. Thank You, God, for everything You have done for me!

In Jesus’ name.

Amen.

Psalm 24:1 (KJV)

The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

Luke 17:15-19 (NLT)

One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!”  He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.”

Bad Dating

Posted on November 17, 2017

So, I haven’t been on a date in about a year. Why not you ask? Well, I’ll tell you. I don’t think I was doing it right. So, I decided to take a break and do some introspection. I wanted to evaluate what I really want and need. My last date is what made me re-evaluate my life. Here’s what happened.

I met this guy on Match.com. He wasn’t the typical guy I usually dated, meaning I wasn’t attracted to him. But God had been working with me on the type of men I liked so I decided to move forward. anyway. He’s a pastor, well-spoken, and loves God so I figured it couldn’t be that bad. I was wrong. As we talk and get to know each other, we discover a mutual interest in Harry Potter. (Yes, I’m a Harry Potter fan.) At the time, a movie called Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was coming out, a sort of Harry Potter prequel. I was very excited and wanted to see it. Naturally, he asked me if I wanted to see it with him and I said yes. Now up to this point, the conversation hadn’t been too great, but I thought when we met in person it might not be so bad. Y’all, it was that bad.

On the day of our first date, I get to the movie theater and he’s late. I’m very forgiving of people being late because I’m always late. I have to stand in the lobby area because there aren’t any seats and he bought the tickets. So, I’m standing there just people-watching, hyping myself up, like this is going to be good. He finally arrives and I realize I have only seen pictures of him from the shoulders up. Oh, the perils of online dating. I sigh inwardly. At this point, I was just hoping his personality would win me over. It didn’t.

We make our way to our seats and he talks throughout the previews about the bible. I mean, I love Jesus too, but I don’t want to talk about whether I interpret Paul’s writings conservatively or liberally on the first date. The movie starts and he begins breathing heavily, like deep sleep heavy.  I look over and his eyes are still open, so he’s not sleeping.  I ask him if he’s alright.  He says yes, but excuses himself to the restroom. As soon as he rounds the corner, I contemplate just leaving. I don’t need heavy breathers in my life. I stay because I really want to watch this movie and the night could still turn around for the better. It didn’t.

When he comes back, he’s still breathing hard and now he’s sweating. I’m thinking to myself, what in the world did he do in the bathroom? I make no comment and continue to watch the movie. He kept sweating and breathing heavily for the rest of the movie. I was low-key annoyed because I was trying to listen to the movie, but kept hearing him breathe. After the movie, he walked me to my car and we had an awkward goodbye. He asked if he could see me again and I gave a noncommittal grunt, patted him on the shoulder, got in my car, and drove away. In retrospect, maybe the date wasn’t that bad, but after having a string of bad dates, I think it was the proverbial straw the broke the camel’s back.

That night I sat down with God and prayed. I realized that I’m not a casual dating type of girl. I need someone that I’m attracted to. He doesn’t have to be my type, but I going to need to be able to look at him for the rest of my life. I need someone who will pray along with me and for me; someone who will have interests outside of the bible. What I need, is my husband. Prayerfully my next relationship will be my last. That’s why I haven’t dated in almost a year. I don’t have the time or energy for anything else other than the real thing. Until I meet or become reacquainted with my husband, I’ll just make sure my heart is positioned to be his wife, living my best life, and giving God the glory.

 

Heavenly Father,

Thank You, for all of the experiences that have led me to You. Help me to have an open heart and mind regarding the things You have for me. Help me to receive every blessing You have for me. Help me to stay in Your will Father. Thank You, Lord, for Your divine timing. I surrender all to You, Lord. Let Your will be done and Your peace reign. Help me to not move ahead of You, Lord. I desire what You have for me at the time You want me to have it. If I have rejected anything You have sent, Lord, please bring it back around. Open my eyes so that I may see it as a blessing from You. Help me to put You first in all things.  I pray my husband does the same.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen. 

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 (NLT)

A Time for Everything

3 For everything, there is a season,
    a time for every activity under heaven.
2 A time to be born and a time to die.
    A time to plant and a time to harvest.
3 A time to kill and a time to heal.
    A time to tear down and a time to build up.
4 A time to cry and a time to laugh.
    A time to grieve and a time to dance.
5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
    A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
6 A time to search and a time to quit searching.
    A time to keep and a time to throw away.
7 A time to tear and a time to mend.
    A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
8 A time to love and a time to hate.
    A time for war and a time for peace.

 

Falling Short

Posted on November 10, 2017

Lately, I’ve been feeling like all I want to do is please You, God, but I’m falling woefully short. I feel so inadequate. I know who You are and who I am in You, but for some reason, my head isn’t connecting to my heart.  Help me to receive it.  I want to soak in You so that I can pour You out to those who desperately seek You. Your presence is here. I invite You into my heart. I’m still available to use if You’re still willing to use me.

Open my heart. I need You. Help me to rest with You. Holy Spirit, help me to remember God’s grace and mercy are new each day. Though I fall, His grace bestows unmerited favor on me. When I turn to Him, He makes me right in His sight. He knows me, sees me, and cares about me. Help me to remember how far I’ve come.  It’s with His words I want to speak. I won’t be afraid to do what He’s called me to do. I won’t be ashamed. I won’t be distracted.

I am gifted and purposed. I will fulfill the purpose God has put on my life. I will remember His promises and stand in agreement with them. I will be patient and wait on the Lord. I will let the Lord complete His perfect work.  I cast down every vain imagination and every high thought that comes against the knowledge of God. I command my thoughts into the obedience of God. I have to be available and open to what God has for me. I will remember that I am worthy because God says that I am.

I must die to myself so that Christ can live in me. Holy Spirit, give me ears to hear what the Lord is saying. Forgive me, Father, for not always doing things Your way. Help me to honestly repent. Help me to let go of those things that are not from You. It is my sincere prayer that I am pleasing to You, Father. I cannot do this in my own strength. It’s only in Your strength that I am able to do anything. The accuser is conquered by the blood of the lamb,  the word of my testimony, and by me not loving my own life unto death.

Heavenly Father, 

I’m leaning on You to guide me through. I am grateful for Your provision, Father. I trust in You. I cannot afford to miss where You are leading me any longer. I need to move with You and the Holy Spirit. Please guide me to where You need me to be. Help me to combat feelings of inadequacy with the truth. I am worthy. I am in right standing with You because Jesus died for me and now sits at Your right-hand interceding on my behalf. Let Your will be done in my life Lord. 

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Romans 3:23-24 (NLT)

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.