Category: Devotions

Be Ready & Sow Generously

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Here are some nuggets I wanted to share with you from time with God and experiences.

1. Be ready in season and out of season…to share the Gospel and do the work of ministry.

2 Timothy 4:2 New King James Version (NKJV)

Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

It’s easy to sit idle; there is nothing wrong with rest. It’s prudent for us to be continually aware that as Ambassadors for Jesus, we can be called on at any moment to do the work of ministry. This weekend I was prepared to share worship music with a few kids. Once I got to my destination, they had me lined up to do worship at church on Sunday. If I had not been playing and worshipping in my free time, I would not have been prepared for Sunday. At any moment we can be called upon to teach, preach, exhort, rebuke, share the Gospel, pray, or minister to other people. Are we ready? Are we cultivating intimacy with God so we have something to share? We can only release what we carry and give away what we already possess.

2. We are stewards not owners….

Everything we have; money, time, talent, resources, gifts, our bodies, relationships, it all belongs to God. We are not our own but were purchased with Christ’s blood (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Therefore, we don’t own, we steward what is given. The parable of the talents teaches us that God cares what we do with what we are given (Matthew 25:14-30). The more faithful we are over what is given, the more is given to us. So, when people complain…God is using this person more than me or they have more opportunities than me…the key is to look at what the person did with the little that they had. Did they use it for selfish means, or did they invest it for the benefit of others? Did they take care of what and who was entrusted to them or did they abuse, neglect, or misuse what was given?

We cannot ask God to lead nations if we are unwilling to serve where we are and who is right in front of us. If we will not care for what we already have, how can God entrust us with more? This is my own conviction…how am I ministering to my coworkers, neighbors, family, people who interact with me on a daily basis. Am I pointing them to Jesus? Am I using the things God has already given for His glory?

3. We reap what we sow…

Those who sow sparingly, reap sparingly. Those who are stingy normally do not prosper. God calls selfishness sin and does not reward selfishness. In the realm of God’s Kingdom, those who give or sow into things other than themselves reap a bountiful harvest. The key to abundance is giving,~Bill and Beni Johnson. The world says the key is hoarding and self-focus. It is the opposite in God’s Kingdom.

It may seem if you are sowing or investing, that you have less than others. The truth is, the longer the sowing season, the greater the harvest. When God speaks of blessing, He speaks to the end of a thing. Some people will live lavish lives on earth and have fewer or little rewards in heaven. Yes, there will be rewards given in heaven and we will co-reign with Christ (James 1:12, Matthew 5:12, Matthew 25:21, Revelation 2:10, Revelation 22:12, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Corinthians 3:12-14, Matthew 6:6)…and there are so many more Bible verses about rewards in heaven. What we do here does matter. Our earthly life also prepares us for our heavenly assignment.

God blesses us not just for our benefit, but for the benefit of every person around us. Every person has been given something from God to help other people. The Holy Spirit in us has the ability to minister, encourage, help, bless, and love others. No believer is without something to offer. The question is; will we let God live and love through us…even if it costs us greatly? Our blessings cost Jesus His life.

Luke 6:38 New King James Version (NKJV)

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.

Some people are waiting on breakthrough, for their dreams to come true, and they are unwilling to sow/invest into anyone else. Joyce Meyer said this once and it stuck with me, “If you want something, start sowing it.” The point isn’t to give expecting something in return. The point is that God is faithful to His word and it’s good to take the focus off ourselves and help other people. The call of every believer is to help other people and to love them. It’s not something Jesus offered as an option, it would be nice if you did this (Matthew 25:31-46).

If you want your dreams to come true, start helping others with their dreams. Don’t neglect what you need to do, but help other people. Sow and invest in others. If you want good friends, be a good friend. If you want help, be willing to help others. If you want to be treated well, treat others well. If you want to be blessed, bless others. It’s not about getting, yet if you don’t sow it…you are going to reap what you sow; those who invest nothing, reap nothing. And we always reap more than we sow. A seed produces a seemingly endless harvest. Jesus told us to treat others well, even our enemies. It doesn’t mean we run out and start doing everything for everyone. It does mean we seek to do no harm and look for ways to bless others-being led by His Spirit.

If you’re a sower and your harvest hasn’t come yet, no worries. It will come and it will be more than you sowed. And it’s crucial to know it may never come back from the person or place you sowed into. You may not even see it this side of heaven, yet our God is faithful to His word. If you haven’t sowed or invested in anyone else, I encourage you to start giving, discipling others, and investing in the spiritual growth of others…not out of obligation or to get, but to represent Jesus. He’s done so much for us, how can we refuse being good to other people? It’s for His Glory. We show the world the character of God. As we reap a harvest of blessings, we can turn that over and bless more people for His glory.

May we live in such a way that people say, “When our paths crossed, I encountered Jesus and I was blessed.” He’s amazing. Let’s keep our eyes on Him and let Him live through us…for His Glory and the blessing of others.

You are continually in my prayers…and I am not just saying that. When I pray, you’re covered. Also Jesus lives to intercede for us…so you are always covered in prayer.

Have a blessed and wonderful week. Be a blessing to others…show the world how awesome our Papa is! He overflows with love and generosity. May we let Him live through us so others are richly blessed.

Love in Christ,

Erin

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God is Undefeated! You can be too!!

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you,~2 Corinthians 4:8-12.

This is a message that I hope encourages you this week to feast on good things. Just as the body places on display what we have been eating, our lives often manifest what we have been feasting on spiritually and mentally. The battle is in our mind.

God is the source of all things good. Apart from Him we can do nothing. If we lack joy, peace, hope, wisdom, provision, vision, or anything good…He is the place to go.

Have you ever fasted? If you have, you know that your body craves food. There are hunger pains and physical manifestations of starvation. When we don’t spend time with God, our spirit has spiritual pains. They manifest in angry outbursts, worry, fear, anxiety, lust, imbalance, negative thoughts, critical of self and others.

We need God more than air, water, food.

So, what are we feasting on?

Continual communion with God leads to peace…love…joy…,and He will highlight people around us that need what we carry.

I’d love to tell you that I always think or meditate on beautiful things…but I don’t…Daily I have to pull down negative thoughts and train my brain to meditate on God’s Words. And it’s a process with the Holy Spirit.

Thoughts pop up like…

No one cares what you have to say
You talk about God too much
God made you wrong
You’re weird
You are never going to be able to do this
People don’t value or love you
This is hopeless or futile
What do you have to show for your life?
You’ve wasted so much of your life on helping other people, who’s helping you?
Loving this person has been a waste of time
You mess up all the time, why bother…

Many of these thoughts come in first person. I have to rebuke and cast down thoughts…and for some thoughts it’s not as easy. I can’t feast on them, meditate on them, or allow them to take root in my spirit. My spirit needs to feast in God’s truth, it superceeds my opinion or anyone else’s.

Negative thoughts are minimized by meditating on God’s word, reading previous prophetic words, professing and proclaiming God’s truth, and by simply being with God all day-aware of His Presence, inviting His Presence, soaking, and basking in His Presence.

“What we are feasting on mentally and spiritually is what we will attract. Hence gossips attract other gossips…Lustful people attract other lustful people…angry people attract other angry people. We give authority to a defeated enemy by agreeing with him with our thoughts and words. Our thoughts and words attract forces in the unseen world around us. The enemy has power. He has no authority. Jesus took back all authority the enemy gained in the Garden. The enemy does go around looking for those with authority to agree with him. Once he gets you into agreement with his lies, he uses your authority to impact the spiritual and natural environment around you,”~Bill Johnson.

Father I ask that we live connected to the Vine. Without You we can do absolutely nothing. Thank You for another day. Thank You for giving us authority in your Name. Thank You for raising us up and seating us in heavenly places with Your Son Jesus. Thank You for putting the enemy under our feet, for making us the head and not the tail. Thank You for paying for healing, restoration, deliverance, freedom, and every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. Thank You for giving us the keys to the Kingdom. Thank You for ALL Jesus paid for and may we live appropriating it to every moment and area of our lives. May we live empowered and empower others. Use us in mighty ways to be blessing to every person around us. We are Your children and ALL we needed was purchased on the cross. Help us to believe it, grasp it, cling to it, live in it, and walk it out. You are the undefeated God. May we live undefeated. Nothing is ever impossible for You!

May we live in such a way that people say, “There was no light before you came and no darkness when you left!”

Have a great week.

Love,

Erin

God’s Vision (the Eyes of Love)

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You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us,~Romans 5:6-8.

What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’ ~Isaiah 45:9.

Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago,~Ephesians 2:9-10.

For most of my life I’ve battled with the way God created me. Yes, it’s true. My personality is one of the rarest types for a woman. I had several tests as a child and adult. It’s found in only 0.8 percent of the female population. My brain is quite logical. I want things and people to make sense. I also use both sides of my brain equally, which lends to hours lost in creative thought. I’m very direct, pretty transparent, confident about what I can do and about what I don’t know. I want to learn as much as possible and share it with as many people as possible. I spend hours each day thinking, pondering, and analyzing. I don’t draw energy from being with people. I am energized by being alone. Is this a blessing or a curse?

Well, my parents noticed I had little to no interest in toys, tv, or other kids. A little concerning for them. I’d spend hours with books, note pads, and pens. I hated socializing. I had two good friends and didn’t want more. I was often labeled stubborn or independent because once I started a task, I couldn’t stop. I was and am driven to complete assignments by an internal conviction.

All my life there have been people trying to change me. Be more social. Be less direct. Have less passion.Your zeal offends people. Be more gentle. Be more like other women. Talk more, talk less. Be less you. I’ve had more input than I’ve ever liked. The message that was sent to me has been, “God made you wrong. You need to change in order to be accepted, celebrated, and loved. Be who we want you to be, then you will accepted.”

Sweet friends, let me tell you some truth. God knew what He was doing when He created me and you. Yes, there’s sin that He comes in to deal with, but He didn’t created us all with the same qualities, attributes, personalities, and brain wiring. His love is also not dependent on our changing and becoming someone else.

God loves you, as is…no ifs about it. Sure God corrects us. He disciplines us. He shapes and molds us. He never approves of our sin. He transforms our hearts. He does not base His love for us on performance, behavior, personality, or ability. We can’t earn His love or approval.

I told a friend this week who’s been giving herself a hard time the following:

We see ourselves as these hard lumps of clay that God wants to come in and change in order to love. As someone who’s taken ceramics, I can say I didn’t see lumps of clay. I saw vases, sculptures, delicate designs that could be created. The artist sees their vision, not the clay they are given. God is the Master Artist. He sees through the eyes of love. He sees what He envisioned before the foundations of the Earth. He sees His workmanship created for His Glory. Yes, the story is His story and it’s primarily about Him. He still loves us! We are here because of Love. Who are we to argue with the Creator of the Universe? He says we are fearfully and wonderfully made.

I still don’t understand why God gave me a brain that functions the way it does. It’s caused some misunderstandings with others and relational distress. I’ve learned and am learning to leave the refining of my character to God. I learned to pitch the labels not of God. The Holy Spirit is the One who provides direction. He leads back to this place of love. What does God want to say or do? Who does God say I am?

When we know how much God loves us, the opinions of others (including ourselves) loses weight. It’s about God working through us. It looks different for each one because God’s a Creator not a cloner. You weren’t created to be like other people. Each person was created to represent a unique part of God. Some are bold and creative. Others are thoughtful and quiet. Our role model is Christ. He wants to work through us so the world sees Him.

I hope today you live loved. May the focus be Jesus. As we behold Him, we become like Him. It’s all for His glory and fame.

You’re daily in my thoughts and prayers.

Love in Christ,

Erin

It’s Not About You!

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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,~Phil 2:3.

For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind,~James 3:16.

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power…,~2 Timothy 3:1-5.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me,~Matthew 16:24.

I have not heard many sermons talk about selfishness as sin, yet the Bible is loaded with scripture on the evil that results from selfishness. The world says, “Think about yourself, your family, your needs, your rights, your pleasure, your dreams, your desires, your circumstances, how does this effect You!” The song that plays is, “It’s all about me! Me! Me!”

God says, “It’s not about you! It’s about building My Kingdom so as many people as possible can know Me, be loved by Me, and have everlasting life.”

God cares about everyone, not just the people in our little bubble, community, ethnic group, or sphere of concern.

Selfishness is the root of all sin.

Unbelief-I will not believe God. I believe what I think is right.

Jealousy-Someone has what I don’t have and I’m discontent because of it.

Coveting/Envy-I want what they have and don’t want them to have it.

Lust-I want what I want now.

Impatience-Why can’t God move on my time? Why can’t others move on my time?

Greed-I need to get as much as I can for me.

Gluttony-I don’t need to consume more, but I will keep consuming because it feels good to me.

Sexual Sin-I will follow my passions, do what feels good for me even if it’s outside God’s will.

Lying-I need to protect me, inflate my image, take care of me.

Indifference-If it doesn’t directly affect me, I don’t care.

Stealing-I will take what I need instead of asking & trusting God to meet my needs.

Unforgiveness-I need this person to pay for what they did to me even though God freely forgives me. I care more about my rights than someone being right with God.

Offense-I must be hurt and angered by how this person’s actions or words impacted me. Instead of how can I check my own heart and if they truly sinned, help them be restored to God.

Put downs, Gossip, Slander, Mean Spirit, Hurtful Sarcasm-I will put others down to build myself up.

Disobedience, Control, & Manipulation-I need to get my way.

Self Reliance-I will do this without consulting or relying on God because I know best.

Self Hatred & Self Exaltation-my opinion of me is truth instead of God’s opinion of me. Both are rooted in pride.

Racism/Prejudice-I am better than others and will judge or mistreat those who look different or are different than me.

Hatred-I will refuse to love.

Abuse/Unrighteous Anger-I will take out my frustrations on others or use them for what I need.

Discontentment-I will not be happy until God or someone does something for me or my situation changes.

Chronic Tardiness/Broken Promises-I will do what’s convenient for me.

Idolatry-I will worship whatever best suits me. Only God is worthy of worship.

It’s easy to see selfishness in other people and be offended by it. It’s more prudent to ask God to search our own hearts and to repent of the sin of selfishness. Selfishness is sin. It’s an idol of self. Instead of God being on the throne, we are. The bad news is-we are born selfish. The good news-Jesus came, died, rose again, and gave us His Holy Spirit so we don’t have to die selfish. Jesus is the solution.

We can’t strive to be like Him. We can obey Him, submit to Him, and cultivate relationship with Him. We let Him live through us. It’s about relationship with God. If God is number 1, there is no number 2. If our pure devotion is Christ, then self moves off the throne and is nailed to a cross. We no longer live, but Christ lives in us. It’s a process. Just as a baby grows to stop messing their diapers and demanding their own way, God parents us so we can become focused on Him instead of ourselves.

I’m still in process. You’re still in process. No one other than Jesus gets it 100 percent right. Our goal is to love God, respond to His love, correction, and guiding. It’s all for His glory!

Father thank you for sending your Son to save us from death, destruction, and the weight of sin. He paid a debt we could not pay. Help us to respond to Your love. You bring about lasting change. Reduce us to love. Break our cycles of selfishness. In Jesus powerful name, Amen.

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Paid in Full (Jesus Saves)

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You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation,~Romans 5:6-11.

I read a quote that has been imbedded in my memory. It says, “Sin has a high price tag. Either we will pay for our sins or we accept Jesus and receive His appropriation for our sins.” The Bible is very clear that all have sinned (except Jesus) and have fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). We are powerless to save ourselves, hence the need for a Savior.

What is sin? It’s not just murder, adultery, refusing to love, selfishness, jealousy, bigotry, racism, abuse, lying, dishonoring people, or hatred. Sin is anything not birthed from faith (Romans 14:23).

As humans we are not born loving God nor are we filled with faith. We are born selfish, carnal, and thanks to Adam/Eve with a sin nature in tact. Our passions are not Godly. God knew we’d mess up and made the appropriation for our mess ups. Jesus went to the cross for sinful, wicked, and messed up people; you and me!

People want to envision God slashing people and delighting in throwing them into hell with a grin on His face. God hates sin. God is opposed to sin. He’s holy, there’s no sin in Him. Sin cannot dwell in Him. He’s also a God of justice. Love without justice is not love at all. Those who refuse His solution for sin will end up eternally separated from Him. This truth should lead us to pray people are reconciled to God and free of sin, not to look down our noses or condemn others. If He had not pursued us, we’d all be lost.

So, we can be discouraged by our depravity or we can be encouraged by the love of God. The love that stepped into sinful humanity and laid down His life in a brutal death so we could be free.

Yes, sin is deserving of death. Sin is toxic. Sin is why Jesus went to the cross-to pay for our sins. But the story doesn’t end with our sin. In comes Jesus! He says, “Come follow Me. If you confess your sins, I am faithful to forgive your sins. I make all things new! I paid the highest price for you. I make all things new.”

Dear friends, let’s never forget what God did for us. Let’s not try to convince the world of their sin without introducing them to a Savior. May we recognize our own depravity and seek God for the purification of our heart and motives. Jesus paid the penalty for all sin. He paid it in full! We are saved because of what He did. It is finished.

God bless you! May you share the Gospel with love in your hearts. Our God is mighty to save.

Love in Christ,

Erin

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What’s it Gonna Cost (Following Jesus)

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The Bible says a wise person counts the cost (Luke 14:28-32). What does it cost to follow Jesus? It will cost you everything. God wants your heart, your time, your talents, your mind, your relationships, your pure devotion. It’s not about beating ourselves into submission to His will. It’s about falling in love with the One who loved us first and allowing that love to catapult us into reckless abandon.

All of this life, for the believer, centers around God.

Walking with Jesus might cost you relationships or friendships. The Bible is very clear about not being unequally yoked (spiritually incompatible in marriage) or hanging with people who are pulling you away from God.

Walking with Jesus might cost you time, energy…to serve those around you. Will we do it even if they don’t appreciate it? Will we do it when it’s inconvenient or painful for us? Will we do it out of love, to put someone else first? Will we do it when no one sees and there’s zero credit given to us? Will we serve those who have hurt, abused, neglected, or betrayed us?

Walking with Jesus will lead you to purity…denying fleshly desires to pursue holiness.

Walking with Jesus will cost you popularity. Not everyone loved Jesus. And if everyone loves what we have to say, we might not be preaching the Gospel. The disciples and Jesus were fiercely persecuted for their faith.

Walking with Jesus will cause you to be misunderstood. There are people who will be offended, hurt, angered, and feel rejected by your love for Jesus.

Walking with Jesus even in Christian community can be lonely. You will often have to rely heavily on the Holy Spirit because He never grows weary or tired. He never sleeps or slumbers. He is the source, everything and everyone else a resource.

Walking with Jesus may cost you your dreams. What if what God has for you is better than what you’ve dreamed up or thought of? What if God’s answer doesn’t match your prayers? God does exceedingly and abundantly above all we could ask or imagine. His will is perfect, even when we don’t understand it.

Walking with Jesus will cost you your pride…to give, forgive, sacrifice, and take the role of a servant.

Walking with Jesus will cost you comfort. He never promised a life without trouble. Life hurts at times. Sometimes it’s excruciatingly painful and disappointing. He did promise to never leave or forsake us. He did promise to work things for good. Even if it doesn’t happen here and now. We will see Him face to face in all His glory. No pain. No sorrow! Just joy!!!!

It’s gonna cost us everything to truly follow Jesus! I can say this with great confidence, He’s worth it ALL! I’ve found no greater love, friend, encourager, or Savior!

I have days where I need to hear Him say, “You and I will be together forever in paradise.” And I long for heaven with an intensity I can’t explain. There have been days, nights, and sometimes weeks of just grieving with God. So I can say with great confidence…no matter what you face or how bad it hurts…GOD is fighting for you, praying for you, and nothing you suffer will be wasted if you place everything in His hands. No matter what you lose, He’s willing to offer you all of Himself. It won’t remove all pain from loss, but it will infuse you with strength to continue on.

Give it all friends! Jesus is the greatest reward and how He loves us so!!!

Love in Christ,

Erin

You are loved. You’re in my heart and prayers.

Spend Your Life on Jesus

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

Greater love has no person than this; to lay down their life for their friends,~John 15:13.

It’s easy to get caught up in this life, which is the shortest amount of time we will live. In comparison to eternity it’s a millisecond, if not smaller. What matters most in life is did we love God, and did we love other people? Did we use the gifts, talents, skills given us for the glory of God?

We are God’s investment.

The world screams, “What about me? What’s in it for me? How will this affect me?”

God is whispering to our souls, “I love you, but it’s not about you. It’s about what I want to do through you to bless the world.”

The greatest enemy of purpose and of love is selfishness. When we focus on ourselves we cannot focus on Jesus. He said, “Your lives are not your own but were purchased with My blood.” It cost God greatly to save us, and He wants to use us to be a blessing to other people.

God is generous, kind, loving, forgiving, compassionate, hopeful, encouraging, truthful, and loves ALL people with a sacrificial love.

If we don’t have love for others that moves us to do something, we can go back to the source of love. God is love. Only when we are filled with Him can we pour out. It’s about love. It’s not about me or you or our agendas. It’s about heaven’s agenda.

If love costs us nothing. It means nothing.

Some think in heaven we will be floating around on clouds, yet the Bible says we will co-reign with Christ. There will be crowns and awards given for various reasons. We will have assignments. What we do here matters more than we can imagine.

We don’t serve God to get from Him, we serve out of love for Him. He in turn will not be out given. It doesn’t mean our lives will be easy. It does mean God rewards faithfulness.

Closing Prayer:

Father reduce us to love. May the world know us by our love. Help us to love like You! Help us to use everything You’ve given for Your glory. May we stay in Your face until we are transformed into the image of Your Son. We become like what we worship. Help us to worship You in Spirit and in truth. Take our eyes and fix them firmly on You! May our hearts break for what breaks Yours. Liberate us from selfishness. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen.

God is Sovereign

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Life can be challenging at times. I spent most of Sunday afternoon in the Emergency Room with my family. It was a day of prayer and contending for a miracle. I’ve had many days like that; I’m knocking on heavens door, asking God for help. I can’t live without Him. Thankful my family member is alive and we are praying for complete healing! Praise God. He is able!

Do you find yourself asking in your circumstances, why God? I found this on Pinterest and it was so encouraging. I hope it blesses you this week. Praying for you. You are so deeply loved (John 3:16).

Why God?

Me: God, can I ask you a question? God: Sure
Me: Promise you won’t get mad?
God: I promise
Me: Why did you let so much bad stuff happen to me today?
God: What do you mean?
Me: Well, I woke up late
God: Yes
Me: My car took forever to start
God: Okay
Me: At lunch they made my sandwich wrong and I had to wait
God: Hmm
Me: On the way home, my phone went dead, just as I picked up a call
God: Alright
Me: And on top of that, when I got home, I just wanted to soak my feet in my new foot massager and relax. But it wouldn’t work! Nothing went right today! Why did you do that?
God: Let me see. The death angel was at your bed this morning and I had to send one of My Angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that
Me (humbled): oh
God: I didn’t let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road
Me: (ashamed)
God: The first person to make you sandwich today was sick and I didn’t want you to catch what they have, I know you couldn’t afford to miss work Me (embarrassed): Okay
God: Your phone went dead because the person that was calling you was going to give false witness about what you said on the call, I didn’t even let you talk to them so you would be covered
Me (softly): I see God
God: Oh and that foot massager, it had a shortage that was going to throw out all the power on your house tonight. I didn’t think you wanted to be in the dark
Me: I’m sorry God
God: Don’t be sorry, just learn to trust Me. In All things, the good and the bad
Me: I will trust You God
God: And don’t doubt that My plan for your day is Always better than your plan
Me: I won’t God. And let me just tell you God, thank you for everything today
God: You are welcome My child. It was just another day being your God and I love looking after My children.

The Presence of Jesus!

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Photo Credit: Worship University

Wherever Jesus went, there was some kind of stirring. His very presence shifted atmospheres.

Jesus went about doing good, preaching the Gospel, mingling with outcasts, inviting people to be His disciples, forgiving sins, healing the sick, raising the dead, and ministering to the broken hearted.

(Matthew 4:23 NKJV) And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.

(Matthew 14:14 NKJV) And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.

One touch from Jesus does so much:

One of my favorite stories about Jesus was the healing of the woman with the issue of blood. For years she suffered emotionally and physically. To touch her would make you ceremonially unclean. She made her way through the crowds and when she touched the hem of His garment, she was made whole.

(Luke 8:47 NKJV) Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.

It only took one touch from the hem of His garment.

Inviting Jesus in; expecting things to change:

The Presence of God can change a circumstance or person in one second. What we could not do on our own, He can accomplish without effort. God is beyond amazing. The same Jesus who healed the sick, raised the dead, forgave our sins, delivered us from evil, is alive today.

He gave those who believe in Him the ability to go boldly before the Father. He invites us into relationship, fellowship, and intimacy. He wants to be invited into our lives and for us to believe things will change.

If our circumstances don’t turn out the way we think they should, we can trust God will strengthen us or change us through our circumstances. He works for good, not evil.

Relationship with God:

If our relationship with God is limited to the information a Pastor gives us on Sunday, it may be more difficult to have a flourishing relationship with Him. He longs for a personal relationship with every person. He longs to commune with us. If we only talk to someone once a week for a few minutes, it’s much different than if we spoke with them daily. We don’t earn brownie points by pursuing God as He’s pursuing us. We will see change in our lives from walking closely with Him.

I believe the greatest gift aside from forgiveness of sins is to enjoy God! Yes, enjoy Him. He’s not boring, stale, or stuffy. He is delightful, filled with wisdom and insight, full of joy and hope, a great encourager, and life with Him is a glorious adventure! There’s nothing like His presence.

This Christmas season I pray our hearts are soft to the presence of Jesus. He is the best gift the world has ever received. May we seek His presence more than His presents. For encountering Jesus is life changing!

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The Supremacy of Jesus

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Photo credit: Pinterest

There are so many images of Jesus on the cross. There are many images of Him in a manger. It is important to recognize the beauty of His birth (God came down and entered humanity) and His death on a cross for our sins. The life of Jesus is supernatural, amazing, and filled with hope!

We cannot leave Jesus in a manger (sweet little baby Jesus). Nor can we leave Him hanging on a cross for our sins. If Jesus was just a good man who walked the earth preaching and performing miracles, we would all still be lost. Why? Because this life would be powerless and we would be without His resurrection power working in us. We would be without the Life Giving source which is Christ in us. We would have no hope for our own mortal bodies to be quickened.

Let’s see what Colassians and Ephesians have to say about Jesus.

Col 1:15-23

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

Ephesians 1:19-23.

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.

Jesus is supreme. The Father did not leave Him on a rugged cross, but raised Him on the third day with ALL power in His hands. He is high and lifted up. He is seated at the right hand of the Father. He has all authority. He reigns victorious! He defeated all our enemies including death. Those who belong to Him will not perish, but have eternal life with Him in paradise. Jesus is not depressed; He’s alive and filled with joy. He has nothing to fear for He is not and cannot be defeated! What a mighty God we serve.

There’s no evil and no person more powerful than Jesus!

There’s no situation so hopeless it cannot be redeemed by Jesus!

There is no person so far gone they can’t be transformed by Jesus!

There’s no problem so challenging it cannot be answered by Jesus!

What are you facing in life my friends? What’s burdening down your heart and spirit? Have you taken it to Jesus? He is more than willing to step into any situation and bring you help, comfort, peace, strength, love, joy, and so much more!

This season let’s keep our eyes fixed on a Jesus. He is the gift that keeps on giving. He is our Savior, Redeemer, Healer, Strength, and Joy! You are so deeply loved (John 3:16), and if you’re following Jesus-you have a sure hope. He’s empowered you to live a victorious life. Praying you and I live empowered by the supremacy of Christ! He is King!

Love in Christ,

Erin

Jesus is wonderful, powerful, beautiful, glorious, matchless in every way!!!