Love

Love. When you hear the word it typically brings warm fuzzies, cute and cuddly images of people, family or friends, or special memories with them to our mind. But real love, God’s love, is that and so much more. Love is not just a strong emotional response or even an abstract idea, but a way of life and direct command from the Lord. It is how we are identified as believers in Christ. Love is deliberate, intentional, consistent, resilient and unshakable. Love is the very the character of God.

Loving others the way God commands us to can sometimes be hard because we don’t get to pick and choose who we love. Jesus said that if we only love those who love us, how are we any different? Even the ungodly do that. Love is a decision we make to be obedient to God to extend the same love He gives us to others, whether or not we think they are worthy. The Bible tells us we have to love our enemies, pray for and even bless them. In some situations, it may have to be from a distance but nevertheless, we have to do it. What does that look like on a daily basis? Maybe praying for the guy who cut you off on the way to work. Maybe it’s praying for and blessing the coworker who is rude to you. Maybe showing and sharing God’s love is just being kind to the frazzled mom with three kids in front of you at the grocery store.

There are a million little ways and opportunities each day that we can love other the way God wants us to if we will just stop and ask the Lord to show us how. You will be amazed at how it will change your whole perspective and increase your joy simply by being obedient and loving others the way God tells us to. Remember, His love never fails.

The one who doesn’t love has yet to know God, for God is love. ~ 1 John 4:8 TPT

Love joyfully celebrates honesty and finds no delight in what is wrong. Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up. ~ 1 Corinthians 13:6-7 TPT

However, I say to you, love your enemy, bless the one who curses you, do something wonderful for the one who hates you, and respond to the very ones who persecute you by praying for them. For that will reveal your identity as children of your heavenly Father. He is kind to all by bringing the sunrise to warm and rainfall to refresh whether a person does what is good or evil. What reward do you deserve if you only love the loveable? Don’t even the tax collectors do that? How are you any different from others if you limit your kindness only to your friends? Don’t even the ungodly do that? ~ Matthew 5:44-47 TPT

Emotions

Emotions.

God created, God given. But boy can we allow one or more of them to spin out of control at times. God created us in His image and with that He gave us the gift to feel.

We have so many emotions: happiness, sadness, fear, anger, love, compassion, guilt, hatred, and the list goes on and on. God intended for us to use them to respond to situations in our lives.

Our response reflects what is truly in our hearts. Scary huh?? Why?? Because our emotions can often be corrupted by our sin nature. What we choose to think and dwell on can cause our emotional state to be positive or negative.

Honestly, it is easy to have a positive emotional response when things are going great. When God’s will seems so clear and we feel like He has heard all of our prayers, when He has given all that we desire in the moment and we feel so blessed and content.

We have people all around us who love us and celebrate us, and we do the same for them. It makes us feel so good when we have the means to help our family, friends, or even the less fortunate, and to have compassion for someone who is hurting. And oh, how we love when people show us gratitude for what we have done. In these moments it is so easy to walk through the day with our heads held high, our emotions are all in check, and we can easily choose joy. These are all good feelings and God loves for us to experience times like this.

“Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, the Lord has done great things for them. The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.” Psalm 126:2-3

BUT… God has also given us emotions that can be difficult to control. Sadness, anger, and guilt are just a few that prove to be more challenging. Yes, they are God given, in that we feel them in so many areas of our lives. We must be careful and most definitely learn to use self-control in our responses.

God wants us to trust Him with every fiber of our being, even when we want to allow our emotions to go haywire. We need to pray and patiently wait for God’s help.

When we feel sadness over a loss of someone we love or we face trials and tribulations, which we will, we must stay strong in our walk with God. When we seek his will and guidance, He will give us comfort and peace.

If our thoughts dwell on our sadness and pain we can fall into traps of anxiety and depression, hindering the good that God wants for us. He wants us to seek Him and experience the peace and comfort that only He can give. When we fully accept God’s help then He will give us the ability to in turn help others. There is no greater reward than to help someone else, even when we are still struggling.

“All praise to God, the Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Corinthians 1:3

Anger can be an emotion that a lot of us may battle daily. I mean the struggle is real!!! There are so many things in one day that can cause us frustration or irritation and that can easily lead to anger. Sometimes it can be the small issues like someone cutting us off in traffic, or we get the wrong food at the drive thru, or even a justified anger when we must stand up for ourselves.

Other times it can be something bigger like someone you love hurting or rejecting you. Either way we must always remember to respond with love and patience. When we choose to respond with anger, we cause more damaging consequences. We may blow up instantly and spew out all our feelings on someone and in turn cause hurt that we never intended. Then, when we calm down, we feel guilt.

When we feel instantly angered, we need to be quiet, go to God in prayer and ask if our anger is justified, and even if it is, ask for help to respond with love. We should never seek revenge or let our anger cause us to act in a hateful manner. We must learn to truly seek God’s will for our response. 100% of the time He will lead us to a loving, forgiving response full of grace and mercy.

“But You, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.” Psalm 86:15

As I said, acting out on anger can lead to feelings of guilt. When the Holy Spirit convicts us, and we know we have failed to do God’s will we feel guilty. Guilt is not all bad, whether it is a sign that we need to consider what God is trying to tell us. Most of the time it stems from a sin in our lives, and it is His signal to draw us back to Him. But God does not want us to hold on to our guilt. When we do it hinders what God intends for us to be. It causes feelings of inadequacy and makes us feel unworthy.

We place ourselves higher than God when we fail to believe that He will take away all our guilty stains. All we must do is heed the warning, repent of the sin, and turn away from it. Then we should feel grateful that we are back in a place of comfort and peace. Praise God, he makes it so easy for us!!

“But if we confess our sins to Him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” 1 John 1:9

Comfort & Complacency

I was reading the story of Rahab. (She is one of the women highlighted in the book Faithful. This book is beautiful and inspiring. I hope you will read it and listen to the music from the project.)

God shifted my look to Joshua and the people of Israel. I don’t like to think about their conquest. It is hard for me to see our holy and loving God sending out an army to annihilate kingdoms and peoples. But God commanded Joshua to go reclaim Canaan and destroy all of the people living there.

I have to remember that there are no stories unheard by heaven. There are no hearts overlooked and truly evil had taken over these cities and peoples. God’s mercy is confirmed in the story of Rahab, whose faith saved her house from destruction in Jericho.

Back to Joshua…

I love that he was afraid. One of my favorite verses in all of scripture is found in Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

The words “be strong and courageous” are mentioned three different times in just chapter 1. God knows Joshua needed to hear it, and we do too.

Sisters, He sent them to battle to reclaim the land He had promised them, and He went first. Rahab tells us that the word was out. People had heard of Yahweh who had parted the Red Sea and delivered the Isrealites from Egypt and the hearts of the entire city and all of Canaan were “melting with fear.”

What battle is God preparing you to fight today? What has evil stolen that He is ready to reclaim? I am thankful that we are not involved in a physical battle right now. But I am realizing that I have made comfort and complacency my idols.

God never promised us comfortable lives. Faith does not grow out of comfort, and my heart is trembling as I write those words. I want to desire God more than “success” “happiness” and “security.” Those are all my fake idols. They are temporary and fleeting, and yet I work so hard to hold on to them.

God has called us to love Him first and then to love each other. He has commissioned us to tell the good news. He says to put on the breastplate of righteousness, take up the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the belt of truth, and the shoes of peace.

Our enemy is prowling like a lion. He wants to steal, kill and destroy. He has stolen relationships around us. He has filled hearts with discontentment, greed, selfishness, lust, pride.

Sisters – it is time to fight back on our knees. Speak the truth in your conversations with coworkers, friends, children, EVERYONE boldly. God goes before you. He is preparing the way, He is working on their hearts. Be strong and courageous! Speak the truth with confidence and joy.

The same God who brought down the walls of Jericho wants to take down the spiritual walls in our homes and our cities. Pray them down. Speak them down. Love them down. Worship Him until He brings them down. Blow the trumpets. The battle belongs to the Lord. Stand up – or kneel down and fight it today.

Father, mark our house with the blood of Jesus. Write your name on my heart and the hearts of my husband and children. I declare war on depression and discontentment. I claim your victory over our relationships. Father, draw us close to you so that we can look at your face and know that we have nothing to fear. Use us to further your kingdom, to bring you glory. I am overwhelmed and humbled that you would want someone like me in your presence and in your army. Father, I am your vessel. Fill me and pour me out. In Jesus name, Amen.

Summer Slow Down

That sweet, sweet summer slow down…..

Where ya at girl?

I mean seriously. We are two weeks in, and I feel like my summer theme song thus far has been shake, rattle, and roll.

Anyone else? Just me? 🤪

At times when life feels topsy-turvy and way too curvy this is what I know:

Lean in.

Lean on.

Trust in.

Count on.

Sweet, sweet Jesus.

On the good days, the bad days, and the absolutely crazy days – God is God and He is oh so good.

So if you see a lady standing in the middle of her yard, staring through binoculars, waving a white flag – it’s just me. It’s just me looking for Miss Summer Slow-Down.

She’s coming.

I can feel it.

Jesus has it.

I know it.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

Worth It

I think most of us at some point have compared one brand of a product to another brand name. Maybe it was cosmetics or clothing. Perhaps you were looking to purchase a new handbag, a watch, or some perfume. It doesn’t take a person long to realize name brand products come with a higher price tag. A higher level of commitment from our wallets if we are to go with the brand named product.

We often find that other companies offer imitations of the products we the consumers are looking to purchase. According to Collins Dictionary of Business this is called a market positioning strategy- companies and manufacturers introduce a product which emulates or copies a product already on the market. In other words, there is a level of competiveness among companies.

I once purchased a bottle of perfume that was a company’s imitation of a designer perfume. The label included the words “our version.” While it had a different name, to me the smell was the same. It only cost less.

One day while shopping, a lady standing nearby turned and made a comment about my perfume. She even was able to name the fragrance. I thanked her but didn’t feel it was necessary to point out that what she smelled was an imitation of the brand name she thought her nose had detected. Would that detail have made a difference in the long run?

We can buy cheaper versions of products, use generic medications, and wear clothes missing fashion names without anyone really needing to know the particular name or brand we choose. Do those kind of details make a difference in the long run?

But there is a name that matters. Whose name is the detail that makes a difference in the long run. It’s not a name on any earthly product but it’s a name written on hearts. Jesus tells us in John 14:6 “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to The Father except through me.”

God, The Father is looking for the name.

He is looking for the original.

No other version will do.

No imitations accepted.

“Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

There is a cost in pursuing the name of Jesus. A higher level of commintment is required. In the world there are many voices calling. So many things distracting us and competing for our attention and devotion.

Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34. I don’t know about you, but some days it’s just out right hard “to come after” when my get up and come has left. And those days when my flesh screams “Me! Me!” are not my proudest moments.

But then thankfully, Jesus sends me a reminder that choosing His name makes a difference in the long run. It will be worth it in the end.

And they shall see his face and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no light there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God shall giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 22:4-5

Just a reminder my friends,

Jesus, the name that makes a diffence in the long run.

It will be worth it in the end.

Get your mind right

Y’all the other day I found myself straight up rattled.

I have no idea why I was so flustered, and I didn’t even realize it until I caught myself being salty and sassy to my kids and my husband.

I had to stop and ask myself what in the world was going on. Why would the devil want me in such a foul mood?

VBS.

That’s where I was headed. And wouldn’t the devil love for me to be all kinds of cranky up in the church. And wouldn’t he love for me to get my entire family all out of sorts before they headed there as well.

In the words of every teenager across America – Sheeeeesh.

I knew what I had to do.

I had to redirect my mind in order to redirect my heart. And I had to redirect my heart in order to redirect my mind.

How?

1. Prayer

2. Praise & Worship

Right then.

Right there.

Why? Cause it works.

We have the power through Jesus Christ to put our emotions and feelings to the side. We have the power through Jesus Christ to control our space and our face. We have the power.

Don’t let the devil sabotage your spirit.

Don’t let the devil meddle with your mood.

And don’t you dare let him use you to hinder someone else’s heart.

“But You, O LORD, do not be far from Me; O My Strength, hasten to help Me!” Psalm 22:19

Be a good friend

“ You must love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39

Sometimes it’s hard sitting on the sideline. Sometimes it’s hard when you realize it isn’t your time to be in the spotlight.

When it’s not your time in the spotlight or time for a promotion at work, we can become discouraged and only focus on what we “don’t have” at that moment in our life.

But when it’s not our time to shine, maybe it’s time for our friend to shine and time for you to be their best supporter. Maybe it’s time for you to learn how to give the best hugs, speak encouraging words, and cheer them on to their greatest achievements.

Learning to be a friend can be the greatest gift in a time of waiting for our own opportunities to arise. We can learn how Jesus deeply loved his disciples and was the best friend to all people.

We can decide to focus on our bench warming season or be the biggest fan to our friend who is running towards the goals God has for them.

Cheering on your friends and being their greatest supporter takes nothing away from the victories and triumphs God has planned for you. Being a friend can give you a joy you’ve never known before.

So today, if you’re sitting on the sideline, don’t focus on your nonexistent playing time. Make a choice to love your friends who are climbing mountains and reaching goals that God has given them. Your time is coming, but trust me, when it’s your friend’s turn, your unconditional love and support is a sturdy foundation for their victories.

Be a great friend today. 🤍

Thriving while Waiting

Picture this: It’s a beautiful Saturday morning, you’re out for a stroll in the town to the nearest coffee shop. (Or for my small-town folks with no sidewalks; you’re on vacation enjoying the city.)

Regardless of what you are doing, nothing can bring you down. You walk down the sidewalk with an extra pep in your step sharing your joy with everyone in passing.

You see the coffee shop across the street.

Walking to the crosswalk you press the button of the arrow that you desire to go. “Wait” the machine calls out, warning you that it is not your turn to cross. You wait for what seems like an eternity while the people to the side of you have already crossed twice!!

You walk once more to the crosswalk button and begin to press the arrow several times in hopes to speed the process up. “Wait, wait, wait,” the machine calls out. Frustrated, you wait a few more minutes until finally, the white walk sign gleams and you safely cross to your destination.

I don’t know about you, but I have been this person many times in my walk with Christ. I find myself being frustrated in my season of wait and comparing my walk with Christ to others around me. Looking at the opportunities that they have had and questioning God on why it’s not my turn to cross.

Thankfully, I can look to the Word for encouragement and find all of the examples of people that didn’t waste their season of wait, but instead, received what God was showing to them and grew from those moments.

Abraham waited for a son, and waited and waited some more. However, instead of losing faith and hope, the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. (Genesis 15:2-6)

Jesus even had a season of wait! He did not begin His ministry until He was an adult. He was around 30 years old when He began His ministry here on earth. Even now, He is in a season of wait to return back to earth.

I hope this serves as a reminder to you. Don’t waste your season of wait, grow in it, and allow your faith to be strengthened.

Rejoice for the purpose that God has placed on your life and don’t allow comparison to creep into your mind.

Just like you wouldn’t step out on a busy crosswalk when it’s not your turn to go, don’t miss the lessons that the Lord is trying to equip you for in your season of wait.

Identity

As a youth director, I hear a lot and see a lot. I perhaps see more than the parents do at times. They don’t know I’m watching or listening when I am. Many of our series and lessons are laid on my heart based off of what I know they’re facing. I know there are teachers and other ministers who can relate to this.

Many times when the Lord shares a lesson with me to teach them, it’s teaching myself as well. I say this because finding our identity in Christ has been a hot topic in our lessons here recently but also in our world. If I’m being honest, we care too much about what others think about us and not enough about what God says about us.

1 Peter 2:9 shares with us,

“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are a royal priest, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God. For he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”

We do not have to feel or be chosen by this world. The Lord has already called upon us and chosen us. He wants us to take part in his Holy Nation. He looks at you as a great possession. You do not need acceptance from this world.

I say this all to remind you, do not allow this world or where you are to define your identity. Find your identity in Christ. Listen to what He says about you. With this, allow it to pass along to your children. Train them up knowing they matter, they are enough, and are already chosen. Then they will be a light in such a dark world.

“Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”

1 Peter 2:10

Never Alone

You aren’t alone and never will be.

“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalms 9:9-10

Man this verse hit deep. Reading it I started tearing up. I always knew that God heard my prayers and that I’m never alone, but sometimes you just need the reminders. He hears your prayers and He always answers them. It might not be a yes or a no, but He gives you an answer. It might not be one you were hoping for either.

When we seek Him, He doesn’t forsake us. He doesn’t put us into situations we can’t handle. If you pray to God and ask Him to open doors that need to be opened and close doors that need to be closed, don’t be surprised when He does things you weren’t wanting or expecting.

But remember that we can handle anything with God by our side. Whether it’s mourning over the loss of a loved one, moving away from your family, or watching your family move away. He’s with us and He will never leave us.

Dear Lord, I pray that you will give us those reminders. The things you put us in and the things we have to go through are for a reason and I pray that we would remember that. I pray that you would use the feelings that we have to make us stronger Lord. And bless the people in those situations you have us go through, that they know that you will never forsake them. In your Heavenly name I pray, amen.

Rays of Sunshine inc

Educator, Mother, & Jesus Lover

daily devotional