Category Archives: Living the Christian Life

Living the Christian life is a journey of suffering and joy. It’s a road on the way to Damascus. These stories include what it means to live as a fisher of men in modern day times.

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Do You Love Me

This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead.

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

do you love me, Jesus asks Peter do you love me, Jesus asks us do you love me, soul questions, “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”

“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”

“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.

A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. (John 21:17)

The hurt here described the questioning from Jesus to our souls, do we really love him? This isn’t a physical pain, but a soul searching suffering. It’s a deeper hurt that questions our desire for Jesus.

The devil can’t inflict this kind of soul pain because he cannot read our thoughts or know the deeper things.

Sin can’t cause this kind of hurt and human emotions can’t even touch it. The brokenness from a heartbreak in an earthly relationship has nothing on the piercing of Jesus’ question to our soul, ‘do you love me?’

I picture myself standing there, here, and Jesus is saying, ‘do you love me?’

The immediate response from my lips is, ‘yes!’

And then he asks me again, ‘do you love me?’

And now I start to look back over my day to find the proof that when I said ‘yes’ the first time, it wasn’t just a reflexive word; I’m looking for evidence.

I examine the motives behind my work because wisdom tells me He doesn’t just want a list of deeds. ‘Lord, you know that I love you. I rise early with the DESIRE to be alone with you, not just out of a habit or duty.’

But then he asks me a third time, ‘do you love me?’

And at this juncture, I don’t think I’m standing face to face with Him anymore. I can feel the painful questioning sink my body like an anchor. My knees hit the floor, it hurts too much to respond because I think that I do and yet I know that I don’t, fully.

Between the tears, I still say ‘yes’.

Do you love me? This was Jesus’ question to Peter, yet He asks us the same thing. Is there a conviction of love in your soul that propels your hands and feet and compels your entire being to reflect love?

It’s easy to confess with our mouths the revelations we have had or testify how much we love God, but he’s asking to ‘pour yourself out’ to the sheep who can’t take care of themselves, the ones who get pushy and on your nerves, those that look filthy and it’s hard to touch, and every single one that has gone astray.

Human emotion will get you into trouble here. God’s love does not operate out of your understanding.

Lock eyes and love lavishly to every last one.

It’s impossible to exhaust God’s love, and it is impossible to exhaust your love if it flows from the Spirit of God within you.

 

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Your Influence Changes Lives

who are you influencing, influence, setting hearts on fire, the love of God grips us, trishakeehn.comI wonder what the flame looks like when a changed heart passes the torch and sets another on fire, and another and another…
 
All because the love of God gripped your heart and you weren’t willing to let up. I just wonder what it would look like…
 
In the fifth grade, a pastor and his wife offered me a ride to church every Sunday and Thursday. We’d pick up other kids too. There was a lot of love, and joy and usually some kind of adventure along the way. These quickly became my favorite days of the week.
 
Summer camp came, and this couple urged me to come; the church paid for my week there. This is where Jesus became more than a bible story and I felt His spirit stirring. One night I surrendered my life around those campfire flames.
 
Returning home, this couple took that Holy Spirit spark and started to fan the flame by asking me to help out with the children’s programs in town and around more campfires.
 
The love of God gripped their hearts and they weren’t letting up.
 
Larry and Peggy Nilson encouraged me in strengths that I didn’t see there. They filled my heart with flavors of hope I’d never tasted before. This kindness, the joy and crazy love showed me what the grace of God looks like.
 
What if you gave someone a ride to church today? What if you encouraged someone in their strengths?
 
I wonder what these campfire flames look like from Heaven when even just one life is being changed forever?
 
All because the love of God gripped your heart and you weren’t willing to let up. I just wonder what it would look like…
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Take the Limits Off God

take the limits off God, ask for the courage to expect more, courage of expectation, trishakeehn.comIt’s tempting to ask for the strength to endure the demands in front of you, but the next time you come face to face with a fight, I challenge you to ask for the courage to expect more than enough from the hand of God.

You were promised a land flowing with milk and honey. Be careful that your vision doesn’t twist your expectation.

Your circumstances can cause you to come to the throne praying for a ‘barely get by’ solution when you’re asking an ‘abundant’ God.

It’s tempting to ask God to make a broken vase useful while He holds the power to give you five new ones.

Let’s take the limits off of God and pray for His promises; full restoration of your health, fulfillment in your days, beauty for the ashes, joy in the morning, surrounded by favor, blessings that will chase you down, goodness and mercy following you all of your days, that whatever you touch will prosper and succeed, you’ll be paid back double for the unfair situations, and you’ll be given the desires of your heart.

No more ‘just help me’ pleas. Trust Him. And expect His promises to propel you into your purpose beyond your circumstances.

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A New Way of Seeing Things

One’s destination is never a place but a new way of seeing things. – Henry Miller

The lacing of snow gracing all that is within sight is just stunning. Snowbound in Nashville, and temps in the teens/20’s, inspiration came knocking at my door, asking if I’d like to come out and play.

Just because something is here one day, it might not be the next. This heart inside is adorned only in the beauty of journeys we take. Friendship with ourselves is recognizing that I deserve to live this adventure. So I said ‘yes’ to the proposition of this mysterious guest and bundled up tightly. There were drifts, stacked by the foot, of snow to climb through; I don’t even own a pair of boots for crying out loud.

The streets were bare of human beings. Only the crunching of snow beneath my feet filled the hollow echoes in the atmosphere. I said, ‘hello’ just to hear the sound of something other than silence. Nothing moved. When the apocalypse happens, is this how it would feel to be on the outside?

Tony Robbins quote, expectation for appreciation, positive living, change your focus, change your thinking, trishakeehn.comThe cold was quite critical to me. The tips of fingers and toes were now numb, yet in this moment, I felt understood. My mind negotiated through the uneven terrain of contradictions I believe and buried wounds decaying inside.

There were times the heart had mistaken me for a distant friend and tried to slide through the conversation too fast, thinking I won’t notice the parts we were skirting.

So I circled the questions one more time. Secrets that had stayed concealed in the valleys between the words now started to surface.

 For fear of feeling like my soul had been dragged out here to suffer in the cold-hearted truth, I listened for the company of its own compassion to warm my thoughts again.

And in the stillness, I heard love. The Spirit gathered kindling within and lit the embers of a cozy fire. The Divine had awakened and came running to welcome me with it’s tender affection.

Peace and joy interrupted what pain I had stirred. The warmth of their embrace sheltered the vulnerabilities between us, as we shuffled through the snow together on the way back home.

Love your soul. When this mysterious guest of adventure shows up, often looking like a giddy child in the cold, I pray you’ll abandon what is comfortable and spring at the delight of awakening the Divine. May it unlock what is hidden deep within you and bloom into a beautiful, transparent life, laced with love.

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Why You Can Be Thankful

Keep your face always toward the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you. – Walt Whitman

When we want what we don’t have, we waste what we do have. To want what is no longer in our life is to waste what still remains in our life.

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything that you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to.

Be thankful when you don’t know something. It gives you the opportunity to learn.

gratitude, positive thoughts, negatives turn into positives, gratefulness, thankfulness, grateful life practiceBe thankful for the difficult times. During those times, you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations. They give you opportunity for improvement.

Be thankful for the challenges. They will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for you mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary. It means you’ve made a difference.

It’s easy to be thankful for the ‘good’ things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings.

If you lost someone, be thankful for the life they lived and the lessons you’ve learned, and the spirit that still lives in you.

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Your Guide to God’s Provision

your guide to God's provision, God's provision, Jehovah Jireh, God is our providerMaybe you’re like me when you’re going through a struggle, you know you need to turn to the bible, but a blank stare glazes over when you flip through the pages. Where do you start? You know what you want. You’re pretty sure you know what you need, but where in this giant book of ancient theology do you begin?

Recently I’ve been studying the descriptions of Jesus, from Genesis to Revelation. In my research, I stumbled across a list of Jesus’ names according to His character attributes (there’s a book by Tony Evans that also contains this list as well).

For instance, when Jesus was healing, the word Hebrews used for Him meant “Healer”. When Christ was called upon for victory, they called out to Him as “triumphant one”. His name changed for the circumstance, though He was always Jesus.

This happens in our life. Your mother’s name might be Doris. But at home when her care is needed, she is called upon as ‘Mom’. In the workplace though, they may refer to her as ‘manager’ or ‘director’. Her friends may know her as ‘Doris Day’. Depending on how you know a person, and what you need from them, will determine what you call them.

Back to the Bible now, if you can identify what your need is and then pinpoint in the pages of scripture wherever Jesus is showing up clothed in this character reference, that would be a starting place for your spirit.

The character and purpose attributes of Jesus are God’s provision to you.

When you need love, the Lord shows up as Companion. Father. Friend.

When you’re struggling through loneliness, God shows up in Song of Solomon, in Ruth, and in Amos as Lover, Kinsman, and Husband.

What are you seeking in life or asking God to provide for you? The Lord is always several steps ahead of you. Whatever you’re asking for, He has already prepared it to meet your request.

If you’re not familiar with the stories in scripture, below is a list of where the Lord shows up as the supply to the demand. Allow these parables and adventures remind your weary heart that God will always show up as the One you need. Quiet your anxious thoughts and allow the Holy Spirit direct you with His peace. Pray over these stories as you apply the Living Word to your own life.

In Genesis, He is the Creator God.

In Exodus, He is your Redeemer.

In Leviticus, He is your sanctification.

In Numbers, He is your guide.

In Deuteronomy, he is your teacher.

In Joshua, He is your mighty conqueror.

In Judges, He gives you victory over your enemies.

In Ruth, He is your kinsman, your lover, your Redeemer.

In 1 Samuel, He is the root of Jesse.

In 2 Samuel, He is the son of David.

In 1 & 2 Kings, He is King of kings and Lord of lords.

In 1 & 2 Chronicles, He is your intercessor and high priest.

In Ezra, He is your temple, your house of worship.

In Nehemiah, He is your mighty wall, protecting you from your enemies.

In Esther, He stands in the gap to deliver you from your enemies.

In Job, He is the arbitrator who not only understands your struggles but also has the power to do something about them.

In Psalms, He is your song and your reason to sing.

In Proverbs, He is your wisdom, helping you make sense of life and live it successfully.

In Ecclesiastes, He is your purpose, delivering you from vanity.

In the Song of Solomon, He is your lover, your Rose of Sharon.

In Isaiah, He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

In Jeremiah, He is your balm of Gilead, the soothing salve for your sick soul.

In Lamentations, He is the ever-faithful one on whom you can depend.

In Ezekiel, He is your wheel in the middle of a wheel-the one who assures that dead, dry bones will come alive again.

In Daniel, He is the Ancient of Days, the everlasting God who never runs out of time.

In Hosea, He is your faithful lover, always beckoning you to come back-even when you have abandoned Him.

In Joel, He is your refuge, keeping you safe in times of trouble.

In Amos, He is your husband, the one you can depend on to stay by your side.

In Obadiah, He is Lord of the Kingdom.

In Jonah, He is your salvation, bringing you back in His will.

In Micah, He is judge of the nation.

In Nahum, He is the jealous God.

In Habakkuk, He is the holy one.

In Zephaniah, He is the witness.

In Haggai, He overthrows the enemies.

In Zechariah, He is the Lord of hosts.

In Malachi, He is the messenger of the covenant.

In Matthew, He is King of the Jews.

In Mark, He is the servant.

In Luke, He is the Son of Man, feeling what you feel.

In John, He is the Son of God.

In Acts, He is the Savior of the world.

In Romans, He is the righteousness of God.

In 1 Corinthians, He is the rock that followed Israel.

In 2 Corinthians, He is the triumphant one, giving victory.

In Galatians, He is the liberty, setting you free.

In Ephesians, He is the head of the church.

In Philippians,He is your joy.

In Colossians, He is your completeness.

In 1 Thessalonians, He is your hope.

In 2 Thessalonians, He is your glory.

In 1 Timothy, He is your faith.

In Titus, He is God our Savior.

In Philemon, He is your benefactor.

In Hebrews, He is your perfection.

In James, He is your power behind your faith.

In 1 Peter, He is your example.

In 2 Peter, He is your purity.

In 1 John, He is your life.

In 2 John, He is your pattern.

In 3 John, He is your motivation.

In Jude, He is your foundation.

In Revelation, He is your coming King.

May the Father take you by the hand and guide your thinking as you read from His manuscript He left for you. May the Author’s hand weave threads of His Truth through the fibers of your bones and may Hosanna in the Highest show Himself to you as you dig deeper into His heart.

In Jesus’ name, I lift up ever heartache and troubling mind to you now, Father God, and ask for the leading of your Spirit. You are the Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, and we call out to you by that name, asking you to untie the knotted up struggles that we’ve wrestled with. We trust the Bread of Life; you will never let us go hungry or thirsty when we believe in the Almighty name of Jesus and the loving, providing hand of God. So it’s in the name of the Most High that we pray, Amen.

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Comfortable Keeps You From God

prayer changes things, prayer heals, prayer is an invitation, prayer is powerful, www.trishakeehn.comMark: You prayed and believed your whole life. Never done anything wrong. And here you are. You’re the nicest person I know. I am the meanest. You have dementia. My life is perfect. Explain that to me!

Mina’s Mother: Sometimes the devil allows people to live a life free of trouble because he doesn’t want them turning to God. Their sin is like a jail cell, except it is all nice and comfy and there doesn’t seem to be any reason to leave. The door’s wide open. Till one day, time runs out, and the cell door slams shut, and suddenly it’s too late.

(Movie Quote from “God’s Not Dead”)

More than a quote though, that’s the honest truth. Whatever you’re facing, draw even closer to God. This wasn’t meant for you to brave alone. It’s an invitation to lean on something more powerful than you and watch a story of His glory be told. Sometimes what brings Him the greatest glory won’t be in healing you, but it may come from drawing in just one more witness to the hand of God being leaned on and lifted up.

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What You Need When You Need It

Whatever God tells you to do, He will help you to do.

We don’t have to live concerned about having the courage to do the things He hasn’t called for us to do.

A couple years ago I took a solo backpacking trip for about a month through the country of Italy. I hadn’t done something like that before and had no training, but I also wasn’t scared because it was a journey the Lord called me to and I trusted Him to give me what I needed to make that happen.

Recently my mind has been going back to that adventure as I finish up the writing of a manuscript I started back then. My head shakes with disbelief. The courage that girl had doesn’t sit naturally in me. That was a supernatural, God-ordained courage.courage, God gives you what you need, when you need courage God will give it, no fear, www.trishakeehn.com

Incredible courage isn’t something you can cultivate. God gives you what you need when you need it.

If you’re unsure about the Lord’s direction over a particular idea or plan in your life, pray about it and keep your eyes open.

Look for those swinging doors and don’t discard the one’s He slams shut. Sometimes we get caught up in our own desires and it’s easy to trail-blaze through the frustration and pry open what was meant to stay closed.

Don’t let your courage get caught up in the details. Bravery is trusting in something you cannot see because you believe the prayers and promises in His Word.

It takes audacity to walk away from a dream, knowing God has something better. It takes a Holy Spirit fearlessness to walk on His Word into the unknown. When your focus is on His lead, you can’t go astray.Peter didn't walk on water, Peter walked on the Word, Peter walks on water, Jesus said Come, courage takes stepping out on His Word

There was a prophet who opened my eyes to a familiar story (Matthew 14:22-33) with this bold statement: Peter didn’t walk on water, He walked on the Word. The stormy seas weren’t pulling Peter out of that boat and hoisting him to his feet. But when Jesus said, ‘Come’, Peter stepped out on the Lord’s command.

Courage is stepping out on God’s word, come. Listen for His Spirit to speak it and be ready to step out into some stormy seas on His command.

I pray for you now, that as the Spirit stirs up some supernatural courage in you for the season of adventure just up ahead, that your ears will perk up and your eyes will be peeking around the corners for His hand guiding you in the direction of His will.

I pray that every hindrance holding you back and every burden keeping you down, won’t have any weight on your obedience to step out when the time is ready. Lord, help us to focus on trusting You and letting the plans fall into place as You see best. We love you and we are ever grateful to be called yours, In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Kindness: The Beginning of Wisdom

Theodore Rubin, kindness, wisdom, psychoanalysis, kindness is the beginning of wisdomWe make destinations out of our dreams and then reach for recognition. The accolades solidify our success.

But if the source of light goes out, the world won’t see the work anyhow.

God is light. God is love.

So share more smiles and be kind to hands reaching out today. Lock eyes and be generous with your love.

When we get to the end of this life, the only thing that lasts is the love we leave in all the footsteps following behind.

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What Goes Up Will Come Down

blessings, praises, rain, what goes up, will come downIf He never did another thing, the very Truth that He saved my soul is enough for ceaseless praise.

But then He went further and gave a family who loves me, friends who would die for me, and a job that fills my hands with something to do.

If He never healed the diseases inside… If He never sent a spouse to share life with or a sweet child to care for… If He never answered another prayer, the life He’s already given is enough to fill all of time with praise.

When your praises go up, He sends a rain of blessings pouring down.