Agape Love - Protects

When I became a mother, something changed. Not only the fact that I had a colicky, screaming baby in the house, but the fact that my instincts became more...is "fierce" a strong enough word? I gained a mama-bear drive that hasn't yet left to this day, as we look ahead to her turning five. I hear that never goes away and that one day when she's a teenager, it will drive her crazy. But the day she came home and told me a kid wasn't nice to her at school stirred up all sorts of emotions for me. Mama-bear wanted to go give that kid a piece of my mind, but mama-bear also just wanted to hold my daughter and let her know the kids who aren't nice to her shouldn't matter in her life. How do we embrace this agape trait of protection?

Protect others. We can agape people by protecting them when they can be/should be protected. There is a lot to be said when someone says "I've got your back." It shows innumerable amounts of love to that person. Not only does the person feel like they have a place to belong, but they also have people to do life with. How do we protect people? Consider a few things:

By taking your own blame. When you are in question, and you know you've screwed up, don't throw anyone under the bus, but yourself. Nothing says I devalue you more than blaming someone that was not at fault for your mistake.

By standing up for them. This not only goes for the injustices of the world, like human trafficking and slavery, but this is important in our everyday exchanges. If someone is gossiping about someone, stick up for the person they are gossiping about. I'm sure if there was dirt going around about you, you would want the same dousing going on for the rumors flying around. Even if you know the rumors are true, they are not warranted without the person there.

By providing to the ones you committed to. If you are wearing a wedding ring, you better be protecting the one who gave you that ring. If you gave someone a wedding ring, you better be protecting the one you gave it to. If you brought a child into this world, you better be providing for that child in every aspect they need provision for, even in faith.

By respecting them. The word "respect" is one that gets thrown around a lot by people today, even by people who don't show it. However, we lose sight of the fact that God loves even the ones who don't love Him, and we are called to love them too. This may look like not taken advantage of another person. They may look like seeing potential in someone even if you don't agree with what they are doing now. This may look like allowing opinions to be just opinions, not reasons to hate each other.

1 Peter 2:13-17
"Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good, you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor." 
By protecting their faith or potential faith.

We see the examples of when Jesus protected others, even when everyone was thinking the person was wrong. Zacchaeus, the woman caught in adultery, the woman who spilled the perfume on His feet. Jesus displayed a protection over people that was so incredible and surprising.

Respect yourself. As God's chosen masterpiece, you need to look at the potential He sees in you. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are HIS workmanship, created in Christ to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. If you really stop and consider yourself for a moment, you could see all the pieces God put together in you to bring about something much bigger than what is going on in your life today. If it's one thing I'm learned through the storms and waves of this life, it is those storms actually made me prepared for what was ahead. God wants you to remember how treasured you are in His eyes. The plans He has for you are great, but you need to look past the negative feelings you have for yourself today. Don't allow anyone to take advantage of you or your gifts - your God-given, delicately planned out gifts.

Agape always protects. Some versions say Love (agape) bears all things. When we really dig to the roots of what this is saying, we'll find that love covers or roofs, placing protection over. Or it covers in silence - not as an accomplice, but as a protector for one with faults. In other words, it doesn't walk around boasting about someone's short comings. How are you protecting others and yourself?

Scripture to Read:
1 Peter 2:13-17, Ephesians 2:10

Questions to Ponder:
What is one of the traits of respecting others you would like to work on?
Why should be respect others? How is this a way of "protecting"?
How do you need to protect yourself? Why is it important to do so?

Seek Solitude & Find Comfort

I have a lot of health issues that require tons of doctor appointments. It gets very overwhelming and draining at times to keep it all straight, to douse the worries of everyone around me, and to still feel like keeping up with "regular health" stuff, like going to the dentist, and physicals. Not to mention getting my daughter to them. The calendar is filled with appointments and follow up tests at any given time, and I admit, some days I want to just throw it all in and be done.

As an introvert, I long to be alone a lot as well. I need at least once a week where I have the house to myself for a few hours where I can either veg, clean, ninja attack the toy room without a rejecting 4 year old, binge watch Netflix, or just sleep, depending on how ridiculous the week has been. When I have a week of absolute crazy, and thing after thing, and life is just overwhelming, I find great comfort in that solitude.

When Elijah sat under a broom tree because he was overwhelmed by life, despite the miracle he had just witnessed on Mount Caramel in facing the prophets of the false god, Baal, and learning Jezebel was after him, he was just done with life. He begged God to take his life, in fact, and he fell asleep. Even though it was after a great miracle, that took great faith, in which Elijah had, life was still so overwhelming.


I feel that I am an Elijah. I have walked through life, surrounded by great miracles, yet I fall beneath the broom tree and wish it would all just stop being overwhelming. But then we read that the Lord sent an angel to comfort Elijah, and give him what he needed to keep going. And that is exactly what God does for me again, and again, and again, and again...and will continue doing until He's done with me here on Earth. 

I get overwhelmed a lot. If you know me, you know this is an understatement. But I feel burned when people think I'm shallow in faith, or unintelligent, or when they simply don't care about or see what I actually have to offer. I get incredibly hurt when I feel used, or taken advantage of. The result- unsureness. Overwhelming questioning, of my worth, of my faith, of my purpose in this world. 
However, each and every time, God shows up and gives me what I need to continue this hard and unknown journey. He gives me people to affirm me, His Word to guide me, and little things I notice when driving on a low day that comfort me. 

So for those comforts and affirmations from Him, I am so grateful. I need them as I find myself questioning who I am and whether or not I'm really up on my faith, my "biblical foundation and intelligence" Truth is people, none of us will be until we are Home. Truth is, I am who HE says I am. And that is all the comfort I need to keep going, another day, another night.

Maybe you're experiencing an overwhelming life lately. Maybe you feel questioned, slandered, or like the hardships just won't end. Take comfort from Elijah's story - his very true and very real God story. Sometimes you need to seek solitude to just stop life for a second and take stock. Just like God found Elijah in that overwhelming moment of life where he just wanted to stop, and wanted his life to stop, God sent resources. He knew what Elijah needed and He most definitely knows what you need today and for this day on. Find comfort in your moments of solitude to just remember how God moves. He has greater plans for you yet! 


Scripture to Read:
1 Kings 19:1-18, Matthew 7:7-8

Questions to Ponder:
When have you felt overwhelmed by life? What did you do?
Have you ever felt filled up by God in hard times? What was it like?
What do you do to find solitude?

Teaching of Jesus - Go the Extra Mile

One of the lowest times of my life actually ended up being one of the most spiritually high ones for me. After facing a medical crisis after my daughter was born (she was almost 2 weeks old), I got myself a helicopter ride and a major surgery out of it. I can't even begin to tell you the chaos that was going through my mind as I was wheeled to a waiting helicopter, leaving my newborn and husband behind, unsure of seeing them again. It was crazy how fast things changed in the matter of an hour. However, as I came through surgery and a painful recovery, I was blessed. People literally rallied around my family that I didn't even know. Cards, finances, daily gifts, child care, prayers, update web pages, rides for my husband, paying our bills, visits...I can't even remember half of them (drugs do that to you)! But my life was incredibly blessed because people were willing to go the extra mile for me and my family.

I think going the extra mile for someone not only blesses them, but it is a huge testimony. Jesus actually tells us to go the extra mile for someone:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." - Matthew 5:38-42

The Roman law at the time Jesus spoke the Sermon on the Mount required anyone to carry a soldier’s gear for 1 mile if asked. Jesus however, tells you to not only fulfill the 1 mile, but to go 2 miles. I'm sure if someone were to approach you on a hot day and ask you to carry their heavy gear a mile, you would probably grumble and complain under your breath, but do it because you had to. I know I probably would. But imagine if when you get to the end of your mile, and the soldier reaches to take his stuff back, you stop him and say "no, that's ok. Let's go another mile." I'm sure this wasn't common, as the Romans weren't that smiled upon as rulers over the people.

What is the difference between mile 1 and mile 2, though? If you really stop to picture this scenario, can you see why this would be a surprising situation. Imagine the questions and conversation that would come up between the soldier and the person walking the extra mile. I'm sure the "why" question would come forth.

Apply this thought to something else today. If you just go out of your way to bless someone else and open conversations, not because you have to, but because you want to, imagine the impact or the seed this could plant. Mile 1 fulfilled an obligation, but mile 2 opened a conversation. We should never expect someone to go an extra mile for us, because then we are the ones who have the wrong frame of mind, but we should always be looking for ways to go the extra mile for someone else. Not only will this cause someone else's day to brighten, but you will be blown away by how much it will blow your mind.

Who is someone on your mind that you could bless today? It never has to be anything huge. I have been blessed so deeply by a simple card with lovely words. Go the extra mile to encourage someone. The story and testimony it portrays is bigger than you would think. There is a reason Jesus makes it a point to tell the people to do this. He knew that with kindness and sacrifice comes a relationship.

Scripture to Read:
Matthew 5:38-42, Mark 12:29-31, Galatians 6:9-10

Questions to Ponder:
When has someone gone the extra mile for you? How did it make you feel?
Who is someone you can go the extra mile for? What could you do for them?
How does showing kindness go a long ways for sharing your faith and foundation?

Day 132: Living With Certainty

Day 132
Ruth 1-4, 1 Corinthians 15:1-34

The photo above is when I worked at a bible camp and did ropes courses during the summers. Each summer, we'd take on the Leap of Faith at least once, just to get our feet wet a little before campers came. While I would like to say that leaping off of that pole was an easy thing to do, I still doubted at least a little each time that the ropes would hold me, or that people would catch me at the bottom. Yet with God in our lives, we can hold tightly to Him and know He will not fail us. He is even more dependable than those ropes I had to rely on. If we could just live like He has us, our stories would speak volumes.

Holding certainly to God's power honors Him with your life. Ruth and Naomi's story is one that speaks volumes of where God is in their lives. How certain are you that Jesus indeed has risen from the dead to save you? When you can grasp His power and intentions for you, you can move in your story in a powerful way.

Picking up everything and moving to an unknown land can be a nerve-racking thing, especially as a widow in Old Testament times. The book of Ruth is such a breath of air after reading of the destruction and disobedience in the book of Judges. It shows you that there were still people that obeyed God and put Him first in their lives. We see an unselfish love from Naomi as she works to send Ruth and Orpah back to their land so they can remarry and carry on their lives. Orpah agrees with hesitation, but Ruth sticks to Naomi unswervingly.

The way Ruth cares for her mother-in-law is quite a testimony of the person she is, and this reputation gets the ear of Boaz, who is one who looks to the Lord. I think many times, ladies (guys too) especially try to manipulate a situation to gain a relationship, rather than serving the Lord and waiting on His timing. God knows you are ready for a relationship when you can serve Him without putting that relationship ahead of Him. Ruth worked hard to take care of her mother-in-law. Her heart of service and diligence stuck out to Boaz, and he noticed her and in turn, promised to take care of her. Are you serving the Lord while you patiently wait for His timing in your life? Are you showing Him that He is more important to you than what's next in life?

Paul sends a reminder to the people of Corinth that they need to live certain in the resurrection that saves them from their sin and separation from God. Without the resurrection of Christ, we live pointless lives as Christians. Without the hope the He gave us through His sacrifice, we have nothing to look forward to. How different does your life look because you are certain of the resurrection of Christ? Consider Ruth's life for a moment here. She lived in service to God, knowing her place in His authority and love. Because she knew that God's plan was good for her, she served without hesitation and took care of her mother-in-law. Because of her certainty in God, she was blessed. How does your life show you are certain about Christ's resurrection and goodness for your life.

How does your life speak certainty to what Christ has done for you? Do you manipulate situations to get your way and worry about Him taking care of you? Remember Ruth and her faith as she pressed on with certainty that God would take care of her. Because of her faith and her trust in Him, she was blessed. Because she proclaimed His name and served Him first, she was blessed by God with a man to take care of her. Are you showing God that He can trust you to put Him first before He gives you that thing you really want? Show God that nothing will ever shove Him aside in your life. Live with certainty that He is there.

Day 129: Choosing Love Wisely

Day 129
Judges 16-18; 1 Corinthians 13

It is important to know your standards as you date. So many young people (especially ladies) settle for someone because they simply don't want to be alone forever. Yet marrying someone who doesn't line up with the same beliefs as you in Christ will leave you alone forever anyways. The only true One Who can fulfill your heart and the hole in it is Christ. You can find the most ideal man, the best career, achieve the greatest reward, and you'll still be lonely without Christ in your life at the front. There is much we can learn from today's readings.

Samson was most definitely a fool for love. He found a prostitute to fall in love with, and she didn't honestly want his love, but the money that she was given for getting the secret of his strength out of him. Even though Samson worked hard to keep it hidden, he still budged in the end and found himself in a harsh situation as Delilah had betrayed him and he was being tormented and mocked by his captors. Samson finally came back around at the end of his desperation and summoned God to grant him strength one more time, and as a result, he had made a bigger impact in his own death than he had in his life.

Samson fell into the trap of putting an immoral woman ahead of his relationship with God. Even if you are a strong, fervent follower of Christ, you can still find yourself putting an earthly relationship ahead of Him, easily. Even though Samson had messed up, however, he still cries out to God as he prepares for the end of his life and does one last impact for Christ - the biggest he had done in his life. Even if you have fallen into the trap of putting someone ahead of your relationship with God, He is still waiting for you to come back to Him. Be careful when you start getting so wrapped up in a person (or in searching for a person), that you forget to make God the center of it, laying it in His hands first and foremost.

Another form of leaving God behind was the instance of idol worship, as we read about with Micah and the tribe of Dan. The Israelites had gone without a leader for sometime and they just aimlessly did what they thought was best for themselves. In the process, they worshiped idols and became mindless towards things of this world, rather than focusing on the plans of a sovereign Lord. This is yet another easy trap to fall into as we wander this earth. So many things can steal God's place in our lives - sports, work, things, sleep, etc. We fail to put God in the front because we desire more of the other things. Be careful that you don't wander from His perfect plan for you in thinking things of this earth feel more right.

If you have ever been to a wedding, the words of 1 Corinthians 13 probably ring a bell to you. However, these words go far beyond simply a love relationship between a married couple. They actually can go a long ways in the way you lead and walk about this world. If you are leading people in love, they are more likely to follow. In fact, when a person knows they belong in your life or in your church, they are much more apt to join you and get on board with church. Lead in patience, kindness, not in jealousy or boastfulness. Lead not in pride or rudeness. Don't lead, demanding your way. Don't lead irritably or keeping record or rights or wrongs. Don't lead, rejoicing in injustices, but lead, rejoicing when the truth wins. Lead, not giving up, never losing faith, always hoping, and enduring all circumstances. Imagine the followers God could have if His people roamed this world with these traits. Remember that people won't care what you have to tell them unless they feel loved by you. Love will remain. It is what they will remember from you - how you treated them.

Choosing to love wisely always puts God first. Don't compromise your relationship with God by shoving Him out of the forefront of your life for a person or searching for a person. Make Him the center of your world and He will provide. Lead in love and be someone who loves others because you love God. Imagine the testimony that comes from simply treating people with love and kindness. People want to know you love them before they feel like they can believe what you believe. Choose love and truth will follow.

Day 114: Victory in Death

Day 114
Joshua 4-6; Mark 16

There have been low points in each of our lives that caused us to think that all of our hopes, dreams, plans, were lost. I know I have faced those times of uncertainty and wondered what in the world God was doing in those moments. However, after I got through those times and saw the plan that God was carrying out, I grew leaps and bounds in my faith, and discovered that nothing in this world can touch the One thing that matters most to me.

The first thing that was commanded of Joshua when the people got across the Jordan River was to build a monument in remembrance of how God had delivered them to the Promised Land. I'm not sure the kind of hope Joshua carried with him in those early weeks of leading the people without Moses, but I can imagine he was a little on edge about it. When we think about the places God has brought us and the impossible things He has done in our hard situations, we can breathe a little easier the next time if we remember His power and victory in our lives.

As the people faced battling the walls of Jericho, I'm sure the plan sounded a bit ludicrous to them. Yet the people on the other side of the walls were fearful, as they had heard what the Lord had done for these people and figured that He would destroy them. Rahab and her family were the only safe ones, and they did good to obey God's will.

Is there a struggle in your life right now that you need to march around? Know that God is with you, providing for you every step of the way. He did this for the people as they entered into the Promised Land, providing food, land, victory and so much more. The key was for the people to remember that victory God had given them and use it to obey Him and remember it next time they faced a struggle. So many times we neglect to remember the victories God has handed us and fall away the next time a problem comes. We have received the best victory there is, as we read about in Mark today.

I find it intriguing that the first eyewitnesses of Jesus' resurrection were women, who weren't trusted in their testimony in that time and weren't even allowed to give it. Yet God used them to share the Good News of Jesus' resurrection. The disciples didn't even believe them or even two of His other followers, until He actually appeared before them. They were at such a loss that they had lost the hope of their Savior, so they thought. The problem was that their world vision is not like the heavenly vision, so they couldn't believe the miracle at first. How would your situation look different if you viewed it from God's point of view, rather than your own?

God's form of victory isn't the way we view victory. We cling to the things of this world - the status, the stuff, the relationships, etc. But true and eternal victory comes from trusting in God alone. When we face a time in our lives that is seemingly hopeless, we need to remember the only true Hope we have in Christ, as He will deliver us in ways that are beyond our comprehension. There is true victory in death. The death of OUR dreams, our hopes, our wants, our desires. Victory came on a cross over 2000 years ago. If God is for us, no one can stand against us.

Day 107: The Wide Lens

Day 107
Deuteronomy 22-24; Mark 12:1-27

Every situation we encounter in life has something we can take away from it. Every situation we face also affects us based on the perspective we take on it. Read more on what this looks like with me today.

As you have read through the story of the Israelites so far, you have probably noticed by now that it is riddled with commands and consequences laid out by the Lord to the people in order to keep the community in order and the people close to God. This portion of Deuteronomy is no different, as more regulations are laid out and consequences explained. God wants us to be set apart from this world. Not necessarily by following these specific rules, as they were for that culture and time, but by simply doing things that show our love for Christ. When we make poor decisions, a consequence usually follows. Do you think ahead enough to consider what the consequences of your actions might be and how it may not only affect you, but the others around you? Having this perspective can surely save you some heart ache. However, it is hard to keep the ripples from other peoples' actions from impacting your life. This is why we must be careful and consider what is ahead when we make the decisions we make.

We will all make a poor decision at some point or another. I know I make probably one a day, simply because I don't always think things through as thoroughly as I should. God continually reminds the people to remember where they once were and how He delivered them. He does this because it is so important to remember what God has done for you, and act as compassionately towards others who are in the boat you were once in. We aren't to dwell on the past and our mistakes, but we are to always remember God's power in our lives, and apply it as we continue forward. Learn from your mistakes, and more on from them, striving not to repeat it, and helping others who have been put in that same boat.

If you are truly a Christ-follower, seeking Christ daily, and striving to fulfill the mission He has set you out too, it is important to view everything from an eternal perspective. The religious leaders who continued to try and nail Jesus to the cross didn't see the bigger picture. They couldn't see past the rules, regulations, and traditions that they have learned so well. Jesus, being a game changer, caused them to fear Him and His ideas. When we don't see things through the point of view of eternity and what will truly matter in this life, we too can fear like these leaders did.

It is entirely easy to worry about money, health, life situations, relationship statuses, etc, But when you can think of those things through the wide angle of the bigger picture to come, or the perspective of what God is trying to do or how He will use it, the intensity can be lessened. Everything in this world is temporary - which can be good if you are heading for heaven, or depressing if you're heading the other way. Nothing in this world belongs to us, including money and spouses as Jesus points out in today's reading. When we can see Jesus for Who He is, and what He did, and apply it to who we are (sinful, deserving eternal separation) and what we can do (nothing apart from Christ), it changes everything. You can lay those worries in the hands of the One Who created you and is laying out the life to come before you. Give to this world what belongs to it. Don't worry about what you are losing, but focus on what you gain in trusting Christ.

Walk this world with a wide perspective of what you've experienced through consequences of poor decisions, remembering what Christ has done for you, and most importantly with the perspective of His Kingdom and plan. Set your worries into His hands and allow Him to take care of what is His (everything). Use every opportunity to point the way to Him and show others how to cast their cares, worries and eternity on the One Who created them.

Day 104: Worldly Yearnings

Day 104
Deuteronomy 13-15; Mark 10:1-31

One of the biggest struggles for us as a culture is the need for stuff. We always want more or the next best thing we can get. Savvy electronics, fun toys, a bigger camper, a bigger house, nicer car, etc. It's hard to walk in this world and not get bombarded by the media and it telling us what we need. Because everyone falls into the trap, you too, may find yourself in the trap with them. None of these things are bad. I like my toys and smart electronics as much as the next person. However, we can't allow those things to take the place of our zeal for Christ in our hearts. Check your heart this morning and make sure that you not only know your need for Christ, but you know your level of want for Him.

The Israelites are warned over and over again throughout Moses' final words to be careful of not allowing other gods to rule in their hearts. This may sound like something of the "older times" to you, but other gods can be more than a spirit or sculpture. They can be the way we long for certain things more than we long for God. A video game. The newest iPhone. An achievement you're working towards. A Pinterest-beautiful house. A person. The idea of your future and daydreaming constantly about it. If you aren't careful, these things can completely take over your mind and cause you to not even acknowledge Christ in the center of your life. We read about these gods of that time that God warned the people about. He wanted them to have nothing to do with them. In fact, they were to burn that land to the ground. How serious are you about getting rid of something that comes before God in your life?

The flip side of this, is to give to God. Rather than obsessing about your Pinterest-beautiful home, obsess about how God would want you to open your home. Rather than obsessing about that achievement you so desperately want to earn, give God your morning, then go work on it, pray over it, and give God the glory no matter the outcome. Rather than always being on your iPhone, use your iPhone to study scripture and connect with someone that needs to know Christ through it's ridiculous features. God tells the people to bring their tithes to Him before anything else. Do you give your money to yourself, or do you give God the FIRST of it? Trust Him. Allow Him to use those desires of your heart or to get rid of them if they don't align with His plan for you.

One thing mentioned in Deuteronomy 15 is that there should be no poor among the people. Could you imagine if there were no poor in your community? If we all give a little and take care of one another regardless of what we believe about poor people, the world would be a better place. We tend to jump to conclusions about the poor - like they got themselves there, or they don't deserve what you have earned, etc. We aren't called to judge though; we are called to love. Don't bother asking questions if you have the opportunity to be a light to those in need instead. Your grace towards them will be a beautiful picture of God's grace. We need to let go of this world's perception of "you deserve it all", and the entitlement of keeping what is ours. Give and give freely, to God and to others.

Jesus states something a little scary in Mark 10. "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God." Talk about a statement. What Jesus is getting at here however, is that you can't love money more than Him. The rich ruler loved his stuff. He had a lot of it and he didn't want to part with it or his money. If you look at all you have, including your material possessions, your money, even your family, your friends, etc., would you still love God if those things went away? This is the foundation of your heart. If you can't picture life without something or someone and still love God and trust in Him, you have a heart issue. It is a tough pill to swallow and even one that you may believe is a cruel one, but it is where your loyalties truly lie. It's hard to lose someone, or a lose a huge sum of money, but ultimately our hearts belong to God. Those things and those people He has given us also belong to Him.

What does your heart long for? Are you in a struggle between what you want and what God wants for you? Do you trust Him enough to be able to look at all of your stuff and the people in your life and truly say "yes, Lord. Those things, those people are Yours." If you were to lose everything, would you still love God? The world says we need more and greater. God says we need Him and less. You may tell God you need Him, but He wants to know that you actually want Him too. Consider this concept today and take inventory of your heart's desires, longings, and spiritual health.

Day 96: Fear to Faith

Day 96
Numbers 29-31; Mark 5:21-43

"You don't want to relive it, but you can't live without it." This was a quote (slightly paraphrased, I bet) that summed up my feelings exactly from a speaker named Melissa Wall, whom I had heard on a retreat. We face terrifying circumstances, yet when we look back at the power that those times placed in our lives to the picture of God, we couldn't imagine how our faith would be without those times. I've been there and I know the faith that those times build, though they are traumatizing. Today, we'll have the opportunity to read about the fears turned to faith from Biblical times.

The festivals were a form of worship for the people to God. They brought sacrifices, like animals and harvests to the Lord, to display their worship to Him. Today, when we give something of value to God, we too display worship to Him. Most ideally, we would give our complete loyalty and faith to Him, allowing Him to provide in our lives more powerfully than we could ever imagine. It is sure hard to let go, however. We fear God won't provide or that He won't give us what we want. However, the truth is if we truly give Him our full lives, He will provide far beyond our expectations. God always knows what we need and when. We just get in the way a lot.

I can't even imagine the thoughts and questions that went through Moses' head every step of the way of his journey. This time, God tells him that before he dies, he must rally the troops to go into battle against the Midianites. I don't know about you, but I would have asked God some questions. "Is this how I will die?" "Are you sure we'll win?" Etc... But Moses, being around the block a few times with God on his side now, obeys and they go to war and win huge. After the war, they divide up their bounty, giving God His share. It is one thing to earn bragging rights in a competition, but to actually give God the glory for all you have earned and that has been given to you is another thing.

What has God given you victory over in terms of your fears that you need to thank Him for? Do you give Him the glory when you tell others about your accomplishments and victories?

The scene that plays out with Jesus in this Mark reading is quite beautiful. Picture the noise and the crowds that invaded as Jesus got off the boat. In the midst of this crowd, comes a man, who is a synagogue leader, named Jairus, who fervently pleads with Jesus to come and heal his very sick daughter. Now, a synagogue leader was much like that of a religious leader - the ones who were trying to nail Jesus to the cross. The humility this man had to find to come to Jesus must have been something great. His fear was set aside, so he could go and ask Jesus to heal his little girl.

If this wasn't enough, a woman strived to make it to touch Jesus' robe. This woman had many things against her. She was a woman, which in this day didn't earn a ton of respect. She was considered unclean as she had been bleeding for twelve years, as it was law for the unclean to be apart from the community in the allotted time to get clean. Yet this woman thought, "if only I can touch His robes." As she did, Jesus knew it. He turned around, asking who had touched Him as the crowds continued to push up against Him. He knew this was an intentional, faith-filled touch, however. I also truly believe that Jesus knew who touched Him, but wanted the faith and the story to come alive not only in the midst of the crowd, but in the heart of that woman, who fearfully makes herself known. But Jesus, reassures her of her faith, and tells her she is well. Her fear turns to faith, and a wonderful testimony of what Christ has done for her.

Meanwhile, message is sent from Jairus' home that his daughter had passed, yet Jesus still wants to go, saying some very important words to Jairus: "Don't be afraid. Just have faith." How many times a day do you need to hear those words? When Jesus arrives, He tells the little girl to get up. How relevant is this statement - "Little girl, get up." I think we fear too much to move. We fear too much to have faith. We error on the side of "impossible" rather than "possible", even when we are told that with Christ all things are possible. I'm not saying He will raise your loved one from the dead here on earth, but He sure can raise them up in a much greater place that this earth.

What fears do you need to lay at the feet of Jesus? How can you be reassured by His amazing power to lead your fear into great faith? Come to Jesus with faith that He will move in your life in mighty ways, even if it isn't in a way you want. Have faith that He will use you in your inabilities. Have faith to serve Him in singleness. Have faith to allow Him to give and take away. Have faith to keep on looking to Him despite the fears you have. Have faith that even if you don't get something from Him, what He does give you is enough. Have faith that He is enough. Turn your fears to faith with Jesus, and give Him the glory for the victories you celebrate. 

Day 95: Satisfied in Him

Day 95
Psalms 41-43

There are so many places you can end up if the bottom falls out of your life. David (and perhaps his descendants) write so beautifully about the longing and emotions of his heart as he experiences such a crazy time of his life. It is hard to deal with this world at times when depression and hopelessness hit. As you read today's passages and think about those bad times in your life, recall how God comforted you. Maybe you're in the midst of that depression, that loneliness, that hopelessness of life right now. Be encouraged by David's writings and remember where to lay your heart.

The place we will be most satisfied in this world is in the hands of our Savior. He is most glorified when we find that satisfaction in Him as well. How many times have you felt judged because of your satisfaction in Christ?
 We read here:
"Their taunts break my bones. They scoff, 'Where is this God of yours?" (Ps. 42:10)
From there, we read that the writer says they put their hope in the Lord. Nothing can discourage them. When we praise Him for what He has done in our life, we will be encouraged and find our satisfaction in Him.

When I fall to the taunting of the world around me, the one that judges, or casts blame, or makes me feel less than, I remember this portion of Psalm, and remind myself the only thirst for Him. The lyrics to this song is directly from those of these Psalms. I encourage you to listen to it, and reiterate the words you read today, keeping yourself in the arms of your God. 

"Let my sighs bring songs that sing about Your faithfulness.

Let my pain reveal Your glory as my only real rest.

Let my loses show that all I truly have is You.

'Cause all I truly have is You.

I am satisfied in You."

Day 86: False Satisfactions

Day 86

Numbers 10-11; 2 Thessalonians 2

There will always be something to complain about in life. No matter how much you have or how good life is, there is something that could be picked at or better. When we are dissatisfied, we go looking for more or for a fix, which could lead to trouble. When and if we do find that worldly fix, it won’t be long until we are dissatisfied again. Today, we can learn some valuable things from our readings in finding true, and the only lasting satisfaction in Christ alone.

The people led by Moses sure loved to complain. Can you blame them? I think after wondering around the wilderness that long and not knowing what the end was going to be would have me right there with them. The problem with this is that the people failed to see and be thankful for what they did have. The Lord had delivered them from Egypt, even though they started to second guess and think life back there wasn’t so bad after all. The Lord has supplied them with food, even though it was the same thing every day. The Lord also supplied them with great leaders, like Moses and Aaron to interpret what He instructed them. While there are two sides to a situation, the people needed to start seeing the good, rather than what was always bad.

When we complain about everything in our lives, it is easy to take for granted what the Lord has given us. What if instead of complaining every time we felt dissatisfied, we thanked God for what He has given us. I think our attitudes would change quickly. Our complaining not only affects us, but it affects the people in our lives and around us. Even though Moses had been working so hard to follow what the Lord wanted him to do with the people, the complaints seeped through him to the point he lashed out at God, exclaiming how heavy this burden had become. (I feel like this some days with my toddler.) The people didn’t care about Moses and how hard he had worked, only about themselves and what they believed they needed and deserved. Be aware of who is affected by your complaints.

When we are dissatisfied, we may end up with what we want, so be careful. The Lord sent quail to the people, but He also told them He would send so much meat, that they would be sick of it. I can imagine the people complained about the meat after some time, and they do continue complaining later. In our own dissatisfaction of life, we face the temptation to look for something “better” or a “fix”. The people of Thessalonica are warned about falling for false prophesies and false teachings. People can come across as flattering and “right”, but that doesn’t mean they are. A temptation can come up as something you “deserve”, but that also doesn’t make it right. Be careful where you look to for satisfaction. Only Christ can truly offer you that. 

Consider what you are saying to others about Christ if you are constantly dissatisfied. God states in Numbers 11:23: "Is the Lord's arm too short? Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you."

When we begin to question God, and thinking there is something better out there to satisfy our hearts over Him, it sends a message to others, especially those who don't know Christ, that they don't need Him. That He isn't as great as they have heard. That He is exactly what they thought He was. Be careful! Don't let others stumble over what your little discontentments cause to be an eternal loss. Prove that God is all you need.

Where are you tempted to look for satisfaction in this life? In a relationship? Job? Achievement? It is clear that Christ is the only One Who satisfies. He created our hearts and our entire being and knows what we need. Be careful as you start justifying “what you deserve” and “what would be better”. Those are the times we fall hard over our steps and realize those things never fully satisfy, and soon we’ll be looking elsewhere again for something else to fill the void. Fill it permanently with what Christ offers you.

Day 78: Positive Outlook

Day 78:

Leviticus 25; Matthew 28

There is much reason to be optimistic about your future if you rely on Christ in your life. We place so much time trying to control our lives and cling to what isn't even ours, yet with Christ, we have all we need. As we read today, we can stand confident that there is so much more life in Him than in anything we can ever possess in this world.

I have to say that I was intrigued by reading of the "year of Jubilee." I had heard about it, but never have really dove into it to learn more. I do remember it from one of my favorite songs back in the day. (Maybe you remember it - "Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?")
Anyways, as I read, I realize that this year of Jubilee was a freedom of all bondage, all debts, all worries essentially. Could you imagine getting a Sabbath Day from your worries and the things that hold your faith captive? I can't tell you how often I worry about life's debts, bills, obligations, etc.

It was also a time of rest for the fields, meaning the people couldn't harvest or plant or work them. God promised them a bigger production in the year before though, that would carry them into the year after Jubilee. This was surely a way to teach the people to have faith in Him and know He is their ultimate provider and care-giver. 

This year of Jubilee sets up a lovely picture of how we are to face this life with Christ in it. I think so many times in today's world, we worry more about the money we earn, the things we have, the relationships we're pursuing, everything that can possibly have a worry. (No? Just me?)
But as we read about the overwhelming resurrection of Christ in Matthew, I can't help but feel a powerful peace of mind about what is to come in this time of our lives. There is hope beyond our graves and beyond the troubles of this world! How awesome that we can rely fully on that promise when we say "yes" to Christ!

It is easy to doubt. The disciples doubted when they had heard Jesus rose. The very people that were with Him constantly and learned from Him doubted. There is hope for you. Ironically, women were the first ones to hear the news straight from the angels at the tomb. Women, who were rarely allowed to bare witness or testimony. Why would God choose them to be the first to see, hear and share the Good News? Because no matter what our capabilities are in this world, and no  matter how someone views your role and status, you are an important asset to the movement of Christ. The guards were paid off to twist the truth about Jesus rising. We have 3 choices based on this. We can question our abilities and tell God, "nah, I'm not good enough. Pick someone else."
We can allow God to use us despite what this world thinks we are and spread the Good News from person to person, as Jesus did.
Or, we can deny it happened and twist the truth that we refuse to believe, even though it is written in the most truthful book that was ever created. As a Christian, THIS is your book. You claim Christ, you claim His words in every single aspect of your life. You can't be lukewarm. (Revelation 3:16)

We have a mission to fulfill. We have been commanded, not advised, not recommended, but COMMANDED to go make disciples. Jesus promises that He will be with us. If we truly have Christ in our lives, and we have said "yes" to His leading, we can have such a positive outlook beyond this world and beyond the grave. We can doubt our abilities and sit around, we can twist it all around and deny He ever rose and was here for us, or we can stand firm in knowing that He has our backs when we fall into HIS plan, rather than try to take it ourselves. Know that He will provide for you and you needn't cling to anything in this world by Him.

Day 70 - Preparations

Day 70
Leviticus 13, Matthew 24

As we read through the powerful, words of Matthew 24 (our primary focus for today), we can see why knowing the Word is a big deal to a Christ-follower. Jesus warns us to be prepared at any time to face the trials of being His follower, and to be prepared for Christ's coming again. How can we be so sure and ready for when He comes?

Know the Word! Read it. Listen to it. Learn from it. Apply it. God gave us this book we call the Bible for a greater reason than an indicator of you being a Christian. He wants us to study it and know Him through it. Knowing the Word will help us to distinguish from false teachings and know how to do life in general. There is much to read there, and it sure can be daunting, but reading something - a verse, chapter, passage- can surely help than not reading anything at all.

Stand Firm. This world is a tough place to be in as a Christian. We can fold so easily to the temptations and ways of this place, but knowing Christ's ways and alternatives will show you how much better life can be. God wants the best for us. When we stop living on our feelings and start standing firm on His Truths, we will be unshakable indeed.

Stop Worrying. There are so many things to worry about in this life. We worry about getting good grades, making a team, finding a spouse... only to turn around and start worrying about our spouse when we're married, worry about our kids making the team, getting good grades. We worry about money, things, keeping up with the riches around us, what we'll do after we do what we're doing now...STOP! Those things aren't bad, but worrying about them shows you that your trust in God needs some work. If you are worrying about these things more than you are concerned about your relationship with Christ and praying to Him about it, you need to revisit your priorities. Be prepared for Him to come. The things of this world will be gone and our lives are but a wisp of vapor.

We prepare for many things in this life. We get insurance to protect our stuff and ourselves. We get locks on our doors. We have fire extinguishers. Why don't we prepare to meet Christ? He is most important in our lives (or should be), but we spend our lives worrying about things that will soon be gone. Look to Him and His Word to stand firm, and set your priorities straight in this world.

Day 68 - All-Knowing

Day 68
Psalm 31-32

You may feel ignored by the people around you, or even the people who are close to you, but you should know that God always sees you and hears you. He keeps tabs on you and knows your heart. He will protect you and provide for you in the just the right ways. He will place you in just the right situations to help you grow and be more faithful to Him. He knows your desires and what you long for. He knows.

On the flip side, He also knows all of our bad thoughts. He knows about the person we lied to, the things we thought about that girl's dress or hair. He knows what we do when we are alone. He knows when our motives are not good.

However, we are living for a forgiving and compassionate God Who longs for us to come to Him. When we mess up and need to ask for His hand, He will give it to us. Holding in our sin and downfalls can create a guilt that is bubbling over to near-insanity. Letting those go to God and allowing Him to forgive you will take the burden away from you. He knows your situation, why not be open about it from your point of view to Him.

He knows all! He knows what we do when we are alone. He knows our thoughts and our motives. Come to Him with confession and be free from your guilt and from the pains that drive you down. He will offer you His hand and forgiveness if you just confess and ask! He knows what you need right now.

Day 63 - Dwelling Place

Day 63
Exodus 39-40, Matthew 19

Jesus turned the tables on what it means to have an expectation in what faith is about. As you'll read here today, the Jewish people (and we) have made it about a check list and our own expectation of Who God is and what we need to do to come to Him. We make it about what we do and what we need to do, rather than what He has done.

As we wrap up Exodus, we read that the Tabernacle was completed and that God was with the people there. We recall how hopeless the Israelites were at the beginning of Exodus, but how God had delivered them and dwelt among them as they moved about the wilderness. Now, at the completion of the Tabernacle, they can keep God at the forefront of their journey, as they move when He tells them to through the cloud. Through their complaining and sinfulness, God still stuck with them and led them along the path that they were meant to take. It was about what He did for them, no longer what they had to do.

Jesus is continually leading the example of what it means to come to Him. As the little children were brought to Him to be blessed and the disciples tried to turn the parents away, Jesus contradicts them and says to allow the little children to come to Him. The disciples probably pictured Jesus as too busy and too great to care about children, who were to be seen and not heard. But Jesus uses them to make a comparison to who will indeed inherit the Kingdom, as it is those with faith like the children. They simply believe and have awe, without worrying about what they must do.

The Rich Man who approaches Jesus gets a wake-up call as Jesus tells him how to have eternal life. We read that it is not about what we know and how much we know, but where our hearts belong. This man obviously knew the commandments and was ready to check off another part of his list. But when Jesus tells him to sell all of his belonging, he is stuck. Not because he has the stuff, but because he loves his stuff. It is the one thing on earth that he cares about more then Christ.

We can try and try to earn our way to heaven and into God's favoritism, but that isn't how it works. It is about a heart of Christ and allowing Him to essentially "destroy" your ideas of a happy life and happy dreams and allowing Him to show you what He has in store. Giving up our checklists, our hopes, our dreams, our hope for a spouse, our relationships, our jobs, etc. will show us His heart. It is not about what we do, but what He has done! When we allow Him to live and dwell in our lives, we will experience His Kingdom indeed. 

Day 51 - Ultimate Provider

Day 51
Exodus 16-18

God grants us with astounding provision at just the right time. We see the example of the Israelites and the manna that God provided just enough of for the day. It is so easy to keep thinking we need more when we live in a culture where we can have anything we want anytime we want. Keeping up with the people around us and trying to have what they have is a dangerous path to be on. The people learned this as they tried to take more than they needed, and it rotted.

Not only in food did the Lord provide for the Israelites, but the very next chapter of Exodus, He provided water. Even when the people continued to complain and show their lack of trust. And then in the next section, we read that He granted them protection from the Amalekites. The Lord cares about our personal well-being too, as Moses is told by his father in law to start delegating the numerous tasks to trusted leaders of the people.

I can't even tell you how important that delegation thing is, but it is gold. Not only does it take some off of your plate, but it empowers other leaders to take ownership in the mission you are trying to carry out! There are great benefits to doing it, no matter where you are!

In Matthew, we read as Jesus "delegates" the disciples to go out and spread the Good News. He gives them specific and solid instructions, telling them not to bring anything with them, but to depend on the hospitality of the homes they find themselves in. He tells them not to fear or to waste their time on places that refuse their welcome. Jesus also says to shout His news from the rooftops!

I just love this part:
“But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. ²⁷ What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear!"

I think it is so easy for people to speak their minds about whatever, but when it comes to talking about Jesus, Christians can freeze up and avoid the conflict. We read though that we shouldn't be afraid and that the Lord is on our side when we work for Him. If we hold on to our reputations and pride, we will lose our lives. But when we give it up for Christ and His mission, we will have greater life to come! 

Where do you need His ultimate provision today? Hopefully most of you reading this have food in the fridge and water, but do you need to delegate more? Maybe you need protection from a situation or a deep, heartfelt prayer answered. Jesus calls us to go out and shout His News from the rooftops. Do you need a little courage to do that? God has it and He knows just what you need TODAY! Give it to Him and He will be your Ultimate Provider if your needs match His will!