Sometimes we are faced with situations where we don’t know what to do. We may not know what to say or even what to think.

I’ve learned the hard way that in those times I just need to be still. If I can turn on praise and worship music and just be, just close my eyes and sit, it’s easier for me to hear God’s voice.

It has to be an intentional decision though. I have to tune out everything else. My thoughts, the urge to grab my phone, the TV, and even the people around me. It’s not easy, but God needs our attention. We have to focus on Him before we can fully focus on anything else.

This world is good at throwing distractions our way in all shapes and sizes. This world doesn’t want our focus on Jesus. But my God, my God is bigger than this world.

Next time you’re in a daunting situation and you don’t know what to do – just get still. Ask God to shift your focus.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

A few weeks ago I was cleaning up my phone’s notepad. This is where I write and store all of my daily devotionals.

Guys, it was a hot mess.

I seriously clean it up once every two months. Apparently that’s not enough, and it’s becoming evident to me that it’s something I need to work on more. I shouldn’t allow it to get to this state of absolute chaos.

The whole mess got me thinking about my relationship with God.

We’ve got to faithfully work on our relationship with God. We have to pray, get in the Word, and worship.

Every. Single. Day.

These things shouldn’t merely be “tasks” on a checklist – they should be the true desires of our hearts. They should be the things that we are dead set on accomplishing everyday no matter what.

We can’t expect everything in our life to run hunky-dory when we are not truly aligning our heart and mind with God every single day. It just doesn’t work that way.

We’ve got to put in the work. If we don’t, our personal life is going to end up as messy as my Notepad.

And trust me, you don’t want any part of that.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:18

People mess up.

They mess up big time.

Thank God for redemption and amazing grace.

Here’s the thing about my Jesus – He’s all about forgiveness. He’s all about a clean slate. He wants you to come to Him, start fresh, and then extend the same hand of grace to others that He has extended to you.

Don’t forget about that part.

If we want the church doors to be open, we better open up our hearts first – because nobody can walk through a locked door.

“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” Ephesians 4:7 (NIV)

I like to write. Not speak. Because when I’m writing I can go back and edit. It’s safer. Grammatically and emotionally.

But let me tell y’all something – this morning I’m fired up about Jesus, and if someone gave me a mic I would go off.

I would go off about how Jesus loves everyone.

About forgiveness.

About the underdog.

About religion and skin color and poverty.

I would go off about how I was a big fat sinner – and still am – but Jesus washed it all away. I would go off about how Jesus loves me [and you] in spite of our shady past.

I would go off about how He is rooting for me.

And He is rooting for you.

And for the person you don’t like.

And for the person that sinned differently.

And for the person that’s a different skin color. A different religion.

The atheist.

Jesus doesn’t care who you are or who you were.

He just loves you.

Excuse me while I go off.

And pray.

And worship.

And tell my story.

Excuse me.

Dear God, humble me. Remind me. Forgive me. If judgmental thoughts creep in – take me down a notch or two or three. I have a past, but my future is brighter because of you. And the same goes for every person I come into contact with. Remind me. Amen.

Refining.

It’s happening every single day, and you best believe that it’s going to burn.

Sometimes God has to hold us in the middle of the fire to purge the impurities from within us. And sometimes when we are stubborn, when we are refusing to let go of the dross within our heart and soul, He has to hold us there a little bit longer.

Just remember, when He is holding us in the fire – He is doing just that – He is holding us. And He isn’t going to let us go.

Guys, the fire has a purpose. The fire is making us pure. When the impurities within us have melted away and we’ve been purified and cleansed of the world, God will look into the fire, stare straight into our eyes, and see His reflection.

What an incredibly beautiful process.

I want to look like Jesus – even if it means sitting in the fire.

“For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver.” Psalm 66:10 (NIV)

Sometimes bad things happen. Things that shake us to the core. Things that change the trajectory of our life in ways we could have never imagined.

And while we are sitting in the middle of a big ol’ mess it’s hard to see, to believe, that God can in fact turn this mess into a masterpiece.

He can, and He will. We just have to stick with Him.

So next time you find yourself staring at what you perceive to be an immovable barricade, try and keep this one thing in mind – that obstruction may not be a stumbling block, it may be a building block.

Don’t step over it. Don’t step around it – step onto it. Step onto it and stand tall. Look around. Your perspective just may change.

Bad things happen, y’all. But God is a good, good God. He always finds the good. Let Him reveal that good to you today.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 (NLT)

Makeup.

I love it. Red lipstick is my jam. I actually love all of the colors. I love the different combinations. And when a blemish decides to rear its ugly head, I love that makeup can cover it up so that no one knows what’s under the surface but little ol’ me.

But makeup isn’t the only mask we put on to conceal flaws. Oftentimes we use different types of barriers to protect us, to shield us, or to just downright cover up some defect that we perceive too imperfect to let others see.

We use this defense mechanism:

To cover up our insecurities.

To cover up our weaknesses.

To cover up our experiences.

To cover up our past.

To cover up our sin.

Sometimes that mask can do more harm than good. Sometimes that mask builds a barrier so strong that it creates other impurities. Deep impurities.

Sometimes we just need to come clean. We need to let Jesus wash away all of the guilt and fears associated with whatever mask we’ve been putting on everyday. We need to let Him clean us from the inside out.

People need to see us in our most unpolished state – no masks, no barriers, no coverups. People need to know who we truly are underneath it all – just a girl counting on Jesus to strip away her many impurities and imperfections.

Take that mask off, ladies. He is the only barrier you need.

“Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:22

Are you creeped out by Google listening to all of your conversations? Is Facebook freaking you out by sending suggestions based on things you just thought?

It’s weird, right?

Listen, God’s bigger than Google, and He is definitely going to accept your friend request.

He is the ultimate mind-reader, and He will even help you redirect your thoughts. He is going to send you suggestions on exactly what you need. He is going to offer you the kind of advice that only the best daddy in the world can.

He has all the answers. You just need to search.

Search His word.

Search your heart.

God’s bigger than Google, guys. I’m gonna put that on a t-shirt.

“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:1-2

Labels.

They don’t define you, and they don’t define me.

The world will try and tell you who you are. Don’t listen. They will try to put you in a box. Don’t let them.

The diagnosis from the doctor, the preconceived judgements, mistakes from the past – that’s not you.

I have diabetes. But that’s not who I am.

I have celiac. But that’s not who I am.

I used to battle fear. But that’s not who I am.

Dyslexia, ADHD, cancer, diabetes, poor, rich, broken, eccentric, rebellious, weak, meek, strong – label after label after label.

Labels.

Don’t place them on people, and don’t let people place them on you.

God’s bigger than any label that this ol’ world will try and stamp on you, and don’t you ever forget it.

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light;” 1 Peter 2:9

A vehicle can’t run on empty fumes, and neither can you.

Prayer, worship, and spending time in God’s word are truly fuel for your gas tank. And guess what – it’s free!

Are you feeling run down, damaged, or just not up to par? It may be time for an inspection. It may be time for a tune-up.

Don’t live a life where you are constantly running on fumes. Don’t allow your vehicle to be damaged by neglecting the fundamental constituents that are the building blocks of who you are. Take care of yourself.

Guys, fill your tank up. Start today.

If you need help getting started do not hesitate to message me.

“He FILLS my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagles.” Psalm 103:5

“For he satisfies the thirsty and FILLS the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:9