Drop in a Bucket or a Mighty Ocean Wave?

How do we define success? What about belonging? How does one measure impact? These questions, and others, swirl around each of our heads as we have a minute to pause and reflect. We may wonder, does my contribution even really matter to this place or people? After all, “God doesn’t need you to accomplish His work”, right?

“11Like apples of gold in settings of silver, Is a word spoken at the proper time.” Proverbs 25:11 (NASB)

One of my favorite memories during summer while growing up was the week of Vacation Bible School (V.B.S. for short). It was a time of four hours of playing games, singing songs, enjoying skits, and even eating snacks that were all themed around the Bible and what Jesus had done for us on the cross. I remember the various teens and adults, including my own Grandma Lois, who would help serve snack, greet kids, or help with the stations of daily fun. It was one of my absolute favorite places to be as a kid!

One year, they had a special guest come to share of her story. She was a very slight and small lady in her mid-sixties. She was very proper and dignified as she shared of the high cost of being counted for Jesus in the closed country where she had worked for many years for the sake of the gospel.

I still remember this woman sharing that she had only one container to pack in. It was a wooden crate that was measured to be as tall and wide as she was. The idea behind it was that this box was to serve two purposes. Not only would it hold her belongings to get to this closed country, but the crate was to one day be used to bury her in after she died in that country.

I have never forgotten that visual and the peace with which she shared it. It has blessed me, challenged me, and called me to serve Jesus with a zeal that comes only from the Holy Spirit.

“24Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. 25For whoever wants to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26For what good will it do a person if he gains the whole world, but forfeits his soul? Or what will a person give in exchange for his soul? 27For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS.” Matthew 16:24-27 (NASB)

The cross, much like her crate, dealt with death. When Jesus called His disciples to pick up their own crosses and to follow Him, it was a call to die. It was a call to die to self. It was a call to die to their own definitions of success. It was a call to endurance under extreme pressure. It was a call to follow Jesus and never look back.

Sometimes I think we listen too much to those around us, rather than Jesus Himself. We want to be liked. We want to be accepted. We want to not be seen as weird. So, we sit and slumber. We see the problems around us and those spiritually drowning, but we do nothing. We become more concerned with “not rocking the boat” in our families, work places, and friendships rather than prayerfully stepping out onto the water of miraculous possibilities with Jesus because we are weighted down by flawed human logic and criticism from others. May we repent of our justified stupor and our carefully calculated reasons that are only cover-ups for our fears.

“6See that no one deceives you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7Therefore do not become partners with them; 8for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10as you try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11Do not participate in the useless deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; 12for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 13But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. 14For this reason it says,
“Awake, sleeper,
And arise from the dead,
And Christ will shine on you.”
15So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, 16making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord; 20always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father; 21and subject yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ.” Ephesians 5:6-21 (NASB)

That kind-hearted woman who spoke at Vacation Bible School, all those years ago, is still having an impact on my life today. May you recall your daily interactions, as well as your one time interactions with others. What you say to them may stick with them for decades to come. Only the Lord knows the impact of one life, one action, or even one kind work in Jesus’ name. When the devil tries to discourage you and bring you low, may you respond with a heart of praise that someone took the time to share Jesus with you. And now, dear ladies, it is your turn to do the same for someone else. May the Lord have His perfect will, one life at a time.

“3I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, 5in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. 6For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:3-6 (NASB)

The Art of Being Forgotten

“4Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 (NASB)

Have you ever wanted to be known, recognized or seen? It is a natural desire that most of us share in common regardless of homelands or mother tongues. We want to be included, affirmed, and accepted. It’s only natural. Fashion, perfume, make-up, physique, and even hobbies all contribute to this pursuit. Yet, to what extent are we willing to go in order to acquire such a status?

A few years back while praying, the LORD impressed upon my heart these words, “I will teach you to be forgotten”. At the time, confusion and panic swept over me. This went against every human desire. To learn to be forgotten by the world would be a journey of learning to submit to His leading for my life. And I pray it encourages you to do the same for His glory.

All my growing up years, I was surrounded by family. Three generations on both sides of my family all lived in the same hometown. We got together all the time. Dinners, laughter, and inside jokes provided warmth, understanding, and belonging. Yet, when I was 18 years old, the LORD gave me a dream and called me to follow Him around the globe. Fast forward to today. 😊 It’s been nearly 20 years of being a constant sojourner.

One person described my lifestyle as a “flea”, just hopping from one place to another. It’s not easy for many to understand. Why would we be uprooted and plopped down in one place only to be ripped out of that setting in such a short time for yet another location? God is sovereign and I thank Him for such experiences as I have had the first hand privilege of seeing Him bring many to Himself in various countries. In short, I see such moves, and diverse settings around the globe, as the beautifully sovereign hand of God. In a few years I may not be remembered, but my heart is for each person to remember the One who changed me; Jesus Christ the Messiah.

“For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” Hebrews 13:14 (NLT)

“11Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul.” 1 Peter 2:11 (NASB)

The Bible encourages the foreigner, the outcast, the one “not from around here” to take heart! The best is yet to come! As a believer in Jesus Christ, our worth is not found in the praise of humanity, nor any form of social media. Our worth comes from the LORD who not only sees us, but died and rose from the grave on the third day for our filthy hearts and lives stained by sin (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 1 John 1:1-10). And He says that you are loved with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3)! ❤️🙌✅🎉

May I encourage you today to take time to be still before the LORD. Bask in His Sonshine 🥰 as you open His Word. Allow Him to receive your full attention amidst the many competing voices. May you remember where you are found (Luke 15:4-6), seen (Psalm 139:13-16), and known fully (Psalm 139:4); through a personal relationship with our loving and tender Savior Jesus Christ.

“13And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him to whom we must answer.
14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let’s hold firmly to our confession. 15For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. 16Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.” Hebrews 4:13-16 (NASB)

Peace and Water for Thirsty Hearts

Have you ever met someone who was a believer and for whatever reason, they walked away? I think most of us have. Many of these people go on to boast of how happy they are now that they are “free from religion” and have now found “peace” in different ways. For some Christians, this can seem confusing. How can one find peace and joy apart from God?

The reality is, according to the prophet Jeremiah, sadly the “peace” these folks have found will not last. It cannot. Any lifestyle apart from the LORD is referred to as a “broken cistern”. It may seem great now. It may look appealing for a time. But, holding fast to the truth of God’s Word, a lifestyle of worshipping anything apart from the LORD (e.g. self, sexuality, fame, pleasure, power, etc.) will never lead to lasting satisfy.

“For My people have committed two evils:
They have abandoned Me,
The fountain of living waters,
To carve out for themselves cisterns,
Broken cisterns
That do not hold water.” Jeremiah 2:13 (NASB)

If you know someone like this, or perhaps are even considering this type of lifestyle yourself, may I encourage you to return to the LORD. The reality is, it’s all about Jesus Christ the Messiah-amen!

In the Greek, the word used for amen was used in the beginning of Jesus’ sermons. It is translated as “verily, verily” or “truly, truly”, but it’s the same word used for the ending which is translated into English as “amen”. Think about that for a moment, the Alpha and Omega, Jesus Christ, is Who we need all our lives; from beginning to end!

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Revelation 22:13 (NASB)

“All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being.” John 1:3 (NASB)

Ladies, may we drink deep of His living water. May our hearts burn with urgency to share of Jesus Christ to our lost family and friends. Why? Because each heart matters to God. We know this is true because God Himself proved it on the cross by paying the death penalty for their sins, my sins, your sins, and the sins of any and all who will believe it! 🎉✅🙌❤️🥳 May we remember that true peace had an exponentially high price; Jesus’ shed blood on the cross. May we walk in His peace.

“For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation: 16for by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 18He is also the head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. 19For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” Colossians 1:13-20 (NASB)

Yet He Loves Us

“These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NASB)

This evening while at an archery lesson for our son, our daughter was bit by a cat. It turned out to be a stray cat with no assumed shot record. After tears, the response of my daughter was anger due to what had happened and fear of what now lay ahead; shots.

Maybe you have been bit by a dog, cat, or another animal while growing up and remember that moment of panic. That moment you realize that the wrong of another is going to cause harm for you. In many ways, we as humans are like that stray cat. We too are filthy, and full of sin. We also have caused harm by our rebellion towards God Almighty and His laws and precepts. Yet, even still—HE WANTS US. HE LOVES US.

And He took the punishment for our wrongdoings! HALLELUJAH, what a Savior! We didn’t EARN anything good. No, not in the slightest! On the contrary, we earned scorn, rejection, and isolation from the God who made us. Yet out of God’s abundant love and infinite grace, He made a way for a wretch like me, and you, and ever person living! He died in the place of the guilty. He died in the place of the filthy. He died in the place of the sun stained. He is perfect, and we are not. We need His rescue. We need His shot! We need His redemption. What does this mean? Salvation from ourselves and our failed attempts to “make it on our own”.

The next time you see a stray cat or dog, take a moment to thank the LORD for His mercy in your own life. And may we be in the business of “rescuing stray”—people—for the gospel is a needed message for all.

“1And you were dead in your offenses and sins, 2in which you previously walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3Among them we too all previously lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the rest. 4But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7so that in the ages to come He might show the boundless riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:1-10 (NASB)

The Appeal of Sodom: “Easy Street”

Sometimes things rock our world and make us step back and reassess. Sometimes we are made to reevaluate what we have said, done, or a stance we have taken as we see another’s life quake.

Recently our family was reading of Lot’s family living in Sodom (Genesis 13). This was a place of wealth, prosperity, and opportunity (Genesis 13:10). Yet, the people of that place were known for not following the LORD. In fact, they were known for wicked sins (Genesis 13:13, Ezekiel 16:44-50).

It’s easy to read these accounts from Scripture and shake our heads at these “naughty” people. And quickly, an air of superiority or self righteousness can creep into our hearts. Ladies, may we check ourselves and repent (1 John 1:9).

Living on “easy street” is the appeal of the world. It’s what attracted Lot to Sodom in the first place, and it still traps many people today. And in contrast, hardships are well, HARD. 🤪 Yet, according to the Bible, difficulties are not always seen as a negative, but rather opportunities for praise in light of their purpose.

“2Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 2:1-4 (NASB)

May we be a people marked by compassion for those trapped in spiritual bondage to sin of various kinds and pray for freedom to be found in Jesus Christ (John 8:32)! We each have stories from our own lives of Jesus stepping in and rescuing us from various pits, traps, and snares (Psalm 40:2). As a result, may we be willing to speak of the HOPE that is found through Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world, for He is the needed answer to each heartache! 😃🎶✅🙌❤️

“3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:3-10 (NASB)

May we each base our life, our worldview, and our positions on every issue exclusively on the Word of God (Psalm 119:9-16). Truth be told ladies, living the “easy life” will only lead to distraction, misery, and regret (Genesis 19). May we be willing to be founded on the ROCK who is Jesus Christ. He is solid and unchanging (Hebrews 13:8). Breathe deep in your freedom from sinful bondage through Jesus Christ; Who is the same yesterday, today, and yes forever.

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB)

Treasures Unseen

“19“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 (NASB)

Mornings are a beautiful time of reflection with the LORD for me. Maybe you are the same. Or, perhaps it’s late nights or while at the gym that you best connect with the LORD. Whatever the case, the time of listening and waiting before Him is so precious, vital, and essential for our Christian walk.

It’s in those times that we quiet our hearts and bring our needs, praises, ponderings, and checklists before Him. And it’s in that very space this morning that I want to encourage you to walk in His calling for your life.

What is your individual calling? I truly don’t know. 😁 God is God and I am not (1 Timothy 2:5). Moreover, the calling I may think would be best fit for you may not at all be what the LORD is asking you to walk in (Psalm 73:24). It’s easy to look externally at someone and believe they would be a great this or a great that. Yet, has the individual prayed about where the LORD is calling them? That’s what really matters.

“9Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check, Otherwise they will not come near to you.” Psalm 32:9 (NASB)

The LORD entrusts each one of us with talents to build up the body of Christ and advance His Kingdom (Ephesians 2:11-12). Perhaps God has called you to this field or that field for His glory during the week. Yet, don’t forget about His church. There are needs within the body. And I dare say, the LORD will equip you to fill the needs. Maybe it’s setting up before a service. Maybe it’s taking part on a ministry team. Maybe it’s taking part in a Bible study. Maybe it’s helping with children. Maybe it’s prayerfully asking the Holy Spirit if you should consider standing up something to edify the body of Christ. Again, I am not the LORD, but I encourage you to ASK HIM. 🙌✅🎶❤️

“12So you too, since you are eager to possess spiritual gifts, strive to excel for the edification of the church.” 1 Corinthians 14:12 (NASB)

May we be submissive to the will of God for our lives. May we be willing to serve Him in whatever capacity He desires. I think of Anna Warner who helped set up chairs for a Bible study. She became famous for a little exchange she wrote in a book between a dying child and a nurse that was turned into a song. The song was called “Jesus loves me”. I think of Dwight L. Moody, with his fifth grade education, being told he wasn’t fit to preach. So, in his desire to serve God, he brought in the street kids to hear about Jesus and changed the world.

May we be faithful in whatever little ways God is calling us to follow Him (Luke 16:10). One day, Ladies, we will stand before His throne (Revelation 20:11-15). May we remember that we are living now to honor the LORD. One day we will have a review of our life and what we did with the talents He entrusted to us (Matthew 25:14-30). And my hope, in the deepest part of my soul is to hear “well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).

May we each desire to hear these affirming words from the LORD Jesus Christ for carrying out what He has called us to. Salvation is found through Jesus Christ alone (Acts 4:12, 1 John 4:9-10). We cannot earn favor with God (Ephesians 2:8-10). Salvation is a gift (John 3:16). Yet, what an honor and genuine privilege we each have as followers of Jesus Christ, my friends, to give all we have to worship Him in the ways in which He calls. May we be like the widow with her two small coins, for she was praised by Jesus for her willingness to give all she had for His glory.

“42And a poor widow came and put in two lepta coins, which amount to a quadrans. 43Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; 44for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.” Mark 12:42-44 (NASB)

Praying Amidst Sorrow

May we individually quiet our hearts and pray for the humanitarian needs in Afghanistan, Ukraine, Rwanda, and all those in need around the world.
“Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” James 1:27 (NASB)

May we also remember the countries and people groups who are hard for our hearts to love for one reason or another. As Christians, we must remember that Jesus Christ came to seek and save the lost of all the world (John 3:16). In this challenge, I URGE you to confess (privately before God) any favoritism, hatred, prejudice, or malice of heart towards others. May we care for all people equally—whether or not we agree religiously, politically, economically, etc.

“1My brothers and sisters, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. 2For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and is dressed in bright clothes, and a poor man in dirty clothes also comes in, 3and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the bright clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” 4have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? 5Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters: did God not choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? 6But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court? 7Do they not blaspheme the good name by which you have been called?

8If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF,” you are doing well. 9But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the Law as violators. 10For whoever keeps the whole Law, yet stumbles in one point, has become guilty of all.” James 2:1-10 (NASB)

May we WALK confidently in our higher calling as Christians (Philippians 3:14) to care to the point of personal cost, to love with a heart from the LORD that exceeds logic, and pray fervently for the lost, the suffering, and the needy around the world; knowing that JESUS CARES and WE MUST as well.

“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of Mine, you did it for Me.’” Matthew 25:40 (NASB)

Anticipating Excellence

“19So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.” Mark 16:19 (NASB)

Marking days off on a calendar can be so exciting. We have all done it. Maybe it signified the day you were to leave for a grand trip. Maybe it was graduating a program or receiving a degree of some kind. Maybe it signified a wedding; perhaps even your own. Whatever the occasion, when asked “how many days left?” you could quickly give an enthusiastic answer. In the same way, we are to live in the anticipation of the return of our LORD Jesus Christ.

When the disciples stood with the resurrected Jesus before He ascended into heaven, Jesus was commissioning them to a higher calling; excellence. It was time to put into practice what He had modeled and lived out in front of them for the past three and a half years. It was time to now put feet to their faith.

“15And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16The one who has believed and has been baptized will be saved; but the one who has not believed will be condemned.” Mark 16:14-16 (NASB)

In the same way, Jesus Christ is calling us to carry that same gospel mantle of salvation and compassion to those around us. He is calling us to look forward, with great anticipation, to all the ways He will provide for each dire circumstance and seemingly hopeless situation. And He is waiting for us to truly rise up to the greatness He has created us for and LOVE OUT LOUD.

“ 4But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness, so that the day would overtake you like a thief; 5for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; 6so then, let’s not sleep as others do, but let’s be alert and sober. 7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk, get drunk at night. 8But since we are of the day, let’s be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. 9For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. 11Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you also are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:4-11 (NASB)

“Actions speak louder than words”, as the American colloquialism goes. May our actions shout love to a world which needs to catch a glimpse of love amidst trauma and pain. Amidst continued rocket sirens and hungry children, may believers in Jesus Christ, His church, point others to Him; the bread of life (John 6:35) and the true Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). May we be marked by an unwavering stance on the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). May our lives perfume the situations around us with the mercy of Christ that draws others to Himself (2 Corinthians 2:14-15)

“14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 (NASB)

LADIES, NOW IS THE TIME! Through Jesus Christ, I challenge you to hope again. I challenge you to step out in faith again. I challenge you to take God at His word again. I challenge you to anticipate the excellence of God to provide for the needs that you have — both now and beyond the grave — for He is faithful. And may the watching world see such a marked difference in our lives that they ask us what we have that makes us respond, or live, or care as we do—and may we unabashedly respond that it is JESUS CHRIST who has a beautiful plan for each life … including their own. 😊👏✅❤️🎶

Speak Life

We have heard it said many times in songs and pop culture to “speak life”. The idea of being positive rather than negative. The thought of being a Pollyanna, rather than a Debbie Downer. Yet, biblically, what would this look like?

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18 (NKJV)

I once heard a sermon where the pastor shared of a church in America that was under attack by messengers of satan. Sounds too hard to believe? Allow me to explain. A man who had recently come to faith in Jesus Christ used to be a part of the actual church of satan in that same area of the country. And this new convert to Christianity shared that they intentionally would plant members of the church of satan to sew seeds of discontentment and strife to destroy the body of Christ. The newly converted man shared that their strategy went something like this:

After a time of worship, one of the planted men would whisper to someone seated next to him, “You sing a whole lot better than them. You should be up there singing.” And with that, the person would blush and say they agree.

Another strategy shared was to whisper about the pastor after the sermon to others. “Can you believe he is still preaching on this topic? It’s like beating a dead horse. He really needs to step it up. Don’t you think?” And the unsuspecting church goers would agree and even add on to the criticism of the pastor’s sermon.

Ladies, may we not be blinded by the strategies of the devil. His schemes are not new. Jesus warned us about the grant thief and liar, who is the devil. May we be aware and alert to his schemes.

“10The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 (NKJV)

“8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)

What would it mean to “speak life” as believers of Jesus Christ? Simply put, edify the church. Use the gifts the LORD has given you to build up the church.

“Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.” 1 Corinthians 14:12 (NKJV)

You may see needs. Good! ☺️ May I challenge you, prayerfully take action. Approach the leaders with your ideas and offer to be a part of the solution. We need one another, ladies. That’s how it is supposed to be! 😃

“42And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47 (NKJV)

May we write letters to encourage our pastors and pray earnestly for them (1 Timothy 2:1-7). May our speech to one another be gracious and seasoned with salt so that we know how to answer everyone (Colossians 4:6), and may we have a burden for the lost and dying world (Acts 2:38, Acts 26:18). May we speak life as Scripture commands us, ladies. May we remember that the devil and his demons know the time is growing short to cause problems here. May we walk in the victory that is given us by Jesus Christ and SPEAK OF JESUS CHRIST—WHO IS THE ONLY WAY TO ETERNAL LIFE (John 14:6).

“13When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
14So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
16Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
17Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:14-19 (NKJV)

What is True Beauty?

Some may say one who has the proper body proportions or posture. Others may point to popularity and friends to be a defining mark. Others still may rate dating, clothing, make-up, adventures, or even freedom of thought to be supreme definitions of beauty embodied. As we go through each day, messages of what beauty is bombard websites, magazines, store fronts, and even radio ads. Yet, are they accurate?

“You will make known to me the way of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” Psalm 16:11 (NASB)

In stark contrast, what does the Word of God call truly beautiful?

“3Your adornment must not be merely the external—braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or putting on apparel; 4but it should be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.” 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NASB)

Ladies, as alarm clocks sound and you stand before the mirror this morning to get ready for your day, allow me to encourage you from God’s Word.

“13Blessed is a person who finds wisdom, And one who obtains understanding. 14For her profit is better than the profit of silver, And her produce better than gold. 15She is more precious than jewels, And nothing you desire compares with her. 16Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor. 17Her ways are pleasant ways, And all her paths are peace. 18She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are those who hold on to her.” Proverbs 3:13-18 (NASB)

As daughters of the Most High God through faith in Jesus Christ (Psalm 45:13, 1 Peter 2:9-10), may we seek after wisdom; God’s wisdom. May each situation we encounter be reason to turn to the throne of our great Father and King for guidance and direction (Hebrews 4:16).

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 (NASB)

I love this verse because it’s not our poise, our power, or even our pretty faces that are to be praised, but rather a woman who fears the LORD. Stop and think about that for a moment. Regardless of what others have told you in the past about your external beauty, according to God’s Word, it comes down to what we do with His Word. Will we heed the words of wisdom, that is, the Bible (Psalm 1)? Will we fear and revere the LORD as supremely in charge of both the large and small details of our day and seek Him (Proverbs 3:5-6)? Each one of us will have to individually respond. And may I encourage you to know that the LORD loves you (John 3:16). He demonstrated this very thing while we were all yet sinners and died on a cross for our wrongdoings and selfish motives (Romans 5:8).

As you sip a hot cup of something at home or in traffic, remember that your true beauty isn’t found in a mirror 🪞rather it is found in here 📖 True Beauty is found in the unchanging Word of God. 🥰✅🎉🙌 And with that, have a great day! 😃

“7The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them. 8Taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! 9Fear the LORD, you His saints; For to those who fear Him there is no lack of anything.” Psalm 34:7-9 (NASB)