Category - grace

awe, event, faith, fear, grace, shame, suffering

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I didn’t know my friend and I were about to have this discussion; however, we’re known for having hard discussions. And, she’s going through a lot, and I am too. So, I suppose, her question made great sense.

She asked me, “Kelly, what do you make of attacks and suffering? I’m not sure of my theology about them.”

Are attacks and pain from God or the enemy? Are they something we wish away or gain victory over? Are these situations working for us or are they solely schemes set up against us? Do we have victory over them or do they win our heart over to God? Do we fight or submit to them?

I understood her question. As people, we want to make sense of things. We want our mind to understand. We want every ‘i’ dotted and every ‘t’ crossed when it comes to our theology so that we can stand on it without questions. We want order to what feels chaotic. We want to harness down suffering and trials because they are so wild and reckless. I get it.

I answered her with this: “We cannot put God in a box.”

When it comes to suffering — it is not either/or (Ex. Either, God is good or God is bad.)
When it comes to suffering — it is yes, and…

Yes, this light and momentary affliction is horribly hard and it is producing for us an eternal weight of glory.

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Cor. 4:17)

Yes, the devil attacks and we can be strong in God’s mighty power.

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Eph. 6:11)

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Eph. 6:10)

Yes, it looks bad and ruined and, yet, God is still working all things together for our good.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Yes, there are trials and we are becoming fortified with perseverance and character that produces great hope (a very important substance for mountain-moving faith).

“Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Ro. 5:3-4)

”Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1)

Yes, the devil has power over the world and Jesus is victorious.

“Satan, who is the god of this world…” (2 Cor. 4:4)

“No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” (Ro. 8:37)

Yes, we persist through the trial and God also opens doors through persistent prayers.

In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (Jo. 16:33)

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. (Mt. 7:7-8)

A preeminent and omnipotent God cannot – and should not – be boxed in.

We cannot say: “He either works like ___” or, “He works like ___.”

Frankly, as much as we can’t nail down all His ways, God has every right to work anyway He wants (see: Is. 55:8-9). Humility knows, with God all things and all miracles are possible. It also knows, with God, His grace is enough to give us the power to stand through any storm.

God is always faithful.

Yes, He is infinite, all-powerful, all-knowing and, always, He is working out His best plans for us. He is always able.

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Triumph in Christ May Look Different Than We Think

April 18, 2024

awe, blessings, faith, grace, hope, Jesus

“But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?”

And they said, “The Lord has need of him.” Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road.

Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, 38 saying:

“‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.”
But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”

(Lu. 19:33-40)

The title of this section of scripture in the bible is called: “The Triumphal Entry of Jesus”.

This is odd, right?

Triumph is Jesus riding in on a colt? Shouldn’t He be on a chariot or a throne?

Triumph is clothes laid on top of a colt as a saddle? Shouldn’t He have a saddle of gold?

Triumph is Jesus walking on clothes down a road? Shouldn’t He walk on a red carpet?

Triumph is being questioned by religious leaders? Shouldn’t they know His heart?

Friends, triumph in the kingdom of God looks nothing like the ways of the world.

Jesus is most triumphant when He is most triumphed in our heart!

“… the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying:

“ ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!””

This is triumph! Triumph first happens in our hearts and outlooks before it ever happens in our surroundings or circumstances.

The King of Kings is realized, before us! The Lord of Lords is honored, even in the laying of measly clothes on dirty ground! The Name of the Lord is adored, even as He rides in on measly low-level colt.

My friends, the triumph of God in our lives looks far different than the triumph the world demands and expects.

Don’t ever let that throw you off…. Don’t ever let the worlds ideas of triumph confuse you…

God doesn’t need you to donate large sums of money and to have your name on a plaque to be honored; He just needs your heart. God doesn’t need millions of dollars in order to do some huge worldwide thing; He just needs your small alabastar jar. God doesn’t need you to be a well-known speaker with a hundred-million followers; He just wants a willing vessel ready to talk to the one.

God doesn’t size you up based how many bible verses you have memorized; He loves your heart of adoration.

You can be triumphing, in Christ, and look horrible to everyone else.

You can be triumphing, in Christ, and have the worst clothes ever.

You can be triumphing, in Christ, and look like an idiot and a fool to those around you.

You can be triumphing, in Christ, and be as poor as dirt.

You can be triumphing, in Christ, and be completely misunderstood.

Do not judge triumph by the standards of the world or the standards of the world will yell at you like that Pharisee did. It’ll yell: “Hey, is that God really worthy of being followed?”

Oh, yes He is! Because the triumph of God is different than the ways of the world!

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us [a]diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Cor. 14-16, NKJV)

Prayer: Father God, I thank you for every single thing you are doing in my life. I thank you that you are my everything, my all-in-all, my Redeemer. I thank you that you are Faithful and True. I thank you that triumph in you looks different than the world. I thank you that you are reigning in all these things. I pray that people can see you in me. I pray that my life would be a living testimony to your goodness. I pray that all my actions, my words and intents would be like a fragrant aroma unto your throne. I thank you that triumph is being fully committed to you. I am committed and will never turn back. Thank you for that. Continue to give me strength to stand firm and to stand strong in you. IN Jesus’ name. Amen.

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The Power of Resurrection

April 1, 2024

Behind every dark cloud still remains — the sun.
Below the depths of the earth — are diamonds formed with pressure.
Blooming at the first gleam of day — are flowers springing open.

Beyond what is seen, God is working in the unseen. Behind darkness is the power of the light of day! It isn’t just coming; it is here!

Although the wait, on some days, is long and agonizing… Although it seems we live a thousand Holy Saturdays wondering if Sunday will come… Although there appears to be no light of hope beyond the dark clouds… Always remember: Good Friday gives way to Resurrection Sunday.

Could you imagine how the disciples felt on Holy Saturday? They may have thought, “Nothing is happening now. What is going on? And, what happened to the One we put all our trust in? We gave this man everything and now He is dead? What are we supposed to do with our lives?”

The situation appeared bleak. They may have felt out of control. Maybe they remembered how they deserted Jesus before His death.

“Then all his disciples deserted him and ran away.” (Mk. 14:50)

They messed up.

Likely, though, they thought little of the great purpose behind Holy Saturday and its tee-up power for Resurrection Sunday! The darkness of Saturday would give-way to glorious Sunday!

That’s what the Light of the World does…

There is no tomb that the light of Christ can’t touch.
There is no darkness that the Son is not behind.
There is no pressure of Earth that God is not working in.

Take hope! Christ has overcome the world; He has saved us for eternity; He has conquered sin and death; He has defeated all darkness; He has made a way where there is no way; He has makes all things new — including you!

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Jo. 16:33)

Prayer: Father, thank you for sending your Son. We are eternally grateful. We are honored to know, love, serve and to receive Jesus. We thank you that there is always hope. We thank you that there is always the light of day. We thank you for your Son. May we love Him more and more. May we know Him more and more. May we be like Him in all ways. In Jesus’ Name.

Friends, today is my birthday!!! I am an April fool! As a birthday gift, will you pray this prayer (Gal. 2:20) for me?

“Father, I pray that Kelly will be 100% “crucified with Christ (so that she) no longer live(s), but Christ lives in her (and from her). (I pray) the life (she) now lives in the body, (that she will) live by (complete) faith in the Son of God, who love(s) (her) and gave himself for (her).” With this, I pray that Kelly will, not by her power or might, but by the Spirit of God will be 100% completely given over. I pray that all she thinks, hears, does and says will be Jesus. I pray her every move will be submitted to the fullness of Jesus. I pray that she does the great works that Jesus did. And, I pray that her whole life, in every way, will be so overcome by Him that she overflows with Him in all things. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

P.S. *If you want to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, please reply to this email and let me know. I would like to encourage you and help you in receiving Him.

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What Makes All the Difference

February 22, 2024

“Shh…” is what my insides wanted to yell to the kids upstairs. The last thing I wanted was for them to mess up my friend’s husband’s Zoom call. He needed quiet.

So, we shuttled the kids downstairs.

Before long, the hour passed and the man — done with his video that was conducted one flight above the absolute ball the kids were having downstairs — said he was leaving the house.

Oh no. Did we wreck his call? Were we too loud?

“Bye,” my friend atold him as he headed out the door, adding something like, “I’m glad your Zoom call is done.”

He laughed an odd laugh.

And at this point, I was sure we’d ruined his call. Ugh. That they would never want to have us over again. That he was upset.

Looking at my friend, I asked, “Is he upset?”

“No, he is not upset at all. He just laughs about doing these calls at home.”

I was completely misguided in my interpretation of his laugh. But she understood him because she knew him.

Knowing someone makes all the difference in understanding them. It also gives context as to what the person is doing. Whereas I thought my friend’s husband was leaving because he was upset; he was fine. Without the intimacy of relationship, the moves another makes can be misinterpreted.

How often do we misinterpret God’s intent? How often do we figure God is out to harm us when He is really out to help us?

There is power in regularly praying this prayer over ourselves:

“. . . And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Eph. 3:17-19 NIV)

When we know God’s ways intimately, we better understand God’s heart. When we know God’s love, we understand how He is leading us into a fullness in this world, rather than destitute barrenness. When we know God cares, suddenly we don’t feel so alone.

Ask to know God more, because to know God deeply, is to trust Him all the more.

Let’s pray:
Father God, I pray that we, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and that we will know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Eph. 3:17-19 NIV) For you are Love. Help us to know you as love, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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When Communication Goes Wrong

December 13, 2023

awe, faith, grace, hope

My daughter said something that I couldn’t entirely make out from the front seat of the car. Still, I knew where she was going with this whole line of thinking. She’d talked like this 100 times, so I instinctively blurted out, “Don’t even think about doing that!”

Suddenly, there was silence. And more silence. I glanced in the rearview mirror to see what was going on. It was then, when I saw her destroyed face, that I knew I did something horribly wrong…

“Mom, did you even hear what I said?” she asked.

“Umm…” I muttered.

My heart sank. An assumption in my mind effectively trampled the goodness flowing out of her heart. She didn’t say something wrong; she was saying something good.

I’m horrible.

I’m learning that when assumption or presumption direct my conversation, it usually leads to contention. I have been guilty of this with my husband, too.

Especially, when I say things like:

You always…
You never…
I know he will…

Negative declarations over my husband, set me up to walk in presumption and assumption. Rather than giving my husband the benefit of the doubt and space to do a new thing, I put faith in an expected outcome, and offer him no space to try out a new thing. All this furthers offense and solidifies negative patterns.

We butt heads. Old cycles continue, on repeat. We both are on edge.

Ever been there? Maybe your husband does that to you. I know it hurts.

In the bible, the Pharisees were fast assumption-makers about Jesus when he cast out a demon.

“. . . they said . . . “it is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.” But Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” (Mt. 12:24-25)

To assume and presume is to fill the supernatural gap where God wants to move with our own naturally-minded nonsense. It’s like bridging a gap with icky gum, rather than allowing God to construct his bridge of solid rock, so we can effectively cross over into a new way of being and going.

Carnally-minded, non-grace giving words, tear down not only things of the Lord and passages to new ways of going, but also, our very own houses.

“A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.” (Prov. 14:1)

God shows us another way to breakthrough:
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Eph. 4:29)

What would it look like for you to extend grace before the recipient even deserves it? How might that change the face of your relationship?

If you want more wisdom, strength and practical help for your marriage, join the “Help My Marriage Workshop” this Thursday (tomorrow), December 14th live or via recording.

Gain strength for your marriage, as well as:
1. Practical strategies to believe God when everything looks dark and dim.
2. Breakthrough testimonies and stories to help you persevere.
3. Prayer strategy that defeats the devil’s schemes.
4. Ways to set up boundaries that safeguard your heart and your children.
5. Prayer and encouragement.

Prayer: Father, I repent of believing lies. Help me to see those around me through your eyes of love. Let me believe the best, instead of rashly thinking the worst. Give me grace to have hope in every relationship. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

5 Ways We Hinder our Prayers

December 8, 2023

Contentment, faith, grace, hope

Have you ever had a stopped-up shower? Ick! Or, even worse, have you ever had a stopped-up toilet? It is the absolute worst. The other day, my husband had to go out and buy a plunger because our toilet was about to explode with stuff you don’t want me to describe. The pipe was clogged, and — let me just tell you, to put it nicely, things needed to flow (somewhere else)!

Just as things could not flow where they needed to because they were hindered by toilet paper, did you know that our prayers can be hindered too? Stopped up? Thwarted?

When this happens, it can create a horrible stop-up in our life. The painful things that need to clear out, just don’t. What we want to be over and done with, sticks around. What stinks, stays.

Might your prayers be hindered or blocked?

There are 5 things that can block or stop our prayers. The 5 hindrances are:

1. We turn away from doing what is right and, instead, do what is evil, without confessing our sins.

If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. (Ps. 66:18)
*Iniquity means: wickedness or sin

If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. (Prov. 28:9)

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (1 Pet. 3:12)

2. We do not extend compassion and grace to others.

In the same way you married men should live considerately with [your wives], with an intelligent recognition [of the marriage relation], honoring the woman as [physically] the weaker, but [realizing that you] are joint heirs of the grace (God’s unmerited favor) of life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered … (1 Pet. 3:7)

While I know this verse is directed towards husbands, women are equally called to remember we are joint-heirs of grace and to extend that grace accordingly. To be angry and bitter, I believe, impacts a lot in our spiritual life.

3. We ask with selfish ambition or from soulish self-centered motives.

You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. (Ja. 4:3)
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. (1 Jo. 5:14)

4. We ask without confidence in Him and without faith that He will do what we asked Him to do.

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (Jo. 15:7)

And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” (Mt. 21:22)

“And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mk. 11:22-24)

5. We do not forgive others.

“And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” (Mk. 11:25)

What might be blocking you? Friends, the first place to start is repentance. Tell God, you are sorry. By doing this, you will find the flow is opened up once again. You will unblock the pipe. You will permit God to do what He so desires to do: help you!

Absolutely, the grace of God is enough to cover our mistakes, but if we willfully want to go our own way, God doesn’t pin us to the ground and force us to go His way. He is kind, patient and slow to anger.

In the past, I have thought the issue was God. I’d ask, “Where is He? Why hasn’t He shown up?”

Later, would come a day when I’d fall on my knees and realize the pride of me, kept me from the love of Him. I had inadvertently blocked His help. I had stopped His miraculous help!

If you are in this sort of place, where nothing is happening, may I encourage you? Turn towards your Father and clear out any hinderances. He loves you. He has good gifts for you. He wants to help you. He wants to give to you. Just as I want to give amazing Christmas gifts to my kids, He wants to give to you, too!

Unblock the flow!

Prayer: Father, give us clean hands and a pure heart. Show us if there is any wrong way within us. Forgive us for anything we may have done against you. Lead us to you — to the Good Shepherd, to our Defender and to our Provider. Hear our prayer and give us your peace. Hear the cry of our heart and answer us today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

P.S. The “Help My Marriage Workshop” is next Thursday, December 14. You can also access it by recording. Register here.

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Admitting What is Hard to Admit

August 15, 2023

Hey friends — I was on the 700 Club this week talking about Take Every Thought Captive! I hope the segment blesses you. Watch here.

BLOG POST:

I knew I was wrong. But, changing course and admitting wrongdoing, I knew, would hurt too much to do. Why? During the whole course of the discussion, I defended my position adamantly. I was so sure. I made myself out to be a saint with all the right answers…but now? Now that I was beginning to see the light of my error? Grr…

It’s embarrassing to feel caught and exposed. Like a wild animal caught in a cage, flashlight probing its eyes, all one can do is stand there, not sure of where to go. Like this animal, I paced around in my mind, considering what to do. Will this person still think good things about me? Will they berate me after I admit: I was wrong? Will my opinion still be valued going forward? Will I have to radically change — and, can I even make this change?

Sometimes, it’s easier to deny wrongdoing than to admit it. Sometimes, it is easier to keep pride than to give away ego. Sometimes, it is easier to maintain your sense of self than to die to the flesh.

I think Nicodemus, when talking to Jesus, may have understood these feelings.

“Now there was a certain man among the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler (a leader, an authority) among the Jews, Who came to Jesus at night and said to Him, Rabbi, we know and are certain that You have come from God [as] a Teacher; for no one can do these signs (these wonderworks, these miracles—and produce the proofs) that You do unless God is with him.” (John 3:1-2 AMPC, emphasis added)

Nicodemus said, “We know…you have come from God.”

This means, there was more than one Pharisee or religious leader who knew the truth about Jesus — but, they were not saying anything!

If the Pharisees “knew” why keep it a secret? Why not come out and say, “This man, Jesus, is from God?” Why not announce, “Only one from God can do the works this man does!?” Why not tell all, “Certainly, God is with this man”?

There is only one reason, much like the reason I had for not speaking up — pride.

Pride that thinks:
If we are wrong about this man, what will the people think about us?
If He is from God, what will we mattter anymore?
If all know that God is with Him, how will we have to change?
If He is more than us, what will happen to us?
Pride kept the Pharisees from fully receiving Jesus.

That’s what pride does. It keeps us from admitting, receiving and confessing truth, even when we blatantly know it is true. Pride makes us preserve our flesh rather than die to it. I wonder, how often has pride caused you to deny, rationalize or to hide away because you don’t want to get hurt?

Friends, I know pride. I know what it is to want to stay safe. I, probably like you, have been hurt in the past. Yet, I know this — when we are honest, we free ourselves. We free ourselves from shame, from fear, and from circular mental traps. Remember, it is only the truth that will set us free.
The Pharisees full-out denied Jesus out of pride. It is easy to point the finger at them, but how often do we do the same thing?

What truth, may you need to admit, in that hard moment, even though it feels like it may kill you?

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” (Jo. 3:30)

Prayer: Father, forgive me of my pride. Give me the power to decrease so that you may increase. Just as Jesus died to Himself, help me. Just as Jesus laid down defenses, help me. Just as Jesus humbled himself, may I do the same. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Your Outlook Makes All The Difference

May 24, 2023

faith, grace, hope, Love & Health

I sent a text message, then instantly deleted it.

My friend wrote, “Kelly, what do you need prayer for?”

My initial text answer was cliché, a rote response that seemed right. But, what was it that I really needed prayer for? I deleted what I wrote and paused. What do I really want? What do I really need? The more I thought, my mind traveled…

And, before I knew it, something caught my eye. I picked it up. All it was, was a piece of foil that someone in my family trashed on the table. But, when the light shined on it from the nearby window? What that foil looked like on the table was — a diamond.

Light changes everything.

In Ephesians, Paul prayed, “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.” (Eph. 1:18 NIV)

Light changes things. Light makes everything look different. Light gives us understanding. Light tells us who we are — and demystifies who we are not. Light brings hope — and confidence that God has a plan. Light illuminates our calling. God’s light on our life is more valuable than any diamond.

Light is the aha-moment! It may make us say, “Wow. Now, I know what I need to do!” Or, “Whoa, I didn’t think about it like that; now everything makes a lot of sense.” Or, “Oh, I misunderstood everything that person was saying and now we can restore loving connection.” Or, “Oh my goodness, I know God is wanting me to love in this way.” Or, “Wow, God I understand Your immensity and sovereignty now!”

Light lets us see all things in life, in right order.

Where do you need the eyes of your heart enlightened so you can regain hope and confidence?

God’s light lets us see where – and how – He intends for us to go. It reveals His truth and His way.

I texted my friend and essentially requested, “Please pray that God illuminates my heart with His light so I understand His calling and what He wants me to see, through Him.”

Light gives hope and illuminates God’s best paths. It refocuses our outlook. It reframes our future.

Let’s pray: Father, open the eyes of my heart. Open my eyes so I can see what you want me to see. Open my eyes so I can regain hope and confidence in you and through you. Show me what you know that I need to see. Reveal to me real understanding of who you are and who I am in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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As You Think, So You Are…

May 2, 2023