Worship

What does it mean to worship God? What images come to your mind? I think about singing songs of praise, praying and thanking God, lying on my face before Him, lifting hands to praise His name...living a life of love for Him...there are so many ways to engage with our Creator. So many ways to praise His name. I love to read the Psalms. David was a man who knew how to worship. He was flawed, sinful, human just like us, but he knew the deep value of coming back day after day to toe Source of all life. He spent a lot of time worshipping God, pouring His heart out in good times and bad, always giving glory to Him. As you go through your week, think about ways in which you can worship God. What speaks to your heart? Take time to read through some chapters of Psalm. Maybe you can find fresh new ways to connect with God this week! 

"Honor the Lord, you heavenly beings;
honor the Lord for his glory and strength.
Honor the Lord for the glory of his name.
Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness."

Psalm 29:1-2

Journey on!

Do this Together

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." Helen Keller

Who are the people in your life you rely on the most? Your family, your kids, your spouse, your closest friends? When life feels exhausting and overwhelming, who is it that brings you dinner or calls to check on you? When you celebrate life's biggest moments, who is there cheering you on? 

We were never made to be alone. God created us so that we could love Him and He could love us. And when he created Adam, he knew that, "It is not good for man to be alone." (Gen 1:18) God blesses us with community! Having a healthy support system is so important. Not all relationships are positive ones, and not everyone feels like they have a good support system. If you are searching for community, pray about it. Ask God to put good people in your life. Be a good friend to others. Go to church and seek out groups that will lift you up and point you towards Christ. And if you have amazing people in your life, thank God! Tell those people you are grateful to have them by your side. It's so much better to do this life together.

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12

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Light in Christ

When we watch the news, it can discourage us seeing the difficult situations in the world. We see sin in many forms and wonder how we can find hope in the difficult places. We may feel lost in our own spirituality. 

Christ tells us that he is the Light that has come to destroy darkness. We know that when this world ends and we go to be with Him in heaven, there will be no more darkness. But that everlasting light isn’t just something to look forward to in the future- it’s a hope we can hold onto even now. Whatever sin holds us captive, whatever hardships we face…God can conquer all those things and Christ’s light can fill those dark places and make us new. When we allow Christ to shine through us, we can live in a brighter world here on earth, regardless of what's going on around us. We need His light to guide us and to remove anything that hinders us from a deep relationship with Him. And we need to trust that He is with us even when the world seems a scary place. Bask in His illuminating presence today and let go of the darkness and fear in your life.

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

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Be Free

When God created this world, when he created us, it was never intended that we should take on the weight of the world alone. We were never meant to fix the world, and the world has never had the capacity to fix us. We were made to love and be loved, by a God who deeply cares for us. It's time to stop carrying the burdens of this world like chains around our necks, holding us back. We need to accept the beautiful gift of grace that God has for us. 

You are not going to be perfect. Life isn't always going to go how you hope. People will sometimes let you down. You may struggle, and all of those things matter... but my friend, our difficulties on this earth are not faced alone. You have a God who is above all else. He walks every step with you. He rejoices over our growth and our successes, and holds us tightly through our failures and losses. He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to pay the price for our sin. He offers us life-giving, soul-quenching freedom each and every day. His mercies are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22-23) Don't let Satan discourage you or make you believe that you are "less than." And don't carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. You are a child of the Lord God, and He alone is in control! Be free in that truth today.

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

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Love, for you are Loved

"When we love others, we're living the truth of God out loud." Lysa Terkeurst

How do we show love to people in our lives? Sometimes we get so used to being with the same people everyday that we forget to take the time to show them our love. We might not appreciate all they do for our family. Or we get too busy and distracted to play a game with our kids. Maybe we are so caught up with deadlines that we neglect to take time to appreciate a co-worker or employee. It's really very easy to overlook these things unintentionally, but it's so important to focus on what matters in life. Not everyone has family that they consider a blessing, but hopefully we all have people in our lives who are special to us. What can you do this week to go the extra mile in showing your love to the people who matter most? And for those people at work or home who might not be the easiest to love right now, how we can we make an effort to see them through God's eyes this week?

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8

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New Year, New Perspective

"I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're doing something." - Neil Gaiman

As we begin this new year, full of hope and promise, we find ourselves making resolutions. The problem with resolutions is that we don't always stick to them, and then we feel defeated. But I think it's a beautiful thing to reflect on how you want to grow in the new year. If you can look at each resolution as a launching point to trying new things and making some simple lifestyle changes, instead of rigid goals in which you either succeed or fail, you can find joy in not only in the end result but the journey! Pray about your resolutions. What does God want to do in your life this year? How can you choose to find fulfillment along the way to your goals? May God bless you in this incredible new year. 

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:19

Journey on!

Worship Like a Child

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear!" -Elf

Elf is one of my favorite holiday movies! He is such a positive, happy person and I can't help but smile at him even when he is being naive. He has such a childlike spirit, especially when it comes to Christmas, and I think we could learn a lot from him. 

Jesus, as an adult, told the disciples that he wanted the children to be near him, that their faith was to be commended (Matthew 19:14). There is a beauty and a abandonment in the faith of a child. It is unlimited, spirit-filled, unrestrained, and free. When I think about worshiping God in this manner, I think about how the shepherds must have felt seeing that huge host of angels singing in the sky. I think about Mary embracing her first child for the first time, knowing he would be so much more than she could understand. I think about the wise men bringing gifts fit for a king. The heart of worship...the outpouring of praise that was so great and so overwhelming...what a beautiful scene. Let us take this opportunity of Christmas to knock down our spiritual walls. Let us become like little children. Like the character of Buddy the Elf, let us sing loudly for all to hear. May our praise fill the skies like it did that night in Bethlehem. And may we hold on to that innocence and fearless faith all year 'round.

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14

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The Meaning of Christmas

“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!” 
― Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Everyone loves presents. It's such a fun part of Christmas, both to give and receive and see the joy on people's faces when they tear open the paper. I never thought there could be anything greater than being a kid at Christmas, but I have to say I enjoy it just as much being a parent and seeing their eyes light up on Christmas morning. But the joy comes from a place far deeper than a simple package. It comes from the love and joy of being with family. It comes from the generosity of giving to others. And most importantly of all, the joy of Christmas comes from knowing that we are so deeply, profoundly blessed by a God who calls us His own. He gave us the greatest gift in His son, Jesus. The meaning of Christmas is not superficial. It's the love and faith and joy and hope that comes from God and that we give back to God. Thank Him for His abundant blessings today!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:13

Journey on! 

Don't Miss the Miracles

"Christmas isn't just a day, it's a frame of mind." Kris Kringle, Miracle on 34th Street

It's easy to get caught up in the busyness and general mayhem of this festive season. And while those things have value, sometimes it's hard to keep our minds focused on the important things. As you embrace the joy of the Christmas holiday, don't let yourself become distracted. Focus your heart and mind on Jesus. Remember his birth...Immanuel, "God with us," wrapped in swaddling cloth and lying in a manger. Praise Him for His majesty and goodness.  Be filled with wonder. Don't miss the beautiful things God wants to speak to your heart through the story of Jesus this season! It takes being intentional and having the right frame of mind to notice the miracles all around you. Be aware, be focused on what matters, be intentional, and be blessed this Christmas!

"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23

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A Wonderful Life

"Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?" Clarence, It's a Wonderful Life

We've all had moments in our lives when we question our purpose. This quote from one of the most classic Christmas movies of all time touches on such an important point. We may think our lives are mundane, or that we aren't making the impact we hope for, but the reality is that our lives matter greatly. We were put on this earth by a loving heavenly Father who has a beautiful plan for us. We may not notice the many ways in which our lives touch other lives, but they exist, and they matter! 

Think of the story of Jesus' birth. Joseph was a simple carpenter. Mary, a young girl who loved the Lord...but God used their seemingly unimportant lives to do something spectacular! It is through these humble people that baby Jesus had an earthly family. God works in our lives in ways we may not fully understand. He doesn't make mistakes, and He loves us each dearly. He has created you for incredible things! As you reflect on Christ this Christmas season, remember how many regular people had a special part to play in His amazing story. God is working in you all the time, even when you don't realize it. You have a lot to offer this world. Open your heart to Him and His will for your life, and shine His light to the world this holiday season.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 21:11

Journey on! 

The Goodness of God

"A saint is not someone who is good but who experiences the goodness of God." -Brennan Manning

I grew up trying to be perfect. I worried that if I didn't measure up, I would fail as Christian and God would reject me. I kept track of my deeds, good and bad. I lived in fear of not going to heaven. It wasn't until I left home that I learned about the true goodness of God. I had always loved Him, but not believed I was worthy to be loved. And then I discovered that His love for me was beyond measure! I learned that He is good ALL the time, and that in His goodness, I had grace. It doesn't matter what I do...it matters who God is. Not that we should go and sin, but the complete opposite- that we should want to live as our best selves to honor Him, knowing that when we make a mistake, He is there to pick us up and forgive us. Maybe you are struggling to give your life to God because you don't think you can measure up. Well, I am here to tell you that you are worthy, loved, and saved by grace if you only accept Him, not because you are perfect, but because HE is good. Celebrate and appreciate His goodness today, and accept His abundant love for you.

"O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" Psalm 34:8

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Love Like an Ocean

"God's love is like an ocean; you can see the beginning but not the end." Rick Warren

Today, be fully aware of God's presence. Know that He is walking with you as you go to work. Feel His strength in you as you climb your mountains. Embrace His peace in the midst of your daily chaos. Feel His love as you enjoy the blessings of this day. And take this moment to thank and praise Him for being such anamazing, wonderful God.

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1

Journey on! 

The Intimacy of Gratitude

"Come to Me with a thankful heart, so that you can enjoy My Presence." Sarah Young, Jesus Calling

Thanksgiving is a time of reflecting on all the many blessings God has given us. But it is also a time of drawing closer to Him. As you thank Him for who He is and what He has done in your life, you focus your mind and heart on Him. And when your focus is laser-pointed on God, you will feel yourself drawn closer and closer. Feel His arms around you, holding you. Experience the glory and beauty of His love. When you respond to God with gratitude, you notice even more of His goodness. It is a wonderful cycle of adoration, gratitude, and intimacy. This Thanksgiving, don't just make a list of your blessings...immerse yourself in the glory of the Lord. Let Him draw you close and whisper life-giving messages to your heart. Use this special time as a reminder to draw close to Him and give thanks ALL year long. 

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." James 4:8

Journey on!

Fall Blessings

I love this time of year. It is a time of change. Even here in the deep south, you can see some colors changing in the trees as the sweltering heat of summer cools into a breezy, autumn reprieve. The beauty of God is evident in every season, but I especially love experiencing it in fall. As you embrace the new season, breathe in His beauty. Notice the colors in the sky. Breathe the cool, fresh air. See His provision in the animals collecting food for winter. Feel His comfort in a steaming cup of cocoa. Appreciate His protection in a warm blanket or a crackling fire. Where do you see God in autumn?

"One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple." Psalm 27:4

Journey on!