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God’s will


There are so many times throughout my life when I have questioned God’s will for me. I experience fear of making wrong decisions and I truly just want God to make things a little more clear. What I have learned in these moments is that I am not seeking God like I should. God gives us everything we need for living out His will in His word. So what does His word say? One thing is that when we accept Jesus in our hearts, the Lord commands us to bring Him a sacrifice of thanksgiving and that means in all circumstances.


“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”1 Thessalonians 5:18


I would say that is pretty clear!
 Because of Jesus, being the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, we no longer have to bring animals or any other blood sacrifices to God. A sacrifice of thanksgiving means our lifestyle is going to reflect our thankfulness. Our attitude no matter what comes our way will always praise God, not because of the hardship, but because we have a Father who is with us during the difficult times. A sacrifice is giving up something that is valuable to you in order to help someone else. That means that we let go of our own desires, our time is completely dedicated to serving our heavenly Father in order to bring Him the glory. It isn’t always easy, that is why it is called a sacrifice. We don’t always feel thankful but we can know that when we live in thankfulness we defeat the enemy of worry, anxiety, depression, etc.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your request to God.” Philippians 4:6


When we live a life of thankfulness it opens our hearts to hear from God especially in moments when our hearts are fearful and anxious.  He is never closer than when we are showing our gratitude. It honors God and it is a privilege. He created each and every one of us for His glory. God’s will for our lives is to offer our lives to Him in everything we do, in our service, in our giving, in our praise, in our worship, in our prayers, and in total devotion to bringing Him glory. These things are all a sacrifice of thanksgiving.


“Anyone who sacrifices thank offerings to Me honors Me. He makes it possible for Me to show him that I am the God who saves.” Psalm 50:23

Lean in

When Daisy asked me to write about gratitude, I thought that this would be an easy write. It’s almost Thanksgiving time, and we should have full tanks of thankfulness, right? Well… It’s been a rethink, rewrite, revise kind of writing instead. The Lord uses His Word to refine us, doesn’t He? He is the God who sees us, REALLY sees us, loves us anyway, and knows just what we need. He is the faithful Father who is in the business of conforming us to the image of His beloved Son, Jesus.  James 1:17 reminds us that: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” Sometimes, the good and perfect gift comes in a different kind of packaging than we expect.

I love scripture and have lots of favorites, but my “tie a knot and hold on” verses are found in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Recently, I’ve spent some time meditating on verse 19 as well: “Do not quench the Spirit.” I’ve read this verse many times, but as I reread it this week, it went to work on my heart. Quenching the Holy Spirit sounds like serious business, and it is. As believers, remembering what Jesus did on the cross to set us free from sin should send us to our knees in thankfulness. Our Savior gave His life to redeem ours. Our lives should be saturated with gratitude for who our Lord is, what He has done for us, and knowing that He watches over us with steadfast love.

Our pastor reminded us on Sunday that nothing comes our way unless the Lord sends or allows it. He is sovereign over all things and all people. Nothing takes Him by surprise, absolutely nothing. The Lord is a good, good Father who finds no joy in our pain and suffering. Isaiah 61:2-3 tells us that our Lord came “to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” Amid heartbreaking circumstances, we often plead for an easy fix. However, when we lean into our Father’s arms and cling to Him in trust, we find His faithful love and tender care. His faithfulness gives us a testimony to share with those who are hurting. Lord, refine us and give us hearts of “contagious” gratitude that we might bring glory to You and reflect Your beautiful light in a very dark world.

Vulnerability


2 Corinthians 12:9-10 
9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.


Lately, vulnerability has been a topic of conversation among me and my friends. Leaning into vulnerability can be an uncomfortable experience for many. Although it may initially be uncomfortable, being honest about our weaknesses humbles us before the Lord giving glory to His strength and provision. A humble example of this can be found in the early days of life. 


A newborn baby is the most vulnerable being that there is. While babies are small and defenseless, they are also so full of life and potential. In the first days outside of the womb, they are flooded with new experiences that are simultaneously the best and worst things they have ever gone through. As uncomfortable as they may be, many of these experiences are desperately necessary for babies to grow and develop appropriately. Just as infants rely on their earthly parents, we can rely on our heavenly Father to nurture, protect, and provide for us in our vulnerability so that we can grow and develop toward our divine potential.


Embracing vulnerability requires stepping out in faith and taking advantage of spiritual opportunity. 

A but God attitude


Jesus on the cross quotes Psalms 22:1 


“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”


This is not a complaint to our Father, it’s worship. Reading Psalms 22 added so much to the words Jesus speaks in this moment of suffering. If we continue reading, verse 3 and 4 adds:


“Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praise of Israel. in you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them.”


Jesus carried a “but God” attitude. Regardless of His circumstances He knew that our Father is doing something greater. We should mirror this same attitude with the goal of sharing Jesus. We cant do this without remembering His gift of salvation through faith. 

The overflow

“It’s from the overflow that we love people, and we also learn from the overflow.” 

I heard this quote a while ago at a church conference and have held onto it in my notes app for so long. 

And if you think like me then your first thought is, what is the overflow, and where do I find it?

Well, the overflow is the overflow. 

It’s exactly what it sounds like. It’s an overflow of the love from the Lord 

Because of this overflow of love, we can love people too. And in that same overflow, we can learn so much. 

It is simply the overflow of the abounding grace and love and goodness from God. He loves us so much, He shows us how to love, so we can love too.

We can learn how to love people the right way, the selfless way, the Godly way. 

We can learn how to be gracious, and kind, and humble, and meek. 

So learn from the overflow! Learn from the love of God, learn to use the overflow of His love to love people. 

“We love because he first loved us.”

1 John 4:19 

Score


I am a creature of habit. I joke that I am a type C person. One who thrives on structure and routine but can chase every rabbit and squirrel with the best of them. Every single morning on the way to school, the kids and I rotate through our favorite songs on our Forrest Frank pandora station. Because let’s be honest: “God is good all the time, if he ain’t, then you’re lying.” 


Once our karaoke has ended and we have arrived to school, I walk the kiddos to their morning drop off spots. Every single morning I leave them with four phrases:  
1- I love you.
2- Have an amazing day. 
3-Be kind to others. 
4-Be a Leader. 
If I’m being completely transparent, most days I need to be reminded of these phrases just as much as they do.


Our world is filled with so much discourse. We are choosing hate over love, and that’s because we are being self seeking over seeking God. I can’t cause life altering change in our world from little ol’ Saratoga, but what I can do is raise my kids to love their neighbor. Love them without boundaries. Love them despite their political affiliation, nationality, sexual orientation, or religious belief. Because in Romans 5:8 the Bible tells us that “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God sent his son to die for us KNOWING we were going to fail him, doubt him, and sin against him. He knew we were worth it. All of us.


Jesus knew his disciples well, especially their weaknesses and the things they struggled with. Isn’t it great that the Bible supercedes time, and we can learn through the scripture how to deal with those same struggles today! Like the parable of the wedding feast in Luke 14. He tells us: “When you are invited to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, in case someone more important than you is invited. And then when they ask you to give them your seat, you will be embarrassed because you have to move. BUT when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he comes to you he can say, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”


Every single day we pass judgement. Notice, I said WE. We are human. We are flawed. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. We have ALL been lost at one time or another. Often times when we point a finger at others, we usually have three pointing back at us. Isn’t it crazy that when we talk to people about Christianity we expect them to fill out a check list, when salvation is offered to us for free? As long as we obey the gospel?  “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭23‬ 


We can’t require perfection from others, while expecting grace to be given to us. The apostle Paul  referred to him self as the “chief of sinners” but yet was so confident in his salvation that was found through Jesus. 


Thank goodness for Jesus. For God’s grace. For his mercy. Jesus doesn’t keep score cards, and neither should we.

Banner


Yahweh Nissi = The Lord Is My Banner


In Exodus Israel’s first battle ends in victory, defeating Amalek. In return, Moses built an altar and named it Yahweh Nissi, the Lord is my banner, symbolizing the victory came from God’s power and not military strength. Israel’s success depended greatly on God’s divine intervention. 


The word banner really grabbed a hold of me. A banner represents identity, more than just a name, it’s what you stand for. We live in enemy occupied territory. We need to be soldiers in a spiritual battle. As Christians, we need to raise our banner. It’s a broken world out there, thankfully we have a risen savior who has already fought and won the battle for us. So where is your banner and who needs to see it? Is it put away in the closet just to come out on Sunday morning or maybe even just for Easter and Christmas? 


That is not enough. 


The people we interact with every day, on a daily basis or even just a stranger, should see our banner clearly labeled Yahweh Nissi, The Lord Is My Banner. 


So many of us need to see that banner, me included! Because like I said it’s a crazy world we live in and I need to know who will go to battle for me, who will go to the foot of the cross for me? If that’s you, Thank You! If you need someone to go to battle for you, I’d be happy to be that person for you! If you’re reading this, know that you were prayed for and you are loved. Now go out and raise that banner for Yahweh!

Algorithm


My Algorithm


I had to get real with the Lord on what to write this time.  It was coming down to the wire, or what I consider the wire, and I did not have anything on my heart.  This was last week.


He came through, like always.


I was getting ready for work and listening to a fitness creator that goes live on TikTok with how to be healthy in your 40s.  I’m unsure whether this was the Lord being funny or not, but He got my attention and poured this devotion into my heart, and I mean it hit me square in the heart.


This fitness creator was talking about how our bodies have algorithms, just like the algorithms used on social media platforms and other technological things.  Even my insulin pump has an algorithm.  


One definition Google gives for algorithm is: a data-tracking system in which an individual’s internet search history and browsing habits are used to present them with similar or related material on social media or other platforms.


The creator was saying that when lifting weights, we need to do the same exercises every week but add weight each week.  Our body algorithm can’t figure out the pattern when our weightlifting routine is inconsistent.  We can’t achieve the results we want because we are so inconsistent in our health journey.  Most likely not counting those hidden snacks we eat when no one is watching.  Maybe we make excuses to the point we have excessive rest days.  Also, we’re probably trying to add 25lbs instead of 5lbs of lifting each week because we are impatient with the process.


While I’m listening to the creator and the Lord at the same time, I’m thinking I want to be in the Word more, workout in the mornings, eat breakfast, pack my lunch, and get a head start on supper each night.  Also, get 8 hours of sleep.


Here is where the Lord dealt with me.  You gotta get consistent and quit playing games, like sneaking in an unnecessary snack when no one is looking.  The Lord knows when you’re doom scrolling when you can be doing something productive to take care of your relationship with the Lord.  You gotta show your spiritual algorithm what the pattern is.  You gotta dress for the occasion.  


See, we wake up and take the Lord for granted most times.  He allows me to wake up and each day I’m given breath I’m also given 24 hours to do all the things.


I can’t keep saying yes to all the snacks that I don’t have time for.  I can’t be at all the places for all the things.  We have to say no to some things.  Our spiritual algorithm matters and it’s us who controls the pattern.  


Instead of me scrolling social media the 3 hours I’m awake before work, I could get up and get dressed to work out, but designate 30 mins to read the Word, 30 mins to workout, 30 mins to make breakfast, prepare my lunch and get supper defrosting.  
The consistency in the patterns would allow my algorithm to stay stable when plans change, life falls apart, or I must make an unplanned stop after work.  


Galations 5:22-26
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Against such there is no law.  And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passion and desires.  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.


Now, I’m not saying we are going to have this perfect schedule, but for the most part we control the algorithm of our life.  We decide if we can fit something else on our plate or not.  We decide if reading the Word and taking care of our temple is more important than doom scrolling.  


If we aren’t careful, we won’t be able to express the fruit of the Spirit.  We are too busy, unfocused, stressed, don’t have enough time to think, allow things to slide through the cracks, end up making excuses of why we were able to accomplish what we committed to. 


Let’s train our algorithm!

Joy


Lately, I keep hearing the word joy — in songs, devotionals, and conversations. I don’t think it’s by coincidence. I believe when God keeps putting a word on your heart, it’s usually because He’s trying to remind you of something.


For me, He’s been reminding me that joy isn’t the same as happiness. Happiness changes with our circumstances, but joy stays, even when life feels heavy. Joy comes from knowing that God is still good, still faithful, and still with us always. 


As I was looking back at some of my notes in my church journal from the message a couple of weeks ago I found where I wrote: Joy — Together in Christ for His glory. Our joy is found in Jesus and sharing Him with others. The things of this world will never bring you eternal joy. You can find happiness in doing the things of this world, but happiness and joy are not the same. 


In Nehemiah 8:10 it says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” That means real strength doesn’t come from having it all together; it comes from trusting the One who does. Life can be heavy at times. You may be juggling all the things life keeps you busy with, but we should always try to remember to find the joy within the everyday busy tasks. 


When the word joy keeps showing up all around me, I can’t help but think maybe God’s reminding me that no matter what today looks like, there’s still joy to be found in Him. I pray you have those simple yet huge reminders that pop up in your life, too.  When you find yourself caught up in the what if’s and “can I do this?” moments, remember to find your joy that comes from the Lord. 


“You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures.” Psalm 16:11

Walking the walk


 Galatians 5:16 says, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” We are human, we are going to sin and be tempted by what the world has to offer. There is something much better than the worldly desires and that is Jesus Christ our Lord and savior.


 After my MiMi passed away my sophomore year of high school I was angry with God for two years. I had an encounter with him during a basketball game, and I started working on my relationship with him then. You see, up until then I was sitting in the back of the youth group, playing my phone, and not paying attention in church at all. In my first and second semester of college I partied, and I partied hard. I was drinking alcohol, smoking weed, sleeping with girls, and not living for Christ one bit. I was living in the mindset of, “It is okay God will forgive me.”


 Also during my first year of school I met one of my best friends in the world, Lincoln Edwards. Linc pushed me to be great and was a huge influence in my life. 


One summer night in 2023 I was bragging about how crazy this party I went to the night before was to Lincoln and another friend. He just started shaking his head, and when I asked him what was wrong, and I will never forget the words he said to me. He looked me in my eyes and said, “You think you’re cool doing all this? You say you’re a Christian but you’re not walking the walk, you’re just talking the talk.” 


My heart sank, and I felt conviction I had never felt before in my life. I stayed up until 4 AM that night just staring at my ceiling, and then I heard God speaking to me. “Give it all to me.” I knew what He was saying to me, and I decided to make a change right then and right there. 


 Once I prayed and decided to change my life I decided to get baptized for the second time in my life. I was baptized when I was 8 years old, but I didn’t understand being a Christian then. On October 8, 2023 I walked down in front of my church, surrounded by my family and friends, and I was baptized again. I have seen Kelanie walk down the aisle, and I have seen the heartbeat of my daughter, but when I went under water and came back up a born again Christian, let me tell you that was the greatest moment of my life. 


 I am not perfect. I still struggle with sin, but I live my life for Christ now. My sister in law Kera sings a song for our church called “I’ve witnessed it.” One of the verses says, “To the broken I’ve witnessed it, to the hurt and I’ve witnessed it, to the lost I will witness it.” Those verses always touch my heart because I remember being lost and finding Jesus. I encourage everyone to surround themselves with people like Lincoln who challenge them to be better people and Christians. 


Colossians 2:6 says, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him.”