Refining Change

As the world continues to feel chaotic, and you are seeking answers to big questions, keep your eyes focused on the Lord. Rest in the knowledge that He is above all things, and that you are in His hands. Many times in history, difficult circumstances and hard questions have led to positive changes that were desperately needed. What is God working on in your heart right now? We are all growing, learning, and maturing day by day, regardless of our ages...the process of becoming more like Christ is never-ending. What are you doing to embrace growth in your life during this time? As you seek God's face and see where He is leading you, remember that He is holding you up and walking through this time with you! You are not alone, and these things that challenge you will refine you as you continue to seek the Lord with all your heart.

"But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."  Isaiah 43:1-2

Journey on!

Where do you Place Your Faith?

Social media has allowed us to connect with people in amazing ways! It can be useful for staying close to loved ones far away, networking for business, or having fun with friends. But it can also be a great source of stress, conflict, and false information. It's so important to fact check things posted online because they aren't always coming from a reliable source. 

In the same way, we need to pay attention to where we place our faith. Faith in our loved ones, possessions, careers, government, even in ourselves can serve a positive purpose, but we have to remember that all of those things are imperfect at times as long as we are in this world. We have to use wisdom and discernment in our faith. We need to always put our complete faith in what God alone tells us is right. Trusting our lives in His hands puts our "faith focus" squarely on the only one who is perfect! We can trust in Him no matter what happens in other areas of our lives. Don't let the things that fail you in this world affect your faith in the God who is above all things. Place your faith in Him in ALL circumstances!

"...your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." 1 Corinthians 2:5

Journey on!

Light Up the World

"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine..." Harry Dixon Loes

I've always loved this classic children's song, and sang it to my own kids when they were younger. But as we grow older, we tend to forget about the wondrous, bright, ever-present light that glows within us from the Lord! We get busy and distracted, discouraged or discontented, and we forget that all we truly need is right there shining upon us...we have the gift of God's love, joy, peace, and hope. This week, take time to notice the light in your life. Thank God for the blessings, and pay attention to the beauty around you. Let your light shine out to others by the way you live your life. Sing that children's song this week, and let yourself remember the simplicity and beauty of God's light in you. 

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you." Isaiah 60:1 

Journey on!

He Never Leaves You

We're not always going to make the right choices, and some days we may have to face up to the consequences of our actions. But that doesn't mean that we need to give up hope! God doesn't abandon us when we make mistakes- He is with us always, loving us and patiently waiting for us to turn back to His perfect ways. If you feel like you've fallen too far, remember that absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God. You are never too far out of His reach; you need only to turn your heart towards Him again. God loves you so much and wants what is best for you. Trust in His unconditional love and be willing to ask for forgiveness but also to forgive yourself. God is a Healer and makes beautiful things out of our messiest moments.   

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, no anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  Romans 8:37-39  

Journey on! 

Our Hope

"He that can have Patience, can have what he will." -Benjamin Franklin

It's an uncomfortable feeling to be in the waiting place- that unspecified time when you are waiting for answers, longing for a hope to be fulfilled, or wondering how a situation will be resolved. It's difficult to feel peace or have patience when we are desperate to be past the waiting place and in the place of resolution. But the waiting place offers us some unique gifts- a chance to find peace and joy in the Lord as we wait, an opportunity to fully rely on God's wisdom as we wonder, and a growth of character, strength, and patience as we hope. Whatever you are waiting for today, put your trust and hope in the Lord. Ask Him what He wants to teach you in this time, and embrace the calm of waiting with hope in Him. 

"I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope." Psalm 130:5

Journey on! 

Grow in Trust

When you adopt a child, it takes time for that child to fully trust in you, and to feel safe with you. As chosen children of God, we can be the same way. We hear the words "trust in God," but it can take time for us to grow spiritually and truly put our trust in Him. And even when we have lived many years trusting in the Lord, circumstances can shake our faith and make us doubt. It's human nature! But as we continue to grow in Christ and follow Him, it's important for us to stay focused on the truth of His Word- He IS a trustworthy father. His love never fails us. Whatever might be threatening your peace today, keep your eyes on the One who has it all in His control, and trust in Him. 

“But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”- Jeremiah 17:7-8

Journey on!

Across Generations

In the days of virtual reality and high-speed internet, it’s understandable that some may find it hard to relate to the Savior who wore sandals on his feet, preached to fisherman, and drank water from the well. The stories can seem so far out of reach, so long ago. How could his life relate to me today? 

Christ came down to earth during that time, but he existed long before the world was created! And he is alive and working today! His time on earth was essential for our salvation, but it is not the only time He has done great things. Even today, His sacrifice washes us clean, offers us hope, brings peace and love to our hearts. Let Him work in your life today!

Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus is the same yesterday, and today, and forever." 

Journey on!

Be Encouraged

Our lives look very different right now, and some days that can feel overwhelming! If you are struggling to stay positive this week, remember to pause and take time to pour your heart out to the Lord and spend time in His word. When we lean on Him, He fills us with His hope, love, and encouragement! Let God speak sweet truth to your heart today, and remember that you can have joy in all circumstances through Him. 

"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD." Psalm 31:24Journey on! 

Glorify Him in All Things

In these times of uncertainty, when the world looks a little different and we have to adjust our sense of normalcy, let's remember that our God is always with us! He loves us and cares for us, and our time is in His hands. Let's find ways to focus on Him even more intentionally right now, and glorify His holy name. This is an opportunity for us to draw closer to Him and worship Him as we find ourselves with more time to do so. In what ways can you connect with God this week? 

“Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.  I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.”  Psalm 63:3

Journey on!

Overcoming Ourselves

"Who has a harder fight than he who is striving to overcome himself?" Thomas a KempisAs we live our lives trying to be more like Christ, we can be our own worst critics. We find ourselves feeling like failures because something didn't go the way we planned, or we feel unloved or unworthy because of things that we have said or done. It can be hard to believe that our God could be so forgiving and so loving to us when we can't always love ourselves. The negative things we tell ourselves have a huge impact on our lives! We need to replace those negative criticisms with truths: we made a mistake, but we have learned, not failed. We didn't accomplish something we hoped we would, but God still loves us and is proud of us. It's so important not to let Satan have a foothold in our minds when we are going through hard things, because he loves for us to beat ourselves up. Instead, we need to stand up, make things right wherever we can, and forgive ourselves. When you feel like being your own worst enemy this week, replace those negative thoughts with God's truth. Meditate on His word and remember that we serve a God who loves us dearly, and who has already overcome any obstacle we face. 

John 16:33, “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.”  Journey on!

Embrace the Blessing

During a time when many of us are staying home or have limited access to friends and family, it's important to focus on the blessings that we still do have to enjoy. What has God given you today? Maybe it's a beautiful sunrise, a garden to plant, your family members to laugh with, a chance to work on projects you have been meaning to do, a phone call from a friend...the blessings are many if you take the time to look for them. Instead of focusing on the things you are missing this week, try to find the goodness around you right in your own home and backyard. The Lord is taking care of us and blessing us in all circumstances!

How abundant are the good things
that you have stored up for those who fear you,
that you bestow in the sight of all,
on those who take refuge in you. 

Psalm 31:19

Journey on!

Love Like This

"What have I done to deserve love like this?

I cannot earn what You so freely give..." Lauren Daigle 

This is such a beautiful song acknowledging the fact that there is nothing we can do to earn the love of the Lord. He loves us unconditionally! If you are feeling "less than," or not good enough this week, remember that you are more than enough because of HIS power in you! You are a child of the King. He adores you and wants what is best for you, and He longs for you to walk in His perfect ways. But His love for us is not based on our works. It is a gift that He freely gives. What an incredible blessing! Embrace that truth this week. 

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."

Ephesians 2:8

He is Our Shield

Whatever you are facing this week, remember that your hope is in the Lord. He is strong and mighty to save! He has already worked out any problems you will face. He is in complete control of every aspect of your life, and you can rest in His peace this week. Don't let the stresses of this life overwhelm you- you are in His hands! Put your hope and trust in Him.

"But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me." Psalms 3:3-5

Journey on! 

Words and Thoughts

Watch your thoughts, they become words.Watch your words, they become actions.Watch your actions, they become habits.Watch your habits, they become your character.Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.

-Author Unknown

It’s amazing how when you have (or are around) young children, you become very aware of what you are saying because they tend to repeat your every word. You start hearing the way your voice sounds by hearing it parroted back to you. If you are using a negative tone or unkind words, you will realize quickly when those things are said through the mouth of a four-year-old. We teach our children to say and do the right things, but the way we act has an even bigger impact on their behavior. And truthfully, it has a pretty big impact on us. 

Whether you have children or not, allowing yourself to have negative thoughts, words, habits, etc. detracts from the amazing plan God has for you, and it makes it harder for us to shine Christ’s light to the world. What aspects of your speech and behavior could you work on improving this week? Make a change and see what a positive effect it has on your life!

“I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” Psalm 39:1

Journey on!