Category - hope

1 Tip: Loving as our Greatest Calling

February 14, 2023

Valentine’s Day was super hard for me. Isn’t it horrible when what America has deemed a dream, goes all wrong?

On what is supposed to be a day of chocolate, kisses and love, instead, I ruined it all. My husband told me I should rest; I got offended. Why? Because I was sure of my plan. I already had it all road-mapped out. I had determination in my eye and resolve in my footing. So, when he essentially said, “Chill out,” everything in me wanted to protest. Which I did do…by the way (not that I am proud of it).

Offense and defensiveness are easy, aren’t they? We feel so entitled to hold on to our anger, our reasoning and our way. People just don’t get it!

At the same time, the other side of me knew: to be in offense delivers me straight out of abiding-connection with Jesus Christ and the empowering nature of the Holy Spirit.

“Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.” (Romans 8:5-8 NLT)

Offense is actually hostile, not only to my husband, but directly to God. Not only that, but it hinders me from effectively being controlled and led by the Holy Spirit. I can’t love people as well. I don’t bring peace. I am not led by the Spirit into things of life and purpose. I am not controlled or directed by the Holy Spirit. I am unpleasing to God.

Have you been crippled by offense? Has someone thrown you off track? Might you consider forgiving them for the greater gain of God? For the increase of being led by Him? No one is perfect. We are not and neither are they.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34 NLT)

I have found out, the hard way, it is impossible to follow God when I am following my own emotions. I cannot successfully go forward by my own flesh, when only the Spirit leads to life. A mind of offense automatically supersedes the Mind of Christ.

The way of God is the only way.

Speaking of finding their way of God…there is good news! So many who attended the “What’s My Calling” Workshop, discovered their calling. Glory to God! They heard heard from God and got wisdom in walking in His ways.

If you wanted to attend — but did not sign up in time, it is not too late. You still may purchase the recorded version of “What’s My Calling?” by clicking here. I am confident you gain insight and clarity by attending.

Also, I got to thinking….maybe some of you already know your calling (to be a great mom, leader, businesswoman, non-profit leader). Maybe you just need encouragement not to give up and not to give in the enemy. I am putting together a “Encouragement to Love” support and prayer night. This will be a night of wisdom on how to fight the schemes of the enemy as we seek to love God and others. During this special night, experience encouragement in breakout groups and personalized prayer support. The cost is $25 which will help cover platform fees and will also be a personal blessing to me and my family. Even if you are still seeking God in your calling, this will be a great event for you! Find yourself surrounded by personal support and with sisters who love you.

Come join us!

I expect this to be a super encouraging night! We will hear mini-messages, breakout in support groups and receive personal prayer.

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Are You Unsure?

February 1, 2023

purposefulfaith

failure, faith, hope, Love & Health

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“Kelly, you need to take back your confidence.”

The second the woman said this to me was the second I knew that she was onto something. I’d been hesitant, not moving forward into things the way I used to. I used to be known as “full-force Kelly,” but now? Now I was questioning things…delaying…procrastinating.

Should I really do this?
Is this what God wants me to do?
Am I really able to follow through and make something like this happen?

Where had my confidence gone?

Just like God had said to Joshua, the truth remains for us, “Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Jo. 1:9 AMPC)

God doesn’t change, so that must have meant that I changed. God doesn’t stop being with me, so that must mean I let go of holding hands with Him.

We will never get where we are going, if we’ve lost our going with God, and if we don’t recover it once again.

Have you lost direction? Do you feel unsure about what to do in specific situations? Do you want to more clearly know God’s will for your life, for situations, for decisions?

“Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].” (Ro. 12:2)

God wants us to know our way (or, better said, His way for our life). We have the ability to know what God wants us to do, what direction to head, what words to say, what path to take, what road to go down, what calling He has for us. We have the ability to prove the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Why? Because Romans 12:2 says we do!

This verse is a big deal! It is a game-changer for those who feel stuck, unsure and immovable. There is no impossible situation, just the appearance of what looks impossible. Renewed minds see how to cross over the great divide and to walk into God’s will. They find what is good, acceptable and perfect — to God. They walk confidently, again.

Did you know this is available to you? I’d love to walk down this path with you. I’d love to help you get your confidence back through the power of prayer and His Word.

I am gathering a handful of women to seek the Lord for His calling for our lives. Whether you are looking for direction about a situation or for the overall purpose for your life, I believe many will gain renewed clarity and understanding regarding God’s best paths in the big or the little details of life.

About the “What is My Calling” Workshop

During the “What is My Calling?” workshop, you will:
1. Discover the biblical power of living out your calling.
2. Gain understanding about God’s will for decisions or for your life.
3. Identify your calling or God’s direction in your life.
4. Solidify your calling and next steps or gain wisdom for hard life situations.
5. Propel forward through the power of prayer.
6. Find potential accountability partners to keep in touch with.
7. Collaborate and find support in a breakout group.

***Plus: A personal encouragement email from me! I will be praying to ask God to give me a unique verse and a prayer for each of you. I pray this blesses you immensely on your way!

"What is My Calling?" Workshop

Thursday, Feb 9, 2023 from 7:00 PM ET - 9:00 PM ET via zoom.

**recorded version available.

$54.00

The evening Zoom workshop cost is $54. This price covers costs, creates personal accountability to attend/steward the knowledge, and blesses me in the creation of future frameworks for ministry. There is no price that is too big in discovering God’s calling in one’s life. I pray that God give you all the resources to invest in your own life! Bless you!

Discover your calling. Or, help a friend who is lost, find their way again by giving this event or recording as a gift.

Register today (via the button below) for the “What is My Calling?” Workshop on February 9, 2023 from 7 PM ET to 9 PM ET.

**Subscribe for all Purposeful Faith blog posts by email – click here.

Ever Wondered, “What is My Calling?”

January 25, 2023

purposefulfaith

faith, hope, purpose

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For years, I wandered…I started, then stopped. I thought I should start a culinary business. I later thought I should be a real estate agent. I knew I was talented at speaking. I soon after decided I should be an entrepreneur. I was always thinking…

All this “thinking” got so bad that 9-years ago my husband confronted me — on my birthday, nonetheless!!!

Out, at what was supposed to be a romantic dinner, he turned to me and said, “Kelly, what are you going to do with your life? I don’t want you to waste it.”

I was furious. I didn’t know whether to flip the table over on him or to kiss him. Frankly, I was doing something with my life! I was a mom, which undoubtedly is one of the most super-powered, super-callings of the Lord. How dare he question me like this?!

On the other hand, I knew my husband was right — there was more that I hadn’t accessed (that I was afraid to access, that I was not confident enough to access, that I was unsure about accessing). I knew it. Under the cover of fear, I wanted God’s more.

Rather than slapping him, I received what he was communicating and began seeking the good God had for me.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Eph. 2:10 NLT)

The more I sought God, the more I knew He wanted me to write. I started small and, through obedience, He added the increase. I started writing and then He opened speaking doors. I started connecting and he put me on radio and TV. But, if I hadn’t taken the time to seek the Lord? If I just kept doing what I had always been doing? I would be in the same place — doing the same thing — with no understanding of my calling…

Do you feel God nudging you to do something new? Do you feel like there is more that He is wanting for you? Does it feel hard to access? Hard to get going? Hard to move?

I get it, dear sister. This is why I have put together a “What is My Calling?” workshop.

I believe you can find your calling too. I believe that you can move beyond feelings of self-consciousness, self-doubt, confusion, and fear. If He did it with me, He can and will do it with you!

Jesus gives rise to people stuck on a mat. Just like He told the paralytic man, He speaks to us similarly, ““Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” (Jo. 5:8 NIV)

Today is the day to get up and get going! I believe God will give you clarity of vision and calling!

How can I say this? I have seen God release specific calling to many through a time of discovery together. Every time, I am astonished when people get clarity on what the Lord has called them to do.

I truly believe that every single woman who attends this workshop is going to find answers for what they are searching for.

About the “What is My Calling” Workshop

During the “What is My Calling?” workshop, you will:
1. Discover the biblical power of living out your calling.
2. Gain understanding about God’s will for your life.
3. Identify your calling.
4. Solidify your calling as you share what God is revealing.
5. Propel forward through the power of prayer.
6. Find potential accountability partners to keep in touch with.
7. Collaboration and support in a breakout group.

***Plus: A personal encouragement email from me! I will be praying to ask God to give me a unique verse and a prayer for each of you. I pray this blesses you immensely on your way!

"What is My Calling?" Workshop

Thursday, Feb 9, 2023 from 7:00 PM ET - 9:00 PM ET via zoom.

**recorded version available.

$54.00

The evening workshop cost is $54. This price covers costs, creates personal accountability to attend/steward the knowledge, and blesses me in the creation of future frameworks for ministry. There is no price that is too big in discovering God’s calling in one’s life. I pray that God give you all the resources to invest in your own life! Bless you!

Go about discovering your calling.

Register today (via the button below) for the “What is My Calling?” Workshop on February 9, 2023 from 7 PM ET to 9 PM ET.

Please note: there will be a follow up workshop, “Walking Out My Calling” to equip you in the next steps in living this out. Stay tuned for that, too.

Prayer: God, you have been so faithful with me. You have been so patient with me. I want to discern your perfect will for my life and live it out. Empower me. Equip me. Endow me with all the strength, wisdom and vision I need to see this through. I cannot do it apart from you, nor do I want to. I trust you. Please meet me on this workshop, at home or in my day and reveal to me the fullness of your will for my life. IN Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Get Out of That Old Pit

January 6, 2023

purposefulfaith

Contentment, failure, faith, hope

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Did you experience a pit in 2022?

Last year, I didn’t accomplish as much as I wanted.
Last year, I didn’t share on social media as much as I hoped.
Last year, I didn’t make as many new friends as I should have.
Last year, I didn’t believe in myself as much as God did.
Last year, I’m not sure I trusted that God had good things for me.

What pit did you find yourself in 2022?

I don’t ask so we can have a joint pity-party from the depths of our dark pits. I ask because healing is available to us, right here and right now.

The light of Christ works and is ready to illuminate whole new paths, outlooks, and escape doors to us, right now. What is revealed, gets healed by the light of Christ.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (Jo. 1:5)

“The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Ro. 13:12)

“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” (1 Jo. 1:5)

God’s light has complete power to remove all bits of darkness residing in us, so much so that we can walk out of old things, wearing a super-powered armor of God’s light. How did this work for me and my situation?

First, in the solitude of my quiet time with God, I brought my ugly pit of 2022 to Jesus. I closed my eyes and confessed it to him. I felt the shame and the sorrow. I didn’t hate myself. I acknowledged it for what it was before Him, without hiding. I cried.

Then, I saw it in my mind…the actual pit. I could imagine what that thing looked like. The deepness. The sadness. The self-discouragement.

But, do you know what else I noticed? The pit had stairs right out of it. There was no sewer cap over it.

Because of the saving-work of Jesus on the cross, all dark pits have no cover over them. They also have stairs out. For each one of us, Jesus offers us a free escape route right up and out of old decrepit pits. His light reveals this truth.

“…He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Cor. 10:13)

There is always a way up and out, thanks to Jesus. There is no pit unconquerable, no situation impossible, no person immovable, no year unredeemable, thanks to the light and the saving work of Christ Jesus.

Every pit has an open roof and stairs up and out. “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” (Mt. 19:26) Don’t believe that you are stuck there for 2023.

With God, everything is possible. Your marriage is still possible. Your mental health is still possible. Your children coming to Jesus is still possible. If God is still believing it is possible, don’t disagree with Him. Agree with God.

Prayer: Father God, give me the power and the ability to believe your truth as my truth this 2023. I take your way of escape and receive it now, for my unique situation. I am not sitting in a pit any longer; I am climbing up and out. Thank you that receiving freedom is a whole lot easier than I’ve made it out to be, by the power of your grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Keep The Faith!

November 18, 2022

purposefulfaith

Adventures, faith, God, hope, Love & Health, peace

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I was headed up, up, up. My car climbed the towering, sky-high road up the bridge. On the
ascent, I could see it all, boats below, a beach lining the shore and cargo ships out the left side of my window . But, one thing I could not see? The other side of the bridge.

From my vantage point, it looked like the road just — ended. It looked like I’d get to the top of
the bridge and suddenly, fall over it, into deep waters. Ahhhh, I’m going to die! That’s how it
appeared as I drove…but at the same time, I knew that wouldn’t happen.

Why? Because, even though I couldn’t see, I believed the road continued. I trusted and I knew
there was another side. Even though it appeared to my natural eye that I was going to fall,
knowing kept me going.

Faith is the same way. It can 100% look like we are going to fall in life. We think, “There is no
way I am coming through this.” “This will never work out.” “Everything I see is telling me I am
bound to ruin.” We see the road that looks like our demise. The end.

Maybe you are there now? With your marriage? With your health? With finances? With how you
feel about yourself? With your future? Your children?

Friends, I can’t tell you, personally, how many times I’ve stared at a bridge to somewhere that
looked 100% broken. One that was bound to make me fall. There have been health scares like
Multiple Sclerosis and an unexpected lump, marriage turbulence and family divisions, along with
a host of other things. Every time, my natural vision told me — everything is all over!!!!

But, just like happened in the car, I knew better than to think this way. I understood, with God,
what looks like a coming-ending is usually a start of a new beginning. My life-roads would keep
going! I had a knowing in my going that God would be faithful and help me.

When we have a knowing in our going, we traverse the other side of bridges to nowhere. But,
how can we know, when we don’t know if we are going to make it?

When I get in an impossible situation, I look at the unchanging nature of my incredible God. The
more I choose to know Him, the more I know that I am going to be okay.

Let’s take a moment to know our God today. As these names fill your insides, they will give you
peace and hope.

Our Faithful God is:

EL, ELOAH [el, el-oh-ah] – God “mighty, strong, prominent”
EL SHADDAI [el-shah-dahy]: “God Almighty,” “The God of the Mountain”
ELOHIM [el-oh-heem] – God “Creator, Mighty and Strong”
YAHWEH-SHALOM [yah-way-shah-lohm]- “Our God is Peace”
ADONAI [ˌædɒˈnaɪ; ah-daw-nahy]: “Lord”, “Our Master”
YAHWEH-JIREH [yah-way-ji-reh]: “The Lord Will Provide”
YAHWEH-RAPHA [yah-way-raw-faw]: “The Lord Who Heals”
YAHWEH-NISSI [yah-way-nee-see]: “The Lord Our Banner”
YAHWEH-M’KADDESH [yah-way-meh-kad-esh]: “The Lord Who Sanctifies, Makes
Holy”
YAHWEH-TSIDKENU [yah-way-tzid-kay-noo]: “The Lord Our Righteousness”
YAHWEH-ROHI [yah-way-roh-hee]: “The Lord Our Shepherd”
YAHWEH-SHAMMAH [yah-way-sham-mahw]: “The Lord Is There” “The Lord My
Companion”
YAHWEH-SABAOTH [yah-way-sah-bah-ohth]: “The Lord of Hosts”
EL ELYON [el-el-yohn]: “Most High”
EL ROI [el-roh-ee]: “God of Seeing” (Genesis 16:13)
EL-OLAM [el-oh-lahm]: “Everlasting God”

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is
to come, the Almighty.” (Rev. 1:8)

Who God was, is who God is, and who God will be. When we know who God is — and
His unchanging nature — we know that our road does not end. It continues. We have a
Shepherd. We are seen. We are healed, be it here or in eternity. We are there with God.
We have a companion. We have a banner over us called love. We are under the care of
the Lord of all the angelic hosts. He will carry us through.

His name is enough to make things right. We get new power in our prayer, when we
know His name and drive up our broken road relying on His faithfulness.

Suddenly in our going, we know that we won’t be falling. We know we will make it to the
height of the horrible situation and we will — cross over. Why? Because God is faithful to
carry us through, even if some of the going has some pain or loss in it.

Friend, we will make it. God has us!

Prayer: Father, I want to know you more. Help me to think upon these names. Help me to remember who you are and to rely on you. Help me to get all my strength from you and to trust you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Thank you, David Jeremiah Ministries, for the name information.

Dust off Hurtful Words + Carry on!

October 18, 2022

purposefulfaith

awe, faith, grace, hope

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When I walk, I am not scared of bugs. I know I walk above them. When I walk though my front yard, I don’t consider what bugs may be underground; I just walk. I am not afraid, I go! I walk above problems. I walk over scary things. I move, anyway.

To be above what lurks, is a big deal. It means you walk fearlessly.
Do you realize that we sit above the mayhem of the world?

“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus…” (Eph. 2:6)

“Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.”

We are above what issues lurk below. We are above the world that demands constant attention. We are above powers and principalities of the unseen realm because we sit with Jesus.

Even more, we are “even above reproach”. Do you know what “reproach” means?

American Webster Dictionary defines “reproach” as : “To express disapproval of, criticism of, or disappointment in (someone).
Friend, you are above disapproval, criticism, or disappointment.

This is a big deal. It means that people can’t squash you with words. They can’t ruin you with bad actions. The old labels cannot stick any longer. You, my dear one, sit above that. You are over that, with Jesus.

All that cannot hold you back any longer!

Remember where you sit, my friend. Stay all your mind above all that — whether it happened yesterday or today! Give it no claim to yourself. Despise the shame, just like Jesus did (see Heb. 12:2)! You are “before Him in love”.

It means everything to be seated with Jesus! It’s a powerful position.

Prayer: I pray, today, I feel and experience the love of God. I pray that you open the eyes of my heart, Father God, to know the hope of my glorious inheritance and the riches in Christ Jesus. I pray that I gain understanding of where I sit and whom I am seated with. I pray that you give me power to live from that place. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Trusting When Life is Hard

October 7, 2022

purposefulfaith

faith, hope, Love & Health

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What do we do when we can’t seem to trust? When worry hits us in the gut?

I can’t say I have all the answers. There are some moments when the fear of what could be, or what isn’t, or what hasn’t — comes in like a flood. There are also moments where worst case scenarios have overtaken me.

God knows, I am not perfect and life is hard. Situations get hard. People get hard.

At the same time, these verses serve as an anchor on those hard sorts of days:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.

Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones.

Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the best part of everything you produce.
Then he will fill your barns with grain,
and your vats will overflow with good wine.” (Prov. 3:5-10)

They say to me:

You don’t have to know the way, Kelly. God does.

It’s not your wisdom that will save you anyway. It’s God’s wisdom.

When you fear God, there’s no room left to fear man.

When you are on your last leg, there — in that very needy place — God comes in with strength.

When you haven’t the faintest idea how you will make it — God makes wisdom come to you.

Sometimes life hits hard. But, when we lose it all, when it all crumbles, when we don’t know, when we can’t think — God doesn’t leave us empty handed. He is there. He is present. He is ready to help.

Do not lose hope, even if you have no idea, no wisdom or no understanding — even then, God will direct your path and give you wisdom.

Prayer: God, in you we do not fear, for your love, help, and grace are near. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Side Note: Friends, I will be speaking at the Prism conference near Fort Lauderdale, Florida next week. If you live in the area, I would love to meet you.

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Faith Beyond What’s Comfortable

September 29, 2022

purposefulfaith

faith, grace, hope

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I don’t like feeling in need. I like to have everything together. I like being the strong one. I like having the right word for the right person at the right time. I like giving. I like handling things well. I like knowing what my day holds. I like convenience. I like knowing what is happening.

Knowing things makes me feel good. Having a handle on life makes me feel comfortable.

But, is comfort what Jesus was after?

I bet many of the disciples didn’t feel comfortable when they left their fishing business behind to follow Jesus.

I bet Paul felt anything but comfortable when he fell off that horse and went blind for three days.

I bet Jesus didn’t feel comfortable when He walked down Calvary Road with a cross.

There are times where the Lord permits a shaking up of our proverbial snow globes in life — to loose us from comfort zones. The Lord, in His All-Knowingness, uses discomfort and awkwardness to provoke great need for Him. Here, rather than relying on our way, our sufficiency, our greatness and our known — we run to rely on Him.

These uncomfortable times of awkwardness can be times of great acceleration if received with open hearts and hands. They can walk us into the greatest, most glorious adventures of life, if we take the risk — to go there with God.

But, not all are willing to go the uncomfortable distance. Not all say yes…to the call, to shedding weight for His great…

Jesus answered (the rich man), ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.” (Mt. 19:21-22)

The rich man did not follow Jesus because he was comfortable.

What a pity it is to deny Jesus, to keep comfort.

For “…to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Phil. 1:21) Dying to ourselves is not always comfortable, but it is always worth it. Jesus, as The Prince of Peace has peace for us, no matter how hard the bridge there looks. And, all His paths lead to life, for Jesus is Life (see Jo. 14:6). No matter how unorthodox it seems, when Jesus is in it we will find both life and peace when we walk through it with Him. He is true to His nature.

With all this, take courage, my friends, as you walk in these hard places. Gain hope! If Christ has overcome the world (Jo. 16:33), surely He can overcome what you face as you go with Him. He is faithful. Truly, I tell you: You “can do all things through Him who gives you strength.” (Phil. 4:13)

Reflect:
What discomfort may God be using to further holiness, endurance or perseverance in your life?

How might the shaking be making you more into the image of Christ?

How might God be calling you out and will you obey?

Prayer:

Father God, great is your faithfulness. You are so trustworthy. You are so good. You are so mighty. I thank You for Your Son, Jesus. He is worthy of all my life, all my devotion and all my obedience. I ask You for all the grace I need to follow Him. Whether it is to step out into a new calling, out of sin, or into a time of growth through circumstances, I ask for Your equipping and empowerment. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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When You Want To Fix Things

July 14, 2022

purposefulfaith

faith, grace, hope

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As a mom, it is so easy to keep a mental tally of what the family needs. My son needs new shin guards after practice today. My daughter needs the light turned off on the remote and not on the wall at the end of the night. My husband needs a good dinner.

I anticipate needs and I help.

How might you, like me, anticipate needs? How might you step in to help people when they are down? How might you do for others what they need help doing? How might you emotionally cover others when they are down? How might you step in to save people?

I have tended to think, some of me – added to what others need – makes for a good result. But lately, Christ has been reminding me, Jesus needs none of me, to release the goodness of all of Him.

I cannot help Jesus save me, or others. Only Jesus is Savior.

I cannot add to what He is doing. Only when I move my flesh out of His Way, will He move.

I am unwise to step in between a family member and what God is doing. I am unwise to fix and give advice. I am unwise to stop the process of growth that happens through struggle. This is often pride.

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

When I move into Savior position, I may not even realize that I have a savior-complex. When I get a savior-complex I fix what God alone can work out. When I let my emotions move me more than my trust in God’s ever-working saving power, I get confused, frustrated and upset at people who are trying to work things out with God.

Where are we stepping in when God may be calling us to step out – and pray? Where are we moving by a need to be wanted or valued more than by the Holy Spirit? And, how might we be halting the move of God wanting to move in the lives of those we love.

We are not saviors; there is only One Savior. Let’s turn to Him. He will take care of us. He is the Ultimate Defender and the Best Protector! He has all we need – and all they need too!

Prayer: Father, I confess today my own need for you. Sometimes, I get scared and want to take things into my own hands. I confess I can even use religious words or techniques to accomplish what you want to do. Help me to make room for you in my life and in the lives of those I love. Help me not to step in, to blurt out, or to move in, before you call me to. I trust you to save. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Can I Trust You?

May 27, 2022

purposefulfaith

envy, faith, hope

4 Comments

There are people I do not share my hard times with. Of course, I share these times with you all! I love opening up to you (plus, you all listen so well). Thank you for being amazing. Thank you for all the prayers you’ve prayed over the years. I pray for you too.

But, like I said, there are people I don’t share with. Why?

The people I don’t share hard stories and deep emotions with, tend to:
– turn the story back around to themselves, ignoring my heart issue.
– put down what I have shared, telling me, “That’s not a big deal.”
– immediately go to advice-giving.
– spread my story to other people.
– judge me when I am talking.
– not empathize or show any compassion.

Unfortunately, because I repeatedly give unsafe people the benefit of the doubt — I’ve gotten hurt, repeatedly. After a lot of hurt, one must learn. Wise people use discernment in what they share and with whom they share it with.

Have you been hurt by people’s responses too?

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” (Mt. 7:6)

I forgive people, for they know not what they do — and, usually, they are really trying their best. I take responsibility. I cannot continually go to a well that does not have living water flowing from it.

At the same time, it makes me think — how do I respond to people?
– Am I quick to listen and slow to speak?
– Do I reserve judgment?
– Do I stay calm and patient in the process of their sharing?

I can’t say it is always great (especially with my kids). I too, need help in the “truly-listening” department.

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” (Ja. 1:19)

A few words can make a huge impact. It is not the wisdom that I carry; it is the heart that God wants us to bring.

What if I were to listen from the heart? What if we were to be the safe people? How might God use us?

Prayer: God, help me! Help me to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Help me to ditch anger, for love. Father? I also forgive those who have dissed me when I was sharing. I let them off the hook. Give me wisdom in whom to share with and whom not to. I love you, always and forever. You are my King! You are Lord! You are my everything. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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