And the more you talk to Him, the more you’ll hear Him talking to you.
How do you talk to Him?
▪️Praying
▪️Reading His word
▪️Praise and worship
God did not intend a relationship with Him to be complex, so don’t over complicate things. It’s really quite simple – just love Him with your whole heart.
Simply talk to Him today.
He wants to hear from you.
He wants you to hear from Him.
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.” Psalm 145:18-19
Grocery shopping is my least favorite adulty thing to do. And trust me, I’m acutely aware of how ridiculous that statement is.
This last week I didn’t have my life together enough to get a grocery order in, so Sunday I had to go into the actual store. Again, I know how ridiculous I sound.
Nonetheless, I found myself staring at my steering wheel in the H‑E‑B parking lot – wheeling my self to get out of the car and go inside the store.
Pun intended.
Yes, I went in.
Yes, I whined underneath my mask about it.
Yes, I followed a janky list made in five minutes.
Since I’m already putting all of my ridiculousness out there, let me go ahead and confess that when I got to the cookie aisle and discovered that the gluten-free Oreos had been raided I just about cried.
I seriously sat there silently sulking for a good ten seconds before I looked up and saw the lady in front of me. She was wearing a shirt that had the words to “How Great Thou Art” on it.
How Great Thou Art. My God.
Talk about a much needed attitude check.
I get to work a job that I love.
I get to buy my family groceries.
I have a stove.
I have a refrigerator.
I have a family to cook for.
I get.
I have.
Y’all, there’s always going to be things that we just don’t want to do – because flesh. We just need to remember that we have a choice to waller around in that miserable mud-hole, or we can flip the script in our mind and focus on the good instead.
I don’t know what tasks you have to do today that you don’t want to do, but I would like to encourage you to find something positive within that to-do list.
It’s there. It’s your choice.
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:23
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
Everyone has an inner voice that speaks to us in the midst of particular situations, during chaos, and in silence. It is always there – in the background. Sometimes the inner voice is louder, and sometimes we barely notice it.
The influence of the inner voice is highly dependent on the level of self awareness one has. Sometimes that voice within us is harsh and unkind. Sometimes that voice tells us that we are not strong enough, good enough, smart enough, focused enough…it makes us question our worth. When I experience moments like this, my inner voice prompts me to overthink, overanalyze, and hyper-focus on things that are often beyond my control. When I was a little girl I worried about EVERYTHING.
I was anxious and fearful of so many things. The weather, death, lack of money, becoming ill, and losing loved ones filled my thoughts on a regular basis. I was a little girl filled with many doubts and misunderstandings about my own thoughts and outlook on the world around me. As I grew into my teenage years, my heart opened to hearing God’s word and the promise of salvation. Although my faith calmed my worries and fears, my inner voice was still strong enough to creep up and cause doubt. I used to think that happened because I wasn’t strong enough, or saved enough, or maybe I didn’t pray enough, or read my Bible enough.
That word again…enough. It’s a tough word.
God knows we are imperfect; yet, we were perfectly formed through His eyes and hands. He knows our hearts and is aware of every doubt in our minds before we even consider it. He knows we will succumb to that inner voice of fear and doubt, and He knows how strong and convincing that voice can be. What we must remember is that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, which makes us MORE than ENOUGH.
Those tough days where the inner voice is picking a fight with me I have to remind myself that God created me, which means that I am MORE than ENOUGH. I was designed to fulfill God’s purpose for my life, and He knows there will be times when I am misaligned with His will. Thankfully, I am reminded to slow my roll, open my heart, and listen…not to that inner voice trying to infuse my mind with doubts, fears, worries, and anything else to get me off track…but to listen to HIM.
When God has control of your inner voice your heart and mind will be aligned with His purpose. Seek Him today. Thank Him for creating you perfectly, and knowing you are and will continue to be imperfect. Allow Him to infiltrate your mind, body, and soul. You were not made to live without God’s voice within you. Take time to listen today, and seek understanding that supports your efforts in becoming the person you are meant to be.
Offense. It was not until recently that I noticed how often I can take offense to small things people do or say throughout each day. Satan thrives on these small, fleeting opportunities to get underneath our skin. Sometimes a simple word or wrong glance from someone can cause a total spiral of emotions. It is important to remember “The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy.” (John 10:10) as well as “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness in high place.” (Ephesians 6:12)
We allow the enemy to be very good at his job when only one small action from another person is able to completely take over our thoughts. These small feelings of offense may feel harmless in the moment, but slowly these offenses can seep in and cause bitterness, doubt, and unforgiveness that drive a wedge between us and the Lord.
We live in a very angry world. It is so easy to become upset and there is such little room for mercy. Look around…there is a lot of heartache and resentment around us every day. Bitterness and offenses have built up in people’s hearts and caused such ugliness to show. Forgiveness is not always easy or fair, but the bible DOES say that forgiveness is necessary and even ESSENTIAL in building a true relationship with the Lord. In fact, the bible even says if we are not able to forgive others, our OWN sins cannot be forgiven. “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:25)
Unforgiveness can stand in the way of the precious plans God has made for us and offense can be a stumbling block in our walk along the way. Allowing ourselves to be offended steals our joy, ruins friendships, and stunts our growth with the Lord. The only way to truly guard our hearts from offense and unforgiveness is to walk in love. The bible says not only to forgive one another, but to forgive quickly and often! One way to forgive more easily is to believe the best in others. We cannot see inside someone’s heart the way that the Lord does. Be quick to assume the best in others. We all fall short, we all need mercy.
“Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.” (Proverbs 17:9)
How much happier would life be if we were able to live each day without dwelling on what someone else thinks of us? How much time could we save worrying? Trying to control the thoughts and actions of others is useless. I think about this often because I happen to be a gigantic….people pleaser. I want to be liked, to be admired, to be praised. It is so easy to forget that I already know the ONLY opinion of myself that matters. I am chosen, loved, adored, liked, and encouraged by the son of God. Reminding myself of this seems to let all other opinions simply fall away.
My prayer for you today is to let the small things go. Refuse to take the bait of the small offenses that the enemy places in front of you today. Remember that you do not need the opinion of others in order to be secure. You are already invaluable to the only one that matters.
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
It is so interesting to me that Jesus compares us to sheep throughout the Bible. Sheep require care. Left to their own will- they will surely perish. They need the shepherd’s guidance, care and protection.
Occasionally a mother sheep will reject a lamb. The lamb is called a “bummer.” Truly a disappointment. But a good shepherd still sees the lamb’s value. He takes the sheep into his personal care. He holds it close to him. He personally cares for it until the lamb is strong enough to join the herd.
That little lamb never forgets the shepherd’s voice. It is a devoted follower and may even earn an important role as the “bell sheep.” The bell sheep gets to wear a bell that the other sheep will follow. The bell sheep must know the Shepherd and follow him faithfully.
Jesus is still teaching me a simple truth. He has not called me to “be the best I can be.” He never said “strive” “juggle all the plates” “do it all.”
Nope. Not in the Bible – that’s not His voice.
He did say, “Love the lord your God with all your heart, mind, and strength.” (Matthew 22:37)
When I strive to be all the things I think I should be- I end up a bummer. So many times I’ve fallen to my knees heart heavy in disappointment and so weary. Overwhelmed, frustrated, hurt, lost.
My good shepherd picks me up. He comforts me. He doesn’t say “figure it out.” He says “follow me.” When I fix my eyes on Him He provides everything I need.
Father, thank you for your faithful love and great compassion. We are worse than “bummers.” We were not rejected- but rebellious. Father draw us close to your side. Teach us to love you. Let our hearts desire nothing more than you. Fix our eyes on you and teach us to confidently follow you without fear or worry. You are our good Shepherd and we can fully rely on your care. Let our lives, love, and joy be a beacon- a bell – that will lead others to you.
🎶 I’m calling on the name That changes everything, yes God, turn it around God, turn it around God, turn it around All of my hope Is in the name The name of Jesus Breakthrough will come Come in the name The name of Jesus🎶
Whatever struggles or trials you are facing today let me remind you of this sweet, sweet promise – God can turn it around.
Call on His name. Believe in the power that His name holds. And whatever you do – don’t give up hope in Him.
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” Romans 12.12
There really is enough room for everyone of us. That’s why God put us on this big ol’ world in the first place.
Rays of Sunshine Inc helps kiddos in school – as many as we can. However, we could never help every child in need. Thankfully, there are many other non-profits that do what we do.
What about adults though? Once again luckily there are many entities and individuals that help adults and senior citizens – including one of my life mentors who I adore.
If you start to think about all of the hurting people that need help across this planet you can easily become discouraged and overwhelmed.
But if you focus on who God needs you to minister to – and how He is going to help you out along the way – than you’ll be surrounded by His peace.
I keep seeing memes about clapping for other people. Yes, encourage one another for sure. But more importantly – pray for them. Pray for their ministry. Pray for strength.
When you pray for them you are furthering God’s Kingdom.
Let’s. Make. Heaven. Bigger.
I’ve never met anyone with more than two hands, and just two hands cannot do all the ministering that this spinning planet needs. We all need to pitch in. We all need a ministry. And the cool thing is that everyone’s ministry is different; yet, they are all the same.
How far does your own personal world stretch?
Are you reaching who you need to reach?
Are you praying for other brothers and sisters in Christ that are trying to reach people as well?
Let’s commit to God.
Let’s commit to us.
Let’s commit to one another.
It’s go time.
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”
As a young child, I can remember sitting for hours and watching music videos with my grandfather. We’d watch music videos starring all the greats: Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, George Strait, Vince Gill, Tanya Tucker, Shania Twain, and all the rest. My grandfather especially loved to listen to Martina McBride, and he always referenced her “God-given talent.” As a young child, I remember wishing that God had given me the talents he’d so graciously bestowed upon the beautiful Martina McBride. And while my love for music continues to grow well into adulthood, that musical talent I desired so much never fully panned out for me.
A few years ago, I completed a self-assessment for a college course in which I was enrolled. The self-assessment focused on finding and growing each person’s unique strengths. I was shocked to find that some of my strengths were utterly foreign to me, while others were personality traits that I always felt needed to be ‘toned down’ to reach the personal and professional growth I aspired to obtain.
As I reflected on the self-assessment findings, I quickly realized that I’d been so focused on identifying and refining my weaknesses that I’d completely overlooked my strengths. In fact, I’d focused solely on my weaknesses for so long that I’d actually mistaken my strengths for personality defects instead of seeing them as my own God-given talents.
The bible states that “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
But how can we reach our greatest potential when we form to society’s expectation of identifying and overcoming strengths above identifying and growing strengths into talents?
For example, when your child brings home his/her report card, which indicates a 98 in math, 85s in social studies, science, and reading, and a 77 in writing, what do you truly see? In which subject do you then provide the most focus and discussion with your child? At one point, I would have answered that the C in writing now requires the most attention, but the truth is, the A in math is the area to focus. Clearly, math is a strength that needs to be nurtured and developed so that it may become a talent to one day serve God’s work.
This isn’t to say that the child should not still try to improve upon his/her writing abilities, but the main focus should be on the area in which the child is naturally talented. I’ll ask again, how can we reach our greatest potential when we form to society’s expectation of identifying and overcoming strengths above identifying and growing strengths into talents?
Since uncovering this truth, I have shifted my focus and energy to developing my strengths into talents. I still work toward building my capacity upon my areas of weakness, but my true focus is on continuously building my strengths into expert talents. I may not have the voice of Martina McBride, but God has provided me with the strengths I need to do the work that He intends to accomplish through me.
Today, I challenge you to take a moment and reflect upon the strengths you bring to the world. If you find that it is easier for you to list your weaknesses than your strengths, then it’s time to refocus on discovering the strengths God bestowed upon you. Your potential waits to be unlocked so that you might better serve the Kingdom of God.
Don’t you just love a good campfire? The sound of the wood crackling. The amazing smell (as long as it doesn’t get in your hair) and the peace that comes with quietly sitting and gazing into the flames.
Over the past three years I have traveled across the country with my family. During that time we have watched as words like “relationships,” “community,” and “gathering” have changed. While much of the country has been shut down, if I’m being honest, not much has changed in our lives. We were already homeschooling our three boys and working from home, but we were also already in the habit of working to create community around us.
And that’s part of the reason we love a good campfire. There is something about circling up your chairs that opens people up and helps them to drop their guards. We’ve seen it time after time. The fire gives people a little mental barrier, like that wall of fire is helping keep them safe. And because they aren’t gazing at a screen their mind is free to wander. So it does. The warm glow almost always leads to conversations that go deeper than the weather. It allows everyone that sits inside its influence to begin to dig into their wants and desires, their hurts and hangups.
You probably remember the command we are given in Hebrews 10:25:
“…not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near…”
But do you remember the verse before it?
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,”
The gathering is a precursor to the love and good works. The two are tied together.
So today, let me encourage you to press in to your community. Let me encourage you to set up some chairs, gather some wood, stack up some rocks around them, invite some friends (or people you would like to become your friends) and light a fire in a real and a figurative sense. Be intentional about how you can build community where you are, and by so doing, how you can encourage others toward love and good deeds.
Rays of Sunshine inc 