Tag - love

Handling Broken Things…

1 week ago

The plant wasn’t even real; it was plastic. Maybe that’s why it wouldn’t stand upright. At the slightest sign of wind, the dang plant, and the pot it was in, would crash over. I’d walk outside and see it, yet again, knocked over. And, day after day, I picked it up.

Except for this morning… Staring at a triangular piece broken off the side of the pot from the raging war of hard winds and repeated falls, I wondered what in the world I was doing.

I decided, I can either watch this thing fall 1,000 more times, or I can get up and do something about it. Sometimes, we are waiting on God, when God may be waiting on us. God gave us two feet and two hands. With this, we always have a God-given ability to move our feet and to use our hands. To take a stand. To do something new. To use new words. To steady ourselves in God’s Word. Or, we can keep observing our own fall, and see only a defeated spirit.

With all this, I knew it was time to stop watching the falling decline of this plastic plant and my own internal defeated spirit.

So, I drove with my husband to Walmart this morning! I walked myself right into the outdoor section, studied the small variety of foliage, and I bought myself a real, sturdy, and beautiful plant.

It felt powerful.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Tim. 1:7)

I am not powerless to effect change in my life; I am powerful. The spirit that I walk in is powerfulness in Christ! And that plant, I knew, would be a continual reminder of this fact!

I am powerful to change bad habits.
I am powerful to obey God in moments of temptation.
I am powerful to exchange my barren mentalities to see God’s lush growth in my life.
I am powerful to stand strong and to resist the enemy.
I am powerful and I make progress spiritually by the power of God’s Word.
I am powerful to trust God, who is at work in me!

He is at work in you too!

What would it look like to make powerful progress in your life today? What, in the natural, may be powerfully symbolic as you make a greater move towards God?

Maybe you clean out a drawer and in the spiritual it reminds you continually of the new space you are clearing out for time with God.

Maybe you ditch the junk in your closet and it represents letting go of the shame of the past.

Maybe you buy yourself a piece of jewelry that continually reminds you of how much God loves you.

Small progress counts big. Progress doesn’t have to be a giant leap to be tremendously and spiritually impactful.

For instance, now, when I see that leafy green, knee-high plant? I see my ability to effect change through the strength God is affording me. I realize — I am not a victim in any way, shape or form; I am powerful in Christ Jesus.

I do new things and take action!

In the end, I got tired of watching that pot fall over 1,000 times. What may be falling over in your life time and time again? What small act of progress could God be calling you to that might make giant leaps in your life? What small move may encourage you to stay strong in heart and mind?

Make that move, today! And, tell me about it! I’d love to hear.

Prayer: Father, I want to thank You that You don’t leave us helpless and hopeless. We have inside of us the Hope of all Glory, Christ Jesus. Help us to stand up, to stand firm, and to fan the flame within us. We want to be strong in faith and heart. Give us power to change and grow. Give us grace to take new steps. Encourage us in all Your ways. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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When Worry Makes You Restless

3 weeks ago

purposefulfaith

awe, faith, hope

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What are you worrying about? Is there something that you can’t stop rehashing?

I’ll admit it! I’ll raise my hand to say — I’ve had some worries lately, friends. Will the kids be ok? Will their future be good? Will my future be good? Will I get them in the right school? Will my daughter’s hurt leg be okay? Will I connect and find new people in the new city I find myself in? Did I act right?

There are nights where I run circles around these questions, like a runner on a track. Round and round, I fashion and figure things out to the point of tiredness. Eventually, I fall asleep.

What a waste.

What does it serve me to do this? What does worry accomplish? Worry is a like a rocking chair. It looks like it is going somewhere, but actually moves us nowhere. Back and forth we go — thinking we’re getting somewhere. But all we’re really doing is fashioning a mental rut that we can’t get out of.

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” (Lu. 12:25-26)

So, what else are we to do?

“You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.” (Jo. 14:13 NLT)

While the worry-er gets caught up rehashing and wrestling with impossible situations — the warrior starts praying and letting God handle the impossible.

Note here, in this verse, Jesus said we can ask for anything.

You know that impossible thing? That perfect solution you can’t seem to wrap your mind’s arms around? God knows how to do it.

You know that horrible situation? The one where it looks like you’ve been completely ruined? God has your way out.

You know that person that you just can’t change? God has a plan at the ready; what if prayer unleashes it?

Jesus not only tells us we can pray; He instructs us that when we do pray, we can ask for anything! Wow. He will do it!

“You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.” (Jo. 14:13 NLT)

Not only that, but when we pray and see God make a way — He, then, gets all the glory! He gets all the praise. We give Him thanks because we know it was Him. Only He could do it!

In the end, prayer increases praise and ceases all worrying. God gets all the glory. God gets the thanks.

What if, today, you took what you were worrying about and started praying about it?

Let’s pray!

Father, I repent of worrying and wrestling with things I cannot fix. Father, only you have the way. Help me to surrender my fear. I give to you all the things I cannot work out. I lay them into your hands. Will you help me, lead me and guide me? You are the Creator. I am the created. You can make a way! I thank you and praise you for your Son. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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Handling People Who Keep Hurting You

1 month ago

purposefulfaith

faith, grace, hope, Love & Health

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I sent her a text. I waited days for a response. Finally, a somewhat monotone sounding voice-text would come through, perhaps asking me a question. A month later, something similar would happen again. Two months after, I’d do it all over. Usually, an “I’m-sorry-I’m-busy” reply would show up from the recipient. The first time this happened, that kind of reply made sense. The fifth time? Not as much.

Overlooking offense, like an excited puppy, I kept ignoring her repeatable pattern. After all, I love this woman; I really do. I care for her a lot and have wonderful memories with her. So, I overlooked the fact that she kept pushing me off, that she was not honoring my time, and that she was often replying in a distant monotone voice. Add that to the fact that, after I listened to her message and quickly replied back with my own heart-wide-open response…

…I got no response back from her. Dead air. Silence.

That is hard. Why do I keep subjecting myself to this?

This morning I woke up with a question that hit like a brick: “What am I, a fool?”

To keep repeating the same cycles to one’s own injury is foolish. To keep subjecting oneself, like an indebted servant, to someone else’s passive-aggressiveness is foolish.

“As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness.” (Pr. 26:11)

Why do I keep partaking in the foolishness of winning this woman over when she’s making it clear as day that she’s not interested?

I’m like a fool returning to its idiotic folly. But, why? Why do I return? Why do I keep seeking to win over people who don’t want me?

During my prayer time, I sought the Lord. “God, why do I act like a fool, continually subjecting myself to repeated pain?”

I felt the answer come clear as day, “Kelly, you believe what they are doing is a proclamation or a reflection of who you are. You have to fix that, or else…”

I understood then and there that I feel I have to change them to feel good — about me. I have to win them over. I have to make them love me. I have to stick with them until I am worthy so I feel worthy. I have to make sure they see me as a something so I don’t have to feel like a nothing. I have to make sure they never treat me as impersonal or distant, lest I be unwanted.

Wow. When did I allow man’s words and actions to have more power than God’s Word and actions? When did I give man so much power over me? When did I lose the calling of God to make my mission to win over the affection of man?

Ick. Jesus didn’t do this.

Jesus went to the cross, despite man’s criticism of Him as the Son of God. He carried on with His mission despite the condemnation about how He healed on the Sabbath. Jesus remembered He was the Son of God, despite the name-calling He experienced. But, imagine? What if Jesus allowed other people’s actions to define Him? He likely would not have fulfilled HIs destiny — crucifixion, resurrection, and salvation for all the believers in the entire world. We cannot look at man! But, do we?

Have we given in to man’s words in such a way that we have subtly given up on God’s cause? Have we become a slave to winning people over more than trusting Jesus who won all freedom on the cross? Have we become a victim to a slave master who tells us we have to fix people in order to be loved or to be happy?
God gives us another way. It is:

Forget what they say!
Forget what they do!
People’s actions are no proclamation over you!
For it is God — who speaks over you!

You are wanted!
Chosen!
Called!
Forgiven.
Empowered by grace!
Equipped for every good work!
Valuable.
Wanted.
Loved.

Today is the line-in-the-sand day when we:

Forget all the foolishness! If that person doesn’t love you, want you or choose you — so what?! That’s not your issue, that’s their issue! God still loves you, wants you and chooses you.

Even more, He is lining up new relationships and new horizons that will speak volumes over those old hurts. Hope again. He has good things for you.

You are His special child. He cares so greatly for you that you don’t have to go chasing after people who keep hurting you.

Prayer: Father, I forgive those who keep hurting me. I also ask you to forgive me for serving and catering to man over you. Forgive me for making a mission out of trying to win people over. I release and surrender these people to you. I serve You and Your will first and foremost. I repent of subjecting myself to continual hurt when You haven’t called me to. I come under Your truth about me (I am loved, wanted, called, helped, not left as an orphan), more than I absorb other people’s words and actions as proclamations of my worth. I am loved and adored. Please help me to know this and help me to be more and more in love with You. May Your love fill every hole in my heart. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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Do you Look Foolish Trusting God?

2 months ago

purposefulfaith

faith, hope, Love & Health

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What looks like foolishness to man can actually be radical obedience to God.

“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise…” (1 Cor. 1:27 NIV)

Friends, in the swoop of a two-week span, we packed up all our home goods, sold our furniture, and moved by faith to a new area.

I know some may call us “hasty”. I am aware that by natural eyes it looks foolish; it was so quick. However, after prayer and seeking, I know this move is of the Lord.

I know it is of the Lord even though bedbugs awaited us at our first Airbnb (Ick! We got out of there fast!).

I know it is of the Lord even though the first school we put our kids in was a complete bomb and we had to disenroll them on the first day.

I know it is of the Lord even though we can’t yet find a home to settle in.

I know it is of the Lord even though we are traveling around towns, praying and seeking, with stuff packed in the back of two vehicles.

God never said faith would be easy. God never said faith has everything all together. God never said faith looks neat and tidy, easy or simple. God said to go and do it anyway.

“Take nothing for your journey,” he instructed them. “Don’t take a walking stick, a traveler’s bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes.” (Lk. 9:3 NLT)

God’s grace steps in as we step out. As we step out on the water to walk, grace empowers our steps in the miraculous. It doesn’t always feel good though. We may do it weak. We may do it scared. Friends, still do it.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor. 12:9-10)

God never said we wouldn’t be tried; He made it clear we would come out as gold, to His glory!

“These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” (1 Pet. 1:7)

We are proven as gold, and trials purify us by fire — to His glory!

My friends? I think it is important for us faith-full followers to know — our faith is still working out its perfect end! It doesn’t matter what it looks like. It doesn’t matter how hard it feels. It doesn’t matter how opposed it looks. Jesus was opposed and kept walking.

So, don’t give up. I’m not! We will find a great school for the kids. We will land in the right home (pray for us!!!). Most of all, we will be positioned in the ideal will of the Lord, in the place where He wants us to be for such an hour as this. It will be good. He makes all things beautiful in His time. Until then, faith can feel hard. Extreme. Outside of the understanding of others. But, does it please the Lord? Always.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God…” (Heb. 11:6)

Prayer: Father, help me not to judge, in fear, what I have done, in faith. Keep me strong in faith regarding the decisions I have made. Give me strength, endurance, and perseverance to carry on. May all I do be to your glory. May all I walk out be done with love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control, no matter how hard it is! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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The Snare When We Compare…

July 8, 2024

purposefulfaith

Comparing, faith, hope

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I didn’t like my house. My house was a townhouse. My friend’s lived in actual houses. My house was a rented house. My friends’ houses were owned. I couldn’t paint my walls. I couldn’t move a wall if I wanted to. They could.

Rather than seeing what I did have, I saw all that I didn’t have – when I looked at all my friends had.

Because I compared, I found myself ensnared in defeat and self-pity.

Ever been there? Maybe you can’t understand why life is so hard for you? Why God hasn’t given you more? Why your friend continually has jaw-dropping opportunities open before her? Why it’s been so hard with your health and so easy for others? Why everyone online is so happy and you are not. Why your lot is troubled?

The grass is always greener on the other side, you think. I understand, my friend, I’ve been there too…

I remember, one day, I literally stared at my yard. There was no grass on that rented plot of land. The shrubs were droopy. The ground was dark and dry mud. I didn’t like it. Ick.

Day after day, I felt a little annoyed at that land as I rushed out the front door to go wherever I was going…

But, one day, rather than continually look at what I hated, I decided to rise up and to make my land beautiful. God inspired me! Hope welled up in me. He was giving me vision.

I went to the nursery and bought a whole bunch of beautiful plants. In time, they would bloom! I would have something to enjoy! There was something good actually coming for me at my house.

“Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” (Ec. 3:11)

What might God still be beautifying in your life? How can you powerfully take a small action to plant a seed that might grow into something beautiful (ex: send a card of love to a hard relationship, start a new hobby, etc.)? What joy and thanks might return to your heart if you stop comparing your lot against others and start thanking God for what you do have?

After those plants were planted, and time was given for them to bloom, I saw that God gave me something good! Everything didn’t have to be so bad after all! God really does make all things beautiful in HIS TIME.

Joy gives thanks (not only for what we have, but for the beauty that is coming)!!

Prayer: Father, rather than counting and tallying all that we do not have, give us eyes and a heart to see all that we do have, in You. Help us to be thankful. Help us to take action where we have ability. Help us not to be powerless, but powerful in you. We love you. We thank you that you are making all things beautiful in Your time. You are always faithful. We love you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Exciting News! Friends, I launched a podcast. It is named, “Hear God’s Voice.” New podcast episodes release every week. Listen today!

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How To Know God More…

June 17, 2024

purposefulfaith

awe, Contentment, faith, God, hope

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Have you ever just known something?

When my husband wakes up, I know the first thing he’ll do is get coffee.
When my daughter poses for pictures, I know she’ll likely make a silly face.
When I open my computer, I know a million windows will pop up.
I know, at home, I have to go up a little curb to get onto my driveway.
I know my son will not want onions on his dinner plate.

Intimacy with someone is — to know them. The more time you spend with them, the more you know their preferences, their desires, and what makes them tick.

The more time we spend with God, the more we know Him. The goal is to know God and to be known.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— (Jo. 10:14)

God knows us, through the finished work of Jesus at the cross. Our acceptance and belief in His salvation mean He knows us as His own (if you don’t know Jesus this way and would like a personal relationship with Him, please respond to this email and let’s chat together).

On the flip side of the coin — we can know God! We can know Him intimately, just as we know the inner workings of a family member. We can know His preferences… How He loves… What He loves… Why He loves… When He is calling us to love… How He looks at us… What is on His heart…

To know God is to love Him more. And, to be known by God is to feel so loved by Him that you trust His leading. Obedience comes easy-er.

Just as sure as you are that your house is still on your street — you come to know — He is faithful. You believe in His promises.

With this kind of knowing — you don’t have to fight to know — you just know. His faithfulness is as sure as the rising sun.

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Ro. 10:17)

Faithful-knowing comes from spending time with Him, and hearing His Word. Knowing is a product of His likeness taking residence.

Someone once told me that love is spelled: T.I.M.E. Are you making time to connect with God? Are you making space to know Him more and to be known? God wants to spend time with you!

Prayer:
Father, I want to know you more. I want to grow more and more in love with you. I want to pursue you with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind, and all my strength. Bless me and give me the grace to do this. Help me to carve out time to spend with you! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Invitation to Experience God in the Bible:

Want to spend more time getting to know God more? Join my workshop:“Understanding and Loving God’s Word”.

Here, you will learn how to:
– Find and make time to read the bible.
– Learn how to keep focus.
– Connect deeply with Scripture, to understand God’s heart of the matter.
– Activate scriptural truth so it changes you from the inside-out.
– Bring bible stories to life.
– Use scripture to become a powerful prayer warrior.
– Cultivate a hunger for God’s Word.
– Dig deeper into Hebrew and Greek meanings, to gain greater insight.
– Encounter God’s heart for you.

This workshop is $30.*

This is a recorded, emailed workshop that you can watch at your own convenience. You can go through the material at your own pace. I expect God will really meet your heart and give you great faith as you meet Him in His Word! Register today.

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

Where You Can Hide When You’re Afraid

June 14, 2024

purposefulfaith

awe, faith, hope, peace, Speaking Truth, The World, truth

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Frankly, all I could muster out of my mouth this time was, “God, be my defender.”

The attack was ferocious. The verbal assault, intense. The end of it, not in sight. There was no place to hide.

My insides cried out… How will I make it? I have no strength. I can’t even muster words to pray.

The only place I could land was a nonverbal statement that somehow became a silent prayer: “Kelly, be still and know that He is God.” (Ps. 46:10)

I took a deep breath and exhaled the battle. God would have to fight it now.

Dear friends, did you know? Sometimes – at the end of ourselves, at the end of our lives, or at the end of our rope – a prayer can be a single scripture, owned. When there are no words, prayer hides out under a scriptural truth until it becomes and overcomes us.

“For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.” (Ps. 27:5)

God’s Word is a place in which we can hide. When no words are left, when all looks impossible, when the battle is raging, when nothing is working – God’s Word always works. When the world is folding in on us, when people are accusing, when the rug is pulled out from under us – there is powerful hiding we can find, in scripture residing in us.

Yet, if we don’t have it there, we can’t hide in that cleft of the rock. God’s Word is not only truth; it is a hiding place for the weary.

Do you have scripture residing in you? You know, if you are not in a battle today, there’s likely one coming at you tomorrow. Are you ready? Prepared to stand firm? Do you have oil prepared and stored?

To memorize the Word is to never lose it – even if physical bibles were someday taken away.

To dive into Jesus’ heart, is to know it – even if everyone else’s heart is turned against.

To become the Word is to know the Word – even if words of hurt surround.

To understand the ways of God, is to know the paths of God – even if confusion mounts on every side.

My friends, now more than ever, we must not only have scripture in our minds, but we must own it in our hearts. For there, it cannot be stolen, but it is greatly seen by God.

“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Sam. 16:7)

God looks upon our heart. How do we connect our heart with God’s? How do we strengthen our heart? How do we love what God loves? How do we keep focus on His Word?

The more we seek Him the more we find Him.

Prayer:

Father, let us seek you and find you. Let us know your Word as our words. Let us be strong in the power of your might so we can stand any test of these times. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

—

An Invite for You:

If I know anything, I know the power to persevere, to love God and to keep hope — comes through God’s Word, which is why I want to invite you to my latest workshop: “Understanding and Loving God’s Word”.

Here, you will learn how to:

– Find and make time to read the bible.

– Learn how to keep focus.
– Connect deeply with Scripture, to understand God’s heart of the matter.

– Activate scriptural truth so it changes you from the inside-out.

– Bring bible stories to life.

– Use scripture to become a powerful prayer warrior.

– Cultivate a hunger for God’s Word.

– Dig deeper into Hebrew and Greek meanings, to gain greater insight.
– Encounter God’s heart for you.

This workshop is $30.*

Join me on Tuesday, June 18 at 6:00 p.m. ET via Zoom (the event will also be recorded).

Bring your bible, a journal, and expect to grow in love with God’s Word. Register today.

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

* The charge for this event covers the costs it takes to run this encouraging ministry. If you feel led to donate more to this ministry, please let me know.

Triumph in Christ May Look Different Than We Think

April 18, 2024

purposefulfaith

awe, blessings, faith, grace, hope, Jesus

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

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

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

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

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

(Lu. 19:33-40)

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

This is odd, right?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Power of Resurrection

April 1, 2024

purposefulfaith

faith, grace, hope

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

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

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

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

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

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

They messed up.

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

That’s what the Light of the World does…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Are You Suffering Alone?

March 29, 2024

purposefulfaith

faith, hope, prayer

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Are you suffering alone?

A moment ago, I wiped a tear from my eye. Dear friends, it feels like I suffer alone today.

Maybe some of you, like me, suffer alone today. Maybe you suffer alone because you desperately hope a family member will change, but day after day they do not change. Maybe you suffer alone because you are always lonely. Maybe you suffer alone because your spouse is physically or emotionally missing. Maybe you suffer alone because your BIG hope only belongs to you and you alone; no one understands how you could believe that way. Maybe you suffer alone because no one can relate to that immense pain you feel.

There you are, alone. Like Jesus…

In the garden, Jesus told the disciples, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”
Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away[f] unless I drink it, your will be done.” When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open.” (Mt. 26:37-43)
Jesus requested that his disciples enter in to this moment with Him. He wanted them to be present with Him. He requested their prayer. He wanted His friends to watch.

Yet, they fell asleep and Jesus was left all alone.

My friend, if this is you, I want to encourage you: Jesus understands. He knows what it is to walk through the garden of agony without a present friend in sight. He knows what it is to pray from depths that most souls can’t call out from. He knows what it’s like to feel all alone in an hour of need.

And make no mistake, from that heart of compassion, Jesus is there for you today.

He empathizes with your plight:
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses…” (Heb. 4:15)

He has compassion for the harassed, helpless, and Shepherdless:
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Mt. 9:36)*

He does not leave you, but keeps tabs on your every way:
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. (Ps. 139:3)

Man may have left you, but Jesus has not. God is with you. Holy Spirit is inside you. Although it may feel like it, you, my dear friend are never, ever alone.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Ps. 23:4)

Prayer: Father, I thank you that you are familiar with my every way. I thank you that you know exactly what is happening in my life. I thank you that you fear nothing that I face. Because you have the whole world in your hands, certainly you can handle my problem. I call out to you today like Jesus did in the garden and I ask that the cup I face can pass. But even if it doesn’t right now, still I will praise your Holy Name! Worthy is the Lamb who never leaves me. Glory to the Name above all Names, who always helps me. Praise be to the King of Kings, who rules above all things. I know you are with me and have the very best plan in mind. I trust you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

*While this verse does seem to be directed to unbelievers, I believe, even as believers, we can feel Shepherdless at times. God has compassion not only for unbelievers, but also for His children.

P.S. Send me any prayer breakthroughs from last week (I have found a resource that is a God -send!). God is most certainly on the move! Sometimes the oven has to heat up, before the bread comes out — fully baked. But, make no mistake, the Lord has heard our prayers and we will taste of His goodness and providence. Keep strong, my friends and trust in the Lord! I stand with you today in your wait for His great!

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