He Rejoices Over You

There are times when the world can make us feel rejected, unwanted, and unloved. It tells us the lie that we are unworthy of good things. If you find yourself facing those thoughts and feelings, remember what is true: Your God loves you and is with you always! Regardless of what the world says or does, His love is constant, unconditional, and never-ending. He takes such joy in calling you His child. Sometimes we need to silence the negative messages from the world and listen only to His calming voice. He is rejoicing over you and calling you worthy of love. Focus on His voice and His message of encouragement this week.

“The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”

— Zephaniah 3:17

Where to Turn

Think about the last time you had a question about your life...who did you talk to about it? Most times I turn to my spouse or my close friends, or a loved one to give me some wisdom and guidance. God has blessed us with community so that we can share this life with others, and He often uses people to speak to us. But sometimes in the midst of leaning on others, we forget to also tum to God. Don't just rely on people who are fallible when God is right there, waiting to hear your prayers and pour out His love, peace and guidance to you. He is the one who knows the future, who holds you in His hand, who has more wisdom than anyone you could ask here on earth. Remember in your times of Seeking truth to turn to God and let Him be your guide first, and then seek wisdom from others. His light will guide your path.

“My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of Heaven and Earth.”

— Psalm 121:2

All We Need

We want a lot of things in life. We work hard to achieve goals, pray for our heart's desires, seek God...but when the things we want don't line up with God's plan, it's hard to accept. We think we know what will give us life and happiness, but the truth is, the only thing in this whole world we need is God! We have to take all the things we want and lay it at His feet, but then be willing to say, "God, thy will be done.” We need to seek and desire God because He is the only one who can fill our empty, hurting places. He alone completes us. Seek Him intentionally this week knowing that He truly is everything we need.

"You, Lord, are all I have, and you give me all I need; my future is in your hands. How wonderful are your gifts to me; how good they are!" Psalm 15:5-6

In the Quiet

It's hard to quiet our minds. So much fills our days and interrupts our thoughts...if we could just take a breath. If we could just stop for a even a few minutes everyday and be still, quiet, and patient. We need to silence the chaos in our minds to hear His voice. We need to shut out the negative thoughts and hear His words. Maybe we just need to feel His presence. Take time to quiet your heart and mind this week and just be with God. You will be so glad you did!

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation.I will be honored throughout the world.” The Lord of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress." — Psalms 46:10-11 NLT

Journey on!

Joyful, Patient, Faithful

We know that God is always with us, when the skies are the bluest and the sunlight warms our souls. He wraps His arms around us when the world seems harsh and overwhelming. He comforts us in our tears. He rejoices over us in our happiest moments. But how should we respond? We know that our lives will be filled with mountains and valleys, and God will be constant in those times. What can we do to follow His example and be able to praise him in the good times and bad? The Bible gives a great response to that question:

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12

Print this verse and post it somewhere where you will see it this week, and focus on following God's example of faithfulness in all things!

Journey on!

Contentment Brings Peace

Social media is a powerful and incredible resource: we can stay connected with friends and family far away, connect with other who share the same interests, and get inspired for projects and goals. But at the same time, if we aren't careful, it can lure us into a state of comparision. We see people who have better homes, more fashionable clothes and hair, nicer cars, and elaborate vacations every other month. It can leave us feeling like our lives are not enough. We can start living with envy or feeling depressed. Studies show that the more time you spend on social media, the less content you become. As you enjoy the benefits of being on social media this week, take time to also disconnect. Make a conscious effort to meditate on a the blessings you have in your lives. Being thankful and content can bring a lot of peace.

"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." Prov. 14:30

Journey on!

You Matter

Sometimes we don’t realize the value of our lives in the grand scheme of things. We might not feel like our lives really matter, or that we aren’t great at anything. If you feel this way, remember that God created you, formed you specifically as you are, to be a part of His beautiful story. You matter so much to God! Yes, we are all human and imperfect, but we were also created in His image and He has an incredible plan for us. Be in prayer this week that God will reveal to you all the amazing ways He wants to use you to shine His light. Thank Him for creating you and loving you, and take time to appreciate who He made you to be.

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

— 1 Corinthians 12:27

Journey on!

The Lord's Prayer

“This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one.’"

Matthew 6:9-13

Love Yourself

"Be kinder to yourself. And then let your kindness flood the world.” — P. Chodron

Too many people walk around everyday having no idea how much they matter. I truly believe the enemy uses self-doubt and low self-esteem to lie to us, and in our fear of failure we believe it. If you are feeling like you aren't good enough, like you aren't worthy, please hear this today: You were created in God's image; He utterly and unabashedly adores you. You were created for a purpose. You are His child! If you open your heart to Him, He will begin to heal every hurt in your heart and show you the truth about how amazing you really are. Print this verse below and read it to yourself every time you doubt that you are a chosen child of God. You are his masterpiece! Know this, believe it, trust in Him, and spread the message of His love to others so they can understand how much they matter, too.

“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 2:10

Gift of Grace

"The voice of sin is loud, but the voice of forgiveness is louder.” Dwight L. Moody

It can be difficult to accept God's grace. We feel guilty. We feel like we've fallen too many times. If this were a job, we'd be fired by now! The burden and shame of our guilt causes our spiritual vision to be clouded. When this happens, we forget to pay attention to the truth that matters- God loves us and forgives us. He is compassionate and full of mercy. While our sin angers and hurts Him, it doesn't ever make Him stop loving us. And when we turn back and ask for forgiveness, He gives it freely and without condemnation! Look at the story of the adulterous woman in John 8, Jesus tells her, "neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more." (vs. 11) God doesn't want us to live with shame- He wants us to lay down all our burdens and sins and accept His grace and forgiveness. He wants us to live our lives in His fullness. If you are holding on to shame, leave it at His feet today and experience the mercy and love He is offering to you.

The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him." Daniel 9:9

Journey on!

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

Journey on!

Celebrate His Majesty

Our God is mighty. He loves you more than you could ever know! How often do we stop and celebrate just how Awesome is our God? Take time today to give thanks to Him for all He has done in your life. Lift Him up in song or prayer. Celebrate the fact that you are His child and He is always with you. Our God is truly incredible and worthy of praise!

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth.”

— Psalm 47:1-2

Love So Amazing

"Love isn't something you find. Love is something that finds you.” Loretta Young

Have you ever poured out love to someone who took it for granted? Love is the most powerful emotion and force we humans have to share, and yet it can cause us the most pain when it is not reciprocated, or when it is false. Not everyone will accept the love you show them.

Sometimes we mistakenly believe that God's love is conditional and easily lost as well. But the truth is, He does love you no matter what! You are His child and even if you make the choice not to accept it, the love itself is not taken away. He loves you dearly and longs for the day you will return to Him and accept His gift of salvation, just as the shepherd searched longingly for his lost sheep (Matthew 18). The choice is always yours. The love, compassion and grace He has for you is shown through the sacrifice Jesus made on that cross. There is nothing you have done or could do that He would not forgive if you come to Him. His love is amazing. Don't push God away because you are afraid that He could never love you- that is a lie from Satan. God will ALWAYS love you. Will you love Him back?

"Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies..how priceless is your unfailing love!” Psalm 36:5-6

Journey on!

Show Me the Way

Life is a journey, and it can often feel like the way forward is unknown. We struggle wanting to know the right choices to make. We wrestle with how we will accomplish the things we set out to do. We question whether the things we are already doing are the right ones. But the truth is, we have a God who holds the map to our lives! We don't have all the answers, but He does. When we put our faith and trust in Him, and look to Him for answers, He will guide us down the right paths. He will bless us when we step out on faith and trust Him. We don't have to worry or fret about what to do, only bring it to Him and give Him control. He will show us His will if we keep seeking His face. It's not always perfectly clear, but if we are trusting in Him and honoring Him with our choices, He will bless us. Trust Him with your life because He knows the best way for you.

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” Psalm 16:11

Journey on!