Speaking Truth in Love

A devotional blog of Encouragement, Faith & Truth.

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Forgiveness is Never a Choice

Luke 17:1-10 TPT

As I think about the George Floyd trial and the verdict this week, I’m reminded of the importance of forgiveness.  Forgiveness is never a choice we willingly make.

You hear a lot about choosing to forgive, but for a Christ follower, it’s not a choice.  It’s a command.

A few years ago while working as a church secretary at my former church, I went through a rough patch with my pastor. We were butting heads frequently, and there were days when I didn’t feel like going into the office. 

One thing I kept asking the Lord to help me with during that difficult season was to guard my heart. I prayed specifically that my heart would not become bitter towards my pastor.  

…forgiveness is a heart issue

Unforgiveness is a deceitful foe.  It makes you think that if you stay angry with a person or situation, you’re hurting them in the process.  But the opposite is true.  The only person we hurt is ourselves when we refuse to forgive.

Make no mistake that forgiveness is a matter of the heart. Jesus made that clear in the parable of the Unforgiving Servant. 

32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

As racial tension and issues continue to flourish around our nation in the wake of police violence and hate crimes in general, it’s very easy to take on an attitude of unforgiveness towards those who are involved in perpetrating such crimes against humanity.  Perhaps more so when we’ve been wronged personally by someone..  

However, Jesus, tells us a different story when it comes to offenses and unforgiveness:

One day Jesus taught his disciples: “Betrayals are inevitable, but great devastation will come to the one guilty of betraying others. 2 It would be better for him to have a heavy boulder tied around his neck and be hurled into the deepest sea than to face the punishment of betraying one of my dear ones! So be alert to your brother’s condition, 3 and if you see him going the wrong direction, cry out and correct him. If there is true repentance on his part, forgive him. 4 No matter how many times in one day your brother sins against you and says, ‘I’m sorry; I am changing; forgive me,’ you need to forgive him each and every time.”

The disciples replied in a way many of us would think to ourselves:

And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” - Luke 17:5

Because that’s exactly what it would take for us to forgive someone who has clearly offended us…FAITH.

Forgiveness is never a choice because we choose it…

With that being said, Jesus wasn’t moved by their request.  Instead He went on to tell of a parable about our faith and duty.   

7 And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? 8 But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? 9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. 10 So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ” - Luke 17:7-10

In other words, Jesus was saying, “do what I have told you to do”. Forgiveness is never a choice, because we choose it, but because Jesus commanded it.  

True faith in Christ and forgiveness go hand in hand. We can’t have one without doing the other.  

Christ betrayed no one, yet He did the most loving thing for ALL of us on the Cross.  In the process we received His forgiveness for our sins.  How much more do we need to be mindful of forgiving others?

In the long run, forgiveness is not always an easy thing to do, but it’s the loving thing to do and the Lord commands us to do it. 

Be Encouraged!
Stephanie

He Holds Everything Together

It’s so easy to feel like things are falling apart in our life when things don’t go as planned. The unexpected diagnosis, marital discord, sudden passing of a loved one,  I’m sure you can fill in your own blank. And the world around us doesn’t look any better.  

But…Even when it looks like things are falling apart, GOD is holding EVERYTHING TOGETHER. 

The writer of Hebrews reminds us how sovereign the Lord is over every aspect of life.

2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty. - Hebrews 1:2-3

The same God who’s upholding the very universe we live in by the power of HIS Word, is and will uphold you in the intimate trials and details of our life!

Be Encouraged!
Stephanie

What Can You Give Out Of Your Poverty?

Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions.  - 
Mark 12:42-43 NLT

As I read the story in Mark 12 about the widow’s mite, I pondered about what it means to give out of your poverty.  

In the most basic sense, poverty is the lack of something.  I realize, even now there are some who have found themselves lacking financially as a result of Covid. However, financial poverty is not the only kind of poverty.  

Some people are in emotional poverty because of loss of a relationship with a loved one.  This could have happened through a divorce, or a death.  

There are others who are in physical or mental poverty due to an illness or depression..

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    All of these factors can bring any one of us to a place of wanting…but God shows a different way.

    When the Lord heard the news about the death of his cousin John the Baptist at the hands of King Herod, he immediately went to be alone and left on a boat to a quiet place. 

    When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. – Matthew 14:13  

    Jesus needing that alone time to grieve the loss of his cousin was totally understandable.  We’ve all been in that position where we needed to just have our quiet moment after the death of a loved one.

    What’s remarkable to me is how Jesus responded, when not a few people, but MULTITUDES followed Him on foot to the boat!

    It's out of our deficit that God will use us to bless others.

    But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. Matthew 14:13-14

    Jesus not only healed those who were among Him, but He ended up feeding thousands that day as well with just two fish and a couple of loaves from a little boy!

    Talk about giving out of your poverty! It's out of our deficit that God will use us to bless others.

    The Lord gave us two great examples of what that looks like.  The widow gave abundantly out of what she did NOT have.  As a result, the Lord praised her giving and we’re still talking about it.  

    Although Jesus mourned the death of his cousin John the Baptist, He still was compassionate towards the multitudes who needed His healing touch.  

    Jesus met people's needs where they were, be it emotionally, physically or spiritually. 

    The Lord can use any of us for His glory because it is He who gives the increase.  He proved that by using the lunch of a little boy to feed thousands.

    Your lack of X + your willingness to Y = your blessing and God’s glory.

    What can you give you out of your poverty so that someone else can be blessed and God be glorified?

    Be Encouraged!
    Stephanie 

    The Cross of Endurance

    Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:2

    Not only did Jesus despise the shame of the Cross, He endured the suffering and physical pain that went along with it. The Cross of Endurance was not comfortable!

    Jesus didn’t die on a padded Cross. 

    The amount of physical pain the Lord experienced on our behalf is inconceivable.

    We are always so quick to speak about the blessings of God, and there are many. In contrast, we don’t hear much about is the Cross and how much was endured by Christ for us to have those blessings.

    Remembering how Jesus died and why He died is not just an Easter weekend event.

    The Cross He suffered on our behalf, should give us the strength to run our race with endurance. 

    “Come Away My Beloved” author, Frances J. Roberts puts it well when she said: 

    Hold to His Words, for they are as a nail driven in a sure place.

    Come Away My Beloved, p. 31

    601147: Come Away, My Beloved--Classic EditionCome Away, My Beloved–Classic Edition
    By Frances J. Roberts / Barbour Publishing

    In a world of speed and noise, Roberts's devotional is a quiet oasis for the weary soul. For more than 30 years, her lyrical, conversational reflections have helped believers hear God speaking encouragement, hope, comfort, and conviction—directly to them. Includes KJV Scriptures. 256 pages, paperback from Barbour.

    We need to hold on to the last words Jesus spoke on the Cross…It is Finished!

    As we run the race of faith with endurance, the  Lord our Savior and Redeemer will be glorified!

    Be Encouraged!
    Stephanie

    Will You Be Ready?

    “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. 11 Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ - 
Matthew 25:10-11

    Our time in life is limited.  We’re reminded of this everyday as young and old perish from the earth.  At the end of your life will you be ready? 

    Holy Week, is an excellent opportunity for us to revisit where we are spiritually.

    Jesus shows us the importance of being ready for His return in the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids.

    Here you have 10 bridesmaids waiting for the bridegroom. Five of them were ready to greet the bridegroom and had their lamps filled with oil. Five of them did not.

    Jesus used this parable to demonstrate the relationship between Christ and His church.

    In this case, it's a timely and universal message not only for the church, but for humanity.

    Why?

    Well to be blunt, none of us will make it out alive.

    Every one of us on earth has an expiration date.

    And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment - 
Hebrews 9:27

    But, the good news is, God made the way of escape for all of us in eternity through the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross (John 3:16).

    Now is the time for those who call themselves Christ followers and those who don't to repent for the Kingdom of God, truly is at hand.

    The Lord is extending a measurement of His grace and mercy to all in this tumultuous and dark season.

    And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. - 
Revelation 22:17

    So what will your answer to the Bridegroom be? Will you be ready?

    Prayer of Repentance: Father forgive me for my sins. Wash me and cleanse me by the Blood of Jesus, Your Son, in Jesus name! Amen!

    Glimpses of God in the Storm

     35On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” - Mark 4:35-41

    Have you ever felt life was crashing down on you like a sudden squall? A storm that just swept through in the form of a sudden death or a bad report from the doctor? It's in those moments we need to see glimpses of God in the storm.

    While reading the account of Jesus quieting the storm in Mark Chapter 4, I began to reflect on how the disciples reacted.

    They literally thought they were going to die.

    And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 
- Mark 4:38

    Understandably the disciples were terrified. Any of us would be too. However, what I find interesting is that some of the disciples like Peter and John were familiar with the seas since they were fishermen.

    And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
19 When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets. 20 And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.  - Mark 1:16-20

    Look for God to show up

    The problem, was the disciples, like ourselves, focused on the storm around them, instead of the One with them.

    Although they knew Jesus as Lord, and had seen with their own eyes, miracles He did, they still feared. They didn't look for God to show up. Sometimes, we don't either because we're so encumbered with our circumstance.

    The disciples were fearful to the point, of asking Jesus if He cared that they were perishing.

    Jesus sound asleep in the boat as the waters swelled and gushed, was a glimpse of God in the storm.

    Seeing that Jesus was not worried, should have been a sign to the disciples they would be ok.

    It's very easy to look at our stormy circumstances and feel like we're drowning. The thing to remember is that God is faithful to not let you drown.

    If you look for Him in that storm, He will reveal a glimpse of Himself to you.

    Those glimpses may be in the form of a text from a friend saying they are praying for you. A card from someone that speaks to your heart, or a kind word from a stranger.

    All of these are glimpses of God showing up in your storm. Reminding you that He will never leave you nor forsake you!

    Be Encouraged!
    Stephanie

    Where do you see glimpses of God in your storm?

    Exemptions are only on Tax Forms… Claim God!

    Exemptions are only on tax forms…claim God!

    That was a comment made by a patient I spoke with last year, but seems highly appropriate as we enter into the tax season.  

    We all love exemptions especially ones that can give us a break on our taxes. 

    However, when it comes to the Lord, we can’t afford to write Him off.  

    We need to claim God!  

    As much as our broken world would like to exempt God from the public square in every way, they can’t.  

    God is sovereign.  

    And Hezekiah prayed this prayer before the LORD: “O LORD, God of Israel, you are enthroned between the mighty cherubim! You alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth. You alone created the heavens and the earth. - 2 Kings 19:15
    “I know that You can do everything,
And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. - 
Job 42:2

    Believers too, can take on an attitude of exempting the Lord from certain aspects of their life.  

    It may be in the form of not sharing the love of Christ when given an opportunity.  

    Maybe it’s with a co-worker who is unpleasant.   

    The truth is, we all have areas of our life that we would like God to be exempt from.

    No Audit

    Usually when people  have too many exemptions on their tax returns, it raises a red flag with the IRS and results in an audit. 

    But, when you claim God in your life, you never have to worry about an audit!

    My patient was right….  

    We should claim God and leave the exemptions to Uncle Sam!

    Be Encouraged!
    Stephanie

    The One Who Enables

    I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13
    This is post is part the FMF Writing Prompt Link-up :: Enable

    The One who enables is the
    One who Saves!

    The One who enables is the God who enables us to do anything through HIM.  Apart from Him, believers or unbelievers can’t do anything.  

    The world may tell you that you can enable yourself to a better life, to a better car, a better home, etc…

    There are also two kinds of enable: one that is good that allows us through the grace of God to do what He has called us to do.  Whether it’s in ministry or our professional vocation.  

    The second enabling is not so good, because it allows people to do what they want without concern or consequence.  

    Our world has enabled wrong ideals and concepts that have been against God’s will and His Word.

    But God, by His grace and mercy, ENABLES all of us to come to true repentance in Him.  

    For that we can be grateful!

    Be Encouraged
    Stephanie

    The Beauty of Distraction

    One of my favorite spots to read and just soak in the Scriptures is sitting by my bay window. As I look out, I find myself caught up in the beauty of distraction from God's creation.

    I'm distracted by the Lord's beauty, watching the sparrows flit about from a nearby bush.

    Just looking at the blue sky on a clear day is enough to make me just forget for a moment the drudgery of everything else for just a moment.

    Truly the psalmist was spot on when he said heaven and earth declare the glory of God.  

    The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. - Psalm 19:1

    With all of the troubling distractions we’re hit with everyday, it’s refreshing to have my attention diverted by the Lord’s handiwork.

    David must have understood this too, even as he was constantly being chased and distracted by his enemies.  

    He recognized that sometimes you need to be still and know that God can show up in the unexpected places of our lives.

    Whether it’s hard season or our daily routine, it's important to just stop for moment and smell the daisies.

    To be still and recognize the Lord’s presence in the midst of your day.

    I want to allow God to distract me from the cares of this world while I stare out my window looking at the clouds stroll by in the sky.

    To be able to stay in His presence, fully realizing that God is in control of everything. As David said in Psalm 16:11 in His presence is fullness of joy!

    You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

    So the next time you see God's handiwork, take in the beauty of that distraction. Bask in His presence and let Him reveal Himself to you in a fresh and new way!

    Be Encouraged!
    Stephanie

    What do you see as the beauty of distraction coming from the Lord's hand?

    A Disposable Society

    Have we become a disposable society? Seems like it, since we dispose what we don't want even when it comes to our children.

    There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children. Nelson Mandela

    we have become more concerned with the preservation of our planet than with the preservation of human life.

    When it comes to children and specifically the unborn children, we are a disposable society. 

    This quote by the late South African President, Nelson Mandela speaks volumes on society’s regard towards the most vulnerable. 

    I think this is particularly evident with the lack of attention given to:

    • child sex trafficking
    • sexual exploitation of minors through porn industry, and porn culture
    • abortion, especially heinous is late term abortion

    Indeed, we have become more concerned with the preservation of our planet in the form of climate change than with the preservation of human life. 

    To be clear, I have nothing against protecting and taking care of what God entrusted to us. However, when it comes to the environmental issues, there's seems to be a mindset of “all hands on deck” mentality to preserve God's green earth.

    Certainly with such a strong push for change regarding the environment, Paul's letter to the Romans rings clear that mans' priority is to worship the creation rather than the Creator.

    Black Lives are disposable too.

    If only we had that same mindset when it comes to the life of the unborn. We reverence the things God has created, but not those who have been made in His image and likeness…

    This past election cycle there was a big push by progressives about environmental, racial and social issues. With a new administration in place, more states will most likely feel emboldened to push for late term abortion, killing millions more in the womb.

    Clearly 2020 was a hotbed of emotions. Chaos reigned in our election, and on our streets with racial tension, protests and riots. Divisions of all kinds were rampant even in the church.

    As a black woman, wife and mother, I absolutely understand the original intent of the Black Lives Matter movement.

    I understand the reason behind the support of those who marched in the protest for the BLM movement.

    However, what I don't understand is how the statement “all lives” matter became almost synonymous with hate speech. Yet there is no acknowledgment of the “black lives” of so many babies snuffed out of a mother's womb every minute. 

    I guess black lives are disposable too.

    The Lord created each of us in His image: black, white, short, tall, etc…

    And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness...
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them...And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it...And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.
Genesis 1:26, 27-28; 31

    Ultimately, if our society truly values and desires positive change in the world we live in… we first must start with acknowledging our own sinful heart.

    Secondly,

    We'll need to stop disposing of a generation who can help make that change happen.

    Be Encouraged!
    Stephanie

    Prayer: Father, thank you for creating all people in YOUR image. Please forgive us for not placing the same value on life even as You gave YOUR Son's life on the Cross for us. In Jesus name!

    The Warfare is Real and So Is God

    The catch phrase “the struggle is real” has been used to describe everyday frustrating situations that are expressed in a joking, hyperbolic, and ironic way.  Well, the spiritual warfare going on in our nation is real too.  However, so is God. But there is nothing funny or exaggerated about either. 

    My Pastor issued a challenge this week to our ministry that every time we pick up an electronic device, like our cellphone, we should pray for our nation.  Needless to say I’ve found myself praying a lot!  

    I don’t think ever in the history of the church have we felt more compelled to pray for our nation.  

    The spiritual warfare taking place has been exacerbated even the more in light of the Capitol  riots of last week.  This spiritual warfare is very real.  And so is God because, we can’t think for a moment that what is taking place around the world is unbeknownst to the Lord. 

    For the eyes of the LORD roam throughout the earth, so that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will have wars.”
2 Chronicles 16:9

    Indeed, the democratic campaign slogan: Battle for the soul of the nation was spot on.

    Paul, specifically addresses the issue of the spiritual battle at work in his letters to the church in Ephesus:

    For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. - 
Ephesians 6:12 NLT

    First thing we have to remember is that our soul is comprised of our mind, our will and our emotions. The battle for the soul of this nation is not fighting with each other.

    It's not with Democrats or Republicans. Quiet as it's kept, the battle is not whether you're black or white, gay or straight. The battle is far more strategic and insidious.

    We're fighting with an unseen enemy that looks very much like you and me.

    The events over the past four years and leading up to this past week have shown how vulnerable the components of our soul are.

    Emotions have run very high. Our minds have been scarred with horrific images and our will has been challenged.

    We're fighting with an unseen enemy that looks very much like you and me.

    We can't forget that.

    Besides the Lord has not left us without provision in this war. Paul told the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 10:4 that: the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, or fleshly. They are mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.

    So, what might that weapon be?

    The same weapon used throughout Scripture and most notably by Jesus Himself:

    PRAYER.

    We need to continue to seek the Lord through prayer on behalf of our nation.

    So, yes, the warfare is real…and thankfully so is GOD.

    Be Encouraged,
    Stephanie

    Prayer: Father, thank you that this spiritual battle is not ours, it belongs to you. Help us to trust you for the victory, in Jesus mighty name!!! Amen!

    Born for This

    Luke 2:34 - Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 

    The holiday frenzy has quieted down as we look hopefully forward to 2021.  In thinking about this past Christmas, my attention focused to the birth of Christ. He was born for this time in history when the environment was volatile.

    Just like our cultural and political climate is now. 

    We’re so used to the sanitized version of the “Christmas” story that we forget there was nothing pretty and clean about our Lord’s entry into this dark world.

    Consider what was happening at the time:

    • The Roman government at the time ordered a census of all citizens: Luke 2:1-3
    • While heavily pregnant and traveling to their hometown in Bethlehem for the census, Mary went into labor, eventually giving birth. – Luke 2:4-6
    • Word of a new King coming into the world reached an insecure and wicked King Herod at the time.- Matthew 2:2-3
    • Mary ended up giving birth to Jesus in a “barn like” dwelling because there was no available lodging. – Luke 2:7
    • Meanwhile, the government, lead by King Herod, declared execution of all male children under the age of two. (Does the Egyptian king Pharaoh ring any bells?) – Matthew 2:16-18
      The purpose was to eliminate Jesus, the Christ child. – Matthew 2:16

    Christ was born for this reason as prophesied by the prophet Isaiah and a devout man of God

    When you look at all the circumstances of the Lord’s birth, it’s truly a miracle how it happened. 

    Christ was born for this reason as prophesied by the prophet Isaiah and a devout man of God Simeon:

    1. For the government to be upon his shoulders…not ours. – Isaiah 9:6
    2. That the increase of His government and of His peace there will be no end – Isaiah 9:7
    3. To be a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of His people Israel.” Luke 2:32
    4. For us to “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
    5. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

    Our Savior came to this earth specifically for one purpose. To save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)

    As we’re leaving this tumultuous year behind, we can take heart that no matter what 2021 may bring, God is sovereign and will remain faithful.  

    The Lord is not slack in His promises towards us. God, will continue to offer His hand of salvation to those who seek Him earnestly.

    He was born for this reason. Jesus died for this reason, and….

    He resurrected for this reason.

    Be encouraged in this New Year!
    Stephanie

    DID WE HAVE EYES TO SEE THE CHAOS OF THIS YEAR?

    Matthew 13:11, 13-15 
He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 
13Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: 
‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive; 15For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.’

    Did we have eyes to see the chaos of this year?  Here’s a hint: No, we did not! 

    But, they say hindsight is always 20/20, and this year was no exception to that rule.

    Laying aside the pandemic and the racial unrest for a second, this year’s election showed everyone’s true colors. 

    No matter what side of the fence you were on, the election chaos put an extra wrinkle on all of our faces. 

    By the same token, the household of faith became caught up with prophecies and conspiracies. Whether it was who's behind the Coronavirus, the election, and now the vaccine debate.  

    In reflecting on what has transpired this year, Jesus' words in Matthew 13:11 and 13 resonate with me.

    He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 13Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.

    In this case, Jesus had finished speaking about the Parable of the Sower to the crowd gathered on the beach.   Afterwards, the disciples questioned Jesus as to why He spoke to people with stories instead of just plainly. 

    The Lord understood people outside the faith would not perceive the things of the Kingdom of God. For this reason, He broke things down for them to understand.  

    The Problem

    However, for those who are born again, God has made known to us hidden treasures and His will for mankind through the Scriptures. 

    The problem is we miss it because 

    1. The voice of the Lord is drowned out with other voices.
    2.  Our spiritual eyes have become dim.  

    Certainly, if we’re honest with ourselves as the Body of Christ, our  spiritual vision has been off.  As a result, we have listened and looked at the circumstances of this year from a natural lens, just as the Lord described in verse 14:

    14And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: ‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive;

    Dull of Hearing

    This year has clearly been one for the books in terms of whatever could go wrong, did! 

    Consequently, we didn’t have eyes to see the chaos that ensued for all the noise coming from our social media, television networks, etc.

    Did we have eyes to see and ears to hear what the Lord was saying to His church in the midst of everything happening?  

    I know I found myself, at one point getting emotionally caught up listening to what I wanted to hear regarding the outcome of this year's election.  

    Moreover, the household of faith became as dull of hearing and had itching ears to hear what commentators, independent news outlets and leaders in Christendom had to say on the matter.  

    15For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed,

    Our help comes from the Lord, not man

    With that being said, as this tumultuous year draws to a close and we enter into 2021, it’s imperative that you and I heed and discern the voice of the Lord.  

    27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

    In essence, the season we’re in right now, the Lord is calling all of us to trust Him even the more.  As Psalm 121:1-2 says… Let’s look to the hills from whence comes our help. Because our help comes from the Lord, not man. 

    We may not always be able to trace God’s hand in events and circumstances, but we can trust Him and His Word.  He has placed His church in this dispensation of time for a reason.  

    By God’s grace, as our eyes and ears tune into what the Lord is saying, we'll realize how blessed we are as His return draws near. 

    Did we have eyes to see the chaos of this year? No. 

    But, we can have hearts that show and share the love of God and the Good News of Christ to this dying, chaotic world.

    16 But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; 17 for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

    Be Encouraged!
    Stephanie

    Prayer: Father, give me eyes to see what you see, and ears to hear what your Spirit is saying to me.
    In Jesus name! Amen

    5 Minute Friday – BEYOND

    5 Minute Friday – BEYOND

    Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us – Ephesians 3:30 NASB

    For this week's Five Minute Friday the prompt word is BEYOND.

    This brings to my mind that God has done exceeding abundantly above and beyond my imagination.  When I think of Christ’s love for me and my family it’s beyond anything I can imagine!

    The God of the universe when you really think about it is so in tune to us as individuals that He knows even the number of hairs (gray and otherwise:) on our head! 

    Even in the midst of the chaos that is going on in our nation and in the world, the Lord Jesus is perfecting that very thing that is concerning you right now. 

    No matter how big or small that thing is.

    The Lord will do beyond what we could even think or imagine in our difficult situations.

    If we let Him be God.

    Be Encouraged!
    Stephanie

    Is God a Busybody?

    Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another,
And the Lord listened and heard them;
So a book of remembrance was written before Him
For those who fear the Lord
And who meditate on His name. - Malachi 3:16

    Have you ever listened in on your kids’ conversations? Ok, I admit I have. But it wasn’t to be a busybody in their personal conversations. With a 16-year-old and a 23-year-old at home, I make it my business to know what’s going on with them.

    It's not to be nosey, but out of concern and to be aware of what’s happening in their lives.

    Let’s face it our children don’t always tell us everything. Clearly, there is too much going on in this evil world for us to be absentee parents.

    If it sounds like my kids are struggling with an issue, I want them to know I’m here if they need to talk.

    Likewise, God listens in on His children too and not to be a busybody either.

    We have opportunity in our everyday conversations with others to speak of the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

    We know that God hears us when we pray, but He also listens in to hear what His children are saying about Him. Malachi gives us a glimpse of this in chapter 3 beginning in verse 13:

    13 “You have said terrible things about me,” says the Lord. “But you say, ‘What do you mean? What have we said against you?’

    We have opportunity in our everyday conversations with others to speak of the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Our prayers, our dialogue about things that happen to us, and even things taking place on the earth.

    I find it sobering know that God is “eavesdropping” in on our conversation.

    Sobering because our conversations don’t always reflect the heart of God. Just look at how God exposes the temple priests’ conversations about Him.

    14 “You have said, ‘What’s the use of serving God? What have we gained by obeying his commands or by trying to show the Lord of Heaven’s Armies that we are sorry for our sins? 15 From now on we will call the arrogant blessed. For those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them suffer no harm.’”

    The priests may not have said these things outright verbally, but their hearts and actions spoke differently. The Lord admonished them, saying that their words have been harsh towards Him.

    Evidently the priests didn’t get the memo from Proverbs 23:7 that as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.

    In their hearts and actions, the priests felt like God wasn’t paying attention.

    They were wrong. The priests assumed God didn’t care what they did. They became indifferent about serving the Lord because they felt it was pointless.

    So it is with us if we’re not careful to guard ourselves in our conversations. It’s very easy to bemoan our circumstances without realizing how we sound to God.

    Is God a busybody? No, but He is a concerned parent of His children.

    Social media is a prime example that a lot of conversations amongst believers centered on what is happening in our country are not “godly”.

    As followers of Christ, we’re to communicate with each other not with murmurings and complaining, (Philippians 2:14). But with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19).

    In contrast, when you read verse 16, we get a peek at how the Lord views the conversations of His children who honor and glorify His name.

    Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said.

    In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name.

    Is God a busybody? No, but He is a concerned parent of His children.

    We should never underestimate that the Lord knows our hearts and thoughts, even the words we say before we say it.

    Ultimately, our Heavenly Father is waiting to hear His children speak of Him and acknowledge Him their everyday communication.

    He's listening to us as a loving Father and is ready to bless and answer our prayers as He keeps our names in His Book of Remembrance.

    Be Encouraged!
    Stephanie

    Join The 25 Days of Encouragement Challenge

    Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.  - Hebrews 10:24

    This season, I want to challenge you  (and myself) to join the 25 Days of Encouragement!  

    Now that we’ve come off of the Thanksgiving holiday, we see the usual sales and deals for this and the other. 

    Which, got me thinking that it would be great to give a gift that doesn’t cost anything, but is both valuable, and priceless. 

    The gift of ENCOURAGEMENT!

    This year has been especially brutal to so many families who have lost loved ones this year whether from the virus or other issues. 

    You may have heard the saying: Jesus is the Reason for the Season,

    Well with this challenge, Jesus will be the Reason to encourage those you know who are having a tough time.

    This is an opportunity to stir each other up to LOVE with the love of Christ in your sphere of influence.

    Who could you encourage in this season of giving that would help to warm the heart of someone going through a tough time?

    Here’s how the challenge will work:

    • Beginning Tuesday, December 1st for the next 25 days leading up to Christmas, 
    • Post on the Facebook page: who you encouraged (their first name) and how you encouraged that person using #25daysofencouragement
    • You’ll be entered into a drawing to receive two(2) $10 gift cards to Starbucks: one for yourself, and one for a friend that you would like to encourage this holiday season!
    Some suggestions:

    Write down the names of 25 people you would like to encourage. 

    You can text, email, call, send a card or even write a letter to them.

    If you miss a day you can always encourage that many more people the next day. 

    The point of this challenge is to be INTENTIONAL about reaching out to others especially during this time of year.

    I hope you will join the 25 Days of Encouragement Challenge and let me know in the comments how you plan on using it to encourage someone!

    Stephanie

    Standing Your Ground

    Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. - 
Ephesians 6:13 NLT

    You may be familiar with the term “stand your ground” from the Trayvon Martin case.

    That was an awful situation with a young man dying at the hands of someone who felt threatened and used a state law to defend his actions.

    Standing your ground in that case was tragic and unfortunate.

    In contrast, standing your ground as a Christ follower for the truth based on Scripture, is necessary for the spiritual battle taking place.

    Just to put into context what the meaning of the term is:

    The Stand Your Ground Law is a law that allows citizens to protect themselves if they feel their lives are in danger, regardless of whether they could have safely exited the situation.

    With that being said, we have an obligation to protect ourselves using a stand your ground premise against our spiritual enemy.

    Paul, for this reason tells us how to handle this a couple of ways: First we must realize that though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. – 2 Corinthians 2:3

    Secondly, we need to put on every piece of God’s armor for the battle so that you can stand firm. – Ephesians 6:13

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      Paul was speaking of the spiritual warfare taking place in the Corinthian church. In the church at Ephesus, he was encouraging those believers on how to handle that warfare. 

      Both scriptures give us clear teaching on how to deal with spiritual warfare in our personal life as well in the world as we see it today.

      Right now with everything going on this year, it's imperative that the Body of Christ not lay down while a spiritual battle is taking place. 

      You and I, must stand our ground as it relates to standing for the absolute truth of God’s word. Not based on our emotions, feelings or opinions.

      2 Corinthians 10:3-6 - The Passion Translation
3–4 For although we live in the natural realm, we don’t wage a military campaign employing human weapons, using manipulation to achieve our aims. Instead, our spiritual weapons are energized with divine power to effectively dismantle the defenses behind which people hide. 5 We can demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One. 6 Since we are armed with such dynamic weaponry, we stand ready to punish any trace of rebellion, as soon as you choose complete obedience.

      So…taking our cue from Paul’s letters to the Corinthians and Ephesians, what would it take TODAY to stand our ground: 

      • Take a hard line stance on anything that is contrary to God’s Word. It's time out for the church operating by the world’s viewpoint on matters of:
        • the rights of the unborn
        • family values,
        • politics, gender, etc.
      • Cast down, disarm and dismantle every deceptive imagination, fantasy and defense behind which people hide such as:
        • political and social movements and agendas: whether it’s DEMOCRAT, REPUBLICAN, BLM, ANTIFA, SOCIALIST OR GLOBALIST.
        • Laws that are being put in place condoning pedophilia and sex abuse of children without penalty.

      As God's sons and daughters, we should use God’s wisdom in these matters, not the wisdom of the world.

      There is a spiritual war going on.

      As much as we like to ignore it, there is a spiritual war going on.

      Specifically, what we see in our society today is in direct opposition to God.

      We can however, deal with this opposition by doing as Paul describes in the above verse, demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God such as:

      • Notion of same sex marriage that’s disguised as marriage equality
      • Abortion disguised as  freedom of choice for women

      These are in direct opposition to God’s Kingdom.

      On the contrary, our weapons that God has given to His church, can destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God AND the TRUTH ABOUT GOD.

      Spirit of Deception

      Certainly, one of those proud obstacles we see is a SPIRIT OF DECEPTION.

      That deception is to be expected in the world, but it's also evident in the CHURCH with leaders falling away from the faith.

      There is a spirit of deception in our youth who are bombarded with confusing messages regarding their sexuality.

      A point often overlooked, is how Satan uses the same line against us from Genesis 3:1:

      “Has God really said?”

      Consequently, we're living in a time where anything that has biblical truth attached to it, is and will be questioned.

      All in all, for too long the church has become complacent. One thing is for certain, we can't stand on our emotions or opinions.

      Ultimately, you and I, are accountable and must stand our ground as it relates to standing for the absolute truth of Scripture.

      As we do this, the Truth of God's Word will draw people out of darkness into His marvelous Light.

      Be Encouraged,
      Stephanie

      Prayer: Father, I thank you for the power that is in your Word that can pull down every stronghold.  Help me to stand on your solid ground in these evil times, in Jesus mighty name!!! Amen

      It is Finished!

      Happy Friday!

      I’m posting this quickie, as a  part of the weekly Five Minute Friday link-up with today’s word being “CANCEL”.

      These words of Jesus should burn in our hearts as a reminder that:

      1. He canceled our eternal sin debt by nailing it on that Cross.

      2. That word cancel means it’s a fresh start for you and me. 

      In Revelation 21:6, Jesus said that “it is finished” and that He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. 

      The beginning of our new life in Him and the end of what makes us so US.

      Living in a cancel culture kind of world, everything you say or do can be misinterpreted or misconstrued.  People are quick to cancel each other out before realizing who the person really is inside.

      Thank God for the love, mercy and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ who didn’t cancel us out.  

      He could have.

      He probably should have.

      But He didn’t.

      Be Encouraged!
      Stephanie

      What are you saying to God?

      My object in life is to dethrone God and destroy capitalism.
      Karl Marx

      https://www.azquotes.com/quote/466849

      Two things come to mind with Marx's quote: 1. The fool has said in his heart there is no God. 2. What are you and I saying to God in our hearts?

      To see what God says about us, read my post here on What is God Saying About You?

      It's a Heart Issue.

      The heart is the essence of every human being. Proverbs tells us that out of our hearts flow all of our issues. As a man thinks in his heart so is he.

      It's a heart issue. Always has been, always will be.

      So, with that being said, I think Marx, Nietzche and many other atheistic philosophers felt compelled to discredit and ridicule the existence of God and His foundational truths found in the Scriptures.

      In other words, Marx' objective to dethrone God at it's core is what mankind has struggled with for centuries.

      We want to be like God.

      The prophet Isaiah and the Apostle Paul both capture what I believe is the “heart” of humanity’s mindset.

      “What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’ - Isaiah 45:9 (NLT)
      18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse…
Romans 1:18-20

      Lest we think that Marx’s objective to dethrone or overthrow God is something new, it isn’t.  Rebellion in the heart of man against the Lord’s authority was rampant throughout Scripture.  Think Pharaoh. Nebuchadnezzar and Herod, amongst others.

      But what is really troubling is when those rebellious attitudes of the heart are found in those who profess the name of Christ.  Jesus said it best in Matthew 15:8:

      ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.

      So as we’re in a volatile season right now with just days away from a major election, let’s be mindful of what we’re saying to God with the attitudes of our hearts. 

      I say that by way of reminder to myself first.

      I want to have a heart that says “Praise the Lord!” And a heart that gives thanks to God in everything, because that’s His will for all of us!

      Be Encouraged!
      Stephanie

      Prayer: Father forgive me for having a heart of stone towards the people and things that concern You. Help me to have a grateful heart of love, mercy and grace, in Jesus Name!

      Timeout for Disneyland & Granola Christians

      15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:15-17

      I say this with genuine love for my fellow brothers and sisters in the Christian faith,… it's timeout for being Disneyland granola Christians!  

      The Disneyland mindset of “so long as everything is good for my four and no more” is not God’s will for His church.

      It’s timeout for being casual about the spiritual warfare that’s taking place in our society and in the church. 

      In other words, the Disneyland mindset of “so long as everything is good for my four and no more” is not God’s will for His church.  Neither is the granola flaky, fruity, and nutty mindset.  Those who are caught up within themselves, easily offended, and who are more concerned with how they feel, than with what truly matters in the Kingdom of God.

      It’s time for believers to grow up in the things of God. 

      With this in mind, Paul's words to the Ephesian church, should resonate with us as well, to be purposeful in our walk, and understand what God’s will is in these evil last days.

      It’s time for believers to grow up in the things of God.

      2020 has obviously not been the kindest year.  So, we certainly cannot ignore what’s happening that has affected many of us personally, such as:

      • The viral pandemic that doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon.
      • Election chaos
      • Natural and unnatural disasters
      • Lawlessness in communities

      The list could go on.   

      Moreover, a number of Christians are not looking at what’s happening in our world through the lens of scripture. 

      the will of God is where the sovereignty of God is known. 

      The verse in Ephesians speaks of the will of the Lord. We hear the term the “will of God“, or the “will of the Lord” a lot in Christendom. In essence, the will of God is where the sovereignty or reign of God is known. 

      So what does that look like? How can we walk as Paul says “circumspectly” and know what the will of the Lord is today?

      Here are a few ways for us to walk in that wisdom and awareness of God’s will TODAY:
      1. Pray – everything begins with us praying and seeking God. – Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Luke 21:36
      2. Read – The best way to find out God's will, is found in God Word. Sounds simple, but unfortunately many believers don't know God's will because they don't read it. Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4; 1 Corinthians 10:3; 2 Timothy 3:16
      3. Have a servant's heart. – Matthew 20:27-28; Mark 10:45; Luke 22:27
      4. Show the love of God to others in your sphere of influence including strangers. – Colossians 4:5; Hebrews 13:2
      5. Be aware of God's presence. – Psalm 16:11; Psalm 21:6; Psalm 36:7
      6. Do not be conformed to the world around you. – Romans 12:2

      With all of the above being said, there's plenty of opportunity for all us to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ, as we navigate this tumultuous season.

      Be Encouraged!
      Stephanie

      Which Way Are You Headed?

      There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. - 
Proverbs 14:12, 16:25

      You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.” ~ Friedrich Nietzsche

      Knowing which way you're headed is important. It’s true that as humans we do have our own way. We have our own way of doing things.  We have our own way of speaking and definitely, as individuals, have our own way of thinking.  If we didn’t we would be somewhat robotic beings.  But God in His infinite wisdom created us to be unique and creative. 

      However, He didn’t create us to go and think our own way apart from Him. The writer of Proverbs was correct in saying: “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.”

      What a sad conclusion by the philosopher Nietzsche.  Sadder yet, is the fact that there are millions of people who have the same mindset when it comes to faith in Christ. 

      Whether people choose to believe it or not, the truth is Jesus died for all of our sins, so that we wouldn't face an eternal death.

      Personally, I'm grateful that Jesus made Himself crystal clear that there is ONLY ONE WAY and indeed it is the RIGHT WAY!

      How about you? Which way are you headed?

      Be Encouraged!
      Stephanie

      Prayer: Father, help me to not lean to my own understanding and go my own way, but Your way in everything I do. In Jesus name! Amen!

      Can You Handle The Truth?

      Do you remember the iconic line from A Few Good Men, by Jack Nicholson, “You can't handle the truth”? Well, if we're honest, with ourselves as humans, we can't.

      Actually, it's not so much a question can we handle the truth?… it's more a matter of,

      we just don't want the truth.

      One of the most controversial statements surrounding Christianity is what Jesus told His disciples about Himself in John 14:6.

      Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. -

      This statement still ruffles the feathers of people from all walks of life regardless of race, creed or political party. Even within “Christian” circles, there are some that don't completely hold to this tenet.

      I came across a quote by the German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche on truth:

      Sometimes people don't want to hear the truth because they don't want their illusions destroyed. ~ Friedrich Nietzsche

      https://www.azquotes.com/quote/347280

      We live in a society that is allergic to truth when it comes to God and Scripture.

      Although Nietzsche rejected Christianity, his statement ironically holds some truth in it. I say this because, most people don't want to hear the truth about anything they don't agree with. We live in a society that is allergic to truth when it comes to God and Scripture.

      This is played out on a larger scale in when it comes to the conflict with marriage and family being between a man and woman. Or as it relates to the rights of the unborn.

      In essence, our society has thrown out the baby with the bath regarding moral and absolute truth and exchanged it for a lie.

      Paul hit the nail on the head about people not wanting to hear TRUTH in speaking to the church in Rome in the Book of Romans Chapter 1. Here are a couple of his observations:

      18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness

21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen

      One thing is for certain, if a person's faith is in the finished work of Christ, and what He did for all humanity on the Cross, and that's an illusion, then we are of all people most to be pitied.

      What about you? Can You Handle The Truth? Do you want the truth found in this world, or the Truth found in the Word by The Word.

      In the end it will be the only Truth that matters.

      Be Encouraged!
      Stephanie

      Jesus Dropped The Charges

      For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23

      “Jesus dropped the charges”. These words were spoken to me by a young man I met during a homeless outreach. How true this statement is for those who place their trust in Christ.

      News reports constantly show people charged with all types of crimes.

      It's also true that some people are charged unjustly, who are innocent. But there is one crime that all of humanity is guilty of.

      SIN.

      However, the good news is that we all have at our disposal the best lawyer! JESUS, THE CHRIST, who indeed has dropped all the charges! As a result, we can now have a clean slate.

      Think about it, if your faith is in Christ Jesus alone, all your sins/crimes are forgiven…forever.

      The charges against you, have been dropped in your favor.

      I've highlighted below, a few charges and accusations that have been dropped in our favor. Included in this list are what we get in exchange. By no means is this a complete list.

      On the contrary, numerous examples are given throughout Scripture pointing to the benefits of being in Christ.

      Here are a few:

      1. You become re-born. John 3:3
      2. You are now a new creation. – 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15
      3. God Himself will make things new for you. – Revelation 21:5
      4. No one can condemn you. – Romans 8:1
      5. No weapon formed against you will prosper. – Isaiah 54:17
      6. Things that happen in your life will work together for good, not evil. – Romans 8:28; Genesis 50:20
      7. You now have everything you need pertaining to your life. 2 Peter 1:3-4

      So, if you haven't decided to have Jesus as your advocate, now would be a good time.

      Be Encouraged!
      Stephanie

      Prayer: Father, I know I need to be born again by Your Spirit. By faith, I receive what Your Son, Jesus did for me on the Cross for my sins. I turn away from my way of doing things, and place my trust in You. Thank you for dropping the charges of my sins and giving me a clean slate, in Jesus name! Amen!

      We Are All Ministers and Servants

      1 Corinthians 4:1 - Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

      I became ordained two years ago as a minister at our church. Although unexpected, I was uncomfortable with it until I researched the definition of a minister. Once I saw that it meant “servant” I was immediately able to connect with that. And, when you think about it, we are all ministers and servants.

      It's not about a title.

      You don't have to be ordained to be a “servant” of God. We all are “ministers” to an extent, because whatever we do, we're to do as unto God, not man. It's not about a title.

      The Apostle Paul understood this very well in speaking to the Church at Corinth because they were quarreling over who they preferred more. Him or another preacher, Apollos.

      1 Corinthians 3:5-8 – 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

      As we can see in this passage, it’s not about a title or following a person. Paul asked them directly who is Apollos? Who is Paul? And the answer Paul gave is clear:

      We are God’s servants/ministers.

      Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. - 1 Corinthians 4:1

      We have an opportunity to serve and minister to others in our sphere of influence.

      Of course those who have a specific title in the Church as Pastor, deacon, or minister, will be held to a higher standard. Jesus said that “to whom much is given, much is required”.

      And, the Lord's brother, James makes it clear that those of who teach will be held to a higher standard.

      Regardless of a persons position the goal should always be the same.

      To Serve.

      Jesus is an excellent example of this. Look at what He said about Himself in Matthew 20:28:

      The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

      For a believer in Christ, it takes consistency, obedience and faithfulness to finish this race called faith!

      So my friends, know that you do have a position in the Body of Christ – You are a minister and you are a servant.

      Be encouraged!

      You Lose What You Keep

      For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. - Luke 9:24

      You lose what you keep, when you try to hold on to something or someone. I'm reminded of this since my daughter just turned 16 last Sunday. Moms especially, are painfully aware with each passing year their child grows up how hard it is to let go.

      Hold things loosely

      Many of us are holding on to people, relationships, situations that God wants us to release. Sometimes, God will help us release those things that we try to hold onto so tightly. The late Christian writer and Holocaust survivor Corrie ten Boom said it best:

      “I have learned to hold all things loosely, so God will not have to pry them out of my hands.”

      Corrie ten Boom

      Our lives in Christ, work just the opposite… Jesus emphatically states to His disciples about what it means to follow Him in Luke 9:24,

      For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.

      And again Jesus informs His disciples and us regarding the last days in Luke 17:33,

      Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.

      The Lord is telling us that when we try to hold onto anything of this life which are decaying and passing away, we'll forfeit and lose them.

      The Kingdom of God operates differently than our worldly kingdom ideals. A deficit or a loss of one thing in God's economics will bring about an increase in other things.

      Proverbs 11:24 (NIV) proves this point.

      One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

      The same holds true for our finances. Paul reminded the believers in Corinth about their promise to give to another church that was in need.

      But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. - 2 Corinthians 9:6

      In any relationship there's a give and take. Christ gave up EVERYTHING… for us.

      It is never a loss when we choose to follow Christ. Through Him we will discover more of ourselves. We will discover more of who we are and more of who He has called us to be.

      As a result, we will have everything to gain, and nothing to lose!

      Be Encouraged!
      Stephanie

      Throwing Out the Baby with the Bath

      In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. - Judges 21:25

      I've been wanting to write this post for quite some time now. As a civilized society, I believe, we've come to the point of throwing out the baby with the bath.

      What is happening in America and abroad is playing out like the book of Judges. On any given day, we're seeing scenes of urban violence, protest, and economic upheaval to name a few, play out on our television.

      Everyone is doing what is right in his own eyes.

      When you read the book of Judges that very sentiment is a recurring theme throughout. Even some within the church, seem to have adopted this mentality.

      We've compromised God's Word, to appease the masses, when it comes to many issues. I've already mentioned in several posts how the Church has taken its cues from the world. And with that have in essence called good evil, and evil good.

      God is never the author of confusion, but that's exactly what we're in right now a ball of confusion!

      I'm not advocating that it's wrong for people to express their anger in the form of protesting. But when we begin to sacrifice the freedoms of a few for the masses there's a problem.

      “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. Isaiah 1:18

      Case in point, the quote below is from the Riverdale actor, Cole Sprouse in response to his arrest during a George Floyd protest back in June:

      Black Lives Matter. Peace, riots, looting, are an absolutely legitimate form of protest.

      When did the words peace, riots, and looting ever become soul mates? Again, the Lord does not operate in confusion.

      Now is the time for us to come together with reason.

      Morally speaking, we have thrown out the baby with the bathwater. Taking the property of someone else out of societal anger is not legitimate, nor justifiable. Defunding entire police departments because of a few bad apples is not the answer either.

      All of it leads to us doing what is right in our eyes. It didn't work for the children of Israel and it doesn't work for us today.

      Now is the time for us to come together with reason. For us to come together with the wisdom that comes from God and His Word. This is a wonderful time for the Church to be the Church and represent the truth of God and pray for others to do as God says in Isaiah:

      “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. Isaiah 1:18

      Be Encouraged!
      Stephanie

      Living Our Lives On Purpose

      And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3:17

      Hearing the disheartening news of the sudden passing of the gifted actor Chadwick Boseman, made me think about living our lives on purpose.

      It’s impossible for someone to be in Christ and not be fruitful.

      He was a very talented young man and gave not only so much to his acting craft but also to others in need. He was intentional about how he lived. It’s a page we should all read from.

      Followers of Christ have a mandate from God to be intentional about what we do for Him and for His glory.

      You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. John 15:16

      It’s impossible for someone to be in Christ and not be fruitful. But how can we be fruitful and live our life on purpose?

      How to be fruitful and Live your life on purpose for God:

      1. Acknowledge the Lord in what you do every day. This can be as simple as talking to your Heavenly Father in prayer throughout the day – Proverbs 3:5-6; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 2 Timothy 1:3; Romans 1:9

      2. Be intentional. This is easier said than done. Many of us lead busy lives, pulled in different directions. But if we set our minds with an attitude of doing anything as unto the Lord, it will help us to be intentional. Colossians 3:23

      3. Just say no. Busy doesn’t mean fruitful. Sometimes to be fruitful you have to prune away stuff that isn’t growing.

      He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.  -
 John 15:2 NIV

      When we begin living our lives on purpose for God, the outcome will be productive. The fruit we produce in the task given to us by the Lord will be fruit that remains in Him.

      Be Encouraged!
      Stephanie

      Are We On A Collision Course?

      And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. - 
Romans 8:28

      Are we on a collision course? If we go by this year, then the answer is YES! 2020 has shown itself to be a doozy of a year. Look at what we've seen just in six months:

      Civil and racial unrest, a pandemic, wildfires, bizarre weather patterns, and lest we forget our controversial upcoming elections.

      Likewise, the tension between our nation and almost every other nation in the world! Things are reading as Jesus described in Matthew 24:8: this is the beginning of the birth pains.

      No matter where you may be in your faith or political spectrum, one thing is clear, our world is on a collision course of biblical proportions. It’s a matter of convergence, where the natural realm meets the spiritual realm.

      I mentioned in my last post, It's Later Than We Think that time is moving quickly even during a pandemic. We’re seeing catastrophic events happening one right after the other.

      And, there is no denying God’s hand is being revealed in these dark times to His sons and daughters.

      Unfortunately, many followers of Christ seem oblivious to this.

      Never doubt that Christ has complete jurisdiction over events that transpire.

      There are some who don’t see the “writing on the wall” as it relates to world events. God’s sovereignty, however, in the chaos of this world and in our personal lives, still remains. Here are just a few examples from Scripture of the Lord's sovereignty in operation:

      Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure. - Isaiah 46:10
      “All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,
But He does according to His will in the host of heaven
And among the inhabitants of earth;
And no one can ward off His hand
Or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’ - Daniel 4:35

      And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. – Daniel 7:14

      And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. – Daniel 7:27

      Then after Christ has destroyed all powers and forces, the end will come, and he will give the kingdom to God the Father. 1 Corinthians 15:24 CEV

      Never doubt that Christ has complete jurisdiction over events that transpire. There is nothing hidden from His sight. If you need more proof, look at what Paul said to the church at Corinth:

      1 Corinthians 15:27
      For “God has put everything under His feet.”

      As followers of Christ who profess to “believe”, it’s time to take God at His Word.

      I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it’s imperative we not drink the water or “Kool-aid” of the world.

      In this dark season, we need the Spirit of God to lead us. I recall the late
      R. C. Sproul made a statement regarding our profession of faith in God:
      “It is one thing to believe in God; it is quite another to believe God.”

      Let’s allow the Lord to strengthen our faith by:

      1. Believing Him realizing that He who promised is able to perform. Everything He declared He would do, He WILL do. Christ’s death on the Cross is evidence of that.

      2. Taking God at His Word when He says, “ALL things work together for GOOD to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

      Yes, the world is on a collision course. But, here's the good news, we serve a God who will set that course back on the right track.

      The Lord Himself will make every crooked path straight and every rough place smooth as His Kingdom draws near.

      Be Encouraged!
      Stephanie

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        What is God Saying About You?

        Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. -  Proverbs 18:4-7

        How do you respond when life throws you lemons? Most likely you’re not saying I’ll go make some lemonade out of this. We, as mothers, wives, etc.., have a tendency to be very critical of ourselves and each other. OUCH!

        The thing that really matters however is…

        What is God saying about you?

        The good news is, He says a lot, and it’s ALL good stuff!

        Obviously, there is a lot of negative noise from social media channels. The negative, destructive comments tossed around the internet can be prevalent amongst followers of Christ just as much as anyone else.

        The Scriptures speak volumes about our words and their effect. Here are just a few examples:

        Matthew 12:37
        For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.

        Proverbs 10:19
        When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.

        Proverbs 12:13
        An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble.

        Proverbs 13:3
        He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.

        Proverbs 21:23
        He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.

        Of course we can’t forget this one:

        Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. – Proverbs 18:4-7

        The point I’m making is that what we speak about ourselves and what others speak over us… matters.

        One of the ways you can avoid saying the wrong thing about yourself is to say what God says about you.

        5 Things God is Saying About You

        1. I know the plans I have for you. – Jeremiah 29:11
        2. I am for you, not against you – Romans 8:31
        3. You are mine. – Isaiah 43:1
        4. I will never leave you. – Joshua 1:5; Deuteronomy 31:8; Hebrews 13:5;
        5. I love you with an everlasting love. – Jeremiah 31:3

        So the next time, you get the urge to say something negative about yourself or someone says something negative about you… SAY WHAT GOD says.

        To help you do that, be sure to grab your “Words of Affirmation Notecards” below that will remind you daily to say the right thing and to…

        Be Encouraged!
        Stephanie

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          A Remnant may not be a lot, but it’s Enough!

          Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. - Romans 11:5

          We recently had a new floor installed in our home and there was a remnant of flooring left over.  It wasn’t much but would come in handy if a floorboard needed to be replaced.  While in prayer the Lord brought to my mind about the remnant He’s set aside.  A remnant may not be a lot, but it’s enough for God’s purpose.

          It’s not a popular message but for decades the Body of Christ has been going down a slippery slope

          There is so much chaos, unrest, and downright wickedness in our world that it’s affecting the Church.  It’s not a popular message but for decades the Body of Christ has been going down a slippery slope of complacency and compromise.

          We’ve compromised so much on family values as it relates to marriage, gender identity, etc.. We’ve become complacent in moral values as it relates to the aborting of babies in the womb, and young children being trafficked for nefarious purposes. The church, in essence, has done the exact opposite of what Paul admonishes us to do in Romans 12:2: 

          And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

          We’ve reached a point where many believers have not only conformed to the world's system but are helping to proliferate worldly ideology into the church.  However, it’s not all doom and gloom for the Body of Christ.  God is faithful, and He’s reserved a remnant that has not bowed their knees to Baal. 

          The word remnant is used throughout Scripture to identify those whom God has set aside as His servants who will accomplish His will on the earth.  There are numerous examples throughout Scripture of God setting aside a group of people for His purpose. These purposes or goals are revealed in the following examples:

          9 Purposes of God's Remnant

          1. Judgment – Joshua 23:12 – God has always been faithful to His people then and now. This chapter shows Joshua warning the Israelites to continue in God's Word and His ways or they will suffer the consequences.
            The same holds true for us today. The further our society and the church especially, go down the slippery slope of calling evil good and good evil, we're setting ourselves up for the Lord's judgment.
          2. Prayer – 2 Kings 19:4 – This is a prime opportunity for us as believers to pray on behalf of the remnant that will be used by God. I especially think of our young people who have been turned around in confusion with the events in the world. We need to pray fervently for them to receive God's grace and mercy.
          3. Favor – Ezra 9:8 – God will never put on us more than we can handle and will extend His grace and mercy to us. His favor even in the midst of struggle will sustain us.
          4. Prevent Discouragement – Isaiah 1:9 –
            Again, God is not one to give us more than we can bear nor is He slack in His promises. The remnant that God is reserving is evidence that's He's not forsaken us.
          5. Return of Wayward/Backslider – Isaiah 10:20-21 –
            This verse is a wonderful reminder that God loves everyone and is always ready to extend His arm to those who may have veered off course. The Lord will never leave nor forsake them.
          6. Opportunity – Isaiah 11:11 – The Lord is not a respecter of persons. He will continue to reach out to people from the far reaches of the earth who have been reserved for His purpose and glory.
          7. Salvation/Deliverance – Joel 2:32 – The Lord doesn't wish for anyone to perish and this verse reminds us that He alone is the God of our salvation.
          8. Encouragement – 1 Kings 19:18 – The prophet Elijah had a bounty on his head from the wicked queen Jezebel after he slew her false prophets. He became fearful and depressed, so God had to remind him by way of encouragement that he's not the only one fighting against evil in the region.
            We too need this encouragement. Regardless of challenges, we may face if God is for us who can really be against us?
          9. Testimony – Revelation 12:17 – I love this verse because it seals the deal and puts the nail on the Enemy's coffin! The Lord is revealing to us as His Remnant and who will follow, will be a testimony for His glory. Nothing Satan slings at the Lord's righteous servants will overcome us!

          So as we can see there is plenty to rejoice and praise God for in His purposes for the Remnant. We need not be discouraged, but encouraged that as Paul said,

          Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

          And that remnant is enough!

          Be Encouraged!
          Stephanie

          Father, thank you for setting me aside as a part of Your Remnant. I thank you that You alone are the God of my salvation in and through Christ Jesus by Your Holy Spirit! Amen.

          The Favor of a Blessed City

          19 For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice... Genesis 18:19

          We're living in a time and season where some of our cities feel more like the fire and brimstone hailed down on Sodom and Gomorra. With protest and rioting, chaos has ensued and tempers are flared. Yet across the nation, there are righteous believers in Christ, praying fervently on behalf of those citizens. When this happens there is a favor for that city to be blessed.

          Our righteousness is reflected as we pray and intercede on behalf of others

          I know when we hear the word righteous and favor it can sound “preachy” and “religious”. However righteous or righteousness simply means being in “morally” good standing with God.

          Just like I mentioned in my previous post Power Belongs To God, righteousness belongs to God too. Apart from Jesus, no one is morally righteous or good. But as a believer, we're automatically made righteous through Jesus and have the favor of God.

          Our righteousness is reflected as we pray and intercede on behalf of others, as Abraham did for Sodom.

          22 Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord. 23 And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked? – Genesis 18:22

          Abraham knew that God was extremely displeased with what was happening in Sodom and Gomorra. Abraham was like many of us who are concerned for our families that live in areas impacted by the violence and anarchy we see on the news.

          Abraham's nephew Lot was smack dab in the middle of what God was about to destroy. Since Abraham was counted as righteous in God's eyes, He listened to Abraham when he approached Him…not once, not five times but nine times on behalf of the citizens of Sodom!

          We know that ultimately only Abraham's nephew Lot and his family were spared from God's judgment, but talk about persistence in prayer!

          God's favor on you is a blessing to others around you.

          There are many examples throughout scripture where God's favor on a man or woman of God spared a city or its inhabitants. Some examples include:

          • Noah – who because of his righteousness in the sight of God was spared along with his family from the worse storm in mankind's history. – Genesis 7:1
          • The city of Nineveh – is another such example of God using a righteous person, the prophet Jonah to speak to them about repentance and having heard the word of God from the prophet, turned and repented of their wickedness, and God spared that city. – Jonah 3:1-10
          • Rahab and her family- were saved from the fall of Jericho because of her obedience in hiding the spies Joshua sent. Joshua 2:1, 3; Joshua 6:17, 23, 25
          • Joseph – Egypt was unaffected by the severe food shortage that plagued surrounding countries because of God's hand and favor on Joseph who at the time was the prime minister of Egypt. – Genesis 41:53-55

          I bring up these examples because God's favor on you is a blessing to those around you. Never doubt that your prayers on behalf of others are to no avail. Our prayers matter to God and avail much (James 5:16).

          This is a remarkable time in history for the Church. This is an opportunity for believers in every city and state to shine their light in the darkness for Christ and His Kingdom.

          The Lord has placed you where you live for a purpose as His righteous representative. We have favor with God so that our cities, towns, and states can be blessed.

          Be Encouraged! 
          Stephanie

          Grief Is A Sign of Hope

          Lamentations 3:22-24
22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!”

          It’s hard to imagine that out of the dust of ashes from our pain and grief that hope could arise. Yet when I read Lamentations two months ago, that’s exactly what the Lord showed me. Grief is a sign of hope.

          The prophet Jeremiah was heartbroken and distraught over his people and the country because of the awful things he saw and the sins committed by those he kept speaking the Word of God to. He knew that because of Jerusalem’s disobedience, the anger of the Lord (Lamentations 2:1), was upon their nation.

          Jeremiah like us dealt with the heartache and pain of seeing individuals I’m sure he knew and cared for taken away. The book of Lamentations is literally a lament, a cry, and mourning by the prophet for his country and its citizens. We too mourn at the losses we may have endured.

          Yet even through losses experienced on a personal level with death or the chaos around the world, as Christ-followers, we have HOPE. We see in verses 22-23, this hope expressed.

          When the prophet recalls to his mind, it’s of the Lord’s mercies, we are not consumed, it’s because of God’s compassion. Not only does the Lord show His tenderness, but His mercy becomes new as well.

          What the Lord's mercies tell us

          This tells me a few things:

          1. God is fully aware we will go through some hard stuff in life. He’s unfazed by our own doubts of faith in Him. (Psalm 103:14; 2 Timothy 2:13)
          2. We will still be able to recall the goodness of God despite our tragedy. v. 21
          3. Our grief and pain won’t overtake us v. 22
          4. God’s mercy and kindness towards us will remain. v. 22
          5. His faithfulness to us despite our painful circumstances is unending. v. 23
          6. We can continue to have hope in the Lord. v. 24

          Grief became a sign of hope to Mary and Martha in John 11:1-3. Their brother Lazarus became very ill and eventually passed away. Lazarus was near death, but they knew that if Jesus came to see him, he would be healed. However, that’s not quite what Jesus had in mind.

          It’s not always easy to understand or accept when our prayers for a sick loved one go unanswered.

          A few years ago, I suddenly lost one of my best friend’s who was also a partner to me in the ministry. To this day, I sometimes wonder why God didn’t heal her. However, I took comfort then and now, knowing that the Lord wasn’t being indifferent to answering my prayers for my friend.

          Look at what Jesus told His disciples regarding Lazarus’s illness:

          4 When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

          After Lazarus had died, Martha still had hope that the Lord could have changed her brother’s situation. (John 11:21-22):

          21 Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”

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            Martha continued to have hope despite her grief of losing her brother. You know the story. Jesus did miraculously heal Lazarus and raise him from the dead (John 11:25).

            What I think is more miraculous is the attitude of Martha’s heart. Her faith and hope in God didn’t waiver in her grief. She believed and knew if Jesus didn’t heal her brother on this side in the natural, she would see him again on the other side. (John 11:24).

            Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

            We may not see that kind of miracle healing for our loved one, but one thing we can know for certain is that we don’t have to grieve like people who are without hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13.

            We can declare with boldness to the enemy of our soul, “grief is a sign of hope”!:

            O death, where is thy sting?
            O grave, where is thy victory?

            Be encouraged!
            Stephanie

            PRAYER: Thank you Lord that even when I walk through the valley of death and grief, I won't be consumed. Thank you for your new mercies and compassion for me.
            In Jesus' mighty name!

            7 Great Reasons to Yield to the Holy Spirit

            This is Part 5 of the 7-Part Series on PRAYER: If You Don’t Pray, God Can’t Move

            I know when we hear the word “yield” we go on autopilot and think to submit. Yielding can be challenging. We are naturally prone to self-preservation.

            In essence, we gravitate to doing what we want, when and how we want. We don't want to do anything that will make us accountable to someone else.

            Yielding basically is giving someone the right of way

            Continuing the series on Prayer, the P.R.A.Y.E.R. acronym word this week as you may have guessed is “Yield”. Yielding basically is giving someone the right of way.

            We yield when we come to a sign at an intersection. We may not want to for whatever reason, but we know it's the right thing to do. Yielding at an intersection prevents us from going straight through into a collision.

            The same holds true with God. When we yield, it will prevent us from a collision course of making wrong decisions. There are several great benefits to doing this.

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              7 Great Reasons to Yield to the Holy Spirit

              1. Allows you to be fully used by God for His purpose. –
                Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
              2. He will teach you everything you need to know about Christ. – John 14:26 – But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
              3. He will give you the ability to say the right thing at the right time. – Mark 13:11- But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.
              4. As we yield, our prayers will be answered. –
                Deuteronomy 10:10 (TLB)- “As I said before, I stayed on the mountain before the Lord for forty days and nights the second time, just as I had the first, and the Lord again yielded to my pleas and didn’t destroy you.
              5. He will give you wisdom. – James 3:17 – But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 
              6. He will help you in your time of weakness. – Romans 8:26 – Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
              7. He lives within us. – Daniel 4:8 – But at last Daniel came before me (his name is Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god; in him is the Spirit of the Holy God); Isaiah 63:11 – Then he remembered the days of old, Moses and his people, saying: “Where is He who brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of His flock? Where is He who put His Holy Spirit within them…

              We see that the benefits of submitting to the Holy Spirit far are outweigh anything else. He always has our best interests at heart.

              Be Encouraged
              Stephanie

              How To Pray Precision Prayers

              This is Part 4 of the Series on PRAYER: If You Don’t Pray, God Can’t Move
              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.

              The Word of God operates with surgical precision.

              Do you remember getting into trouble with your mom, who seemed to have a sixth sense when you were up to something? I think most mothers have a built-in alarm system for their kids that alerts them to mischief. Mothers pinpoint with accuracy the look on a child’s face when something is amiss. The Word of God operates similarly, but with the surgical precision of a scalpel. It cuts through and pierces the core of our being. To put it simply, the Word of God is Accurate.

              This week’s acronym word for prayer is ACCURATE. The precise accuracy of Scriptures is the reason our prayers can be effective. The writer of Hebrews understood this. He pointed out that the Word of God is first alive. When you pray the Scriptures, you’re praying a living breathing Word that has the power to change your situation around for the better.

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                As I mentioned in my previous post on “Prayer“, prayer is our way of communicating with the Lord. We communicate with God best when we pray His Word back to him. Praying God’s Word ensures you’re not praying boomerang prayers that bounce like a ball.

                We can have confidence in praying because our prayers are being answered by the One who has all POWER. When we pray it binds the accurate Word of God to the omnipotent God to yield powerful results. There are 3 results that come from Praying the Scriptures:

                3 Results from Praying Scriptures

                1. Pray with Confidence – The Apostle John said it best in 1 John 5:14 – when we pray, this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
                  We can pray with assurance that God is listening to us and He will answer our prayer. (2 Corinthians 1:20)
                2. Pray with Boldness – Hebrews 4:16 – Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
                  Since the scriptures are so accurate, we can come boldly to the altar of our Heavenly Father and find mercy and grace in our time of need.
                3. Pray with Authority – Jesus has all power and authority – Matthew 28:18 -And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” He transferred that authority to His disciples. (Luke 9:1; 10:19)
                  Throughout the Bible we see men and women of God using their authority to dismantle the enemy and to heal and help others through the power of God. We too have this authority to use in our prayer life. As we pray God’s Word, it is using our authority.

                So as you go into your secret place go with the full assurance that you can pray with precision. As always,

                Be Encouraged!
                Stephanie

                Prayer: Lord, thank you for Your living, powerful and accurate Word that can pierce my heart and change my circumstances. In Jesus name! Amen.

                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.

                  CHANGE YOUR PRAYER LIFE!

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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

                    CHANGE YOUR PRAYER LIFE!

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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

                      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

                      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

                      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

                      What Can We Takeaway from the Movie Black Panther?

                      Besides the action, adventure, and obvious diversity of this dynamic and much-applauded film, the movie Black Panther offered some very good spiritual insights and comparisons to the Church that I think Christians can glean and learn from.  (WARNING: SPOILER ALERT)

                      So disheartening to wake up hearing the news on the passing of Chadwick Boseman. As a tribute, I'm reposting this article from 2018.

                      As we are in the season where Hollywood celebrates itself with award show after award show, and with a lot of Oscar buzz surrounding the Black Panther film, it seemed appropriate to look at the film from a different angle.  So, I'm just going to give a few highlights of what I observed in the film that may be helpful in how we think about church or ministry.

                      One of the things that stood out to me, in particular, was the war scene between the Wakanda people who were for T’Challa (Black Panther) and the Wakanda people lead by “Killmonger” who were against T’challa.  The scene shows the chaotic and violent assembly of the Wakanda people who, before Killmonger asserted himself to the throne, were unified and loyal to their appointed heir and leader T’Challa.  

                      It truly reiterates Jesus’ point to the Pharisees who were accusing Him of doing miracles through the power of Satan that a kingdom divided against itself, cannot stand.

                      The same holds true for the church.  Too many times Christians of all denominations are infighting among themselves over petty issues and grievances.  In essence, majoring on the minors, and minoring on the majors. 

                      There is nothing good that ever comes from a church/ministry that isn’t unified. Psalm 133 is very clear that it is good and pleasant when brethren dwell together in unity, and when we do that’s when God commands His blessings over us.

                      Another point that I noted was that there was a betrayal on two fronts: first with the father of “Killmonger” who initially stole some of the precious “vibranium” of Wakanda, and then with T’Challa’s best friend, W’kabi going against him by siding with “Killmonger”.  

                      As close as he was to T’Challa, one would think he would have stood by his side to help him fight for the throne, but alas, that wasn't the case.

                      They become insulated and count their success based on their own standard of doing things.

                      Which brings me to my next point that there’s always someone who may not necessarily be on the same side or page as you in ministry.  No matter how long you may have worked with an individual there may come a time when you realize a person has betrayed you on some level.

                      It’s not necessarily in every church/ministry, but it is prevalent in most and I think this is indicative of the body of Christ because again we’re not unified in the Spirit as individually or corporately as the body of Christ-like we should be.  Jesus said it best in John 13:35 –

                      “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

                      When you isolate yourself from others for whatever the reason, it’s an opening for the enemy to come in.

                      It's also insightful to note how the Wakanda people’s overall goal was to encapsulate everything in their kingdom for their own use and edification and not go beyond the boundaries of their country.  In doing this, which many churches are guilty of, They become insulated and count their success based on their own standard of doing things.

                      They feel they are thriving because they have everything they need within the ministry.  That’s a very dangerous position for any church or individual to be in because it isolates you.

                      When you isolate yourself from others for whatever the reason, it’s an opening for the enemy to come in. The Black Panther and the Wakanda people eventually came to realize there’s a way to share your blessings with others, without compromising your values.  Many of us in the church would do well to heed the same lesson.

                      Finally, what was a very sad moment in the film, was how in the end “Killmonger” preferred death over life.  

                      When the Black Panther offered him the opportunity to be healed, he equated continuing to live, to a life of bondage because it wouldn’t be on his terms.  That’s a very distorted viewpoint for one to have in life.

                      Killmonger was so consumed with rage and vengeance about the rejection and abandonment he experienced as a child that he couldn’t see past anything else.  

                      As believers, we may sometimes feel the same way because of circumstances beyond our control that we want to take matters into our own hands or just give up completely. But the Lord has made it clear that He, and only He, can justify the wrongs to make them right; vengeance belongs to Him…not us.  

                      When we take matters into our own hands, we’re in essence saying to God, “no I don’t trust that You can handle this”, or “I got this”.  

                      That is the very essence of pride. We need to remember as believers that everything we have and do, including breathing, is a direct result of God’s grace, and we can trust Him because unlike us,

                      He is faithful and God has an awesome and infallible track record!

                      Be Encouraged. ♥
                      – Stephanie