My heart has been so burdened for people going through storms lately, but I feel the clouds lifting. I believe the storms are subsiding.
It’s so important to stand in the gap and pray for your friends. I know first hand how true this is. When I had covid I was literally so sick I couldn’t pray – but my friends prayed.
There are so many easier things to do besides interceding for others. Carrying a burden for someone else is no easy feat.
Playing on social media is mindless.
Netflixxing is entertaining.
Reading for pleasure is fun.
All of those things are fine, but not if God has placed a burden on your heart to pray for someone else. We’ve got to make some sacrifices – after all that’s exactly what Jesus did every single day He was here on this earth.
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 1 Timothy 2:1
“If you want to heal your hearts wounds, start healing your thoughts.” – Alexandra Vasiliu
•
I have had so many people say to me, “I just need to get away, yanno? Just get out of here for a bit. I just need a break!” This is the actual Truth of that statement: wherever you go, you take your mind with you.
•
Say I finally get the break Im so craving. I’m finally on a beach, soaking up the sun, and the only noise I hear is that of the waves crashing against the sand. That’s the secret to all my stresses and worries just melting away, right? Wrong! The reason that’s not the answer is because 9 times out of 10, I’m going to be sitting on that beach still dwelling on everything I “left at home”. The idea of escaping our reality for a bit is honestly detrimental because if our reality is in need of escaping from, then we aren’t truly living the way God intended for us to be living.
•
This is what Jesus said on the matter: ““Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis.” (Matthew 11:28 TPT) JESUS IS YOUR OASIS.
•
Is it really that simple, though? Just turn it all off, hand it over to God and enjoy our lives? Absolutely. But as one minister said, “It’s our stinkin thinkin that limits us most.” It’s hard carrying a backpack full of life’s worries around and trying to run a marathon while we do it.
•
So, as challenging as it is, think positive today. Meditate on God’s Goodness and Promises. Don’t magnify the negative and the bad, but magnify God and His Word to be greater.
Spring time, my favorite time of the year. A time of new beginnings & blossoms, sunshine, and remembrance. As the little girl I once was I loved Easter – more so than any other holiday. I loved the big dresses with bright colors I wore on that Sunday morning to church. I loved gathering with family, and loved seeing the signs “He is Risen” throughout the neighborhood. For myself, it was a time of celebration and remembrance. Remembering the one who brought us from death to life. Only Jesus can do such a thing as that.
“I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after death. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.” John 11:25-26
Before Easter was beautiful, it was once a dark time. It was once a tragedy. It was once heartbreak, cruelty, and difficulty – only until three days later. Many of us to this day experience dark, difficult, tragic moments and wonder when we will see the sunshine. When will we see easier times and hope. I feel Jesus wants to remind myself and others we already have our hope we are looking for. We have hope because He lives. We can face the fears we have because He lives. We can face the test results, anxiety, conversations, viruses, disorganization, busy schedules because He lives. Might I add that since He lives, so can you. Simply believe. Stop bearing your cross when He already took it up for you.
As we step forward into this Easter season, I hope you choose to truly live. I hope you are fixed in the reminder that He conquered death. Because He lives there is nothing you cannot do with His love, grace, and mercy. We find our life when we find the one who gives us life. What an honor it is to believe in his living power. With it, we get to truly live. Happy Easter. Always remember, He is risen.
Stop staring in the mirror picking yourself apart.
Seriously. Stop it.
God did not make you to dislike yourself. Those self-deprecating thoughts are not from Him.
God made you in His image.
Soak that in. Really think on it.
The devil is a liar, and he would love nothing more than to rip your self-esteem apart ounce by ounce. He would love for you to be so down on yourself, so focused on your flaws, and so deprived of confidence that you can’t step out and step up for God.
Girl, you are not flawed. You are flaw-some. Every little thing that you think is wrong with yourself is actually right, and that’s the truth.
Flip the script. Take the things that you perceive to be holding you back and use them to propel yourself forward for God’s Kingdom.
You are made in His image, girl.
And don’t you ever forget it.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 5:10
What is this feeling? This uneasy, shaky, paralyzing anxiousness resting with my soul. The struggle of my simple presence in the routine task of life. Why I am so uncertain? A pure lack of confidence, consumed with worry, and reinforcing a debilitating awareness of self-doubt. Not completely confident or sure of anything. Uncertainty, what is your deal? I need answers!
If you are remotely like me, the last 12-months has been filled with uncertainty. What will be the outcome of our nation impacted by a pandemic? How will our collective and individual futures be changed? What about the loss of life? What about employment opportunity, school, the short and long term effects on society as a whole? Uncertainty masks itself in a variety of forms. A chameleon by nature, adapting to each individual with the same detrimental result. How are we to deal with this bottomless lack of clarity? More specifically, as Christians who must functionally live in a world seemingly thriving on such a commodity, what are we to do? Let’s make this a touch more personal and take the first step of confessing uncertainty’s presence in my own life.
A couple of months ago I turned twenty-three years old. Instead of celebrating and enjoying the excitement for another year of life, I was consumed with a lack of clarity. What was I to do with my life now? What about my continuation of school? What about the beginning of a young career? What were my options now, post pandemic? I had a few ideas that “sounded” decent. Each would be “acceptable” and good career paths. However, missing from each was my own desire to pursue, to personally invest the passion necessary to achieve. What if I make the wrong choice? With that one thought, I began surrendering the solid ground of spiritual truth for unstable worldly thoughts and anxiety. What if I was not ready? What if I’m not good enough? What if I’m not smart or driven enough to excel? What if I become a failure? What if I’m already a failure? What will others say? Not knowing or having answers for the questions I was continuously asking myself left me feeling scared and defeated. I mean, surely, one must always have certainty and clarity for the choices made in life. Right? As I dealt with these personal experiences, I turned to God’s Word for answers.
The Bible says in John 15:19 “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” This verse quickly reminded me of the very real tension that exists between my spiritual walk in Christ functioning bodily in the everyday world. We, as Christians, are not of this world (1 Peter 2:11). Rather we have been called out of this world to a live a new life. God has transformed us, given us a new heart and new spirit. Therefore, was my seeking of continued comfort and certainty in the circumstances of the world misguided? Was that my problem? Was I really asking questions of myself and seeking counsel from the world? What was I to do? Take a deep breath….be still….
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 (NKJV)
I needed to guard my heart and shelter my mind in the truth of Christ and find sanctuary in His peace. We all will continue to experience a chaotic world that has more than its share of difficulties. God has a plan for each and every one of us. And, yes, sometimes it’s not what we might expect. All of us will face situations that are virtually incomprehensible. When faced with uncertainty, we have a choice. We can give in to the fear of the unknown or remain hopeful in God’s plan for our lives. We can cower in the world’s shadow or be an example of Christ’s light to all. Indeed, the complexities of this world are spinning quickly, but all is spinning under His watchful eye. With each passing moment, we all are another step further along on His plan and the journey He has laid out for our lives. This is right where we’re supposed to be.
In Romans 12:2 the Bible says “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Imagine how settling it would be if we let go of all our worries and cast our cares upon Him (Psalm 55:22). Instead of seeking answers for our life, we simply and resolutely seek Him (Matt. 6:33). Together, let’s take it all in. Let’s enjoy every moment this life has to offer. Instead of worrying when we don’t have the answers, let’s choose to focus on Christ‘s peace and His guidance. Let’s walk purposefully in the plan He has for us. In His strength we can fulfill His calling of peace, hope, and love!
Who wants to be foolish? Silly question, right? The irony is that even though it may sound ridiculous, that is exactly what we are if we don’t actively seek and aggressively pursue wisdom. No matter how smart, intelligent or well educated you may be, without wisdom and understanding from God, it means nothing. Wisdom doesn’t come from a one time prayer or a book. Wisdom comes from making, submitting to, and serving God a lifestyle. By prayerfully reading God’s Word, meditating on it, memorizing it and asking Holy Spirit to open your heart to what it is saying.
The second part of wisdom is putting it into action. We can be filled with knowledge and wisdom from the Word of God but if we don’t follow it or do what it says, it will be of no value to us. The Bible tells us in Matthew 4 that even Satan knows what the Word of God says. King David’s son, King Solomon, was the wisest man in the world but he did not apply it to his marital relationships. In 1 Kings 11, the Bible tells us he had 700 wives, 300 concubines and they led him astray and “turned his heart after other gods”. The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and God’s Word are life changing, however, our lives are only changed to the extent we are wiling to let it be and surrender to His authority.
Read your Bible daily. Determine to pick it up first thing in the morning before you pick up social media. Spend time in prayer and worship. Ask the Lord to lead and guide you each day by the power of the Holy Spirit so that you can actively live out the wisdom He gives you each day.
Wisdom. It’s the real flex.
Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. ~ Proverbs 4:5-8
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. ~ James 3:13-15, 17 NIV
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. ~ Psalms 119:105 NIV
I mean I’ve never been in one, but I would have to assume it would be an awfully dark place. And isn’t that exactly what it’s like when you’re not in God’s will – dark?
I get it – sometimes God asks us to do really scary things. I don’t know the exact reason Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh because I’m not him. But I do know this – the reason was attached to some form of fear.
And we see where that fear landed him.
So here’s my question – which “fear” sounds worse?
1. God’s will
2. Not God’s will
If you’re walking in God’s will that means He is walking with you. Our great protector. Our refuge. The ultimate superhero if you will. But if you’re not walking with God – if you say no – then you’ll find yourself in a deep, dark place that just downright stinks.
Y’all, just say yes.
Don’t wrestle.
Don’t beg.
Just thank God that He chose you in the first place.
“Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.” Jonah 1:2
Hi sweet woman! It’s so good to chat with you, even for a few moments.
You know how this past year, March to March, has been out of the ordinary and truly a time unlike any other? And maybe some of us took a couple of steps back in our goals and dreams, you know of course with good reason? And recently also lived through, by the grace of God, the Texas winter storm? All these crisis and unexpected life events have took all of us by surprise.
No matter what any of us go through, none of it is a surprise to God. And although at times you and I may feel behind in life or not living up to our fullest potential, God believes in you and is moving things in your favor!
I’d like to take a moment and ask when you think of ministry what comes to mind? If you grew up in the church, serving in a group at church may come to mind. If you came to Christ later in life, anything related to church may come up when thinking about ministry.
Well sweet woman, what if God is calling us to serve Him through the ministry He has given us today? The thing that is right in front of us. Ministry doesn’t have to be something in a faraway country, although if He called you to that then by all means serve well. But what if He gave you and me the ministry of here and now – like right now.
Some of us have the ministry right in our homes, serving our husbands and children daily. Others may be working from home and serving that way. Others may be serving out of their home or serving their social media audience.
No matter what your and my ministry look like today, it is not a surprise to God and it all matters to Him.
Our greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31).
So, every ministry is important to the kingdom of God. And I pray for everyone’s ministry today that God fills each of us with His holy spirit, His peace that surpasses all understanding, and His fruit of the spirit so that you and I may serve God through our ministries well.
What does your ministry look like today? Share it below so we all can support you.
In times of crisis you can bet your bottom dollar that out will come the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. Now that’s just the truth, y’all.
When you’re smack dab in the middle of a terrible situation it’s not easy to hold it together. In fact, as humans we are not really equipped to do that. We are equipped to call on God. To lean on God. To cry out to God.
And if we’ve truly been in a committed relationship with Him then hopefully the things coming out of our mouths during a crisis – or the things clickety clacking across our keyboards – are goodness and mercy and kindness.
The fruit of the Spirit is real. The fruit of the Spirit is how we show the world that Jesus is real.
I don’t want to be rotten fruit, but the fact of the matter is sometimes I stink. I mess up and get it wrong. But I’m trying. I’m trying really hard to lean on God during these rough situations – not on my flesh.
I hope you will, too.
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10
Do you ever hear someone’s story and find yourself relating on many levels?
When we get to know people of the bible on deeper levels, we can see their humanity. We discover how real they were. Real flesh and bone. Real struggles. Real hopes and dreams. We hear them, see them, and can feel what they must have felt. In finding their humanity, we are reminded of our own. Time and culture may change, but the struggles humans deal with in a fallen world remain. People hurt us, we hurt others, and it goes on and on. Within the story of Hagar, we catch a glimpse of God’s nature. We are reminded that He, too, never changes. “For I, the Lord, do not change..” Malachi 3:6
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
Hagar is first mentioned in Genesis 16 after God had promised Abraham that he would have a son. Many commentaries indicate that Hagar was an Egyptian slave given to Abraham by the Pharaoh of Egypt. If you are familiar with her story, you know that after 10 years of waiting for their promise, Sarai decides to take matters into her own hands and gives Hagar as a “second wife” to Abraham to bear an heir (yes, this was a real custom at that time). So the main points develop – Hagar becomes pregnant, conflict grows between her and Sarai (imagine that), Hagar is treated harshly by Sarai, and so Hagar runs away, pregnant and wandering in the desert.
I think about the possible messages her circumstances had given her up until this point in her life. Perhaps they were telling her, “Your value is only determined by what you can do for others”. “You are powerless.” “No one sees you.” “No one is listening.”
Life circumstances can and often do give us messages. When we are smack dab in the middle of our painful circumstances, our first response is often like Hagar’s – to run. While we may not physically run away, our thoughts and our emotions can take off like a runner at a track meet. Soon we find ourselves wandering in a wilderness of our pain. We may feel alone, unseen, and unheard.
I find great comfort in verses Genesis 16:7-8: “And the angel of the Lord found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur. And he said, ‘Hagar, Sarai’s maid, whence camest thou? And whither wilt thou go?’”
Because Hagar was found, it meant someone must have been looking for her. She was called by her name. She didn’t have to look around , point at herself, and ask “ Who? Are you talking to me?” We hear Hagar’s voice for the first time. I hear hurt in her voice. I hear despair. I hear humanity.
The questions she was asked shows that God wanted to hear what she had to say. Perhaps this was a turning point in her heart. A turning point in her heart because for the first time someone saw her and heard her. Someone wanted to know her personal story. She was a real person with a real story, for once the main character with her own role.
Being seen for the first time, Hagar declared Him “El Roi”- The God who sees me.”
Yes, we will be faced with the “Hagar moments” of humanity that are painful and uncomfortable. Jesus tells us we will have trouble in this world. But, in those moments, we can find comfort as we embrace the unchanging nature of our God.
Our situations will reveal His nature and character to us in a personal way. That’s what happened in the moment with Hagar. Real humanity met a real God.
He is the same God today in our stories.
He is a God who sees us. A God that hears us. A God that asks us questions like, “Where have you been?” “Where are you going?”
We, like Hagar, can be encouraged in knowing that we can declare Him to be El Roi- The God who sees me.”
Rays of Sunshine inc 