In a world full of watered down Christianity, how do we truly know what is right? In a world full of technology constantly shoving images and articles in our face, how do we know what is true?

The only way, our only hope, is by saturating ourselves in God’s word. I don’t mean just reading a Bible verse and then closing the book. We need to study. We need to memorize. We need to cross check verses and look up meanings of words – even the words we think we already know. We need to dig deep. Our mind is essentially our heart, and we need to fill both with God’s authentic principles.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8

Are we Christians because of what God can do for us – or because of what we can do for God? After all, that is the description of true love that God so beautifully illustrates throughout the entire Bible. Putting someone else first – putting self last.

Often times we call out, “God, help me!” We expect instant assistance in whatever area we are seeking help in forgetting that God is not a microwave.

It’s important for me to remember that every single day God is calling out, “Daisy, help me!” Do I run to help him as quickly as I expect him to run to me?

Our Dad. 

Our Rock. 

Our Kids’ Best Friend. 

This man loves Jesus more than anyone I know. My favorite thing about my dad is that when he says he is going to pray for you – then he really is going to pray for you. He is going to cry out on your behalf. It’s not just something he says in passing. My dad’s prayer life is something to strive for. 
His faith is unshakable. 
His guidance – incomparable. 

His love for his family – unstoppable. 

“I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.” – Proverbs 4:11-13 

I saw a video of a young lady leading a child to Jesus. In the caption of the video she apologized for the way she looked.
What??!!
I wanted to grab her and say, “Girl, you are leading a child to Jesus. You are making disciples. You are performing the most beautiful act known to man. Don’t sell your self short.” In that moment she was truly beautiful from the inside out. She radiated love. There was nothing ugly about it.
Ladies, you really are perfectly imperfect just the way God made you. Stop apologizing for the way you think you look. Stop downplaying yourself. Just post the picture. When you put all your emphasis on the flaws you think you have, then that is what will dominate your mind, your day, and your life. You are God’s, and God makes beautiful masterpieces – Just walk on the beach when the sun is setting.
You are beautiful.
You are wonderful.

You are worth it.

You are smart.

You are capable.

You can do great things.

You are God’s.

“Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it.” Psalm 139:14

Commitment: the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.

Dedicated: devoted to a task or purpose; having single minded loyalty or integrity.

I like where it says single minded loyalty. Is our focus on God and expanding His Kingdom, or are other things of this world taking precedence over Him and the mission that we were called to do?

Think about it. Are we truly devoted to God? Have we placed Him before everything else:

Our spouse

Our children

Our jobs

Our hobbies

Our to-do list

When we truly put God first everything else will fall into place; that’s a good thing. Worry about God, and let God worry about you.

Jonah 2:8 “Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love.”

Scandals

Murders

Shootings

Abductions

Drownings

Affairs

Robberies

The headlines are overwhelming and pretty terrifying lately. It makes me not want to venture out. But we have to remember that God did not give us a spirit of fear; He did, however, give us eyes to assess our surroundings. He did give us a spirit to discern when things don’t feel quite right.
When the news is only showcasing the bad, we have to remember that there is still good in this world. Don’t give up hope in the human race – just pray.

Pray with each step that you take.

Pray for each person that you make eye contact with.

Pray with all your heart and without ceasing.

There is power in prayer to change things.

“For God has not given us a spirit of cowardice, but of power, and of love, and of wise discretion.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4

He didn’t mean He would give you a new car.
He didn’t mean He would give you a vacation in Fiji.
He didn’t mean He would give you a new MK purse.

The thing is – when you become Kingdom-focused, then your desires become Kingdom-focused. When you are solely living for God, then you will crave what He craves. Your old ambitions will become a thing of the past, and doing His work will become your soul’s passion. So, yes, delight yourself in the Lord, and watch His blessings pour down.

We may fall down, but God can pick us back up.

We may make a huge mess, but God can wipe it all clean.
We may be lost, but God can find us.
We may be hurting, but God can heal us.
We may see a huge mistake, but God sees a testimony.
We may feel shame, but God extends forgiveness.

There are two definitions for the word REDEEMED, and they both describe what Jesus has done for us perfectly:

1. compensate for the faults or bad aspects of (something).
2. gain or regain possession of (something) in exchange for payment.