Inspire Within Articles | Grow in Relationship with God

The Downfall of an Idle Mind, The Uprise of Mindset Warrior

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 13:00:04 GMT

When God has His hand on you, there’s nowhere He can’t reach you.

This article explores how God rebuilds our identity after we’ve experienced heartbreak, hardship, or hopelessness—whether it’s from postpartum struggles, life transitions, or unexpected loss. My goal is to encourage women to partner with God in their healing and growth, reminding them that the delay isn’t a denial but, better yet, it's divine preparation. Highlighting my personal experience and scripture, this was written directly to women who feel stuck in their own mind, reminding them that God is still writing their story and the possibilities are endless if you bring your thoughts under God’s submission and take control of your life.

There was a time I looked in the mirror and couldn’t recognize who I was anymore. The “strong one,” the “one who is going to make it,” the “she can handle it,” had become “I need help,” “What do I do?” “I wish somebody would see me drowning.” Girl, if this has ever been you, just know you weren’t alone.

Now, as women and, more importantly, mothers, we often carry all the burdens of life—family, work, husbands, world peace, and everything else—on our day-to-day mental load. And like anything that carries heavy weight over time, it will eventually wear down and need maintenance. What happens when you don’t get that maintenance done because everything else is always “more important”? You break down.

That’s where I found myself in October 2022—broken down, completely. I felt like I couldn’t see or hear God anymore, but even worse, I felt like He couldn’t see or hear me. That left the mental door open for the enemy to creep right in and turn me against myself. Isn’t that crazy?

See, the devil has no power or authority to do anything; however, he knows where to amplify. He works in idleness, and where there is lack of submission, there is idleness. Idleness is described as “inactivity or wasted time.” I had worn myself out mentally to the point where it hurt to think and plan and try, so I became mentally idle—empty—and I became a slave to my negative thoughts.

Now back to what I was saying about the enemy—he thrives in an idle mind. In my inactivity, he amplified thoughts like, “You just got fired. Aren’t you supposed to be the best at what you do?” “You’re already behind on bills and struggling to care for your daughter.” “Geez, you’re a terrible mother. The school calls you every day—why can’t you get her to behave?”

He didn’t originate these thoughts—I was already thinking them!

What’s something you thought before that was so mean and negative you blamed the enemy for the thought, when in reality, all he did was use the idle space to amplify what you already thought and how you felt?

I know—it’s a harsh reality to come to terms with. And for me, I couldn’t. I let my thoughts get the best of me and I said, “You know what? I don’t even wanna live anymore.” And I took idle, impulsive action on that thought. I tried to end my life with no regard for God, my family, or the souls attached to my purpose. The enemy walked away smiling and dusting his hands off.

But—what he didn’t know is, my God—the God I serve—leaves the 99 for the 1. And that day in October, I was the 1. Even in the midst, God sent me an angel in the form of a stranger who simply said, “Can I hug you?”—which, in my soul, felt like God Himself was saying to me, “My child, I see you. I’m with you.”

To give some context, that moment happened on a bridge, in the middle of traffic, with me ready to act on what I thought.

When God has His hand on you, there’s nowhere He can’t reach you.

Now, I give many more details in my book on what happened following that incident, but for the sake of this article, let me tell you what I walked away understanding:

God loves me as I am. Point blank.

I was broken, damaged, bruised, angry. I didn’t have my full trust in Him, and He still took me in as I was, nurtured me back to spiritual health, and said, “Now watch this.”

From that very traumatic day that defined the next two years of my life, God put me in rooms, on TV. He gave me my dream opportunity to work at a juvenile detention center with young women—to share my story and mentor them. He used what I had gone through to reshape my entire mindset.

And I became unstoppable.

Now, I went through times even worse after that over the years, but the way I fought was different. I fought back with my thoughts. And I learned once you master your thoughts, bring them under submission of God’s Word, and keep your sword sharp—you’re ready to win any war that life throws at you.

I’ve given you just a small glimpse of my story, but now this is about you.

God led you here because you are connected to me—my purpose, my reason for Him keeping me alive every day—and I need you to hear me so deeply as you read these words.

You are connected to God.

You CANNOT fail. It’s impossible.

God can do all things except fail.

God wants you to bring your shame, mistakes, bad choices, mess-ups, past, and burdens—and give it to Him. It’ll never be too heavy, and He will sustain you.

1 Peter 5:7 AMP specifically says:

“ Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. ”

If that’s not comforting, I don’t know what is.

You are not alone, and you will make it through.

I’m willing to bet on God that He will bring you out.

I am here to encourage you, walk with you, motivate, and fight in prayer with you.

It starts with you and ends with the way you think. It will.

Meela Belle

Guest Contributor

Meela Belle is a certified life and empowerment coach, author of How to Beat the Odds , and the creator behind the movement #BeyondMotherhood. With a background in business administration and years of experience mentoring women and young adults, Meela is passionate about helping others rediscover their identity, reclaim their dreams, and walk boldly in faith. Her work blends personal experience, biblical encouragement, and practical mindset shifts to inspire transformation. Follow Meela Belle or purchase her book: How To Beat The Odds: Creating A Warrior Mindset .

Bible Verses from Psalms about Trusting God

rjhsolutions6@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Mon, 12 May 2025 13:01:01 GMT

Bible Verses about Trusting God from the Book of Psalms

Many Psalms are about trusting God through a variety of circumstances and seasons. When our hearts and minds are centered on worship to our God, we can fully trust God in every season. The Psalms are a great way to learn about the character of God and His faithfulness to His people, while being encouraged to trust God more and grow closer to God .

While reading through the book of Psalms, I noticed that most of the verses I had highlighted were about trusting God. It lead me to flip through the whole book of Psalms and highlight verses about trust. My spirit was greatly encouraged! I believe it will be an encouragement to you too. May our trust in God grow more and more!

Bible Verses from Psalms about Trusting God

“ Those who know your name trust in you,

for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you .”

Psalm 9:10, NIV

“ But I trust in your unfailing love;

my heart rejoices in your salvation.

I will sing the LORD’s praise,

for he has been good to me .”

Psalm 13:5-6, NIV

“ Some trust in chariots and some in horses,

but we trust in the name of the LORD our God .”

Psalm 20:7, NIV

“ In you our ancestors put their trust;

they trusted and you delivered them.

To you they cried out and were saved;

in you they trusted and were not put to shame .”

Psalm 22:4-5, NIV

“ The LORD is my strength and my shield;

my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.

My heart leaps for joy,

and with my song I praise him .”

Psalm 28:7, NIV

“ But I trust in you, LORD;

I say, ‘You are my God.’ ”

Psalm 31:14, NIV

“ Many are the woes of the wicked,

but the LORD’s unfailing love

surrounds the one who trusts in him .”

Psalm 32:10, NIV

“ In him our hearts rejoice,

for we trust in his holy name. ”

Psalm 33:21, NIV

“ Trust in the LORD and do good;

dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture .”

Psalm 37:3, NIV

“ Commit your way to the LORD;

trust in him and he will do this:

He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,

your vindication like the noonday sun .”

Psalm 37:5-6, NIV

“ Blessed is the one

who trusts in the LORD,

who does not look to the proud,

to those who turn aside to false gods. ”

Psalm 40:4, NIV

“ When I am afraid,

I put my trust in you. ”

Psalm 56:3, NIV

“ Trust in him at all times, you people;

pour out your hearts to him,

for God is our refuge .”

Psalm 62:8, NIV

“ LORD Almighty,

blessed is the one who trusts in you .”

Psalm 84:12, NIV

“ I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust.’ ”

Psalm 91:2, NIV

“ They will have no fear of bad news;

their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. ”

Psalm 112:7, NIV

“ You who fear him, trust in the LORD—

he is their help and shield. ”

Psalm 115:11, NIV

“ It is better to take refuge in the LORD

than to trust in humans .”

Psalm 118:8, NIV

“ Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,

for I have put my trust in you.

Show me the way I should go,

for to you I entrust my life .”

Psalm 143:8, NIV

Hope these verses from Psalms about trusting God have encouraged you as much as they encouraged me. What verses were your favorite? Write down your favorites and post them somewhere you will see them often. Or maybe add some to your list for scripture memorization .

Be blessed and trust God!

When You Feel Forgotten by God: A Faith-Based Guide to Trusting His Plan

Mon, 05 May 2025 13:01:16 GMT

How to Navigate the Seasons that God Feels Silent

Have you ever whispered, “ God, did You forget about me? ” I have.

Sometimes it’s not said out loud – it’s felt in the silence, in the long waiting, in the prayers that seem unanswered. We know the truth: God is good. God is faithful. God has a plan. But when life feels like it’s standing still, it’s hard to reconcile that truth with our reality.

The Bible is filled with people who wrestled with the same feeling. Joseph was forgotten in prison after doing the right thing. Hannah cried out for a child year after year. David, the man after God’s own heart, wrote, “ How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? Forever? ” (Psalm 13:1, KJV)

If you feel forgotten by God, you are not alone. And you are no less faithful for feeling this way. Even when we can’t feel Him, God is nearby.

“ Can a woman forget her suckling child…? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hand… ” (Isaiah 49:15-16, KJV)

Joseph’s story offers a profound reminder. He was betrayed by his family, sold into slavery, and imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. Even when he showed kindness to Pharaoh’s Cupbearer in prison and asked to be remembered, the Bible says simply, “ Yet did not the Chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him .” (Genesis 40:23, KJV).

Joseph’s prison became a place of hidden preparation, a place where humility, patience, and dependence on God were refined. The silence wasn’t an act of abandonment. It was the forge of transformation. And it’s the same for us. God‘s silence does not equal His absence. It may be the very space where our deepest growth occurs, in the stretching, the questions and the waiting.

Considering the natural world, the seed planted in the ground experiences a period of silent growth beneath the surface before it breaks through the soil. The darkness and quietness are essential for the eventual flourishing. Similarly, God might be cultivating something deep within us during His silence: patience, resilience, and a deeper understanding of His sovereignty. He might be preparing the ground for the very breakthrough we are seeking, in a way that will be more meaningful and impactful than we can currently imagine. So, this darkness is not the end of the story, it’s the beginning of something God is cultivating within you.

Silence can also be God’s invitation to come closer. We often expect big, dramatic answers, but God often speaks in a still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12). It’s in the quiet that we learn to tune our hearts to His whispers, a scripture that stands out, a nudge in prayer, or a peace that surpasses all understanding.

How Do We Navigate These Seasons When God Feels Silent?

Here are 5 practical anchors for your soul:

1. Daily Surrender

Each morning, surrender to God, all your expectations and the need for clarity. Let go of the pressure to understand everything; His ways are not our ways. Instead, trust that God is still writing your story. Surrendering daily means you are saying. “God, even when I don’t see, I choose to trust You today.” Like Joseph, we may not know what’s next, but we can honour God in our waiting season with our faithfulness in the present.

2. Anchor Yourself in the Scripture

When God’s voice feels far away, go back to what He’s already said. His word is our anchor in the storm. Verses like Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11 remind us that His plans are still good, even when we don’t see how they’ll unfold. Cling to the truth of who He is.

3. Worship Through the Waiting

Worship is powerful because it redirects our focus. It lifts our eyes from the unanswered prayers to the One who holds the answers. Even in silence, worship is a declaration that God is still worthy. It says, “You’re still good, even here.”

4. Reflect and Record

Keep a journal of what God has done in the past, answered prayers, divine moments and unexpected blessings. Reflect on the testimonies of others and how God showed up in their lives of people you know or have heard of. In times of silence, these reminders serve as faith-builders, for our God is the same, yesterday, today and forever – Hebrews 13:8.

5. Stay Connected

Don’t isolate yourself; relationships, especially with other believers, can play a crucial role in shaping and refining us as individuals. Talk to trusted friends, mentors, or your community. Sometimes, God speaks through others, reminding us that we are seen and supported, even when He seems quiet.

So, if you find yourself whispering, “ God, have you forgotten me ?”

Let Joseph’s story be a reminder for you: you are not forgotten . You are being shaped, refined and prepared. God’s silence is not the end, it’s often the sacred middle before the miracle unfolds. Faithful is He who has begun a good work in you, and He will surely bring it to completion – in His own time.

The same God who raised Joseph to influence a nation, who gave Hannah a child after years of sorrow, and who restored David from despair, is the God who is holding your heart now. The silence before sunrise doesn’t mean the sun won’t rise; it just means we’re in the dark before the light breaks through. If you’re in that season, waiting and wondering, hold on. God is still good. He is still nearby, and He is not finished with your story.

Prayer for the Waiting Heart:

Father, I thank you that even when I feel invisible and alone, You never let go of me. Sometimes, I feel as if I’ve been forgotten, as though You’re not listening to my prayers. I know I’m important to You and that You care about my struggles and needs. I’m sorry for doubting.

Lord, help me remember that You are always with me, even when I cannot feel Your presence. Help me find comfort and rest in You, for You are my everything.

I know because of You I can make it through. Even though I feel forgotten, I am not, because You are with me. Thank You for Your love and unwavering care. I believe that You are good and that You are still writing my story. I trust in You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Remi Badozi

Guest Contributor

Remi is the founder of Life Purpose Matters, a Christian blog dedicated to encouraging spiritual growth, purposeful living, and faith-based resilience. With a passion for inspiring Christians to embrace their God-given calling, she writes devotionals, affirmations, and lifestyle reflections that uplift and equip believers through every season. Her writing has been featured on several Christian platforms. Remi lives with a deep love for Scripture, storytelling, and helping others grow in faith. Visit her website at Life Purpose Matters .

A Stand Against Gender Ideology | Sharing the Unchanging Truth for a Changing World

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 18:23:19 GMT

"Culture changes. Opinions sway. But, the Word of God, it will reign forever."

As I look at my seven-month-old son, I am filled with both wonder and responsibility. He doesn’t yet grasp the complexities of the world around him. He doesn’t know what politics are, the shifting definitions of gender, or the debates over what it means to be a man or a woman. Right now, his world is simple: smiling at familiar faces, reaching for toys, and lighting up when I walk into the room. But, I know that one day, he’ll start asking big questions and I will have the responsibility to guide him through a world that often offers confusion instead of clarity.

Today, in much of the Western world, the dominant narrative teaches that identity is fluid that we can redefine ourselves however, we choose, regardless of biological reality. Children, even young ones, are being told that they can wake up one day and decide to change their gender. Biology, once considered a fixed truth, is now treated as a mere suggestion. In this evolving culture, feelings are considered the ultimate compass for defining identity.

These ideas are not confined to academic circles or obscure debates; they are woven into school curriculums, entertainment, social media, and even legislation. They are marketed as progressive and loving, yet beneath their shiny surface lies a rejection of God’s perfect and intentional design for humanity.

As an African parent, I view these trends with growing concern. Though geographically distant, the world is more interconnected than ever. What begins in one country often spreads to others through pop culture, media, and international policy. I worry that the erosion of traditional values in the West will soon ripple across borders, threatening the cultural and spiritual foundation that has long guided families in Africa. But, here’s where I find peace: my son will not be caught unaware. When these ideologies inevitably reach us, he will be equipped not by the shifting sands of culture, but by the unchanging truth of God’s Word.

I will not be silent. As your parent, I reject the notion that love means endorsing confusion. True love the kind that comes from God protects, corrects, and guides. It speaks the truth, even when it’s unpopular. And so, I write this letter to you, my son, not for today, but for the day when the world grows loud and unclear.

To My Precious Son,

You are a gift, created on purpose by a loving God who does not make mistakes. You were born a boy not by accident, not by social construct, but by divine intention. And that is a good thing. It is a beautiful thing.

There may come a time when others will tell you that you can be anything you feel even something other than what God made you to be. But, I want you to remember: while your feelings are real, they do not define you. God’s Word does.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). God knit you together in my womb, and He has a purpose for your life. Do not let the noise of the world drown out the truth that has been spoken over you since before you were born.

Stay rooted, my son. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 3:17, we are to be “ rooted and established in love, ” grounded in the Word of God. That foundation will keep you steady when everything around you seems to shift. Culture changes. Opinions sway. But, the Word of God, it will reign forever.

Jesus Himself said, “ Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will never pass away ” (Matthew 24:35). Everything around you may fall into chaos, but God’s Word will remain your anchor.

Some may say this truth is outdated, that it’s unloving or judgmental. But truth is not subject to trends. Truth is timeless. Boys are boys. Girls are girls. This is not hate; this is holy design. To reject this truth is to invite confusion, instability, and, in many cases, deep regret. We are already hearing from young people who were encouraged to embrace confusion and pursue irreversible changes—many now speaking out in pain, feeling betrayed. Their stories are sobering reminders of why clarity and guidance are so essential.

So, what do we do as parents in such a time as this?

We stand firm. We raise our children on the truth of God’s Word. We do not let their identities be shaped by the winds of culture. We anchor them in the truth of who God says they are. We protect them not just physically, but spiritually, emotionally, and ideologically. We speak boldly, pray fervently, and parent with intention.

And most importantly, we fix our eyes on Jesus.

In the midst of this storm, He remains our peace. He is not overwhelmed. He is not shaken. He still holds the world and you, my son in His hands. Despite the chaos, God has a plan. A good plan. “ ‘ For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’ ” (Jeremiah 29:11).

So, when the world becomes confusing, I pray that you’ll return to this letter. I pray you’ll remember that you were raised in truth, covered in prayer, and deeply loved. I pray that you’ll never feel ashamed of who God made you to be, and that you’ll always know who you are—not by what you feel, but by who He says you are.

And when the enemy roars, seeking whom he may devour, remember this: You belong to the Good Shepherd, and He never loses His sheep.

With All My Love,
Your parent, your guide, your fiercest protector until the very end.

Timothy Kiara

Guest Contributor

Timothy is an African parent, who has a background in communication and a heart for truth. He advocates for faith-based parenting and equipping the next generation with biblical values. He believes in the power of intentional parenting and the importance of God’s Word in every cultural background. Follow Timothy on Facebook!

Obeying God’s Direction When You Don’t Want To| How to Follow God’s Way

rjhsolutions6@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 19:29:56 GMT

Obeying God's Direction in Our Life

The Lord gives us direction in life, but it is up to us to choose to listen and obey God’s direction. Whether it is a big life decision, a nudging to do something, or just turning from sin, God will lead us in the way that we should go. Are we following our way or God’s way? What should we do when we are tempted to follow our fleshly desires instead of God’s way?

Obeying God’s Direction

Since we are born with our own freewill, we can be tempted to go in a way that conflicts with the Lord’s way. Nevertheless, we must obey and not ignore the Lord’s leading! The Lord leads us in the way of righteousness, for He knows the safest and best route for our life. What is the use in asking God to lead us, if we don’t choose to go the way that God directs us?

Sometimes what we want is the opposite way that God wants us to go. Which if it does not have God’s blessing, then it will not lead to the way of righteousness. Let’s say we feel like we should go our way, but we strongly feel like God is saying no. Do we allow our feelings to become higher than what God commands of us? No, indeed no! Letting go of what we want and trusting that God’s way is better is certainly not the easiest thing to do, though it is the best thing we can do.

Isaiah 56:8-9 NIV, “‘ For my thoughts are not your thoughts neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. ’”

Let us not allow our limited view to go above the infinite understanding of God. If we believe that our way is better than the one and only God, then we are fooled. Our way, when opposed to God’s way, results in unnecessary, negative consequences that would have been avoided, had we not refused to listen to the voice of the Lord.

Proverbs 14:12 says, “ There is a way that seems right to man, but in the end lead to death .” That does not mean that every way we choose to go is led by our fleshly desires, but if it is against God’s commands then it leads to negative consequences. We constantly need to be reminded to not allow our way to become superior to the Lord’s way for our life. Let’s continually examine our ways to ensure that they line up with Scripture.

Just like the Israelites were called to walk in the ways of the Lord, we are too! In Deuteronomy 5:33, it says, “ You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess .”

Analogy of Ignoring God’s Way

Imagine that we are about to climb a very steep, rocky trail. Instead of starting where the trail indicates to start, we choose to make up our own route because we feel that it is a better way to go or maybe we just want to go our own way. So, we find the spot we want to begin, but notice there is a sign that says, “ DANGER! DO NOT ENTER. ” Should we still proceed to go that way, and ignore the clear sign of danger? If we ignore the warning signs, it is like ignoring the direction that God say to go. Likewise, if we see a big danger sign and choose to proceed anyway, it’s like telling God “ No, I don’t care. I want to go my way .”

Unfortunately, we all have been guilty of this, but the important thing for us to do is learn from those times. The Lord teaches us, even in our times of disobedience. Let us learn to listen to God’s voice and obey the way that He leads us, and not repeat the same mistakes. Blessings comes from being obedient to God.

“ Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,

who walks in his ways !

Psalm 128:1, ESV

How to Follow God’s Way — Obeying God’s Direction

Seek the Lord’s Way Through Prayer – Are You Praying About It?

To follow God’s way, we should always seek God through prayer. God invites us to pray about all things. If we have a resistance to obey the Lord, we can talk to God about it and ask for strength to be obedient to His Will. The Lord already knows our wants, needs, and desires, even when our desires want to resist the way that God is calling us. Let us seek the Lord’s way through prayer in our decisions, callings, struggles, weaknesses, and in everything.

Find out more on how to pray .

Check All Things Against Scripture – Does it Line Up with Scripture?

The Lord’s commands are for our good and draw us closer to God, instead of away from Him. God will only lead us in the way that is supported by Scripture. God’s way doesn’t lead us to sin. If what we want doesn’t line up with the Bible, then that is a huge red flag. God gives us warnings when we are going in the wrong direction, but we are responsible for following the Lord’s leading when we know what the Lord is telling us to do. May we always choose God’s way over our way.

“ Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path .”

Psalm 119:105, ESV

The Word of God is our guide. That is why it’s crucial to regularly be in God’s Word. Let us not just listen to the Bible; let’s be doers. Like James 1:22 says, “ But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. ”

Find a Christian Mentor – Do you have godly advice?

“ Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm .”

Proverbs 13:20, ESV

Christian community is so important for all believers. A wise, godly friend or mentor can help speak truth into our life. There is much value in seeking Christian advice when we are confused about what God is telling us. A Christian mentor should seek God’s way and offer advice that is biblically sound.

“ The way of the fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice .”

Proverbs 12:15, ESV

Walk in the Way of Peace – Do You Have Peace?

“ Turn away from evil and do good;

seek peace and pursue it .”

Psalm 34:14, ESV

Following God’s way brings peace. When we don’t have peace about something, such as a decision, then it’s most likely not God’s Will. God will lead us in the way that is accompanied by peace. Peace is not to be confused with momentary pleasure or instant gratification. If we are walking in sin, then our conscience will bring the feeling of spiritual grief and discomfort. Therefore, following God’s way is following peace.

“ For ‘Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.’ ”

1 Peter 3:10-11, ESV

Trust that God Knows Best – Do You Love and Trust God?

God sees all things from an all-knowing perspective; our view is shortsighted. We can trust God with our life because He leads us to abundant life—a life in God through Christ. Surrendering our wants, desires, fears, and doubts to God are nothing compared to the sacrifice that Jesus paid for us through the cross. God’s love is so deep for us. We can trust in our loving God! To show our love and trust in God, let us follow God’s way by obeying God’s direction for our life.

We follow God because we love Him and want to do what pleases Him. God’s ways are wonderful, pure, and good. Nothing in this life can compare to the goodness of our Lord. So, when we want to go our own way, let us remember that God’s way for us is good . God's way leads us to a closer relationship with God !

“ For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. ”

Romans 8:5, ESV

“ But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh .”

Galatians 5:16, ESV

5 Successful Tips on How to Give God Acceptable Worship

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 13:00:15 GMT

Giving God acceptable worship is one of our duties as Christians.

Hello lovely souls! Today I'll be writing about a topic that's incredibly close to my heart. It's something a lot of us have yet to understand or know how to do as Christians— it's giving God an acceptable worship .

Worship means a lot of different things to every Christian, but today we will be looking into the Word of God to gain a better understanding of what worship is.

First off, as Christ-like individuals, we are called to a life of constant heartfelt worship to God every day, regardless of the situation we find ourselves in.

Giving God acceptable worship is one of our duties as Christians. However, worship is more than singing songs of admiration, adoration, and love for God, although that’s definitely a part of it. Worship is not entirely about singing in church gatherings with eyes closed, it's living fully for God.

“ I appeal to you therefore, brothers by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship .”

Romans 12:1, ESV

Let's begin.

What Does “Acceptable” Mean?

Acceptable is something worthy, decent, and sure of being received.

What Does “Worship” Mean?

Worship is the devotion or adoration accorded to God alone. Worship is a lifestyle. Also, it is a state of our heart as Christians.

What is Acceptable Worship?

Acceptable worship is giving God devotion or adoration that is worthy, decent and sure of being accepted by Him. This can only be achieved by a life that is truly yielded to our personal Savior, Lord Jesus Christ. Worship is more than singing slow melodious songs to God or praying— it's living daily for God .

The Bible provides us with numerous ways to give God acceptable worship as Christians, but for our topic, I'll be sharing 5 tips on how to give God acceptable worship.

5 Successful Tips on How to Give God Acceptable Worship

Acceptable worship is worship that is offered in the right way and from a right heart to God. This article will guide us to reverence and know how to give God acceptable worship as Christians.

1. Offer Yourself as a Living Sacrifice Daily

“ I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship .”

Romans 12:1, ESV

Understand you are a Christian:

Understanding that you’ve been called out from among sinners (2 Corinthians 6:16-17) to live a life of holiness to God that will help you consecrate your life to Him. This enables you to give God acceptable worship. Knowing your identity as a Christian is the starting point to a beautiful life of worship to God.

Communicate Clearly:

Express your love for God to Him and your need to understand how to give Him acceptable worship. He's a loving God that will always come through for anyone that genuinely wants to serve Him appropriately (Psalms 86:11).

Always be with Christ-like folks:

This will help you train your mind and heart to always meditate on God's word, it will fine tune your discussions and thought patterns (Hebrews 10:25).

2. Offer Your Worship From a Pure Heart

“ If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. ”

Psalms 66:18, KJV

Practice self-reflection:

Checking your heart by constantly using the Word of God will keep your heart clean and free from sin (Psalms 139: 23, James 1:22- 25). A heart not in check is a breeding ground for the devil and sinful thoughts.

Flee from any appearance of evil:

Do this just as literal as it seems or sounds. This will help you not to consciously fall into sin (1 Thessalonians 5:22, 2 Timothy 2:22).

3. Let Your Worship Glorify God and Not Man

“ Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. ”

Matthew 6:1, ESV

Let everything you do glorify God and not man, not even yourself. Doing this keeps pride at bay and your heart in a bent position of continuous worship to God

(1 Corinthians 10:31).

4. Worship God in Spirit and in Truth

“ God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth .”

John 4:24, KJV

Let your worship emanate from a place of gratitude, love, and, honor to God; not from a place of what you will get from Him (Colossians 3:16- 17). Worshipping in spirit and in truth helps us give God acceptable worship and equally boost our spiritual life.

Let's offer quality worship to God. God called David a man after His heart because he lived a life of constant worship to God, always acknowledging Him king, and Lord over everything. He was always giving God quality offerings of worship (2 Samuel 24:24). King Solomon also gave God a quality sacrifice of worship (1 Kings 3:4-5). Hence, let your worship cost you.

5. Offer Worship as an Act of Obedience to God

“ And Samuel said,

‘Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,

as in obeying the voice of the Lord?

Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,

and to listen than the fat of rams .’”

1 Samuel 15:22, ESV

Obedience to God is an act of worship. You cannot claim to love or worship God and not obey Him.

Conclusion| How to Give God Acceptable Worship

God accepts worship that is genuine and from a pure heart, these 5 successful tips on how to give God acceptable worship will guide you on how to get started. However, they can only come from a yielded heart filled with love, honor, and gratitude to God. Also, never restrict your worship to just church gatherings, singing of gospel songs, or praying because your life is a worship to God.

Judith Okoro

Guest Contributor

Judith is a Nigerian from the Igbo tribe who loves Jesus and wants people to know more about God through her writings. She is a graduate of Human Anatomy and Cell Biology, who's currently working as a Sales Representative. Find out more about Judith through her Instagram .

Connecting with God When Experiencing Hard Times

rjhsolutions6@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 13:01:08 GMT

What We Can Apply from the Story of Job During Hard Times

Just because we are Christians who follow the Lord, we are not exempt from hard times. The story of Job can be very encouraging for believers who are experiencing pain and heartache. We are reminded to directs our eyes on Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He endured for us. When we fix our eyes on Christ, we take our eyes off of our pain and suffering and on the sovereignty of God.

“ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal .”

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

The Story of Job

The book of Job is not an easy read. If we don’t take the time to understand the lessons, it can be a dreary and unpleasant read. It is full of extreme pain and suffering, yet it’s a great reminder to lean on the Lord during the most difficult of times. Honestly, the first time I read through it, it didn’t speak much to me, but the second time is when I begin to see how encouraging it is in the midst of hard times.

Job was a blameless and upright man who feared the Lord and turned away from evil. His life overflowed with spiritual blessings and physical blessings and the Lord covered his life with a hedge of protection. (Job 1:8-10) One day while Satan was in God’s presence, the Lord spoke of Job as His faithful servant, though Satan argued that Job would curse God to His face if Job lost all of his possessions. Then God in His sovereignty allowed Satan to test Job by taking from Job. Job was first tested with the loss of his possessions and children, then next, his health.

What We Can Apply from the Story of Job During Hard Times

Praise God in the Midst of Hard Times

After Job heard the tragic news from multiple messengers one after another, Job was filled with grief and sorrow, then fell to his knees and… worshiped . (Job 1:20) You read that right, Job worshiped . Job did not blame the Lord for his suffering, nor did he respond with sin. Job 1:22 says, “ In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.” Instead, Job turned to praising God, since the Lord was still His Sovereign God and he knew that all his blessings were from God.

God is our sovereign Father who gives and takes away. As hard as it is for our minds to understand “ why ” God allows difficult circumstances to happen in our life, God still is love and there for us throughout it all. God is good and His ways are perfect. The Lord God is in control of even the hardest times of our life. We are made to worship the Lord for who He is , not only for what He has blessed us with .

Stand on the Truths of God

Job declared the truths of God throughout his suffering. He refused to curse God, like his wife tried to convince him to do. (Job 2:9-10) God is sovereign, even in our intense pain and sufferings. Job rested in the sovereignty of God and we can rest in that same truth too. God is good. God is sovereign. God is God.

The wisdom of God is far greater than the wisdom of men. The Bible is full of truths about God and God’s constant faithfulness to His people. We are God’s children; He will never abandon us. When we rely on the wisdom of God, we take our eyes off our circumstances and start to see things from a spiritual perspective.

“ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. ”

Isaiah 55:9-10, ESV

Find Comfort from the Lord

“ The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. ”

Psalm 34:18, ESV

Job called his friends miserable comforters (Job 16:1) because of their accusations and harsh words. They thought that Job must have committed a bad sin for all this calamity to happen to him. Job knew that he did not sin against God, in reality, he continually ran to God even during the devastation. He clung to the fact that God is God. Job fixed his eyes on God, not his trials and sufferings. Like Job, let us find comfort in God, even though we don’t understand why we are in a time of grief.

Jesus can sympathize with us in our sufferings, because He faithfully endured temptations and sufferings. “ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin .” (Hebrews 4:15) We serve a Savior who not only cares about us, but who understands and relates with us—that is such a comfort!

“ He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not .”

Isaiah 53:3, ESV

Trust that God Has a Purpose

God is a good Father and even though we don’t always understand His ways, we can trust Him in all things. In trials and suffering, it can often feel as if God is not there or that He must not care about us. This is completely normal; we are not alone in this feeling. Job indicated that he felt like that too through this passage in Job 23:8-10:

“ Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold .”

Job felt like God was far, yet ultimately, he knew that God was near to him despite how he felt. He was hopeful that God would use this time of suffering for a purpose. He didn’t know the purpose, but he knew his God. For he said, “… when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold .”

Gold is refined by the extreme heat of fire, similarly, God can refine us through the trials and sufferings that we experience in this life. It says in 1 Peter 1:6-7, “ In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ .” Our sufferings and trials can bring spiritual growth and genuine faith. Our faith may be tested by the fire to bring praise, glory, and honor for Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

The story of Job ends with God restoring Job’s fortunes. In fact, God gave him double what Job had before. (Job 42:10) The latter days of Job were more blessed than his beginning. Job had more children and lived to 140 years. He was able to see four generations of his sons’ sons. What wonderful blessings the Lord brings upon those who love Him!

I believe that Job would tell us that God is worthy of praise, even in the pain and heartache. Even when we don’t understand, we can look to God and His goodness, faithfulness, trustworthiness, and sovereignty. God is for us, on our side, and with us through it all. Let us cling to the faithfulness of God in the hard times.

“ Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you .”

1 Peter 5:8-10, ESV

Meditating on Scripture through Bible Memorization

rjhsolutions6@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 13:00:05 GMT

Meditating on Scripture should lead to memorizing, just as memorization should lead to meditation. Bible memorization is a spiritual discipline to help you meditate and store God’s Word in your heart. Scripture memorization can produce spiritual growth, by strengthening your relationship with God and being transformed into the likeness of Christ.

Is Meditating on Scripture the Same Thing as Bible Memorization?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, meditate means “to focus one's thoughts on : reflect on or ponder over” and memorize means “to commit to memory : learn by heart.” While meditating on Scripture is not exactly the same thing as memorizing, it should go hand-in-hand. It is possible to memorize without meditation, and meditate without memorization, but the goal of Bible memorization should be for meditating on God’s Word, day and night.

" This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous,

and then you will have good success. "

Joshua 1:8, ESV

The spiritual discipline of Bible memorization is to commit God’s Word to memory, so that you can meditate and live by the truth. By hiding God’s Word in your heart, you can have it in your mind and heart for whenever you need it. Remember, we memorize in order to meditate and we meditate to memorize.

“ I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. ”

Psalm 119:11, ESV

“ I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways .”

Psalm 119:15, ESV

Excuses for Neglecting Scripture Memorization

Although Scripture memorization is a powerful spiritual discipline, it is often neglected and overlooked. It is called a spiritual discipline for a reason, because it takes discipline to memorize God’s Word. This spiritual discipline is for every believer, not just the Bible teachers and pastors. Yes, it requires hard work, dedication, time, and repetition, but it is achievable for anyone who is willing.

People often stop before they start. For example, here are common excuses memorize Scriptures:

“I have no time.”
“I’m bad at memorizing.”
“I don’t know what to passage to memorize.”
“I have no desire to memorize.”

Helpful Ways to Memorize Scripture

The method is only as valuable as the determination and perseverance. Everyone has a preferred learning style, so find what works for you.

Repeat the verses out loud over and over
Write the verses over and over
Write them on index cards and post them somewhere you will see them often
Listen to the verse on repeatedly through an audio Bible
Sing the Verse (Ex. Seeds Kids Worship )
Turn the Verse into a Jingle
Create motions for the verse
Say it in Sign Language
Write the first letter of each word on your hand
Say the verses to a Friend
Choose a Bible memorization app
Teach the verses to someone else
Pray the verses

Scripture memorization and meditation is personally a struggle of mine. I desire to desire it more and to instill the spiritual discipline in my children too. We CAN memorize Scripture, so that we WILL meditate on God’s Word both day and night.

Psalm 100 is a short chapter that I desire to memorize with my children. What passage are you going to memorize and meditate on?

“ Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

Worship the Lord with gladness;

come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the Lord is God.

It is he who made us, and we are his;

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving

and his courts with praise;

give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;

his faithfulness continues through all generations .”

Psalm 100:1-5, NIV (1984)

Overcome Doubt: Have Faith in God

rjhsolutions6@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 13:00:59 GMT

Have Faith in God. Overcome Doubt.

Doubt is lacking confidence in God. Our doubt in God decreases our faith. So, how can we overcome doubt in our life? Faith! Faith in God is trusting in Him. Trust in God increases our faith. Today, be encouraged to overcome doubt and have faith in God.

“ Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen .”

Hebrews 11:1, ESV

Faith in God is believing who God is and reflecting on all the wonderful things that He has done. In the faith chapter, Hebrews 11:3 says, “ By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible .”

Even what we see in God’s creation came about through what is invisible. God spoke our world into existence. Since creation, we have seen God’s power and miracles over and over again. All throughout the Bible there are stories to grow our faith in God.

Overcome Doubt | The Israelites’ Lack of Faith

God’s people, the Israelites, saws with their own eyes the miraculous power and wonders of God in the wilderness, but yet still repeatedly doubted and didn’t trust God when things got hard. To only name a few of the miraculous moments, think back to the parting of the Red Sea, water from the rock, or the manna for food. Unfortunately, because of their repetitive doubt and unbelief, they were not allowed to live to see the promised land. Their grumbling and complaining in the wilderness kept them from experiencing all the great things that God had for them in the promised land.

“ All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, ‘If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt? ’”

Numbers 14:2-3, NIV

We are no better than the Israelites, from doubting to complaining, to simply not trusting and loving God the way we should. Let us learn from the sins, doubts, complaints, and disobedience of the Israelites. They doubted God and were hopeless to the point where they thought it would be better to just die in the wilderness. They didn’t trust in the Lord’s protection and provision, even though God continually supplied for their needs, instead they spoke doubt over their circumstances. May we speak God’s faithfulness in our own lives and circumstances, and not our doubts, worries, and fears.

“ The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: ‘How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites. So tell them, “As surely as I live, declares the Lord, I will do to you the very thing I heard you say: In this wilderness your bodies will fall—every one of you twenty years old or more who was counted in the census and who has grumbled against me .”

Numbers 14:26-29, NIV

They spoke their fears and doubts and thought it would have better for them to have just died in Egypt or the wilderness, which is what ended up happening to them. Death before entering the promised land. Only their children, who were under the age of 20, were able to enter into the promised land, along with the wholehearted Caleb and Joshua too.

Overcome Doubt | What Jesus Said About Faith

Our doubts and fears take our eyes off of God and His mighty power. Jesus spoke about faith many times throughout the gospels. In Matthew 21:21-22, Jesus said to his disciples, “ ‘Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, “Be taken up and thrown into the sea,” it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.’ ”

This shows us how powerful it is to have faith in God. When we look back to the ancient stories of the Bible, we can be reassured by God’s faithfulness that is apparent again and again throughout the Bible. We can even reflect back to the times that God has been faithful in our personal lives too. If we doubt God’s faithfulness, then let us read and dwell on the stories of the Bible to encourage us.

The apostles had a time where they asked the Lord to increase their faith. Jesus responded that faith even as small as a grain of mustard seed could uproot and plant a mulberry bush in the sea. A mustard seed is small, though it is alive and growing. The amount of faith is not as important as the genuineness of our faith.

“ The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’ And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea,” and it would obey you .”

Luke 17:5-6, ESV

Remember the story where Jesus healed a woman the moment she touched the edge of his cloak. She was immediately healed by her faith. In Matthew 9:20-22 says,

“ Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, ‘If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.’ Jesus turned and saw her. ‘Take heart, daughter,’ he said, ‘your faith has healed you.’ And the woman was healed at that moment .”

We serve an all-powerful God! The solution for doubt is faith in our omnipotent God. God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and ever-present. There is nothing that He does not see or know. May our faith in God fill us, not our doubts. All things are possible with God.

“ But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. ’”

Matthew 19:26, ESV

Encouragement for When You Feel Worthless and How to Know Your Worth in God

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 13:00:05 GMT

Know Your Worth in God

Instead of speaking how amazing you are, let me show you why you are amazing.

No matter what people or your thoughts have told you, your value is more than the things of this life. God made you in His likeness; in God’s image, He created YOU . Let me show what Genesis 1:26-27 says,

“ Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them .”

The Bible shows you are made in the IMAGE of our God, who is the Creator of all things. The American Heritage® Dictionary defines Image as the “One that closely or exactly resembles another.” Or “Likeness; semblance.”

A few verses after, it says in Genesis 1:31a,

“ And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good... ”

God saw everything He created and spoke “it was very good”. You are a part of God’s creation, so you too are very good . There is nothing worthless about you. Nothing is worthless about you. The Bible continually shows your worth to God. God made you for a unique purpose; only you can walk in your purpose. The value you are to God is displayed throughout Scripture!

Need to know your worth? Read the Bible. Start with Psalm 139.

We are made in the image of God to reflect the glory of God. This does not mean we are equal to the sovereignty of God. God has no equal. Though we are to reflect God’s goodness, such as through the fruits of the Spirit.

“ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law .”

Galatians 5:22, ESV

Your self-worth is found in who made you—God, your creator—not from the things of this world. Your worth is not found in possession, achievement, status, beauty, but in Christ alone. Instead of criticizing yourself, praise God for creating you in His image and loving you even in your weaknesses. Knowing your worth helps you to love God and know God intimately, which in turn, you grow closer to God . Scripture confirms your significance and worth!

“ Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows .”

Luke 12:7, ESV

Look at the palm of your hands. Even your unique handprint is one of a kind!

God loves you so much—for while you were still a sinner, Christ died for you. (Romans 5:8) The Bible says in John 15:13 that “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” You are a friend of Christ, a child of God.

“ But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. ”

Isaiah 53:5, ESV

Remember today and always: God created you in His likeness, you are good, you are unique, and you were worth dying for! You're amazing because you serve an amazing God!

List of God's Attributes | What are the Attributes of God?

rjhsolutions6@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 19:15:00 GMT

What are the Attributes of God?

God is Eternal

God is without beginning or end; everlasting. Our Everlasting God, who is, who was, and who is to come.

“ Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable .” Isaiah 40:28, ESV

“‘ I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty .’”

Revelation 1:8, ESV

“ Who has performed and done this, calling the generations from the beginning? I, the Lord, the first, and with the last; I am he .” Isaiah 41:4, ESV

God is Faithful

God is unwavering in loyal devotion to His purposes and plans; trustworthy in all His ways.

“ Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, ” Deuteronomy 7:9, ESV

“ Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. ” Hebrews 10:23, ESV

“ God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord .” 1 Corinthians 1:9, ESV

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

1 John 1:9, ESV

“ But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. ” 1 Thessalonians 3:3, ESV

“ For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. ” Psalm 100:5, ESV

God is Good

God is righteous and pure; there is no wickedness in God. God does not sin, rather He only does good.

“ The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made .” Psalm 145:9, ESV

“ Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! ” Psalm 34:8, ESV

“ And Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone .” Luke 18:19, ESV

God is Gracious

God shows kindness and grace to us who does not deserve.

“ The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” Psalm 145:8, ESV

“ But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion on them, and he turned toward them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, nor has he cast them from his presence until now .”

2 Kings 13:23, ESV

“ Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him. ” Isaiah 30:18

God is Holy

God is divine and set apart. His holiness has no equal.

“ ‘To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?’ says the Holy One ” Isaiah 40:25, ESV

“ And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, ‘Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!’ ” Revelation 4:8, ESV

“ As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’ ” 1 Peter 1:14-16, ESV

“ Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for the Lord our God is holy! ” Psalm 99:9, ESV

God is Incomprehensible

God is well beyond our human understanding.

“ Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable .” Psalm 145:3, ESV

“ ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ ” Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV

“ Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! ” Romans 11:33, ESV

God is Immutable

God is unchanging and unchangeable. He does not change, for He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

“ God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? ” Numbers 23:19, NIV

“ Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. ” James 1:17, ESV

“ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. ” Hebrews 13:8, ESV

God is Infinite

God is immeasurable and without limit.

“ Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. ” Isaiah 40:28, ESV

“ Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. ” Psalm 147:5, ESV

God is Jealous

God expects the adoration and reverence that He rightly deserves.

“ You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments. ”

Exodus 20:4-6, ESV

“ For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. ” Deuteronomy 4:24, ESV

God is Just

God is perfectly just and stands in opposition to evil. He decrees judgement in accordance with His justice and holiness.

“ The Rock, 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

“ For I the Lord love justice; I hate robbery and wrong; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.” Isaiah 61:8, ESV

God is Love

God’s love is everlasting; steadfast and unconditional love.

“ But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. ” Ephesians 2:4-5, ESV

“ And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them .” 1 John 4:16, ESV

God is Merciful

God is compassionate and merciful to withhold the wrath that we deserve.

“ But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. ” Titus 3:4-7, ESV

“ Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV

“ Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. ” Luke 6:36, ESV

God is Omnipotent

God is all-powerful and limitless in His strength.

“ Then Job replied to the Lord: ‘I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ” Job 42:1-2, ESV

“ I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? ” Jeremiah 32:27, ESV

“ Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible .” Matthew 19:26, ESV

God is Omnipresent

God is everywhere and ubiquitous; His ever-present presence is always near us.

“ Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” Psalm 139:7-8, ESV

“The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.” Proverbs 15:3, ESV

“ ‘Am I only a God nearby,’ declares the Lord, ‘and not a God far away? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?’ declares the Lord. ‘Do not I fill heaven and earth?’ declares the Lord. ” Jeremiah 23:23-24, ESV

God is Omniscient

Our God is all-knowing and nothing is unknown to Him.

“ He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. ” Psalm 147:4, ESV

“ Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account .” Hebrews 4:13, ESV

“ If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything .” 1 John 3:20, ESV

God is Patient

Our God is persistent and long-suffering. God provides ample opportunities for people to commit to following Him.

“ The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. ” 2 Peter 3:9, ESV

“B ut you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. ”

Psalm 86:15, ESV

God is Self-Existent

God exists by His power alone; For God was not created.

“ Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. ” Psalm 90:2, ESV

“ Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. ” John 1:3-5, ESV

“ For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. ” John 5:26, ESV

God is Self-Sufficient

God sustains Himself. He does not depend on anyone or anything; Dependent on nothing.

“ ‘The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. ” Acts 17: 24-25, ESV

“ Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. ” Isaiah 40:28-31, ESV

God is Sovereign

God is in control and reigns over all things.

“ For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ” Colossians 1:16-17, ESV

“ The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters .” Psalm 24:1-2, ESV

“ Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. ”

1 Chronicles 29:11-12, ESV

God is Truthful

God is the measurement of what is fact and through Him we can discern true and false.

“ Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. ” John 3:33, ESV

“ He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind. ’” 1 Sam 15:29, ESV

“ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ”

John 14:6, ESV

God is Wise

God is the utmost source of knowledge and understanding.

“ For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. ” 1 Corinthians 1:25, ESV

“ By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew .” Proverbs 3:19-20, ESV

How Can I Start a Relationship with God?

rjhsolutions6@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 14:00:09 GMT

Steps to Start a Relationship with God

YOU are welcome here!

God has been seeking you out, so He is delighted to have you seeking Him! God’s love for you is greater than any distance that you can run. No matter what your past is, you can have a future with God. God truly loves you and desires to have a relationship with you. Are you ready to have a personal relationship with God ?

“ This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins .”

1 John 4:9-10

Steps to Have a Relationship with God and Become a Christian:

1. Acknowledge that You are a Sinner

“ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ” Romans 3:23

“ As it is written: ‘There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one .’”

Romans 3:10-12

2. Understand that Your Sins Lead to Death

“ For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord .” Romans 6:23

“ But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death .”

Revelations 21:8

3. Recognize that Jesus Paid the Cost for Your Penalty

“ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ” John 3:16

“ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ” Romans 5:8

4. Accept the Your Free Gift of Eternal Life in Christ

“ For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord .” Romans 6:23

“ Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them .” John 3:36

“ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. ” Ephesians 2:8-9

5. Believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, Your Savior

“ If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved .” Romans 10:9-10

“ for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ ” Romans 10:13

6. Live Your Life in Christ

“ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! ” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“ No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. ” 1 John 3:9

“ Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. ” Romans 8:5

Conclusion:

The only way to God is through Jesus Christ; believing in Christ’s sacrifice to cover the cost of your sins. God’s grace is a free gift to you. Talk to God through prayer:

apologize and confess your sins
ask for forgiveness and turn from your wrongdoing
thank God for sending Jesus to lay down His life for your sins
accept God into your life and ask for the Holy Spirit to guide you

“ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ” John 14:6

Christian Resources to Inspire Your Faith | Christian Living Podcasts and Inspiring YouTube Channels

rjhsolutions6@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 14:00:08 GMT

Christian Resources to Inspire Your Faith

Like the saying goes, “ You are who you surround yourself with .” This quote is referring to the people in your life, but it can also apply to influencers who you listen to or watch. Do you need to subscribe to some Christian influencers on YouTube? Does your favorites podcast have Christian values?

1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “ Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals .’” There is power in the influence of social media influencers, so be on your guard about who you subscribe to or follow. Unlike bad company, Christian company can influence you to have stronger morals and to grow closer to God .

“ As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another .”

Proverbs 27:17, ESV

Let me share with you my personal favorite Christian podcasts and Christian YouTube Channels. Each of these Christian resources have been a huge blessing and encouragement to my faith! I love them all, especially the light for Christ that they are!

Christian Living Podcasts and Inspiring YouTube Channels:

Now That We’re A Family Podcast with Elisha and Katie Voetberg

The Now That We’re A Family podcast inspires a strong, Christian family culture. Elisha and Katie Voetberg both came from big, Christian families that are rooted in family discipleship. Some may call them strict or set apart on many topics, which is what I admire greatly about them. As Christians, we are not called to be like the world, but we are set apart.

Their podcast puts the Bible first and their life reflects that. They are transparent and real in their discussions. Elisha and Katie do a great job at sharing their beliefs and faith while respecting others who may have different views. You are sure to be inspired by their love for big families, homeschooling, marriage advice, family culture, and family discipleship. If you have a desire to learn an instrument, they have a online music academy called Voetberg Music Academy . (10% off with code "INSPIREWITHIN10")

Natalie Bennett YouTube Channel

Oh I love Natalie Bennett! The Natalie Bennett YouTube Channel is so refreshing and homey. She is like a friend who you never met. She has such a sincere spirit, who loves to welcome people into her home to be a blessing to their life. Her love for the Lord is so evident in her words and how she lives her life, and she is very welcoming to people who have differing views.

The Natalie Bennett YouTube channel will give you gentle motivation to get stuff done or just sit back and relax. Her videos have a peaceful feeling about them, which I totally feel like that feeling comes from the Lord (maybe an answer to her prayers for her channel). She is a gentle reminder to have progress over perfection, while being authentic and encouraging. This channel is great for anyone who wants an inspiring internet friend, simple living, decluttering motivation, practical minimalism (or as she calls herself, a messy minimalism), and even some fun home improvements.

Daughter of Delight Podcast with Elle Cardel

Elle Cardel is the founder of Daughter of Delight, an online ministry with gospel-centered resources for everyday women of faith. Elle has a way of motivating your faith and reminding you of our constant need for Christ. She is fun, personable, and relatable. At the moment, she hasn’t been updating the podcast due to be a mama to two littles, but you should totally just start with her first episode and make your way through her whole podcast. You will be so encouraged!

The Daughter of Delight podcast will immensely bless and strengthen your walk with Christ. You are sure to love Elle’s heart for Christ just as much as I do. Check out Elle’s first and new book, She Delights: Cultivate a Life of Joy for the One Who Reigns & Sustains .

How to Faith a Life YouTube Channel

If you desire for more in your Bible studies and want to learn how to study the Bible in-depth, the How to Faith A Life YouTube channel for you! Faith calls herself a Bible Nerd. Once you see her Bible, you will believe her. You will find encouraging content on Bible study videos, Bible journaling, prayer journaling, and understanding the Bible and theology. Faith has a sincere heart in her videos and Bible studies. Her love for God’s Word will inspire you!

Is God Mad at Me? | Move Past Shame and Grow Closer to God

rjhsolutions6@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 14:00:05 GMT

Moving Past Shame to Grow Closer to God

Shame is a natural response to our guilt of sin. After committing sin, the weigh our guilt and shame can hold us down and keep us from looking up towards God. It can feel like God is mad at us, which in turn makes us feel an even greater weight of shame. It is interesting how our natural inclination after sin is to run away from the Lord, when He is the one who we should actually be running to .

How to Move Past Shame and Grow Closer to God

Don’t Hide from God

Genesis 2:25 says, “ Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame .” Before they sinned, they had no shame and were in a close relationship with God. In Genesis chapter 3, only 3 chapters into the Bible, we read that Adam and Eve felt shame for their nakedness, after eating of the forbidden fruit. Adam and Eve hide from the presence of the Lord after they sinned because they felt guilt and embarrassment for their nakedness.

Genesis 3:6-9 reads, “ When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’ ”

After hearing the sound of God walking in the garden, they were afraid, so they hid from the Lord. Just like a child who disobeys their parent may hide from their wrongdoing, we can do the same thing with God. God is omniscient, which means that He already knew that Adam and Eve had sinned before He came to them. We don’t need to hide from God when we sin, rather we need to run to God .

Application:

Though it may feel like God is mad at you, God longs to be in fellowship with you. Just like God came to Adam and Eve after they sinned, He comes to you too. God is calling for you, “Where are you?” Sin breaks that close relationship with God, but Jesus restores it.

Run to God’s Redemption

There is a way out of shame, and His name is Jesus Christ. The forbidden fruit was pleasing to the eyes of Eve and because she believed the serpent’s deceit, the consequence of their sin lead to punishment. Along with being banished from the garden of Eden and separated from God, the Father. BUT the Lord God had a plan of redemption for us, even in the midst of this all.

To cover their shame, God clothed Adam and Eve with garments of skin of a slaughtered animal in Genesis 3:21. This sacrifice is a representation of the Lamb of God—Jesus—who sacrificed His life for the atonement of the sins of God’s people. As children of God, that means that the Lord has clothed us too! There is no shame in Christ. We can rejoice and be glad that we have been redeemed and one day we will get to live in eternity with God forever—no sin, no separation, no shame, no hiding. Praise God!!!

Lord Father,

Thank you, thank you for covering us with the precious blood of Jesus! Thank you for making a way back to You, while we were still sinners. Our spirits long to be with You for eternity! May we grow to be more like Christ and grow closer to You in this life. We worship only You; we praise only You. For You alone deserve our full praise.

In Jesus’ Name

Amen

Our enemy—“ that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray ” (Revelation 12:9)—wants us to follow his evil ways. Satan wants to keep us in shame and separated from God. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to “ destroy the devil’s wor k” (1 John 3:8) by covering our sins with His perfect sacrifice on the cross. God forgave us while we were still sinners.

“ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us .”

Romans 5:8, NIV

We have redemption through Christ, in order to restore our relationship with God, the Father. Satan may throw his tricks at us now, but we stand on the truth that God defeated Satan through His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ our Savior.

Application:

As a follower of Christ, you have been covered with His sacrifice—the free gift for anybody who wants to follow. Jesus is the atonement for your sin, so that there is no longer shame. In His mercy, God provides a way to renew your fellowship with Him through Christ. It is only though God that you are made clean, as white as snow, and a new creation. Repent of your sins and shame and God covers you with the blood of Christ.

Walk in God’s Ways

The awesome thing about a relationship with God is that we don’t have to clean ourselves from our sins before we can come to God— that’s what Christ did for us —we can to come to God just as we are. We don’t need a shower to come to God; we need to go to God for a shower. The Lord leads us in the way we should go, we only need to follow Him.

God commands us to walk in the righteousness of Christ. Christ lived the perfect life, which is an example for us on how to live a pleasing life to God. Although we should always strive to follow the example of Christ, we are still human and make mistakes. Jesus covers those mistakes; Jesus paid the price for sin and shame.

Paul said in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, “ But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. ”

Christ’s grace is sufficient for us! Let us not hide our weaknesses, but rather expose them to the light. Repent from sin—turn from sin—then walk in the light of the Lord.

“ Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them .”

Ephesians 5:7-11, ESV

Application:

God covers your sins and leads in you in the way of righteousness. Be obedient to where God is leading you and what He is telling you to avoid. God is so good, and all His ways are good. Christ’s grace is sufficient for you! Expose the light to your sins, then walk in the light. God is right there with you and He loves so very much.

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

Psalm 103:8-12, NIV

Practical Things to Do When You Feel Distant from God

rjhsolutions6@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 19:27:19 GMT

What Should you Do When You Feel Distant from God?

Prayer – Take a Moment with God

Prayer is a fundamental part of our relationship with God. When our prayer life is infrequent, we can feel distant from God from a lack of seeking Him. On the other hand, when our prayer life is continual, we are seeking God through every circumstance and growing closer to Him. Jeremiah 29:13 reads,

“ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart .”

Reflection: Consider your prayer life. How is your consistency? Do you need to set a time for prayer? Or do you need to have more sincere prayers? Prayer doesn’t need to be long and extensive, but consistency is key.

Action: Take a moment with God. Tell God what is on your heart and how you want to feel closer to Him. Ask what you need to do to stop feeling distant. God can show you why you’re distant and what to do about. Take a moment to pray right now; this article can wait. The Lord is always ready to listen to your prayers!

Bible – Fill Your Mind with Scripture

Just like prayer, our time in the Bible can grow us closer to the Lord. Reading the Bible doesn’t always need to be an in-depth Bible study . Though filling our minds and hearts with God’s Word is beneficial in so many ways. Bible reading is not about checking off a box every day; It’s learning more about who God is and how to live godly lives. The Bible points to Christ and our constant need for a Savior.

“ For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart .”

Hebrews 4:12, ESV

Reflection: Are you in the Bible regularly? Do you take time to memorize Scripture? Bible reading shouldn’t feel like a strict obligation, but a regular privilege. Like your prayer life, be consistent.

Action: Set a time for you Bible reading. Memorize Scripture that will uplift and guide you for your current season. Seek out verses that remind you to draw near to the Lord. If you have never read through the whole Bible, start now (it doesn’t have to be a new year to start). You will grow closer to God and be blessed by the abundance of God’s love, faithfulness, sovereignty, and grace, and so forth that is evident in the Bible.

Worship – Sing to God from Your Heart

There is something special about praise and worship that draws us closer to the Lord. We are made to worship God. The Lord is so faithful and good to us! He deserves praise and adoration from everything that has breath in it. God is the one and only true God. When we are worshipping the Lord our God, we are directing our eyes on Him above the troubles of this world!

Like it says in Ephesians 5:19-20, be filled in spirit through,

“ speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. ”

Reflection: Are you lifting up praise to God? Do you worship God with song? Though praise comes not just through song, there is power in worshipping through music. Praise God for His sovereignty all things!

Action: Turn on worship music that you can sing from your heart. Or sing hymns from a hymnal. It can help you to feel closer to the Lord, since you are fixing your eyes on Him through praise. If you can play an instrument, worship God through melody. (Want to learn an instrument? Voetberg Music Academy has 10% off subscription with “INSPIREWITHIN10”.) God loves to hear your songs of worship, no matter if you can sing on key or not!

Slow to Anger | Inspire Within Devotion

rjhsolutions6@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 02:36:06 GMT

Inspire Within Devotion

Scripture

“ Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God .”

James 1:19-20, ESV

Encouragement

Our anger produces unrighteousness and evil. Show your appreciation to others by taking time to listen with your full attention. Learn to think before you speak, so that you can prevent hurtful words. Slow down and relax in the moments before anger starts to stir within you. Let’s take this verse to heart and meditate on it daily, so that we will be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.

Reflection

Do you struggle with taking time to listen and thinking before you speak? Are you allowing anger to take control of you? Take time to memorize this verse. Repeat in your thoughts each day and night. Keep it at the front of your mind in every conversation as a reminder to listen, think before all your words, and be slow to anger.

Quote

"Let’s take this verse to heart and meditate on it daily, so that we will be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger."

Growing in God's Word to Replace the Lies of the Enemy

rjhsolutions6@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 20:27:54 GMT

Our faithfulness to study the Bible grows us spiritually,

which equips us to stand our ground against our enemy.

One morning, an anxious thought came to me and I silently thought to myself: No, I rebuke this thought and it’s not true. It made me think about Matthew 4:1-11, when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness and how the devil used Scripture in an unsuccessful attempt to tempt the perfect Jesus. Immediately after my thought, a clear picture of a white flower weed came to my mind— out of nowhere .

Quickly, I did an online search of white flower weeds, because I had forgotten the name. The flower picture turned out to be a White Clover . As I was reading about how to get rid of white clovers in lawns, it occurred to me that the lies of the enemy are like weeds that can take root in our minds and overtake our lives if we are not spiritually growing in God’s Word. My white clover picture was a spiritually analogy!

This sentence seemed to pop from the website page: “ Clovers will grow in areas of low nitrogen and where competition from other plants is small .” The article mentioned how white clover weeds are “ typically found in lawns, especially sparse lawns where the competition from grass is weak .” Lawns that are well-fertilized help to prevent weeds, just like Scripture helps to prevent the enemy from deceiving us with lies. Our faithfulness to study the Bible grows us spiritually, which equips us to stand our ground against our enemy.

This white clover analogy is such an encouragement to grow in the truth of God’s Word, the Bible, and ultimately in our relationship with God. Sadly, we can often believe the lies of the enemy in areas that we are weak with Scripture. This is because the lies have no competition from other plants, such as the truths found in God’s Word. In other words, when God’s truth is stored in our hearts, we are able to fight the lies and temptations of the enemy.

Think of God’s Word stored in our heart as a vibrant green lawn with a beautiful garden of flowers. That well-fertilized lawn keeps the weeds away, just as Scripture keeps the lies and temptations of the enemy from overtaking us. So, by ensuring that our spiritual lawn is well-fertilized, we will not only grow vibrant grass and beautiful flowers, but we will help to prevent weeds, like white clovers and deceit from the enemy, by causing the soil to be less friendly for them to grow. Simply put, keeping our hearts full of God’s Word will grow us spiritually to protect us from the lies and temptations of the enemy.

When we recognize an area where we need to grow spiritually, let us turn to God and what His Word says about the issue. If we remain spiritually weak, we can risk the enemy planting weeds—lies—instead of us having the beautiful plants of God’s truths. When we fertilize our minds with the truths that are found in God’s Word, then we grow spiritually and closer to God. Which keeps the lies and temptations—weeds—from taking root in our minds. When our minds are fully immersed in Scripture, there is no room for lies. If we are believing a lie from the enemy, we can seek God and His Word to fertilize our minds and replace those lies with truth. May we always pull up the weeds and fertilize with God’s Word!

Natural Remedies for Eczema | Aquaphor Alternative

rjhsolutions6@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 19:41:35 GMT

Natural Remedies for Eczema that Actually Work

Need natural remedies for eczema? Looking for a natural moisturizer for you or your babies eczema? I hope that by sharing this article, your search for the perfect eczema cream is over! When my baby girl was 4-months-old, she started to have eczema. Her eczema was really bad. I have provided pictures to show just how bad it was. Poor baby girl!

A pediatrician from the Blueberry Pediatric App recommended that we use an over-the-counter Hydrocortisone 1% cream 1-2 times day to start with a gentle approach. Thankfully it helped to lessen her eczema rash and minimalize the itching, though my daughter still had the urge to scratch during the day. So I had to keep her skin moisturized and covered with long sleeves and pants all day, every day.

Before trying any of the natural remedies that helped my daughter’s eczema case, please consult your doctor to confirm if it would be a good option for your case. I’m definitely no professional, just sharing my experience. Just because something worked for my case does not mean it is the best option for everyone.

Here are some eczema tips that helped to calm and heal my daughter’s eczema:

1. Swap to all 100% cotton clothes

After my baby girl started to have an eczema rash, I decided to get rid of all of her clothes that was anything but 100% cotton. I avoided wool and synthetic fabrics, such as polyester and nylon. It was wintertime when it first flared up and my daughter was sleeping in fleece pjs which were 100% polyester. So, I was especially on the lookout for anything with polyester or the polyester lining that was on the inside of onesies and pjs with embroidery. (For example, cute Carter’s onesies and pajamas.) Even if it was only half polyester, it was still out. Also, I got rid of a crib sheet that was polyester.

I wouldn’t go as far to say that the baby clothes must be organic, though I did find these cute and affordable organic cotton dresses * that are some of my favorites for my daughter. My favorite brands for 100% cotton were actually Carter’s, Burt's Bees, and other Amazon finds. Be aware of Carter’s with embroidery and Simple Joy by Carter’s, because they can often have a blend of polyester and cotton.

2. Wash with natural, fragrance-free bar soap

Before my daughter’s eczema, she was using Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo Lightly Scented, since that soap had worked fine for my son. Though after the eczema, I made the switch to a goat milk soap that we happened to have from a local shop, then from there we started to use a fragrance-free oatmeal soap from Sappo Hill Soap .* They also sell at Sprouts and other natural food stores.

We still use the Sappo Hill Soap with my daughter to this day. I have been enjoying to lather the soap on myself as well! The natural soap from the Canadian brand, Rocky Mountain Soap Co has also been a wonderful product. There are numerous natural bar soaps on the market, just be sure to read the ingredients and opt for fragrance-free.

3. Skip anything labeled “for eczema”

My daughter’s eczema didn’t fair well with the Aveeno Eczema Therapy lotion, even though it did seem to work great for my son when he was little. When I tried Aquaphor for my daughter’s eczema, it made her eczema even worse. Her poor skin was so red and inflamed everywhere that I had put it on her. I assumed that she was a having a reaction to the petrolatum, mineral oil, or one of the ingredients, so I chose to avoid anything products with those ingredients.

From my unsuccessful venture with commercialized lotions that were designed for eczema, I came to the conclusion to not use any product that was labeled for eczema . Since they all seemed to make my daughter’s eczema worse. This will most definitely not be the case for all eczema, but just something to consider if you also experience further irritation from most eczema creams.

4. Use pure, natural ointment/cream (ingredients that you can read)

When my daughter kept getting more irritated skin from recommended eczema creams and lotion, I knew it time to find a natural moisturizer with only clean ingredients. The search for a clean lotion felt hard to come by. One day while texting a cousin with a daughter the same age as mine, I was told about the Organic Honest All-Purpose Balm .* I was very pleased to find that all the ingredients were clean when I looked up each ingredient in the Honest All-Purpose Balm.

After the success of using the Honest All-Purpose Balm for several month on my daughter’s eczema, I was so happy when I came across a NEW Honest Company product called the Honest Healing Head-to-Toe Ointment .* Out of the two Honest product, I recommend the Honest Healing Head-to-Toe Ointment without a doubt! The Honest All-Purpose Balm worked great for a calm, clean ointment to help moisturized my daughter’s skin, although my only complaint is that it would never last on the skin. I would have to reapply every diaper change.

Once I used the Honest Healing Head-to-Toe Ointment, which had a similar consistency to Aquaphor, I was pleasantly surprised with how long it would last. I called it the natural alternative to Aquaphor! After using it for a week, I could notice a complete difference in my daughter’s eczema! The final last bit of her eczema was getting better! Week by week, it seemed to resolve stubborn problem areas like her foot/ankle, until it was just on a small spot on her upper thigh.

My daughter has been free from her eczema, since shortly after filming my video about eczema! Hopefully she has grown out of it and that it is gone for good. I hope that this experience with my daughter’s eczema has been helpful for you. The only reason that I decided to share this article about eczema is to help other people find an eczema product that heals their eczema! Maybe the Honest Healing Head-to-Toe Ointment * can be a miracle product for your eczema case as well!

*This article includes affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission at no cost to you, which helps to support this website.

5 Essentials for How to Live a Good Christian Life

rjhsolutions6@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 12:43:18 GMT

5 Essentials for How to Live a Good Christian Life

As Christians, we are called to pursue the righteousness of Christ. A life submitted to Christ is how to live a good Christian life, but its more than just going to church and trying to be “ good ”. A good Christian life is about having a relationship with God. An example of a perfect Christian life is only seen in Christ Himself. The Bible is full of ways to live a good Christian life. Let’s explore 5 essentials for how to live a good Christian life.

5 Essentials for How to Live a Good Christian Life

This a general list, of course, and in absolutely no way is this an exhausted list of how to live a good Christian life . These 5 essentials are written to motivate us to live in way honoring to God and draw us closer to God.

A Good Christian Desires to Seek God Daily

When we are seeking how to live a good Christian life, it shows we are desiring to live in a way pleasing to God. Seeking God daily can be through spiritual disciplines such as prayer and worship. Since Jesus lived THE utmost perfect example of how to live a good Christian life, we must put to action what we can learn from Christ. The Bible mentions in several verses about Jesus retreating to places by himself to pray to the Father. (Mark 6:46, Luke 5:16, Luke 6:12) Like Jesus, we should spend time in prayer daily.

“ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart .”

Jeremiah 29:13, NIV

A Good Christian Maintains a Heart of Worship

Through daily seeking God, it should cultivate in us a heart of worship for God. Seeking God leads to praise and thanksgiving in our heart. We were made to worship God! Psalm 150:6 says, “ Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD .” Or look at what is stated in Psalm 95:6, “ Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker ”. The Lord Father is our Maker. Praise God for His goodness and all He had done and continues to do. Sincere worship means devotion and reverence towards the Lord.

“ Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—

the fruit of lips that openly profess his name .”

Hebrews 13:15, NIV

A Good Christian Values the Bible

Just like how we show reverence to God during praise, we should have a reverence for God’s Word. The Bible is our guide for life. Studying the Bible is important for our spiritual growth . The Bible is more than just an ancient history book of books; it’s the gospel of Christ! Scripture is the standard for our beliefs of God and how to live a good Christian life, through teaching, admonishing, correcting, and training in righteousness. God’s word must be valued as the authoritative we must live by. A good Christian knows the Bible’s authority over our lives and the value of regular Bible study.

“ But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work .”

2 Timothy 3:14-17, ESV

A Good Christian Obeys the Commands of God

Prioritizing Bible study is a wonderful spiritual discipline, but if it we don’t do what it says then what is the point. Therefore, when we study the Bible, we should apply the scriptures to our life. If we have any area of our life intentionally disobeying God, we must turn from our disobedience. Searching the Bible for relevant scriptures can help prompt us to obey God’s commands. Be doers of word of God, for the Bible says we will be blessed in what we do if we are obedient!

“ Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do .”

James 1:22-25, NIV

A Good Christian Shines the Gospel of Christ

Through obedience and drawing near to God, our life cannot help but shine the light of Christ. God’s people shine in this dark world. We are called to let our light shine before others, so we may glorify our Father in heaven. Just like Jesus stated in Matthew 5:14-16:

“ You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven .”

We are all part of the body of Christ and though one person may serve different from the next person, the same God is at work though us. A good Christian uses their spiritual gifting to shine their light to the world. We are to grow in spiritual disciplines and serve God with our talents and abilities, which can draw us near to God and can be an example to the other people in our lives as well.

“ There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. ”

1 Corinthians 12:4-6, NIV

Conclusion | How to Live a Good Christian Life

Although we continually strive to be a good Christian, we still are born into a fallen world. No matter how hard we focus on spiritual disciplines, we will have times we struggle and sin, but that is why we cling to the wonderful power of the gospel. Jesus already paid the price for our sins—in Christ, we are made a new creation. God will never leave us or forsake us as long as we remain in Him. Seeking to grow closer to God will continually lead us to learn how to live a good Christian life!

5 Successful Tips for How to Stay Focused on God

rjhsolutions6@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Sat, 08 Jun 2024 02:50:58 GMT

How to Stay Focused on God Throughout Your Day

With the distractions of life, we can find ourselves struggling to focus on God, even though we desire to keep God first in every area of life. Losing focus on God is not something we are excluded from just because we are Christians. Seasons can come and go, but the Lord can use each season to grow us closer to Him. These 5 tips for how to stay focused on God can help to you deepen your relationship with God and keep your eyes focused on Him.

5 Successful Tips for How to Stay Focused on God

1. Set Time to Spend with God Every Day

Spending time with God may seem like an obvious way to focus on God, but how many times have we not set time for God each day? In my own life, especially since becoming a mother, I have struggled with spending time with God on daily basis. Yes, I have had my long stretches of being in a good routine with my time with God, but I can get off track more than I can count. This is common for all Christians—as much as we may hate to admit it—we are guilty of not setting aside time for our Lord.

You may choose to spend time with God in the morning. When you start your day by spending time with God, it can help to give you a good mindset and keep you focused on God. Often times, the morning can feel hectic and chaotic, especially if you have little children. Though by waking up an hour earlier and putting God first at the beginning of the day, it may help to get you motivated and uplifted for the day.

" And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place,

and there he prayed ."

Mark 1:35, ESV

If you absolutely dread mornings, then no worries, you can say your morning prayer then set an optimal time for your schedule to spend with the Lord—just as long as you make time to spend with God each day. The set time isn’t as important as the time spent with God. When we focus on making God a priority, then you are putting God first in your life.

2. Remain in Prayer Continuously

To pray continuously means you are seeking and leaning on God throughout every day. Our prayer time with God shouldn’t just be at set times each day, but rather, throughout your day. When we constantly seek God though prayer, we rely on the Lord’s strength instead of our own.

" You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart ."

Jeremiah 29:13

Praying without ceasing is how we endure our daily life with its highs and lows. Your prayer time with the Lord can get you through the hardest of times and the busiest seasons. It’s easy to get distracted with our daily tasks and responsibilities. As humans, we often forget to focus on God during our day. I’m guilty of doing this in my prayer life! If you can relate, ask the Lord to help you focus on your prayer life continuously in your day.

In my personal life, I have been feeling nudged to grow my prayer life. My prayers have increased my dependence on Him to get through each day as a mother. Since I have been focusing more on God and leaning on His strength through prayer, I have been surprised to find how much more patience I have with my children. My mind has been more focused on godly discipline and teaching biblical truths. (If you have children, my biggest advice to you is PRAYER.)

3. Commit to a Bible Study

Spending time with God includes devoting time for Bible study. Taking time to read the Bible is similar to committing to a workout program. You don’t always have the motivation to start your workout each day, but after you finish it then you reap feeling great. Sometimes our Bible study can be like that. No motivation to read the Bible at the start, though once you begin reading, God can excite and encourage you with what He reveals to you.

“ For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. ”

1 Timothy 4:8

Reading your Bible can be accomplished in many ways. You can start by reading through the Bible, doing a topical study, studying a book of the Bible, listening to the Bible, joining a church Bible study group, writing scriptures, completing a Bible study/devotional, etc. Find the most exciting method to you and just start!

With a goal to focus on God, you can start with a weekly Bible study guide, such as the Fix Your Focus by Daily Grace Co . Daily Grace Co has various Bible studies and other biblical resources. You are guarantee to discover a resource that will inspire your relationship with God. Daily Grace Co is loved for their gospel-centered resources!

4. Serve God

God has gifted each of us in the body of Christ. The design of God is incredible. We’re created to use our gifts to glorify God and bless other people, but our gifts can be a fulfilling blessing in our life as well. Growing in our spiritual gifts can benefit your focus on God.

“ As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. ”

1 Peter 4:10-11, ESV

When you serve God, you are glorifying God and focusing on him. With the internet at our fingertips, you have several resources to discover your spiritual gifts if you don’t already know what they are. Encouraging other women truly energizes my spirit, which is one reason why I started this Christian website, Inspire Within. If you have a desire to encourage others, maybe you should consider starting a Christian blog too.

5. Surround Yourself with Believers

A solid Christian community can grow your faith in Christ and help you stayed focus on God. The more you surround yourself with Christ-minded people, the more you start to become Christ-minded. In other words, if you want to focus more on God, then surround yourself with people who focus on God. The Bible says in Proverbs 27:17, “ As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another .”

Here are a couple other verses about the importance of surrounding yourself with other believers:

“ Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals .’” 1 Corinthians 15:33, ESV

“ Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm .” Proverbs 13:20, ESV

Who you hang out with is just as important as and who you watch and listen to. This also applies to what you watch and listen to. Just some food for thought to help you focus more on God: What social media accounts are you following? What kind of entertainment are you filling your mind with? These things matter to our spiritual walk with God, because what we feed our minds can become what we focus on or even believe.

Several times in my life, the Lord has shown me when specific things were affecting my focus on Him—secular music, friendships, etc. These resources have been an encouragement to my relationship with God: Christian YouTube channels, podcasts, and music. Check my recommended Christian podcasts and YouTube channels to help you be inspired from them as well.

“ Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect .”

Romans 12:2, ESV

Hopefully these 5 tips for how to stay focused on God have given you some successful ways to grow in your faith! We all can be better at staying focused on God. Throughout our Christian walk, we will have times where we feel close to God and other times where we feel distant, but may we always continue to strive to grow closer to God.

3 Powerful Habits for Prioritizing God in Life and Reconnecting with God

Thu, 30 May 2024 19:52:43 GMT

Prioritizing God in Life and Reconnecting with God

Hi friend, seeking to prioritize time with God and reconnect with Him? This makes me so happy that you are here. Life is busy. As an exhausted mama, I feel ya! They say that you prioritize what you value, but sometimes in this life we can drift from even those things that we value most. Well at least I can struggle with this. Whatever the reason, what matters is that you already know the value of prioritizing time with God. Maybe you feel distant from God in this season and need to reconnect with God.

These powerful habits can help with prioritizing time with God, which are meaningful ways to connect with God and grow spiritually in your relationship with God. As you continue to read, you will receive practical ways to prioritize God in your life. The more time you spend with God, the more you will connect with God.

3 Powerful Habits for Prioritizing God in Life and Reconnecting with God

1. Prioritize Worship to Connect with God

In my own life, singing unto the Lord has been something I haven’t been doing enough, but my spirit is desiring it and is nudging me to add it to my daily routine. One of the simply ways that I have implemented this is by listening to a worship album while I drive and playing an instrumental hymns album in my home.

Have you ever experienced teary-eyed, heart-uplifted worship to the Lord? Those precious times of worshipping God are what my spirit is longing for more of, because it’s so easy to not prioritize time for worship when you have so many other things that needs your attention or distracts you. As a mom, life can be a juggling contest, but God understands where we all are at.

Prioritizing worship is more than just singing a song to the Lord, it’s about the praise and thanksgiving of your heart. Instead of taking things off of your schedule to worship God, fit worship into the agendas of your day. For example, you could listen to worship in your vehicle while picking up the kids from school or when your family is driving to a restaurant on the weekend.

Here are some practical ways to add more worship in your daily life, so that you will prioritize God in life and connect with the Lord:

Listen to your worship playlist while your drive
Play your favorite worship song over and over again
Have music on while you perform tasks (chores, cooking, working, etc.)
Break out the hymnals (my personal favorite!)
Keep the radio on quietly throughout the day
Sing songs in the shower (even if it’s just your head)
Explore new worship songs/start a new station on your music app
Make worship into a family time
Worship through instruments (Want to learn a how to play an instrument online at an affordable price? Check out Voetberg Music Academy! ) Use the code "YOUTUBE" for 10% off each month.)

“ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. ”

Colossians 3:16, ESV

2. Prioritize Prayer to Connect with God

Thinking back to my teenaged years, I remember writing on a paper “pray more” for several new year’s resolutions capsule. And guess what… every year that I wrote it, I would never make a conscientious effort to pray more. When the next new year came, I would still be struggling with prayer. My prayer life is definitely still an area that I could grow in, but I have learned so much since my teenager years.

Prayer is a gift. Our prayers are personal conversations with God. God wants to hear from you. No matter how long it has been since our last prayer, God is always ready to hear from us. The biggest thing I have learned about prayer since I was a young teenager, is that prayer is a continuous conversation.

“ Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you .”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV

Oftentimes, our prayer life is compared to a relationship with our spouse or best friend, which I believe is a great analogy. A conversation with your spouse or best friend is ongoing—yes—but doesn’t mean you are expected to talk all day long or for long hours at a time. That isn’t practical with real life. All this to say, when you’re wanting to prioritize time with God through prayer, you don’t need to feel like it has to be long hours at a time. Rather, it should a heart that is always seeking the Lord.

A continuous conversation with a spouse is this: you talk when you wake up, when you go to bed, and the mix of times in between. Throughout the day, when my husband is working, I have things that I want or need to tell my husband when he gets off from work. He does the same with me and likes to fill me in with work things and even shares conversations that he had that day. We share with each other our struggles, fears, daily experiences, and discuss current or future issues.

Marriage is not healthy without good communication, just like how our relationship with the Lord needs good communication too. God is with us for every moment that we experience in this life. We get to talk with God when we wake up, go to bed, and the mix of times in between. Prayers to the Lord are for communicating our struggles, fears, daily experiences, current or future issues, etc.

Think about your daily schedule—when are you praying most? Are there times that you feel like you need to pray more often? I personally feel like I need to give my anxious thoughts to Lord. Too many times I like to dwell and run with my fearful thoughts instead of sharing them God and trusting in Him. This is my prayer, and it can be yours too: ask God to give you a heart that is continuously dwelling on Him throughout day and having a deeper connection with God through prayer.

Want to schedule more time to pray? When is a good time to dedicate to prayer? Are you morning person, would first thing in the morning work best for you? Or maybe nighttime would suit you best. Think about, then take this time to pray. Ask God to help you plan time to pray, if you are needing a reminder throughout your day.

Here are some practical ways to add more prayer in your daily life, so that you can prioritize God in life and grow deeper in your relationship with God:

Set a timer on your phone to pray at a specific time of day
Like to journal? Write your prayers (Here is a nice prayer journal )*
Pray on lunch break everyday
Praying Scripture over your life
Choose to turn off the music while driving and pray instead
Pray during the night when you’re struggling to fall back asleep
Pray when you showering or getting ready
Pray with your spouse at night
Include prayers with your children (when they get hurt, before their bedtime, etc.) [I need to do more of this!]
Pray for people when they randomly come to your mind

3. Prioritize Reading your Bible to Connect with God

My first time to prioritize reading my Bible was when I was a young Christian teenager. I desired to read the Bible because I wanted to know the do’s and do not’s. However, with that desire, I also felt obligated, like I was pressuring myself. Those were foundational years for me; my spiritual milk season (1 Peter 2:2). I did learn a lot from that season, but I later had to learn that Bible study isn’t something that we should feel pressured to do or how it’s not merely a rule book.

Yes, we should study the Bible. And yes, the Bible is a book of God’s commands. But it is so much more than that! Bible reading should come from a desire to learn more about God and grow closer to God. Through our time with God in His Word, we can see how God perfectly orchestrated the story of redemption through the sinless life of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The value of studying the Bible is crucial for every Christian. God’s Word is a light for our paths (Psalm 119:105). Without the Bible’s inerrant authority, we would be wandering in darkness and led by our sinful desires. For the Bible says that “ All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work .” 2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV

When you prioritize time to spend with God through reading the Bible, just remember to have the right motives in your heart. Bible study should be your daily bread, not just a task to check off your to-do list. The Bible teaches the way to Christ and how Christ gives us the ability to walk in obedience to God.

Here are a few practical ways to include Bible study on a daily basis, so that you prioritize God in life and feel closer to Christ:

Listen to the Bible on audio ( Audible , Bible app)
Start a Daily Grace Co Bible Study *
Use your phone for Bible Study apps (Bible app, The Daily Grace co)
Read the Bible from front to back
Commit to one chapter a day
Pick a specific book of the Bible to study
Read through the book of Proverbs every month of the year
Do family Bible studies together
Read the Bible aloud
Implement Bible memorization (I personally need to do this one more.)

It is my prayer that these 3 powerful ways to prioritize time with God will help you grow spiritually in your walk with Christ. The more you prioritize time with God, the deeper you will connect with God. Remember, draw near to God and He will draw near to you!

*This article includes affiliate links, which means that we can receive a small commission at no cost to you, which helps us continue to supply you with godly resources.

3 Steps to Walk Away from a Sin That is Making You Feel Disconnected from God

inspirewithin.site@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Fri, 10 May 2024 01:35:16 GMT

God has not turned away from you because of your sin,

though God is actually calling you closer to Him.

The struggle of sin is real— you’re not alone —I’m here to give you hope that you can walk away from the sin that is making you feel disconnected from God. No matter what your sin is or how long you have struggled with this sin, you can reconnect with God again. Sin is crippling—it can make you feel like you’re hopeless to get out, though Jesus is your hope and made the way for you to be free from your sin. Remember: In Christ, your sins are made white as snow.

Let me take you through 3 steps to help you walk away from this sin. You may even be surprised to discover 3 reasons why you’re not as disconnected from God as you might feel!

“‘ Come now, let us settle the matter,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool .”

Isaiah 1:18, ESV

3 Steps to Walk Away from Sinning and Feeling Disconnected from God:

1. Realize Your Sin

Good news! Since you’re reading this article, you have already completed the first step by realizing that you are sinning and are disconnected from God because of your sin. Though that doesn’t take away the distance from God that you are experiencing.

Realizing your sin is a step in the process of turning from sin, but to reconnect with God you must continue to walk away from your sin. If you remain here, you will continue to remain feeling disconnected from God. You feel the pain of your sin heavily on this step and when you don’t move to the next step, you might become too hard on yourself and feel hopelessly lost.

If Jesus would have never died for your sins and the sins of the whole world, we would still be struggling for a right relationship with God. Although sin distances us from God, Jesus made the way for us to have a personal relationship with God, the Father. Praise Jesus for bridging the gap of our sin and our relationship with God !

Reason #1 why you’re not as disconnected from God as you might feel:

The Holy Spirit is leading you through your conscience by making you realize your need to turn away from this sin. Listening to the nudging feeling that you have inside of you is apart of growing closer to the Lord. God has not turned away from you because of your sin, though God is actually calling you closer to Him. Even though sin can cause us to run away from God, God doesn’t ever stop running after His Children...that includes YOU .

“ Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners,

and purify your hearts, you double-minded .”

James 4:8, ESV

2. Repent from Your Sin

For woman of faith, repentance comes pretty fast after committing and realizing your sin. In fact, it can come naturally from our remorse and desire to do what is right. Though there are times when sin becomes such a habit that we no longer feel bad for doing it. If only it was as easy as repenting to the Lord to never committing sin again. Sin will always be apart of this world, but we look forward to the world to come, eternal life.

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

1 John 1:9, ESV

Confessing your sins to God cleanses you from all unrighteousness. Once you realize your sin and sincerely repent for your wrongdoing, you will be forgiven and made as white as snow. God’s mercies are new every morning.

Reason #2 why you’re not as disconnected from God as you might feel:

God loves you so much that He provided you with salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. Before the world begin, God had a plan for you to have a personal relationship with Him. Though sin makes it feel as if you are disconnected from God, God is always with you. In fact, God is even there to comfort you.

“ The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ”

Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV

Don’t Abuse God’s Grace

Due to our sinful nature, sin is not completely avoidable in this world, though there are steps we can take to cling to what is good and not what is bad. After receiving forgiveness for your sins, it’s important to not abuse God’s grace. If your sin is a reoccurring struggle, think of what got you to the place of committing that sin. Is there something you need to give up and avoid? Something you need to stop doing or somewhere to stop going? A person that you need to stay away from? What is feeding this sin? Need to get rid of something?

God will lead you in the right direction. In Christ, you are a new creation—the old “you” has passed away. Steering clear from all things that can lead to sin is not something that can be done overnight. God works on your heart to make it more like Him—to desire what is good and hate what is evil.

Reason #3 why you’re not as disconnected from God as you might feel:

Just like when God nudged your spirit about the conviction of your sin, the Holy Spirit continues to guide you to what is right and to avoid what is evil. God is continually working on your heart throughout your life—even through this sin struggle—to make your heart more like Him.

“ If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you .”

John 14:15-17, ESV

3. Reconnect with God

Although you have felt disconnected from God, God has never moved. God has been calling for you to draw near to Him. Our God is so faithful. The Lord is near even when we feeling distant from Him. To feel closer to God, spend time with Him. You can start right now by praying to God. Thank Him for giving you a conscience to realize your sin, and for sending Jesus to save you from sin and make the way for you to know God intimately.

The best advice for how to reconnect with God is through prayer and Bible study. Prayer is communication , which is an important part of any relationship—especially for a closer relationship with God . Now, go spend this time with God. He is greatly awaiting to hear from YOU today and always !

Leaning on the Spirit for Godly Patience

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 18:29:52 GMT

God does expect us to be patient. He expects us to not act or react in a hasty manner especially in certain situations. When we react without exhibiting patience, this often has negative repercussions. God included “patience” as a fruit of the Spirit which is meant to allow us to grow and walk in the Spirit of the Lord.

“ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ”

Galatians 5:22, NIV

I’m sure we all can think about a time when we were kids and were impatient. We wanted something right away but we had to be patient. From wanting to be first in line, the first one to see something, or simply wanting our parents to leave the grocery. Of course, our parents told us to be patient. Now we all either have kids or have interacted with kids at some point. We’ve seen them become impatient and we try to calm them down. We tell them to be patient and to sit still.

This is how God wants us to be as well. God doesn’t want us to rush. He wants us to slow down while learning patience. Many of us want to rush the process. The “instant gratification” has become so popular. We can get food delivered, cars delivered, and charge our phones almost anywhere nowadays. We have gotten so used to getting what we want instantly that we often forget that sometimes patience is needed on this journey. The goal isn’t always being first. It’s about being patient and obedient to the will of God. If God is calling us to wait and to have patience, then that’s what we should do.

To be completely honest, I sometimes get a little hasty myself. I want to do things my way. I don’t want to wait on God and see what He says. I recently realized that God will slow you down when you aren’t listening to Him and refusing to be patient.

A quick story: I was at a certain place where it takes quite a while to get checked in. This was my first time going there, so I was a little anxious. By the time I had made it to the back of this establishment, I was tired and I wanted to simply rush the process. I went to have a seat and I thought to myself, that the exchange that this person and I had was a little short and quickened. That’s not the impression I want to leave at any place.

In that moment, I asked God to calm me down. I asked Him to help me change my attitude and focus on what’s important. He told me to, “be patient”. I immediately sensed a calmness come over me. I knew that God saw, felt, and heard everything I had just experienced and that I didn’t like it. A complete shift in my attitude changed the trajectory of my day. I’ve been back to that certain place and I am mindful of the people who are there. I am mindful of my interactions because we’re all in need of something and me being patient can help them get me through the process a lot faster.

“ Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ”

Romans 12:12, NIV

God wants us all to be loving, kind, and patient individuals who lead others into positivity. There are going to be times when we don’t feel like being with others and even ourselves. That is why it’s important to become acquainted with Bible verses, so that when anxiety comes in, we can push it out with the word of God. We can always take our anxious thoughts to God in prayer. God is with us. He knows what we are feeling and what we are thinking. That alone shows us that we can be patient and trust in Him.

“ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition,

with thanksgiving, present your requests to God .”

Philippians 4:6, NIV

Keshia Cunningham

Previous Monthly Contributor

Keshia is freelance writer who has been writing articles since 2022. She likes to share encouraging and motivating Christian content to help others strengthen their faith and trust in Christ. Explore her Instagram and Online Portfolio .

Read more articles by Keshia Cunningham .

Finding Peace through Christ

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 19:03:38 GMT

True peace can only be found in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To be fully at peace in the Christian walk starts with having a relationship with Jesus. Our relationship with Jesus gives us some crucial tools to have peace in this life. Incorporating hope in Jesus, hearing what He has to say, and also allowing Him to heal our brokenness can bring us peace. As we explore these three topics and how they relate to peace, may you rest in Jesus and allow Him to work in our lives to bring about true peace.

Hope in Jesus Can Bring Us Peace

First, let’s take a moment to understand the definition of Hope . It is “ a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen .” This definition gives us assurance that if we are seeking something, we should be expecting it to happen. We lean on hope that better days are coming for us. We also may lean on hope for a miracle or a great change in our lives. That hope is placed in Jesus. Giving Jesus complete control and having hope in Him to do what’s best for us also calms our racing thoughts to usher peace into minds.

“ That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God,

who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe ."

1 Timothy 4:10, NIV

Hearing Jesus Speak to Us Can Bring Peace

Secondly, peace can be found by simply hearing what Jesus is telling us. One of the ways we can hear what Jesus is saying to us is through prayer. He doesn’t use harshness when reacting to our prayers. Jesus hears us and shows us that He is truth and life. Not only do we have the opportunity to have an open conversation, but we have the honor of hearing what we need to have peace. The beauty of Jesus and walking Him, is that He doesn't leave us hanging. He gives the answers we need which will always lead us to peace of mind.

“ As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built .”

Luke 6:47-48, NIV

True Healing Can Bring Us Peace

And lastly, in order to have peace in our lives, we must work on healing. Jesus gives the tools we need to heal. We must allow Him to help us work through our concerns. Healing allows us to have clear space in our minds, in order to think of all of the good things that Jesus has done for us. To be free from the trauma of the past, overthinking, and clutter, can bring us peace. Letting go of all the negative experiences brings us great, profound peace and hope. It all begins with taking the first step of letting Jesus have control over our lives to move toward peace. True healing is found in Jesus!

“ You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you .”

Isaiah 26:3, NIV

In conclusion, these are a few ways that we can find peace in Jesus Christ. When it seems like all hope is lost, it can be found in Him. Peace isn’t something that any of us can borrow or buy. It can only be obtained through faith and also hope through Jesus. Surrendering to Jesus’ plans for our lives will always bring us peace. The peace that truly surpasses all understanding. May you open your heart and let Him fill it with an immense amount of peace.

Keshia Cunningham

Previous Monthly Contributor

Read more articles by Keshia Cunningham .

7 Effective Tips for Studying a Book of the Bible

inspirewithin.site@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 21:36:47 GMT

Starting a study on a book of the Bible is an excellent way to increase your knowledge of the Word of God. Focusing on a specific book of the Bible will help you dig that much deeper into observation, interpretation, and application of God’s Word. These study tips are for those who desire to grow more in the exegesis of the Bible. So, if you’re ready, then let’s begin…

7 Tips for Studying a Book of the Bible :

1. Begin Study Time with Prayer

Just like with most things in life, prayer is always a good place to start. Prayer opens your study time to success by putting your focus on your relationship with God and asking God to help you understand what you read. Your prayer does not need to be lengthy; it can be as long or quick as you want.

2. Review Context of the Book

To review the context of a book of the Bible, find out who wrote it, who it was written to, why it was written. Consider things like the historical and cultural background. You can view where the book takes place on the biblical timeline to give you an overall picture. A Study Bible is a great resource that will include a lot of this information.

3. Read the Entire Book

Once you have a better understanding of the historical background, it is time to read through the whole book. During your first time reading through it, you can do a quick read and don’t have to put much emphasis on interpretation. Consider the general theme. Your focus should be to get the big picture of the book to help you complete the next steps.

After you read the book, you can reread it to begin interpretation by reflecting on the context and what the passage says. Reading Scripture repetitively is one of the best ways to study the Bible. Rereading a book multiple times improves your understanding and helps catch things that you missed during the first read. Some people like this approach, but it’s not the preferred method for everyone. Repetitive reading is entirely up to you. If you prefer to read through slowly the first time, then go with that method.

4. Write Observations and Questions

While you read, take note of what you observe and any questions that come to mind. Write things that stick out to you or that you found interesting. Note things that you don’t understand and look up words that you don’t know. It is convenient to have a dictionary and Bible dictionary available for you to look up words. A Bible dictionary is interesting to look through and can lead you to other verses in the Bible that use the same word and help you interpret a verse/passage.

Other things to write down are themes found throughout the passage. You can list things such as commands and references to God. Anything that stands out to you or that you feel is worth writing down.

5. Paraphrase or Summarize

When you paraphrase or summarize a verse or passage it helps you to comprehend and retain it, because you are writing it in your own words. You can give the book a quick paragraph summary. Or paraphrase a specific passage or verse. By slowing down to paraphrase you can deepen your understanding.

6. Look for God’s Character in the Passage

Review any notes of God’s character that you observed. If you didn’t note any, quickly go back through to make sure that you didn’t overlook any reference to God’s character. Write down all that you have learned about God. Take time to pause and praise God for who He is.

7. Prayerfully Think about the Application of the Passage

Take a moment to think about the application of your study. List out the applications of the passage. At the end of your study time, ask God to show you what you should take from this passage and how to apply it to your life. An example of the application can be a command to obey, a sin to confess, an attitude to reflect, a an perspective for a circumstance, or a reminder to trust God.

Hope these study suggestions inspire you to study a book of the Bible and help you deepen your study of God’s Word. Choose a book of the Bible that you would like to start studying and commit to reading it. Remember to pray throughout your study time. God will open your eyes to amazing things through your commitment and time in His Word!

Remaining Joyful in Uncertain Times

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 02:02:42 GMT

There is a distinct difference between happy and being joyful. Being happy usually involves something that is acquired from outside of you. Being joyful is usually associated with feeling excitement on the inside.

The feeling of joy isn’t necessarily dependent on what’s going on around you, but rather what’s going on inside of you. Joy will always bring you peace because being happy is often short-lived. Being joyful, especially as a Christian living in this world, can at times be challenging.

These days it’s important to not become weary but to be joyful. We shouldn’t focus our attention on the negative aspects of life. We can’t sit in the things that are going on around us. We must focus on the good things in life that bring us great joy. It’s some of the simple things that can bring us joy. Waking up to another day that the Lord has made, thanking the Lord for that cup of coffee, and spending time with our loved ones that the Lord has blessed us with can bring us joy.

Joy is Found in the Lord

Joy is found in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The One who shed his blood for our soul brings me great joy. Whenever I find myself feeling unhappy and in need of joy, I turn to the Word of God. I’m reminded of a timely Bible verse in the book of Psalms that often soothes my worries and anxieties. It’s an encouraging message from David to be glad, rejoice in the Lord and praise God. This is such an encouraging Bible verse because no matter what things may appear to be, we can always give glory to God in all circumstances.

“ Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart! ”

Psalm 32:11, NIV

Joy is Found in Serving Others

If we ever lack the feeling of being joyful, we can take the emphasis off of ourselves to serve others. This not only brings comfort to the person you’re helping but this will also bring joy into your heart. You’re doing the work of God just by helping bring light into their life. The love and light you gave them will spread onto someone else. Being a cheerful giver pleases God and brings hope to the world.

“ The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed .”

Proverbs 11:25, NIV

Joy is Found in Every Season

Every moment in our life may not be happy moments, however, that doesn’t mean that we can’t find the simple joys in everyday living. During our times of despair, it may seem difficult to seek out joy. When we’re sad or brokenhearted, we can still find comfort in knowing that Jesus is with us always. We weren’t created to be hopeless but to be hopeful and joyful. In Romans, there is a very familiar Bible verse that echoes great encouragement to set our eyes on hope, to rejoice, and pray. This leads us to being joyful. I can’t stress enough how imperative it is to seek The One who gives us all that we need and more. If you ever lack joy in your life, seek Jesus.

“ Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer ."

Romans 12:12, NIV

Keshia Cunningham

Previous Monthly Contributor

Read more articles by Keshia Cunningham .

Hearing the Voice of God | Is it God's Voice or Just Your Thoughts?

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 21:53:00 GMT

Have you ever thought about how much God talks to us throughout the day? If you’re like me, you at times probably don’t know if God really said that or was it just your imagination. Hearing God’s voice isn’t meant to be an exhausting task. It can be very confusing at times to decipher between the voice of God and your own thoughts. So how do you know when and if God is talking to you?

How to Know if God is Speaking to You?

The truth is God speaks to us more often than we realize. If we ever want to know if God is speaking to us, we must first spend time with Him. Spending time with God and meditating on His Word is a sure way to hear God’s voice. Everything that we need can be found in the Word of God. We must take out time to intentionally hear what God has to say to us or show us. This means showing up completely open, with undivided attention, and focused on only hearing God.

“ My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me .”

John 10:27, NIV

God Can Speak to You Through Other People

Another way that God can speak to you is through other people. There may come times when you’re speaking to someone and they give you the exact words you were thinking to confirm what God has been telling you.

A personal story of mine that I recently had:

A man, a total stranger to me, started a conversation with me about the state of this world. As we began to talk, our conversation led to Jesus and how many in this world do not know Him yet. We know that Jesus is sure to return soon. Toward the end of our conversation. He said, “The believers know what’s to come and that is why we do not panic.” I was practically in a state of shock and on the verge of tears because this is what I had been hearing for weeks. I knew then that had to have been God speaking through this man.

“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message,

and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”

Romans 10:17, NIV

God Can Speak Through Dreams and Visions

God can also speak to us through dreams and visions. Sometimes a dream you have isn’t just a dream. Sometimes that vision that you had during the day when you’re alone isn’t just a fantasy. It could be the answer to what you’ve been asking God to reveal to you. It’s no coincidence that it showed up the way it did, just in the right time.

God Can Speak Through Life Circumstances

God can use our everyday life circumstances to speak to us. God can change our everyday routine to show us what we’ve been needing to see. It can be the simplest thing that shifts our focus to help us see and pay attention to what God is saying to us. Life circumstances and challenges often push us closer to God. These situations aren’t meant to break us, but to help mature and grow us into the person God has called us to be. A change may be necessary for us to focus more on God and not our life’s circumstances.

If you’re ever unsure about hearing the voice of God, always refer back to His Word—The Bible—and continually engage with God in prayer.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV

Keshia Cunningham

Previous Monthly Contributor

Read more articles by Keshia Cunningham .

Good Steward of Time | Inspire Within Devotion

inspirewithin.site@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 21:04:08 GMT

Inspire Within Devotion

Scripture

“ Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom .”

Psalm 90:12, NIV

Encouragement

Our days in this world are numbered, so we should use our time intentionally and wisely. This verse is a prayer of Moses and we should consider making this our prayer as well. Managing our time is hard, we have to balance so many different things. It’s easy to lose track of time, procrastinate, waste time, and even put pressure on ourselves to do too much. Praying to God about stewarding our time well can help to give us wisdom on how to make the most of the time that we are given each day.

Reflection

Are you stewarding your time well? Consider if you need to be more intentional, or maybe you need to set aside time for rest. Take a minute to pray and ask God to help you to manage your time wisely and to treat time as a gift.

Quote

"Our days in this world are numbered, so we should use our time intentionally and wisely."

Recommended Resource

The Daily Grace Planner can help you intentionally use your time to glorify the Lord. This planner not only will help to plan and organize your daily schedule but your personal, physical, and spiritual, goals as well. Check it out HERE !*

*This article includes affiliate links, which means if you purchase a product through a link, we may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps to keep our website free and provide you with godly and gospel-centered resources.

What is the Greatest Commandment? | Loving God Above Everything Else

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 01:57:08 GMT

Jesus said to Love God and Love Others, but what else?

Today, I want to share with you what the Lord has shown me about the greatest commandment. The greatest commandment is a popular scripture from the Bible. One you may have heard countless times, but did you catch the most important part? If you are like me, you might have missed it.

Let’s go to Mark 12:28-31 (NIV) to see what it reads:

“ One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these .”

“‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one ,’” is the first quoted part of the greatest commandment. I overlooked the fact that before the command to love God and love others, it is first recorded that the Lord is ONE . God deserves to be loved above all other things because He is God.

1. One God

Jesus’ response was 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' This command goes back to Moses in Deuteronomy chapter 6, which is the chapter after Moses received the Ten Commandments. The first rule of the ten commandments is “You shall have no other gods before me.” (Deuteronomy 5:7, NIV) There is One God, so any gods other than the One God is a false god.

God is above all things. Nothing can be greater than Him. People tend to imagine an idol as worshiping a carved image. However, it goes much deeper than that. A god can be any person or thing that takes the place of God. The list of gods is not limited to a solid list, but a few examples of a god can be money, fame, a spouse, drugs, prideful self, and the list is endless.

The Lord is the only one who deserves the highest place in our lives. Everyone is guilty of putting something or someone above the Lord at some point in their life. We can get so caught up in this life that we forget who this life is all about. The Lord! God understands that we are human. The Spirit has a way of graciously speaking conviction in our lives when we need it. When there is something before the Lord in our life, we just need to confess to Him and put Him back in the place where He deserves.

This Bible study does an excellent job at graciously bring light on the areas that we struggle with idolatry and what we should when we realize we’ve been putting things above our God. The More Than Anything | Loving God Above Everything Else Bible Study * will...

Explain the idolatry seen in Scripture
Bring light to the ways we continue to struggle with idolatry
Help fix your eyes on eternal things instead of temporary things
Lead you to find true fulfillment in God
Encourage you to examine your heart to turn from idols of any kind
Show you why God is the ONLY source of peace and joy and how it is eternal and unchanging

2. Love God

Our Lord is one, who deserves all adoration, praise, and LOVE. To love with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength mean that you are loving with all that you have physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. With every piece of your heart, part of your soul, thought in your mind, and each ounce of your strength. We are to strive to love the Lord more and more each day.

How do we love the Lord with a love like that? Putting the Lord first [before all things] is love. It is a daily process. Similar to when people get married, they continue to show love to their spouse daily. Just because they fall in love and get married doesn’t mean they stop striving to grow more in love with each other. Loving is a choice and an action. We love through our time, gifts, words, actions, and thoughts.

Like any relationship, we have times where we make mistakes, don’t put Him first, or slack in showing love. God looks at the heart and understands. Unlike earthly relationships, our relationship with God will never hurt us, make a mistake, forsake us, or mistreat us. The Lord is the only relationship that can fulfill our every need. He continues to fill us with His Love, which makes our love for Him grow even more.

3. Love Others

Being filled with the Love of God can also help us extend love to others. The love we receive from the Father can be shown to the people we encounter. The life of Jesus is a perfect example to follow: He truly loved God and He truly loved others. “‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’” is what Jesus labeled the second commandment.

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12, NIV

A great reminder for loving others is the golden rule: Treat others as you would like others to treat you. When we treat others like we want to be treated, we are loving sincerely from the heart. Loving others is thinking about their needs above ours. Being selfless is a great quality to love others.

“ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others .” Philippians 2:3-4

The Lord wants us to treat others the way that He treats us. He treats us with love, value, and compassion. God is merciful, gracious, and forgiving. We ought to treat others with in same way!

“ Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you .” Ephesians 4:32

Get closer to God through this daily devotion .

*This article includes affiliate links, which means that we can receive a small commission at no cost to you, which helps us continue to supply you with godly resources.

Faith and Trust in God’s Plan

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 20:49:44 GMT

Even as Christians walking on this journey with Christ, there will be some hard times. It may seem like they will never end. One thing after the other comes up. This happens, and that has to be done, and you have so much on your mind that you may forget what needs to be done next. The hard times add up and it seems almost impossible to get through them.

You may start to wonder, where is God? How can this be the plan He has for me?

It is so good to know that God is never too far away from us. He has heard every prayer and seen every tear that has fallen. Our relationship with God is personal that He knows exactly what we need before we even ask Him. God’s plan is not to hurt or harm us. We can put our full faith in God and trust that this is going to work out for our good. He will show up in every area of our life. So, we don’t have to wake up worrying how we’re going to get through it. We can rest in knowing God already has the answer.

Bible Stories that are an Example of Faith and Trust in God

Trust in God's Plan

Let’s take a minute to reflect on the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who was also unsure of God's plan. An angel appears to her and tells her that she will have a child. Mary was scared. She was unsure of what may happen, but she trusted God’s plan. Her trust is seen in her response to the angel: “‘ I am the Lord’s servant ,’ Mary answered. ‘ May your word to me be fulfilled .’” (Luke 1:38) She went on to give birth to a son named Jesus. This son would become a man, then a King and Savior of the whole world!

“ And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end .”

Luke 1:30-33, ESV

This story not only displays an act of courage, but also an act of faith. Mary had faith and trust in God's plan which led to the Son of the Most High, who would bring salvation to all of God's people. Her yes made it possible for us to be saved.

Faith in the Power of God

There is much to learn from the story of the woman with the issue of blood. Her faith in Jesus healed her.

“ And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased .”

Luke 8:43-44, ESV

Although nameless, this woman has made a great impact on Christians. She was brave enough to step out of the crowd and touch the hem of Jesus' garment. She knew that there was healing power in Jesus. That is bold, unshakable faith. Imagine our "yes" being that powerful. Our yes could open the door for many other people.

The journey of walking in God's plan may be scary and hard, but the journey walked won't be alone. God is with us until the end. He will guide us and comfort us. He will strengthen us and protect on the journey. It will end up being worth it.

Whenever we are in doubt, we can always rely on these Bible stories to help us have faith and trust in God's plan. Walking in God's plan doesn't always feel good or look good. But good always come out of the plans of God. It doesn't matter what circumstances or situations are before us, God's plan will always prevail over our lives.

Keshia Cunningham

Previous Monthly Contributor

Read more articles by Keshia Cunningham .

Comments:

Regina Bermudez

JANUARY 30, 2024 at 9:00 AM

I just happened to scroll by this and saw the title of the article. When I started to read I couldn't help but feel like I needed to hear this. Thank you so much I really needed to be reminded of God's plan.

Don’t Listen to Your Heart | Inspire Within Devotion

inspirewithin.site@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 20:49:02 GMT

Inspire Within Devotion

Scripture

“ The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? ”

Jeremiah 17:9, ESV

Encouragement

Be cautious of the saying, “Listen to your heart.” Scripture says that the heart is deceitful above all things. Since the fall of man, our hearts have been inclined to sin—it’s in our sinful nature. Listening to our sinful hearts often leads us to sin, but thanks be to the grace of God.

For don’t be despaired, God has provided a cure for our desperately sick hearts. The cure is God—Himself. Our hearts can be cleansed from sin because of God’s perfect plan of redemption to send us a Savior. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our sick hearts are made NEW (2 Corinthians 5:17) and He given us a Helper, the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-31), to be our guide.

Reflection

Examine your heart. Is your heart following what you want or following the Lord. The Holy Spirit gives guidance, wisdom, and conviction for those times that temptation is strong. Listen to the Spirit, not your heart. Let us make God’s Word our guide in all things!

Quote

"Our hearts can be cleansed from sin because of God’s perfect plan of redemption to send us a Savior."

Laugh at the Days to Come | Inspire Within Devotion

inspirewithin.site@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 18:23:13 GMT

Inspire Within Devotion

Scripture

“ She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come .”

Proverbs 31:25, NIV

Encouragement

The word “ clothed ” means to be “ covered with .” We are to be covered with strength and dignity, but not from our own weak strength and unworthy dignity. But rather from the strength and dignity found in Jesus. Our strength comes from the Lord and it is through Christ that you are called worthy. With Christ covering us, we can laugh at the days come. In other words, we can get through any season of life, whether it is joyful, sad, good, or bad. Jesus is with you throughout all to give you His strength and dignity.

Reflection

Are clinging to Jesus in this season? Seek Him and ask for His Strength and His dignity to cover you in the time of your life. With Christ, you can laugh at the days to come!

Quote

"Our strength comes from the Lord and it is through Christ that you are called worthy."

Recommended Resource

Do you struggle with your worth? This recently released Bible study by the Daily Grace Co is focused on embracing your identity in Christ. You are sure to be encouraged by this Bible study! Check it out here: Worthy Bible Study *

11 Encouraging Bible Verses about Trusting God and Not Worrying

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 02:03:20 GMT

Trust God More and Worry Less

To not worry we need to learn how to trust God more. We all have our own set of worries. It is normal to worry, but God doesn’t want us to be filled with worry. God wants us to be filled with Him. Worrying doesn’t help fix our problems. Only God can do that! When we trust God with our worries, we are learning how to be filled with Him and not filled with worry.
In our relationship with God , trusting is a constant process. We don’t just decide to trust God and never worry again. Worries are going to come, but it is what we do with our worries that matters. Trusting God is the continual practice of reminding ourselves that we must trust God when a worry comes our way. Trusting God makes worry disappear!

11 Encouraging Bible Verses about Trusting God and Not Worrying

Need to Worry Less? | 6 Bible Verses to Not Worry:

1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)—

“ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you .”

Matthew 6:25-27 (NIV)—

“ Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life ?

Matthew 6:33-34 (NIV)—

“ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own .”

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)—

“ 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 .”

Psalm 55:22 (NIV)—

“ Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken .”

Psalm 56:3 (NIV)—

“ When I am afraid, I put my trust in you .”

Need to Trust God More? | 5 Bible verses about trusting God:

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV)—

“ But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit .”

Psalm 118:8 (NIV)—

“ It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans .”

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)—

“ Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight .”

Psalm 37:5-6 (NIV)—

“ Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun .”

Isaiah 26:3-4 (NIV)—

“ You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal .”

Bible Study for Anxiety

Some of the best ways to fight worry and anxiety is through God's Word and prayer. This Bible study about anxiety was really encouraging to me and I think it would worth looking into. You can find it at Amazon: Anxiety Bible Study .*

*This article includes affiliate links, which means that we can receive a small commission at no cost to you, which helps us continue to supply you with godly resources.

Encouragement to Trust and Call on Jesus

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 11:00:00 GMT

There are times when we’ve all said to ourselves, “ who can I call to help me pull through this? ” Sure we have relatives, friends, and even co-workers who are willing to help us. But there are many times when we just don’t want to bother them or some things are so personal that we don’t want to share it with anyone. It's a blessing to know that we can always rely on Jesus. The One who came to save us is also the One who will listen to us in our dear times of need. Jesus is always available to hear us talk to Him.

“ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ”

1 Peter 5:7, NIV

With social media and so many other interferences in life that occur from day to day, some of us may find it hard to seek Jesus. With work, school, businesses, and home duties, life can be pretty hectic. However, that is no excuse to not talk to Jesus. When we make time to talk to Him and share with Him what it may be that’s causing us distress, Jesus is sure to make all things right. We must learn to talk to Him, be patient, and let Him handle the rest.

Without Jesus in my life, I’m sure that I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Throughout the years I’ve grown—and to be honest, I’m still growing—I know that I can literally call on Jesus at any time of the day, even on sleepless nights. It took me a long time to realize this fact. I wasn’t always close to Jesus, at least not as close as I wanted to be. It’s amazing how Jesus knows everything we need even before we ask. He’s just waiting to see if we trust Him.

It’s imperative to develop a relationship with Jesus. Many believers of Christ have been walking with Him for a long time. They can attest to His unfailing love and constant reassurance. We all grow more into Christ overtime. It’s the beautiful fact that we are never too old to get to know Him. We’re never too far behind in developing a relationship with Jesus. And some may wonder, “ where do I start? ” Well, that’s the pretty easy part. You start by accepting Jesus as your personal savior. Jesus died for your sins, so that you may be saved.

“ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us .”

Romans 5:8, NIV

Jesus doesn’t change. He is the same today, tomorrow, as well as yesterday. When we are in need, we can totally rely on Him. That includes all aspects of life. We don’t have to be shy when we approach Jesus. He wants it all. The good, the bad, the ugly, lay it all at His feet. I want to encourage you to keep trusting in Jesus because His words are true. His promises are real.

When we think about where we could have ended up or where we can be, it’s only because of the goodness of Jesus. It’s only because He loves us. It’s important to keep that connection between you and Him strong. There’s no doubt in my mind that Jesus wants the best for us all. He’s rooting for us all to win. He is our biggest supporter. We must continue to be faithful servants. We must continue to point others toward Jesus. It’s a great thing to do the work of the Lord and to be obedient to His call.

In closing, I want to remind you that Jesus is powerful. His power has the ability to change lives. May we never forget on our best days, we still need Him. And on our worst day, He is there with us. May we all continue to trust and call on Jesus.

Keshia Cunningham

Previous Monthly Contributor

Read more articles by Keshia Cunningham .

Spiritual Attack? You're Not Alone in the Battle, Sis.

inspirewithin.site@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 21:10:33 GMT

Spiritual Attacks are Strong, But Our God is Stronger.

Today, I would like to share with you something that I wrote one night several years ago on February 12, 2018:

Spiritual Attack | The “Shocking” Battle

Last night I went for a typical run at my gym, but the Lord turned it into a phenomenal, learning experience. I was wearing some new workout shoes that always seem to cause static electricity when I touch metal or even the plastic covering on the handle of the treadmill. The static would make my earbuds crackle from the electricity, which I assume was caused by my rubber soles. It was such a bother every time I got shocked and it made me feel powerless to the problem. I would either have to accept it or give in to cutting my workout short. Other times, my popping earbuds would make me stop listening to my music, which is a big motivation during my runs. A thought came to my mind to attempt to solve the problem. I felt like facing the shock by grabbing the handlebar to see if it would remove all the electricity. I thought it was crazy, but what did I have to lose? To my surprise, it worked! I didn’t have the static electricity after I embraced the handlebar.

Instantly, I had an analogy from God. He showed me how the shocks are like the enemy. The enemy shocks us by telling us lies about who we are, and deceiving us in many ways. Attacks from the enemy are a bother. The attacks bring us down and can hurt us, which makes us feel powerless and like we should give up. The wonderful news is that we do have the power, the authority in Christ, to fight back and stop the shocks, the dreadful attacks from the enemy. We have the Word of God to declare and speak over us. There is so much power in God's Word and in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior.

As I continued to run, there were times the shocks begin to start back up, but I knew the solution to the problem. I would grab the handle and feel a couple shocks, but then immediately there would be no shocks once again. The power I felt made me feel unstoppable, not to mention, gave me extra motivation to push through my run. We have that same power against the enemy. All we have to do is embrace the fact that we are getting attacked; to not be afraid to fight back against the shock. Just like how the shocks occasionally occurred throughout the rest of my workout, the enemy will be persistent to attack us throughout our life. We just need to know the truth and speak it out. We DO have power through Christ. We are unstoppable!

The story does not end there… I woke up several times tonight throughout a two-hour period of time. It was like a restless feeling of tossing and turning. Before I went to bed, I posted a brief video about the analogy that God showed me earlier tonight. I kept thinking about it nonstop when I would wake up. It was an uneasy feeling, like I did something wrong by posting about what God had shared with me. Although I strongly felt that I needed to make that video after finishing my run.

At around 12:30AM, I decided to get up to get lotion because my feet were feeling dry. My apartment didn’t have a 100% peaceful feeling once I got up, or even when I got back into my bed. It wasn’t extremely scary or anything, but a very subtle feeling that made me want to pray. As I was praying, it was as if God told me to “ be still and listen ”, so I obeyed and listened for His Voice. Immediately after I paused and listened, I heard in an alert tone, “ you are surround .” I had a vision of my bed being surrounded by evil spirits. It all made perfect sense as to why I was feeling restless and having negative thoughts about my video. Without hesitation, I spoke Jesus Christ’s name out loud and begin to pray to Him. I casted out the enemy and told him who I am. In other words, I grabbed onto the handlebar and faced the shock. I declared the Word, I praised the Lord, and I fought back. I stomped on the devil. Through Christ, I won the battle!

“ Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you .”

James 4:7, NIV

These two experiences opened my eyes to how we are certainly in a spiritual battle of good and evil. I love when the Lord speaks to me in ways like tonight. I have decided to start writing about my personal experiences, so that I can always remember them and have document of how serious the battle is. I know the Lord has put it on my heart to write about everything He showed me tonight. My friend, be encouraged that we serve a God who speaks and is with us always and forever more. He fights our battles. He makes us victorious.

“ For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory .” Deuteronomy 20:4, NIV

The Lord has proven this to me. The Bible is the truth. The Word is our weapon against the schemes of the enemy. You can fight the shock with Christ!

“ For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitude of the heart .”

Hebrews 4:12, NIV

I hope this was an encouragement to you and that remember your authority in Christ. God has given you everything to fight against the schemes of the enemy... you just have to stand firm. Like it says in Ephesians 6:10-11,

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God,

so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

The Lord gives us the Armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-18 for a reason. Want to grow deeper in your understanding of what it means to put on the full armor of God? Daily Grace Co has their Armor of God Bible Study * that will bless you spiritually and help you...

Understand the Armor of God
Know what it means to put on the Armor of God
Have a clearer understanding of spiritual warfare and your role in it
Cling to Christ and rely on His strength
Persevere in the face of temptation
Fight sin in your life with practical tools

If that is something that speaks to your spirit, you can check out the Armor of God Bible Study: HERE .*

Christ is your victory in every battle. Be blessed, Sis!

Three Ways That Our God is a Sanctuary for Us

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 11:00:01 GMT

How is God a Sanctuary for Us?

In the middle of Ezekiel’s writings about God’s judgment of the Israelites, I found this touching promise.

“ Thus saith the Lord God; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come .”

Ezekiel 11:16, KJV

We might think of a sanctuary as a big, beautiful cathedral with soaring ceilings and stained glass windows. Or maybe it’s a warm, welcoming sanctuary with soft lighting and comfortable chairs. Yet what a blessed thought it is that, as Christians, God is our sanctuary!

But what does that mean? Here are three practical ways that God is our sanctuary.

1. God is Our Refuge.

“ God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble .”

Psalm 46:1, KJV

A refuge is a place of safety and shelter. Often, in a physical sense, our homes are that for us. It’s somewhere we can go to retreat from the pressures of the world.

Spiritually, God is exactly that for us. When trouble comes, we can run to Him and find shelter.

No matter what difficulty enters our lives, we can take every issue to Him in prayer. Looking into His Word gives us encouragement and wisdom to move forward. God’s Holy Spirit gives us comfort during those hard times.

2. God is Our Protector.

“ Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings… ”

Psalm 17:7-8, KJV

God watches over us and protects us. Whether we have a physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual adversary, God is greater. He can defend us against any enemy and keep us safe.

Because we know that God loves us, we can trust Him to take care of us and to meet our needs. Anything that comes up against us is only what He allows to happen. How amazing that we have an all-powerful God to stand guard over us!

3. God is Our Peace.

“ Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid .”

John 14:27, KJV

What a gift it is to have peace! When all around us things are crazy or chaotic or when life is doing its best to get us down, we can have the peace of God.

The first route to peace is by accepting Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. Trusting His death on the cross and believing in His resurrection from the dead gives us peace that our eternity is secure and we have a home in Heaven.

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us that another way to have peace is by taking all our concerns to God in prayer. He promises that, as we do that, He will give us peace that’s beyond understanding.

When trials come and your faith is tested, know that God is a sanctuary for you. Look to Him as a place of refuge, trust His protection, and dwell in His peace.

Are you using the Bible as your ultimate guide in your life? Does your life reflect the light of Christ?

Daily Quote

"Obeying God’s commands leads us safely and keeps us on right path."

The Goodness of God is Above All Things

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 20:48:22 GMT

Our God is so good. He is full of nothing but GOOD. There is not an ounce of darkness in Him. For that fact alone, He deserves our praise. Today, I was listening to one of my favorite worship songs, King of My Heart , which has two lines that always speaks to my spirit. “You are good. You’re good. Oh-oh. You are good.” And “You’re never gonna let me down.” There is a comfort in knowing that our God is good . He will never let us down, because He is good to us. The more we remind our spirit of the Lord’s goodness, the more we trust that He will not let us down, even in the hard times.

Saying that God is never going to let us down does not mean that there will not be challenges that come our way. In spite of the hardships, we have our relationship with God and He will get us through our hardships the more we seek Him. It is through our time with Him that there is actually hope to get through the hard times. We must look to Him as the all-knowing God that He IS. Trusting God among the chaos is way easier said than done, but if we can gather up the faintest amount of trust it will get us ahead of our life trials.

In order to trust God, it goes back to the goodness of God . If we, above all else, cling to the fact (yes, fact, not how we feel ) that God is surely good, then we can confidently trust in God. R egardless of the unfortunate situation we are in, He can be trusted to not let you down, because you know that ultimately, He is good and will be good to you. Since, God is good!

For in Christ, you find strength! The Daily Grace Co has a perfect Bible study to keep your focused on God and His goodness.

Fighting with Faith - Daily Grace Co. Bible Study :

*As an affiliate, we earn a small percentage of each purchase you make through these links, in order to continue supplying you with godly resources.

Check out our article— God Will Sustain You Through All Seasons — for more encouragement!

What is the ACTS Prayer? Understanding How to Pray Using ACTS Prayers

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 12:30:02 GMT

An important thing to understand about prayer is that there is no one way to pray. Prayer is a personal conversation between you and God the Father. The ACTS prayer method covers key elements to help guide us in our conversation with God. Even as a Christian, prayer can feel intimidating, or maybe even sometimes boring (if we’re willing to admit it). Unfortunately, we can become guilty of underestimating the power and importance of prayer. Before we discuss the ACTS prayer method, let us understand why we should pray.

Using the ACTS Prayer – Why Pray?

Simply because God commands us to pray. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV), we are told to “ pray without ceasing ”. Jesus’ life on earth reveals how we should live our lives. We are to follow the example of Jesus and one way we do this is by praying to God the Father. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 7:7-8 (ESV), “ Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. ”

The Bible mentions numerous times in the Gospels where Jesus devotes Himself to prayer. At Gethsemane, Jesus prayed three times feeling distressed and troubled before Judas betrayed Him, which lead to His crucifixion on the cross for the redemption of our sins. Here are some instances of Jesus praying:

“And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray .”

Matthew 14:23a, ESV

“ It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God .”

Luke 6:12, ESV

“ In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there .”

Mark 1:35, ESV

We pray to God because He IS sovereign. Prayer is powerful because our God is powerful. The gift of prayer is widely devalued and unappreciated. However, prayer is most certainly a gift! At any time of the day, we are privileged to be able to talk with the Creator of the universe . God, who spoke the earth into existence and formed us in our mother’s womb, is only a prayer away. (The One who made YOU is a prayer away!)

Model Prayer from Jesus – The Lord’s Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer is found in the book of Matthew and Luke: Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4. The passage in Matthew 6:9-13 is a little longer than the Lord’s Prayer stated in Luke. It is great prayer model for us.

Model prayer:

“ Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil .”

Matthew 6:9-13, ESV

For a deeper understanding of the Lord's Prayer, this theologically rich Bible study by Daily Grace Co teaches the foundations of the Lord's Prayer. It includes why to pray, how to pray, and how to have a meaningful prayer life. The Lord's Prayer Bible Study * is packed fulled of biblical knowledge that will help you grow closer to God and improve your personal communication with Him. For more info, you can find the Bible study at Amazon: HERE .*

What is the ACTS Prayer Model?

The ACTS Prayer Method uses the acronym A.C.T.S as an outline to remind us of significant elements to include in our prayer life. The method is somewhat based on the Lord’s prayer. In the ACTS acronym, the letters are presented as the following:

“A” is Adoration
“C” is Confession
“T” is Thanksgiving
“S” is Supplication

A CTS Prayer Method – Adoration

When we pray to God, we should worship Him. Adoring Him for being GOD. The "A" in ACTS prayer is a great way to begin our prayers: Adoration. When we pray with adoration, it means we are declaring the glory of God's majesty and beauty of who He is. Expressing to God His many attributes. Proclaiming how magnificent He is.

By show God our adoration, we are putting God above ourselves and our problems. Lifting His Name high. Worshiping God for His wonderful and miraculous ways. Praising God for who He is, what He has done, and what He can do!

Psalm 150 is a whole chapter in the Bible dedicated to praising God. Let us praise God in the good times and the bad (yikes!), as hard as it might feel. In the bad times, our flesh never feels like praising God, but as much of a struggle that it is, adoring God for His goodness is what gets us through those times. (To the one who is in a bad season: God is your comforter, provider, redeemer, and sustainer now and forevermore!)

“ Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! ”

Psalm 150:1-6, ESV

A C TS Prayer Method – Confession

Confession is admitting and repenting of our sins, which is the "C" in ACTS prayer. 1 John 1:9 says, “ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ” Our guilt and shame must not keep us from repentance and asking God for His grace and mercy.

God send Jesus to die for all of our sins. God is not surprised by our sins and nothing about our lives is hidden from Him. God wants to lead us away from sin because when sin is unaddressed it will continually lead us further away from Him. We should cry out to God with a repentant heart, by asking for forgiveness of our mistakes and turning away from our sins.

Repentance is a vital part of our confession. The gift of God’s Grace is not a license to sin. Paul wrote in Romans 6:15 (ESV), “ What then? Are we to sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means! ” On the other hand, we are not perfect and will make mistakes. Unfortunately, we will sin, though thank the Lord for His wonderful and abounding grace.

“ Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy .”

Proverbs 28:13, ESV

AC T S Prayer Method – Thanksgiving

The "T" in ACTS prayer is Thankgiving. Thanksgiving is dwelling on the blessings that God gives us. Life circumstances can sometimes keep us from noticing our blessings, especially in the lows of this life. God’s blessings are all around us, but we must be in the habit of acknowledging His blessings and sincerely thanking Him. Let us daily thank our God for all of our many blessings. Even in the hardest of times, there is a blessing to be grateful for.

We can thank God for His righteousness, holiness, goodness, forgiveness… (Wow, the list goes on!) Our lives are surrounded by God’s blessings. Let us take notice of the blessings that God has lavished us with and continually give Him thanksgiving.

“ Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! ”

1 Chronicles 16:34, ESV

ACT S Prayer Method – Supplication

The "S" in ACTS prayer is Supplication. Our God is a good Father who loves to give us good gifts. We can approach God with our requests and petitions. Supplication means asking God for a want or a need. Philippians 4:6 (ESV) says, “ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ”

This is a great Scripture explaining how God gives us good gifts and that His way is best for us…

“ Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! "

Matthew 7:9-11, ESV

God gives us the freedom to ask for things, but we should ask according to His Will. Trusting in the truth that God’s way is best is crucial to remember. We are free to tell God our wants and desires, but let us keep in mind that God doesn’t always answer our prayers in the way that we want. We can continually look to God for our provision and protection.

“ And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. ”

1 John 5:14-15, ESV

ACTS Prayer Conclusion

Our prayers are an important part of growing in our relationship with God, alongside our Bible study. Let us not overthink or overcomplicate our conversation with the Lord our God. May we seek God constantly while regularly implementing Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication in our prayers. God hears us, cares for us, and loves to hear from us!

*As an affiliate, we earn a small percentage of each purchase you make through these links

to continue supplying you with godly resources.

7 Ways to Complete Your Bible Study | Tips for Finishing that Bible Study You Started but Never Finished

inspirewithin.site@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 20:14:36 GMT

Are you struggling to finish that Bible study that

you started at the beginning of the year? Do you rarely make it through any devotional or Bible study that you were so excited to start?

Life is busy—we can all relate with that! Your career is working you overtime, a sick child kept you awake all night, or simply you simply lost the motivation… whatever the reason, you’re not alone. It’s easy to start a Bible study, then next thing you know you haven’t touched that Bible Study in months. If you’re ready to get back to that Bible Study, we are going to share with you 7 tips to help you complete your Bible Study.

7 Tips to Help You Complete Your Bible Study:

1. Ask God to Give you a Lasting Desire to Study the Bible

As you know, prayer is powerful. Because our God is powerful. When you ask God to give you a strong desire to study the Bible, He can certainly answer that prayer! God looks at your heart and He sees your whole life down to every second of your daily schedule. So, give yourself grace! Pray that God will give you a lasting desire to study the Bible. Ask if He could remind you to regularly be in His Word. God loves when you spend time with Him. Through your time in God’s Word, He shows and teaches you more and more about who He is. Time with God deepens your relationship with Him!

2. Analyze your Daily Schedule

What does your schedule look like every day? Where can you fit in your Bible study time? Consider what went wrong the last time you may have not finished a Bible study. Maybe you didn’t set aside time for the Bible study, or the time set aside didn’t work out well for you. If night didn’t work, you could try to choose a time earlier in the day. Or vice versa. Would lunch break, children’s naptime, getting to work a few minutes earlier work better for you? Whether morning or night, find the best time for your personal schedule for your Bible study and determine your worst times too.

3. Choose to Have Off Days for Your Bible Study

Most Bible studies are created to do on a daily basis, but they don’t have to be completed that way! You can choose how often you want to work on your Bible study. Want weekends off? GO for it! Would rather commit to every other day? Great plan! Ultimately, you get to decide when you want to schedule you Bible study time—and that doesn’t have to be every day.

4. Use a Planner to Determine a Finishing Date

If you’re not already a believer in planners, there is just something about having your days scheduled in a daily planner. Once you have decided on a best time for you and what days you want to work on your Bible study, it’s time to set the Bible study “appointments” in your planner. Scheduling time will make you more likely to commit to your goal of completing your Bible study. You can do it!

Plan out your entire Bible study to know when your finishing date will be. Even if you miss a couple of days, you can try to catch up on your off days or finish a few days late. Remember, there is no pressure. A planner is great way to keep you on track and motivated!

Ooh, need a planner? These pretty daily planners * are perfect for mapping out your days and your Bible study time too.

5. Seek a Bible Study Buddy or Accountability

Many people have trouble getting things alone. If you struggle to stay motivated, accountability can tremendously help to keep you focused on your goal! Ask a close friend or family member if they could hold you accountable. You know that good friend who would be honored to help ya stick to it! You could even ask them if they want to join, too! Hey, you could even make it a Bible study group! The main point is to have accountability to complete your Bible study, whatever that looks like for you.

6. Set a Timer to Keep Focused During Bible Study

If you can only fit in a few minutes a day, don’t feel like you have to skip. Set a timer for whatever time you have… 15 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes. 5 minutes of Bible reading is better than no time. Commit to a time then set the timer. You will feel more accomplished than if you did nothing at all. Also, don’t feel like you need to rush. The purpose is to keep you focused. Turning off your phone notifications can also be a wonderful way to not get sidetracked during Bible study time.

7. Share What You are Learning from Your Bible Study

What you learn from a Bible study can often be exciting. You could study a topic over and over again and still learn something new. God can share with you an aha moment. Sharing what you learn can help you retain it and also show you how truly valuable your time in the Bible is. So, reach out to your bestie or mentor friend and share about God has shown you through time in your Bible study.

Consistency is key to completing your Bible Study

Starting Bible study is great, but finishing your Bible study is even more great. Consistency can be a struggle. Though like they say, consistency is key! How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. So, set your start date again and get to biting through your Bible study. With consistency, you will finally able to look back and say: “I did it. I completed my Bible Study!” May you enjoy your time in the Bible and feel closer to God through what you learn!

*This article includes affiliate links, which means that we can receive a small commission at no cost to you, which helps us continue to supply you with godly resources.

Read Through the Bible in a Year | Eden to Eternity Chronological Bible Study by Daily Grace Co

inspirewithin.site@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 16:56:53 GMT

Read the Bible with the Eden to Eternity Bible Study

Reading through the Bible is a great accomplishment! There are many Christians who have never read through the entire Bible (myself included!), so if you have never read through the Bible then you are not alone. Are you wanting to read through the whole Bible? Do you want to read the Bible in a year, but can never make it through any yearly Bible plans? Keep reading to find out more about the Eden to Eternity Bible study, which goes through the whole Bible in chronological order and makes it possible to read the Bible in a year in just about 20 minutes a day.

4 Tips to Read Through the Bible in a Year:

1. Start By Making it a Goal

If you don’t make it a goal to read through the Bible, it will never happen. Therefore, reading through the Bible in a year, or simply reading through the whole Bible in any amount of time, must first start by having a goal. The fact that you are reading this article shows that you are probably either interested in reading through the Bible or want to make it a goal. So, congrats on taking the first step!

I personally have been trying to read the Bible straight through, but it is taking way longer than I expected (almost 4 years to get over halfway through). While there is nothing wrong with taking several years to read through the Bible, it seems best for me to have a better plan to help guide myself. This brings me to my next tip that I’m following to make it through the Bible…

2. Use a Bible Study as a Guide

Instead of using a standard reading plan, I have opted for using a Bible study to guide me through the Bible. This chronological Bible study from Daily Grace Co makes me excited! The Eden to Eternity Chronological Bible Study is such as wonderful study to lead you through the entire Bible in 365 days. There are not many Bible studies that I know about that go through each passage of Scripture like this one from Daily Grace Co.

Eden to Eternity is a 4-volume chronological Bible Study that truly highlights the story of Scripture in the order that it happened. In just a few weeks of doing this Bible study, I have seen God’s plan of redemption and Jesus Christ revealed. God’s Word is a big story and Christ is seen throughout Scripture. So far, it has been so eye-opening to me, and feels like I’m experiencing God’s Word in a way that I never have before.

Each day includes a passage of the Bible to read (usually 3-4 chapters) and a summary of that Scripture. After reading the daily passage, the daily summary explains what you just read to help give you a biblical perspective and a better understanding of Scripture. Following the summary, you are given three questions to reflect on and write down your thoughts.

The Eden to Eternity Bible Study has exceeded my expectations, which I have only read through the book of Job and almost all of Genesis! Find out more about the Eden to Eternity Chronological Bible Study .

3. Find Accountability

It can be challenging to read through the whole Bible, especially by yourself. An accountability partner may be just the motivation you need to make through the Bible, plus things are just better when someone else joins you. Finding accountability is beneficial, even if you don’t feel like you need accountability it is still nice to have someone to share and discuss what the Lord shows you through your time in His Word.

It is easy to start a Bible Study, but not as easy to finish a Bible study. That is true for most things—anyone can start something. It is the finish line that most people struggle with. Many times, I have started Bible studies and Bible readings, only to toss them aside and never think about them again. This is why I recommend finding accountability.

My accountability partner for the Eden to Eternity Bible Study is my big sister. It can be anyone though. Your close friend, your spouse, your parent, your sibling, etc. Who is the first person that comes to mind when you think about spiritual accountability?

4. Don’t Give Up

Reading through the Bible will require time, commitment, and determination. But you CAN do it!! Just like how anyone can start, anyone can finish too. Just gotta keep with it. Even if you miss a day, week, or month, you just can pick up where you left off. Give yourself grace!

Reading through the Bible doesn’t have to be completed in a year. If it takes you longer than a year, don't beat yourself up, or don't give up just because you've missed weeks. You’re going to have days that you miss and you just got to pick yourself up and do it the next day. Or do it the next time you can and just keep it up.

That is another great thing about the Eden to Eternity chronological Bible study, it is created with the option to read the Bible in 365 days, but it can be used in any way that you prefer. My sister and I have committed to doing it 4 times a week, instead of every day. Our goal isn’t to read the Bible in a year, but rather, to make it through the whole Bible. That way it is more realistic and less intimidating. We know that there will be days that we need to catch up, and there have already been times when we needed those catch-up days.

It doesn't matter if you read through the Bible in a year or more than a year, the only thing that matters is if you make it through. You can do it! Let me know if you are reading through the Bible for the first time by commenting down below.

Knowing God | How to Have a Relationship with God

inspirewithin.site@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 21:50:58 GMT

A relationship with God begins with the curiosity or desire to know more about God. Are you curious about God? Do you wonder what it means to have a relationship with God? Then you are at the right place at the right time. Having a relationship with God starts with what you are in the middle of doing right now. You are looking to God at this moment because you are seeking to know Him more.

God knows every person at an incredibly personal level. When we are desiring God and seeking to truly know God more, we are following the leading of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. God desires that every person will know Him in a personal way and follow His plan for their life. We are all sinners in need of a Savior. Salvation is found in a relationship with God.

Maybe you have been in church your whole life, but never really felt a personal connection to God. Or you could be someone who has no past experience with God other than using His Name in vain. No matter the past, God has brought you here to grow you closer to Him. And that is a beautiful thing! Praise God!

What Does it Mean to Know God and Love God?

You can know God but not KNOW Him. Knowing God in a personal way is having a relationship with God. The more you know who God is, the more you love Him. You may know a lot of things about God though not truly KNOW Him. Having all the knowledge about God will not get you through the hard times. What gets you through the hard times is having God in your life to lean on and give you strength. That is truly knowing God. But what exactly does a relationship with God look like?

What is a Personal Relationship with Jesus?

A personal relationship with God can be comparable to your relationship with a close friend, though it’s way better than that! Like earthly relationships, a relationship with God involves love, trust, and commitment. God is perfect, unlike humans, God’s love is everlasting, God’s trust is unbreakable, and God’s commitment is eternal. God is God, for that alone He deserves all the praise and glory!

“For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”

Psalm 100:5, ESV

In close friendships, you know the other person very well and they know you. Well God knows you intimately, for He even created every little and big detail about you. Most importantly, God created you to have a relationship with Him. Since God created you to be in a relationship with Him, that means it is your top purpose in this life. That is why when we are lacking God in our life, life feels dull or even meaningless.

The great news is that you can have a personal relationship with God right now. It doesn’t have to be some supernatural moment to begin having a relationship with God. So, regardless of your background with church and Christianity, the lacking you feel about God doesn’t have to remain that way. The myth that only "spiritual" people, like pastors and church leaders, can achieve a personal relationship is nothing but a myth. God wants to know YOU intimately and for you to KNOW Him!

How to Have a Relationship with God ?

To begin a relationship with God is as simple as asking Him into your heart to guide you and confessing that you are a sinner in need of Christ’s salvation. The Bible says that God sent His only son to be the Savior of the world in John 3:16. Jesus Christ is our perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. Without Christ, we would be lost and unable to attain a relationship with our perfect heavenly Father God. Christ living His perfect life as a sacrifice for our every sin allows us to have a relationship with our perfect God.

“ For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life .”

Romans 5:6-10, ESV

You are so loved by God! Do you love God too? Do you accept or have you accepted Jesus into your heart? If you desire to have a relationship with God, take this moment to ask God into your heart. It doesn’t have to be overcomplicated. Simply, in your own words, tell God that you want a relationship with Him. Confess your sins and your need for Him. For you who has just accepted Jesus Christ into your heart: Congratulations on your new life and relationship with God! God will continue to guide you on the path that you should go. Most importantly, a relationship with God means that you have eternal life in Him. Continue reading for some ways to grow closer to God.

3 Ways to Grow in Your Relationship with God:

1. Pray to God

Just like any relationship, communication is key! Prayer is your personal conversation with God. How would you grow a relationship with a friend? Yes, from communicating and spending time with each other. It is the same thing with God. Making time for God in those moments of free time help to grow you closer to Him. The most important thing you can do to grow closer to God is to pray to Him daily. Want to know more about how to pray, check out this article: ACTS Prayer Method .

Prayer is not an obligation, but a privilege. You are allowed to talk with the sovereign God who created the whole world and YOU. Make time to pray. Pick a time (or a few times) of the day to commit to praying for a few minutes. Prayer doesn’t have to take a lot of time. Pray regularly and continually. The more you pray, the more it will become a natural habit.

“ Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV

God loves to hear from you! There are also times that He wants to tell something to your spirit, so don’t be surprised if you feel like sitting in silence to hear Him. God speaks to His children in different ways.

2. Read the Bible

The Bible is God’s Word, written by man, but inspired by God. God’s Word is inerrant and authoritative. Through reading the Bible, you learn more about God’s character and sovereignty. God’s Word is a guide for you too. It will teach, correct, reproof, and train you in righteousness. So, you want to know the way to live your life? The Bible will reveal that to you. God can speak to you through His Word.

“ All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work .”

2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV

It’s important to apply what God’s Word says to your life. A relationship with God leads to a new, changed life. The more you grow closer to God, the more you will want to live by God’s commands and do what His Word says. Obedience to God and His Word is not an easy process but God will bless you so much as you walk on the path that He has for you. Interested in learning about God’s Word and how to study what it says. Read our Bible Basics: What is the Inductive Bible Study Method ?

3. Find a Christian Community

Just as praying and reading the Bible are important elements of your relationship with God, a Christian community has utmost value as well. Surrounding yourself with a community of like-minded believers is a great way to deepen your relationship with God. A church home is a place of growth and fellowship. Think of it as your support system, especially if you don’t already have any friends in your life who are Christians.

We need fellowship and community, so we need each other and relationship with like-minded people. You are not called to do life alone. Visit churches to find one that feels like family to you. Start attending a Bible study to get a close circle of friends that learn and grow together.

Here are some things to look for in a church:

Faithfully teaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ through sound doctrine.
Sermons that point you to Christ and not to yourself.
A pastor with a love for God and His Word without being self-centered.
Wholehearted prayers that do not force or declare God to grant things.
A system of accountability in the church leadership.
Good stewards of money with no focus on material gain.

The Bible says in Proverbs 27:17 (ESV), “ Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another .” Surround yourself with friends who will sharpen your relationship with God, not people who will tear it down. God has a great community in store for you. Pray that God will lead you to the right church to help you grow closer to Him and form relationships with other Christians.

Congratulations on taking the first step in your relationship with God! God loves and cares about you so much. No matter your past, God has great things in store for life as you walk in a relationship with Him. If you are interested, you can continue learning some ways to grow as a new believer through our article: 5 Steps for a New Believer in Christ .

Bible Study Basics: What is the Inductive Bible Study Method?

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 21:02:09 GMT

What is the Bible?

The Bible is God’s Word. God is the author of the Bible. Scripture says it is inspired by God; in the ESV translation it says “breathed out by God”. “ All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work .” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV) There is power in the Word of God! The Bible brings heart and life transformation by changing us from the inside out.

God’s Word is authoritative, sufficient, infallible, inerrant, and eternal. God’s Word is the authority on truth; nothing is higher than the Truth of His Word. Sufficient means that it is the ultimate guide for our life. God’s Word is dependable and unfailing. Inerrant means that it is without error. Everything in the Bible is true. It is eternal because the Word of God lasts forever.

“ The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever .”

Isaiah 40:8, ESV

Why is Bible Study Important?

In the Bible, we discover the character of God, our salvation through Christ, and how we should live. We learn about who God is when we study the Bible. The Bible is not about us, it is about God. It is our guide and brings us to grace and salvation.

The Bible tells us that there is ONE God, who is revealed in Three Persons of the Trinity. The Trinity consists of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The Three Persons of God are seen in Matthew 3:16-17, where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.

“ And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son , with whom I am well pleased.’ ” Matthew 3:16-17, ESV

Books of the Bible

The Bible tells 1 big story of redemption through a collection of 66 books, which are divided into two parts: the Old Testament and New Testament. God used around 40 people to write His inspired Word.

Literary Genres

The books of the Bible are organized into literary genres:

Law
Pentateuch (first 5 books): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
History
Historical Books: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther
Poetry
Wisdom Literature: Job, Psalm, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon
Prophets
Major Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Proverbs, Ezekiel, Daniel
Minor Prophets: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi
Gospels & History
Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
History: Act
Epistles
Letters: Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude
Prophecy
Revelation

The Old Testament

The books of the Old Testament are Genesis to Malachi. There are a total of 39 books in the Old Testament. Old Testament books were originally written in Hebrew and Aramaic. They cover the time between God’s creation of the universe until the time before the birth of Jesus. The literary genres included in the Old Testament are Law, History, Poetry, and Prophets.

The New Testament

The books of the New Testament are Matthew to Revelation. There are a total of 27 books in the New Testament. New Testament books were originally written in Greek. They cover the birth and life of Jesus to the letters of Paul and the book of Revelation. The literary genres included in the New Testament are Gospels, History (book of Acts), Epistles, and Prophecy (book of Revelation).

What is the Inductive Bible Study Method?

Inductive Bible Study is used a study guide. The inductive method splits your study of the Bible into three stages. We will cover each stage in three steps: Observation, Interpretation, Application. The method of Inductive Bible Study takes appropriate steps to search for the intended meaning of Scripture by understanding the context. Context is everything. To understand the context, we must discover what the context meant to the original audience.

The term “inductive” refers to reasoning. It strives to understand a specific passage of Scripture by using actual Scripture. Scripture is the best interpreter of Scripture. The term “deductive” allows fixed ideas and views to influence our interpretation of Scripture. The intended meaning of a passage of Scripture shows us truths of who God is. Truths about God remain true for everyone, no matter the circumstance, culture, and era.

Regardless of the type of Bible study method you are completing, it is valuable to begin your time in God’s Word with prayer. It sets your heart and mind on the Lord. Pray that God will open your heart to His Word and show you what He wants you to know. Ask for His wisdom to understand what you are reading and to help answer any unanswered questions you may have while studying the His Word. Allow God’s Truth to change your heart where it needs to. So that you will not only hear God’s Word, but do what it says to do.

Biblical Literacy

Biblical literacy is important. Many passages of God’s Word have been used out of context. This should not be. Which is one of the many reasons that it is important to let Scripture interpret Scripture. It is easy to think that only church pastors, Bible majors, and Bible teachers should study the Bible, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Everyone should study the Bible. To avoid biblical illiteracy, it is important to carefully and prayerfully use biblical exegesis.

Method of Exegesis

Never heard of exegesis? Exegesis is the process of interpreting and applying God’s Word to your life. The word sounds daunting, though the definition is simply the interpretation of Scripture. Dictionary.com defined EXEGESIS (ek-si-jee-sis) as “critical explanation or interpretation of a text or portion of a text, especially of the Bible”. Studying the Bible through exegesis goes through steps to interpret the original meaning of a passage and how it was intended to be interpreted by the original audience.

So, what are the steps to studying the Bible through exegesis? The inductive bible study method is the use of exegesis. The steps may appear overwhelming at first, but as you apply this to your regular study of the Bible, it gets easier. The important thing to remember is to not rush through the process. There is no reason to rush through exegesis. Exegesis takes time and that is alright. So, remind yourself that there is no pressure or time limit against you!

1. Inductive Bible Study: Observation – Ask specific questions

What Does the Passage Say?

The inductive study starts with observation. The observation step of the inductive Bible study method observes Scripture by asking appropriate questions related to the historical context of the passage. The purpose behind this is to comprehend what the original context was saying to the original audience. This step isn’t about interpreting the meaning and applying it to your life. It is to ensure you have the general flow of thought and historical background.

For literacy context, it is key to read the whole book you are studying instead of select Bible verses. In other words, if you want to understand one or two specific verses, read the entire book where those verse are located. Aside from Proverbs and Psalms, due to their genre, the books of the Bible were meant to be read as a whole flow of thought. Taking the time to slow down to ponder the foundations of the book will give you more understanding to any select verse within the book.

Here are some questions to view and ask about the book as a whole:

What is the historical background?
What is the genre?
Who is the author of the book?
Who was it written to?
When was it written?
What is the general context?
What was the purpose of the book?

Once you have read the entire book, read it again. Yes, you read that correctly. Repetition is a form of learning. You did this learning method in school and the same can be applied to studying the Bible. This method is effective for retaining knowledge and perceiving something you missed. Repetitive reading is a form of meditation of God’s Word, which can store it in your heart. The way of the righteous delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night. (Psalm 1:2, ESV)

“ I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. ”

Psalm 119:11, ESV

To dive in deeper, making notes verse by verse will help you discover key themes and elements. You may prefer to highlight, write, and mark in your Bible. Some themes and elements to note are key words and phrases, commands to obey, spiritual truths, truths about God’s character, lists, comparisons, and questions.

2. Inductive Bible Study: Interpretation – Analyze the meaning

What Does the Passage Mean?

The interpretation step of the inductive Bible study method goes deeper into the questions of the passage from the observation phase. After taking the time to understand the historical context and basic line of thought, you are ready to take on the harder questions that you may have. Now that you know what the passage says, you can move on to what it means—the interpretation of Scripture.

When interpreting a passage, one of the main objectives should be to discover how that portion of Scripture fits into the bigger story of God’s Word—Redemption through Jesus Christ. All of God’s Word points to Jesus Christ and God’s story of redemption for mankind.

A good place to start is with cross-references. Let the Bible speak for itself. Cross-references bring you to the same topic found in other sections of the Bible and the source of quotations. Study Bibles have many cross-references to help you gain a better understanding of God’s Word as a whole.

If you have another Bible translation, you can read the passage in a different translation. Since the Bible was translated to English from Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, there is no perfect translation of the Bible other than the original manuscript. It can be helpful to compare translations through Bible apps like YouVersion or Bible Gateway. Choose Word for Word Translations and Thought for Thought Translations instead of Paraphrases (The Message) when interpreting Scripture.

Here are some steps for the interpretation phase:

Read the cross-references in your Bible
Read other Bible translations (Word for Word and Thought for Thought Translations)
Use Biblical resources ( Bible dictionary *, Bible concordance *, and Study notes in a Study Bible)
Write your thoughts and questions in a notebook
Summarize the passage in your own words
As a last option, read trustworthy and reliable commentaries if needed.

3. Inductive Bible Study: Application – Apply the Scripture to life

What is the Truth to Apply to My Life?

The application step of the inductive Bible study method takes all the information from the observation and interpretation steps to know how to apply the Scripture to your life. Consider the truths you have discovered through your study, is there something in your life that needs to change? Ask yourself, “How can you apply this passage of Scripture to your life?” We must not only be a hearer of God’s Word, but we are to be doers.

“ But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing .”

James 1:22-25, ESV

Scripture says to be “a doer who acts” when hearing God’s Word. The application step is for collecting the truths that you have learned and applying them to your life through action. In the application step of the inductive Bible study method, there are many things to consider.

God’s Word reveals truths about who He is, His attributes, and His character. Scripture can show you attitudes to imitate, action to initiate, principles to apply, and sins to turn from. It can call you to obedience and prompt you to pray. The more you read the Bible, the more you discover your need for the salvation of our Lord Jesus.

Everybody has been born into a sinful nature and falls short of God’s commands. The Bible says, “ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus ,” Romans 3:23-24, ESV

Learning about who God is should change the way you think and how you live your life. In the application step of the inductive Bible study method, consider what you have learned to allow it to transform your heart. List out the truths that God’s Word reveals to you and walk in those truths. May we all be doers of the Word of God!

If you are interested in an in-depth resource for intentional Bible study, the Search the Word Collection by Daily Grace Co. * is a phenomenal set of Bible Study Workbooks. It consists of three Daily Grace Co. products: In the Word—a Biblical exposition journal workbook, Search the Word—a six-week study and workbook, and Book by Book—a Bible study companion for studying complete books of the Bible.

*As an Amazon affiliate, we earn a small percentage of each purchase you make through these links to continue supplying you with godly resources.

Encouragement for Moms: Encouraging Devotional for Mothers to Grow Spiritually

inspirewithin.site@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 21:59:30 GMT

Are you a mom searching for a guide to spiritual growth?

Do you desire to produce the fruit of the Spirit through your faith?

“ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law .”

Galatians 5:22-23, ESV

Encouragement for Mothers – Abundant Fruit Devotional to Encourage Moms

The Abundant Fruit Devotional is an encouragement for moms to help mothers grow in their relationship with God and cultivate the fruit of the Spirit. This simple devotional is easy to read, which makes it a perfect devotional for busy moms, working moms, career moms, stay-at-home moms, and really anyone. It does an excellent job of uplifting your faith and encouraging you to abide in Christ and grow spiritually in your mom life.

Abundant Fruit is simple and straightforward, yet packed full of biblical, inspirational quotes to guide moms in understanding and cultivating the fruit of the Spirit in their everyday life. This 28-day devotional is a great way to start each day in motherhood! No time is wasted with this enjoyable devotional. It teaches how to rely on the Spirit daily through real-life, motherhood stories from the author. Motherhood is full of love and grace, but it is also hard with the stress of each day. Each devotional is presented genuinely and humbly. The stories are transparent and real, so that you as the reader can relate to and learn from them.

What You Get with This Encouraging Devotional | The Words of the Abundant Fruit Devotional are Real and Relatable to Encourage Moms

In the Abundant Fruit Devotional, you will journey through all nine fruits of the Spirit. There are 3 devotions for each fruit. Each devotional will remind you of God's faithfulness and guide how to grow spiritually. Each daily devotion is filled with Scripture to explore and focus on. The devotions end with a Challenge, such as thought-provoking questions or ideas to pray to reveal the areas in which you struggle.

Each devotion is only 1-2 pages and the words can be read in simply a few minutes. The concise read makes it easy to fit in your day of motherhood, while not wasting any of your time with your kids. The encouraging words are worth every minute. It leaves you with truths to ponder, questions to reflect on, and prompts to pray. The devotional is an encouragement for mothers to draw near to the Lord.

Here are some devotion topics from each section of this devotional for mothers:

Love in Action
Joy Compared to Happiness
More Peace, Less Fear
Patience in the Suffering
Kindness Over Quarrel
God’s Goodness
Child-Like Faith
Gentle Speech
Listen More Than You Speak

Here is the link to check out the Abundant Fruit Devotional *–you can even read the first devotion: here . May it bless your walk with our Lord and help you love and cultivate the fruit of the Spirit!

What Are People Saying About The Abundant Fruit Devotional?

Here are a few Amazon Reviews for the Abundant Fruit Devotional:

“Abundant Fruit is a thought-provoking book. With transparency of real life situations, it challenges the reader to listen for the Holy Spirit's guidance. It encourages us to not only produce our God given fruit but to share it.”

“Abundant Fruit is filled with relatable, down to earth, and soul nurturing words. It’s compact size also makes it great for tucking in your bag as you head the head the door. The short daily reads make it easy for moms to read in the scattered few minutes they may find throughout the day. I highly recommend it for moms seeking to grow in their spiritual journey.”

“This is such a real and transparent devotional! Each devotion is so insightful and full of God's Truth. It has helped me in my spiritual growth and my understanding of the fruits of the Spirit.”

“This book has been such a blessing for my life. It is genuine, down to earth and full of joy. Casey Wayne shares her real life journey and how God is in every step of the way. I find much hope and peace in her writing. With each page, my spirit is lifted up. What a treasure!”

About the Author

The author, Casey Wayne, is a previous monthly contributor for Inspire Within. Check out Casey's articles ! She is a wife and mother of two in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. Casey’s heart desires to encourage the faith of other moms, so that they may gain a deeper connection with our heavenly Father. She strives to share her story in relatable honesty to bring glory to God’s faithfulness throughout the big and small moments of life. You can connect with her on Instagram or Facebook @caseylwayne. Her website is CaseyWayne.org .

*This article includes affiliate links, which means that we can receive a small commission at no cost to you, which helps us continue to supply you with godly resources.

Prayer | How to Pray Powerful Prayers to God with PRAY Acronym

inspirewithin.site@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 21:02:24 GMT

Learn How to Pray to God and Why to Pray

As Christians, prayer is not only crucial but also one of the most fundamental parts of our relationship with God. It is through prayer that we experience spiritual growth, as we lay our hearts before the Lord Jesus, seeking His guidance, wisdom, and strength. Prayer is the act of communicating with God—where we pour out our deepest desires, fears, hopes, and dreams to the Lord.

However, despite its simplicity, prayer can sometimes appear daunting or overwhelming to believers. We may find ourselves questioning how to pray effectively and why it holds such significance in our spiritual journey. This article is addresses these concerns and provide guidance to Christians seeking a deeper understanding of prayer.

Prayer Time— Praying Powerful Prayers to Our Holy God:

Why Do We Pray?

Before answering the question about how to pray, it is crucial to understand why we should pray in our Christian walk. God has given us the privilege of communicating with Him on a daily basis. Pray is so important because it benefits our faith and the lives of others and ourselves. God can move in mighty and powerful ways through our prayers. There is power in the words we speak.

Prayer time is a foundation in Christianity. The Bible says tells us to “ pray without ceasing ” in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV). Philippians 4:6-7 says, “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.”

Through prayer, God’s power can give us the strength to get through the worries and troubles of our life. Prayer is not always our natural human instinct, but it is so powerful for our faith. We are powerless without God and need faith and prayer to help us defeat Satan and endure all seasons of our life. Prayer grows our relationship with God, our spouse, our children, and the people around us. Talk to God about the things that you struggle with or worry about in this life. Jesus hears every word that you have to say.

Need peace from anxiety? Pray.

Need a stronger marriage? Pray.

Need strength to parent? Pray.

Need guidance on a decision? Pray.

Need… “fill in the blank”? Pray. Whatever we go through in this life, we have our communication open with God through every wonderful season, dreadful season, and all the seasons in between. Because of our faith and prayer life, we truly have an intimate, personal relationship with God. A intimate relationship with God is what being a Christian is all about.

Interested in a Christian Bible study about prayer? The Daily Grace Co has a powerful Bible study on Prayer to help c ultivate a passionate prayer life. In Christianity, it is important to cultivate our prayer life. The Pray Bible Study * is a 5-week study that will...

Help overcome the lack of a desire to pray
Show how to make time for prayer even in busyness
Answer questions about why God answers yes to some prayers and no to others
Teach how prayer can be a source of strength in times of sorrow, anxiety, and frustration

You can find the Bible study: HERE*

How to Pray to God in Your Prayer Time?

First, we must address that there is no right or wrong way to pray. Phew, what a relief! There is no pressure in prayer. You don't have to say prayers of many words; it doesn't matter how long or short your prayers are. Matthew 6:7 (ESV) says “ And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words ."

Prayer is talking with God. It increases your faith and spiritual growth. Here is a helpful acronym to guide your spirit in what to pray in your prayer life.

PRAY Acronym:

P— Praise

Praise God for who He is. He is holy. Praise the Lord Jesus Christ for all that He has done. Beginning prayer with praise and thanksgiving helps put our focus on God’s sovereignty and His blessings in our life. Even when it seems like there is nothing to pray for, there is always thanks or praise to give to God.

Example prayer: “ Heavenly Father, thank You for the numerous blessings that you have given me. You are in control of every area of my life even the smallest of details. Your works are wonderful. I praise You for being all-knowing . In Jesus Christ Amen.”

R— Repent

We repent our sins to God. We are all guilty of wrongdoings. There is a constant struggle in our flesh to do evil things instead of good. So, we should take the time to admit our struggles and failure. God already knows them and paid the price for our sins through, Jesus Christ, His Son!

Example prayer: “ Dear Lord, I confess the sin I have in my heart. I acknowledge that I’m a sinner and in much need of You. I truly need Thee every hour .”

A— Ask

We ask God for requests and petitions. Pray for the prayer requests of friends and family. We all have prayer needs. God welcomes us to ask for our wants and needs. God loves to give good gifts to His Children—for God’s Will is best for our life. The Lord Father hears all your words of request, but it is God's choice to answer in whatever way that He chooses. Just remember that God's way is always best for you!

Example prayer: “ Lord God, I have this request on my heart to ask… ”

Y— Yield

Yield to God’s Will and His holy ways. His Spirit leads us! We should constantly seek God’s way in our life and trust that He knows best. We can ask the Lord to guide us in every area of our life with His Holy Spirit. Let us be specific, if there is an area in that we could be more dependent on Him.

Example prayer: “ Father, guide me and help me to know that your way is better than my own. I pray for Your will and timing for my life. Help me yield to Your ways. ”

The ACTS Prayer Method is a great additional guide for our prayer life. Learn more about the ACTS Prayer Method .

Ways to Pray in Your Prayer Life:

Silent Prayers—

The most common prayers are silent prayers. Silent prayers are personal, private, and convenient. It is the easiest way to talk to the Lord. Oftentimes, it can be the only way that people prefer to pray. People don’t usually jump up and down to say a prayer aloud in a public setting. Silent prayers can be spoken to God anytime and anywhere.

Prayers Spoken Aloud—

Some people feel like their prayers are more powerful and personal if they speak the words aloud. Praying aloud is a good way to pray Scripture over our current circumstances or other people’s circumstances. Prayers are often spoken aloud to pray over a friend or in a group setting. The Holy Spirit can even give us the words to say. Prayers can be spoken aloud wherever we feel comfortable, such as on a work commute or in any private space. Many people enjoy the powerful and effective experience of speaking prayers aloud.

Prayer Journal—

Prayer journals are a meaningful way to communicate with God. Several people love to have a prayer journal because they find it effective for expressing all of their thoughts. Through prayer journals, they can document years of prayers and have a way to reference back to them to see how God moved in their life. A prayer journal is a perfect fit for people who enjoy writing their thoughts on paper. Some people prefer typing their prayers on a phone or computer.

Continue to Grow Your Prayer Life

Whether you are just starting your spiritual journey or have been on it for years, prayer can be a powerful way to grow your connection with our Lord. Hope that this article has been an encouragement to make prayer time feel less daunting. As you continue to grow spiritually, may you find comfort in knowing that God is always listening and eager to hear from you. Whether you choose to pray in the solitude of your room, outdoors in nature, or within the walls of a church, know that your words are heard from Him.

In these moments of prayer, take the time to pour out your heart, express your gratitude, seek guidance, and offer praise.

The key is to be authentic in your communication with God. He desires a genuine connection with you, and your unique way of praying is a beautiful expression. May your prayer life continue to grow stronger as you deepen your relationship with our Lord Jesus!

*As an affiliate, we earn a small percentage of each purchase you make through these links to continue supplying you with godly resources.

4 Practical Tips for Seeking God and Living in Your Sanctified Faith

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 20:46:31 GMT

Pursuing Spiritual growth is how we live like Jesus in this broken world.

“ Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ .”

1 Thessalonians 5:23, ESV

Sanctified Faith:

As Christians it is important that we not only receive Christ as our Savior, but also allow Him to be Lord over our daily lives. Pursuing Spiritual growth is how we live like Jesus in this broken world. God does not call us to just sit in our salvation, but we must actively seek God’s wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit. This process of growth is called sanctification. Through sanctification God provides us the strength and grace to live for His glory; turning away from our sinful nature (2 Peter 1:2-4).

We must live in the Spirit’s guidance for growth and perseverance of faith in this broken world. Galatians 5:16 (NLT) says, “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves”. Satan will try to trip us up and pull us away from the hope we have in Christ. His lies will try to convince us of things like we can do it in our own strength or that God does not even love us. To combat these lies we have to remind ourselves of God’s promises and Truth. It is by resting in God’s faithfulness that we can discern the attempts of the enemy to bring us down.

Jesus died so that we may live a life connected with God. One where we can be God’s light in the darkness. By growing and sharing our faith, we can fulfill the purposes our heavenly Father has for us. He draws us into a relationship with Him, ready to free us from the chains of our sinful nature. Consider this, before his death, Jesus prayed for us to be sanctified by God’s Truth. The Truth of God’s Word and His promises. He sacrificed himself for us to be able to do so (John 17:16-20).

Reflection:

Will you spend time with God today?
Will you allow the Spirit to guide and grow your faith?

4 Practical Tips for Seeking God and Living in Your Sanctified Faith

Here are some practical tips to help you seek God and grow in your relationship with God :

1. Read your Bible Daily

It does not have to be a lot. However, reading consecutive verses or entire chapters help you discern the proper context and message.

2. Pray Daily

In the morning, on your drive to work or even in the midst of your chaos, lift it all up to God. Pray for peace and wisdom for every situation.

3. Seek Mentors

Seek a woman of faith who can help encourage your faith walk. Someone who is spiritually wiser and can help speak God’s Truth into your life. If you are a seasoned warrior of Christ, also having someone you mentor can remind you of His faithfulness and give you a chance to learn through someone else’s eyes.

4. Find Christian Resources

Look for other resources to help you grow. Maybe even switch it up from time to time. There are so many things to try. Bible studies, podcasts, devotionals, social media, blogs with newsletters, etc. Different resources can be helpful at different phases of your faith journey. Pray for wisdom and discernment while choosing so that God can lead you to what He desires to teach you next.

Casey Wayne

Previous Monthly Contributor

Casey is a wife and mother of two residing in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. She enjoys time with her family doing simple things like movie nights and cooking together. As a devotional writer, Casey strives to share her story with relatable honesty, showing how God is faithful throughout the big and small moments of life. She has a heart for encouraging the faith of other moms, so that they may gain a deeper connection with our heavenly Father. Connect with Casey at caseywayne.org . You can also find her on Instagram or Facebook @caseylwayne. Check out her 28-day devotional, Abundant Fruit , available now on Amazon.

Read Articles by Casey Wayne

Christian Blogging: How to Start a Christian Blog

inspirewithin.site@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 19:41:30 GMT

Start a Christian Blog

Do you feel God is calling to start a Christian blog? Maybe you are wondering how to start Christian website. If you have no clue where to start, then you are at the right place. You can start now!

The work put into a Christian blog doesn’t happen in a day. It takes time and dedication. You don’t even have to understand everything in order to start. Just like any endeavor, you will go through a learning process. Little by little and step by step, you can accomplish your goals. The most important thing is for you to START. This article is a great starting place to learn how to start a Christian Blog .

Should You Start a Christian Blog and Become a Blogger?

Do you feel called to start a blog? Is there a nudging desire in your spirit? You may have a willing spirit that is seeking a personal platform to share the goodness of God. Or maybe you feel like you need to start one, but are feeling rather reluctant to obey the calling. In either scenario, you are feeling called for a reason. God is calling you!

Christian blogs are a great resource for people searching and wondering about God. You have a powerful way to reach others and for others to learn about God. Every day people are being impacted by Christian websites. Your Christian website can do the same thing! There is no such thing as too many Christian blogs. In fact, God has a purpose for you and your website!

The amazing thing about Christian blogs and online ministries is how it connects you with people all over the world (from your home!). You’re not limited to a local group of people. People search on the internet literally every day, so you are bringing the Good News directly to the homes of people. Christian websites are an amazing way to reach numerous and various people.

So, do you enjoy sharing the love of God through writing? A Christian blog may certainly be the right fit for you. Want to start writing for God’s glory without the commitment of managing a blog? Inspire Within is accepting guest writers. Being a guest contributor can help you discover if you would enjoy having a blog. Read more about becoming a guest writer for Inspire Within. We would love to receive your submission! It might just be the start you have been looking for!

Christian Blogging | How to Start a Christian Blog:

1. Seek God and Ask for Direction about Christian Blogging —

Is God Calling You to Start?

When deciding between if you should start a Christian blog or not, the best place to start is in prayer. Seeking God’s will about this decision is an important step. You may feel like you are supposed to do this though you keep fighting against it out of fear or just don’t want to listen to God’s leading. If this describes you— take this as a sign —you should make a Christian blog.

You may already know this is your calling. Great, time to get started then! Focus on asking God’s direction for your Christian blog. If you have already been praying about starting a Christian blog, then continue to do so! Follow and obey the steps God calls you take. It will not be an easy task but if God has called you to it, He will get you through it. You will be surprised how He will lead you and put things on your heart as you continue this path.

2. Identify Your Christian Blog’s Theme and Purpose —

What Will You Blog Posts Be About?

Find Your Niche—

Specializing in a particular topic or theme, also known as a niche, is a vital part of any blog. You may be fortunate enough to know the niche for your blog. Having a niche for your website sets you up for success. Think of your niche as the foundation of your Christian blog.

Ask yourself these questions to define your niche:

What topic are you most passionate to talk about?
What life experiences has God helped you through?
How can you help others who are going through the same thing?
What can you share with others about your story?
What message has God put on your heart to share with others?

Know Your Target Audience—

A niche is what helps your website generate organic traffic on search engines and allows your target audience to find your website. Your niche and target audience go hand in hand. Your target audience are the people who you are targeting to reach.

To find your specific audience, ask yourself these questions:

What audience would benefit from your content?
What audience needs to hear your message?
Who would be interested in your topic?
Is there a specific audience that God has placed on your heart?

Once you have determined your niche and target audience, you can move on to the next step. This step can take time and may need to be immersed in prayer for you to identify them. Don’t feel like you need to rush through this step. For some, the answer comes easily, while for others it may take longer. Just don’t allow it to keep you from taking the next step.

3. Choose an Appropriate Domain & Blog Name —

Do You Have a Name for Your Christian Blog?

When choosing a domain name, you should make a list of some blog name options. Having a domain the same as your blog name will help people find your Christian blog when searched. Think of a relevant blog name for your overall theme (your niche). Something that will make sense to your target audience. This is not the time to choose a personal meaning or inside joke.

After you have a list of potential names, you can verify if they are available on a domain website, such as Namecheap.com or GoDaddy.com. Opt for a domain with .com at the end, unless you plan to have a ministry blog, then you can have .org . If you plan to have social media accounts, you can check name availability with Namecheckr.com. . Oftentimes, it can be hard to find an available name—just try your best to try names that are as similar as possible.

4. Decide on a Website Platform/Hosting —

How to Decide on the Best Website Platform for Christian Blogging?

Website Platform—

A platform is a website builder—where you create and manage your Christian blog (the design, blogs, SEO, etc). There are many different platforms to choose from and some are easier than others. Websites used to be created by web coding, because of this only a few people used to know how to design a website. These days, website creation looks much different and is user-friendly for just about anyone. Even if you're not tech-savvy!

When considering which website builder to use, it is highly recommended to use a paid service instead of a free option like the free WordPress website builder. Free versions are too limited on fundamental features for blogs. A website is an investment—it takes time and money. Inspire Within proudly uses the platform Duda and recommends it to anyone building a website for the first time, especially for Christian bloggers. Duda is easy to use and easy to create a blog post, plus it looks fresh and professional.

Duda is an ever-growing and expanding website builder. The features are functional and easy to use. This professional website builder is used by businesses for their clients. Duda’s website is centered on being “The Professional Website Builder You Can Call You Own.” Duda is a great choice for Christian blogs since the platform is used professionally.

Starting a blog is very simple with Duda. It provides you with many website templates to choose from, which is highly recommended for beginner bloggers. You can browse through the templates before committing to their services. They even offer some website examples from their actual users. You can view Duda’s templates and pricing by explore their many different website templates here .* They even have a FREE trial...

Duda offers a free 14-day trial , no credit card required, where you can use their website editor to design a website to try it out before you commit to it. The free 14-day trial is how Inspire Within started! It made my website dream look like a reality when I got to explore, create, and design it. If I never did that, not sure if Inspire Within would even be on the web today.

For now, as you are starting, you probably only need their Basic Plan. One day, if your website grows and turns into a team of people you could upgrade to a bigger plan. That way the bloggers who are regular writers or contributors can have access to your website with their specific login info. That is if you have a dream for your blogging to grow in that way!

Web Hosting—

If you are new to the website lingo, you may be wondering what is hosting. Web hosting platform is a service provider, known as a server, where your website files are stored and published to the internet. Without hosting, you would not have a way to get your website on the world wide web. Think of the website platform as an operating system and hosting as a service provider.

The awesome thing about choosing Duda for your platform is that all of their websites are hosted on their server through Amazon Web Services (AWS). Hosting is included in all their plans. This benefits you by eliminating the need research different web hosting servers and saving on the overall cost to publish your website. Furthermore, the convenience of your website and server will be accessible all in one place.

Are you ready to get started? Start by selecting your plan and designing your Christian blog through Duda.com. You can view Duda’s Plans and Pricing here . *

Congratulations on your endeavor of Christian blogging! God has amazing, life-changing things to come through you and your blog. Never doubt what God can do through you. He is already working through you in ways you can’t see. Trust God to lead you on this journey. Focus on all the people (your target audience) you will reach. There will be hard days, but the testimony of the people you will inspire outweighs them all!

Cheerful Heart - Inspire Within Devotion

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 12:04:02 GMT

Inspire Within Devotion

Scripture

“ Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver .”

2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV

Encouragement

God is more concerned with our giving attitude, instead of how much we give. Giving small with a thankful and cheerful heart is greater than an ungrateful and reluctant heart that gives more. Our attitude reflects the heart. Giving should not be done reluctantly or under compulsion—that takes from the act of giving. God is a giving Father who blesses His children. He blessed us with the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ our Savior!

Reflection

Do you give reluctantly or cheerfully? When we give let us reflect on the goodness of God and the sacrifice of our Savior. Give what you have decided in your heart to give. If you feel reluctant, ask God to help you desire give from your heart.

Quote

"God is more concerned with our giving attitude, instead of how much we give."

4 Steps for Intentional Bible Study

inspirewithin.site@gmail.com (Janee Hughes) — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 22:01:23 GMT

Studying the Bible is a challenging commitment. Our human nature does not make it easy to read God’s Word; It is much easier to make excuses to put off reading the Bible for another task. It becomes something that we only read for a quick minute, on Sunday morning, or a social media post.

We know that the Bible should be something that we read daily, but it’s so hard to have the motivation and commitment. If you are anything like me, then you can relate to this struggle. The struggle is real! Keep reading to discover 4 steps for intentional Bible study. This just might be the motivation that you need to start an intentional Bible study —and keep it.

Why Study the Bible?

Yes, you know that the Bible is God’s Word—breathed on and inspired by God. That’s why you want to be more intentional with your Bible study. Instead of thinking of the Bible as a task, think of it as the privilege that it is. Pray for the desire and motivation to read God’s Word.

Our sinful nature wants nothing to do with God and His Truth because it is God’s Word that sets us free from our sin. It is never a waste of time to read the Bible. God’s Word leads to a transformed life. The more you read about who God is, the more you will desire to shine the image of Christ in your life.

As God’s children, He gave us the Bible to come to know Him more and have a genuine relationship with Him. The Word of God changes our hearts, gives us discernment, and leads us in a relationship with God . It brings freedom, joy, and peace to our life. Studying the Bible is a powerful Christian discipline!

Hebrews 4:12, ESV

4 Steps for Intentional Bible Study:

1. Prayer

Before you even pick up your Bible, begin with a prayer. It can be a simple prayer asking God to speak to you through the Scriptures. Ask for insight and understanding while you read His Word. Beginning in prayer helps to put your focus on God and eliminate potential distractions.

Slowing down to read God’s Word can be difficult, especially if you have some life situations that are making you worried or stressed. Talk to God about those anxieties before you read the Bible and ask that He would help you concentrate while you study.

Philippians 4:6 (ESV) says, “ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God .”

Remember, this step doesn’t have to take a long time; it can be short and sweet or as long as you need. You can pray throughout your Bible study and end your study with prayer too. God likes to speak to His Children, so He may even speak to your spirit during your study.

2. Study

When it’s time to start reading, there are a few additional things you can do while you read. If you love to journal, you can write Scriptures and your thoughts in your journal as you read. Also, highlighting in your Bible is a great way to help you find or reference a particular verse.

Take time to meditate on God’s Word while you read. If there is particular Scripture that relates to your current situation or circumstance, maybe you could write it on an index card to post somewhere you will see often. This helps you take the verse to heart and apply it to your life. It’s a good tip for Bible memorization too.

To assist in Bible interpretation, here are some questions ask while you read through a passage:

What is the main subject of the passage?
Who was the passage written to and why?
When was the passage written?
How does the passage point to Jesus?
What are the main themes, keywords, or transition words in the passage?

If you are interested in learning how to dig deeper into God’s Word, check out our article about the Inductive Bible Study Method .

3. Praise

After you have observed and interpreted what you have read, go through the passage again to identify what the passage has revealed about who God is. Is there any character or attribute of God that you noticed in the passage? The Bible is FULL of God’s character and attributes!

Ask yourself these questions about the passage:

Does the passage reveal a specific character of God?
What does God’s action in the passage reveal about His character?
Has God personally shown any of these attributes in your life?

Take time to praise God for His character. Let the attributes of God fill you with admiration and reverence for Him. Adore God for the attributes that the passage revealed. You can write a list of the attributes that you recognize. Write a prayer of praise in your journal or pray and worship God to glorify His Name.

We read God’s Word to learn more about Him, and when we pause to recognize God’s character then we can take those Truths to heart. God, we praise You for Your AWEsome attributes!

“ For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse .”

Romans 1:20, ESV

4. Apply

The Bible reveals God’s character, but it also “ is profitable for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness ” to equip us for every good work. (Quote found in 2 Timothy 3:16.) God’s Word guides us. That is why when we study the Bible, it should be followed by applying what we have learned. Like James says in James 1:22 (ESV), “ But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves .”

The Word of God is meant to transform us. The transformation can be distinguishing evil from good, God’s character changing our life, training in righteousness, walking in freedom, etc. So, the last step for intentional Bible study is applying the Scripture to your life.

To help you apply Scripture to your life, consider these questions about the passage you are studying:

How does what you learned about God change your heart about your circumstances?
Is there an attitude or outlook that you need to apply to your life?
Does the passage have a command?
Does the passage bring light to a sin that you need to confess and turn from?
Is there a truth about God that you need to take to heart?
Is God putting something on your heart?
What has God spoken to you through His Word?

For intentional Bible study, it is valuable to include these 4 steps: Prayer, Study, Praise, and Apply. Of course, this is not a routine way that Bible study must be, rather, it is to help you be intentional. You can choose to accomplish your Bible study with whatever approach you prefer.

Bible Study

A good way to apply these steps is to start a Bible Study that requires you read a daily passage of Scripture. You could choose a Bible Study on a book of the Bible or a specific topic. The Daily Grace Co. has an incredible selection of studies to choose from. Their Book of the Bible Studies are great to guide you along while you read through a book. You can browse though their Bible Studies here .

If you are interesting in reading chronologically through the Bible in a year, they have an amazing 4-volume study coming soon that you follow along with to help you accomplish your goal. Wow, what an accomplishment it would be to read through the whole Bible! This 365-day study gives you better understanding and insight to the storyline of the Bible. You can find it here .

May these 4 steps help you have an intentional Bible study! Enjoy your time in God’s Word and have fun observing, interpreting, and applying the Bible to your life!

God Sustains You - Inspire Within Devotions

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 06:00:04 GMT

Inspire Within Devotions

Scripture

“ He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together .” Colossians 1:15-17, NIV

Encouragement

Jesus is the image of God and the firstborn over all creation. Firstborn is used in a Jewish term, which was a Hebrew way of saying that someone was especially honored. Jesus Christ has a place of honor and supremacy over all creation because He is God. God created all things whether visible or invisible, so that means in this physical world and the spiritual world.

Thankfully, we know from this scripture that God not only is the Creator of the world; He is our Sustainer too. One, God is before all things, which means He is the One and Only God. Two, God holds all things together, so He controls and sustains all things. That means we are dependent on God. We must daily remind ourselves to trust in God and the fact that He sustains us, protects us, and cares for us.

Reflection

Do you need to trust that God holds all things together in your life? Ask God to show you some ways in your life that He was your sustainer and protector, then trust that He will continue to be your sustainer and protector in your current circumstances.

Quote

"We must daily remind ourselves to trust in God and the fact that He sustains us, protects us, and cares for us."

Speak with Gentle and Kind Words - Inspire Within Devotions

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 06:00:02 GMT

Inspire Within Devotions

Scripture

“ A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger .”

Proverbs 15:1, NIV

Encouragement

Have you ever said a harsh word in the heat of a moment that made the situation worst? We all have been there before because we are all sinful by nature. We tend to get upset and say the first thing that we feel, which isn’t always the kindest choice of words. Well, this verse in Proverbs speaks the truth when it says “a harsh word stirs up anger”. Thankfully the verse gives us wisdom when it says “a gentle answer turns away wrath”. A soft answer can calm a situation; a cruel answer can escalate the situation into a serious conflict. Let us choose kind words and gentle answers so that we might not stir up wrath.

Reflection

Think of a conflict where you said harsh words. What could you have said instead? Is there something you can do to resolve the situation or prevent a future situation from escalating? Pray and ask God to help you tame your tongue and think before you speak. Pray that His strength will help you be slow to anger.

Quote

"A soft answer can calm a situation; a cruel answer can escalate the situation into a serious conflict."

Listening and Obeying God’s Word - Inspire Within Devotions

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 05:00:02 GMT

Inspire Within Devotions

Scripture

“ Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does .”

James 1:22-25, NIV

Encouragement

Reflection

Doubting the faithfulness of God? Write Psalm 33:4 on a notecard and put it in a place where you will see it everyday. Say the verse of repeat until you have it memorized. Hold to the truth that God is trustworthy and faithful. Read about God's understanding: Can You Fathom God's Infinite Understanding?

Quote

"God is faithful in ALL that He does."

Lead Others to God - Inspire Within Devotions

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 20:03:24 GMT

Inspire Within Devotions

Scripture

“‘You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.’”

Matthew 5:14-16, ESV

Encouragement

God’s People are the light of the world. The light of God shines through your life. Let your light shine so that the people around you will see the goodness of God. Scripture says, “A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” There is no way to hide the light that shines from a city on top of a hill. As long as we are walking in the light of Christ, we are being a light to the world!

Never doubt the impact you have to lead others to the Lord through the good deeds that come from following Christ. As children of God, we are called to let our light shine before others, so that they may give glory to God. People don’t light a lamp to hide it, but rather they light a lamp to give light to everyone around it. Keep walking in the light of Christ, so that those who don’t know the Lord can walk with Him too!

Reflection

Are you walking in the light of the Lord? How can you lead those around you to walk with Christ? Pray that God will shine through you so that others will see the goodness of God and be lead to follow Christ too.

Quote

"As children of God, we are called to let our light shine before others, so that they may give glory to God."

Have Faith over Doubt - Inspire Within Devotions

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 20:18:22 GMT

Inspire Within De votions

Scripture

“ David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands .’”

1 Samuel 17:45-47, NIV

Encouragement

In this passage of Scripture, we see David’s faith in the Lord. He stood in the victory of God before ever seeing the victory. He proclaimed his confidence and trust in the Lord. He spoke as if he did not doubt that God would bring him through the battle against the Philistines, or at least he didn't allow doubt to thrive. David displayed an admirable faith. His speech showed his trust and faith in God.

We are capable of the same relentless faith as David. When we are face-to-face with our life problems, it can certainly be a struggle to trust in God. While in the trials, it is easy to lack faith. We often allow our life problems to speak louder than our faith in the Lord. Though when we are filled with relentless faith, there is no room left for doubt. Let us not doubt the faithfulness of our God, instead, let us be fueled by the faithfulness of God. God IS worthy of our trust, even in the hard times.

Reflection

Are you struggling with doubt? Do you desire relentless faith? Ask God to show you that He is ever-faithful and ever-trustworthy. Continue reading about how David had confidence and strength .

Quote

"Though when we are filled with relentless faith, there is no room left for doubt."

Glorify God with Your Gifts - Inspire Within Devotions

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 17:22:43 GMT

Inspire Within De votions

Scripture

“ Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.'

‘I cannot do it,’ Joseph replied to Pharaoh, ‘but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires. ’”

Genesis 41:15-16, NIV

Encouragement

Joseph displayed a wonderful example of what it looks like to give God the credit for your gifts and abilities. Without God, Joseph would have not been able to interpret even ONE dream. Joseph knew where his great ability came from, and he certainly wasn’t afraid to show the One for whom credit was due. He glorified God for His goodness!

God deserves all the credit for what He does through your life. Gifts are a great way to glorify God. You can have the same response as Joseph with your gifts and abilities. Don’t allow pride or selfishness to take the credit for the success of your gifts, instead allow your gift to glorify God. Be like Joseph’s example and glorify God with your gifts!

Reflection

What are some ways that you can give God the glory for your gifts? Check your heart for any pride or selfishness. If you have any pride, confess to God and ask for Him to humble your heart and show you ways that you can glorify Him with your gifts.

Quote

"Gifts are a great way to glorify God."

God of gods - Inspire Within Devotions

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 05:00:02 GMT

Inspire Within Devotion

Scripture

“ For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods .”

Psalm 135:5, ESV

Encouragement

Nothing and no one is greater than the Lord our God. Great is the Lord, for He is great! All idols are false gods. Scripture says that our Lord is above ALL gods; the Lord is the God of gods. Nothing is equal with the One True God, nor can anything or anyone compare to God.

There is no such thing as following God while following other gods. For we can’t have one foot following God and the other foot following false gods/religions. We are either wholeheartedly serving the One God or we are not.

Reflection

Do you believe that the Lord is above all gods? Scripture reveals that God is unrivaled—The One God. Read these Scriptures of our One God: Deuteronomy 6:4, Deuteronomy 4:35, Mark 12:29, and Exodus 20:3-6. The Lord is great and above all gods!

Quote

"Nothing is equal with the One True God, nor can anything or anyone compare to God."

5 Steps for a New Believer in Christ

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 12:30:03 GMT

What Does it Mean to Be a Follower of Christ?

As a new Christian, you may wonder what is your next step. Your commitment to follow Jesus Christ through faith is walking in a relationship with God. There is excitement about being a new follower of Christ, but there are also questions about what your life should look like now. A life fully committed to Christ is led by Christ. He guides you every step of the way.

Living a life surrendered to God is following Him wherever He may lead you. This is a guide to help you as you begin your walk with Christ and grow in your relationship with God. Questions and doubts are totally alright, but as long as they keep you moving forward and not backward. May you live fully for God by feeding your faith and growing in your personal relationship with God !

Step One: Follow Christ

If you have made the decision to follow Christ, you have already done the first step. Congratulations on your new life in Christ! If you are still curious about what it takes to follow Christ, continue reading to learn how to make the decision to follow Christ and walk in a relationship with God for eternality.

“ For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing;

it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast .”

Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV

What Does it Mean to Follow Christ?

If you have confessed your sins and asked Jesus in your heart that you may follow His ways, then you are saved. God sent His only Son to be the Savior for the sins of the whole world, so that you may have a personal relationship with the Father and live eternally with Him. A following act of obedience is to be baptized in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

“ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father

and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit ,”

Matthew 28:19, ESV

Baptism is an outward declaration of your inward commitment to God. The commitment comes first. Your baptism is an outward expression of that commitment and it brings newness of life.

“ We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead

by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life .”

Romans 6:4, ESV

“ And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ”

Acts 2:38, ESV

Step Two: Feed Your Faith

Your faith grows throughout your walk with Christ. Christ leads you to be more like Him when you follow His leading in your life. Growth occurs when you dedicate your life to God. A few ways to grow are through God’s Word, prayer, Bible studies, group Bible studies, mentors, and Christian resources (ex. podcast, music). Search out ways that you can grow your faith through church small groups or church classes.

God's Word and Prayer

Two impactful ways to grow your faith are through the Bible and Prayer. For deeper Bible study, we recommend reading from a Study Bible, since the side notes can provide a better understanding of a verse or passage. Here are two excellent Study Bibles that you can find on Amazon: NIV Application Study Bible *and ESV Study Bible .*

Need a good Bible study to start with? Check out Faith Foundations | A Study on the Basics of Christianity . * This Bible study teaches all the fundamentals of Christianity and Christian living. It's a great choice for a new believer or any Christian who wants to rediscover the wonder of their faith in Christ.

How Important is Prayer?

Just like all relationships, communication is fundamental. Prayer is our communication with the Lord God, our Father. A deeper relationship with God is formed through prayer, which makes it a vital part of the Christian walk. Prayer is not just for pastors and the “elite.” God has provided this means of communication for everyone. Simply put, it is a conversation with God.

How to Pray?

You don’t have to pray any certain way or in a formal order for God to hear you. God hears all prayers. He wants to hear from you because He loves you! You can pray about anything. Your worries, excitements, fears, uncertainties, and doubts can all be brought to God in prayer. Anything and everything. There is no need to hide anything from God since He already knows everything about you.

From the famous Lord’s Prayer, you can learn from His example to apply to your own prayer life. Matthew 6:9-13, ESV reads,

“ Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. ’”

Notice that Jesus begins the prayer with acknowledgment of who God is and praises God for who He is. He emphasizes God’s will as the best way, regardless of how it appears to man.

Check out this article to learn key elements to include in your prayers: ACTS Prayer Method .

Step Three: Fellowship with Other Believers

Connecting with a local church helps you live fully for God by surrounding you with like-minded people and building your faith. God made us with the desire for fellowship with one another. When you build relationships with other believers you create a support system, which edifies, equips, and encourages you.

Already have a church home? Start getting more involved and connected with the members.

If you are not already in a local church, start visiting churches that teach the Word of God. Pray and ask God to lead you to the right church. There are a lot of different denominations, which can make it very intimidating. Knowing a Christian to ask for church recommendations is a good way to start. They may help narrow it down, at least to some particular denominations.

Here are a few great things to look for in a church home:

Faithfully teaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ through sound doctrine.
Sermons that point you to Christ and not to yourself.
A pastor with a love for God and His Word without being self-centered.
Wholehearted prayers that do not force or declare God to grant things.
A system of accountability in the church leadership.
Good stewards of money with no focus on material gain.

Step Four: Flourish in Your Gifts for God’s Glory

Your life has a purpose! Don’t doubt the gifts that God has placed in you.

“ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,

which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them .”

Ephesians 2:10, ESV

You are one of God’s workmanship. You are “created in Christ Jesus for good works”. God has prepared for you a great future that will bring glory to His Name. God created all people with unique gifts and talents. Do you know that you have specific gifts and talents for a specific purpose? Yes, you do!

As one of God’s People, you are given spiritual gifts through the Holy Spirit. There are a variety of spiritual gifts, but they are all from the same Spirit.

“ Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit ; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord ; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.

To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good .”

1 Corinthians 12:4-7, ESV

In 1 Corinthians chapter 12, Paul shares about spiritual gifts from the Spirit and how we are all one body of Christ with many different parts.

“ For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks,

slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit .”

1 Corinthians 12:12-13, ESV

Do you know your gifts and talents? Consider how you can grow more in your gifts to bring glory to God through your life. Don’t have a clue about what your gifts are? Pray and ask God to reveal them to you. Also, you can ask a close friend to tell you what talents they see in you. People typically can see your gifts and talents better than you can yourself. You can discover your top spiritual gifts for free at SpiritualGiftsTest.com

Step Five: Faithfully Spread the Gospel

This is the beginning of Jesus’ Great Commission:

“ And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation… ’” Mark 16:15, ESV

Now, that you are a believer in Christ, you get to have a part in spreading the good news of Christ to others. Spreading the Gospel may feel a little overwhelming to you. That is completely normal! Sharing Christ to others isn’t just for pastors, all of God’s People are called to share Christ with the world. Not everyone is called to be a missionary in a foreign country or plant a local church, but you can share the Lord with the people in your daily life.

Do you know that you are made in the Image of God? God doesn’t make mistakes. Look to God’s Word for truths about who you are. If what you believe about yourself contradicts what God says in His Word, then proclaim what God’s Word says about you and quickly run from that lie.

Quote

"God created us in His Image."

Know Your Self Worth

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:16:58 GMT

Not Worthy, But Worth It!

Our identity and condition of our soul is fully wrapped up in our perceived self-worth. It is something within us that analyzes our worthiness to be loved or belong. The sources we choose to use as a measuring stick to determine our self-worth can have a HUGE impact on who we are, our mental health and our choices throughout our life. So how should we measure our self-worth? The World often tells us it should be measured by how well you meet the current beauty standards. Other times it's by how much money you make or how many friends you have. But the real question we should be asking is how does God measure our self-worth?

We All Fall Short of Perfection

“ for all sinned and fall short of the glory of God ,”

Romans 3:23 ESV

We are all born with an instinct to always do the best and be the best. Competition thrives in many areas of our lives---like sports or in the workplace. Sometimes that competition is a healthy, fun competition. Other times it is an unhealthy push to try to reach perfection. It even reaches into things like marriage and parenting. Since becoming a Mom, I have seen the depth of competition that some women feel like they need to go to in order to prove that they are a “good Mom”. However, the real freedom is in recognizing that we will never reach perfection, and that is ok. We all struggle. We all fall to temptations. And we all fall short of God’s glory. The true Biblical reality is that we cannot fully appreciate Jesus’ sacrifice until we fully recognize how badly we need a Savior in the first place. Christ wipes away our sins, helping bridge the gap between us and our Heavenly Father (1 Timothy 2:5).

God Says We Are Worth It!

“ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son,

that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,

but in order that the world might be saved through him .”

John 3:16-17 ESV

God loves us SO much that He sacrificed His Son to repair the broken relationship with His creation. We were not worthy of Jesus’ sacrifice. Our sin pulls us away from our Heavenly Father. But God made a way through His Son Jesus, making it clear that we are worth it! He made it clear that He loves us more than we could ever imagine and that, when we accept Jesus as our Savior we can then become Children of God (John 1:12). Our self-worth and identity then comes with the title of Son or Daughter of the One True King. With Christ working in us, we receive God’s amazing grace and mercy. We are called worthy, loved, and given a purpose to glorify the Kingdom of God.

So what or who are you using to measure your self-worth? None of us will ever reach perfection, but God makes it clear that we are worthy of His Son’s sacrifice and that our identity should be measured through the lens of His eyes and not that of the World.

Casey Wayne

Previous Monthly Contributor

Casey is a lovely stay-at-home Mom of two toddlers and a former teacher who loves planning, writing, and animal science. You can follow her Instagram @Peace.of.Faith and Facebook at Peace.of.Faith for reminders of God's peace and promises. Visit her blog at Peaceoffaith.org .

Read Articles by Casey Wayne

Temptations - Inspire Within Devotions

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 11:00:03 GMT

Inspire Within Devotion

Scripture

“ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,

but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin .”

Hebrews 4:15, ESV

Encouragement

Our High Priest, Jesus, lived a completely sinless life. Jesus is able to sympathize with us since He became a human being and was tempted in the same ways that we are. Yet He was without sin! This is amazing news! We not only serve a Perfect Savior who paid the debt for our sins, but we can receive help from Christ and His perfect example when we are tempted. Jesus, who was perfect and sinless, and who bore our sins on the cross for our salvation, can sympathize with our weaknesses.

Reflection

Got temptations and weaknesses? We all do! If you are suffering from temptations, seek Christ who understands your struggle. Christ can help you; He can lead you out of your temptation. Hebrews 2:18 (ESV) says, “For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Also, read 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV), “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

Quote

" Jesus, who was perfect and sinless, and who bore our sins on the cross for our salvation, can sympathize with our weaknesses. "

When Our Plans Change - Inspire Within Devotions

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 11:00:02 GMT

Inspire Within Devotion

Scripture

“ I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted .”

Job 42:2, ESV

Encouragement

Encouragement

This Scripture shows God's heart for His People. God cares so much about you that He even knows the number of hairs on your head! If God loves and cares for the sparrows, how much more does He care for you? God not only knows every detail of your life, but He CARES about the details. Your heart is in God's care.

Reflection

Remember your worth in God's eye. He knows the number of hairs on your head and he cares about your well-being. Thank God for His love and care! Read Psalm 139.

Quote

"God not only knows every detail of your life, but He CARES about the details."

4 Areas that We Struggle to Trust God

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 18:46:31 GMT

" You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal ."

Isaiah 26:3-4, NIV

Trust can be such a hard thing to give to someone. Sometimes we even know we should trust them, but we trip over our own insecurities when we try to give it up. It is tightly intertwined with our experiences and knowing who someone is or things they have done in the past. Our ability to trust God can be affected in those same ways. We even tend to try to compartmentalize the parts of our life we will trust to Him and which ones we cannot. However, as a follower of Christ, we are called to trust our Heavenly Father in ALL areas. James 4:7 (ESV) says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Have you put full trust in God for all areas of your life?

1. Our Career and Finances

" And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus ."

Philippians 4:19, NIV

This can be a very tough one for some people. I struggled a lot to give God my full trust and control of my career. In my mind, I was thinking that if God really loved me, He would help me reach the dream job that I was praying for. But the reality is that God has a plan for your life, including your career, that He will guide you to. And if you are like me, that career may even change over time. As believers we should be ready and willing to give our career to a Heavenly Father who has a beautiful plan for us, which will inevitably be much better than what we originally had in mind.

With our career comes the topic of our money. A sensitive topic that gives people a lot of anxiety and/or protectiveness. After all, it is our “hard earned money”, right? Human instinct is to want to use what we have earned, in the way we want to spend it. However, from a Biblical perspective, that money is a blessing from God. As a matter of fact, all our resources we are blessed with are from a Heavenly Father who loves us more than we can imagine. Malachi 3:10 (NIV) says, “ ‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” In response to God’s blessings and faithfulness we should be willingly to give our resources back for His purposes. And the best part is, that when we do, He will bless us even more as we trust Him with what He provides in the first place. I know this, because I have experienced it myself, over and over again.

2. Our Fear and Worry

" 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

Life will inevitably bring a wide range of fears and worries. Any time things are unstable or we are unsure about a circumstance, our mind can wander to fear and worry. Even worse, it can cycle through our brain over and over again until we can redirect our thoughts. Fear or worry can be a great instinct to bring our attention to things that we need to tend to. But it is not healthy for us to dwell on anything. Remember that God calls us to release the fear and worry to Him. It is not wrong to feel these emotions, but we are called to pray to Him, placing those emotions into the hands of the Creator. Sometimes we may even need to pray over and over again for the strength to let go. And that’s ok.

Sometimes we do not internalize the emotions, but instead lean too much into others around us. Having a spouse or a friend to lean on is a good thing to have; a blessing given by God. However, I have found, at times, that I leaned too much on my husband in a way that is not his role to fill. We cannot place our full hope and trust in another person. They cannot fill the place of your Heavenly Father. God’s grace covers over our human nature. He is faithful to hear our cries; sharing His overwhelming peace and wisdom as often as we need it.

For more about worry, read these Bible verses to help you worry less and trust God more .

3. Our Parenting

" Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him ."

Psalm 127:3, NIV

" Oh, that they would always have hearts like this, that they might fear me and obey all my commands!

If they did, they and their descendants would prosper foreve r."

Deuteronomy 5:29, NLT

Parenting is tough. It brings out emotions and stress in you that you never thought you would have. I am only about 4 years into parenting and there are so many things that I instinctively try to control. As a Stay-at-home Mom I am in charge of everything for my kids day to day as the primary caregiver and it can be overwhelming. However, I have also been a working Mom previously and know that it also brings its own challenges. From conversations with my husband, I am aware of the specific struggles that he faces as a Dad and wanting to be a good parent. You love them so much, you care about them so much, and you take on the weight of everything they need as well as who they are to become.

However, we are not meant to carry this burden on our own. Even as a married couple, my husband and I are not meant to carry the weight of this on our combined backs alone. Like every other area in our life we need to remember that our children are a blessing from God. They are His children, loved by Him and called to His purposes just like we are. So as we pursue God in our own lives, our parenting should always be an area where we seek God’s wisdom, strength, and direction. Lift the weight of parenting onto Him, because He asks us to. And then we must be prepared to follow His lead, not trying to chase the appearance of perfection, but in a way that shows our children where we receive grace, forgiveness and love.

4. Our Future

" For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future ."

Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

" Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed ."

Proverbs 16:3, NLT

We all have plans, dreams and hopes for our future. I had a dream career and plans to succeed. I assumed God would want me to get exactly what I was dreaming of. That dream did not work out. As a matter of fact, even the “back up plan”, which I fought for a little while, happened for only a few years before things changed again. It is not wrong to have plans. It is not wrong to dream or hope for things in your future. But do not hold so tightly to those desires that you miss what God is calling you to. Do not fight the will of God, because if I had continued to do so, I would not have many of the blessings that I have received along this path God has guided me.

Maybe instead of having a plan that you are struggling to let go of, you are struggling with a feeling of wandering aimlessly. Sometimes, especially when one aspect of our lives does not go as anticipated, we can feel completely lost at the idea of where to turn to next. The absence of a strong dream or desire can make us feel inadequate to those around us who seem to be striving for such lofty goals and ambitions. Whether you feel completely lost without a plan or have a plan for your future that you want so badly it hurts, trust that God has a plan and purpose for us all. His plan is greater than anything we can imagine and we should pray to continuously keep our heart open to His path for our lives.

Casey Wayne

Previous Monthly Contributor

Read Articles by Casey Wayne

God Revives and Comforts - Inspire Within Devotions

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 11:00:05 GMT

Inspire Within Devotion

Scripture

“Your righteousness, O God,

reaches the high heavens.

You who have done great things,

O God, who is like you?

You who have made me see many troubles and calamities

will revive me again;

from the depths of the earth

you will bring me up again.

You will increase my greatness

and comfort me again.”

Psalm 71:19-21, ESV

Encouragement

The author of this Psalm, which was possibly David in his older age, showed God’s righteousness and holiness. The psalmist was not spared from the troubles and calamities of life, but that did not cause the psalmist’s confidence to waver. The psalmist knew that God would revive him and bring comfort in the due time.

God does the same for us. Our life can get HARD, though we not should allow our troubles to doubt the righteousness and greatness of our Holy God. God is the One who revives and comforts. Let’s run to God for restoration and comfort!

Reflection

Do you feel like the troubles of life are overtaking you? Run to God. Do you need comfort? Turn to God and He will revive you again. Though troubles and calamities come in this life, God is always righteous. There is no one like Him! God revives and comforts, even when it may not feel like that is possible for you. Run into God’s embrace.

Quote

"God is the One who revives and comforts."

Life of Distractions - Inspire Within Devotions

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 11:00:08 GMT

Inspire Within Devotion

Scripture

“ You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart .”

Jeremiah 29:13, ESV

Encouragement

With the busyness of our everyday lives, things can easily distract us from seeking God. It may feel as if we can’t fit one more thing in our day. The thought of reading our Bibles and praying daily becomes no more than a thought and may leave us with the weight of guilt. Life gets in the way sometimes and that’s okay. God understands. Just remember that God is the only thing that can truly satisfy in this life. Let us seek God with all of our heart by fitting our life around God instead of fitting God in our life.

Reflection

Maybe you can relate to feeling distant from God. Or your life is distracting you from your relationship with God. God is still there. Take the time right now to talk to God, read His Word, or praise Him through worship. Distractions don’t matter, as long as you continue the draw near to Him regularly. If you feel like you can’t fit anything else into your life, consider cutting back on some things that are not mandatory. Make a list of ways to dear more near to God in your daily life.

Quote

"Just remember that God is the only thing that can truly satisfy in this life."

Child of God - Inspire Within Devotions

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 11:31:55 GMT

Inspire Within Devotion

Scripture

“ But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian,

for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. ”

Galatians 3:25-26, ESV

Encouragement

Through faith in Jesus Christ, we no longer live under a guardian. A “guardian” is known as a guide or slave responsible for the training of a child, which included punishment for any misbehavior. Without Christ, we would be left to live under the law and receive the punishment for disobeying the law. With Christ, we don’t just receive the gift of redemption, but we are also identified as sons of God through our faith. The Lord provided the way for us to all be called children of God. Let’s celebrate our life as a child of God!!

Reflection

Through your faith in Christ Jesus, you are a child of God. Read Galatians 4:1-7.

Quote

"With Christ, we don’t just receive the gift of redemption, but we are also identified as sons of God through our faith."

Live by the Spirit - Inspire Within Devotions

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 11:00:04 GMT

Inspire Within Devotion

Scripture

“ If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another .”

Galatians 5:25-26, ESV

Encouragement

Living by the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. By ourselves and in our strength, we could never walk by these fruits. Through keeping in step with the Spirit, the Spirit produces these fruits within us. In our strength, we are weak.

One important thing for us to understand is that the fruits of the Spirit are supplied by the Spirit. We are not to become conceited from the works of the Spirit. Nor should we provoke the people who are not walking in step with Spirit or envy the people who seem to have more fruits of the Spirit. Remember when we live by the Spirit, we keep in step with the Spirit.

Reflection

Are you living by the Spirit? Read Galatians 5:16-26. What fruits do you need more of in your life? Ask God to fill you more with His Spirit and help you in that area.

Quote

"One important thing for us to understand is that the fruits of the Spirit are supplied by the Spirit."

3 Things that We are Given Through God the Father

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 12:00:02 GMT

“But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we live for Him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life.”

1 Corinthians 8:6, NLT

Maybe you have a bad father, an absent father or never knew who your father was. Maybe your father was average, providing financially but not emotionally available. Our Earthly fathers will all fall short because they can never be perfect. Our Heavenly Father is a perfect father and the father we all need. Your father may have done his best, but was never enough. Maybe, for whatever reason, he is unable to be a part of your life. If you had an amazing father who is now gone or your father continues to fall short of expectations, God the Father always has and forever will be there. And He gives us all we need.

PROTECTION

“ But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one .”

2 Thessalonians 3:3, NIV

God is always with us and protects us from the enemy. He leads and guides us so that we can navigate the trials of our world. God blesses us with protection in response to our obedience. However, He does not promise us a life without problems. Psalm 138:7 (NIV) says, “ though I walk through the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me ”.

Through the chaos that life gives us God protects us and provides us favor as we pursue His calling on our lives. The closer we come to Him, He becomes our refuge through the storms. Refuge is defined as a safe place and shelter from the pursuit of trouble. As we strengthen our faith, He will protect us from the enemy and protect us from ourselves too. Our struggles with temptation, fear, or other weaknesses will be lessened to protect us from all the stumbling blocks that life can give us.

PROVISION

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus .”

Philippians 4:19, NIV

God is the ultimate provider. He provides both physical and emotional needs. He also promises to provide us wisdom and direction for our lives. No matter where you are or what you are doing, He will provide anything and everything you need. Psalm 103:5 (CEV) says, “ Each day that we live, he provides for our needs and gives us the strength of a young eagle .”

I have experienced God’s provision in so many ways. Sometimes I forget just how much He has blessed me with, unless I take the time to be still and think about the blessings that He has provided. The World can throw a lot of curve balls and create struggle or need in a variety of ways. Sometimes life can feel like an uphill battle and we keep rolling downward, unable to catch our footing. We cannot stop it from happening, but we can call out to a God of hope who is ready to provide every need. Pursue Him and His will for your life, and when you do, He will fulfill His promise of provision.

LOVE

“ This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins .”

1 John 4:10, NLT

God’s love is clear by His words and His actions. Through the Word and by the sacrifice of Jesus, He has shown us how much He loves us. He also continues to show us how much He loves us through consistent love, grace, protection, and provision. His gift of grace and mercy, through salvation, is the ultimate sign of His love. But more than that original gift, He has unconditional love for us which has no boundaries. No matter how many times we mess up. No matter how much we struggle. No matter how many times we ask for help. Psalm 86:15 (NLT) says, “ But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness .”

This “unfailing love” is the hardest part to feel like we can receive, even from Earthly fathers with the best of intentions. No matter how much your father tried to express his love for you, I’m willing to bet that there is a vivid memory (or more) where your Earthly father made you feel like his love was conditional; based on what you did or did not do. When our Earthly fathers fall short in this area in particular, it becomes very difficult to understand how our Heavenly Father could be any different. But He is! God’s love is unconditional and never changes. Regardless of what your relationship is with your father, God’s love is there for you.

The role of a father is very important in our lives. It has a big impact on who we become and how worthy of love we can feel. But no matter your experience with your Earthly father, our Heavenly Father can and will be everything you need from a father. He gives protection, provision and love to all. But even more than that, when you are ready, He will help you extend the grace and forgiveness you have received from Him, to your Earthly father, for all the ways he fell short of perfection. So whatever areas of your life you are struggling with because of the impact of your Earthly father, bring them to your Heavenly Father, who can restore your heart and give you everything you need.

For more about your relationship with God the Father, read about God's Grace .

Casey Wayne

Previous Monthly Contributor

Read Articles by Casey Wayne

Sealed with the Holy Spirit - Inspire Within Devotions

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 11:00:04 GMT

Inspire Within Devotion

Scripture

“ In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance

until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. ”

Ephesians 1:13-14, ESV

Encouragement

When we were taught the truth and received salvation from our faith in Jesus Christ, we were sealed with the Holy Spirit that God promised. A seal indicated ownership and authority. God sealed us with the Holy Spirit in our hearts. The Holy Spirit is a fulfillment of God’s promise to dwell within His People. The Spirit is a guarantee to our future inheritance of eternal life with God. Let us live by the Spirit and obey where He leads.

Reflection

Praise God for His Holy Spirit in our heart. Read about when Jesus promised the Holy Spirit in John 14.

Quote

"The Holy Spirit is a fulfillment of God’s promise to dwell within His People."

Who Can Say That They Have Not Sinned? - Inspire Within Devotions

Mon, 31 May 2021 11:00:02 GMT

Inspire Within Devotion

Scripture

“ If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. ”

1 John 1:8-10, ESV

Encouragement

Encouragement

Do you know that God gives a peace that is beyond our understanding? Even though the severity our anxiety can vary from person to person, anxiety is a struggle for anyone who is human. But the good news is… peace is attainable to us through God.

Instead of focusing on our anxiety and allowing it to control or paralyze us, we are to bring it to God in prayer with thanksgiving. Wholehearted thanksgiving to God leads to praising Him. Moments full of praise can help with anxiety, since it takes the attention off the weakness of self and emphasizes the strength of God who is deserving of all praise. The peace of God guards our hearts and minds.

Reflection

Do you need peace? God gives a peace that surpasses all understanding. Tell God your request, thank Him for your blessings and His goodness. God’s peace guards your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

Quote

"Moments full of praise can help with anxiety, since it takes the attention off the weakness of self and emphasizes the strength of God who is deserving of all praise."

The Precious Gift of God's Grace

Fri, 07 May 2021 12:00:03 GMT

“ He saved us not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. ”

Titus 3:5-7, NLT

Have you ever been given an unexpected gift from someone? Perhaps you didn’t even know what to do with it? I had some moments like that when I was pregnant with my first child. Even people I didn’t know and extended relatives sent me gifts. The fact that they went through the trouble of giving it to me made me feel appreciative, but I still felt bad not knowing what I should do with it. I think sometimes we can feel that way about God’s gift of grace. We’ve heard about “God-given grace” but we don’t really know what it is or what we should do with it.

Grace is an unmerited favor or blessings given to us even though we did not deserve it. Romans chapter 3 tells us that, because of sin, we all “fall short of God’s glorious standard”. Thankfully, God did not leave it that way. He made a way for us through his son Jesus. Romans 5:21 NLT says “So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The gift of grace is the opportunity to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. Once we do that and start having a relationship with him it becomes the “gift that keeps on giving” throughout our spiritual walk. It is a gift offered to ALL people (Titus 2:11). So once we accept the gift, then what?

Thank Him

“ So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave us our sins. ”

Ephesians 1:6-7, NLT

Do you remember when you were a kid and you got a birthday or Christmas gift? You would rip into the gift and be so excited about it that you immediately started playing with it, but then your parents would stop you and make you say “Thank you” because it is always a good thing to remember the person who, in their kindness, gave you that gift. The gift of grace we have received from God is the same way. We need to continuously remind ourselves who gave that gift to us and that it was not something we got on our own. This gift of grace has wiped away our sins. It gives us a clean slate every day providing us forgiveness because God sees us as more than the mistakes we have made. So we should always remember to give God the praise and glory for His gracious gift given to us.

Walk in Grace

“ For God saved us and called us to a holy life. He did this, not because we deserve it, but because this was his plan from before the beginning of time---to show us his grace through Christ Jesus .”

2 Timothy 1:9, NLT

I remember the day that I accepted Jesus as my Savior. I was a pre-teen who had a new intrigue with everything I had seen since I was a child growing up in church. As I watched my Mom walk through a study on how to share Christianity with others, I began to truly understand the heart of our faith and the significance of Christ’s sacrifice. However, after I had accepted this gift it took years for me to truly understand the gift that I was given and how it could impact my everyday life. Once we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior we are called to live a life in response to our salvation. We accept the gift of God’s grace allowing it to change us and help us live more like Christ. Our new relationship with Jesus helps provide freedom from our sinful nature. Romans 6:14 NLT says “Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead you live under the freedom of God’s grace”. This freedom from our sin gives us a chance instead to lean into the peace, wisdom and hope that God has to offer us. As we pursue a relationship with Him and follow His will for our life He provides us all that we need and so much more than we could imagine.

Share Grace with Others

“ By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News .”

Ephesians 3:7, NLT

In His grace, God provides us with blessings as we walk in His will for our lives. Those who walk in God’s grace are called to share that grace with others. And there are two ways we are called to do that. First, we are to give grace and love to those around us. We have been forgiven, despite our faults, and we are to extend that same forgiveness and grace to others around us. Second, we are to share the gift of grace that God has to offer through Jesus Christ. We are to share how God sent his Son to die for us and save us from our sins. By sharing our testimonies of how our relationship with Christ has given us strength and hope, others can come to know him as well. God has a plan for all of our lives that includes sharing our stories for His glory.

God’s gift of grace is meant to be shared. It was a gift that we did not earn or deserve, but He gave it to us anyway. It is good and right that we give God glory and praise for the gift of grace He provided through Christ Jesus. As we walk in faith with God’s grace and forgiveness, we should always be willing to share that with others because God’s grace is for all people.

Casey Wayne

Previous Monthly Contributor

Read Articles by Casey Wayne

Freedom from Slavery - Inspire Within Devotions

Mon, 03 May 2021 11:00:03 GMT

Inspire Within Devotion

Scripture

“ It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then,

and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery .”

Galatians 5:1, NIV

Encouragement

Freedom from our sins is found in Jesus Christ. Because of the perfect sacrifice of Jesus, we are set free from our bondage of sin and law. There is nothing we can do in our limited strength to save ourselves from death; Salvation is only found in Christ. If we consider our good works and obedience to God’s Word as what saves us from death, we are discrediting the immense value of Christ’s death for our salvation. (Galatians 2:21)

Every one of us was born into this world as a sinner, but from God’s wonderful plan to redeem us through His Son, we can stand firm in Christ knowing that we are no longer burdened by a yoke of slavery (slaves to the law). Through Christ, we are sons and daughters of God. Stand firm, brother and sisters, you are free from the law and live in the faith of Jesus our Lord!

Reflection

Quote

"There is nothing we can do in our limited strength to save ourselves from death; Salvation is only found in Christ."

Called to Obedience - Inspire Within Devotions

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 11:00:02 GMT

Inspire Within Devotion

As Christians, we are all called by God. Our lives are meant to be in response to the salvation we have gained through Christ Jesus. But what exactly are we called to? We all question, what does God expect of us?

Throughout the Bible, God called people to a variety of actions and lifestyles for His purposes. As we trudge through the typical routines of our days, months and years, we may look to what God’s will is for our specific occupation or the roles we hold within our families. But what are we called to as a Christian; As a part of the Body of Christ?

The answer to these questions is two-fold. To put it simply, we are called to have a relationship with God and to build relationships with those around us to share the Gospel. And these two sides to our walk of faith must stay in balance. We must pursue the strength, love and mercy of our God to be able to continually pour into the lives of others. To build relationships with those around us, we must serve, show, and spread.

SERVE

“ You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh;

rather, serve one another humbly in love. ”

Galatians 5:13, NIV

“ For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,

and to give his life as a ransom for many .”

Mark 10:45, NIV

To serve is simply to do things for others. They don’t have to be big things, just doing what meets their needs---listening, small gestures, giving encouragement or hope. Praying is another way we can serve others. Ask how you can pray for someone and then follow-up with true interest and concern. Everyone needs to feel loved, and the best way to do that is by showing them that they are seen and heard. For some, helping lighten their burden may be what they need. In some circumstances, offering food, babysitting, yard work or other services can allow someone to focus their energy on healing their grief or trauma. Ultimately, remember that being the hands and feet of Christ does not require a lot of money or influence; simply serve where you are. Do what you can for those you interact with every day. Pray that God reveals those who need you to serve them for His purposes. Allow Him to open your eyes to those opportunities to bring Him glory by loving others.

SHOW

“ In the same way, let your light shine before others,

that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven .”

Matthew 5:16, NIV

“In everything set them an example by doing what is good.

In your teaching show integrity, seriousness”

Titus 2:7, NIV

Rosa Parks said, “Each person must live their life as a model for others”. From the time we are small children, we learn a lot from watching others. We instinctively will create our own behaviors based on what we see. We must always strive to do better and be better, for our own benefit, but also for those who are looking to us as a role model. An easy checklist for what we should be striving for as a follower of Christ is the Fruits of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 says But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Rest assured, there is always someone looking to you as a role model. Notice in Titus chapter 2 it doesn’t call us to be perfect, but it does call us to have integrity. We should be honest and share the truth of where our strength comes from. Our lives aren’t perfect and we need to make sure we are not striving to make it appear that way. Doing so can hurt our witness. Instead, when someone may question your lack of fear, anxiety or troubles, make sure they know that your life is not void of struggle, but instead, God provides peace and guidance.

SPREAD

“ Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples .”

Psalm 96:3, NIV

“ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son

and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age .”

Matthew 28:19-20 NIV

The biggest calling for us is to share the love and redemption we have found through our salvation. Christ’s sacrifice is the heart of our faith and the “Good News” we are called to share. When I was younger, I always assumed your testimony is simply the story of how you choose to accept Christ, which that is true. However, I have since realized that your testimony goes from one story of you accepting Christ to a whole series of stories and situations where God can be seen in our lives. It is so important to share those stories with those who need to hear them. Our personal experiences with a God that loves us more than we can imagine allows the Holy Spirit to reach those who hear it.

We are to take in the love, hope and wisdom we have received in Christ. Then we are to use the strength we have been given to pour into those around us. We are called to be the body of Christ and share the Gospel with every one.

Read Part One of this Article for ways to build your relationship with God .

Casey Wayne

Previous Monthly Contributor

Read Articles by Casey Wayne

Called - Part One: Our Relationship with God

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 18:45:02 GMT

The answer to these questions is two-fold. To put it simply, we are called to have a relationship with God and build relationships with those around us to share the Gospel. And these two sides to our walk of faith must stay in balance. We must pursue the strength, love, and mercy of our God to be able to continually pour into the lives of others. To make sure we are always feeding our faith and building the relationship with our God, we should always pray, praise and pursue him.

PRAY

“ Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus .”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV

We cannot have a relationship with our God without praying. Martin Luther said, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing”. Our conversations with God through prayer are the heart of our relationship with him. However, it can be difficult to find the time to be in prayer. We are so used to being bombarded by our schedules, and our human nature tends to avoid the quiet prayer time that our souls so desperately need. And let’s be honest, sometimes we are so exhausted that sitting still and quiet can just lead to us falling asleep. Anyone else? Or is that just me?

We do desperately need that time with our God. It relieves our stress, anger, pain, worry and so much more. Sometimes we need to come to God on behalf of others who are struggling or need to feel his presence. But we also need to consistently devote time to thank him for the blessings in our lives. Challenge yourself to maintain a daily prayer time with God. God wants to talk to us. It doesn’t have to be fancy or formal. He just wants to hear from us and bless us.

PRAISE

“Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done .”

Psalm 105:1, NIV

We are called to praise and worship our God for all the things he is. He is our heavenly Father, provider, healer, creator and so much more! So it is right and good to praise his name. We should share how he has blessed and encouraged us through life’s ups and downs. Not only do we praise him because he deserves all glory and praise, but to point others to him. When good things happen in our lives or when he gives us unimaginable strength and peace in the chaos of the world, we are called to give God the glory so that others will see him through us.

PURSUE

“ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart .”

Jeremiah 29:13, NIV

“ Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always .”

Psalm 105:4, NIV

We are called to pursue God always, to chase after him with our whole heart! Prayer is part of how we seek God’s face. When we pray, we need to ask for his wisdom and guidance. God’s plan and will for our lives are so much better than any plan we could ever imagine, so strive to always come to God with an open and willing heart. Reading and exploring God’s word is the other major way that we pursue him. Scripture is a gift from God so that we may know him more. Find a way to get into God’s word consistently and let it be an amazing tool to help encourage, guide and provide wisdom for your life.

God promises to provide everything we need and bless us with so much more. In his mercy, he promises to bless those who pursue him. Psalm 24:5-6 (NIV) says, “ They will receive blessings from the Lord and vindication from God their savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob .”

So, don’t miss out on all the blessings God has planned for you. Strive to continuously build and strengthen your relationship with your heavenly Father. Seek his wisdom, mercy and strength for the daily struggles that life throws at you. And remember, you are always called to pray, praise and pursue him all the days of your life.

Read Part Two of this Article for ways to build your relationship with others .

Casey Wayne

Previous Monthly Contributor

Read Articles by Casey Wayne

Righteous Live by Faith - Inspire Within Devotions

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 10:00:02 GMT

Inspire Within Devotion

Scripture

“ For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith .’”

Romans 1:17, NIV

Encouragement

The Gospel reveals the righteousness of God’s plan by providing a way for us to be saved and how we ought to live our life. From faith in God, we are declared righteous. When we live by that faith, we are choosing to trust in Him throughout all circumstances. Our relationship with God must have faith and trust in Him. God’s gracious plan to send His Son as our Savior is the reason why have the future hope of eternal life. Amen!

Reflection

Is your faith in God? Romans 10:9-10 (NIV) says, “ If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved .” For further study, read Romans 10.

Quote

"When we live by that faith, we are choosing to trust in Him throughout all circumstances."

Live at Peace with Others - Inspire Within Devotions

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 10:00:02 GMT

Inspire Within Devotion

Scripture

“ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,

since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful .”

Colossians 3:15, NIV

Encouragement

Christ’s peace should reign in our hearts. We are called to it. Although there are differences in opinions in the body of Christ, we must love one another and live in His peace. One way to live in peace with one another is the decision to love despite how we feel. Love is an important virtue that leads to peace. May we always love one another and let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts!

Reflection

Do you want to live in the peace of Christ? Choose to love. If you struggle showing love despite differences in opinion, pray to God and ask Him to show you in what ways you can love more like Him.

Quote

"One way to live in peace with one another is the decision to love despite how we feel."

Be the Light of the World by Reflecting Christ

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 12:02:33 GMT

“ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres .”

1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NIV

As I walk down the street, there is not one face I see that Jesus doesn’t love. Not one. Every person I make eye contact with, Jesus died on the cross for them. So, I ask myself, “Do they see Jesus in me?”

On my own journey of life, I’ve realized how important authenticity is. As Christians, we can get caught up in the pressures of “being a good example.” Don’t get me wrong, living out what you believe in is important. Actions speak louder than words. Those actions must reflect a Christ-like love. I try my best to remember that it’s about how God sees me, and not what others think of me. That is the way I will show others around me just what my Jesus is all about.

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

1 John 3:18, NIV

I have been so guilty of being a people pleaser. So much so, that it brought me to tears. Several times, I have collapsed at Jesus’ feet and just fell apart. I kept asking myself why it was so hard “being a good Christian.” It seemed like the Lord, in His precious ways, kept reminding me to look at Him. Over time, I have realized that I kept grasping at everyone else around me and not Him. With much practice, I have started looking to the Lord and realizing that I am His, and that is enough.

To be the light of the world, I must look to Jesus as the ultimate example. Selflessness, honesty, bravery, forgiveness, humility, compassion, and fierce love. That is being the hands and feet of Jesus. I will always fall short, but the Father sees my heart and His grace is sufficient.

“ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. ”

2 Corinthians 12:9-10, NIV

The day I accepted that I am a sinner with scars was the day I was set free. This sinner has many imperfections and scars, but Jesus takes them and makes them into a beautiful masterpiece. A masterpiece that attracts people to see a Savior, who purely loves broken people, like me.

God is our provider. We don’t need to worry about what we will eat or drink, or even what we will wear. If God can provide for the birds, He can surely provide for our needs too. God can do the impossible to provide for us. So, we should trust in God to be our provider instead of looking to ourselves for provision. Let us take our worries to God and remember that God alone is who provides for us.

Reflection

Are you worried about your life? When you are consumed by fear, it is difficult to trust God. Be consumed with God and trust in Him. for all your needs in this life. Continue reading about worry in Matthew 6:25-34.

Quote

"If God can provide for the birds, He can surely provide for our needs too."

Comments:

Do you feel the hurt from someone sinning against you? Forgiving the one who wrongs you can seem impossible. In your own strength, it is impossible. That is why you depend on Christ for strength. Be honest with God about forgiving. Tell God how you feel, how it felt when that person hurt you, why I don’t want to forgive to one who hurt, and give Him it ALL. Ask God to be your strength to forgive like He forgave you, and let Him soften your heart where it is needed. God understands and will be your strength.

Quote

"Let us look to the Spirit for the strength to be gracious and forgive others just our Father forgives us."

Handling Conflict and Forgiveness with Grace

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 18:01:51 GMT

"Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry."

James 1:19, NLT

We all have conflict in our lives. Our human nature causes misinterpretations, assumptions, a tendency to only see from our own perspective, and makes us all prone to talk more than we listen. Even worse, once in the middle of conflict, we tend to only listen long enough to formulate a response and may or may not wait for the other person to finish before we blurt out our counter argument. All our negative habits, fears or insecurities can get the better of us and that’s the way Satan likes it! But what does God have to say about it?

Just like everyone else, I have had my share of conflicts with people in my life. And a lot of times it is the people you are closest to, which makes the conflict even more emotionally charged. These moments have convicted me to take a hard look at myself and see what God needs me to learn from these conflicts. I strive to be an open and honest person, but with that I have had to learn how to carefully navigate my words. I’ve learned how sharing my honesty is all well and fine, but I need to be more open to others sharing their perspective, while I provide more grace and forgiveness.

Stopping It Before It Start

John 13:34 (NIV) says “ A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another .” First and foremost, we are called to love. Not just who we want to love or those we feel like loving. We are called to love ALL! That includes our friends, families, enemies and those who make us mad. We are also called to keep peace. Matthew chapter 5 says “Blessed are the peacemakers”. However, I do want to clarify that loving people and keeping peace, in my humble opinion, does not equate to avoiding the uncomfortable conversations about things that are on your heart. God does reveal things to us that need to be shared and said for a purpose. Allowing feelings to fester is not healthy and holding onto things contaminates your heart. Prayerfully take your burden to God, and ask him how to proceed before approaching someone with a concern you have on your heart.

Addressing Conflict When Needed

If you have something on your heart and mind that you believe God is asking you to bring to someone, proceed with caution. Proverbs 14:29 (ESV) says “ Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly ”, so make sure you are not proceeding with anger in your heart. Consider these thoughts beforehand:

(1) Talk to them and only them

(2) Express your concern while humbly acknowledging that they also have a perspective that you want to hear to help resolve the conflict.

(3) Both express your perspectives and concerns. Then BOTH apologize. Yes, both! Because I have never had a conflict where I was perfect and did not have something to apologize for. Without mutual apologies no true resolution can be reached.

(4) Develop a compromised solution or plan to set boundaries and expectations you are both comfortable with.

Now, I know what you are thinking. What if that does not work? Sometimes it doesn’t. Remember, we are all humans and flawed. Like our spiritual journey with Christ, we are all at different places of maturity as it relates to conflict resolutions. And depending on the reason for the conflict there may be a very deep wound or cycle of hurt. However, this is what I have learned: It does take both sides to willingly complete conflict resolution, but you can always give forgiveness. And that is exactly what we are called to do. Colossians 3:13 (NIV) says “ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ” It’s not always easy and one of the biggest myths about forgiveness is that once you forgive someone those feelings will magically disappear; they will not. Forgiveness is a daily decision to call upon the strength of the Lord to give grace and mercy to someone else the way he did for us. So, we have to pray for a heart of forgiveness continuously. Pray that, someday, in God’s timing, that the unresolved conflict can be resolved.

Our human nature constantly creates a battle in our lives, creating conflict with others. We all face it in our lives. And Satan loves to use it as a tool for his purposes. But while our natural instincts tend to make us want to escalate conflict or avoid it because it’s uncomfortable, it always seems to find us in the end. So, let’s work to be better with it:

(1) Show love continually to ward off conflicts related to someone feeling a lack of love.

(2) Keep the peace if possible and don’t intentionally escalate a situation.

(3) If conflict still finds you, approach it with grace and mercy not anger.

(4) If conflict resolution cannot be met: forgive.

" Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace ."

Ephesians 4:3, NIV

Casey Wayne

Previous Monthly Contributor

Read Articles by Casey Wayne

How You Should Pray - Inspire Within Devotions

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 11:00:03 GMT

Inspire Within Devotion

Scripture

“ This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, you will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil o ne.’”

Matthew 6:9-13, NIV

Encouragement

Jesus gave this prayer as an example, not as a word-for-word prayer that we should pray.

The Lord’s prayer is a model for our prayers. Our communication with God should respect God’s sovereignty, praise God for who He is, submit to God’s will over ours, trust God to be our sustainer and provider, ask God for forgiveness, seek God to lead us out of temptation, and protect us from our enemy. Ultimately, we should lean on God for our every need and praise Him throughout it all.

Reflection

May your prayers be full of reverence and adoration to God, dependence on Him and His will for your life, sincere forgiveness, and protection from the temptations of the evil one.

Quote

"The Lord’s prayer is a model for our prayers."

Sincere Prayer - Inspire Within Devotions

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 11:00:01 GMT

Inspire Withi n Devotion

Scripture

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for you Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

Matthew 6:5-8, NIV

Encouragement

Jesus was showing the importance of sincere and private communication with God. The religious leaders thought they were holy by praying in public to get the attention of others. Being showy in our prayers is a self-righteous act, but honest and sincere prayer is how we ought to communicate with God. God hears all prayers, and He even knows what we need before we ask Him. We don’t need to repeat a chant, rather we just should pray from the heart. God wants us to communicate with Him.

Reflection

God wants YOU to communicate with Him. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just be raw and honest with God, because God cares about your every need.

Quote

"God hears all prayers, and He even knows what we need before we ask Him."

Give Sincerely to Others - Inspire Within Devotions

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 11:00:02 GMT

Inspire Withi n Devotion

Scripture

“ Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. ”

Matthew 6:1-4, NIV

Encouragement

We are not called to give to the needy to be honored by man or for selfish gains. Our motives for giving should be pure and sincere and not for our benefit. Jesus said “do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” in verse 3. God, our Father, rewards those who give quietly or in secret with no thought of a reward in return. Let’s give to others from a pure heart, not selfish motives!

Reflection

What are your motives for giving to others? Do you give sincerely?

Quote

"God, our Father, rewards those who give quietly or in secret with no thought of a reward in return."

Recommended Resource

Recommended Resource

God’s Plans Can’t Be Thwarted - Inspire Within Devotions

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 11:00:01 GMT

Inspire Within Devotion

Scripture

“ When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,” he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’ So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘Out of Egypt I called my son .’”

Matthew 2:13-15, NIV

Encouragement

It’s amazing how God’s Plans are unstoppable. When the ruthless King Herod tried to put an end to Jesus’ life, the Lord sent an angel to warn Joseph and send his family to a safe place. This is a great reminder for us to be obedient to the Lord without hesitation because He has a reason for what He asks of us. No one can thwart our God’s Plans or His Word. Jesus Christ was sent by God to the earth to save us all from our sins.

In this Scripture, it is interesting to note the parallel of the story of Israel being lead out of Egypt and Jesus being brought back to Egypt. In both stories, it displays God saving He people. God saved the Israelites from ruthless slavery in Egypt, and He saved Jesus’ life, who saved the lives of us all.

Reflection

God’s Purpose will always triumph the plans of man, because He is God and we are not. Always seek the will of God. If you are walking with God, God will lead you and you will feel His peace when you are in His Will. Today, read Matthew chapter 2 for further study about the early life of Christ.

Quote

"No one can thwart our God’s Plans or His Word."

Recommended Resource

Fully Divine and Fully Human - Inspire Within Devotions

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 11:00:02 GMT

Inspire Within Devotion

Scripture

“ This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel—which means, “God with us. ”’ ”

Matthew 1:18-23, NIV

Encouragement

Jesus Christ, God’s Son, was born of a virgin, which meant that He was fully human and fully divine. Jesus was born of women, but free from the sinful nature of that was passed on by Adam, because He is the Son of God. Jesus Christ our Messiah lived a life without any sin to be the perfect atonement for all of our sins. The fact that Jesus lived a perfect life, not only shows us how to live, but shows that He fully understands our struggles and experiences because He was “tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin”. (Hebrews 4:15-16)

In the Old testament, well before the book of Matthew was written, the prophet Isaiah spoke a sign from the Lord, “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”. (Isaiah 7:14) God’s Word never fails! This was all a part of God’s perfect plan as redemption, sending Jesus Christ our Savior to “save his people from their sins”. Praise God for providing a way out from the death of our sins and into eternal life with Christ!

Reflection

Christ understands your struggles and experiences, because He lived as a man on earth, but most importantly because He is our Messiah, the Son of God. God’s Word will always prevail!

Read the following Scriptures today:

Matthew chapter 1
Isaiah 7:14
Hebrews 4:15-16

Daily Quote

"Nothing good is sown from pleasing our fleshly desires, though good is sown from living to please God."

Recommended Resource

Come and See Bible Study Review by Daily Grace Co.

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 19:00:02 GMT

Come and See: A Study on the Gospel of John by The Daily Grace Co.

The Come and See Bible study is ten-week Bible study that is an in-depth study of the whole book of John. The theme of John is centered around knowing and believing in Jesus. The Daily Grace Co. named this Bible study “Come and See” to come and see who Jesus is. They describe the Gospel of John as “a call to faith that trusts Him not just for salvation, but for every moment of our lives.” An overflowing and abundant life can only be found in Christ. Every part of the Gospel of John points us to Jesus Christ.

The book of John is written for everyone, no matter the age. John wrote this book so that all people would believe in Jesus Christ, the Messiah. It is a unique gospel because instead of being a synopsis Gospel, it shows the deity of Jesus Christ—He is the Divine God in human form. It is a great book that everyone should read since we all need Jesus. The Daily Grace Co. states it wonderfully on their website, “the book of John is for those brand new to the Bible and those that have been following Jesus for years”.

Gospel means Good News—the Good News of Christ. There are four Gospels because the Jewish Law required that there must be more than one witness to make a story valid. In John 8:17-18 (NIV), Jesus said “In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. I am the one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.” (Old Testament reference to this Law is in Deuteronomy 17:6.)

This Bible Study will cover the book of John beginning with the first chapter to the last chapter. For personal application, it includes a Weekly Reflection for you to answer questions and reflect on what you have learned. The study is packed full of biblical-based content, even includes study suggestions, Scripture memorization, memorization tips, maps, and timelines.

If you are interested in this Bible study, you can start by reading through the whole Gospel of John. That will give you a great overview of the book before you go into the depth of your study. The Come and See Bible Study has a version for women and men, and they even have a His and Hers Bundle. You can check out the Bible study at Amazon: Come and See Bible Study .*

"Nothing is too hard for God; All things are possible for God."

Recommended Resource

4 Ways to Surrender Daily by Letting Go and Letting God

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 18:28:48 GMT

Surrendering to God is a Daily Choice.

Letting Go can be defined as surrendering. To surrender to God means to give it to God. When you are surrendering you are giving up and letting go. Surrendering to God is the act of yielding to Him. Surrender means “to give up completely” or “to give oneself up into the power of another”. For a clearer picture, look at these synonyms for surrender : give up, hand over, and lay down.

You give yourself into God’s leading when you give up control, hand over worries, and lay down your desires. So, surrendering to God is when you give up control instead of trying to control your life on your own. It’s a constant struggle against our human nature. We are acknowledging that we are not big enough to carry our burdens and sins by ourselves when we hand over everything to God. Sins hold us back from moving forward, and it must our past must be surrendered to Jesus and the price that He already paid for us.

Our human nature likes to think that we have everything under control, and it may feel like things are going great, but when things start to get challenging, we realized how helpless we truly are. We ought to keep God in control of our life even when things seem like we can handle life on our own because we essentially can’t do it on our own and are nothing without Him.

Surrendering to God brings us true freedom. Letting go and letting God is like telling God that you are done trying to deal with your problems in your own limited strength, and asking Him to provide you with His strength. God’s strength is powerful and strong, unlike our weak hands which can’t hold on any longer.

4 Ways to Surrender to God:

1. Fill Your Day with Prayer

Prayer is such a special gift. Prayer is communication with God, the Father. We get to talk to our Creator. We grow in our relationship with God through prayer. Talk to God. Before you start all your daily tasks, start the day with prayer. Tell Him your worries, anxieties, doubts, and fears. Lay down the mistakes of your past and don’t pick them back up. Praise God for His goodness and the blessings that He has given you. Start your day with prayer, continue your day with prayer, and end your day with prayer!

“ Pray continually ”

1 Thessalonians 5:17, NIV

“ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ”

1 Peter 5:7, NIV

2. Daily Read God’s Word

“ Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path .”

Psalm 119:105, NIV

The Bible is living and active; it is the ultimate guide for all! God speaks through His Word. Time in God’s Word will grow you spiritually. Through consistently reading through the entire Bible, you begin to understand the story as a whole. God shows you wonderful things about who He is and how to live fully for Him. Scripture is centered on God and focuses on living for God and not for self. God’s Word quenches spiritual thirst. It points to always surrendering to God.

Hebrews 4:12, NIV

Storing God’s Word in your heart through meditation helps you to renews your mind daily. Find a find that encourages and meditate on it. Post it somewhere that you will see it often. Each time you read it allow it to speak to your fear, anxiety, doubts, shame, or whatever it is that you need to surrender.

“ Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. ”

Joshua 1:8, NIV

3. Be Surrounded by Encouragement

We need community. God doesn’t want us to do life alone. It is important to have people surrounding you who are uplifting and edifying to your life. It could be friends, family members, church members, or a church group. Whoever it is that God has placed in your life who helps you grow spiritually. Allow them to be a spiritual mentor. A Christian community or mentor can speak truth into your life and to remind you to continually surrender to God daily. Christian resources, such as books, videos, or podcasts are also a good way to encourage you and expand your faith.

“ He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm .”

Proverbs 13:20, NIV

“ Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! ”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

4. Trust in God

If you truly trust that God is for you, you can fully surrender to Him. God is for you and not against you. God only wants what is best for your life. Hard things certainly come our way, but if we believe that God knows best and has a reason for all things, then we will get through with His strength. You can let go and let God when you trust in Him. You will see how there is no need to worry, fear, doubt, or live in the past of your mistake because God is worthy of your surrender.

Surrendering to God is not easy, but God is always trustworthy. Letting go and letting God is always worth it. Will you fear, worry, or doubt again? Yes, you are human. Though will you know that when you let go and surrender to God, he will help you through? Yes! God is asking for you to surrender your worries, fears, doubts, regrets, etc. He is your Creator and knows your thoughts, so you can give it all to Him. God is FOR YOU! Today and every day, rest in your full surrender to Him.

“ But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him .”

Jeremiah 17:7, NIV

Here are some great Bible verses about Trusting God and Not Worrying for more encouragement.

God’s Way is Best - Daily Devotional

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 11:00:12 GMT

Inspire Within Daily Devotional

Daily Scripture

“‘ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts .’”

Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV

Daily Encouragement

The Israelites had several times where they believed that their plans were better than God’s plans. We have times in our life where we do the same. It is foolish to act as if we know better than God or to act like we know how God thinks. We are not God; God is God. God’s thoughts and ways are higher than our ways and thoughts.

Read the Daily Scripture again. You can trust in His ways. Let us humble ourselves and push way our pride since we do not know the magnificent ways of the Lord or see life through His infinite perspective. God sees the best path for us, so we should always follow His ways for our life, instead of our own plans!

Daily Reflection

Are you trusting God’s path for your life? Instead of trying to fit God in your plans, make every effort to be in God’s plans. Never forgot that God is omniscient and all-seeing from the beginning of time and forevermore.

Daily Quote

"God’s thoughts and ways are higher than our ways and thoughts."

Recommended Resource

Flourishing in Christ - Daily Devotional

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 11:00:10 GMT

Inspire Within Daily Devotional

Daily Scripture

“ The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, ‘The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him. ’”

Psalm 92:12–15, NIV

Daily Encouragement

The righteous representing a palm tree flourishing is a perfect analogy. The palm tree stands upright, bears fruit, and endures strong winds. Cedar of Lebanon is a beautiful tree, which has been considered high-quality timber for ages. A righteous life in Christ brings a life that is thriving and everbearing fruit. A life like that can only come from a life in Christ.

The Lord is upright, pure, and perfect—He is our Rock. We can flourish because we have Christ, our Rock. The Rock of our salvation! He is our refuge, fortress, and deliverer. No matter what this life throws our way, we can stand tall like a Palm tree on God’s Truth. When we are planted in Christ, we will flourish, bear goof fruits, and remain strong through any storm.

Daily Reflection

Remember that you are planted in Christ. Only through God can you flourish. Pray that God will strengthen you more and more in Him. Be planted in God’s Word and allow Him to be your Rock now and forevermore.

Daily Quote

"No matter what this life throws our way, we can stand tall like a Palm tree on God’s Truth."

Most Worthy of Praise - Daily Devotional

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 10:45:01 GMT

Inspire Within Daily Devotional

Our World Needs Godly Marriage.

“ Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace .”

Ephesians 4:2-3, NIV

We live in a world where divorce is more common than probably anyone would like to admit. People and marriages are breaking. Children are struggling to have good examples of what marriage and life should be.

I can remember being a newly-wed in our small apartment. We had been married and living together for probably less than two months when we got into an overblown argument about whether the syrup should go in the pantry or the refrigerator. On top of the feelings of frustration and confusion about the situation at hand, I remember thinking, is this really what marriage is? Is this what marriage should be? From that moment on, I felt God’s tug on my heart to pursue a purpose and goal for our marriage. I wanted it to be more than something we did because we had to. I wanted it to ultimately make us better...together. I wanted it to be for God’s glory.

Because of this conviction, I eventually found the newlywed group at our church. Its purpose was to help guide newly engaged and newly married couples through conversations and scriptures to create a Godly foundation for marriage. I am forever thankful for this group and the lasting impact it has had on us. Among the amazing foundation it gave us, it provided amazing friends and, for me, other women who are now navigating motherhood together. On top of that, I now believe more than ever how important it is that our marriages are guided, encouraged, and purposeful for God’s kingdom.

Marriages are God given and become a model for how to live and love like Christ. Not only is it important for us as a couple to have a strong Godly marriage, but it is also one of the biggest ways we can have an impact on the world around us. How we show love, encourage our spouses, model navigating life’s painful or disappointing moments are all opportunities for God to be seen by others around us. Our children, future children, or children we interact with regularly (such as nieces, nephews, friends’ children, etc.) are all watching how we live in Christ or if we don’t.

God calls us to be an example to the world, not only as individuals but also for what marriage should look like. Ephesians 5:25 (NIV) says, “ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her ”. As a wife, Proverbs 31:11-12 (NIV) says, “ Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life .”

We should always be pursuing our relationship with God first and foremost. But our second biggest goal and calling should be to create and maintain the strongest, faith-based marriage possible. Will it be easy...of course not! Our marriage can be our biggest challenge to our ability to give love and grace like Christ. We will frustrate each other, push each other, and it can quickly become a foothold for the devil. But let’s commit to pursuing God in our marriage. Pray that God will help you be the spouse he calls you to be and that those around you will see His glory through your life together.

“ So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let no man separate .”

Matthew 19:6, NIV

Do you believe in the power of the Word of God? Are you in God’s Word consistently and regularly? Being in the Word regularly will benefit your life all-around—Mentally, Physically, and Spiritually. Think of an area of your life that you need to be transformed in. Maybe it is your thoughts or the attitudes of your heart? Or maybe you need mental or physical healing? Seek God for transformation in your life and look in His Word to be your guide. He is the only one who can change us from the inside-outside.

Daily Quote

"God’s Word is more than a collection of historical writings, or just simply written words of God; It is full of life-changing literature that God works to inspire within us to change us from the inside-outside. "

Trust and Acknowledge God With All Your Heart - Daily Devotional

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 11:00:01 GMT

Inspire Within Daily Devotional

Daily Scripture

“ Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight .”

Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV

Daily Encouragement

Trusting in the Lord is vital and wise. Sometimes it may feel like we can’t trust anyone, not even God—But God is the only one who we can trust 100%! God knows what is best for all of us. To trust God with all your heart is trusting Him completely with your choices and following His direction. To do that, we must lean on Him and His understanding, not our understanding.

To lean on something means to put all of your weight on something or to fully rely on something for your support. When we are leaning on God, He is our support and He carries all of our weight, which includes our worries, problems, decisions, needs, life directions, etc. Through acknowledging God and leaning on Him, He will straighten your path with His guidance, direction, and protection. Acknowledging God in all your ways means fully committing every area of your life to Him.

Daily Reflection

Is there an area of your life that you need to fully trust God? Any area that you need to acknowledge Him? Are you leaning on God’s understanding or being wise in your own eyes? Pray and ask God to help you acknowledge Him, lean on Him, and Trust in Him with all of your heart. For further study, you should read the full chapter of Proverbs 3, or read through the whole book of Proverbs for more about wisdom.

Daily Quote

"To trust God with all your heart is trusting Him completely with your choices and following His direction. "

Correctly Handle the Word of Truth - Daily Devotional

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 11:00:01 GMT

Inspire Within Daily Devotional

Daily Scripture

“ Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly .”

2 Timothy 2:14-16, NIV

Daily Encouragement

How do you “present yourself to God as one approved”? The King James Version translation says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God”. Our job is not to get approval from people but to be approved by God. God’s workmen do not need to be ashamed of the Gospel by correctly handling the word of truth. Studying the Word of God is very important for believers to do, especially through personal Bible study and not just from reading or listening to what other people have to say about God’s Word. We need to consistently and diligently study the Bible, so that we will have encounters with God through it, truly know and understand what it means, apply it to our everyday lives, and correctly teach it to others.

Paul was telling Timothy to remind the believers to not argue over insignificant details/discussions or participate in any godless chatter, which is referring to anything that takes the focus off of the gospel of Christ and God’s Word. Some false teachers teach man’s opinions and teachings, not God’s teachings from His Word. The vain babble of false teachers/prophets share only what people like to hear or want to hear, but it contradicts what the Gospel says. Such profane and vain teachings are misleading, harmful, and useless. We must study God’s Word with wisdom and care and have nothing to do with godless chatters.

Daily Reflection

Though it does not end there. Jesus will return to earth again! We do not know the hour or the day, nor does the Son (Matthew 24:26), but we do know that Jesus Christ is going to return to gather His People so that “we will be with the Lord forever”. (1 Thessalonians. 4:16-17) What a wonderful day that will be!

Daily Reflection

Take some time to read what Christ said before His ascension and about His return. Be prayerful about what you read and let the Spirit lead and teach you as you study the Scriptures.

Matthew 24:1-51
John 14:1-31
1 Thessalonians 4:1-18 through 5:1-28

Daily Quote

"The world loves the one who belongs to the world but despises the one who has been chosen out of the world."

Finding Mercy - Daily Devotional

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 21:32:49 GMT

Inspire Within Daily Devotional

Daily Scripture

“ He who conceals his sins does not prosper,

but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy .”

Proverbs 28:13, NIV

Daily Encouragement

The one who hides their sins does not move past their sin, instead, they remain stuck in their sins. We are not called to remain in our sins, instead, we are called to confess our sins. We are not able to prosper when there is sin concealed in our life. In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of the word prosper is “to become strong and flourishing”. So, to be strong and flourishing, we must confess and renounce all sins in our life. The word renounce means to forsake, give up, or eschew [to abstain or keep away from].

When we confess to God our sins and abstain from them, then we receive God’s mercy. God’s mercy is when we do not receive what we deserve for our sins. Forgiveness. God extends His grace to us when we ask for forgiveness by confessing our sins and turning away from them. God’s mercy and grace is a beautiful gift! Only through Christ can we shift from not prospering spiritually to becoming strong and flourishing.

Daily Reflection

Do you have a sin that you need to confess and renounce? If you are concealing a sin, God’s mercy is waiting for you. All you have to do is confess and forsake your sin. Through this step, you will flourish spiritually. God is not condemning or shaming you. He is calling you to His grace and mercy, which is leading on the path of righteousness. Like the Scripture says, “whoever confesses and renounces” their sin “finds mercy”. Read this reminder about how God’s Forgiveness is Greater than Shame .

Daily Quote

"God’s mercy is when we do not receive what we deserve for our sins. "

Spiritual Training Greater Than Physical Training - Daily Devotional

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 11:00:16 GMT

Inspire Within Daily Devotional

Daily Scripture

“ For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promises for both the present life and the life to come .”

1 Timothy 4:8, NIV

Daily Encouragement

In our society, physical fitness has much emphasis placed on it. People feel like they have to be a certain weight, have big muscles, or look a certain way. Fitness has its set of benefits for this life, but physical training has less value than spiritually training.

The Scripture says that godliness has value for all things since it has promises for the present life and the life to come. Our physical body will fade away one day, but our spiritual body will live for eternity with Christ. We must focus on Christ, what matters most in this life and the life to come, by growing in our relationship with God—following God, studying God’s Word, obeying God, worshiping God, serving God, and communicating with God daily.

Daily Reflection

Are you focused on growing spiritually? Do you put more emphasis on physical training? Consider some things that you can add to your daily schedule to have more spiritual training in your life. Is it your prayer life, time in the Bible, or maybe you just need to set more time to worship God for how great He is?

Daily Quote

"Our physical body will fade away one day, but our spiritual body will live for eternity with Christ."

Comments:

Are you examining your heart? Is there an area of your heart that you need allow Christ to change?

Daily Quote

"The condition of our heart reflects who we are and how we act."

Listen and Obey God’s Word - Daily Devotional

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 11:00:02 GMT

Inspire Within Daily Devotional

Daily Scripture

James 1:22-25, NIV

Daily Encouragement

Knowing what God’s Word says but not putting it into practice is considered meaningless. In the book of James, it is very blunt and clear when it reads "Do what it says". Blunt but to the point. It’s important to listen to what the Bible says though it is even more important to obey it by doing what it says. Effective Bible study can be measured by the effect it has on our actions and attitudes. We mislead ourselves when we fail to act on what the Word says.

Let us not be like the man who looks in the mirror and immediately forgets what he looks like, instead let us have freedom by studying the Bible and obeying what it says. Intently study the Bible, so you can intentionally do what it says. When you obey what the Word of God says and continue doing it, not forgetting what you have heard, you will be blessed in what you do.

Daily Reflection

Search your heart to see if there is any part of God’s Word that you are not obeying. Is there something you have heard from the Bible that you are not putting into action? If something came to mind as you read that, then you should pray and ask God to help you do what He says and chose to obey God’s Word.

Daily Quote

"Intently study the Bible, so you can intentionally do what it says."

The Joy of the Lord Is Our Strength

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 17:31:32 GMT

Choosing Joy and Contentment in All Circumstances.

In the books of Philippians, the apostle Paul is thanking the Church at Philippi for their partnership and the gift they sent to him during his imprisonment in Rome. Paul was in prison chains when he wrote this letter to the Philippians to strengthen and encourage their faith and show them that true joy comes only from Jesus Christ.

“ I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 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 1:3-6, NIV

Paul’s imprisonment in chain served in a way that advanced the gospel. It became clear to whole palace guard and to everyone else that Paul was in chains for Christ. To take it a step further, Paul’s circumstance encouraged some of his fellow brother to speak God’s Word more courageously and fearlessly. Although not all people preached out of goodwill and love, for some preached out of envy and rivalry to stir up trouble for Paul while he was in chains. Overall, Paul still rejoiced that the word of God was getting preached, whether from false motives or true motive.

Paul had to endure adversity and suffering for Christ, but it concluded with a positive outcome that encouraged others to speak fearlessly for Christ. His perspective was greater than his circumstance alone. Paul said in Philippians 1:20-21, “ I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or death. For to me, to live is Christ and die is gain .”

Throughout Paul’s letter, he puts great emphasis on rejoicing in the Lord; Joy is a dominant theme in his letter. Paul’s joy is clearly not found through his circumstances, but rather, it is grounded in his relationship with Jesus Christ. Like Paul’s example, we are to be joyful in every circumstance, failure, inconvenience, bad situation, and even when there is no joy in the people surrounding us. As Christians, we have the guarantee that Christ still reigns, so we must look to Him for our strength and joy. At all times we can rejoice because we know Christ in our life and that He is God.

Choose to Be Joyful

“ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

Philippians 4:4, NIV

God’s Children are called to rejoice in the Lord. We are able to choose joy in the midst of chaos, because joy is already ours through Christ. It is possible to choose joy in all circumstances, because we always have access to it. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, which is gifted to us through our life in Jesus Christ. So, Christ is our source of joy! He is the reason why we can choose to be joyful in this world that is fading away. That is why Paul had a joyful attitude and positive perspective. Because of Christ in him. Christ is in us too!

The wonderful fact that Christ is with us means that we do not need to be anxious about anything, instead we can have peace from God. It says in Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV),

“ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 .”

The world may have its dark corners, hardships, struggles, pains, and sorrows, BUT through the joy of the Lord we shine the light of Christ in the dark corners, endure the hardships, push through the struggles, and have joy in the sorrows. The joy of the Lord is our strength. Again, Christ is our source of joy! The Lord’s strength rids the darkness, is our endurance, gives us strength to push through, and provides us with His joy in the times of sorrow or in pain. When we seek Christ in all circumstances, the peace of God will guard our hearts and mind in Christ Jesus. The joy of the Lord is our strength to give us peace and joy in our hearts and minds!

Choose to Be Content

Our contentment is not determined by our circumstances. Moreover, it is found in Christ. We ought to choose to have to right attitude and perspective. Simply observe the perspective and attitude of Paul. He knew that God gave him the strength needed to endure the times of need or times of plenty, whether fed or hungry, and any other situation that were to come his way.

“ I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. ” Philippians 4:10-13, NIV

Often times when we are discontent in our current season, we will be discontent in the season that follows. We have the ability, like Paul displayed in the book of Philippians, to choose to be content where we are, even if the situation is not comfortable or the most pleasant. Let us follow the example of Paul by viewing our circumstances from a positive perspective and living in contentment. For the joy of the Lord is our strength.

Paul is not stating that he was happy in all his circumstances, but that God supplied him with the strength to get through any and every situation that he experienced. He knew where his strength came from, or more like who his strength come from. It did not come from his own strength, otherwise he would have failed miserably. Christ was the source of his strength.

The same goes for us too. We can choose to be content in all circumstances by the strength of Christ in our life. If we did not have Christ in our life, we too would fail at choosing contentment in the bad times. Thanks be to God for supplying us with His joy and strength in the good times and the bad.

Defining Joy vs. Happiness

Joy should not be confused with happiness; Happiness is not the same as joy. Joy goes much deeper than happiness. Happiness is fleeting and fickle, because it is determined by our circumstances, mood, emotions, and feelings. Happiness is found in the happy times not the sad times. Joy is found regardless of the circumstances, since it lives in us.

The interesting thing about joy is that you can have joy even when you feel other emotions. Emotion means “a natural instinctive state of mind deriving from one's circumstances, mood, or relationships with others.” Emotions are derived from our circumstances, our mood, or our relationship with others. Joy is derived from Christ within us, the strength of Christ, and our relationship with Christ .

Joy is an internal source not an external source. If it was an external source, the effects of joy would fade away or be short-lived. External sources are temporary, because they do not last. True joy comes through an internal source and it is always accessible. Joy cannot be bought or earned. If joy could be bought, then joy would be determined by external sources. If joy had to be earned, then we would never qualify. Joy is a choice and attitude of the heart and spirit.

Joy fills us in ways that happiness could never compare to. There is nothing or no one aside from Christ that can bring us true joy. He is the giver of joy. Seeking the Lord bring us the joy that is ours in Him, which gives us the strength that is found in Him alone. That is how we can be confident that the joy of the Lord is our strength.

The joy of the Lord is eternal and ever faithful. Christ is our source of joy. It can change us from the inside-out. Through our life in Him, we can choose JOY.

A Few Things to Remember about Joy:

Joy is more than feelings and emotions.
Joy is not the same as happiness.
Joy is always accessible and ever faithful.
Joy is found from an internal source, not an external source.
Joy cannot be bought or earned.
Joy changes us from the inside-out.
Joy is a Fruit of the Spirit.
Joy is a gift from God.

Bible Verses about Joy:

“ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ”

Philippians 4:4, NIV

“ Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus .”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV

“ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ”

Galatians 5:22-23, NIV

“ You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever .”

Psalm 30:11-12, NIV

“ The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song .”

Psalm 28:7, NIV

“ Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance .”

James 1:2-3, NIV

“ Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart! ”

Psalm 32:11, NIV

Interested in learning more about the Fruit of the Spirit? Check out this encouraging article .

How to Strengthen Your Mind With Truth

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 16:27:38 GMT

Let’s fortify our minds, so that we may stand firm in the T ruth. According to Dictionary.com, the word fortify means “to protect or strengthen against attack.” We dwell on negativity and believe lies every day that we need to come against with the Truth found in God’s Word. Negative thoughts go through our minds everyday which can deceive us, led us astray, and steal our joy. Our negatives thoughts can include worry, fear, shame, hate, doubt, and so on. How can we fortify our minds, whatever the thought?

What Thoughts are We Thinking?

The mind has been found to have approximately 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts a day. Of those thousands of thoughts, 80% is believed to be negative. What if it was the opposite? We can’t control what thoughts come into our minds, but we can learn how to train our minds to not dwell on the negative. Think about the phrase ‘Train of Thought’ like a train that takes our thoughts to a destination. Negative thoughts lead us to a negative destination; Positive thoughts lead us to a positive destination. The question is: where do we want to end up?

" 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)

A negative train of thought can lead us to the wrong destination, not to the destination that we want to arrive at. A negative thought can also lead to a roadblock. The roadblock can prevent us from getting to where we want to go. For example, if we have the thought

“I can’t do it,” when something is too hard for us or when we fail at a task, it can result in a roadblock that prevents us from achieving what we want to achieve.

Another example of a negative thought could be constantly worrying about the worst-case scenario. We stress about our finances when we have a tight month, fear about losing our job, or worry about our health status or the health status of a loved one.

What are We Feeding our Minds?

When we dwell on our negative thoughts, we are feeding our negative thoughts. Feeding a negative thought can also be labeled as boarding a negative train of thought. However, if a negative thought is caught before it boards the train we win against the thought.

Sometimes our negative thoughts are produced by what we are watching, listening to, hanging out with, surrounding ourselves with, and/or dwelling on. As stated earlier, the more we practice changing our thinking, the easier is it to identify the source of the negativity. If a negative source is feeding our train of thought, we have to decide to disconnect from the source. An example of disconnecting can be choosing to change the song, the channel, or who we are friends with. We cannot control a negative thought from entering our minds, but we CAN change the things that we feed our minds.

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

Ask the Lord the show you if there is something feeding your mind with negativity. Seek the Lord daily in prayer. Read the Bible daily to store God's Word within your heart, so will be strong against any negative thought. We should self-monitor our minds and always make God's Word our guide.

So, How to We Win Against Negative Thoughts?

We need a plan of action when we do have a negative thought. What action will we plan to take when we are aware of our negative thought? When a negative thought attacks, we should replace the thought with truth or change our perspective depending on what the thought is. By coming against a negative thought with Truth and by the simple change of perspective, we avoid jumping on a negative train of thought. Redirecting our thoughts is key.

Unfortunately, redirecting a thought is way easier said than done, but just like anything else, regular practice helps us grow any task and consistent practice can make it a habit. Negative thoughts don’t have an antidote to prevent them from entering our minds. We must exercise our minds daily, repeatedly, and with regular practice by praying and staying in God's Word everyday.

Think about our mind as a muscle. The more we exercise a muscle the stronger it grows, the bigger it expands, and more resilient it becomes. According to Oxford’s English dictionary, the word resilient means “able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions” and “able to recoil or spring back into shape after bending, stretching, or being compressed.” A strong muscle has greater elasticity than a weak muscle. In other words, a flexible muscle can be stretched far beyond its inactive state, but the muscle will still be able to spring back to its original condition.

We have the ability to train our minds like the resilience of a muscle. To have a resilient mind requires much effort and practice. Let’s learn to be aware of our thoughts. If we can’t identify a thought as negative, we won’t be able to change the thought. It is not possible to change something that we cannot recognize. So, we must be conscious of our thoughts to be able to distinguish a negative thought. What areas of our minds do we need to strengthen? Do we allow negative thoughts to control what we believe?

“ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind .”

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

All strength, whether it is our muscle or our mind, comes through resistance. Working out is not effective without some resistance. We don’t get stronger muscles from lifting a small and light object, but rather, it is lifting the hard and challenging that results in muscle growth. Holding on to negative thoughts is easier than fighting against them. Resistance is not found when we dwell on negative thoughts. Resistance comes when we go against the negative or the negative source with God’s Word .

Let us make a conscious decision to self-monitor our minds regularly and continue to stick with it even when we feel the resistance. Remember, don't seek perfection, seek the One who is Perfect. Success comes through being gradual and consistent. A little process over a long time equals a lot of process.

More on encouragement for fear !

Calming Our Anger

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 17:04:20 GMT

Moving from Anger to Love and Grace

“For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

James 1:20 ESV

Anger is an emotion we all experience. It can come about through a situation that annoys us, inconveniences us and spills out when just one more thing is added to a whole list of things stressing us out. Anger is actually considered a secondary emotion because it is what we feel in response to a variety of other emotions. It can be because we feel afraid, disrespected, worried, pressured or even a combination of emotions.

Anger from the unexpected

Since becoming a mother of two young children I have experienced a wide variety of emotions, some more deeply than ever before. Some emotions I expected, like worry, deep love and happiness. What I didn’t expect was the level of anger I could feel. The sleep deprivation, constant stress, and non-stop spinning that come with children led to a lot of frustration that spilled out on my husband, kids and pet. Like we all experience, the stress started building and I was struggling to manage it.

I found myself getting angry a lot more than I anticipated, and feeling regret each time, knowing they did not deserve it. I had never seen myself as an angry person and did not like the version of me I had become. But my circumstances were creating a perfect storm for my anger to get the best of me. I started assuming ill intent in my family’s words and actions. Little things would set me off. I didn’t want to be frustrated all the time, but I also couldn’t stop it with any of the things I had tried to calm my stress.

I knew that the anger was being destructive to my life and relationships. Romans 12:21 says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” And I knew if I didn’t do something, my marriage would continue to feel the impact. I wanted to do better and be better for my family. One day I was reminded of a quote that I had seen years ago: “Sometimes God doesn’t change your circumstances because He is trying to change your heart”. I realized that to stop letting my anger take over, I had to redirect my eyes to Him.

Turning back to Him

Knowing I needed to get back into God’s word, I got a new devotional to help me focus on my daily walk with the Lord. I asked Him to soften my heart and restore my marriage so that it could bring Him glory. With all the stress and anger, that relationship had suffered more than I wanted to admit. But I also knew my relationship with God had to come first. Proverbs 3:6 says, “in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight”.

After taking some time to focus on my relationship with God , my heart softened. My patience increased and I was able to start giving love and grace to my family in times of frustration, instead of lashing out in anger. I started seeing more opportunities to love and serve them as we are called to do with everyone around us.

I will not say it is always easy. Each day is its own battle for my heart and attention. We must spend time daily in the Word. If you are struggling with anger and it is impacting those around you, pray for God to restore your relationships and soften your heart; giving you a godly perspective. He can open your eyes so you can give grace to those around you. Those frustrating moments of daily life can then become opportunities to share grace and love to those around you.

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”

2 Peter 3:18 ESV

Casey Wayne

Previous Monthly Contributor

Read Articles by Casey Wayne

15 Bible Verses on Spiritual Growth

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 16:40:24 GMT

Do you want spiritual growth? You may have had a time where you wondered about how to have spiritual growth. Spiritual growth happens when your relationship with God grows deeper and stronger. Growth is something that happens gradually over time. When you are actively striving to grow in your relationship with God, growth is occurring.

We have included Bible verses on growth to inspire you spiritually. Read them and allow them into your heart. Let’s begin our journey through these Bible verses on spiritual growth:

“ Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing .” John 15:5 NIV

Remember that God is the vine and we are the branches. How can a branch survive on its own? It cannot. The branch must stay connected to the vine, the main source, to remain nourished and bear fruit. Apart from God, you can do nothing, but if you remain in God in you will thrive, grow, and bear fruit. Growth comes from abiding in God.

“ So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness .” Colossians 2:6-7 NIV

Be rooted in God. Build yourself in God. You deepen your roots in God by building your relationship with Him. Let your relationship with God strengthen your faith and fill you with a thankfulness that overflows. Growth occurs by being rooted in God.

“ So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building .” 1 Corinthians 3:7-9

A person can plant a seed, but it is God who makes it grow. A person can water a plant, but it is God who makes it grow. Whether a person plants a seed in someone’s life, or someone encourages that seed with water, only God can make things grow. Growth can come through the service of another person, but God is the ultimate source of spiritual growth. God orchestrates your life. Growth comes from only God.

“ Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good .” 1 Peter 2:1-3

Exchange all impurity for pure things and growth will happen. When you crave pure things, it results in spiritual growth. “ Crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation .” Growth comes from feeding yourself pure things.

“ Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus .” Philippians 3:12-14

Having the goal of spiritual growth is a great goal to press hard into. To help with growth, you should forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead and “ press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called ” you heavenward in Christ Jesus. Growth comes from running the race.

“ Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen .” 2 Peter 3:17-18

Do not be led away with the error of the wicked, but grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord our God and Savior. Growth comes from the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

“ 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

God will complete the good works that He has begun through you. Be confident in Him. God can work all things out for good. Growth is letting God work through you.

“ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled .” Matthew 5:6

Jesus said it and nothing can change it. Those who hunger and thirst for Him and His righteousness will be filled. Spiritual growth comes to those who hunger and thirst for Jesus and His righteousness. Growth is being hungry and thirsty for the righteousness of Christ.

“ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law .” Galatians 5:22-23

When you allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with His fruits, you are growing in your relationship with God and in the fruits of the Spirit. Ask God to fill you with His fruits. The fruits of the Spirit produce spiritual growth. Growth comes with the fruits of the Spirit.

“ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work .” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

God’s Word is for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. So, the more you are in the Bible, the Word of God, you will see the spiritual growth that it brings to your life. Growth is found in God’s Word.

“ For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins .” 2 Peter 1:5-9

Faith. Goodness. Knowledge. Self-control. Perseverance. Godliness. Mutual affection. Love. These are all good things. Having these qualities in increasing measure can make you effective and productive in your knowledge of the Lord. Let us not be blind or forget that we are cleansed from our past sins. Growth produces effective and productive knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“ Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil .” Hebrews 5:13-14

Be mature in distinguishing between good and bad. Be acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. Train yourself to do good and avoid evil. Growth in your relationship with God helps you distinguish good from the bad.

“ Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work .” Ephesians 4:15-16

Growing together in the body of Christ brings growth. There is a purpose for each person in the body of Christ. From Christ, the whole body is “ joined and held together by every supporting ligament ” which grows and builds itself up in love. Grow in the body of Christ to have spiritual growth. Growth is growing with the body of Christ.

“ Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything .” James 1:2-4

Did you know that you benefit from the trials that you go through in life? Paul writes in this scripture to “ consider it pure joy .” When your faith is tested it produces perseverance and patience, which results in spiritual maturity. Growth happens when you go through trials.

“ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! ” 2 Corinthians 5:17

When you know Jesus and invite Him into your life, He makes you a new creation. As the scripture reads, “ The old has gone, the new is here! ” Spiritual growth starts and continues with Jesus! Growth is forgetting your past and focusing on who you are in God and all He created you to be.

These Bible verses about spiritual growth are a reminder for you. To encourage growth in your relationship with God . To show that your life has a purpose. . If one of these scriptures spoke to you, comment below what Bible verse spoke the most to you and why. Let’s continue our journey to have spiritual growth this year and the all years to come!

Becoming Anchored by the Sword Brings True Freedom

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 14:20:28 GMT

My story has been filled with a lot of heartache, guilt, shame and fear. I can say with 100% assurance I am not the only one. When I turned 40 years old last year, I began to feel as though I was finally ready to work with God to fully break all of the chains. I have survived rape, abuse and hurt from a past that ran over 25 years deep. I needed to find true freedom! I have been a Christian since I was 16, but had never fully dealt with everything that happened before and afterwards. I was going down a path where I felt as though I could not continue to find what God called me to do unless every chain was broken and I was finally free. In February of this year, I embarked on my journey towards the freedom I knew was mine. The start of the group was amazing! I was finally really starting to feel as though it was my time, then COVID-19 happened.

During one of the craziest and most confusing times in this world’s history, I heard God speaking so clearly to me about what my next steps were as a Christian and in creating a ministry that I know is from Him, because it was never in “my plan.” I had finally put my busyness aside to fully listen to His voice. The Sunday after I went through the lesson and exercise of breaking soul ties, He brought the name, Anchored by the Sword to my mind. I had no clue why. The verse in Hebrews 6:19 was one of the verses I clung to during the class.

“ We have this certain hope like a strong, unbreakable anchor holding our souls to God himself. Our anchor of hope is fastened to the mercy seat which sits in the heavenly realm beyond the sacred threshold .”

Hebrews‬ ‭6:19‬ ‭TPT

So, after talking to a couple of people closest to me, I created the Facebook and Instagram pages for Anchored by the Sword. It reached over 20 people in less than 10 minutes. My website came about in June. God began to open doors for me that I could have never dreamed or imagined! I have learned so much about myself and about how important it is to be anchored to God and to His Word to feel completely free and at peace. Now I want everyone to feel how amazing it feels to be free. It doesn't mean that my life is easy or that I do not struggle; it just means that I have the tools to combat the attacks when they do come.

We do not have to know or understand everything going on around us. We just have to know who to turn to and trust in. We have to know how to love people who are different from us and remember our job is to love people and share the Gospel with them in a loving, nonjudgmental way. That is when God can truly change a heart and bring about true freedom. That is when chains can finally be broken. He has a real and true plan for you. His love for you will overcome every single thing from your past, no matter how big or how small. Allow God to turn your heart of stone into a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). Open your mind so that His thoughts can become your thoughts (Romans 12:2). Give it all to Him, walk in relationship with God, and experience the freedom beyond anything you could ever imagine!

“ Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom .” 2 Corinthians 3:17 (CSB).

Read this article for encouragement to grow your relationship with God .

Gina Fox
Guest Contributor

Gina Fox is the Founder of Anchored by the Sword, which is a ministry to help women become more anchored to God and His Word and to be truly set free! She is a wife, fur baby mama and aunt to 5 amazing nephews. She loves to be with her people, write, and watch God move!

Check out her ministry: www.anchoredbythesword.org

Waiting Faithfully

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 22:23:44 GMT

How to be faithful while waiting on God’s timing

It is human nature to always be thinking about the future. It is something that, when discussed or thought about, can bring up a variety of emotions: excitement, fear, confusion, anger, apathy, anticipation, or envy. As a newlywed wife I had a lot of excitement for my future with my husband, the children we will eventually have, building memories in our new home, successful careers, etc.

We all love to think about the good times to be had in our future. Our vision of our ideal future is beautiful to us and it is hard to think of it any differently than we have already envisioned. But what happens when our ideas of the future do not line up with God’s vision for our future? Over the past several years God has revealed to me how much holding on to our image of the future can keep us from His plan.

No one wants to wait for what they want

Like many women I know, I am a planner. There is always a list of things to accomplish for the day, the week, and the year. My plans make me feel secure, in control and confident in my abilities to accomplish what I believe needs to be done. While in college I had a plan for my career and I was excited to make it happen. I started out with great confidence that I could do anything I set my mind to.

When it came time for graduation I was ready to get my life started, but this is when God first told me to wait. I was ready to get married, find the perfect career and start the beautiful life I had envisioned. And, just like anyone else, I hated the idea of having to wait. I’m not good at it and I am not sure I ever will be. But my fiancé had not completed his degree and my parents insisted that that expectation was met prior to a wedding, as well as the attainment of jobs. So instead, God guided me to the decision to start a master’s degree at the university my fiancé was at. Not wanting to spend my time waiting without some type of pursuit/goal I threw myself into earning a Master’s of Teaching in Secondary Education. Despite not being happy about having to wait to get married, I was easily distracted by school and it led me to my first career as a teacher.

Waiting for God’s timing

This was not the career I had envisioned and over the next two years I would struggle over whether or not I should be a teacher. To a certain extent I was successful in the career, but it never felt right. I could not develop the passion for teaching that I believe you need to have to do the job right. I clung to the fact that I knew God had directed me to teaching for a reason. I found peace in a quote from Mother Theresa that says “God did not call me to be successful, He called me to be faithful” and that is what I intended to do.

After being married for a couple of years, and in my second year of teaching, we found ourselves in a financially stable condition that allowed me to walk away from teaching to pursue a new career. Once again, I had developed a new vision for what my future would be and what my new career should be. I then spent months searching and applying for jobs, but quickly became frustrated with the lack of response I received from my applications. I found myself feeling defeated, worthless, confused and angry that it was not working out the way I wanted it to. These feelings constantly surfaced as I waited for God to reveal my next steps. After reminding myself of the fact that my plan will never be better than His, I opened my heart to His will, knowing He will bless us beyond words just like He had done before.

While I wait…

However, on an almost daily basis, I caught myself losing trust in Him and the expectation that He will work in my life. So I was led to question what do you do when you are willing to follow God’s will, but He has not revealed the next step for you? As I waited on God’s perfect timing, I found peace while focusing on these five things:

(1) Remind yourself that He holds your future

Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version (NIV) For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

This has been a long time favorite verse of mine that I have had memorized for years. In my moments of doubt, it is an instant reminder that He holds my future and that His plan is more wonderful than I could even imagine.

(2) Continue to serve Him

Romans 12:11 New Living Translation (NLT) Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.

God calls us to serve and serve constantly. Admittedly this is an area that I struggle with. I want to serve, but I never feel sure of exactly where He wants me. I yearn for something big and exciting to do in His name. But I have learned that serving does not have to always be some extravagant thing. It is simply a willingness to step up to any opportunity God presents to you to show His love. It can be as small as helping a stranger in need, helping a friend with a project, or showing compassion to someone who is dealing with a loss. If you want to serve in a more structured way, churches have ways to serve and there are always plenty of volunteer organizations that would love to have you.

(3) Fellowship with other believers

James 5:16 New Living Translation (NLT) Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

As believers we are called to have fellowship with other Christians. These bonds bring accountability, friendship, guidance, and opportunities to show love as well as receive love. In good times or bad, it is always good to have other believers beside you to walk through life together. If this is something you do not already have, I highly recommend you seek out a small group at your local church or other believers you know to pursue true fellowship.

(4) Pursue His word for wisdom

James 1:5 New Living Translation (NLT) If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

We often get caught up in thinking that we know everything, but then fall on our face in our attempts to accomplish something. I find great strength and confidence in knowing that God has promised to provide wisdom to those who ask. He may not reply right away or may not give you the response you want, but He has assured us that He will reveal wisdom and truth to us if we just ask.

(5) Allow Him to transform you

Romans 12:2 New Living Translation (NLT) Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 8:28 New Living Translation (NLT) And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Simply put, we just have to give ourselves to God and follow His will by taking action when He guides us to do so or waiting when He tells us to wait. Of course, with our innate hatred for waiting, that is always easier said than done. Pursue time with God, pray that He will give you peace, guidance and open your eyes to His path for your life.

After seeking God’s wisdom, He revealed to me that a passion for teaching would come when I saw it as an opportunity put in my path by God; a way to share His love. I followed God’s calling back into a career in teaching. When I pursued my relationship with God , and His will for my life, I found a peace and passion for my career that I never thought was possible. Even though we only see some of the puzzle pieces of our lives God sees the completed puzzle, which is more beautiful than we can imagine.

Read this daily devotion for a reminder to trust God.

Casey Wayne

Previous Monthly Contributor

Read Articles by Casey Wayne

Comments:

Jennie Denney

MARCH 5, 2021 at 5:47 PM

This was excellent! I love rather than just sit around and wait, you give practical suggestions that bring growth and purpose during the waiting time!

Two Steps to Draw Near to God

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 19:11:18 GMT

A relationship with God is the most important relationship that you will ever have!

To deepen your relationship with God the Father you need to draw more near to Him through a consistent prayer life, praising through worship, and studying the Bible. A great example of learning more about the Father is through a daily devotion. James 4:8 (NKJV) says “ Draw near to God and He will draw near to you .” In other words, this verse explains that when you come near to God, then He will come near to you as well. The more you are seeking God with all of your life the more that He will be found in your life.

1. Make Time to Spend with God

If you are seeking God then you will devote time to spend with Him. Through your time with God, He will make Himself known to you more and more. He will show you more of His goodness and character. “ You will seek Me and Find Me when you seek Me with all of your heart ,” as it says in Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV).

When you learn about God and who He is in your life, you are more mindful of His Presence throughout your life. You will feel closer to God when you see the evidence of His working Hands throughout all the areas of your life.

Picture your relationship with God like a dating relationship, you have dates to find out more about the other person. The act of spending time, “going on dates,” will grow the relationship as long as you continue to interact and spend time with them. It is the time spent together, the conversations, and the thoughtful acts that will make you feel close.

Although a relationship with God turns into more than a dating relationship. A relationship with God is the most important relationship that you will ever have! God wants to spend time with you and to hear from you. God wants to speak personally to you. He has great things to tell you and show you. The Lord sees you, knows you, and loves you! The love that God has for you is unconditional. If you want to grow closer to the Lord, spend time with Him! Seek God with all of your heart.

2. Make God Your Top Priority

Make your time with God a top priority. To keep committed to spending time with God, you can schedule a set time to devote to Him. Consider your daily schedule, figure out what time works best for you, then complete it. For instance, you can study a devotional when you wake up, read a chapter in your Bible before bed, praise God through worship music on your lunch break, or have a genuine prayer on your route to work.

Add intentional ways to devote time to God to your schedule. It can be any time of day and vary from day-to-day. Just set it on your calendar or make a reminder on your cell phone, if that is what you need to do to commit to doing it. That is not so you can treat it as something to check off your list, but so that you can make it your top priority.

Remember, you don’t have to commit to hours at a time. It can only be five minutes and increase gradually with time. It is not about the amount of time (quantity) you spend; it is about the value and intention you have (quality). Quality of time over quantity of time!

The more you commit to time with God, then the more you will find yourself desiring to be in the presence of God all the time. You won’t have to set a time or place anymore; you will just naturally acknowledge Him and want to have time with Him each day. God loves His time with you. You will love it too! God will show you more of His Majesty and He will fill the space that only He can fill.

Write this verse for encouragement on a paper note, so that you can constantly be reminded to seek God in your daily life: “ You will seek Me and Find Me when you seek Me with all of your heart .” (Jeremiah 29:13, NIV) Put your note in a spot that you see each day. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. You will grow closer to God and love the feeling of being in His Presence every day!

A great read to Seek the Lord in your life

Anxiety Does Not Define Me

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 16:32:25 GMT

“In darkness, God’s truth shines most clear.”
-Corey Ten Boom

Anxiety. It will not define me. Christ defines me. Anxiety and depression have been my Goliath my whole life. Earlier this year, it almost won.

It was my darkest hour. I was convinced that I was dying but my Prince of Peace kept whispering truth to my spirit.

“ Therefore the sister sent to Him, saying,

‘Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.’

When Jesus heard that, He said,

‘This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.’

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus .”

John 11:3-5

The Lord showed me what I am made of. In my weakness, He is strong. I laid and wept at His feet, in complete brokenness and bitterness. In the heartbreaking moments, He wept with me.

“ Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, ‘Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.’

Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. And He said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ ” John 11:32-33

“ Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, ‘See how He loved him!’ ” John 11:35-36

This valley was not walked alone, He was carrying me. We tend to forget that our Father does not just sit on the throne, overlooking His creation. He walks right beside us, using the darkness to make His light shine brighter. Others see this light radiating off His children, when we let Him take over and move in ways we do not always comprehend.

I still face battles with anxiety but I’m grateful. Without it, I would not have seen or experienced the closeness and power of God’s love as deeply. Beauty from ashes. What I do know, for certain, is that He will not let it consume me or triumph over my life.

“ Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth!’ ” John 11:43

As I look back, I see how my Maker has shaped me and molded me into the person I am today. The blessings that would not have happened without the hard seasons in my life. It’s a roller coaster but one thing remains constant, my Savior never leaves, nor forsakes me.

Click for more encouraging daily devotion about the Lord walking with us.

Rachel Jonas
Guest Contributor

Finding Your Purpose with the Holy Spirit

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 16:26:35 GMT

Seeking Life is a beautifully written book

God has a special purpose for each of us! Did you know that the Fruit of the Spirit has an important role in our lives? The Spirit leads us into an intimate relationship with God . We should strive to grow more in the fruits of the Spirit, so that our lives may reflect the fruitfulness of Jesus Christ. The more we abide in Christ and trust the Lord, the more the Spirit will continue to grow the fruits of the Spirit in our lives.

“ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law .” Galatians 5:22-23, KJV

When we listen to the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and follow His leading, it can make the goodness the Lord shine through us. The fruits of the Spirit all work together to help us grow in Christ and shine Him. Our lives shine Jesus when we are fruitful through our words and actions.

What is the purpose for us in this life?

Who is the Holy Spirit in our life?

Is there more to who we are?

How do we obtain the Fruits of the Spirit?

If you have asked yourself any of these questions or questions like these, I recommend buying the book Seeking Life by Brianna Holifield. Especially if you have an interest in learning more in-depth about each fruit of the Spirit. It is a beautifully written book filled with God’s Truth. It is a great book for new believers or people who have been walking with the Lord for years. Anyone can get something valuable out of it!

Seeking Life has a chapter dedicated to each fruit of the Spirit to define what it is, why we need it, and how to obtain it. Each fruit of the Spirit chapter ends with practical ways to implement the fruit into your heart and life. The book discusses who the Holy Spirit is and the value He brings to our lives. You will be encouraged by the in-depth explanation of the connection between our purpose and the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

The Seeking Life book is put into words that make all nine fruits of the Spirit easy to understand. It is a simple read with only twelve chapters, and something to take to heart from each chapter. Scripture is quoted throughout the book, which fills the book with even more truth.

Here is a quote from the first chapter in Seeking Life :

“We have to be willing to let the Holy Spirit work in our lives to allow His fruit to grow inside us. Being filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit means involving God in everything we do.” -Brianna Holifield

When we allow the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us, He grows His fruits inside us to changes us for the better.

The Seeking Life quote continues with this:

“According to Strong’s Concordance, the Greek word for fruit is karpos , which means that everything is done in union with Jesus Christ. The fruit (karpos) is the result of the Lord living through us, transforming us, and showing others who He is in hope that they will also choose an eternity with Him over hell.” -Brianna Holifield

The author of Seeking Life , Brianna Holifield, is a Christian writer and a lover of Jesus. Her love for Jesus Christ is so evident through her book. She believes that “Living life for Christ through the Holy Spirit is not about being perfect.” She knows that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the only human who was ever perfect.

You can buy the book, Seeking Life, on Amazon as a paperback for $9.99 or kindle for $3.99. It will be well worth the buy! You can also buy it by visiting the Brianna Holifield website: www.briannaholifield.com .

If you read Seeking Life, feel free to make an honest review on Amazon, so the author can receive your feedback. May the Lord live through us by His fruits!

Daily devotion for Equipping your Purpose

10 Bible Verses to Punch Fear in the Face

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 18:45:27 GMT

Let's Punch Fear in the Face!

Are you having fear in your life? With these unprecedented times, fear is high within the hearts of many. Fear can cause us to feel helpless and paralyzed. The good news is that when we are helpless, God is still just as in control as He has always been. God will always be in control!

It is normal to have fear, but we must not let fear control our lives. If you have fear in your life, we don’t want you to live in fear anymore. Now is the time to free yourself from fear! The best way to do that is to get in the Word of God.

“ For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart .”

Hebrew 4:12 NIV

Meditating on scripture can fill our hearts with truth and push out the fear. Take a moment to allow these Bible scriptures to fill your heart with peace. Read them to yourself, then read them out loud. Put them somewhere you can see them daily so that you can continue to be filled with peace and not fear. By doing this daily, you will be punching fear in the face!

Isaiah 41:10 NIV

“ So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand .”

Philippians 4:7 NIV

“ And the peace of God, which transcends all understand, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus .”

Isaiah 26:3 NIV

“ You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you .”

John 14:27 NIV

“ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid .”

Colossians 3:15 NIV

“ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful .”

Psalm 91:9-10 NIV

“ If you make the Most High your dwelling—even the Lord, who is my refuge—then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. ”

Psalm 29:11 NIV

“ The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace .”

John 16:33 NIV

“ I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world .”

Psalm 56:3 NIV

“ When I am afraid, I put my trust in you ."

Peter 5:6-7 NIV

“ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you .”

Add to this list of Bible verses for fear, if you know other some other great Scriptures. Write them on note cards and post them somewhere you will see them every day. Or check out these Scripture Cards for Anxiety by Daily Grace Co .* that you can post, and follow the prompts on the back to help you pray and meditate on God's Truth.

Do you want to combat anxiety in your life? Anxiety can be addressed by praying God's Word. This beautiful 40-day journal by Daily Grace Co. covers a Scripture passage each day and teaches you to pray Scripture. It also includes guided prayers, a section for reflection and praise, and practical action steps for your anxiety.

*As an affiliate, we earn a small percentage of each purchase you make through these links to continue supplying you with godly resources.

Share this article with a friend who needs to punch fear in the face! May you grow in your relationship with God as you continue to punch fear in the face with God's Word.

Courageously Living God’s Calling for Your Life

Fri, 22 May 2020 21:14:46 GMT

Courage is not letting fear hold you back.

What defines someone as courageous ? Sometimes people have a misconception of courage. They believe that it means to have no fear, or that courage equals fearless. In reality, courage is defined as “the ability to do something that frightens one,” or “strength in the face of pain or grief.” Courage does not mean that you do not have fear, rather it is facing your fear. Doing something despite your fear. Having courage means that you do not let fear stop you from the action. Courage is strength in adversity. Living courageously is living bravely. The word bravery means “courageous behavior or character,” which can be described as showing courage or having courageous endurance.

God’s calling for your life may look large and daunting, but God can give the courage to help you. When God calls you to something, He will equip you with what you need to do it. He strengthens your abilities to further equip you. The abilities for your calling are not developed at birth, but they are predestined for you to achieve. God can position your life in a way that will grow your strengths and weaknesses. Your abilities increase through the lessons and experiences in your life. Similar to how you develop your abilities, you have to develop courage. Experience can grow your courage.

1. Courage in Every Season

There is a reason for each place that God has you. It could be an important lesson or significant experience. The calling for your life doesn’t happen overnight; it happens through the growing process of each season. You are learning things in this current season that will get you through this season and into your next season. You are called to be in this season and the ones to follow. T here is value within all seasons, so you must not discount the value in this season. No matter where you are on your journey, it is important to remind yourself to have a courageous endurance.

There are calm seasons and rough seasons, but in all seasons we must cling to God. The rough seasons are when we need to persevere the hardest.

James 1:2-4 NIV, “ Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything .” Though persevering is not easy during the tough times, it is those seasons that can teach you the most. Some of the best life lessons come from those hard times if you learn from them. When you endure hard seasons with the help of God, you grow in courage and your relationship with God .

2. Courage in Every Step

Each step that God directs you will bring to closer to your calling, which fosters your courage to take the next steps. The first steps are tough and the following steps are not much easier, but the courage you get from taking previous steps make the following steps easier. The important thing to remember is to not avoid taking steps that you know you need to make. It can be tempting to stay where you are and stop taking steps because it is easier to have courage when you are in your comfort zone. Comfort zones are easy to remain strong in. Courage is not remaining in comfort, rather it is embracing the discomfort.

3. Courage in Failure

Courage is doing something even when you have fear of failing. Fear of failure means you should try and continually try because by doing so, you will be courageous. Failure does not mean you should stop. Failure does not show that you are incapable, it shows that you endeavored. Endeavoring after failure is courageous endurance. You only fail when you don’t try. Failure is a learning experience. For instance, you know you cannot learn to ride a bike without falling, without failing. If babies stopped striving then they wouldn’t learn. Be strong and courageous even after failure.

Overall, if you act in courage you will achieve amazing things in this life. The Lord has great things for you to do! It is not bad to fear, but it is bad to not act from fear. If you have fear to do your calling, then do it afraid! That is courage. Knowing the way that you know you need to go, and initiating action even afraid. God would not call you to something that would not lead to something good. God is for you, so who can be against you? Read Romans 8:31 and take it to heart. The time to courageously live your calling is now!

Can You Fathom God's Infinite Understanding?

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 21:07:36 GMT

The Lord has an Infinite Understanding!

“Great is our Lord, and mighty in power;

His understanding is infinite.”

Psalms 147:5, NKJV

The Lord’s understanding is infinite. The definition of the word infinite means “limitless or endless in space, extent, or size; impossible to measure or calculate.” Unlike our understanding, God has an understanding with no limit. We can only understand things to a certain extent in this life, because our sight is limited. God is not limited on what He sees and knows. In fact, He sees our lives from a much bigger perspective. What we see through our perspective, God sees it through the bigger picture. His view is seen from a higher perspective.

Our great Lord is simultaneously watching over each of us and His whole creation. Not only can God observe everything in the universe from His vast perspective, but He can perceive how each and every one of us sees the world. In what way we are greatly limited on our understanding of life. Ultimately, God’s power and knowledge goes beyond what we can even understand. Let us not forget that our limited mind cannot comprehend an infinite understanding.

According to the Bible, King Solomon was the wisest man to ever lived. He wrote in Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 (NIV), “When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe man’s labor on earth – his eyes not seeing sleep day or night – then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all his effects to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning. Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it.” Even the wisest man in this world could not comprehend the understanding of God.

God’s understanding far exceeds what we can grasp. As humans, we attain a small extent of understanding in this life. The vastness of God’s infinite understanding can be explained like this, God does not need to attain understand, because He already fully has it. God is understanding; He has always had understanding and will always have it. Infinite understanding extends beyond the maximum limit in this world. Furthermore, the understanding of God is far greater than we can put into words. His understanding is not even fathomable to us. What word can be used to describe an infinite God? He is immeasurable; Nothing can be measured against Him, for He is God. God said “I am who I am.” He is who is, and who is, is incomprehensible to us.

Although we cannot grasp God’s infinite understanding, we can cling to Him for our understanding. It is wonderful that the one and only true God can understand what we don’t. Just like a parent knows more than their young child, God knows what is best in our lives. We should look to God like a young child looks to their parent for help and guidance.

When we seek God for understand, then He can guide us with a piece of His understand.

The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) We need to not carelessly read that verse and move on, we need to apply it to our lives. We should meditate on it day and night, if that is what is take for us to follow this scripture. Let us focus on the greatness of God and His mighty power, so that His infinite understanding can guide our everyday lives. We serve an infinite God! Let's grow in our relationship with God , so that His understanding can guide us.

God gives us wisdom when we ask - Read this daily devotion

Ask for Wisdom and You Will Receive

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 21:11:04 GMT

God gives wisdom to the one who asks.

“ Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;

love her, and she will watch over you.

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.

Though it costs all you have, get understanding.

Esteem her, and she will exalt you;

embrace her, and she will honor you.

She will set a garland of grace on your head

and present you with a crown of splendor. ”

Proverbs 4:6-9

In 1 Kings chapter 2, King David passed away and his son, Solomon, was placed on the throne of Israel. In the following chapter, the Lord appeared to Solomon one night in a dream and said, “ Ask for whatever you want me to give to you .” Solomon considered himself as “ only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties .” He chose to ask the Lord for a discerning heart to govern the people and to distinguish between right and wrong. Since the Lord was pleased with Solomon’s response, He gave him a wise and discerning heart. Moreover, the Lord blessed him with riches and honor, because Solomon did not ask for anything that was self-seeking.

The Lord gave Solomon wisdom that no one before him ever had, nor anyone after him. That is why Solomon is identified as the wisest man who ever lived. Wisdom was Solomon’s request and it should be the request of everyone; we need to ask God for wisdom in our lives. Fortunately, the Bible says that God will give wisdom to the one who asks. In James 1:5 it says, “ If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. ”

The book of Proverbs is written by King Solomon. In chapter 4, he writes about his father, David teaching him as a young boy the value of wisdom. There is much wisdom to be found throughout the Bible, especially in Proverbs. Here are some wise ways to live your life, found in Proverbs chapter 4:

• Stay along straight paths (Pro. 4:11)

• Hold on to instruction, don’t let it go (Pro. 4:13)

• Avoid evil (Pro. 4:14-15)

• Keep God’s word within the heart (Pro. 4:20-21)

• Guard the heart (Pro. 4:23)

• Speak what is pure (Pro. 4:24)

• Look forward and take only firm paths (Pro. 4:25)

There is a great need for more wisdom in this world. Wisdom can give us the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, but we must choose to avoid the wrong and do what is right. We should not ignore what we know is right and do whatever we want, instead, we should always do what is right.

With wisdom, we think before we act. Wisdom is only effective when it is put it into action. James 1:22-23 states “ Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in the mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like .” Therefore, not only should we know the wisdom in God’s Word, we need to obey God’s Word. The more we choose to act on wisdom in our lives, the wiser we will live.

Living a wise life affects us in positive ways! When we grow in our relationship with God and follow the instructions of the Lord, our lives shine like the light of day. (Proverbs 4:18, NIV)

Storing moral instruction within our hearts can give health to our whole body. (Proverbs 4:22, NIV)

Ultimately, wisdom leads our lives to the path of righteousness, which is the path that God has called us to go. The consequence of wisdom is righteousness.

God can give us wisdom, but it is our choice to choose to act on the wisdom that we receive from Him. Wisdom leads us to the path of righteousness that shines ever “ brighter till the full light of day ,” like it says in Proverbs 4:18. Let us put wisdom into action, so we don't swerve to the right or the left. Let’s go in the way of wisdom to keep our feet on the path of righteousness!

God Will Sustain You | How Does God Sustain Us

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 21:02:14 GMT

God is the One who Sustains Us.

God is your Sustainer! Whatever season you are experiencing right now, wherever good or bad, God is there to sustain you. Yes, even in those hard... unbearable... times of suffering. In the NIV translation, Psalm 55:22 reads “ Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you ; he will never let the righteous fall .” The King James Version writes it like this, “ Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved .”

How Does God Sustain Us?

Lexico by Oxford defines Sustain as, “strengthen or support physically or mentally.” God gives us strength and supports physically and mentally. It is so comforting to know that the Lord is the one who sustains us in the good times and the bad. We are not to look to our own strength to sustain us, because our own strength would fail us. Our strength is found only in the Lord. Just like how we need the sacrifice of Christ to cover our sins, we are too weak to rely on our strength to get through times of suffering and must look to the Lord to be our strength.

Let's take a moment to review the meaning of the word– Sustain . While you read through these definitions, think about how each definition can describe God as your sustainer. Dictionary.com defines Sustain as:

to support, hold, or bear up from below; bear the weight of, as a structure.
to bear a burden, charge, etc.
to undergo, experience, or suffer (injury, loss, etc.); endure without giving way or yielding .
to keep (a person, the mind, the spirits, etc.) from giving way, as under trial or affliction.
to keep up or keep going, as an action or process.
to supply with food, drink, and other necessities of life.

Wow, that is so encouraging! The word sustain can define how the Lord sustains us! Which one stood out to you the most? Was there one that resonated with you in the season that you are experiencing? The synonyms for sustain are encouraging as well... h elp, defend, carry, and comfort. God helps you... defends you... carries you... comforts you... and the list goes on. God will sustain you!

What Does "God Will Sustain You" Mean?

God is completely capable of carrying our burdens; we are not capable of carrying our burdens on our own. In fact, God alone is the only one who sustains us. We must continually cast our cares on the Lord because He cares for us. 1 Peter 5:7 NIV says, “ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you .”

In times of stressful situations and hardships, such as illness, financial worries, death, or any uncertainty, the Lord knows about them from beginning to end and He can make “ all things work together for good .” Romans 8:28 KJV says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” God is the only one who can see our lives from the very beginning to the very end. As humans, we tend to only see things from our perspective. Our human perspective can be worrisome during hardships, but that is why we need to look to God and His perspective. For we know that God’s perspective is the utmost perspective which can see infinitely beyond how we do.

Therefore, we do not have to worry when things are out of our control, because we know who is in control. Now, let's l ook back to the end of Psalm 55:22. It reads “ …he will never let the righteous fall .” And KJV says, “ he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved .” Nothing can happen to us that He does not allow. This doesn't mean that we will not have times of trouble or hardship. Through our hardships, we are reminded how much we need God. We may not even ever know the reason for our unfortunate circumstances, but we know that God does. The Lord has His people in His hands. He is working all things out.

The Lord is our foundation, who gives us the strength to persevere in life. The Lord is why we do not give up or give way, especially in those hard times. We desperately need our relationship with God, because without Him we would be lost. Sometimes we can forget that we are helpless without God. In times when life is going great, it is tempting to think that we can trust in ourselves to sustain in our lives. Although we must trust in the Lord, and not look to ourselves. The Lord is our Father who provides for His children. Let’s choose to seek God and praise God in the good times and the bad. Let’s choose to lift His Name when our hearts are heavy in the lowest valley. God will sustian you, my friend!

Sustain in the Bible – What Does the Bible Say About Sustain?

“ Cast your cares on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. But you, O God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of corruption; bloodthirsty and deceitful men will not live out half their days .”

Psalm 55:22-23, NIV

“ For forty years you sustained them in the desert; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen .”

Nehemiah 9:21, NIV

“ Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me .”

Psalm 51:12, NIV (This is a Psalm of David, which was when the prophet Nathan came to David after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.)

“ Surely God is my help; the LORD is the one who sustains me.”

Psalm 54:4, NIV

“The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked .”

Psalm 146:9, NIV

“ Great is our LORD and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground .”

Psalm 147:5-6, NIV

“ The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven .”

Hebrews 1:3, NIV

Studying the Bible and prayer are the best ways to keep our eyes fix on the Lord. Through your time in God's Word, you will grow closer to God, your Sustainer. The Story of Redemption * by Daily Grace Co is a journey through the entire Bible. It guides you though the whole Bible to help enrich your time in God's Word. If you crave to know more about God and how He sustains you, the Bible is the BEST place to find it. Also, they have many other Bible studies like this one, that will be an encouragement to your relationship with God .

And remember, my friend, it is God who sustains you through every season!

*This article includes affiliate links, which means that we can receive a small commission at no cost to you, which helps us continue to supply you with godly resources.

Comments:

Elisabeth

JUNE 2, 2022 at 10:14 AM

In times of troubles…..that covers everything we go thru on this planet ��…… we are promised that our Heavenly Father

Will sustain us…… look up ‘ sustain ‘ ….and see what it means…..and how we are totally ‘ covered ‘ in and by Him.

Wilma A. Stewart

FEBRUARY 7, 2023 at 9:10 AM

I have been ill for some time but I can say that I actually feel his sustaining power pushing me up when I feel exhausted & just don't feel like going on. I feel him saying don't give up & suddenly there is the supernatural energy I need to keep it moving. I constantly look back to my past deliverance(s) and remind myself of what he has already done for me. If he did it for me then...he'll do it for me now--he hasn't changed, he is consistent & deliberate with me.

So I choose to "Worship While I Wait"‼️

Hallelu-YAH‼️

⚓��