Light of God's Love

The beauty of a candle is in its ability to light an entire room with but a single, small flame. There is something so peaceful, warm, and comforting about candlelight. I am in awe of the fact that God's Love is infinitely brighter than a tiny candle. It amazes me to realize that when I allow His love to shine, there is no dark corner, no deep shadow left in my soul, because I have been filled with an everlasting light. Whatever you are dealing with in your life right now, there is nothing too dark or too difficult for God's love to shine through. He can fill you with a light that casts out any darkness. He can comfort you in the glow of His love. Pray for God to illuminate your life today!

"The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine upon us.” Psalm 118:27

Journey on!

The Glory of God

I love the beauty and newness of Spring. Flowers bloom all around, butterflies emerge, tees blossom, baby animals are born...it is a season of beginnings. In this gorgeous tome of year, take every opportunity to sit outside, go for a walk, and embrace the glory of God. Experience His majesty in the beauty of nature. Listen for His voice in the whispers of winds through the trees. Feel His peace beside the bank of a creek. Let the sunshine of His love shine upon you. The Glory of God is evident all year, but what a blessing to take note of it especially in this precious

season of new life.

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

Psaim 19:1

Journey on!

God of Wonders

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.”

— W.B. Yeats

It’s incredibly easy to go through life and miss out on the wonders around us. I struggle with this often. I catch glimpses of beauty, snippets of song, find moments of awe… here and there between staring at one screen to the next, finishing one meeting to rush to another, making sure dinner is made and kids are carted to activities and bills are paid. I know if I’d pay more attention, I would see more of the beauty around me, I know if I’d take a quiet walk in nature, or focus on the clouds, or really look into someone’s eyes, I’d see more of God. My prayer today is that we would, as Yeats said, allow our sense to grow sharper. That we would see the incredible things in even the most common situations. That we would glorify God for all the wonders He has blessed us with, instead of missing them completely.

“Many, Lord my God,
are the wonders you have done,
the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
they would be too many to declare.”

— Psalm 40:5

Journey on!

Strength from the Lord

We don’t always feel strong enough to face the challenges of this life. But our God never intended for us to do battle alone! We are not enough… not without God. But with Him, we are stronger than we could ever be! Our God is so great, so strong, and so powerful that no matter what comes our way, we can face it with HIS strength in us. As His children, we are filled with God. He is in us, and he is for us. Whatever you think you can’t do today… know that GOD can! He will lift you up and give you the courage and strength you need to face whatever comes your way. Trust in that strength and do not be afraid!

“You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to His people.”

— Psalm 68:35

Journey on!

Come as You Are

Some of the world’s most beautiful sights were created imperfectly. Gemstones broken out of rocks, priceless art from a spilled paint can, a monument made more famous because it was structural disaster (the Leaning Tower of Pisa!). We often think we have to be perfect to be beautiful. We think we have to be perfect for God to love us or want us. But the fact is, He loves us deeply even when we are spiritually ugly. When we are stained with sin, broken from life, hurt and imperfect. He gave Jesus to us, not because we were already perfect, but so we could be made perfect in Him! Accept Jesus, no matter where you are right now. Let Him love you in all your imperfections. You are His child, and you are loved!

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly... God demonstrates his love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

— Romans 5:6, 8

Journey on!

Friend in Jesus

“A rule I have had for years is: to treat the Lord Jesus Christ as a personal friend. His is not a creed, a mere doctrine, but it is He Himself we have.”

— Dwight L. Moody

It’s not always easy to remember to love Christ as a personal friend. Sometimes that’s because it’s hard for us to feel worthy of such a title, even though the Bible tells us we’re worthy because He is worthy and has died for us! Other times it’s because we’ve become too wrapped up in checklists and religious motions to really treat our relationship with Christ as personal. And then there are seasons of our lives when we can get caught up in the busyness of earthly things and forget to engage Jesus altogether. In this particular season of your life, what is holding you back from a deep, personal relationship with Jesus? What are some ways you can refocus on Christ as your best friend again? We are so incredibly blessed that God sent Jesus to Earth to not only save us from our sins but to be our companion, brother, and friend. Embrace the truth and freedom that Jesus loves you right where you are today, and in that peaceful place of mercy, surround yourself with His love and friendship.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

— John 15:13-15

Journey on!

Filling the Void

“There’s a god-shaped hole in all of us

And the restless soul is searching…

There’s a god-shaped hole in all of us

And it’s a void only he can fill.”

— Plumb

We feel that emptiness deep in our hearts… in places others don’t see. We feel the hurt, the longing, the desire for more, but we don’t always understand it. We reach out to the world, to our loved ones and our spouses… and then we rail against them for not successfully filling the void. We look to success , to food, to words of affirmation, to almost anything we think might make us feel whole. And the more things we cram into our hearts the less fulfilled we feel. Maybe there is something wrong with us, we think. Maybe God made a mistake.

But we are made exactly how God intended, and we are not doomed to a life of emptiness and thirst. God loves us so much. He gives us living water (John 4:14) that fills our spirits in ways NO other thing of this world can do! We need God. We need His power, His love, His mercy, His grace, His beauty. Even the ones we love the most in this world cannot complete us the way God can. If you are searching for something to heal the hurt or fill an empty void in your heart, turn only to God. Let His love overflow and be more than enough for your needs. You will find great joy in allowing Him to fill your soul!

“Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”

— Psalm 126:2

Journey on!

Fully Forgiven

Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it. —Ann Landers

Our post has made us who we are, taught us things that have hopefully grown us into better people. It holds beautiful memories that decorate the tapestry of our lives. But what of those blemishes on the canvas, those mistakes, those bad choices, those situations that may have made us stronger but also left scars… are we holding any of those things in our hearts today?

Jesus gives us a brand-new life, clean and fresh and beautiful. He takes our ashes and creates a brilliant garden of hope… but you have to forgive yourself of the past. What things in your past have you had the hardest time releasing? I know it’s a process, but be willing to open yourself up to the idea of accepting His grace fully, because He wants that for you! You are no longer tarnished. Jesus has set you free!

“Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.” Isaiah 61:7

Journey on!

Abundantly Able

I often feel like I am not enough. I can't keep up up with the many demands on me each day the way I would like to, and in juggling so many things, I drop the ball here and there. I'm so thankful that in all the areas where I am weak, God is strong. He is more than enough to fill in the gaps where I feel like I'm failing. He lifts me up, helping me do more than I think I can. He fills my life with hope, joy, and peace. He puts others in my life to help where I need it. Lean on Him this week to give you strength to do more than you can imagine!

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever” (Eph 3:20–21 ESV)

Journey on!

Children of God

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

1 John 3:1 (NIV)

What Love Is

1 John 3:16-18 (NIV)

16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Stand Up for Faith...in Love

This world is in desperate need of people who show kindness and love in the midst of battles. There are many big issues being debated, and we should be actively involved in bringing about positive change. But it's all too easy to attack others who are not on your side and speak in anger, bitterness and malice, especially online. Remember that we are to shine Jesus to the world! We need to find ways to speak truth in LOVE, or not to speak at all. We need to stand up for justice, righteousness and holiness, but we need to do it in was that honor God. Let's focus on sharing His love this week.

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith...Let all that you do be done in love." 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Journey on!

Your Purpose Matters

We have all been called to different ways of living this life for Jesus. Some have found their purpose in mission work, ministry, and non-profit organizations...others have started support groups, become advocates, or taken positions of leadership in their jobs so that they can promote integrity in success. Some people shine their light through raising their children, taking care of elderly parents, or adopting a child in need. What is your passion, your gift, the thing that lights you up inside? There are so many ways to honor the Lord with your life, and they are all equally valuable. However big or small you think your impact is on this world, God is using you to do great things, and your life and purpose matter. Keep shining!

Psalm 57:2 says, “I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.”

Journey on!

You are Never Alone

During this pandemic, loneliness is at an all time high. We miss the connections and relationships we value so highly. There will be an end to this difficult season, but in the meantime, what are you doing to ensure you stay emotionally and spiritually healthy? Try to list out some self-care activities, like calling a friend, writing a letter to a family member, doing a fun activity with your family, having a date night, or engaging in a hobby. Above all, remember that while you may feel lonely at times, you are never, ever alone! Your Father God loves you so much. He is with you every single day. He is always there to give you connection, love, peace, and comfort! Find new ways to spend time with God and enjoy His presence. May you never feel alone, because you are embracing God's awesome love!

"...I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world." John 16:32-33

Journey on!