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What does faith look like to you?

pen and paper, write your story, how you live, God is the words of your story

pen and paper, write your story, how you live, God is the words of your storyEvery day the steps you take, the words you choose, the way you feel says a lot about what faith looks like to you. When worries come your way or fear knocks at the door, your response is a reflection of what you believe about Jesus and your place in His story.

It is easy to live uptight, distressed about finances, tormented with thoughts, questioning a relationship, or even wondering if a loved one will ever come back to the Lord. Living discouraged in our circumstance speaks volumes to a world taking notes of our testimony.

Choosing an attitude that puts all its burdens in Jesus’ basket, now that’s a story of faith.

What will your life say about your faith today?

What words will He pour out of your spirit and leave on the parchment of someone else’s heart?

Your mess is only part of God’s message through your life. His redemption is the rest of the story. God gave you a story to tell of His grace and forgiveness.

I pray that you find the time today to document His faithfulness and spill the ink with wholehearted sincerity in thanksgiving for answers to prayers you have yet to ask.

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4 Ways To Face Your Fears

Run Towards the ROAR

It’s not if you face trials, tragedies, and loss—but when. Mourning something you think is over is always premature when Jesus is in the picture. Pain is turned into power in the hands of Christ. Heartbreaks heal. Suffering is temporary.

In his book, Through the Eyes of a Lion, Pastor Levi Lusko explains how in moments of anxiety or worry, the best thing to do is to run toward the fear.

Here are four ways to push through the pain, find light in a dark place, and run toward the ROAR.

Reverse the fear.

Often, the thing we need to do is the opposite of what fear tells us to do. Esther walked into the king’s presence uninvited. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar and were thrown into a fiery furnace. David didn’t just face Goliath, he ran toward the giant.

Old things in a new way.

Sometimes running toward the roar means staying when fear makes us feel like bolting. We might be tempted to quit at work, run out of our relationships, or walk out on the Church. Faith doesn’t always call us to go. Sometimes it says, “Stay.” What masquerades as faith can actually be flakiness.

Accept your mistakes and keep moving.

Regret can paralyze you. One of the most difficult things about moving forward is the condemnation you can feel about your past. 1 John 3:20 NLT says this: Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything. God is not scared of what scares you. Surrender what scares you, get back up by the power of His Spirit, and keep moving.

Remember eternity.

The world you live in now is not your home, so there’s no need to get too comfortable here. Keep your eyes on the prize. This life will be over before you know it. Only what’s done for Christ will last.

An element of fear is necessary for there to be faith. In a place of panic, you might mistake destiny for danger and run from the very thing meant to deliver you. The right perspective can put the anxiety and worry to rest.

How do you know the difference?

Ask yourself these questions in moments of doubt:

  • What things are you struggling to do now that will be more bearable if you can keep eternity in mind?
  • Which of your mistakes do you keep reliving? How is this keeping you from God’s best, and what practical step can you take to move on?
  • What is the roar you need to run toward? What fear do you need to face today?
  • Is God asking you to stay instead of run away? Does running toward the roar actually mean staying the course?

Where there is impossible pain there is also incredible power. Keep your eye on eternity, and keep running toward the roar!

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Patience is the staying power of love

Love is patient.

love, patience, staying power, resilience

Love is patient… 1 Corinthians 13:4 ESV

It is no mistake patience is listed first. We could punctuate love here. Every other attribute of affection falls under a patient umbrella. When we are patient, we have self-control in the troubles and endure through the hard times.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 ESV

When we come to the table with a calm spirit, we are not hasty with making decisions. The self-control in patience holds back a racing mind from mixing in any fearful conclusions. Diligence doesn’t give up on tenderness because, well, it is patient.

With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 ESV

Patience bears all things and looks for understanding in the situation, in others, in God.

Patience is kind – anger has a tendency to lose its composure and restraint.

And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 ESV

Though it may appear passive, patience actually places a relentless trust in God.

His work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity just and upright is he. Deuteronomy 32:4 ESV

Everything He plans will come to pass, He will accomplish all of his purposes. Isaiah 46:10 ESV

Patience rejects resentment and rests in God’s promise.

Be careful to think that patience is somehow permissive with sin or injustice. We are called to reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction. (2 Timothy 4:2 ESV)

Patience keeps believing the best, keeps searching for Truth, keeps Hope close through the trials because it knows something beautiful is on the other side. The reflection of Jesus is unfailing love and constant patience with people, pain, sin, and God. Patience holds grace closely and gives it away generously.

Patience is not wanting anything outside the will of God. In faith, we can be content when things go differently than we had wished. We choose to believe “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28). Patience is “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

It’s no mistake that patience is also a fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22). Patience is dying to selfishness. It is quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19). When we allow patience to have its perfect work in us, we can praise a compassionate Father who is a good teacher in the trade. “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (Psalm 103:8).

Waiting is not wasted time because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance (James 1:3). Patience has a purpose. It is without worry. There’s no discouragement or sadness when the purpose of patience includes bringing our Father more glory in the wait than in the rush, the rash, or the reckless.

Patience has staying power. In the stillness, our resolve strengthens through the refining work of a wait.

These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold–though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:7 ESV

Learning to love begins with patience. Patience is persistent for beginnings and restoration. Patience has no end.

When we fall short of long-suffering, when our weaknesses take center stage and our frustrations steal the show, we can freely come to the feet of Jesus and confess every coward act without fear of condemnation. (Romans 8:1)

We can climb to our feet with rejoicing that these failings have also been covered.

His forgiveness and mercy encourage our hands and feet to press on and grow in giving the same kind of grace that is His patient, persevering love.

When we are tempted to be impatient, this is our invitation to love.

Love is patient.

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How to give grace when life doesn’t make sense

Truth, God is good, God is loving, God is right, waves of questions

If we don’t guard our hearts and minds, we begin to think God is so good to us because we have done something right.

We might conclude that escaping tragedies like divorce, depression, or addiction is a sign of dignity. We may determine healthy kids and a wealthy household is based more on merit than on God’s mercy.

Truth, God is good, God is loving, God is right, waves of questions

Truly God is compassionate.

Not a tear falls without Him knowing, collecting and reaching out with comfort.

Listen, we will never be able to figure out why God responds the way He does. We can’t know why this devastation was ‘allowed’ and ‘that’ life was spared.

Be careful with any desire to have the answers. We might rob today with skepticism. We may waste this moment searching for reasons that go deeper than what we can see. We could potentially strip an innocent heart of its integrity and worth if we’re continually waiting for the shoe to drop or for the flaw that’s going to break it all. Sometimes the answer is simply timing.

The questions can stir up doubt that God even cares about our concerns. Confusion can shake the foundation of faith that God is even in control here.

Beneath the waves of questions is this Rock of Truth: God is always good, always right, and always loving.

If you’re brave enough to stand up in the storm on this bedrock of Truth, you’ll find the strength inside to love, to forgive, to extend grace in a sea of what doesn’t make sense. Your character is what is left when the bottom falls out.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 NIV

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Your Good For His Glory

Isaiah 55:8, working for your good, His ways are not our ways, His thoughts are not our thoughts

God made a decision about you.

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18 NIV

2016 was quite the year. Challenging for many of us. It carried such glorious and gut-wrenching moments. Some of the most sacred and then shocking of events. God gave so much and He took too. The enemy sent arrows that sunk deep, piercing peace, breaking love and bleeding out joy. There were words that barreled through our boundaries and stirred up the dust on bitterness.

Satan’s attacks were meant to disrupt and divide us; to push the pain, stir up shame and bully beautiful hearts into despair. The past may have opened up doors of depression while the future shook you with worry and fear. Some of the things you walked through were not pleasant. It was unprecedented. Dramatic. Revealing.

Isaiah 55:8, working for your good, His ways are not our ways, His thoughts are not our thoughtsIt was a year that fell short, like most things that end with the number ‘6’ do. 2016 carried weapons that HURT but here’s what I want you to know, they did not prosper. They brought the warfare but they could not win; goodness and mercy were following you all those days buried in the confusion and turmoil. The devil had his moment but it’s over now. The purpose of last year has run its course. Your trouble is about to be put in its place.

God was not taken by surprise in all this, you know.

He has a plan and you’re right in the middle of it.

The hand of heaven is in control and hovering over the gates of hell. Everything you survived will ultimately swing in your favor. His purpose in allowing this hurt is for your good and ultimately for His glory.

God is so good, God does good and God can work together all things (even the not so good) for our good and His glory.

I hope you live fully expecting great things in a year that ends with ‘7’, for He who promised is faithful. He’s working to complete His perfect plan and I think 2017 is a great place for our Father to finish some things in our life; healing in some hard places, redemption from the wreckage and restoration in our promised land.

Don’t assume that because it doesn’t feel good that it isn’t working for your good. His ways are not our ways. God is not haphazard in handling us. He is strategic and intentional.

God is restoring and He’s rebuilding. Your past may have actually been a painful gift of maturity and growth.

There’s brand new opportunities, fresh grace, restoring mercy just waiting for your knock at the door. He’s going to complete it for His glory. The seeds that were sown and prayers prayed last year may just show up seven-fold this year.

Get into position. What you lost is on its way back around in ways you never imagined!

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When fear is on the rise, pray it down

Philippians 4:6-8, pray, fear, what if, if only

Two of the greatest paralyzers to living a life of faith, to living life fully, is found in the ‘What if…’ and ‘If only…’ These two phrases grip our spiritual muscles and tighten a hold with possibilities we can see.

What if… If only…

Philippians 4:6-8, pray, fear, what if, if onlyThey stun our steps forward with anticipation of what might happen and consequently keep us from doing what God has called us to do.

In this moment of swirling thoughts, here is a gentle reminder to surrender those fears in prayer and invite peace in by filling up on ‘the Way, the Truth, and the Life’.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

When the feeling of fear arises, do not entertain the ‘what if’s’ or engage with the possibilities of ‘if only’. Exchange it for an opportunity to pray.

We have a human tendency to rehash the situation, replay words and overthink outcomes in our mind, so when you have finished giving your fears to God, control the course of your mind by thinking on God’s Truths. Put your thoughts in their place.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV

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It takes courage to be kind

Ephesians 4:32, be kind, tenderhearted, forgive others

Ephesians 4:32, be kind, tenderhearted, forgive othersDon’t wait for an opportunity to be kind, create one. Courage can outshine every excuse to hold kindness hostage.

Humility is a beautiful teacher for a heart struggling with how to love and be kind.

God’s Truth reveals every reason why this treasure is worth sharing and meant to be free. Because of faith, we can be fearless with our generosity; God will provide.

When you find it difficult to stand with a face of kindness, may the Spirit of Christ be your strength in the humility to forgive and extend compassion.

Kindness is not far from the kingdom of God.

Kindness is the only language we can all understand. May you be brave with what you’ve been given and take that step out in courage to create even more moments to be kind.

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Look for the good to find God’s favor

seek good, find favor,

When we look for the good in others, Proverbs 11:27 tells us “favor will find you.”

The righteous follow a clear path in life, they look for the good and are delivered from troubles. The righteous are generous, strengthen their communities, and seek opportunities to serve friends and relieve the poor. Those who do good in the world will not only be loved by God and man but also procure favor with the Almighty.

Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it. Proverbs 11:27 NIV

Dig for the good!

seek good, find favor,Few people find God’s favor because dirt is so easy to see on the surface. If all we do is scrape the surface in search of the dirt, Proverbs 11:27 says “then evil is what we’ll find.” The verse is saying that the person who goes looking for trouble will find it but those who do good will receive favor from God and men.

Selfish, wicked people hoard money, they look for wrongdoing and seek out the negative in others. The wicked are not saved by these shallow graves and instead only a curse on their families and communities. Wicked people prepare ruin for themselves and will face punishment for the dirt.

Those that are not doing good are doing hurt.

Go deep. Look for the good and God’s glory. The search for gold will be worth it!

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A New Year, A New You

New Year

2016 may have carried some unfortunate situations but you can’t blame people or you’ll stay stuck there. We don’t get to pause life. We must press on to find people who are running their own race, pursuing Christ, looking to be transformed in the image of Jesus, and striving to finish it. This is a new year.

It’s time to make what Jesus has done for you bigger than what anyone has done to you or said about you.

It’s time to let go and move on. Lay into the promises of God written in his Word.

New YearWhatever you have done, leave it at the foot of the Cross, make amends with the people you need to make amends with and then move on. His mercies are new every morning. God’s grace is sufficient. There’s nothing that can separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.

Love people. Share grace. Be the first to forgive. Drop the baggage and live for what it is to be free.

Stop doubting and start believing.

Start believing that your God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly and above anything you could ever ask, hope or think. Start believing that your eyes have not seen nor your ears have heard, nor has it entered into your heart the things that God has for you.

If your God is for us then who can be against us? Romans 8:31 ESV

Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. God is good, he does good, He works all things together for good. You are the head and not the tail. You are above only, and not beneath. You are a leader and not a follower. The blessings of God are leading and guiding, they are chasing you down. The goodness of God waits before you. Just look over your shoulder, a tender, loving kindness, goodness and mercy are following you. They are chasing you down wherever you are going. God is on your side. God is not mad at you. He’s mad about you. God is for you and He loves you.

Happy New Year and a New You!

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The Miracle of God With Us

magic of Christmas, miracle of Christmas, miracle of God with us

magic of Christmas, miracle of Christmas, miracle of God with usHis name is Jesus. Emmanuel. God with us. Eternity with God is here. 

We can get stuck believing forever with God begins once we are buried. But I want to challenge you to see God with us, Emmanuel, today. When life’s burdens have you buried, God is reachable right where you are. You don’t have to wait. The active presence of God is available when you ask. Life with God, eternity, is accessible now because of Jesus.

Eternity begins when you believe. The magic of Christmas is this miracle of God with us.

“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” – Luke 2:8-14 NIV

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NIV