Judge Yourselves

Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God.  For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." ~ Acts 4:19-20

When we become followers of Jesus Christ, our eyes should open up spiritually to God's ways and we often see the ways we were following before as very jaded, selfish and "worldly".  You may even have had an experience that has so profoundly impacted you that there is no other explanation than that of Jesus Christ and what his unconditional love and grace has done for you.  No other explanation is needed for why I myself believe in the Almighty God. I have personally seen and experienced His peace; wrestled with His undeserved grace, mercy and love and have felt miraculous changes in my heart and my life that have no other explanation. I have FELT God's embrace.  Period.  Nobody can convince me otherwise; it's to powerful.  Sharing your faith can be scary, but remember that no one can take your experience, or your testimony away and no one can make it invalid - only you.  YOUR testimony is powerful  In this scripture, Peter and John are challenging the Sanhedrin and telling them that only they can decided for themselves who to rightfully obey, but Peter and John know their is only one true God for them.  They have chosen to follow God's authority.  Who do you choose to follow? Ask God to reveal himself to you.  Let your experiences speak to you. ~ AMEN 

Not Destroyed

We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. ~ Hebrews 10:39

I have often wondered what it would take for me to "shrink" back; to renounce my faith in God Almighty.  When you look around this broken world and see all the tragedies it makes one think and yes, I do have some weird thoughts, I know, but would the death of a beloved child make me shrink back?  But what about the cancer diagnosis with limited life left?  What about losing your parents to a global pandemic? They tell you your husband will never be the same after a major stroke....now what?  This verse gives me tremendous hope that because of my steadfast faith in Christ, He will hold onto me and pull me through the thickest and toughest of circumstances and I will persevere.  Instead of shrinking back to old ways, or worldly ways, or into a deep despair, I will be saved because I believe.  Yes, I may hit rock bottom, but if I hope and hold onto the promises God has given me, He promises to pull me out of my pit.  Even in the face of hardship, we can persevere and endure whatever God allows to happen as long as we lean into Him and trust that we are not alone.  We CAN tackle overwhelming difficulties when we lean in.  Yes, everyone has their doubts and fears, but we are called to trust God even when we can not possibly make any sense out of what is happening around us, or to us.  Hold fast, trust, pray, hope, scream at God if you must (He can take it; believe me, I've done it) for reassurance, hope and enormous amounts of encouragement are all around the corner for those who do now "shrink" away from their faith no matter how hard the situation might be.  I will hold on to the promise that God can make beauty out of ashes.  Hold on!  Be steadfast!  Do not shrink!  Help is on the way! I will not be destroyed!  ~ AMEN 

No Fear

There is no fear in love.  But perfect loves drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in love. ~ 1 John 4:18 

While we all know hate is opposite to love, have you ever thought that fear may also be opposite of love?  Because let's be honest, a lot of times to hate is also to fear.  You may fear dark because you hate the dreams that follow; you may fear roller coasters because you hate heights; you may hate your co-worker (although I hope not) because you fear they are trying to replace you. You hate_____ because_______(you fill in the blanks).  As Christians, I believe it's okay to hate ungodly things;  I mean I hate sin because of my faith and belief in God, but I have to be careful not to hate the person engaging in the sin.  We are called to hate what God hates, but I also find it interesting that God hates acts.....not the person; He loves US all the same.  God also expects us to be in awe and reverence of Him, but He does not want us to fear Him as the world uses the word.  To fear God should be out of complete reverence for Him; to realize that He alone has the ability to give, to take away, to cause good things to happen and may I even suggest He allows the bad things to happen sometimes.  God is perfect love even if we don't always understand it.  Remember, His ways are always higher than ours.  His perfect love sent His perfect son to die a horrific death for me and for you whether you acknowledge that or not, it's still fact.  God's love for me should cast out fear and hate for my neighbor.  God's love for me should cast out fear or hate that I may have about my circumstances.  God's love for me should cast out any fear or hate that I may have regarding my future.  If I would fully embrace God's love for me and if I would truly hold on to His promises and His ways, than fear has no where to abide in me and must flee.  We don't have to fear His wrath on our lives when we are following and trusting His guidance.  As a follower of Jesus, let His love engulf you and let go of the fear - He has you.  There is no room for love and fear; they are contradictory.  Let the light of God's love open your heart and watch the fear slither away. ~ 

Confess Sins

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. ~ 1 John 1:9

Purify - have you ever really looked at that word?  Purify means to make pure; free from anything that debases, pollutes, adulterates, or contaminates.  How about unrighteousness?  Well, would you like being called sinful and wicked?  Confessing our sins, which is to admit or state that we have committed a crime or is at fault in some way for some act of sin, opens the floodgates to purification from our sin and our wickedness.  This kind of openness and communication delights God's heart and is what He wants from all his children.  There is something powerful in the spoken word and freedom from our Heavenly Father when we admit we have done wrong.  God wipes the slate clean, gives us a fresh start, takes away all the toxicity and pollutants in our human, worldly flesh and covers us with the gift purchased on the cross by his son Jesus to remove the sin so that we may be able to move on in His will for our lives and in our relationship with Him.  We are clean, we are pure and we are righteous once again....so quit beating yourself up with the past, regrets, bad choices and mindless mistakes; they have no hold on you and do not define you.  Remember them only as a reference to the goodness of God's nature, but now move forward to live the best life God has planned for you and live in the identity God has given you....a child of God.  Those who confess their sins and ask for forgiveness can forge ahead in fellowship with God without any inhibiting strings attached.  You are forgiven, free and clean!  Go forth! ~

Appointed Ones

He appointed twelve - designating them apostles - that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. ~ Mark 3:14-15

While we know we are to go tell of the Good News, have you ever really given any thought to the possibility of driving out demons?  Now there is something to see!  But what does that exactly mean?  When was the last time you saw a demon?  When was the last time you felt spiritually attacked?  Why do we sometimes cower and hide when we feel oppressed, or attacked?  In this scripture I read that I have the mighty power to put the devil and his sneaky minions in their rightful, powerless place!  Jesus gave us the power over the devil's darkness and we need to do more of that in this messed up, upside down world. This could be the very thing we need to do!  It IS the very thing we need to remember!  It doesn't have to be a real life visible demon; it may be the fight you need to battle the darkness you see surrounding your family, your job, your marriage, your_______.  After all, sometimes I think God wants to hear us get LOUD & SHOUT at the spiritual forces that fight for us.  I think he wants to hear our battle cry LOUD & PROUD!  There have been times in my life when I know the Holy Spirit's fire is taking over when my prayer becomes a fierce battle cry as I get louder and louder and sometimes I am not even sure what I prayed, but a perfect peace follows and my spirit returns to ease.  I think God smiles on that type of cry and I dare say that you may even be driving out a demon at the same time.  We need more of it!  Give it a try!  Don't shy away from bold prayers.  You'll never be the same prayer warrior again.  Let's drive Satan to the curb! ~ AMEN

Step Up

If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need, but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? ~ 1 John 3:17


I don't know about you, but I think this is pretty applicable scripture given the state of our world, the USA, our cities, our counties, and possible even our neighbors.  Have you shown pity?  Right now I am sure some people would take a friendly phone call to check up on their mental state even over material possessions.  I know this scripture states "material possessions", but I think John would be okay with you giving of your time and talents in lieu of material possessions also.  In these COVID-19 days, we have an awesome opportunity to be the true hands and feet of Christ by materially meeting needs and by using the many ways of technology to make time for your friends and family by way of you phone, tablet, or computer to check in using Facebook, Messenger, FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, Google Meets, or any of the other "techie" methods to check in with your peeps.  Love is shown by caring and caring is reaching out to help, and yes, if you have the means to help with earthly possessions and finances, please do so; step up!  That kind of giving - giving without expecting anything in return, is a real blessing to the receivers that may be possibly stuck in what looks like a no end situation and I promise it will do something to your heart and soul also.  If you can, step up; and if you can and don't, than you should take a good, hard look at your own tainted heart; maybe you better use this time to soften your hardened heart.  God can use this COVID-19 to start a massive revival in our hearts and in the hearts of those who have yet to seek Him.  After all, He could stop this pandemic, but for whatever reason, He is allowing it.  What could you do to be a good source off help for those in need? Now is not the time to be selfish. You never know, you may be the only Jesus some people see. Spread the love! ~ AMEN

Loving People

We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.  ~ 
1 Thessalonians 1:3


What do you want to be remembered for?  In a world full of false hope, conditional love and the desperate need for acceptance and inclusion, what are you bringing to the table?  I want to be known as a Christ centered woman who loves and accepts everyone and who can hopefully bring hope to the broken-hearted.  I long to be a beacon of faith for the faithless and I want to work for the Lord with reckless abandon because I believe wholeheartedly that this is not my home and the best is yet to come.  I want to love others as Christ loves me, regardless of our differences, cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, morals and values and I long for a world where we can lean to agree to disagree in love.  Why do we assume that if someone doesn't think, or feel the same way we do that we have to walk away from each other?  Why do we let heated arguments come between families and friends when we should all value each others differences and try to learn and listen to understand?  God values ALL people, so why don't I?  Why don't you?  I want to run the race here on earth with dignity, grace, love and hope and I want to make sure that the Lord gets all the glory as He sustains my faith in the human race.  My faith rests in the eternal hope of Jesus Christ; that He is in control, and I long to work for Him by loving people precisely where they are and spreading that eternal hope with endurance and perseverance to the very end.  That's what I want to be remembered for. ~ AMEN

Foolish Money

Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom? ~ 
Proverbs 17:16


Have you ever had buyer's remorse?  Have you ever justified a purchase with, "Well, I work hard. I deserve this?"  Have you ever wondered what happened to your hard earned cash?  What happens when the month lasts longer than your money?  Look at your spouse and point the finger, only to realize you're part of the problem too?  Money can do strange things to us; it can give us a sense of freedom, a sense of entitlement, a sense of power and when used unwisely, it is dangerous.  It evaporates before our very eyes in my household if it's not brought before the "budget committee" and properly distributed.  Like so many of us, I can find so many fun things to spend my money on instead of being responsible to take care of God and then my household first.  I am not going to lie, to be completely honest, I hate talking money with my husband and often our "budget committee" meetings usually end up in hurt feelings and feelings of frustration - sometimes for no apparent reason!  I actually enjoy paying bills and we are very blessed; I know this, but sometimes when I look at what it takes to run our household I can't help but want to throw my arms up into the thin air!  Boys need shoes, school fees, lunch money, car needs tires, car needs repair, someone gets sick and needs to see a doctor and get antibiotics, taxes are due, groceries! (when will they quit going up in price?), gas!, health insurance, utilities, $100 for internet that is spotty, clothes, this is just to name a few, but you get the point.  I get frustrated, but if I keep my eyes on God and the "budget committee" keeps Him in the middle of the finances first by tithing, well then, somehow, we are ALWAYS taken care of.  It truly amazes me, but it works wonders and our needs are met and we have enough for even some of the wants we selfishly desire.  So seek Him first, even in your finances, and you'll be amazed.  Yes, it will be hard at first and you'll want to keep the tithe in your firm grasp, but give it up, even if you just start with $10 a month and build on that, it works.  God will bless you and you will have enough. ~ AMEN

Carry Them

Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever. ~ 
Psalm 28:9


Have you ever screamed out to God?  Have you ever felt like He wasn't listening, or could care less?  Have you ever just pleaded with Him?  While you may be thinking, "Yell at God? No, never.  I could never do that." I will reassure you that I have most definitely dialed up my lungs to LOUD and screamed at Him telling him what a horrible job He is doing.  After all, I know my God is big enough to handle little ole me yelling at Him and I also know that He knows the inner dwellings and thoughts of my misguided heart; He already knows what I am thinking....so why not just confess it?  It is refreshing to know that we serve a God that listens to us all the time and even when we don't think He is answering our prayers, or listening to them at all, we know that He ALWAYS answers; it may be a "sure", "maybe", "wait", or a flat, resounding and deafening "no".  Trusting God to know what He is doing is a pivotal part of our faith and we have to be confident that even when His answer is no (unanswered prayers), He fully knows what He is doing for our good so that we can persevere in circumstances that can seem bleak, hopeless and desperate.  As followers of Christ, we are going to be tried, tested, and put to the fire, but as long as we keep even our downcast eyes on Jesus Christ, we should be able to find hope in the midst of our faith.  I have yelled the above scripture; not in exact words, but I have yelled SAVE ME!  CARRY ME THROUGH THIS PAIN!  CARRY ME THROUGH THIS DARKNESS!  I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY, BUT HELP!   I CAN'T DO THIS ALONE!  HELP ME JESUS!  BLESS ME FOR MY FAITH IN YOU AND PERSEVERING! In the midst of tremendous pain it is easy to want to blame God, but I found that when I run to Him and remain in Him I find an inner strength that I never knew I had.  Not peace, but strength first.....and if I operated in that strength, peace, a peace that I can't explain, would wash over me so that I could put one foot in front of the other and continue on fighting.  If you remain in the cycle of searching for Him, operating in His strength and pushing through with His peace, soon you will feel the angel armies helping you to victory through your storm.  Press on!  He will save you!  He will be with you forever! ~ AMEN

Integrity Quest

David shepherd them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.  ~ Psalm 78:72


Do you led with integrity?  With skillful hands?  One of our greatest responsibilities as Christians is to lead our families, friends and our lifestyles with the integrity of Christ's heart.  While we may rely on our pastor, ministers and people of the cloth to lead us, this enormous responsibility also rests on us as Christ followers.  Let's show this weary world what it means to be truth filled, God fearing, yet gracious and loving in a capacity that they may never otherwise see.  And let's remember to guard our hearts from the evil one and what he so desperately wants to tear through, apart and destroy.  I want to be someone that is consistent in my faith no matter what the world may want to throw my way; no matter what terrible trials I may, and will, go through.  I want skillful hands that will show God's sovereign servanthood through love, joy, truth, and faithfulness.  I believe it's so hard to always do what's right in an ever-changing world of hurt, heartache and pain, but we must trust that what God does, He does, or allows with purpose.  I want my hands and feet to be that of Jesus; even in these uncertain times, I want to be planted and reminded of God's goodness always.  I desire to be characterized as someone that is trustworthy and loyal to the call of God and the work He started in me so that I can hear him say, "Good job my faithful servant." This is not just a call for our churches and our pastors, but this is a call to the people who have decided to follow our loving Creator.  Let's lead with integrity and skillful hands no matter the cost, no matter what the crazy world may be saying, or doing and no matter what your neighbor may be doing.  Get into the Word and follow His lead. This is for everyone. What kind of leader are you? ~ AMEN

Your Leaders

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you.  Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.  ~ Hebrews 13:7


Who do you look up too?  Do they exhibit the characteristics you would like to model?  What does their life look like?  Their personal life?  Their work life?  What makes a good leader?  The author of Hebrews clearly believes that a good leader is someone who speaks the word of God to you; who probably is able to quote scripture, memorize scripture and someone who takes the Word of God and applies it to their life.  God expects our lives to be spiritually fruitful and puts people in our lives who either help us produce that fruit, or He places people in our lives who we can share our produce with. What do they see as the outcome of your faith?  I know the leaders I tend to lean towards are those who show a firm foundation in the word of God and who love others even when they don't always see eye to eye.  When a non-believer can ask questions of a follower of Christ without feeling judged, but actually feel like they are being genuinely heard, that is the tender fruit of kindness.  I want to be able to speak the word of God to everyone, whether my brethren in Christ, or not, in love and I want my life to imitate a life of devoted worship to Jesus Christ without demoralizing, demolishing, or destroying the people He loves (which if you are not sure, is EVERYONE).  This does not mean I have to agree with them, but I am called to learn to agree to disagree and still love them; something our society has forgot how to do. I want to live a life of joy, a deep rooted belief and attitude that only comes from the Lord no matter what may come; the certain knowledge that Jesus Christ is with me no matter what may come my way and that I will be okay even through the tough times.   Happiness is rooted in our circumstances, but joy comes from inside; the internal happiness that no one can take away, but that we are commissioned to show the troubled world through Jesus Christ.  Lord, help me lead a life that you would be proud of and help me be the leader that you created me to be, not someone molded out of the world, but someone molded out of your word.  In Jesus Name.  ~ AMEN