One of the greatest frustrations is sharing truth with someone who doesn’t want to change.
This can happen with an unbelieving child, an unchanging husband, or with a super-close friend… Have you tried talking to them a time or two, or five?
It hurts when you know what someone should do, yet they don’t do it.
I recently talked to a leader who told me, “No matter how much I tell people what they need to do, and why they should do it, they pretty much never follow through.”
Why could that be?
Well, let me ask you — how do you feel when people tell you what to do? When they point out what you are doing wrong? How do you feel when advice is thrust upon you? Do you receive or push away?
I can’t help but think — forced-change is resisted. No one likes being held down and commanded to change.
Yet, Proverbs tells us, “Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.” (Prov. 15:31)
I want to be wise, don’t you? How do we contend with this verse? I think the notable keyword here are the words: life-giving.
Many of us hit people with a sharp stake of truth and call that life. But, is it? Living-giving without love under them are just cutting demands. These sorts of words tend to shape people into our image, rather than Christ’s.
This is why having love at the foundation is so key. If people cannot see your interest, they will question your intent. And, they’ll likely resist.
But, if they know you understand? They sense that you care? They believe that you want for them a better life? They see the vision, because of your pure heart?
Then, they likely will value what you say.
God instructs us to look at the log in our own eye, before examining the speck in other people’s eye. We should be wise and make sure that what we call-out is not something that we, ourselves, actually walk with.
What about you? Are you wise? Do you speak God’s wisdom in love? Or, do you want others to change so that you can finally be happy with them?
Prayer: God, I need you. I want to listen and heed wisdom. I also want to share wisdom with others in a way that their heart can receive it. Teach me the nuances of this. Teach me how to love in a greater proportion. Give me your heart, your Word and your vision for others at just the right moment. May I be full of grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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You’d never see a church named what I am about to name it… While, you absolutely might see a church named, “Grace Church” or “Abundant Life Church”, you would never see a church named, “Job Hope”
Who would want to go there? Who would want to go to the places of Job — losing family, getting boils, losing all material items and family — to find out you have hope?
But, that is exactly what you find when you go there…
You find that you are stronger than your circumstances.
You find that, by His grace, you can endure almost anything, afterall.
You find that there is a greater hope than you, God.
Job Hope is where — no matter what hopelessness or loss you face — you get to the end of yourself and say:
“The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job. 1:21)
You can still bless the Lord. You still want Him even though He took away. You don’t love Him for what He gives, but for who He is. Even more, you trust that it will ultimately be good. Painful as you go through it, yes, but good. Hard to endure, indeed, but still strengthening your perseverance.
Without every answer…as other things fade away, you see Him more clearly.
“As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,
And at last He will take His stand on the earth.” (Job 19:25)
You more-so understand that God is God: a Redeeming God, a Rescuing God, a Restoring God, more than you ever have before… You begin to understand that His ways are higher than yours, stronger than yours, more purposeful than yours.
God said to Job…”Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding…” (Job. 38:4)
You don’t have to know-it-all to know that He loves you.
And then, your Father comes, He restores. After you have endured the test, He restores your life. You made it through Job Hope. You got the hope which cannot be stolen from the enemy; you endured the great trial and came out with the gold.
Don’t lose hope.
God redeems Job in the end: “So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.” (Job 42:12)
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There are no woods near my house. So, not knowing where else to go, I found a patch of trees away from my house and sat there. I wanted to be alone. I felt sad because I had a disagreement with my husband. Today, I can’t remember what I upset me. What bothered then, is unimportant now. It’s funny how arguments go that way…
Anyway, as a cried in the woods, my find-myself-moment-with-God, didn’t work so well. Women walking dogs kept passing by. They kept staring at me. Looking away and trying to stuff the embarrassment down, I really tried not to pay attention to all the trash around me. It seemed that someone made this a dumping ground for water bottles, old chip bags and paper.
Earlier, I had read in God’s Word how Jacob named a place that meant something to him. In one particular place, God let Jacob know that He would be with Him. He told Jacob that He would “not leave him until (He) had done all that He had told (Jacob). (Gen. 28:15 AMPC)
So, Jacob named that place Bethel (which means “house of God”)… (Gen. 28:19 NLT)
I named the place where I sat, “Where God met Me Amidst a Heap of Trash.”
God did touch my heart that day. There, I realized I was fearing man more than my Maker. Although it felt painful, I wrote the moment off as a win, headed home, and had conversations with my husband.
A week passed. Then, yesterday, I drove past those very sparse woods from the road. I was surprised. The whole like of them bloomed. I couldn’t believe it. They were now beautiful. The time made them change. The different season made them come to life. The passage of days made something new.
There was another time that Jacob named Bethel, Bethel. It was after Jacob had gone through trials and family issues. This time, at Bethel, God gave Jacob a new name –“Israel”. He also gave Jacob new charge to “be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall come from you and kings shall be born of your stock…” (Gen. 35:11 AMPC)
“So Jacob named the place where God had spoken with him, Bethel (the House of God).” (Gen. 35:15 AMP)
God exchanged what was for something even more beautiful. He did the same for me.
And, He can do the same for you…
You know, only a short time passed by until those cruddy woods were made completely gorgeous. Only days passed until the whole look of thing was radically different. Only God can do that! God can take what looks ugly and work through it until He forges something meaningful, as you meet with Him. Do not think you sit on a heap of trash or in a place of embarrassment. God wants to meet you right there. He will take what you want to name “trash” and make it bloom!
Prayer: God, I want you. I need you. I need help. I ask you to speak to me. I ask you to help me. I ask for your heart to meet mine. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Not recognizing the needs of your heart is a big deal…it can cause you to walk away from God.
Remember the two sons in the Prodigal Son story (Luke 15)? One son walked away from the Father and turned to wild living because He didn’t consider his life — good enough.
I sometimes forget how good I have it with God… I complain and murmur. I let distractions grab hold of me, instead of letting God grab hold of my heart. I ignore the nudge to pray, and figure I’ll handle it later. Like the Prodigal son #1, I flight from God and head my own direction.
Son #2, seeing the great celebration the Father threw when his repentant brother returned, had His own walk-away-from-God-moment. In pride, He essentially said, “What have you done for me lately, Father?”
It could be translated to something like this: Look at all I’ve gone through, all I’ve done, all I’ve sacrificed, all my obedience. Where are you? What have you done for me lately?
Rather than flighting, He goes about fighting to get what he thinks he deserves.
Both sons didn’t believe the Father had good for them. Do you believe God has good for you?
Take a look at the Father’s response to son #2:
“Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours.” (Lu. 15:31 NLT)
Today, I believe, the Father may want to remind us:
All He has is ours. All we need, He has here for us. All we are searching for, is found in Him. He hasn’t forgotten us. He walks with us. He sees us. He knows our story. He IS caring for us.
Prayer: Father, may we know your closeness, your care, and your compassion for our walk. You are not a distant Father, but ever-near. We are not left behind. You have good for us. Will you help us to understand how much you love us, provide for us, and see our heart? We don’t want to fight or flight anymore. We don’t want to miss the goodness you have, for then we will walk away from our first love, whom we love the most. Father, we need you. We have a deep need of knowing your nearness and faithfulness more and more… Show yourself to us today, and days forward, like you never have before. Let us feel loved, no matter what we face. We ask all these things in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Often we look at our past and declare it our present. Because we’ve seen it, we expect it. Because we’ve lived it, we know it’ll repeat.
I see how I am as a mom and figure I’ll always respond the same way. You look at your husband and figure — it’s hopeless. You see your body and — want to give up.
But, what if I told you God has the power to move — quickly?
This morning, when I was in the bathroom, a gnat kept bumping into my face. I simply clapped my hands and the gnat was a nuisance no more. With just a simple move, a clap, everything changed. Likewise, through simple praise, simple truth, a simple word, God can accomplish much…
Ask Paul.
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.” (Acts 16:25-26)
Suddenly and at once, everything can change, with God. At once, your mind can be renewed with Jesus. At a moment’s notice, the enemy has to flee at the sound of your praise-filled clapping. All of sudden, you are released from what you figured would imprison you forever!
When big faith shows up, we get the chance to see a BIG God move. What if — all of a sudden — God is ready to break through in your life? Do you believe it to be possible? Do you believe He can? Do you believe He is bigger than the molds you have placed on Him?
I want to invite all those in search of a great God to meet with me this Saturday for the next Breakthrough Retreat. On this Saturday, March 6 (10 ET – 1 PM ET via Zoom), we will meet God through worship, His Word and wonder. I am expectant that our simple act of — showing up, will yield much fruit. He is faithful. Come if you would like transformation in your life!
At once, so much really can change. Our God is that great.
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Does anyone care about me? Really care? If I scream loud enough, will they hear me?
I tested the thought. I started fake-crying. I screamed loudly, pretending my 8-year old body was hurt badly. It wasn’t. But, my heart felt hurt. I wanted someone to run to help me — to care of me, to lift me up and to love me.
No one came.
Sometimes, underneath it all, I wonder if that same little girl feels left all alone. Will God show up? Does God hear me? Will he really come?
Sometimes, I even amp up my pleas… I cry a little louder. I pout a little more, figuring that may just get God’s attention. I whine with my prayers.
I wonder if I sound like Mary who had the dead brother Lazarus?
“When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, (then) my brother would not have died.” (Jo. 11:32)
Lord, if you had done it like this ____, then ___.
Lord, if you had only shown up, then ___.
Lord, if all that time hadn’t passed, then, things would be okay.
Mary pleas, no matter how holy or unholy, still met Jesus’ grace…
“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.” (Jo. 11:32)
Jesus cares.
Jesus sees.
Jesus has grace for us.
Jesus acts, even though…
“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.” (Jo. 11:43)
Some of us, think Jesus only loves us or helps us when we act good. This is a lie. His compassion surpasses our transgression. His love exceeds our need. His care transcends theatrics. His grace covers and moves anyway. Jesus is that good.
And, then He tells us, along with Lazarus — “Take off (your) grave clothes…” (Jo. 11:44)
When Jesus shows up, you don’t need your victim clothing anymore. He releases you from the chamber of self-pity and reminds you who you are again.
Do you know who you really are?
If you aren’t sure, I want to invite you to the next Breakthrough Retreat with great hope that you will discover you — as God sees you. I believe this will be an amazing experience in your life, with God. One attendee emailed me last week and said, “Kelly, this retreat was truly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”
If you feel that nudge — sign up. I’ll be praying for you personally, pre-event. Sign up, God is faithful. Sign up, He wants to meet you in powerful ways. Sign up, there are other women who want to link hands and hearts with you in community. Sign up, there will be amazing whole-hearted worship. Sign up, I want to meet you — and, I believe — so does God…
My Prayer: Father, I love my Purposeful Faith family. I love how we love each other. I love how you come in our midst. I love your heart to heal, to help, and restore. Father, you are so faithful. You are so true. You are so right. You are so good. You are so incredible. You are so mighty. Father, honor those who step out in faith. Meet them and address their needs as you did Lazarus. Resurrect what looks dead. Restore life. Reframe outlooks and mindset. Lord, will you call every person that you want to attend this retreat? Will you give them courage to attend? Will you pour out wisdom and understanding on Kelly as she pursues your heart for this time? Will you pour out your heart on all of us during this time? There is nothing we all want more than you. You are our prize, our portion and our present of greatest measure. Oh, we love you. We worship you. We adore you, King Jesus. In Your mighty, Almighty, All-powerful name, we pray, Jesus, Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Breakthrough Retreat
1. Will there be a recorded version?
If you are unable to attend, but you would like to be a part of the event on your own time, my plan is to create a recorded version. Simply buy a ticket for the retreat and let me know via email that you will be “watching at home”. I will send you the file after it is complete. For more information or if you have questions contact kelly@purposefulfaith.com
2. Do I need to have attended the first retreat?
Nope. They do not build off of each other. It will be as if you are starting with retreat 1.
3. How will we have the meeting?
The event will be hosted on Zoom. Please check your Zoom account for updates prior to the event. Lines will be muted.
4. How often will you be having retreats?
I would like to have these retreats quarterly or every other month. My dream is that we can know each other. I would also like to place people into small groups that they can regularly meet with and form relationships. My dream is that we become even more of a tight-knit community. I will love to pray for the small groups at times and I hope this is something that can continue for a long time.
5. How can I continue to connect and build accountability?
Let me know your ideas on this. I would love for you to talk with your small groups in between retreats.
6. Is there more I can do with you?
On the retreat, I will share some more ways we can go deeper and grow in intimacy with God.
7. Will I stay with my small group?
Yes, I hope to form a small group at the first event and to keep you connecting at future retreats. Let’s do life together!
8. Can I invite my friends to join this or is it only for Purposeful Faith readers?
Everyone is welcome! Please share this email with whomever comes to your heart. I want everyone who needs freedom to be at this retreat.
As a kid, I was convinced that the pool of water at the end of a hot highway was real. That is — until our family drove further and I discovered — nothing was there. Only then, did I learn the water was fake, a mirage.
Just because you see something, doesn’t mean it is real. Just because you are convinced it is there, doesn’t mean it can’t be fake.
The enemy sells fakeness as truth. He is the ultimate producer of fake news. Just because you see something or feel something — doesn’t mean it is truth. Just because you were hurt yesterday, doesn’t mean it will repeat. Just because you feel rejected or neglected, doesn’t mean it is who you are. Just because you haven’t succeeded yet, doesn’t mean you won’t.
The enemy aims to take hurts and to twist them into destiny.
Have you let him do this to you?
You know, I think I’ve come under the lie that I need to be perfect in front of others. The mirage is: Kelly is all pulled together. Kelly is great at ministry. Kelly and her husband work so well together.
Today, I cried before a group of friends. Why? Because I am not perfect. The enemy not only wanted me to believe fake news about myself, but he had me peddling an I-have-it-all-together-look too. Sure, I felt a little shame as I cried, but I also felt relief as I was prayed for. I am glad I shared.
In reality: I am an imperfect girl desperately in need of the Perfect Savior and — in Him — I am more than enough.
My dear friend, we are all in the same boat. And, now more than ever, we need each other. Your wisdom may be my breakthrough. My prayer may be your answer. Your story may help another sister detect an unconscious lie. Her word may release you out of your prison.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together…” (Heb. 10:24)
“…When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.” (1 Cor. 14:26)
This is how the Kingdom of God works. God intends for us to build each other up!
Sisters, I am serious about us supporting each other. I am also serious about tearing down lies, like: I am not enough. I will always be stuck. No one loves me. God doesn’t care for me. I am too much. I can’t …. There’s no hope.
I want this so much that our next Breakthrough Retreat is going to be a Lie Demolition Party!!!! We will “destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God.” (2 Cor. 10:5). We will get out our weapons that are “not carnal, but mighty for the pulling down of strongholds.”
I know God will show up. Reason being? Every time I have shared this message at retreats, women have been set free! I am telling you, the enemy will have no chance, because the Word of God, the truth of God and the Spirit of God is faithful. I can say this with confidence, because I have seen a marked difference in women from this very message. Don’t miss it. We will have personal reflection time, time in God’s Word and time to share in a small group setting (I want to keep everyone in the same small group for each retreat).
If you want this kind of breakthrough, join me for…
…the 2nd Breakthrough Retreat (Sat. March 6th) from 10 AM ET – 1 PM ET. The cost is $29. You can click below to sign up now.
Sign Up Here: Breakthrough Retreat
$29.00
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Testimonials
“Kelly is a great encourager! Her greatest desire is that you should know who the Lord created you to be and who you are as a daughter.” – M.R.
“Kelly brought light into my very dark world by demonstrating what the true love of Jesus looks like!” – D.P.
“Kelly’s “realness”, no matter the cost has helped liberate me from all the masks I carried. Christ uses her to powerfully deliver freedom in every conversation.” – S.A.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will there be a recorded version?
If you are unable to attend, but you would like to be a part of the event on your own time, my plan is to create a recorded version. Simply buy a ticket for the retreat and let me know via email that you will be “watching at home”. I will send you the file after it is complete. For more information or if you have questions contact kelly@purposefulfaith.com
2. Do I need to have attended the first retreat?
Nope. They do not build off of each other. It will be as if you are starting with retreat 1.
3. How will we have the meeting?
The event will be hosted on Zoom. Please check your Zoom account for updates prior to the event. Lines will be muted.
4. How often will you be having retreats?
I would like to have these retreats quarterly or every other month. My dream is that we can know each other. I would also like to place people into small groups that they can regularly meet with and form relationships. My dream is that we become even more of a tight-knit community. I will love to pray for the small groups at times and I hope this is something that can continue for a long time.
5. How can I continue to connect and build accountability?
Let me know your ideas on this. I would love for you to talk with your small groups in between retreats.
6. Is there more I can do with you?
On the retreat, I will share some more ways we can go deeper and grow in intimacy with God.
7. Will I stay with my small group?
Yes, I hope to form a small group at the first event and to keep you connecting at future retreats. Let’s do life together!
8. Can I invite my friends to join this or is it only for Purposeful Faith readers?
Everyone is welcome! Please share this email with whomever comes to your heart. I want everyone who needs freedom to be at this retreat.
I know people don’t tell you that often and you probably are thinking, “How can Kelly even say this? She doesn’t even know me that well?”
Well, I know Jesus. And, I also know that, if you are a believer in Christ Jesus, then Jesus is alive in you.
“It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Gal. 2:20)
This isn’t a tall-tale, but the truth. This isn’t a theory, but a reality. Christ lives in you.
The King of Glory…
The Hope of all Nations…
The One and Only…
The Embodiment of Love…
Wow. He is alive in you. Through Jesus, you are now dead to the overwhelming power of sin and alive to Christ Jesus.
The thought it profound. Can you even imagine how amazing it is that the Wonderful Counseling Holy Spirit has chosen to make His home within – us? Of all people — you and me?
God wants to be with us. He wants to be near us.
Wow.
If you ever feel bad about you, remember who is in you, the one who chose to live in you. If you ever doubt yourself, remember that you are dead and alive to Christ Jesus. If you ever feel too bad for God’s love, remember the imputed righteousness of Christ Jesus has been won for you thanks to Jesus. When Jesus looks at you He sees goodness. When Jesus looks at you, He loves.
Where and how do you need to receive this as truth? How might God be calling you to receive Jesus’ work in a fresh way?
I tell myself things like this: I am now clean. I am loved. I am whole. I am chosen. I am wanted. I am called. I am infilled by the Spirit. I am busting at the seams with Christ’s love. I am dead to me and alive to Christ’s goodness.
When I remind myself of these truths, I truly feel Christ’s power working out, from the inside-out.
What about you?
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Our life is meant to lift other people higher. Like Jesus. He laid down His life to lift us to new life. In the same way, we lay down our life for others.
The second we lay low; He gets lifted high. People see the power of Jesus from new heights…
One time, I forgot a towel at a retreat. A bunkmate that I didn’t know offered me her only towel. She laid down her right for a towel for me. This act of generosity opened my heart to the love of Christ. Who is this girl that she would give up her own towel so that I could be clean? It was such a weird offering but it touched my heart. It didn’t seem normal. After that retreat I accepted Christ in my heart.
Because she put her rights low, I saw the love of Jesus lifted high.
There is a working-power so immense when one give up the pursuit of themselves for the betterment of others.
Often, I want to preserve my own life. I do something that I think is really fantastic — maybe, I give to someone in need — and I base my work on their response or, I tell others about the great work I did. I want to be appreciated. This is not going low, but putting myself high.
It can feel very hard, sometimes, to do things just for Jesus… Just because you love Him… Just because you want to please Him… Just because He is your all-in-all… Just because you want to imagine His smile… Just because Jesus is worth all the glory…
It is hard to separate flesh from Spirit sometimes.
Is it hard for you too? Maybe you pray, but you want people to hear. Maybe you talk and hope people will think you have good things to say. Maybe you help out but expect people to appreciate you. Maybe you help your husband with something specific, and yet, he never returns the favor. Maybe you talk to be heard…
The main question is: are you doing these things for man or God?And, is it about gaining credit or is it to the credit of the one who paid it all?
Oh, to bring an offering of great measure can never compare to the great treasure in which Jesus paid. However, to operate from the secret place — where it is all for His glory — still brings incredible pleasure to His heart. I want to please Him. Don’t you?
I want to bring a pure offering.
Verses to Ponder:
“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” (Mt. 10:39)
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Phil. 1:21)
“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Mt. 6:6)
Prayer:
Father, give us the grace to lay low, so that we can see you lifted high. Give us the power to set down our ways to see yours in motion. Give us the ability to let go of us to gain all of you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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As it pertains to mothering. I keep thinking, “What have I done? What have I done to make my child act like this?”
With this line of questioning in my heart, I try to fix myself. I try to act better. I try to talk nicer. I try to hug more. I try to lean in when I talk. I try to soften my voice. I try to share my feelings. I try to listen better.
And, when that doesn’t work, I ask myself again, “Where did I go wrong?”
Ever been there? Ever tried your hardest, only to feel like you’re going nowhere? Not succeeding?
I feel guilty. But, the one simple thing God speaks is: grace.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Eph. 2:8-9)
I mess up. God still gives to me…
I don’t handle everything right. God loves me anyway…
I need help. God helps me…
I am not perfect. God shows up for me despite this…
I am not sure about what to do. God leads me to where I need to go…
Jesus meets me in the place of my need. I never need to fix-myself-up for Him.
There He is — perfect and providing.
Here I am — in-need and dependent.
I don’t have to hate my needs. Jesus paid the price so I could take-home all His goodness, without me having to pretend or hate the fact that I am not a better mother. This is grace. And, yes, it is abundant and it is amazing.
I haven’t gone wrong; I have gone right into His arms. What about you? Do you know the face of the loving Father, even when you face a million problems? What does His grace do for you? What might it want to say to you?
Prayer: Father God? I love you. You are a good Father. And, I am a loved daughter. Will you help me know this — as truth. Real truth. I want it to be more than just mind-truth; I want it to be heart-truth. I want to know your love, more and more. I want to understand your grace, day-by-day. I want to live and breathe from this very place. Help me, God. I love you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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