Lyli Dunbar's Blog, page 18
May 24, 2018
Find Victory This Year with 4 Secure and Sturdy Steps
I lost my job in March.
I’ve kind of alluded to it quietly in the background here a few times over the last few weeks, but today I am finally ready to talk about it openly.
I am currently unemployed. This means I am spending a great deal of time in my pajamas and fuzzy socks.
Confession: I am not really that upset about it today. I have had some time to process.
On my unexpected last day of employment, I called my husband to let him know I’d need his strong arms to help me carry several boxes and my broken heart home. He arrived 90 minutes later carrying empty containers and a great deal of wisdom.
“So, what?” he said. “See, now you are a writer.”
I was not amused. Sure, I love writing here in this space and for Love God Greatly and now for First 5. I love teaching the Word and and encouraging weary women to stay in the fight.
But, I also love my 401K, my health insurance, and my bank account. I’ve worked at a 9 to 5 job every day for 29 years. Losing my job due to budget cutbacks at the university felt like a failure to me in every way.
Sometimes you need a little nudge to step forward in faith. I like to call it a divine kick in the pants. God knew I’d never quit my job to actually do what made my heart come alive, so He just handled that for me.
God is not really interested in my comfort.
So, my friends, I am an unemployed writer, and I’ve never been happier in my life. I am also fighting fear on a daily basis and asking God to help me walk forward with His help.
I am sharing my very scary God story in case you are currently sitting in your living room reading this and relating to my fear of the unknown. Perhaps you are wondering “What on earth is God doing by allowing this to happen to me?” Maybe your marriage is ending, or your prodigal child has not called you in 4 weeks. Perhaps you are single and wondering why God doesn’t send you a husband like yesterday. Life in this broken world is heartbreaking some days.
How do we move from victim to victory? I’ve discovered a few things over the last 8 weeks, and I want to share them with you today. Keep in mind that although these 4 steps are simple to say, they are hard to live out. Moving toward freedom in Christ means we can’t hide out in our pajamas forever. At some point, we must get up off the couch and put on our big girl pants.
4 Secure and Sturdy Steps to Victory
Leave behind condemnation
Don’t listen to the lies of the enemy of your soul. Greater things are yet to come. God is not finished fulfilling His faithful promises in your life.
“With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ’s being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2, MSG)
Turn from regret
Take time to grieve your losses, but don’t over linger in your sorrow. Today is a new day with new hope. Don’t miss out on the beauty that lies ahead because you are looking back at the brokenness of yesterday.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18-19, NIV)
Stand in Surrender
Open up your heart to whatever God has for you ahead. View every day as an opportunity to partner with Him and walk through new doors with hands and heart open and ready to receive. He can’t fill your life with good things if you don’t lift up empty hands to Him.
“I will lift up my hands toward Your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on Your statutes. Remember Your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your promise gives me life.” (Psalm 119:48-50, ESV).
Move with Trust
You can move forward fully trusting that God holds your tomorrow. He goes before you, and every step you take is covered by His grace. As you wait for clear direction, worship the One who will speak and reveal His wonderful plans to you very soon. If it’s quiet in your life right now, remember to be still and listen for His voice. This season of waiting is where you will see His face in a fresh way.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)
To help you get started on this journey toward surrender, I’m sharing a copy of my 30-Day Pray Big Prayer Calendar with you. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Print out your copy and start each morning inviting God to strengthen your step and breathe fresh wind into your weary spirit.
As we surrender our circumstances to Christ, He will step in with His peace and perfect our faith. Every inch we move forward in His direction with arms uplifted and ready to receive will be ground we can claim on our path to victory. He will reveal Himself to us in the quiet as we wait and remind us He is in control. One day soon, we will look back and see how His goodness and glory were at work during a very difficult season.
Walk forward in worship trusting your God knows the way.
Walk forward in worship trusting your God knows the way.
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Want to dig deeper into the Word together?
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A verse by verse study of I Peter. Catch the replay of week 3 and 4 on YouTube.
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May 18, 2018
Walk Worthy
My husband and I cuddled on the couch one night to watch a movie we felt we could both enjoy. With popcorn ready to go, we pressed play on a story that had Sandra Bullock (my favorite actress) and football (a manly theme for my husband). We both got lost in the true details of Michael Oher’s life and ended up in tears. The Blindside is a redemption story about a young man who moves from homelessness to hero all because one family took note of him, bought him a new set of clothes, and invited him in to their family. During several climactic points in the movie, the young man is standing with one foot in each of his worlds. Will he move forward and find freedom and purpose in his calling, or will he stay stuck in a cycle of empty living?
The conflict of Michael Oher is really the struggle we each face every day. God has adopted us into His family. We are clothed in the righteousness of Christ, and we are considered worthy because of His work on the cross. The question is this: will we walk worthy of the calling our Heavenly Father has placed on our lives? Will we move forward in faith, or will we stay stuck in a cycle of shame?
The enemy of our souls wants us to believe we are not worthy to be used by God. We’ve sinned too much, and we’ve strayed too far. But everyone who puts their faith in Christ is chosen and set apart by our Creator. God doesn’t need you to be flawless. You just need to be faithful…
To walk worthy, you don’t need to be flawless. You just need to be faithful.
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I’m sharing “Walk Worthy” at Love God Greatly.
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If you are visiting from Love God Greatly today,
welcome to my little space on the web!
Here you will find fuel for a wildfire faith to help you
LOVE DEEP: Fervently extend God’s kindness and grace to pesky people.
PRAY BIG: Go down fighting on your knees with fire in your bones.
HOPE FULL: Stay tethered to a confident anticipation that keeps your heart ablaze.
STAND STRONG: Rest courageously on God’s promises with red-hot resolve. .
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and access the practical resources in the Fatih Fuel Library for members.
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I’m sharing a copy of My Pray Big Prayer Calendar with you. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Print out your copy and start each morning inviting God to strengthen your step and breathe fresh wind into your weary spirit.
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Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
May 10, 2018
How to Stand Unshakeable in a Very Unstable World
I glanced down at my phone and read 3 words that unnerved me immediately: “At the ER.”
I’d spent the afternoon adventuring with a friend. We’d taken silly selfies and slurped down yummy smoothies as we walked around the store. Three words turned my smile upside-down and elevated my heart rate.
I didn’t sleep much that night. The anxiety gave me heartburn.
The next morning, I got a message from a good friend on the West Coast. She’d woken up shaking from a dead sleep in the wee hours of the morning. As the ground underneath her was apparently giving way, her first response was to cry out to God.
Jesus, save me.
Sometimes three words can change your world.
Are you struggling to find firm footing for your faith today? Are you crushed by the weight of your difficult circumstances?
Maybe you are shaking due to a job loss.
Or you are trembling on your knees for a prodigal child.
Perhaps you fell flat on your face as you listened to a doctor explain a difficult diagnosis.
If you are wallowing on shaky ground today, I’m sharing a triple-strength treatment plan to help quiet your heart and revive your faith:
How to Stand Unshakeable in an Unstable World
Rehearse these 3-word phrases:
Jesus loves me
The God of Peace is always covering you with His steadfast love. His grace will shelter you from whatever spiritual attack you are facing. Remember His love conquered death to save you and can defeat any foe.
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, Who has compassion on you.” (Isaiah 54:10, NIV)
I’m set free
Christ died to set you free from sin and death, but sometimes, we live weighted down and defeated. Recognize that His yoke is easy — but first you must open up your hands and let go of the stronghold slowing down your progress.
“Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22, NASB)
God is greater
The enemy of your soul wants you to fear the future and stay stuck in the past. God’s purposes are greater than your pain. His redemption is at work in you, and your salvation is forever secure.
“But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; His intentions can never be shaken.” (Psalm 33:11, NLT)
For the next 10 days, I am going to meditate on God’s unchanging promises to help strengthen my step. Want to join me?
I’ve created a one-page printable with 10 Scriptural Promises to help you remember YOU WILL NOT BE SHAKEN . Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
As we speak Truth over our lives, our God will stabilize our unsteady hearts and give us His unspeakable inward joy even when our outward circumstances are in upheaval. The firm foundation of God’s promises is solid ground to keep you standing today, tomorrow, and forever. You can keep moving forward without fear because Your God is faithful.
You always stand secure on God’s unshakeable promises.
You always stand secure on God’s unshakeable promises
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Want to dig deeper into the Word together?
Join me live on Facebook on Mondays at 12:00 EST for Fired Up and Hopeful:
A verse by verse study of I Peter. Here is week 2:
Are you ready to fire up your faith?
Join the Wildfire Faith Community and get weekly #FaithFuel in your inbox.
You’ll receive “4 Surefire Ways to Ignite Your Faith” as my gift to you.
You’ll also get access to the practical resources and goodies in our private Faith Fuel library.
Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
May 4, 2018
How to Revive Your Quiet Time from the Dead
This week, I realized that “spiritual funk” was starting to set in. My quiet time was turning into a ritual again. I was reading to check off something on my list, but my heart and spirit were not connecting with the mystery and the glory of the page.
God’s Word is not something to be glossed over. I am not reading for information. I am engaging in relationship. My Abba Father has something important to say to me, and I don’t want to miss it because I am not fully present when I come to break bread at His table.
I have the Word of God in my hands. He speaks to me. I need to wake up and come before Him with a hungry heart.
Lord, give me ears to hear.
Have you been there? Do you find yourself in a rut during your quiet time? Maybe you need to shake things up and do things differently. Let go of your “usual” and ask God to do a new thing in your heart when you open up the Word of Life.
5 Ways to Revive Your Quiet Time
Read less
That’s right. Throw away your 3 chapter a day reading plan and read less. Tomorrow, I dare you to just look at 3 to 4 verses. Read them slowly and pray through each word asking God to make that manna come alive in your heart. Insert your name in the verses and personalize the Living Word.
Read it differently
I know you love your falling apart NIV Bible, but you may need to say goodbye to it for a season. I dare you to go buy yourself a brand new Bible in a different translation. Read a fresh page with a pen in hand looking for the nuggets found when you look at something with new eyes.
Read it out loud
Believe it or not, reading the Bible out loud might just help you notice things you’ve never noticed before. Make sure that you pause briefly at each punctuation mark – don’t rush through. Read slowly.
Write it out
Grab an inexpensive notebook at the dollar store and your favorite pen. Don’t worry about your terrible penmanship – just get to work. When you are done, read your passage again and underline the key words that jump off the page.
Focus in like a reporter
Imagine you are writing a piece for the New York Times where you need to explain this passage to the masses. Put on your investigative hat, and ask yourself one or two penetrating questions:
What is the central message of this passage? (Narrow it down to one word, and you have a theme for your day.)
How does this passage help further define the character of God? What evidences do you see of His goodness and glory?
How should my thinking change as a result of reading this passage?
How should this impact my interactions with others moving forward?
Need more inspiration? I’ve created a one-page printable to help you FUEL your quiet time. This simple 4-step format will help you focus in on one verse and see God’s Word come alive in your heart. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
Ask God to help you develop a fresh spiritual appetite. God’s Word is alive. He will revive our hearts as we purpose to come before Him with surrendered hearts ready to receive. Open your mouth wide, and He will fill it.
God will revive our hearts as we purpose to come before Him with surrendered hearts ready to receive.
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Want to dig deeper into the Word together?
Join me live on Facebook on Mondays at 12:00 EST for Fired Up and Hopeful:
A verse by verse study of I Peter. Here is week 1:
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Are you ready to fire up your faith?
Join the Wildfire Faith Community and get weekly #FaithFuel in your inbox.
You’ll receive “4 Surefire Ways to Ignite Your Faith” as my gift to you.
You’ll also get access to the practical resources and goodies in our private Faith Fuel library.
Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
April 26, 2018
This is How to Tell Your Heart to Beat Again
Tonight I listened as a friend shared she feels dead inside. Reading God’s Word seems like a chore on her to-do list, and she’s not really praying because she’s not even sure it matters.
We sat at my dining room table, and I wanted to reach over and give her a hug. I totally understood what she is feeling. I remember well the empty feeling of sadness — of wondering if God even cared about my problems because life was just so hard. Maybe He wasn’t real. Maybe I was just wasting my time. Doubt was haunting me.
Friends, the enemy of our souls is such a stinking liar.
I am so thankful for my praying friends who never gave up on me during my season of deep discouragement. One sweet woman showed up at my house every morning for two weeks straight and sat in my kitchen with me. In her beautiful Puerto Rican accent, she said, “Let’s read the Bible now.” This warrior sister gently nudged me in God’s direction and sat across the counter with her sword open quietly reading.
I opened my Bible because she opened hers. She was Jesus with skin on in my life.
For 10 days, I sat in my kitchen and tried to concentrate as I ingested the Word. My brain was on fire with so much noise. I know that now. Looking back I see how I thought God was silent, but I was just too broken to hear Him.
Yet even though I couldn’t discern the voice of God, He was speaking. His words washed over me with grace each morning.
Maybe like me you have more questions than answers today. Maybe you are wondering
Where is God when your heart is broken into a million pieces?
Why God hasn’t answered your prayers after all this time?
What is the purpose for your pain — will anything good come out of your brokenness?
When will things change? If ever….
Here’s what a learned about the crazy negative voices in my head: I am not dead inside. The resurrected Christ lives in me, and I just need to tell my heart to beat again. (Cue the Danny Gokey theme song here.)
How to Tell Your Heart to Beat Again
Lift up your heart’s cry to your Healer
Consult about every care with the Great Physician. He specializes in bringing dead people back to life.
“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint…” (Psalm 61:1-2, NIV)
Step toward God to find your safe place
Rest is the best remedy for a heart pang. Slow down and let God shelter you with His love.
“…lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.” (Psalm 61:2-4)
Keep exercising your faith and following God with reverence
God never forsakes hearts that fully fear Him. When our heart throbs for God’s presence, we are encircled by His protection.
“For you, God, have heard my vows; You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name. Increase the days of the king’s life, his years for many generations. May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.” (Psalm 61:5-7)
To Persevere, persist in making praise the pulse of your life
Worship will oxygenate your heart and help you overcome. As you give thanks and remember God’s faithfulness, His grace and peace will flood you with healing and hope.
“Then I will ever sing in praise of your name and fulfill my vows day after day.” (Psalm 61:8, ESV)
This month, I invite you to join me in a simple morning exercise to fix our focus on God’s faithfulness. For the next 7 days, I am gong to start each morning with this Scriptural prayer:
Lord, I’m fading away. I’m discouraged and lying in the dust; revive me by Your word, just like You promised You would. (Psalm 119:25, TPT)
I’ve created a one-page printable of this simple prayer to help you surrender your heart to God and tap into His strength . Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
As we surrender our bruised hearts to God, He will bind up our wounds (Psalm 147:3) and breathe new life into our weary souls. The brokenness of our past will transform into a new quiet strength. Rather than look within and worry about our problems, God will give us hearts to look out to the hurting. The healing we’ve received will overflow from our hearts to help point others toward hope.
Practice Spiritual CPR: Cry out to God. Persevere in Truth. Remember He is Faithful.
Practice Spiritual CPR: Cry out to God. Persevere in Truth. Remember He is Faithful.
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Are you ready to fire up your faith?
Join the Wildfire Faith Community and get weekly #FaithFuel in your inbox.
You’ll receive “4 Surefire Ways to Ignite Your Faith” as my gift to you.
You’ll also get access to the practical resources and goodies in our private Faith Fuel library.
Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
April 18, 2018
This is What Happens When Your Family is Your Mission Field
Confession: I often don’t walk out the reality of God’s promises and feel like a fraud.
For example, right before Jesus ascended to heaven, He commissioned His disciples to share the Good News. He promised them that they would receive “power” to witness. Shortly after, the Holy Spirit descended upon them on the Day of Pentecost, and we see the disciples beginning to walk in the truth of this promise.
I read that passage and think, “Wow, look at what God did there in the book of Acts,” and then I close your Bible and doubt that will ever happen in my life.
Sometimes, I am too scared to share Jesus with my loves.
Maybe you are like me. You didn’t grow up in a home where the Bible sat on the coffee table. Maybe when you started walking with Christ the people closest to you didn’t respond with joy, but instead wondered if you had become a bit of a Jesus freak.
The fact is that I am a Jesus freak. Jesus died on the cross for my sins, and because of Him, I have forgiveness and healing and peace. If I am going to be freak about anything, it’s going to be about the Savior who gave it all and then conquered sin and death because He loved me so much.
I also have the power of the resurrected Christ abiding inside me. I don’t need to fear what my family will say if I share the Gospel with them. I need to surrender my weakness to my God and ask Him to help me to speak the Truth in love.
If your family is your mission field like me, I’ve got 4 suggestions on how we can push past scared to share Jesus.
4 Ways to Share on Your Mission Field
Live authentically
Our love for Jesus might be the only Bible they will read. The Holy Spirit will work as you walk out your faith.
“On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.” (Acts 16:13-14, NIV)
Pray fervently
Don’t ever give up interceding for your family. Fight for their salvation on your knees.
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:2-5, NIV)
Share your story
Ask God for windows of opportunity to share your conversion story with your loved ones. Write out your story in advance (keep it concise!), memorize it, and practice sharing it with someone you trust so that you are ready if /when the opportunity arises.
“Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 1But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!” (I Peter 3:13-17, NLT)
Invite them in
Use the gift of hospitality and open up your home to your family. Invite them to your church’s Christmas program. Share resources like books, devotionals, and blog posts with them that point them toward God’s plan of redemption.
“Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus. In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches. Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home.” (Romans 16:3-14)
To help get you started, I’ve created a one-page printable with Scriptures you can use to start praying for your loved ones who need Jesus. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
A while back, , I had a sweet older relative who became very ill. Her health had declined slowly over a three year period after a cancer diagnosis. We visited her in the hospital and prayed for her healing. I called her daily and told her we were praying. We purchased her a Bible as a Christmas present. I spoke to her gently about the importance of making her peace with God and asking for forgiveness of sins.
Ten days before she passed away, I had a divine appointment with her in her hospital room. We prayed on our way to the hospital for a chance to speak with her again about where she stood with God, and when we arrived at the hospital, I had a sweet fifteen minute window alone with her before the rest of the family arrived.
My aunt assured me that she was ready to meet the Lord, and that she was praying every day on her own. She seemed incredibly at peace about her destiny, and I believe that right now she is in heaven rejoicing in the presence of her Savior.
Picture yourself walking forward in faith and sharing your story. Now, imagine your loved one standing at the foot of the cross with arms uplifted in worship. Remember with God nothing is impossible — unless we refuse to believe.
Don’t allow fear to keep you for fulfilling your calling as a witness to your family. Be strong in the power of the Lord and rely on His mighty strength for the work.
Don’t allow fear to keep you for fulfilling your calling as a witness to your family.
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Are you ready to fire up your faith?
Join the Wildfire Faith Community and get weekly #FaithFuel in your inbox.
You’ll receive “4 Surefire Ways to Ignite Your Faith” as my gift to you.
You’ll also get access to the practical resources and goodies in our private Faith Fuel library.
Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
April 11, 2018
How to Trust God When Your World is Falling Apart
What are you planning to do?
I’ve heard this question a few times this month. My life is kind of falling apart right now. After years of holding on for dear life on a shaky foundation of self sufficiency, I am now flat on my face before God.
I can’t fix this one.
I am on my knees.
My empty hands are lifting up to God for support. I can’t do this without His help.
What are you planning to do? Today I decided to invite a couple of friends for lunch who are struggling to find firm footing just like me. We shared how we are coping with the unexpected upheaval in our personal lives over soup and salad.
Let me be honest: I don’t have an action plan. I am actually praying Jesus will return as soon as possible so that I don’t have to clean up this mess.
But I smiled and put on my best “I know God’s got this covered” face for my friends.
I want to trust Him.
I just wish I could fix it instead of waiting for Him to work it out.
Friends, I hate change. Waiting is not my love language.
What are you planning to do? I asked my two former co-workers who sat smiling back at me across the table.
“I’m going to take the next month to pray before I make a decision,” she said.
My sweet sister quietly taught me how to surrender my chaos to Christ. Can I tell you she served me a meal much better than the soup and salad I’d ordered.
Best lunch date ever. I needed a strong dose of faith.
Maybe like me, you need a good friend to remind you He is faithful. How do we trust God when our world is falling apart? What if we aren’t sure we have what it takes to face tomorrow?
If you have more questions than answers right now, offer them up to the only One who has the answers.
My friend is offering her doubts and fears to God for the next 30 days, and I can’t wait to see what God is going to do through her. I see Jesus in her.
The wisest man on earth once said we should trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. The original Hebrew word used here in Proverbs 3 for “trust” is a picture of a servant lying helpless and facedown waiting for direction from the master.
If you’re facedown and helpless today, thank Him for positioning you in the perfect place for you to experience His Presence.
If you’re facedown and helpless today, thank Him for positioning you in the perfect place for you to experience His Presence.
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We Trust God as We Offer Him
Our Patience
We pray through our problems with expectation and wait watchfully for God to act.
“Quiet your heart in His presence and pray; keep hope alive as you long for God to come through for you. And don’t think for a moment that the wicked in their prosperity are better off than you.” (Psalm 37:7, TPT)
Our Courage
John Piper says it best: “Christian courage is the willingness to say and do the right thing regardless of the earthly cost, because God promises to help you and save you on account of Christ.”
‘Here is what I am commanding you to do. Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere you go.” (Joshua 1:9, NIRV)
Our Confidence
Rather than self-confidence, we step forward with God-confidence — securely relying on His strength and standing firm on Truth. .
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.” (Jeremiah 17:7, NIV)
Our Surrender
I was super convicted by how Pastor Rick Warren unpacked this principle: “You know you’re surrendered to God when you rely on God to work things out instead of trying to manipulate others, force your agenda, and control the situation. You let go and let God work. You don’t have to always be in charge.” (Ouch!)
“Make God the utmost delight and pleasure of your life, and He will provide for you what you desire the most. Give God the right to direct your life, and as you trust Him along the way you’ll find he pulled it off perfectly!” (Psalm 37:4-5, TPT)
Our Belief
“Keep trusting in the Lord and do what is right in his eyes. Fix your heart on the promises of God and you will be secure, feasting on His faithfulness.” (Psalm 37:3, NLT)
When we trust God, we see beyond our chaos and set our focus on His faithful character:
He is True.
“For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything He does.” (Psalm 33:4, NLT)
He is our Refuge.
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.’ Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” (Psalm 91:1-4, NIV)
He is our Unfailing Love.
“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation.” (Psalm 13:5, NIV)
He is our Strength.
“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)
He is our Treasure.
“And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness—secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one Who calls you by name.” (Isaiah 45:3, NLT)
When we trust God, we see beyond our chaos and set our focus on His faithful character.
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This month, I invite you to join me in a simple morning exercise to fix our focus on God’s faithfulness.
I’ve created a one-page printable with simple sentence prayers and Scriptures to help you surrender your busy day to God . Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
As we surrender our messy, falling apart lives to God, we walk with a lighter step. We will no longer carry the weight of trying to resolve our problems, and we make room for God’s presence to fill us with peace. God has the whole world in His mighty hands — including you and me.
When life falls apart, rather than try to fix it just fall at His feet.
When life falls apart, rather than try to fix it just fall at His feet.
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Giveaway
Y’all know I am a big book nerd. Other women buy shoes, but I buy books and Bible commentaries.
For everyone who asks me “what should I read next?” I now have a sweet list of my favorite reads for you to check out. Amazon created a space for social media influencers to share reommendations!
If you are looking for a good read to fire up your faith, then check out what’s on my nightstand here.
(Disclosure: Amazon will compensate me a little for anything you may purchase through this page. Thanks in advance if you do.)
Last week, I started reading this lovely devotional from Lysa Terkeurst. (You will love it!)
I’m giving away one copy of Embraced to a reader this week. Leave a comment before Wednesday, April 18th letting me know that you shared this post on Facebook or Instagram to enter — and let me know what’s on your nightstand right now.
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If you are visiting from First 5 today,
welcome to my little space on the web!
Here you will find fuel for a wildfire faith to help you
LOVE DEEP: Fervently extend God’s kindness and grace to pesky people.
PRAY BIG: Go down fighting on your knees with fire in your bones.
HOPE FULL: Stay tethered to a confident anticipation that keeps your heart ablaze.
STAND STRONG: Rest courageously on God’s promises with red-hot resolve. .
SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE WEEKLY FAITH FUEL IN YOUR INBOX.
YOU’LL GET A FREE COPY OF “4 SUREFIRE WAYS TO IGNITE YOUR FAITH”
and access the practical resources in the Fatih Fuel Library for members.
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I’m sharing a copy of my 30-Day Pray Big Calendar with you. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Print out your copy and start each morning inviting God to strengthen your step and breathe fresh wind into your weary spirit.
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Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
April 5, 2018
4 Tested Ways to Defuse the Ticking Bomb of Discouragement
Discouragement tried to sneak back into my soul this week. The big bully knew I was home sitting on the couch waiting, and so he whispered twisted lies in my ear as I sat in the quiet.
I wanted to hear from God. I had my Bible open and my pen in hand, but I could ‘t shut off the snarky voice in my head.
That’s never going to happen.
You are wasting your time praying again.
You are going to end up empty handed and hurt, so you should just give up.
And every second that I sat listening to the lies, I felt the tension rising like a ticking bomb getting reading to explode. I pictured my life in shambles with the tiny pieces scattered into a million defeats.
Discouragement is a dictator, and I can’t sit idly and expect to win the mental battle.
Ticking mental bombs can be defused with God’s help.
So, I started reading my Bible aloud, and I grabbed a pen. I circled the phrases jumping of the page with Truth and strength and hope.
Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you. (Deuteronomy 31:8, NLT)
Discouragement, be gone. This mind is yielded to God, not you.
To win the war against discouragement, I must arm myself with wisdom daily.
How about you? Is discouragement holding you captive right now? Maybe like me you are more focused on your chaos than on Christ. You are not alone. But, here’s the good news: God is on our side. With His help, we can pick up the pieces and persevere.
4 Ways to Defuse the Discouragement Bomb
Start Counting Your Blessings
Take note of His kindness to you. Remember His steadfast love will never leave you.
“The Lord is righteous in everything He does; He is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cries for help and rescues them. The Lord protects all those who love Him, but He destroys the wicked. I will praise the Lord, and may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever and ever.” (Psalm 145:17-21, NLT)
Stop Feeding Your Fears
Attack your worries with worship. Re-focus your thoughts on God’s faithful character, not the chaos.
“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:22-23, NIV)
Change Your Agenda
Create space for rest in your life and recharge. Don’t let busy rob you from intimacy with your God. Be still and wait for Him to work.
“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. (Psalm 37:5-7, NLT)
Continue Fueling Your Faith
Stay in the Word. Love your people. Pray with expectation. Put on your armor daily and stand strong.
“But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News…” (Colossians 1:23)
This week, I want to invite you to join me in a simple morning exercise to help you stop feeding your fears and start fueling your faith. Want to join me?
I’ve created a one-page printable with simple sentence prayers and Scriptures to help us surrender our busy day to God . Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
As we slow down and savor His Word, our hearts will find strength in His love and faithfulness. A quiet confidence will replace frazzled busy. We’ll find peace as we surrender our day to our Savior.
Discouragement cannot beat us down if we fix our eyes on our undefeatable God.
Discouragement cannot beat us down if we fix our eyes on our undefeatable God.
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Are you ready to fire up your faith?
Join the Wildfire Faith Community and get weekly #FaithFuel in your inbox.
You’ll receive “4 Surefire Ways to Ignite Your Faith” as my gift to you.
You’ll also get access to the practical resources and goodies in our private Faith Fuel library.
Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
March 30, 2018
How to Focus and Throw Off All Your Lurking Fears Right Now
I want to experience the resurrection power of Jesus at work in my life. Really, I do. But most days I am blinded by fear. I can’t see Jesus at work in my circumstances because I am too busy trying to fix everything myself.
I am exhausted, y’all.
“Fix it” is not faith. “Fix it” is folly.
I can’t hear Jesus speak life and peace if I am constantly complaining about how I cannot fix dysfunctional people who make me mad.
My biggest fear is what I can’t fix. I can’t fix my crazies and make them want to follow Jesus.
Tonight, I sat around a table with 8 beautiful women, and we talked about how to push past our fears to see Jesus.
Jesus can fix anything.
Jesus breathes life into empty, dead lives.
Gathering with good friends reminded me of how Jesus is still in the business of transformation. He’s not done yet.
This week, we celebrate the hope of the resurrection.
But maybe you are not “feeling it” right now. I mean, we know in our minds that Jesus rose from the dead, but sometimes it’s hard to hold on to hope when we are standing in the middle of a graveyard.
Here’s the thing: The weight of your grief is not too heavy for Jesus. He can speak life over you with one word.
That’s what happened just three days after He died. Mary stood in a graveyard. Hopeless. Defeated.
Jesus spoke her name, and everything changed.
Friends, He knows your name. And if we follow Mary’s example, we can throw off all our lurking fears just by focusing on Christ.
How to Focus and Throw Off All Your Lurking Fears Right Now
Turn and See your Savior
Fears fade when we fully look at our Savior’s face.
“…Turning to face him, she said,’Rabboni!” ” (John 20:16, TPT)
Rejoice and Worship at His Feet
Worry can’t weigh you down when you leave all at the altar and worship.
“Along the way, Jesus suddenly appeared in front of them and said, “Rejoice!” They were so overwhelmed by seeing Him that they bowed down and grasped His feet in adoring worship.” (Matthew 28:9)
Go and Tell your Friends
Anxiety can’t attack if you answer God’s call. Get busy pointing people to Jesus. Your divine purpose is bigger than your temporary problems.
“…Then Jesus said to them, ‘Throw off all your fears. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee. They will find me there.’ ” (Matthew 28:10
This week, I am going stop feeding my fears and start fueling my faith. Want to join me?
I’ve created a one-page printable with simple sentence prayers and Scriptures to help us surrender our busy day to God . Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
As we claim God’s Word, we will begin to see the visible signs God’s redemption at work. Our faithful God will continue to deliver us from evil and place us on a firm foundation. (II Timothy 4:8, II Thessalonians 3:3) Disappointment cannot defeat us if we determine to “be still and know He is God.” (Psalm 46:1) Resurrection is alive and breathing fresh wind in our lives right now. (Romans 8:11)
Throw off your lurking fears by fully focusing on Christ today.
Throw off your lurking fears by fully focusing on Christ today.
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Check out the March 2018 Reader Survey and Giveaway
I wonder about you — the mysterious people who read this blog regularly, but never leave a comment. Do you like coffee or tea? Are you an introvert or extrovert? I’d love to learn a little more about you — because I am working on a writing project I hope you will love, and I’d like your input. So, I’ve created a short survey, and I’d love for you to take just 5 minutes to fill it out. As a little incentive, I’m picking one person to win a $25 Amazon gift card. Fill out the survey by March 30th to enter.
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Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
March 15, 2018
When No is a Glorious Promise from God (and a Giveaway)
The answer was NO.
I sat quietly listening to the explanation as everything fell apart, and my dreams for the day slipped out of my shaky fingers.
I’d held on tightly for so long — I thought if I just tried harder or prayed longer I could keep everything in my grasp.
But the answer was NO.
A piercing cry rose up from my heart. Why God? Why? Why? Why?
I wanted to understand. but I just couldn’t think of one positive outcome from this obvious mistake.
I spent the next 24 hours sulking in bed. I wanted to stay in my pajamas permanently and pretend NO had never happened.
Have you ever wanted to hide from a NO? Maybe like me you’ve experienced the heartbreak of
No Love
No Forgiveness
No Approval
No Gratitude
No Cooperation
NO never seems to play nice.
NO is exhausting.
NO makes me feel hopeless.
Friend, if you’ve heard a hard NO this week, you are not alone.
NO is a bully, and I decided to fight back by picking up my Bible. And you know what I learned? God can transform NO into a glorious promise.
10 Ways No is a Glorious Promise from God
No defeat
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord. (Isaiah 54:17, NKJV
No shame
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1, NIV)
No impossible situations
For no word from God will ever fail. (Luke 1:37)
No disaster
No harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. (Psalm 91:10)
No Fear
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (I John 4:18)
No overwhelming temptation
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (I Corinthians 10:13)
No Sin
I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. (Isaiah 43:25)
No Death
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. (Revelation 21:4)
No Sadness
And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. (Isaiah 35:8-10)
No Limits
Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit. (Psalm 147:5)
This week, I am going start my day praying through these Scriptures to remind myself God’s NO is a glorious promise to me. Want to join me?
I’ve created a one-page printable of these 10 Glorious Promises for you . Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
As we claim God’s Word, we will begin to see God’s redemption at work through every rejection we face. Disappointment cannot defeat us if we stand securely on bedrock Truth. Your faithful God will not fail to fulfill His promises for Your life.
Every NO from God is part of His Providential plan to protect you.
Every NO from God is part of His Providential plan to protect you.
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Check out the March 2018 Reader Survey and Giveaway
I wonder about you — the mysterious people who read this blog regularly, but never leave a comment. Do you like coffee or tea? Are you an introvert or extrovert? I’d love to learn a little more about you — because I am working on a writing project I hope you will love, and I’d like your input. So, I’ve created a short survey, and I’d love for you to take just 5 minutes to fill it out. As a little incentive, I’m picking one person to win a $25 Amazon gift card. Fill out the survey by March 30th to enter.
⇓
If you are visiting from First 5 today,
welcome to my little space on the web!
Here you will find fuel for a wildfire faith to help you
LOVE DEEP: Fervently extend God’s kindness and grace to pesky people.
PRAY BIG: Go down fighting on your knees with fire in your bones.
HOPE FULL: Stay tethered to a confident anticipation that keeps your heart ablaze.
STAND STRONG: Rest courageously on God’s promises with red-hot resolve. .
SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE WEEKLY FAITH FUEL IN YOUR INBOX.
YOU’LL GET A FREE COPY OF “4 SUREFIRE WAYS TO IGNITE YOUR FAITH”
and access the practical resources in the Fatih Fuel Library for members.
[image error]
I’m sharing a copy of My Pray Big Prayer Calendar with you. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Print out your copy and start each morning inviting God to strengthen your step and breathe fresh wind into your weary spirit.
⇓
Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
