Speaking Truth in Love

A devotional blog of Encouragement, Faith & Truth.

In our repentance, there is healing

This is Part 3 of the Series on PRAYER: If You Don’t Pray, God Can’t Move
15 Their minds are dull and slow to perceive,
    their ears are plugged and are hard of hearing,
    and they have deliberately shut their eyes to the truth.
    Otherwise they would open their eyes to see,
    and open their ears to hear,
    and open their minds to understand.
    Then they would turn to me
    and let me instantly heal them. 
Matthew 13:15 (TPT)

Repentance is like medicine.

Repentance is akin to taking the pink medicine your parents would give you as a kid when you were sick. It tasted like rancid milk and would make me want to gag. The medicine wouldn’t go down smoothly, but it helped me to feel better and heal the infection in my body. Repentance works the same way because, in our repentance, there is healing.

Continuing with the series based on the acronym for P.R.A.Y.E.R., we’re focused this week on the second letter R for REPENTANCE or REPENT in the word PRAYER. The basic definition of repentance is turning away from sin. We may feel remorse or regret of having done something wrong. However, even beyond a feeling of remorse, and a turning away from sin, to repent means “to change one’s mind.” The Bible also tells us that true repentance will result in a change of actions (Luke 3:8–14; Acts 3:19).

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    When we repent, a beautiful exchange happens.

    An important part of prayer is repentance. Paul tells us in Romans 3:23 that all of us have sinned. All of us have fallen short of the glory, so as fallen, sinful human beings, we need forgiveness from God.

    The wonderful news is when we pray and ask God to forgive us for things we’ve done or said, the healing process can begin. When we repent, a beautiful exchange happens. We give God our illness, and in exchange, we receive His forgiveness and healing in our hearts and mind.

    The healing that takes place through prayer because of our repentance is most visible in salvation. The citizens of Nineveh understood this well.

    In Chapter 3 of the Book of Jonah, God gave Jonah a direct order to preach to the people in the city of Nineveh who were under God’s judgment because their deeds were wicked. Jonah, unwillingly, did what God asked Him to do and the people of Nineveh, including their king, listened and believed not Jonah, but God.

    Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you.” 5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them. 6 Then word came to the king of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes. - Jonah 3:1-2, 5-6

    The Ninevites were ready and willing to hear what Jonah, the prophet, (a person who speaks on behalf of God), had to say. They repented and changed their hearts and minds toward God. The result, God spared their city from the coming judgment against their land and received God’s salvation:

    10 Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it.

    We are healed when we repent.

    Jesus in explaining the parables to His disciples in Matthew 13:15 reveals the correlation of our healing through repentance and turning our hearts towards Him.

    15 Their minds are dull and slow to perceive,[a]
    their ears are plugged and are hard of hearing,
    and they have deliberately shut their eyes to the truth.
    Otherwise they would open their eyes to see,
    and open their ears to hear,
    and open their minds to understand.
    Then they would turn to me
    and let me instantly heal them.

    This passage unveils the Lord’s heart for us to receive and understand His Word with our spiritual eyes, ears, and with an open heart. Through the power of prayer with a repentant heart, when we let Him, God will instantly heal our pain of a broken relationship, a marriage, or sinful behavior.

    During a tough time in ministry, while working with a former Pastor as his assistant at our church, we found ourselves constantly butting heads. He could be somewhat controlling over things he had given me to do.

    My behavior wasn’t pristine either in how I approached the situation. I had to fervently seek the Lord, repent, and ask His forgiveness. I also asked the Lord to guard my heart against any bitterness that might develop. Well, friends, God answered my prayer and my relationship with my pastor became restored. That process, allowed God to heal my heart. It was a hard season for sure, but I learned a valuable lesson: In my repentance, there was healing.

    We are healed when we repent.

    Although repentance is not easy, it is an important part of our prayer life and helps us to have a flourishing relationship with God.

    The prayer of repentance can quench our soul like a tornado in a desert. Having said that let’s receive from the Lord what He tells us in Isaiah 1:18: 

    18 “Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool."

    Be Encouraged!
    Stephanie

    What Do You See?

    2 Corinthians 4:17-18 
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

    Jesus sugarcoated nothing.

    What do you see when you check out the news and hear reports of social and racial unrest? What do you see when you read about the barrage of fearful warnings on the coronavirus? All of this can unsettle our minds and hearts. If we’re not careful, it can cause overwhelming fear and anxiety.

    We understand the world is in turmoil. Jesus sugarcoated nothing. He told us in John 16:33 – that we would have tribulation in this world. The church seems shocked by the current climate of events. Instead, many believers are taking their cues from the world, not perceiving the events of today from the perspective of God.

    Even Paul acknowledges this. We will go through some tough times. For certain we will endure afflictions and sufferings, whether in our personal life or the world. But here’s the thing, compared to what we’ll experience in eternity, this is lightweight.

    Look through the lens of Scripture

    Friends, we’re in a pivotal time in church history where we’re seeing the Scriptures unfold more and more. With that unfolding, it’s imperative we stay the course and look through the lens of scripture. Let’s not become frightened or focus our attention on what is visible.

    Paul reassured the believers in 2 Corinthians 4 to not become faint of heart. What we observe happening around us is temporary, compared to what God has for us. Things that are invisible have eternal significance in the Kingdom of God.

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      Jesus stated there are mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven revealed only to those who know Him. The world does not recognize Him or understand how the Kingdom of God operates. We do.

      We can’t allow our hearts to be dull of hearing and our eyes of understanding to become dim concerning the world that we live in.

      In this season of trials, tribulations, and testings we need to keep our “spiritual” eyes and ears open to what the Spirit of God wants to reveal and do through us.

      Be encouraged!
      Stephanie

      PRAYER: Father, we ask that you keep our spiritual eyes and ears in tune to what You say. Let our minds and hearts stay on you as we’re kept in Your perfect peace. In Jesus’ name!

      Power Belongs To God

      Scripture Reference: Psalm 62:11
God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God.

      PART 2 OF “If you don’t pray, God Can’t Move

      I mentioned in my last post that PRAYER is our way of communicating with God like we would with anyone we’re in a relationship with. It’s so important that we talk to the Lord through prayer. How we do that is not as important as making sure that we do communicate with Him. 

      I used the acronym for P.R.A.Y.E.R. as a starting point for this series, which stands for:

      • POWER
      • REPENT
      • ACCURATE
      • YIELD
      • EFFECTIVE
      • RIGHTEOUS

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        Dunamis is not just any power

        This week we’re focused on the word POWER.  When we communicate with God through prayer, we’re able to see His power at work in our lives and situations.  Here’s a fun word to add to your repertoire: DUNAMIS! That’s the Greek word for “power” and where we get our English word dynamite. The word, dunamis is not just any power; the word often refers to miraculous power or marvelous works (such as in Matthew 7:22; 11:21, 23; Mark 5:30; Luke 5:17; 9:1; 10:13; and Acts 8:13).

        The power belongs to God

        It’s the Lord who gives us this “dunamis” power when we pray. Now before you write me off as a “word of faith” groupie, hear me out. When I say that God has given us this power, understand that the power I’m referring to is the ability or capacity that God works in and through us in situations and circumstances. The power belongs to God, and it’s His power, not ours, that will shift circumstances on our behalf. Having said that, I certainly can’t speak about the Power of God and neglect to mention the Holy Spirit.

        Before Jesus went to the Cross, He told His disciples in Luke 24:49 that he would send the Promise of My Father upon you, and afterward, they would be endued or clothed with power from on high. In Acts 1:8 after Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to His disciples for the last time and told them they would receive power when the Holy Spirit would come upon them. This power is what enabled the Gospel to spread all throughout the world.

        God’s power works through people, which happens through PRAYER.

        Here are a few examples in Old and New Testament Scripture where God’s power was working through people:

        • The prophet Elijah when confronting the false prophets. – 1 Kings 18:36-39
        • The prophet Elisha when he healed a woman’s son who was declared dead. – 2 Kings 4:32-35
        • The apostles, John and Peter when they healed a crippled man in front of the synagogue. – Acts 3:1-10
        • Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God while in a dungeon prison to the point that it released their chains and that of the other prisoners. – Acts 16:24-26

        So we can be confident that when we pray that God’s power will manifest in answering our prayers. We can be confident that He can and will use you and others to accomplish His purpose and will in our lives and in the lives of others. God’s power works through people, which happens through PRAYER.

        Let’s pray and have the mindset of Paul who tells us in Ephesians 3:20 that we’re praying to a God who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.

        Be Encouraged knowing your prayers have power!
        Stephanie

        Father, help me to trust You and Your power to answer my prayers. I know Your promises to me are always yea and Amen! In Jesus’ mighty name!

        IF YOU DON’T PRAY, GOD CAN’T MOVE

        Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)
6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

        This is Part 1 of a 6-week series on PRAYER.

        Years ago, before I came to faith in Christ, I remember having conversations with friends about God. I was more curious than anything, but it led me on a journey to want to learn more about who God was. That curiosity came to a fever pitch while working as an executive assistant for American Express of all places. It was there that the Lord began to work on my heart.

        In Hebrews 11:6, the author tells us that the Lord rewards those who diligently seek Him. We diligently seek the Lord when we PRAY. Praying is our way of communicating with God. Just as we would talk with our spouse, a family member, or a friend, we can talk to God. How we communicate with God is not as important as making sure that we do. 

        Over the next six weeks, we’ll focus on PRAYER as it relates to communicating and connecting with God on a personal level. It’s been my experience in walking with the Lord for the past 15 years that God desires to meet us right where we are. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been a believer or how much Bible knowledge you have. God is concerned with our hearts bent towards Him. That’s where it all starts, and that happens with PRAYER.

        A friend of mine who’s a youth pastor at our ministry came up with a wonderful acronym for PRAYER:

        • POWER
        • REPENT
        • ACCURATE
        • YIELD
        • EFFECTIVE
        • RIGHTEOUS

        Over the next few weeks, we’ll focus on each of these acronym words as it relates to prayer and our relationship with God.

        Please continue to Be Encouraged in this tumultuous season and to be safe!

        Stephanie

        Please Stop I’ve Heard This Before

        Deuteronomy 32:4 
He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice,
A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.

        This week there have been articles, news reports, from corporations pledging their allegiance to support all things pertaining to “black lives matter” and social justice causes.  I received a few emails this past week in reference to this from companies making their statement on racial discrimination. I read and hear what’ the companies say, and think, “please stop because I’ve heard this before.”

        The problem is we’re trying to put a bandaid on a gushing wound with the rallying cry of “social justice”.

        I’m not trying to be cavalier or dismissive of the horrific events that have taken place in our country these past weeks. I’m grieved that it has taken the death of another unarmed Black man‘s life for this country to “wake up” to the injustice of so many people of color.

        However, the response from corporations to the injustice we see is very much the usual rhetoric of “how dismayed and saddened they are by the events in our country” and that they’re “committed to change“, etc… 

        Having said that, let me just share with you some snippets from a few emails I received from companies:

        • We stand with Black families, communities and our team members and are committed to ongoing resources that advance social justice
        • …announced commitments to drive national change with a $50 million pledge over the next five years focused on directly impacting racial injustice issues, strengthening our communities
        • We at ….. are deeply saddened by the series of disturbing and tragic events that have taken place over the last few weeks related to the violence and injustice toward the Black community
        • As a company, we’re committed to speaking up and taking action against discrimination.

        This was a headline from the Seattle Times about Amazon’s response: Amazon works with Black employees group to distribute $10 million to social justice efforts

        It’s wonderful that companies are speaking out against racism and injustice. It speaks to a much larger issue in our society including the church.  Society has become wounded by numerous atrocities. The holocaust, slavery, racism, not to mention sexism, and every other “ism”. The problem is we’re trying to put a bandaid on a gushing wound with a rallying cry of “social justice”.

        Our way of dealing with the wrongs of this world is not necessarily beneficial.

        What is the Biblical view of Social Justice?

        Proverbs 14:12 tells us that there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end leads to destruction.

        In many cases, we see our way also leads to death. Look no further than the riots and looting that has taken place across the nation, to see that this Scripture is on target.

        For the solution to the problem of discrimination and injustice, we have to look to God for the solution.

        What, then, is the Christian view of social justice?

        Again we have to turn God for the answer to that question:

        Deuteronomy 32:4  He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.

        God is a God of justice. Justice is a recurring theme throughout the Bible in the Old and New Testament. God is a father to the fatherless, and one who cares for widows and orphans. These were people in Scripture who had no real support system.

        It’s imperative in times like these we do not forget that God is sovereign over the affairs of men. We will never experience on this side of life true justice and equality for everyone.

        If by “social justice” we mean that society has a moral obligation to care for those less fortunate, then that is correct. God knows that. Jesus Himself was a reflection of this.

        It’s a heart issue.

        The gospel Jesus preached did not have to do with social reform or social justice or political change.

        Jesus came to change our hearts not the government. He came to point people to the Kingdom of God.

        Jesus’ purpose was to preach the Gospel. The Gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit is what transforms us and changes our hearts.

        He preached the saving power of the gospel and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.

        The solution to the problem of any type of injustice or unrest is to look at our hearts. Humanity’s issue is not a social justice issue. It’s a heart issue. Friends the heart of the issue is sin. We must look at ourselves.

        Before we push for change and social justice, we will have to change our hearts.

        Let us love our neighbor and love our enemies because Christ first loved us (1 John 4:19). Our hearts need to be filled with love, not hate then we will see true social justice.

        Be Encouraged!
        Stephanie

        What’s Love Got To Do with Unrest in America?

        1 John 4:7-11 
7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

        What does love have to do with the unrest we see happening in our country?

        Some of you probably remember a hit song by Tina Turner back in the day called “What’s Love Got to do With it?  The title, not the song is what came to my mind as I pondered all of what’s been happening the past couple of weeks. It also made me think about the question: What is LOVE? Ironically it is also a song from back in the day:)

        What does love have to do with the unrest in America and the protest all across the nation?

        I think it’s fair to say we’ve all had some strong emotions about what’s happened in our country this past week.  In my home, we’ve had some difficult conversations with our kids about the subject of race and what’s been happening in our country.  You can read last week’s post on my response on the subject of race here: https://speakingtruthinlov.com/not-the-end-of-the-story/

        Even watching some videos that were sent to me via messenger, has made me ponder and process what’s happening and how I should respond as a Christ-follower.

        Friends, the pandemic that has existed since time began is SIN specifically HATE

        One of the things I’ve noticed and I know you have as well is that there is A LOT of anger on all sides: black, white, political, socioeconomic, authorities, etc. That anger (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing) has erupted and morphed into something very dangerous. Jesus Himself got angry, but He didn’t kill or hurt anybody or steal from anyone!

        Judging from the looks of things we’re in another global pandemic of a different sort.  How you may ask?  Well, the word “pandemic” means something occurring over a wide geographic area, or an outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population.

        Friends, the pandemic that has existed since time began is SIN specifically HATE which John tells us in 1 John 3:15 is likened to “murder”.  1 John 3:15 says Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

        Hate or simply put SIN is an OUTBREAK OF A DISEASE that has affected all of humanity in a  WHOLE geographic area called THE WORLD.  What’s the solution? LOVE. 

        What is Love?

        1. Love is God. 1 John 4:8  He who does not love does not know God, for God is love
        2. Love is an action more so than an emotion. Every time you see the word love in scripture it’s followed by some type of action. 1 John 4:9-10; John 3:16. You can’t say you love someone and then not act on that love.  God so loved the world. And how did he show that love?  He gave His only Son for us. (it doesn’t say he felt like giving His only Son).  Everything God does is out of His love for us.
        3. Love is a choice that leads to life, hate is a choice that leads to death. (Deuteronomy 30:19; 1 John 3:14)

        What’s Love Got To Do with Unrest in America? EVERYTHING.

         5 REASONS
        LOVE HAS TO DO WITH WHAT WE’RE GOING THROUGH RIGHT NOW

        1. When we love others, including enemies, we’re fulfilling God’s commandment. (Matthew 5:43-48; 1 John 3:23; 1 John 4:21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also)
        2. It covers a multitude of sins. If they didn’t we would still be dead in our sins. (1 Peter 4:8; 1 Corinthians 15:16-18; John 3:16)
        3. It’s vital to our faith walk.  If you don’t love, whether it’s a brother in Christ or an unbeliever, you’re not a child of God. (1 John 3:10-11; Matthew 5:44-46)
        4. Love and forgiveness go hand in hand. It cannot have one without the other. You can’t love and not forgive.  You can’t forgive and not love. (Proverbs 17:9; Colossians 3:12-14; Luke 6:35-36)
        5. If for no other reason, the reason why we can love in the midst of what we are going through is that Christ first loved us. (1 John 4:10-11; 19)

        So, What’s Love Got To Do with Unrest in America? The answer to that question is EVERYTHING.

        Be Encouraged!
        Stephanie

        Not The End of the Story

        The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. - John 10:10

        Right now at this very moment, there are protests going on in cities across America in response to the horrific death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers.  We see our society pulled into a racial divide that is growing wider by the minute.  What we have to understand, however, is that this is not the end of the story. What do I mean by that?

        We are at war with an Enemy of ALL our souls.  Jesus told us who the REAL enemy is:

        This enemy comes to do 3 main things: Steal, Kill, and Destroy. He comes to:

        • Steal (thief) – lives, property, etc..
        • Kill (murderer) – men, women and children,
        • Destroy – people, dreams, families, character

        We see evil is played out in our world day after day after day. However, it is not the end of the story. Why? Jesus didn’t end the story there.  He told us that He came to give us life and that more abundantly.  The life He gives is eternal, yes, but it’s also a life of Redemption. 

        As we see events unfold in our country, let us pray for the Lord’s Redemptive work to be done in the hearts and minds of people so that it won’t be The End of Their Story. (2 Peter 3:9)

        Be Encouraged!
        Stephanie

        Prayer: Lord, I thank you for giving me access to abundant life through Your Son Jesus Christ. Help me not to lean to my own understanding as I see evil in the world but to trust You for my protection. In Jesus Name, Amen!

        Love Your Neighbor

        27 So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ” - Luke 10:27
        Love Your Neighbor

        27 So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ” Luke 10:27

        In a society that puts love yourself first, to love your neighbor is an act of rebellion.   People no matter where we are on the spectrum are concerned about “self”.   In a time where continued fear of the spread of the COVID-19 virus is still evident, we as humans are creatures of self-preservation habit.  Loving ourselves has not been as much of a challenge as loving someone else who we’re not related to. Or, heaven forbid to love someone we don’t like. Our society tells us constantly how we should love ourselves, be about self-care, self-love, selfies, you get the picture. 

        In a society that puts love yourself first, to love your neighbor is an act of rebellion.

        Jesus kind of flipped the script on us however, with the self-love thing in Luke 10.  After being tested by a lawyer with the question on how he could obtain eternal life, Jesus directed him to the law of God referring to Leviticus 19:18.   

        I remember listening to a teaching on How do you Spell “JOY” by the late Pastor and theologian R.C. Sproul.  He mentioned that the acronym J.O.Y. could be used in this way: JESUS OTHERS YOURSELF. Oftentimes, however, we reverse it to Y.O.J.: YOURSELF. OTHERS. JESUS.  And if we’re honest with ourselves, that’s exactly how we operate!  We can easily love and put ourselves first.  

        Oh how I wish to only have a debt of love, instead of bills.

        So what does it look like to love your neighbor as yourself?  It doesn’t have to be complicated or elaborate.  It can be something as simple as checking up on someone to see if they need anything, especially now. 

        The other day I went to do a quick grocery run. I knew my neighbor who is elderly and at-risk has not been able to get to the store.  I didn’t want to be at the store long, but I didn’t want to leave the store without asking my neighbor if she needed something.  Was it convenient, not necessarily?  Was I glad I offered, yes! 

        Throughout Scripture, this concept of loving your neighbor is not only a command in the sense that God ordained it as a part of His law, but it’s one of the most important commands that Jesus gives. The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” (Mark 12:31 NLT) 

        Romans 13:8 reminds us that we should owe no one anything except to love them.   Oh how I wish to only have a debt of love, instead of bills!  But I digress.  

        What’s important for us to understand and to remind ourselves during this time or any other time is to consider our fellow person. 

        Sure we all have a lot going on in the midst of uncertainty. We have the issues that come with our everyday life with family, work, etc… Let’s try to be intentional in loving our neighbor whether that person is your actual next-door neighbor or a stranger at the grocery store. When we do that the other person will be blessed and so will we!  

        Be Encouraged!
        Stephanie

        What Have You Been Searching For?

        What have you been searching for that’s valuable or important to you? It could be something as valuable as a piece of expensive jewelry or as important as a certified document like a birth certificate. Perhaps something that was handed down to you from a cherished relative?

        Recently I found 2 things that I had been searching for, for over a year.  Nothing major, but it was important to me.

        I’m a bit of a theology nerd and I love the teachings of the late pastor, teacher, and theologian R.C. Sproul of Ligonier Ministries. There was one teaching he did that I would play it over and over from my phone. But once I changed my phone, I didn’t have access to that teaching because I couldn’t remember the title.

        The same thing happened recently with a verse of scripture I read a year ago from the Old Testament that really spoke to me.  For the life of me, I couldn’t remember where I read it.

        Folks, I know it may sound weird, but when I found the R.C. Sproul teaching and the verse, I was ecstatic!

        So why do I belabor this point?  

        All of this brought to my mind the parable that Jesus told in Matthew 13:45-46 referring to the Kingdom of Heaven.  He referred to the Kingdom of Heaven as one who seeks beautiful pearls, finds the pearl he wants and sells everything he owns so he can purchase that one pearl.

        Our Heavenly Father sent His Son Jesus Christ to search for us.

        Friends, when we lose something that has meaning and value to us, we’ll search for it diligently.  That’s exactly what God did for us.  

        We were lost. Sinners at odds with God.

        Our Heavenly Father sent His Son Jesus Christ to search for us. Not only did He search for us, but He also shed His blood on the Cross for us so that we could have eternal life in Him.  

        The Lord in Matthew 6:26, confirms our worth when He emphasizes to His disciples that we are of more value than the birds God provides food for on the earth.

        In a letter to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 6:20, Paul tells us that we have been bought with a price!  

        Jesus like the merchant in His parable came to search us out like that pearl of great price! 

        That’s how valuable YOU are to God! 

        Be Encouraged!
        Stephanie

        It’s Not How You Start, But How You Finish!

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

        We’ve all heard the old adage that “it’s not how you start, but how you finish”.  Well, the same holds true for our faith in Jesus Christ. Indeed as Paul states it we’re in a race.

        Many people who professed their faith in Christ started out very excited, only to succumb to the cares of this world.  (Mark 4:18-19)

        Make no mistake, Paul was no choir boy for Jesus at the beginning of his ministry…

        The Bible gives us examples of people who started the race well but didn’t finish.  Hezekiah, was a King of Judah. He’s referred to as someone who had a close relationship with God, and did “what was good and right and faithful before the LORD his God”.

        Now, much has been said about the Apostle Paul. Make no mistake, Paul was no choir boy for Jesus at the beginning of his ministry. One thing remains clear, his faith and ministry endured to the very end.  

        Consider that Paul started out as a major persecutor of Christians. You can read Paul’s testimony HERE.  Paul (Saul before his conversion) was a fierce, religious zealot and persecutor of the early Church. But once he had an encounter with the living God, Paul became a powerful force in the Kingdom of God in spreading the Gospel throughout the world.

        It’s important that we finish the race God has set before us.

        Look at Peter who denied Jesus not once, not twice, but three times! Yet and still the Lord used Peter for His glory.  When you read Peter’s letters to the churches, you can hear the grace in his voice as he encourages the believers. I also think of King David, who messed up royally in his personal life many times. Yet God considered him to be a “man after His heart”.

        All of this lets us know that no matter where we may have started in our faith, we can finish and finish the journey strong. We may have made mistakes along the way. We will probably continue to make mistakes just like Paul, Peter, and David.

        Thanks be to God, the mistakes we make don’t have to define who we are. Mistakes also don’t define who God intended for us to be. Let’s continue to fight the good fight of faith and finish the race strong!

        Be Encouraged!
        Stephanie

        Prayer: Father, help me to fight the good fight of Faith and finish the race you have set before me. In Jesus name! Amen!

        A Good Word, Is Good Medicine

        Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. Proverbs 16:24

        We don’t realize how malnourished we are to hear words that are positive and encouraging…until we hear them.

        When we receive a good word from someone, it’s like taking good medicine for your health. We don’t realize how malnourished we are to hear words that are positive and encouraging…until we hear them.

        Has someone ever spoken a kind, good word that encouraged you and lifted you up out of a funk? It’s a great feeling, isn’t it?

        Scripture shows there is a lot of emphasis on how the words we speak correlate to our health.

        It feels great, however, when a friend or colleague says something nice to you and it boosts your spirit. The verse in Proverbs 16:24 tells us that pleasant words spoken are sweet to the soul and health to our bones.

        Of course, the Word of God in itself is a Good Word that is very Good Medicine. Scripture shows there is a lot of emphasis on how the words we speak correlate to our health.

        Some examples are found in:

        • Proverbs 17:22 – A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.
        • Proverbs 4: 20, 22 – My son, give attention to my words; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.
        • Proverbs 3:8 – It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. (This refers to wisdom and the fear of the Lord, which is necessary to our overall well being.)
        • Psalm 107:20 – He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
        • Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

        …we can get a lot of nourishment for our mind, body, and soul straight from Scripture

        When we speak of words and health, we can’t forget one of the most powerful verses of Scripture that sums up the importance of our words and our health from Proverbs 18:21 – Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

        As you can see, we can get a lot of nourishment for our mind, body, and soul straight from Scripture. Right now we hear a lot of negative, unhealthy words, it’s refreshing to know we have a Source of nourishment. We have somewhere to turn to for a dose of GOOD MEDICINE!

        Be Encouraged!
        Stephanie

        Prayer: Father, thank you for giving me Your Word. I receive the wisdom found in the truth of your word to bring healing to every area of my life. In Jesus’ name! Amen!

        The Vine of Christ

        I am a true sprouting vine, and the farmer who tends the vine is my Father.  4 So you must remain in life-union with me, for I remain in life-union with you. For as a branch severed from the vine will not bear fruit, so your life will be fruitless unless you live your life intimately joined to mine.

        5 “I am the sprouting vine and you’re my branches. As you live in union with me as your source, fruitfulness will stream from within you—but when you live separated from me you are powerless. – John 15:1, 4-5 The Passion Translation

        As I read John 15 yesterday, I began to think about how important it is to be connected to what I call the Vine of Christ. Right now we’re disconnected physically because of our new “normal” of social distance. However, we can still be connected to Jesus who is the Vine.

        It’s critical to remain in Him during this time of confinement that finds us isolated from our families and in many cases our churches. This is not the time for any of us to lean to our own understanding of what we think may be happening with this pandemic.

        It’s also not the time for us to slink back from the Word of God.

        In my post 3 Things to Stop and Start During the Coronavirus, I outlined 3 things we need to start. Releasing our faith at this time is one of them. The Bible is our source of faith. It’s also our source of strength, and quiet as it’s kept, our source of Life in the Vine of Christ.

        During this critical time in our history, let’s take Jesus’ advice and remain in Him. When we do Jesus tells us that we’ll bear fruit, and our Heavenly Father will be glorified!

        Be encouraged!
        Stephanie

        Prayer: Father, thank you for keeping me attached to the Vine of Your Son Jesus Christ. Help me during this stressful time to remain connected to you so that I can continue to bear fruit and glorify You. In Jesus name! Amen

        Taking Authority

        Concluding our celebration of Women’s Month, our final quote comes from the most famous woman of all time…Mary the mother of Jesus.

        This may sound bizarre, but this quote from Mary the mother of Jesus always reminded of a scene in The Godfather Part 3, where Connie, the sister of Michael Corleone, tells her nephew Vincent, “Do it”, referring to him taking out one of their rivals. 

        It’s a scene where she takes authority over a situation to protect her brother and the family. Mary the mother of Jesus speaks with that kind of authority in the above verse.

        The definition of authority is a): the power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior; b): freedom granted by one in authority

        So to give you some context of what’s happening in the passage of Scripture, Mary, Jesus, and His disciples were invited to a huge wedding in Cana, a town in Galilee. Unfortunately, the wine runs out and Mary takes it upon herself to inquire of the Lord and ask if there’s something He can do?  Jesus basically tells her this is not the time for me to do anything because His hour had not yet come. Now, when I think of Mary,  I usually think of her as this sweet, quiet woman who bore our Lord and Savior. But look at how she responds to the servants at the wedding in response to what Jesus replied:

        Mary then went to the servers and told them, “Whatever Jesus tells you, make sure that you do it!”  –

        John 2:5 The Passion Translation

        Bam! Now that’s taking authority!

        There are 3 things we can learn from this passage and specifically from Mary herself.

        1. Mary knew the authority and power of Jesus. She wasn’t afraid to tap into it either. She asked Him specifically what he could do about the wine? She had no doubt that He could do something to change the situation.
          As believers, we should have no doubts about what Jesus can do in our situations. 
          Think of “the woman with the issue of blood” (Luke 8:42-48).  It took 12 years, but she knew that her deliverance, her solution to her 12-year problem was through Jesus Christ.
        2. Mary used her authority.  Mary didn’t hesitate nor was she afraid to approach Jesus about the matter of the wine.  She also didn’t hesitate to tell the servants to do whatever it is that Jesus tells them to do. Mary was fully aware of Jesus’ power and authority and it gave her the freedom and confidence to address the servants.
           
        3. Our faith should rest on the authority of Jesus Christ. Mary’s faith in her Son rested on knowing that all authority was given to Jesus (Matthew 28:18). By that, she could rest in knowing that the lack of wine at the wedding would be resolved.   The servants, in turn, did exactly what Jesus told them without question and a miracle took place. 

        I don’t know about you, but I need to remind myself and practice by faith the authority that Jesus has given me over certain areas of my life and to realize that He is the final authority.

        Be encouraged!
        Stephanie

        “What Are You Holding”?

        In the wake of everything going on around us right now, this quote speaks volumes! How many of us are holding on to stuff that in the grand scheme of life, we can’t take with us, and won’t have any value? Closer to home and to our heart is WHO are we holding onto that we don’t want to let go of?

        I know for myself it’s my children, my husband. For many of us, our families, maybe a best friend is core to who we hold onto in our hearts. It’s hard to let go of people we’re close to and love especially when we lose them suddenly without notice.

        Jesus reminds us in Luke 14:26 AMP – “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life [in the sense of indifference to or relative disregard for them in comparison with his attitude toward God]—he cannot be My disciple.

        Tough words? Yes. But the time we’re living in is a stark reminder that only what we have in Christ can we hold onto and take with us into eternity. Be Encouraged!❤️
        Stephanie

        Prayer: Father, help me hold onto you only and not people or the things of this world. I thank you for your love for me that will follow me into eternity. In Jesus Name! Amen.

        “Whatever You Do, Don’t Stumble!”

        “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. - John 16:1

        Whatever you do don’t stumble… To stumble means to trip or momentarily lose one’s balance; almost fall. In Greek, it means to trip up.  

        The context in which Jesus was speaking to His disciples was essentially giving them a heads up on what they can expect as a result of following Him. He tells them in the Gospel Matthew 24 in great detail what to expect in the last days as His second coming approaches.

        He let them know in John 15:18 that if the world hated Him, it would hate them too. 

        Friends, nothing has changed.

        What Jesus said to His disciples over 2000 years ago, applies to us in the Body of Christ, i.e. the Church today.  Jesus warned His disciples that as they represent Him, as they speak the Truth of God, there will be people who won’t receive it, who will hate them as a result!  But He tells them in John 16:1 don’t let any of that trip you up or cause you to stumble.  

        Ok, so what does that mean for us today in 2020? How is it that we stumble?

        We stumble not necessarily because of obstacles in our way, but because we are not paying attention.  Let’s say I’m walking down the street, and talking on my phone and all of sudden I trip on something in my path.  Yes, there’s something in my path, but had I been paying attention as I walk, I would have seen that obstacle and not tripped or stumbled over it.  

        For us, the obstacle(s) can be the coronavirus, the economy, the political upheaval, etc. As a result, many Christ-followers are stumbling and getting tripped up and caught up.  Why? Because they’re not paying attention.

        We’re paying more attention to what the news media and social media, are saying, instead of paying close attention to what God is saying in His Word. 
        Jesus was speaking to His disciples then and He’s speaking to us NOW. 

        He’s saying to His Bride: these things I’ve spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. 

        Look at how John 16:1 reads in The Passion Translation: 

        “I have told you this so that you would not surrender to confusion or doubt.”

        Many in the Church and in our society have surrendered to confusion and fear because of what’s happening right now.  They’re doubting the TRUTH of what God said and what He promised.  

        Jesus Has Overcome the World

        Jesus told us not to let our hearts be troubled or dismayed.  He let us know beforehand that in this WORLD, we would have tribulation, but that in Him we could have peace and be of good cheer because He’s OVERCOME the world! (John 14:1, 16:33) 

        Friends, let’s not surrender to confusion and fear. Let’s not doubt and stumble at what we hear and see on the news.  Let us be diligent and careful not to lean to our own understanding, but to lean on God’s Truth in these evil days.  

        Be Encouraged!
        Stephanie

        Prayer: Father, help me to trust You and not stumble on what I hear and see in this world.  I want to focus on what you have said in Your Word and not lean to my own understanding.  I receive Your Peace in this time of tribulation. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

        Knowing God

        Philippians 3:8 – Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.

        I love the above quote from Christian author, speaker, and radio host, Joni Eareckson Tada. It forces us to look at ourselves inwardly and see the importance of knowing God in a real sense.

        Joni Eareckson at the age of 17 was left as a quadriplegic, paralyzed from a terrible horseback riding accident.

        Joni Eareckson’s words are a powerful reminder and example of the intimacy of knowing the Lord to the point that nothing else in this world matters.

        The verse in Philippians and Joni’s quote reminds me that:

        1. I can’t take for granted the most basic things of my life like getting out of bed or brushing my teeth.
        2. No matter what I have by way of material things if I don’t know or have Christ I have NOTHING.  

        Paul came to that place in his life where knowing God was the only thing that mattered. Joni Eareckson and Paul have the same thing in common:

        The things of this world were rubbish to them.

        I like how the King James Version renders the word rubbish as “dung”! Wow!

        As we continue on this week, let’s thank God for the little things we’re able to do. Let’s strive to know God in a way that helps us realize everything else in this life is rubbish!

        Be Encouraged!
        Stephanie

        What I Want People To Remember

        In honor of March being the month to celebrate “Women’s History”, Winsome Word of Wisdom Wednesday will feature inspirational quotes from women who’ve made a positive influence or impact on others.

        Today, we’re featuring the poet Maya Angelou.

        Her quote on the importance of how you make others feel resonates with me. I want people to remember how I made them laugh and that they mattered to me and that they felt encouraged when I spoke to them.
        Jesus said in Luke 10:27 that we should love Him first, and love others as we love ourselves. Wanting to feel loved is something we all desire. So how do you want people to remember the way you made them feel? Let me know in the comments.

        As always Be Encouraged!

        Stephanie

        Saying the Right Thing At The Right Time

        Proverbs 15:23 – Everyone enjoys giving great advice. But how delightful it is to say the right thing at the right time!

        “If I were you….”  How many of you have received advice that began with those words?  

        Sometimes the advice given was welcoming and helpful.  Other times, it could be off the mark and cause more confusion than clarity for us.  

        This is especially true if the person giving the advice really doesn’t understand your situation since they haven’t gone through what you’re going through.

        A very good friend of mine that I work with in ministry has a saying, “people’s opinions are like elbows…everyone has one!”  It sounds funny, but advice from folks (myself included) can be just like that too!

        The verse in Proverbs 15:23 made me think about how often have I received or been quick to give advice. How much of that advice was what I or the other person needed to hear in that moment?

        Although it’s great for us to want to be helpful and offer advice to someone, it’s important that we not lean to our own understanding.

        It will be more helpful and delightful to that person for us to be quick to listen to them first. Then ask the Lord to help you say the right thing, at the right time.

        Be encouraged!
        Stephanie

        Prayer: Father, I ask that you help me today to say the right words at the right time to someone that needs it, in Jesus’ Name! Amen

        For more wisdom on how we should speak, check out the Winsome Word of Wisdom post on "Gracious Speech".

        A Fool’s Heart

        The Bible speaks a lot about what makes a fool and foolish behavior. We are living in a time where expressing yourself and how you feel trumps (no pun intended) anything else.

        Today’s Winsome Word of Wisdom Wednesday post is based on Proverbs 18:2.

        The definition of a fool according to Webster’s Dictionary is a person lacking in judgment or prudence; a harmlessly deranged person or one lacking in common powers of understanding.

        Proverbs 18:2 speaks of a person who has no pleasure or interest in understanding. He or she is more concerned with speaking or expressing their feelings and thoughts. In essence, a fool is one who just speaks his mind with no regard for anyone else.

        We are living in a time where expressing yourself and how you feel trumps (no pun intended) anything else.

        We have become “fools” as a society in that we are not interested in understanding the other person’s side of things. We’ve become more focused on talking at each other instead of talking to each other.

        So how can we express our hearts without being foolish? Well, the simple and wise answer can be found in James 1:19. True wisdom, which is from God, is more ready to listen than to speak.

        Let’s remember that we don’t always have to agree with each other, but we should always listen to and respect each other.

        Be encouraged!
        Stephanie

        A Prayer for Understanding Others: Father, help me to be quick to listen rather than quick to speak my mind. Give me wisdom to delight in understanding the differences of others, and be respectful in expressing myself. In Jesus Name, Amen!

        Does Going to Church Make You A Christian?

        Does going to church make you a Christian? What exactly does it mean to be a Christian? Our “Thought For Today” quote reminds me of what Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23 about people coming to Him on the last day saying “Lord, Lord”, and thinking that they’re in good with Jesus.  When in fact nothing could be further from the truth. It takes more than just sitting in a pew each week to make us a Christian. God is not going to take attendance when we get to the other side. Yet, how many people every Sunday go to church as if it’s a call of duty, yet have no heart for God? 

        Many people are deceived into thinking that just by going to church or even doing good deeds, they will be granted entry into the Kingdom of Heaven. 

        Listen to what Jesus said in John 3:16: 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

        Did you hear that? He said whoever believes in him. Who is him”? The Lord Jesus Christ. When we believe in Him, we won’t perish but will have eternal life with Him, the Lord Jesus in Heaven. This is what so many of us long for.

        So you may be wondering, how do we become a Christian? How can we believe in Him? The way to do that is found in Romans 10:9 where Paul tells us …if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. That my friend is good news! Be encouraged!
        Stephanie

        Gracious Speech

        Every Wednesday will feature an inspiring lighthearted quote, thought, or scripture to encourage you the rest of the week.

        Today, we’re featuring a verse from the Apostle Paul found in Colossians 4:6. It can be a challenge to many of us, like myself to watch what we say. This is the most challenging and apparent when I’m at home. As a wife and mother, it’s easy for me to slip up and say the wrong thing or just say what’s on my mind in the heat of the moment.

        I’m thankful that God’s Word reminds us of how we should talk. Although we may not hit the mark every time, we have God’s grace which is sufficient. We also have his forgiveness which is eternal!

        Be encouraged!
        Stephanie