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Worthy

I’ve been in a state of panic for the past week. I was supposed to start working out hard again 2 months ago knowing that I was going on a river trip with a group of people over Memorial Day weekend. Ugh. I’ve failed again to meet people’s expectations of what I’m “supposed” to look like (in my mind, anyway).

In today’s age, where social media and popular culture inundate our minds with images and expectations of perfection, it’s not surprising to find that many women are battling insecurities. The continuous exposure to such unrealistic standards can fuel feelings of unworthiness, inadequacy, and self-doubt. However, as Christians, we are privileged to have a different frame of reference for our worth, one that is rooted not in the transient ideals of society but in the everlasting love of God.

Scripture offers numerous affirmations of our worth in God’s eyes, and it’s through understanding these truths that we can start to unravel the knot of insecurities. Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” This scripture emphasizes that you were not created by accident, but with intentionality and precision. God crafted you uniquely, making you one of a kind. So, when you find yourself struggling with the insecurity of not fitting into societal standards of beauty or success, remember this verse and take solace in knowing you are wonderfully made by the Creator himself.

I yelled at my kid today and immediately felt like a horrible mom. Romans 5:8 tells us, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This scripture reveals the depth of God’s love for us, a love so profound that He was willing to sacrifice His only Son. When the world’s measure of love is often conditional, based on appearance, achievements, or status, God’s love is unconditional.

If you find yourself feeling unloved or unlovable, lean into this truth. In Luke 12:6-7, Jesus said, “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” This passage underscores the value God places on each of us.

Despite feeling overlooked or undervalued by the world, we are reminded that God cherishes us deeply, to the extent of knowing the number of hairs on our head. You are always seen, always remembered, and always valued by Him.

I often feel like everything I do is a mistake or not good enough. Then, God reminds me that Ephesians 2:10 declares, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We all have a unique purpose, a divine calling that God has prepared for us.

If you feel a sense of worthlessness or aimlessness, remember that you are created with a specific purpose in mind. Embrace this purpose and strive to fulfill it; it’s not about worldly achievements, but rather doing God’s work in the way only you can. Embracing your worth in God is a journey that requires constant reaffirmation through scripture, prayer, and fellowship. It involves replacing the narrative of insecurity that the world has scripted for you with the narrative of divine worth and love that God has inscribed on your heart.

As Christian women, we must remember that our worth does not lie in our physical appearance, social status, or accomplishments, but rather in our status as beloved children of God, created with purpose and valued beyond measure. When we embrace this truth, we can combat our insecurities and step into the fullness of our identity in Christ, confident of our infinite worth in God’s eyes.

Puzzle

God is writing and creating your masterpiece. It may not be the puzzle you wanted to assemble, but I assure you it is a masterpiece.

Handcrafted and knitted together by a King who loves you.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

– Jeremiah 29:11

We hear this scripture a lot. Especially during the graduation season. We bring it to memorization. We trust in it. My question is do we really listen to it? Listen to the meaning?

He has plans for you.

They might just be totally different than your own. That is beautiful. Often times our life can feel like a messy, messy, out of place puzzle.

There are so many good pieces that we hold close to our heart. Then there is the group of bad puzzle pieces that a lot of the time we just rather not speak of. We would rather them get lost within the rummage of life. As we listen to the love of Christ and walk with him, entrusting that he knows the plans he has for us, know that the puzzle may be full of pieces we want to get rid of.

You can’t get rid of them though.

You have to hold on tight for the ride. Allow the Holy Spirit to walk you through those tough moments within the masterpiece. You have to trust his plans will prosper. I am so confident that when you trust his plans and trust in his will for your life that you will back up and realize one day that it is a masterpiece hand knitted by a loving God. Realizing in order to walk according to his will it took some ugly puzzle pieces to complete the puzzle. Be thankful for them. It’s not what we would call a masterpiece within our human selves, but it is very much crafted by the almighty King. He’s a redeemer and covenant maker.

I want more of you Jesus. I want more of your plans.

⁃ More of knowing that you know what’s best.

⁃ More of knowing that you know what I need.

⁃ Knowing that you designed and know me better than I know myself.

I could never get enough of you. I could never get enough of trusting in the masterpiece you are knitting together.

Control

Control has always been something I crave. When it comes to the sequence of events in my life, I need to know exactly how it’s going down…like every little detail. I get filled with anxiety when things don’t turn out exactly how I planned in my head and try my very best to get back on track before I have an actual meltdown. Even with all of my best efforts, there are some circumstances and situations that I just can’t change. There is a greater power who does have the control and strength needed to deal with any and every circumstance. His name is Jesus. I’m thankful this pressure to control doesn’t rest on my shoulders.

 

We can find peace in learning to surrender to God’s timeline. No matter who you are and what you have done, God loves you and has a unique plan for your life. That plan is perfect in his eyes; even if it does not line up with what you had in mind. What if everyone around you seems to be thriving while you keep getting handed one bad situation after another? God remains faithful and cares for you. He knows the bigger picture and sees it clearly. As we know, this life is unpredictable and that can be unsettling at times. God may be using your current situation to prepare your heart for something greater. Today, you can choose to let go of control and cling to God, He’s got you. 

 

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” Lamentations 3:22-25

Pride

Lately I have been trying to dig deep and root out some lingering strongholds of I guess… as hard as it is to admit….bitterness or unforgiveness.

As I was studying and praying I came to Proverbs 13:10 NKJV By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well advised is wisdom.

More studying and more praying 😳. It’s hard. So hard to admit things are possibly my fault 🤷🏼‍♀️.

I mean by worldly standards I’m 💯 justified in harboring resentment or anger or whatever I want to harbor.

It’s my party and I’ll be mad if I want to.

But……by God’s standards if there is strife it’s a pride issue. If I’m following Christ I’m supposed to esteem the other person higher than myself (Phil 2:3). It’s hard to keep that flesh crucified and even harder if I’ve just been coasting along unchecked for a little while.

But………Christ is worth it. Not because of what He can do, but because of who He is. He is the light of the world, He is the beginning and the end, He is Lord and Savior. How can I not try to do what He asks?

I can start the “get back on track process” with Proverbs 8:13 “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil;
Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverted mouth, I hate.

Pride happens when we lose that fear or awe of God. I forget who I am in relation to Him and basically I get too big for my britches. My flesh justifies my position and I go about my way. The problem is I’m dimming my light. Facebook posts are great, but it’s my daily interactions with the person in front of me that really counts.

The verse goes farther to say some things He hates. Since He is God and I am confessing Him as master I need to also hate those things. Pride, arrogance, the evil way, a perverted mouth…..easy to say……hard to navigate in real time with real people. Pride is sneaky.

The key is to replace those things with what He says is good.

Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?

He didn’t say this walk would be easy. He knows I fall short daily, but He loves me anyway and that is what I need to do for others. Love them even when they fall short.

Let’s all try it today. Let’s seek Him first and see if all these things will fall into place.

Let’s Ephesians 4:32🎶 😘

Heart change

Did you know as Christians we are to live on earth as citizens of Heaven? God expects us to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy to spread the gospel of Christ His Son. We are to stand together in the faith, encouraging one another, agreeing wholeheartedly with one mind and one purpose. It is a privilege to trust in Christ and to have the ability to spread His word. It is even a privilege to suffer for Him! In order to carry this out we must always have the attitude of Christ.

What does it mean to have the attitude of Christ? First of all, we must walk in humility. Humility is an attitude of spiritual modesty that comes from understanding our place; freedom from pride or arrogance. It means that our hearts should always be tender and compassionate with no selfish ambition, free from trying to impress others. We should always think of others as better than ourselves. Jesus was the perfect example of humility.

“Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When He appeared in human form, He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” Philippians 2:6-8

As human beings our nature struggles with pride. We tend to feel like it is weak to be humble especially in situations or circumstances when people attack our beliefs and motives. We may really be trying to do the right thing and when someone questions that we go straight to wanting to defend ourselves. That is PRIDE!! Jesus was attacked in every way that we are and more. He still chose to die an embarrassing and painful death on the cross. He was beaten and ridiculed for us, knowing that we would continually sin against Him, but so we can be forgiven. That is HUMILITY!!!! We struggle with forgiving people who just simply hurt our feelings 10 years ago. Pride hinders our spiritual growth and causes strife, but humility helps us grow in the truth and grace of Christ, who saves our souls.

Having the attitude of Christ is also having love for one another. God is love and sent His only Son to die so we can have eternal life. There is no love greater than this. God commands us to love each other to show others that this is the characteristic of a Christian. It is how the world can and should be able to identify us. To love like Christ we must experience a true heart change. This does not come naturally but as a result of the Holy Spirit coming to dwell in us. We are to have a love that is unconditional, sacrificial, and forgiving and it should be for everyone, even those that may not love or like us back. The more we surrender to loving others the more God lives in us and our love becomes more perfect.

“If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? And He has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers.”

1 John 4:20-21

So remember to walk in humility and encourage and love each other in the faith! Have a tender heart and compassion and a little extra grace for each other, knowing just how much grace we receive from the Heavenly Father everyday!!! Let’s have the attitude of Christ!!

Unless

Then he (Moses) said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.”

Lord, I’ll just stay right here, unless You’re going with me. What if I kept that desire for His companionship burning daily in my life? It would be life changing!

I see Moses’s relationship with God as amazing and one to be desired, but that can only happen if I make God the center of my life. I know Moses may not have actually seen the face of God, but he experienced a level of intimacy with Him that can only come from 2 people having each other’s full attention.

This is the kind of relationship that God desires to have with each one of us.

Exodus 33:11 says the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. That my friend, had to be an unforgettable moment in time! Moses and God were so deeply involved that he could not imagine proceeding without His Presence.

And although God had promised him success, Moses didn’t want just good results, He wanted God. Once we become so involved with Him and experience His Presence in our lives, we begin to realize that we cannot ever be satisfied with a life outside of His Presence.

Jer. 29:13 “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart”

I believe that if we take the time to search Him out, get to know Him so well and feel like He can talk to us like a friend, sharing His heart with us as we share ours with Him, ‘we would trade in everything just to be In His Presence.’

This Moment

The word “ministry” has sort of been “boxed in” to be a word that requires a professional title.  We think of pastors, small group leaders, and other leaders of the church body to be the people doing “ministry”. However, ministry requires no title at all. Instead, it requires a call, and the good news is we’ve ALL been called to ministry.

In The Great Commission, Jesus tells his disciples “go and make disciples,” (Matthew 28:19-20). If we are going to call ourselves disciples of Christ, then we can’t just ignore this call to ministry. Let’s break this verse down a little more to see how we can apply this daily. The first word Jesus says here is “go”. This doesn’t have to be across the world, to a foreign country, or leaving your job to become a pastor. “Go” can be to Motiva, or being a truck driver, a mail man, a CEO of a tech company, a stay at home mom, a teacher, anything! You can reach people and spread the good news of the Gospel wherever you are planted.

The next thing we are called to do is to “make”. Now, we can’t be effective at making disciples if we’re harsh and act like we know best. Instead, we are supposed to love them where they are at in that very moment as Jesus would. Be the one who goes the extra mile for someone. Smile at a stranger. Leave a large tip at the restaurant. Hold a door for someone. Share your faith publicly. Be unashamed of the Gospel. Ask someone you see struggling if you can pray with them.

Through these actions, people will want to know why you’re living this way and how you’re so full of joy doing it. You’ll lead people to Jesus best when you’re acting like Him and walking with the Holy Spirit.

This is ministry.

All of those acts that I mentioned above and so many more can be ministry. Don’t put the work that Jesus has called us to do in a box. We were created for more than that!

Fill the bowl

Filling up the bowl.

This is a phrase I use often when it comes to praying. Sometimes I have to remind myself that my prayers are being heard and that eventually, the answer will come. In the meantime, I’m filling up the bowl and at a set time, it will be poured out.

It comes from Revelation.

“When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand. Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.”

Revelation 8:1-5 NKJV

This thought carried me through last year when my sister was in an extended and unexpected stay at the hospital. I knew many prayers were going up from numerous people and it gave me faith that the more that went up, the sooner her healing and recovery because the bowl was filled faster. It was a constant request in that season.

I fail to be so diligent in my own prayer life. I fail to make requests with others. I fail to bring matters before the Lord with such persistency or consistency. This was a needed reminder.

And it occurred because of a silent Sunday service at church. As I sat there experiencing this holy hush, I thought of heaven being silent for half an hour. My spirit was stirred in that pew with excitement — God was up to something BIG! Correction: God IS up to something big. Our prayers are tipping the bowl. The pour out is happening. Heaven and earth are stirring.

Our moments or seasons may be filled with silence, but the heavens are shaken. I’m finding more and more that it’s in those quiet times, those moments heavy with a hush, the seasons of silence, that God is working the most. Our hearts continually crying out in those seasons, filling up the censor, an incense before the Lord.

But how often do we remain so desperate in seasons that aren’t silent? I know for me personally, I’m not likely to push through as much when it’s “mountaintop” moments with the Lord. I ease off. But I should continually be entreating the Lord. For His promises to come to pass, for salvations, for healings, for guidance, for His presence, for His will.

This reminder to keep praying set an excitement and expectancy in me. A desire to keep seeking, asking, knocking. Where I was weary, I am now encouraged to press through. The prayers are filling up the bowl. Where I was once disheartened with time, I am now expectant for God to have perfect timing and at peace knowing He is lining it up even now. It will be poured out. Where I was once disappointed, I am now excited to see His hand having guided it along the whole time. There is a fire to the prayers that bring along a preparedness for when the time comes. Things are moving.

It’s beautiful the way He works!

So, my friends, may I encourage anyone who is weary or disappointed or discouraged to pray without ceasing — in the high or low. Your Heavenly Father is listening. It’s joining with others prayers as well and others join along with yours. What a beautiful thing to think and picture in our minds! Like smoke rising up, our prayers are lifting up. Like a bowl being filled with water, each prayer a drop. And when many voices are lifting up a certain situation, name, desire then it’s a downpour in the bowl. How exciting!

Be encouraged.

Keep asking.

Keep seeking.

Keep knocking.

The door WILL be opened to you.

Stand up

Sometime within our first years of marriage, my husband and I went tent camping with some friends. One couple had brought their boat for everyone to enjoy some time out on the water. Growing up as a kid, water activities were not a frequent part of our lives mostly because of my mother’s fear of water. I remember feeling nervous on the boat. The anxious feeling that can come when you are not in control and your mind races with all the things that could happen.
My husband and others took turns riding a kneeboard. I decided I would do something outside of my comfort zone and attempt to ride it. Standing near the bank, I knelt and strapped my legs onto the board. As I held onto the pull rope, the boat slowly began to go. After a little ways out, I lost my balance falling over with the strap still holding me to the board. Frantically, I got the strap undone and even though I had a life jacket on, I’m sure my face showed some doubt. My husband, knowing how my mind tended to go to the worst case scenario, stood up and shouted from the boat, “Lisa! “ to get my attention. Once he did, he said, “Just stand up!”
I was still able to touch and that immediately brought assurance and hope. Once I could get a sure foundation under me, my perspective about my situation changed. Now that I knew what to expect, I went on to try several more times. Balance is definitely not my strength! We still enjoy camping, and I love being out on the lake fishing (no kneeboard). The story of that first attempt is something that still gets a head shake and laugh from my husband. Really, it’s fine, you can laugh.
Yes, this is a silly story, a moment of fear that I can now laugh about. But, I thought about how many times I find myself in circumstances where my automatic response is fear and panic. Those moments when my thoughts and imaginations make me believe I’m in over my head. I’m frantically looking for some kind of assurance and hope- a place to securely stand. As humans we want and need security in life. Take away security and it is soon replaced with anxiety.
God, with just the utterance of a few words, the heavens and earth were created. At His word the very foundations were established. “For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.” (Psalm 33:9 NIV). “Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” (Psalm 119:89).
God’s Word was made flesh in Jesus Christ. “Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says, “Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone.It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.” (Isaiah 28:16 NLT).

Jesus talked about this foundation in Matthew 7: 24-27 ESV. “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been found on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
How do we stand on this foundation? We trust His Word. We abide in His Word. We apply His Word. We have faith in His Word. Because of the foundation of Jesus’s death and resurrection we can have an eternal perspective. Living with eternity in our minds helps bring assurance and hope that can sustain us in daily life as we face hard things.
“So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever”. (2 Cor, 4:18)
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My comforter, my all in all
Here in the love of Christ I stand ( In Christ Alone by Stuart Townend)
If today finds you searching for assurance and hope, this is what I say to you, “Friend! Just stand up!”
Lisa

Who we are

I hope everyone had a blessed and amazing Holy Week last week – I know I did!

Today, I wanted to talk about identity. In this modern day, it’s hard to know who exactly we are. More specifically, who we are in Christ. There are so many outside forces telling us who we SHOULD be or what the world expects us to be. But friend, I want you to know that in Christ:

You are loved- (1 John 3:11)

“For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.”

You are forgiven- (1 John 1:9)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

You are redeemed- (Ephesians 1:7)

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”

You are a new creation- (2 Corinthians 5:17)

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

You are holy- (Hebrews 10:10)

“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

You are set apart- (Romans 8:30-39)

“Moreover whom he did predestinate, then he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified: and whom he justified , them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, not powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

You are a temple of the Holy Spirit- (1 Corinthians 3:16-17 ; 6:19-20)

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

You are made with purpose- (1 Peter 2:9 ; 4:10)

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light”

“As every man hath received the gift, even though minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

You are loved beyond compare by a Savior that died to know you and save us from ourselves. 💜🌿