Category - Contentment

Finding true contentment

Grounds for Love

September 20, 2023

I could not get the coffee grounds in the trash! The way my husband tightly packed the grounds into the tight quarters of the machine made removing them impossible. Ugh.

I asked him to pack the coffee into the machine lighter, so it would all fall easier into the trash, but…we all know how it is…life gets busy, mornings get going and coffee is not a huge deal in the grand scheme of life. So, those grounds continually were packed super tight, making it an impossible annoyance to throw away on a daily basis.

Grr…

And, while coffee is most certainly a first-world problem, don’t we all know? It’s often the small things that create big annoyances that have power to topple many dominoes over in our day.

Ever been there? One thing sets you off to be annoyed, then you react to another, which makes something else happen — and you find yourself somewhere emotionally that you don’t want to be?

I needed wisdom on how to handle this. God’s wisdom.

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17)

The wisdom I got? I decided to empty out my grounds each time. So, instead of leaving my grounds in the coffee machine for him to empty, I emptied my grounds. And, guess what happened? I set a precedent. In turn, he emptied his grounds.

I didn’t have to say a word.
I didn’t have to nag.
I didn’t have to tell him what to do.
I didn’t have to get angry inside anymore.

I just set an example in love and he responded in same.

I am writing this post today, because I got the feeling that some of us are fighting battles in words, when God is calling us to show love through our deeds. Some are angry at others for what they are not doing, when God may be calling us to do something new. Many are fighting battles God did not call us to fight, when He wants to bring our justice. Others are using anger as a weapon, yet anger never leads one to righteousness (see: James 1:20). A group is waiting for them to change, while every day banging their head against the same wall.

Here, I ask: What is the Lord calling you to do? What is wisdom saying about how to handle this problem? What is understanding leading you to do through a sincere heart and love?

There may be another solution to your hard problem.

While this coffee story is so simple, it is emblematic of our greater issues that lay at hand. There is no greater testimony than a living one, one done through a heart of service and love.

“Love never fails.” (1 Cor. 13:8) Love is the highest wisdom and understanding we can ever have. Let’s use it and see it work.

What is love calling you to do?

Father God, I thank you that our highest calling is to love. Show us how to love and what it looks like in our hard problems. Lead us in your love. Empower us not to be offended, agitated or angry. Make us into living testimonies that shine your glory and grace far and wide. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Adventuring with God!

September 11, 2023

purposefulfaith

Contentment, faith, hope, Love & Health

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The boat turned off course. What was going on!? Two minutes ago, we were cruising down a clear water channel, one where I could see for what seemed to be miles. Now, out of nowhere, my boat was crashing into some reeds. Tall ones, I might add. We couldn’t even see beyond the boat’s bow.

Would we be okay? Would we hit land?

Ironically, I didn’t think either of those thoughts. What I thought was, “Wow! This is exhilarating!”

I loved…
the wind flying my hair a mile a minute…
the horsepower of the boat propelling us beyond ordinary…
the brute speed turning charted lands into uncharted ones.

Now I was getting somewhere! Now I was really living!

We were pioneering new lands! We were going where man had not gone before.

Something in me came alive. Why? I am not meant to live an ordinary life, but an extraordinary one, in Christ Jesus.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

What if I lived like I actually believed that? Believing every calling and purpose of God for my life was possible? That God really would give me every bit of providence, sustenance and horsepower I needed to do His will? That the beaten track, the boring, ordinary and commonplace, could be ditched, in order to move out on a thrill ride — His new course, as I follow Jesus, just like the disciples?

Is Jesus calling you? Is there a new attitude, new land, new friend, or new role that you feel nudged to move into? Is there more abundant giving, more adventurous international going or new ways of relating that He is beckoning you into?

Ditch the ordinary and find His extraordinary! Don’t let complacency or convenience connive you into boring living! There is nothing worse than living Groundhog Day on repeat; it makes a soul lose luster.

Friend, get going — in following Him.

Jesus is calling. You can do this. He will help you. All things are possible with God.

You don’t need to know the way — for HE DOES!

The thrill of the ride, the joy of your heart and the land of promise — is only found as you adventure with God. Grab His hand and walk with Jesus!

Prayer: Father, thank you that you are in control. As we let go, you take hold. As we cast our cares on the Lord, you handle them. Please give us bravery, boldness and strength to follow Jesus. Please give us your empowerment from Heaven to do all you have for us to do in this life. We want to obey and follow you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Overcoming The War in Our Mind

April 19, 2023

purposefulfaith

Contentment, faith, Holy Spirit, hope, peace

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Here I was talking to a group of people about taking thoughts captive, yet all I could hear in my mind as I spoke was:

No one can understand you, Kelly. You’re not even making any sense. They don’t know what in the world you are saying. You sound stupid. You are talking way too long!

You sound like, “Blah…Blah…Blah…”

I was speaking, but hearing a barrage of criticism in my head.

Ever been there?

Maybe you are around a group of women and you hear, “You are not enough. No one likes you.”

Maybe you are at work, talking in a meeting and you hear, “They all think your idea is stupid.”

Maybe you are parenting your kids and you hear, “Why bother teaching them? They don’t care about anything you teach them.”

Maybe you are taking care of a parent, and you hear, “All your help is useless. They don’t feel loved by you and don’t like you.”

Maybe you are trying to love your husband and you hear, “It’s a hopeless cause. You may as well give up now.”

Hardly anyone ever talks to us as mean as our mind does. Hardly a person would discourage us the way our thoughts do.

You know, on that call, there was a side of me that felt like just giving up. Why bother trying when I am not communicating well enough? Why keep going when I sound like an idiot? But, I carried on… Why did I do this? Certainly, not because of me, but solely because I am familiar with the enemy of my soul.

The liar, lies.

“When (the devil) lies, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar and the father of lies and half-truths.” (Jo. 8:44 AMP)

Yes, my thoughts felt real. I also know there is a real enemy of my soul who does what he does best — lies to me.

So, I pressed through… Through the onslaught… Through the mud… Through the doubt… Through the fear…

And, finally the call ended. I was off the radio show.

I let my husband know how horrible I did. He listened to the show and said, “Kelly, you did not do bad at all.”

He sent it out to some family friends. It blessed them.

Apparently, the devil was lying to me!

How might he be lying to you? In what ways has he been fooling you? How have thoughts held you back? Determined your actions and reactions? Stunted you? Made you to feel insecure?

Heads up — you don’t have to deal with the mental onslaught any longer! I want to invite you to take part in a 4-Month Take Every Thought Captive Coaching Intensive. I was going to charge for this event post-launch, however, I feel led to prepare the bride of Christ to stand strong of mind during these times, to know who we are in Christ Jesus, and to be transformed so that we can discern God’s will in our lives! With this, sI am offering this coaching course entirely for FREE with a book purchase.

Get “Take Every Thought Captive”, then sign up here for the coaching program!

Also, did you know — achieving goals is far easier and more reachable when two gather together as accountability partners? Consider inviting a friend! I am developing “Check-In Questions” that can be texted to help keep you accountable during the week. Build relationship and grow together. Simply forward this email and invite a friend to journey along with you. Two are better than one!

About the Book, “Take Every Thought Captive”
In Take Every Thought Captive: Exchange Lies of the Enemy for the Mind of Christ, author and speaker Kelly Balarie encourages readers to seize the power of God’s Word to not only profess truth, but possess it in their mind, heart, and actions.

Take Every Thought Captive helps readers:
• transform their minds and release the worries, burdens, and lies from the enemy
• pray through times of mental and emotional strife
• become warriors and fight for God’s plan and purpose
• use God’s Word proactively instead of living defensively and defeated

Prayer: Father God, I ask you to renew me in the pattern of my mind that I will be able to discern the perfect, pleasing, and good will of God. I know that I cannot do this in my strength, but I can do this by the power of the Holy Spirit. I ask for your grace and power to do so. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Thinking Straight When People Treat You Wrong

April 10, 2023

purposefulfaith

Contentment, failure, faith, hope

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“I’m sorry.”

There, I said it! It felt good to finally get those two words off my chest. It meant I could rest. I’d done my part.

The person looked back at me and muttered, “I forgive you.” But, soon their actions spoke a different story. Every time I asked a question their response was quick and short. When I tried to make eye contact, they looked away. When I walked next to them, they directed conversation elsewhere.

I felt like the woman everyone hated. Remember her? She was the one caught in the act. She was unredeemable. She was unworthy.

““Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery.” (Jo. 8:4)

What do we do – with her?
There she was…the bad lady.
There she was…the one caught-red-handed.
There she was…the one who should have done better, but she didn’t.
There she was…right in the open, for all to see – her shame on display.

Stone her!!!!

I wonder, did this woman feel like she was being convicted 1,000 times? Like she couldn’t get off trial?

What do you do – when someone refuses to let you off the hook? For days? For years? For decades? When blame is still coming your way? When you can nearly feel the judgment?

What do you do when your mind spins out of control because you don’t know how to fix things? When their treatment hurts your insides?

I don’t have all the answers, my friend. I certainly don’t have everything figured out. But, I can share what I am still learning. Here it is:

1. I am not responsible for other people’s interpretation of events, their actions or retaliation.

After I have apologized to them and to God, I have done my part. I get in trouble when I take on another person’s burden as my responsibility. If they don’t want to forgive or release me from the offense they carry – that is not my duty to make them. That is between them and the Lord. I forgive, love in a healthy way, release the convicting work to the Lord and pray.

I think thoughts like, “God gave abundant grace to me, so I can extend abundant grace to them,” “I can be loving without being co-dependent. I do not base my worth on their response,” “I am responsible before the Lord to love others as I love myself. If I need to have some space, that is okay.”

2. Jesus experienced mistreatment, but He despised the shame.

Indeed, if Jesus was misunderstood, mistreated and hurt, and He was The Son of God, we cannot expect our life to be without these issues.

Jesus endured the worst pain, but scripture tells us, “He despised the shame” (Heb. 12:2). There are moments when we will have to endure suffering or go through harm. There are moments when we will have to die to us to become more alive to Him. At the same time, we don’t have to take on or absorb the shame. We can reject that, like Jesus did.

Think this way. Say to yourself: I am not shameful; thanks to Jesus’ work on the cross, I am holy and blameless in His sight. I don’t soak in people’s judgments, mean words or issues, I cast off that shame and I walk by His truth.

3. I am responsible for my own actions, words and responses.

Here, I think this way: I am powerful. I am powerful to change. I am powerful to apologize and to do a new thing. I am not obligated to please man, but I seek to please the Lord. I speak the truth in love. I exhibit the fruit of the Spirit by the grace of God. I, then, extend grace to others.

It can be hard to walk in the world, when so much comes at us. I get it. Not everyone will understand us. That is hard.

But, at the end of our day, we have one goal in our life. It is this:

“but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts.” (1 Thess. 2:4)

Sometimes, we figure we have to do something because it is the loving thing to do, but it is not love at all, it is obligation laced with bitterness. God calls us to authenticity and wholeheartedness. As we are honest and true before God, we can be honest and true before men.

“For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” (Gal. 1:10)

In my case, even if man doesn’t forgive me, God does. I choose to remember that I am forgiven. What God says about me is what I choose to think about me. This is how I walk out true love and peace, trusting God to take care of the other person. I let go and let God.

Do you want to really let go and let God? Are you tired of the pressure to fix things, to handle everything and to manage life? Do you feel out of control? Why not begin to take your thoughts captive to find new freedom and life? For all who order the book today, they will get a free ebook of Battle Ready and beautiful wallpaper for your phone! Order here.

Then, get your gifts here.

Prayer: Father, relationships can be hard. Forgive me for trying to control. Forgive me for fearing man. Forgive me for taking things into my own hands. I trust you. I let go today. I believe you will defend me. I ask you to move in the relationships that I am struggling with. I ask you to help me to authentically love. And, if I need to create some space, give me the right words and the courage to do so. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

For all who order the book today, they will get a free ebook of Battle Ready and beautiful wallpaper for your phone! Order here. Then, visit www.ITakeThoughtsCaptive.com to get your free gifts!

Take Every Thought Captive!

March 23, 2023

purposefulfaith

Contentment

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It is the oddest thing. When I drink water, I count.

One gulp of water and I think in my head…1,2. Second gulp. 3, 4. Third gulp, 5, 6. Fourth gulp, 7, 8. Fifth gulp 9, 10.

Why do I think this way?

When I was a little girl, I was told when drinking water at school to drink only for 10 seconds. After finishing counting in my head, I was then to give up my fountain drinking spot and let the next kid go.

As a result of mentally counting, time and time again, I formed a neural pathway. Now, even though I am far older than an elementary student, I still count in my mind. It happens naturally. I count without even thinking of it. It just happens.

Many of us, have formed neural pathways (or, thought-tracks in which our mind is prone to think). We think a certain way and, because it is so engrained, we don’t even realize it. These thoughts have been with us since childhood, or for years, so we don’t even realize how we think.

What happened now informs our mind to what is happening:

Negative things happened as a kid, so we think bad things are bound to happen.

People hurt us, so we regularly think, “I can’t trust anyone.”

There wasn’t enough in the past, so we think, we will always lack.

Repeated friends hurt us behind our back, so we doubt anyone really likes us.

A father put us down, so we think God must not be that happy with us either.

We weren’t heard as a child, so we think God doesn’t hear our prayers.

We were rushed as a child, so we think, I’ve got to hurry so I’m not late.

Think about the thoughts you don’t think about anymore – thoughts you’ve been thinking for years. Do they line up with God’s truth? Are they excellent? Of good report? True? Biblical? Or are they lies? Negative? Full of worry? Doubt-filled?

How we think determines much of how we feel. Worry, fear, and unrest tend to be sourced from thoughts out of line with godly beliefs. Self-protection, insecurity and defensive mindsets lead to walls that block out great relationships.

All this is, in part, why I wrote my newest book, “Take Every Thought Captive.” Friends, I need help! This is why I dug into God’s Word to see how I could really put verses like these into action:

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Ro. 12:2 NLT)

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:5 NIV)

I wrote this book because I understood: If I want my life to track a new way (with new habits, new peace, and new breakthroughs), I needed to think a new way.

I couldn’t afford any longer to allow my thoughts to fall on a table like spilling spaghetti, going wherever they please. I couldn’t afford to react rashly, rather than responding calmly. I couldn’t afford to be emotionally insecure rather than identity-sure in Christ Jesus.

If I was going to live God’s Word, I knew I needed to own it in my mind, then I would not only profess the power of love, but I would possess it. Then, I could be a better mom, more fully do God’s will in my life, and have peace in life and in relationships.

What about you? How are your thoughts? Do you think about what is good or do you fear? Are your thoughts filled with God’s Word or with worry? Do you love as Jesus loves or do you usually react emotionally? To change our thoughts is to change our life! Plus, I have BIG gifts for you…

2 FREE Gifts/Awesome Opportunities for you:

1: If you pre-order Take Every Thought Captive on Amazon (before April 11), and you fill out the form at www.itakethoughtscaptive.com, you will get a free copy of my e-book, “Battle Ready: Train Your Mind To Conquer Challenges..!”

2. If you join the launch team (which includes fun, gifts, community, sharing with others about the book, writing an amazon review), you will receive a FREE invitation to join my 4-month, bi-monthly, “Take Every Thought Captive Coaching Intensive!

Here, you will gain:

• Chapter-by-chapter instruction and help

• A 2-step methodology to transform your self-defeating thoughts into life-giving God-centered truths

• Equipping activations for mind renewal

• Accountability to change mindsets and habits

• Prayer support

• Teaching and wisdom from Kelly as we go chapter-by-chapter through the book

• Printable thought-tracker

• Group Chat & Prizes on the Book Launch Page

• Daily Declaration download

• Personal interaction with Kelly

Join the launch team today and get the help you need to transform your mind!

You are part of this book, my friend. Remember when I asked Purposeful Faith, what book would bless them? You all chose — this book! I would be so blessed and honored to have your help in launching this book with me. Plus, I would love to pray for you and to see your face on the Coaching Intensive week-by-week.

Prayer: Father, thank you for each and every person reading this blog post. Guide them in all their ways. I ask for you to renew and transform their minds in Christ Jesus. Help them to to think as Jesus thinks and to love as Jesus loves. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

You’re Invited: Encounter God in His Word

March 2, 2023

purposefulfaith

Contentment, faith, grace, hope

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This morning, I woke up at 4 AM. Do you ever wake up and feel unable to fall asleep again? Usually when this happens I figure, God just wants undivided time with me. Some of my best times with the Lord are during these early-waking hours. When I obey. When I drag myself out of bed.

This morning, I lit up the gas fire, snuggled up, and grabbed my bible. But, before I dug in, I just sat there, with God.

My eyes traveled to the fresh lilies on the table, ones of the purple, white and yellow variety. They “wowed” me for a moment, a move of the fresh beckoning of Spring with fullness of colors, unleashed. They made me think about how Jesus busted open vibrancy when He rose out of darkness to bring us the wonder of life, and life abundantly. These flowers speak: Resurrection-life power will come!

And, the more I stared, the more I saw something I had not before: a green stem, budding. What looked, yesterday, all closed up, was now showing forth fresh life! What looked like nothing now had new color. What was hidden was now apparent. What was in the process of growing, now had reached the appointed time — of shining!”When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” (Jo. 11:43-44 NIV)

I wonder if you feel like you are in grave clothes? Maybe you’re defeated? Discouraged? Demotivated in a marriage? Debilitated by sickness? Down in the dumps? Feeling like you amounted to nothing? Divided in mind?

May I encourage you for a moment? Jesus is “the resurrection” (Jo. 11:25). Resurrection-power is part of his character, just as much as your funniness, smarts, observant nature or whatever…is your nature.

Just as much as I cannot remove your nature from you, we cannot remove Jesus’ nature from Him.

Jesus resurrects.

Be encouraged. Some of us feel insecure on the inside, but God is beginning an internal budding. Some of us are hiding our true heart and self from others, but God is helping us trust His grace is enough to take us out of our shell and into the fullness of who He created us to be! Some of us are embarrassed and ashamed about how we parented or let family members down, but Jesus is prepared to remove the stones so that real life can flow between us and those we love in relationship.

Jesus removes grave clothes to bring us new life, His way, and in His time. Will we trust Him?

My dear ones, do not lose hope. Do not lose courage. Do not grow weary. Jesus always shows up right on time.

Prayer: Father, thank you for your Son, Jesus. He saves and saves again. He resurrects and resurrects again. Nothing is impossible for Him. We are not too much of a mess for Him. He knows us and still wants us and that is a miracle. We are so grateful. Please bring resurrection-life power in our life! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Reflection & Invitation: The Word of God is powerful. It is the most powerful weapon. Just as this morning God used a flower to pierce me with His Word, He wants to release His Word in your heart in such a way that it cuts through to the dividing of soul and spirit within you.

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12)

Do you feel cut by the Word of God? Do you feel engaged with it? Does the Word of God read you or are you just dully reading it?

I want to help you engage with the Word of God.
Join me for an “Encounter God in His Word” Workshop Night.

During this 1.5-hour session, you will:

1. Learn practical prayers and tips to more deeply encounter God deeply through The Word of God.
2. Gain insight on how to carry The Word of God through your day so it changes your heart.
3. Discover how to create daily habits that put God’s Word first in your life.
4. Glean wisdom from the Word and wield the sharp sword you were meant to carry.

"Encounter God in His Word" Workshop

Thursday, Mar 16, 2023 07:00 PM Eastern Time ET via zoom.

**recorded version available.

$25.00

The Word of God is as a fire and a hammer (Jer. 23:29). It is powerful to break anything and to build up all things. Learn to use it, in fresh ways!

Attend via Zoom (or get the recorded version) on Mar 16, 7:00 PM Eastern Time. The cost is $25, which covers administrative costs and is also a blessing to Kelly & Purposeful Faith. Click here to attend.

P.S. If you missed the “What’s Your Calling” workshop, it is still available via recording.

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

1 Tip: Loving as our Greatest Calling

February 14, 2023

purposefulfaith

Contentment, faith, hope, Love & Health

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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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3 Life-Transforming Prayers + A Video From Kelly

February 8, 2023

purposefulfaith

awe, Contentment, failure, faith, prayer

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I’ll get to the fun video from me in a minute, but before we get there, I want you to know…

When you pray the Word of God over your life, there is nothing more powerful. The Word of God is like a hammer that breaks down hindrances, barriers and blockades in your life, soul and thinking (Jer. 23:29). Not only that, but the Word of God is like a fire. It consumes impurities within you.

Praying the Word of God is life-transforming. When you pray it over your life, it makes your mind to be opened to truth, your ears to be attuned to God, your eyes to see what He wants to show you and your heart soft.

Lately, I have been praying for wisdom and understanding. Paul prayed this for the Ephesian church. After praying this prayer, I am seeing direct understanding come to me in such a way that my husband noted, “Wow, Kelly, that is wisdom. You are not usually that wise.”

I agree. I am not that wise on my own. Oh, but the Name of Jesus!!!!

Praying the Word works.

When I pray scripture over myself, I know I am praying the very heart of God. Even more, I know He wills to answer me! I absolutely, beyond a shadow of a doubt, know I receive what I pray for. Why? Because, He is faithful to His Word to perform it. I just prayed the Word!

Here are a few power prayers that you too can pray (just insert “I” or “me” in these verses:

“And I pray this, that your love may abound even more and more in knowledge and every kind of insight so that you can decide what is best, and thus be sincere and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.” (Phil. 1:9-11)

“I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you spiritual wisdom and revelation in your growing knowledge of him–since the eyes of your heart have been enlightened–so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the incomparable greatness of his power toward us who believe…”(Eph. 1:17-19)

“I pray that according to the wealth of his glory [the Father] may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, so that, because you have been rooted and grounded in love, you may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and thus to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” (Eph. 3:16-19)

There is also great wisdom in praying the promises and prayers of the Psalms. David was not afraid to cry out emotionally. Yet still, he always returned himself back to God’s love and ultimate truth. His way of praying and praising showcases a model of heart-devotion.

Things aren’t always easy, but God remains good!

On a separate note, here is a video message — from me to you!

We will be meeting for the “What’s My Calling Workshop” tonight (Thursday, Feb. 19th) at 7 PM via Zoom. If you can’t attend live, you can still sign up to receive the recorded version!

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.

"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

***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!

Prayer: Father, thank you for your love for me. Thank you for your purposes for my life. I want to serve you, love you, and honor you with all my heart for all my life. I am so thankful for what Jesus did for me. I am blessed to be your child. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

Dealing with Enticing Feelings

January 17, 2023

purposefulfaith

attack, Contentment, devil, faith

2 Comments

I remember hearing someone say, “No one ever set out with the goal to become a drug addict or an adulterer.”

There is a lot of truth to that statement. No one grew up as a child and said, “When I get older I want to become a meth addict.” Nor did they say, “My goal when I am older is to cheat and to have an affair.”

Sin subtly woos people into outcomes they never intended to have. Sin creeps, until one day, it attacks us and eats us alive, bringing a terrible and suddenly rock-bottom outcome.

I’ve seen it happen with people. A little compromise leads to a complete take-over of what — they never dreamed would happen. The little sin, that started as a small conviction, becomes the massive sin, they never dreamed would happen. A little hug leads to more… A little drink leads to AA. A little shopping, they sensed was too much, became addiction.

“The wages of sin are death…” (Ro. 6:23)

Sin left unchecked leads to death.

Think: The woman at the work event – sins a little — and drinks too much. The drink turns into a hug with a co-worker, who then invites her a step further. Her guard is down. Deception may create the termination of her marriage due to her actions.

My point in writing all this is to remind us – don’t let your guard down. Don’t say, “A little bit of this is okay…”, “well, I guess it is okay to try this pharmaceutical drug even though I don’t need it…”, “why not watch that movie even though I know I shouldn’t?”, or “a little flirting with that guy at work couldn’t hurt me.”

The little can be the gateway to the big.

Friends, I talk to myself here. I remind myself of all these things. I am never too far from a fall and I must remember this. The line is always closer than it seems. A little bit of sin – in my life – has every opportunity to open the door to more.

Sin – be it big, or little — is never okay with God. Not a tad, not a bit.

“So, beloved, since you are looking forward to these things, be diligent and make every effort to be found by Him [at His return] spotless and blameless, in peace [that is, inwardly calm with a sense of spiritual well-being and confidence, having lived a life of obedience to Him].” (2 Pet. 3:14)

Remember: Obedience to God is deliverance from every lure of the enemy.

Continually, the devil is alluring, enticing, and making us believe all things are permissive.

But, we combat this when we see these lures as a direct affronts to our relationship with God and our love for Jesus. When we become offended by attacks of enticement and seduction.

What is trying to lure you? What may you be starting to give in to? What feels enticing? What may you have given a little room to? What are you doing that you know you shouldn’t?

Love helps us to see what we don’t want to see. And, while today’s post feels hard-hitting, I want to help save those I love from going the wrong way, so they can be blessed in all His ways.

I love you.

Prayer: Father, we see, today, what we don’t want to see. We see the sin, the snare and the enticements that so easily entangle. Today, we repent of flirting with sin. We repent of opening doors that could lead to our own destruction. We turn from our wicked ways and look to you again. Will you forgive us? Will you impart grace to go a new way? We trust you to keep us and to guide us. We trust you to love us and to keep us. Thank you that you leave the 99 sheep to go after the one. Today, we receive your love as that one. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Get Out of That Old Pit

January 6, 2023

purposefulfaith

Contentment, failure, faith, hope

2 Comments

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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