Stop Fighting

Sometimes when you feel alone, surrounded by the enemy, and in the middle of the battlefield, it's time to stop fighting.  Let God fight this battle for you. Be still.  Stay calm.  Rest in Him.  Let God tell you when it's time to rest and when it's time to fight.

“The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm."  -Exodus 14:14

Communication

Communication brings clarity and peace.  Don't speculate what the other person is thinking, but rather talk to them directly and quickly.  You both will feel much better. 

“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, (Ephesians 4:26 NKJV)

God Rescues

God rescues. What do you need rescuing from today? A situation? A relationship? Yourself? Let Him rescue you.

He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. (Psalm 40:2-3 ESV)

Follow the Peace

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, and peace. Satan can't produce peace, only the Spirit can.  So, follow the peace, for where there is peace, there is God. 

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."  --Galatians 5:22-23, 25 ESV

Sharpen

You become a product of who you choose to be around and spend time with.  Surround yourself with people who sharpen you. It makes all the difference in the world.  

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17 ESV)

Endurance

Life is a marathon. We're not in it for the sprint. Some miles are easier than others, but the finish line is worth it!

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4 ESV)

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans 5:3-6 ESV)

Go North

Sometimes we keep praying about a situation that God has already given us an answer to. We go in circles hoping for a different direction or different answer; one that is easier or more comfortable. Delaying obedience is disobedience. Be bold. Take a step of faith today and do the thing that God has been telling you to do. He's got your back!

"You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north..." -Deuteronomy 2:3

God's got your back!

When you feel like everything is going wrong and all of your friends have abandoned you, remember that God loves you. He's got your back!

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT)

Protect Me From Me

When we pray for protection, it doesn't always have to be against an enemy or situation. Sometimes we just need to pray protection against ourselves. 

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. (Romans 7:15 ESV)

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. (Psalm 3:3 ESV)

Calm me

Whether you are struggling with fear, anxiety, temptation, frustration, sadness, overwhelming emotions, or just a really bad day, remember that the same Jesus that calmed the raging storm can calm your raging heart. 

"...He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." (1 John 4:4 ESV)

Talk to God

Talking to God won't change Him, but it will change you.  Having a conversation with God can bring encouragement, strength, wisdom, comfort, and an overwhelming peace that only comes through talking with your heavenly Father.  Talk to Him today.  Tell Him everything you've been afraid to tell Him.  He will hear you.

"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." -Jeremiah 29:12-13

Courage to Obey

There are times when we know what we're being called to do, but are so afraid that we second guess ourselves. We are afraid of rejection, of embarrassment, or of being uncomfortable. It takes courage to obey. Sometimes it's making the decision to walk in obedience to God even when all of our human being is shaking from fear. Sometimes that step of faith needed is a step of obedience.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” --Joshua 1:9

"Jesus replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." --Luke 11:28

For Good

We make one bad choice that leads to another, that leads to another, that leads to another, and then we feel lost and so far away from God. It's in those moments that He's there loving us through it and waiting for us to look up. The courage is not in how much we struggle on our own but the courage is in how we completely surrender to Him. 

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28 ESV)

Hold My Heart

Don't you think your heart is important to the One who formed you? Take it all to Him, the good, the bad, the not-so-pretty. God cares for you. He cares for your heart. Whatever is weighing your heart down, no matter if it seems insignificant or petty, take it to Him anyway. He can handle.  Let the One who formed your heart, hold your heart.

"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well." --Psalms 139:13-14

Grace Abounds

Living for God isn't about being a good person or about keeping all the rules, because the truth is that we can never be good enough, we can never play by all the rules. We need a help, we need grace, we need freedom, we need forgiveness, we need hope, we need the love of a Savior.

"God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." --Romans 5:20, 21 NLT

Not perfect, but deeply loved

Striving towards knowing God more deeply and intimately doesn't mean that you and your life will be perfect. You will always have struggles. You will always mess up.  You are human. In knowing God more, you'll learn more and more about how messed up you are but at the same time how deeply love and accepted you are. Live in the grace, forgiveness, and freedom of that love. 

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to..." (James 4:8 ESV)

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us..." (Ephesians 5:1, 2 ESV)

New

We fail daily.  We need God daily.  We need His forgiveness, His grace, His peace, His love.  We can't live this life on our own.  Each day, each hour, each minute is an opportunity to make things new.  Just because something has always been that way, doesn't mean it has to stay that way.  You're never stuck.  Life can be different.  Life can be new.  

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” -Revelation 21:5

Sound Mind

A lot of times things don't go as planned, but that's where faith comes.  You don't need to let anxiety or fear or doubt or worry consume our thoughts. Through Jesus you have power to defeat the negativities that plague your mind. There is power in the name of Jesus. Just ask. 

 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (II Timothy 1:7 NKJV)

Broken Heart

Know that whatever heartache or struggle you're going through right now, God knows and He hears you. You never have to walk alone. Tell Him all about it and then hand it all over to Him.  Let Him carry your broken heart. 

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted... (Psalm 34:18 ESV)

In the Details

God isn't only in the big picture, but He's in the details as well. Nothing is too small, or petty, or insignificant for Him. Whatever it is, take it to God. He can handle it and He always has time for you. He delights in the details. He delights in you! 

Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (Matthew 6:26 ESV)

Go

Is there something you're being called to do or take a leap of faith on? Have you already received confirmation that you should be moving in that direction? Instead of trying to talk yourself into or out of a decision, just Go!  Stepping out on faith can be scary, but remember, you're never alone. 

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8 ESV)

Hurt or Free?

Hurt people, hurt people. Free people, free people. You have a choice. You can choose to hurt and bring pain to someone.  You can choose to show someone the freedom that comes through salvation and surrendering to Jesus. Will you walk in hurt or in freedom today?

...where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17 ESV)

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36 ESV)

God is big, I am small

God is big and I am small.  May I never forget those words. May I never think that what I accomplish is in my own strength. Every gift, talent, privilege, and opportunity that I have had in life has been given to me from a loving and powerful God. May I only be an empty channel for God to use.  To Him be all the glory and praise.

John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven...He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:27, 30 ESV)

Pouring

Is there a mentor in your life?

Is there a mentee in your life?

We each need both in our lives.  We each need someone who pours into us and someone to pour into.  It's very easy to become complacent (stagnant) or burnt out (dry) if there isn't the balance of both.  Let us be accountable to God and to each other.

"...and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2 ESV)

"The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple." (Psalm 119:130 ESV)

Accepted

When you feel down, discouraged, neglected, unloved, lonely, betrayed, needy or hurt. Remember, you are loved. You are accepted! Jesus loved you so much that He died for you!  Don't live for other people's approval of you.  Live for Him, the One who died so that you can be accepted! 

"...to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved." (Ephesians 1:6 NKJV)

Light to Dark

Is there a dark place in your life that you are hiding or lying about? It may be time to begin cleaning out the cobwebs and bring light, honesty, truth, and transparency to those dark and hidden sins and secrets. Take a step today to walking in light! Shine!! You can't do it without God, so ask Him for help! 

If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.” (Luke 11:36 ESV)

Surrender

"All to Jesus, I surrender, all to Him I freely give!" (Hymn: I Surrender All) That's my prayer for this week!!! 
It's Monday, we don't know what's going to happen this week but we can choose to surrender our week now! 

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22 ESV)

I Surrender YOU!

Too many times we try to take control of situations and people.  We try and impress our own goals and visions and expectations for what we think their lives should look like.  We mean well, we really do. We have fears and hopes and dreams for them.  We try so hard to hold on to them and help them rather than getting out of the way and letting the Lord work.

Received this prayer from a dear friend and mentor tonight.  A prayer of release, a prayer of surrender!  

To my friend who I want so much for, this is my prayer for you:

"Because Jesus Christ is my Lord, I free you from my anxiety, fears and control.  I trust the Holy Spirit to lead you and show you the way that is right for you--the way of love, joy, and peace and all that salvation includes. I place you at God's throne of grace.  I cannot force my will on you.  I cannot live your life for you.  I give you to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  You are a very special person.  As much as I love you, God loves you more.  Your life today is totally in His hands, and I trust Him with it.  In Jesus Name I release you from my expectation.  I place you on open palms to the Lord. I give you my blessing. I let you go. "

I Am Strong

"I hear the Savior say, Thy strength indeed is small; Child of weakness, watch and pray, Find in Me thine all in all."  (Song: Jesus Paid It All)

Whether it's physical weakness, mental weakness, emotional weakness or spiritual weakness, we must always remember that although we are weak, our God is strong! Take it all to Him today. Take your job situation, your marriage, your singleness, your children, your financial instability, your broken heart and all of your fears to the foot of the cross. Jesus is there to carry those burdens for you.

"..Let the weak say I am strong." -Joel 3:10

Rest

When situations force you to take time to rest it's amazing how the Lord can reveal new or old things to you. He can use this quiet time to remind you of things you already know, like who He is, and who you are in Him. These simple reminders can change our perspective and refocus us to an eternal one. Only God can heal a broken body, wandering spirit, and wounded heart. It takes time, it takes rest, it takes being gentle to ourselves. Find rest my soul, in Christ alone!

"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us." -- Psalm 62:5-8

Change Of Plans

When things don't go exactly as planned we have two choices, to complain and sulk or to embrace it and seek God's face in the situation. Yes, it's important to plan, prepare, and be responsible, but at the same time, we need to hold loosely to our plans so that we are able to get out of the way and let God work! May we choose joy as we seek God's face and the lessons He's teaching us in the midst of what we may call a frustration or change in plans. 

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” --Jeremiah 29:13

"You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy..." --Psalms 16:11

Timing!

Timing! Sometimes God allows difficult situations to occur earlier in the week, month, year, or in life in order for you to have the strength and wisdom to walk through present or future situations. Embrace them. God is always on time! Thankful that His time table is not mine!! 

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. (Psalm 28:7 ESV)

In My Weakness

In awe of how even in our weakness, our brokenness, or frustration, our confusion, our selfishness, and the messy parts of our lives, God still chooses to use us! Why?? Because at those moments, it's when we are humbled and reminded that we can't do anything on our own, it must come from Him and Him alone. 

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. (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV) 

For you...

Your past doesn't have to dictate your future. Take it all to God because only He can heal a wounded heart. There can be change in your life, but only with God's help.

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it! (Philippians 1:6a)