Lyli Dunbar's Blog, page 8
July 3, 2020
10 Powerful Books to Challenge Your Thinking
If there is one thing this crazy year has taught me it’s this: I have a lot to learn still. The last 6 months have left me mentally perplexed and emotionally exhausted. I have come to realize that maybe God has allowed all these chaotic things to happen to challenge my thinking on many subjects. I need to re-think how I view my health, race relations, family life, and my walk with Christ. Just this week, I bought a couple of powerful books on Amazon and plan to start reading. I am determined to not let this year go to waste. My mind may feel like mush, but I can make changes if push through all the mental fog.
I’ve got work to do! Until I breathe my last breath, I need to continue to grow and ask God to give me His heart and mind on sticky subjects. I don’t want to settle for a mediocre life where I am stuck in my own stubborn ways and never change for the better.
How about you, friend? Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the crazy noise on the news and on social media? Do you feel weighed down by all the problems not only in this world, but on your shoulders personally? Maybe you wish you could get a do-over on this whole year. If only we could push the rewind button and live each day with greater intention.
One way that I am “re-focusing” my thinking is to turn off the noise of 24-hour news on my TV and make myself read at least a chapter a day from something positive. Every year, I create a reading plan. I like to read at last one book per month — it’s a do-able goal for me in this crazy busy season of life. Throughout the year, I try to read at least one book in each of my 8 priority areas: Faith, Self Care, Marriage, Family, Friendship, Ministry, Personal Growth, and Community.
I keep a book in every room of the house — so that if I have any down time a book will be easily accessible at a moment’s notice. I also tuck a book into my purse if I am on the go.
I’d stopped reading when all the COVID crazy happened, but now I am determined to get back to my plan. I need wise voices in my head to help me push past all the negativity on social media and the news media.
Reading a powerful book can realign my thinking and restore my sanity.
10 Powerful Books I Recommend:
An Invitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God’s Transforming Presence
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Priority: Faith
The Rundown: Ruth Haley Barton invites us all on a journey to deeper intimacy with our God. She holds up the mirror to our culture of living “dangerously tired” and challenges us to take brave steps toward resting our body, soul, and mind. Each chapter ends with spiritual practice exercise to help you apply these life-giving principles. This transformative book was my favorite read of 2018, and I plan on re-reading it.
Memorable Quotes: “As I have paid more attention to my tiredness and fatigue, I have learned that there are at least two kind of tired. One is what I call ‘good tired.’ This is the kind of tiredness we experience after a job well done, a task accomplished out of the best of who we are. If we are living in healthy rhythms of work and rest, this tiredness is a temporary condition, and when it comes, we know that after we take appropriate time for rest and recuperation, we will soon be back in the swing of things. But another kind of tiredness is more ominous, and this is what I call “dangerous tired.” …Dangerous tired is an atmospheric condition of the soul that is volatile and portends the risk of great destruction. It is a chronic inner fatigue accumulating over months and months, and it does not always manifest itself in physical exhaustion. In fact, it can be masked by excessive activity and compulsive overworking. When we are dangerously tried we feel out of control, compelled to constant activity by inner impulses that we may not be aware of. For some reason we can’t quite name, we’re not able to linger and relax over a cup of coffeqe. We can’t keep from checking voicemail or email ‘just one more time’ before we leave the office or before we go to bed at night…The idea of taking a full day off once a week seems impossible both in theory and in practice….On some level we suspect that if we did stop long enough to experience our emotions, we might be overcome by feeling we’d rather not feel sadness over past or present losses, desperation regarding aspects of our life or character that seem unfixable, powerlessness to choose the kind of life we know we’re meant to live, unfulfilled desires and longings. We may be afraid that if we entered these unlit places in our souls, we might never come out.” (pp. 58-60)
Biggest Takeaway:This book was transformational for me in my thinking process. Setting aside time for solitude and silence can breathe life into my dangerously tired soul.
Prayers for Victory in Your Marriage
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Priority: Marriage
The Rundown: Are you facing spiritual warfare in your marriage? Dr. Tony Evans has designed a wonderful book that helps us to put on our spiritual armor and pray for protection. Each of the 15 chapters covers a different area of concern and provides Scriptural prayers to help you fight on your knees and move forward in victory. Arming yourself with these prayers will help you and your spouse stay standing together as one.
Memorable Quotes: “Don’t let the weight of yesterday ruin today and tomorrow.” (p. 42) “The right word spoken at the right time can change anyone’s trajectory in life. In fact, it can even revive life. Offering encouragement is like watering the soil around a droopy plant to bring it to life again. That’s why it’s essential that we stay connected.” (p. 53) “When God’s Word–His rule, thoughts, and will–proceeds out of our mouths, we tap into a power source that is beyond us. We access and utilize the authority of the One who spoke the creation into being and commanded the waves of the sea to be still. His authority is available to you and me if we will but believe it to be true and speak directly to whatever mountain we are facing.” (p. 65)
Biggest Takeaway: “As an overcomer, always keep this truth in mind: You are not fighting for the victory; you are fighting from a position of victory. Christ has secured the victory for you…The victory is yours when you are well-dressed for warfare… The victory over the evil one was secured for me and my marriage on the cross when Jesus dies and granted us salvation.” (p. 81)
Developing the Leader Within You 2.0
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Priority: Personal Growth
The Rundown: My mentorship group worked through the newly revamped version of this John Maxwell classic on leadership. He unpacks 10 foundational lessons on growing in leadership in the areas of influence, priorities, character, change, problem solving, attitude, service, vision, self-discipline, and personal growth. Each chapter ends with a handy recap of the key principles required for growth in each area. I highly recommend reading this book with friends, and perhaps focusing on one chapter per month to really work on growing in a particular area.
Memorable Quotes: “We need to acknowledge that growth is a gradual process and make that process part of our daily practice. That means we need to establish the habit of growing on a consistent basis. When you practice the discipline of growing a little every day, you are doing your part to strengthen the hope inside you. With each small step you take, you are progressing toward improving yourself and your world.” (p. 209) Maxwell also quotes Pope Francis on page 152: “A servant daily learns detachment from doing everything his own way and living his life as he would. Each morning he trains himself to be generous with his life and to realize that the rest of the day will not be his own, but given over to others. One who serves cannot hoard his free time; he has to give up the idea of being the master of his day. He knows that his time is not his own, but a gift from God which is then offered back to him.”
Biggest Takeaway: Leading others starts with leading myself, and Maxwell’s books always help me to self evaluate where I am and take steps to improve how I am living. Developing as a leader is a life-long process, but it begins by making intentional choices to move forward and make progress. Small steps made daily add up and make a huge difference over the course of one’s life.
Overwhelmed: How to Quiet the Chaos and Restore Your Sanity
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Priority: Self Care
The Rundown: The title of this life-giving book from Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory grabbed me right away. I can relate to the title!!! Each chapter unpacks an area where we tend to struggle with overwhelm and gives practical tips on how to overcome. They tackle subjects like being your own worst enemy, taking practical steps to survive an overwhelming day, practicing self care, dealing with negative feedback, and managing all your stuff and surroundings.
Memorable Quote: “Does one person drive you crazy every time you see him or her?…I’m no longer letting other people decide how my time, energy, money and space are spent. Sometimes this means saying no to people we’ve always said yes to. It’s hard, but it’s necessary.” (pp.194-195) “When I an rest-resistant, repentance truly is my salvation. Acknowledging that, once again, I’ve forgotten that He is God and I am not. Recognizing that I’ve started trusting me, again, instead of Him. Heaving a sigh of relief because No, it’s not all up to me. Repentance isn’t what exhausts us; it’s what allows us to finally do what we need most. Repentance is the doorway to true rest.” (pp.224-225)
Biggest Takeaway: Chapter 11 in this book is titled ” ‘Just Put Your Big-Girl Panties On’ vs. Practicing Self-Care (in a World that Couldn’t Care Less,” and I think it captured the essence of what this book helped me understand. I need to realize that no one else is going to make room for me to rest and take care of my soul. I need to learn to say no to exhausting things and unhealthy people — and not feel guilty about it. Reading this book gave equipped me with practical ways I can do that right now.
Holy Hustle: Embracing a Work-Hard, Rest-Well Life
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Priority: Ministry
The Rundown: I read Crystal Stine’s wonderful book last year right around the time I lost my job. The tag line on the back cover has become kind of a mantra for this season of my life: “Work without shame. Rest without guilt.” Crystal is a do-er, and she believes you can serve without striving. She argues that we can find the balance between work and rest without having to choose between the two. I love her focus on embracing community where we cheer one another on in our accomplishments and say no to the comparison trap that robs us of joy. To help you figure out how to apply Holy Hustle principles in your day to day, Crystal ends each chapter with a reflection section for you to to journal and a bonus digging deeper section with Scripture passages to guide you. She also highlights a “holy hustle story” to show a practical example of how a woman in public ministry is making it happen in her own life.
Memorable Quotes: “When we stop running someone else’s race, we can confidently take up the space God has given us, using our gifts for His glory.” (p. 58) “Holy hustle gives us the freedom to recognize that the work others do is right for them, but not for us, not in this season. Holy hustle helps us to hear God over the roar of the bossy world, so we can say yes to the work God has prepared our hearts for and no to the work that drains our souls.” (p. 75) “When I devalue the gifts God has given me and assume they aren’t enough, or the place I’ve been called to use them is too small, I not only miss the blessings God has for me, but I rob others of the blessing of allowing God to harvest something beautiful from our shared experience. As I learn to trust God and live in that space of right-here faith, I”m learning to appreciate the unexpected blessings of behind-the-scenes service. What if we all said yes to the edge of the field instead of fighting to run the show?” (p. 93)
Biggest Takeaway: Crystal’s message about redefining our purpose from “hustle” to “holy hustle” was right on time for me. She helped me to figure out how to get passed striving to meet people’s expectations so that I can work joyfully as unto the Lord. If you are in the public circle where you work with people, you need this book!
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Taking When Stakes are High
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Priority: Friendship
The Rundown: Kerry Patterson, Joseph Granny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler have put together a book based on research taken from case studies to help us safely work through difficult conversations using a proven strategy. This is a “how to” book that helps us transform explosive emotional interactions into healthy, powerful dialogue. If you want to learn how to avoid another unpleasant interaction, this book is for you.
Memorable Quotes: “The best at dialogue speak their minds completely and do it in a way that makes it safe for others to hear what they have to say and respond to it as well. They are both totally frank and completely respectful. In order to speak honestly when honesty could easily offend others, we have to find a way to maintain safety. That’s a bit like telling someone to smash another in the nose, but, you know, don’t hurt him. How can we speak the unspeakable and still maintain respect? Actually, it can be done if you know how to carefully blend three ingredients–confidence, humility, and skill.” (p. 133) “People who are skilled at dialogue have the confidence to say what needs to be said to the person who needs to hear it. They are confident that their opinions deserve to be placed in the pool of meaning.” (p. 133) “Skilled people are confident that they have something to say, but also realize that others have valuable input. They are humble enough to realize that they don’t have a monopoly on the truth nor do they always have to win their way.” (p. 133)
Biggest Takeaway: This book is packed full of real-life examples that helped me see how I can unravel some of my own sticky relationships. Toward the end of the book, the authors provide extra help for those “exceptions to the rule” — where the strategies are applied, but still aren’t going well. I found this to be super helpful, and I need to read this book again and again.
Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World
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Priority: Community
The Rundown: I was very late to the Bob Goff party. Many of my friends had recommended his wonderful book, and I thought it was just hype. But I finally decided to buy it after picking it up in the bookstore and reading the first chapter for myself. I honestly could not put the book down. I ended up reading this book twice because I re-read almost every chapter out loud to Bruce. This book is meant to be shared! Goff is an engaging writer, and his way of viewing the world will challenge you to love more like Jesus.
Memorable Quotes: “The world can make you think love can be packed up at a garage sale or enveloped in a Hallmark card. But the kind of love that God created and demonstrated is a costly one because it involves sacrifice and presence.” (p. 9) “God finds us in our failures and in our successes, and He says that while we used do think one way about things, now He wants us to think another way about those same things. And for me, I’v realized that I used to be afraid of failing at the things that really mattered to me, but now I’m more afraid of succeeding at things that don’t matter.” (p. 30) “…It was Jesus who taught me there was nothing I could really lose if I had Him. He taught me to be palms up, just like He was. Palms up means you have nothing to hide and nothing to gain or lose. Palms up means you are strong enough to be vulnerable, even with your enemies.” (p. 205)
Biggest Takeaway: Bob Goff made me laugh and yet made me feel convicted all at once. The stories he tells in this book are memorable and life changing, and he encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and live the gospel out in a real way.
A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: How I Learned to Live a Better Story
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Priority: Family Life
The Rundown: This book by Donald Miller is different from anything I have ever read before. Written as a memoir, Miller tells how he came to live a better story with his life. Honestly, at the beginning I had no idea where this book was going, but I was drawn in by Miller’s unedited, self deprecating storytelling. He lets you see all his flaws and realize he is just a broken man in need of salvation. This book is all about a journey, and the metaphor for how God speaks redemption into our lives is beautifully weaved throughout its pages. When I got to the last page, I had a smile on my face and felt inspired to write a better story with my own life. (Side note: I had no idea when I picked up this book that Donald Miller and Bob Goff were good friends. Miller tells a story about Goff in this book, and the two books paired nicely!).
Memorable Quotes: “…The stories we tell ourselves are very different from the stories we tell the world.” (p. 73) “We live in a world where bad stories are told, stories that teach us life doesn’t mean anything and that humanity has no great purpose. It’s a good calling, then, to speak a better story. How brightly a better story shines.” (p. 248)
Biggest Takeaway: Miller challenges, “…Fear isn’t only a guide to keep us safe; it’s also a manipulative emotion that can trick us into living a boring life.” I don’t want to live a boring life. I want to write a better story with the days I have left.
Meet the New You: A 21-Day Plan for Embracing Fresh Attitudes and Focused Habits
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Priority: Personal Growth
The Rundown: Elisa Pulliam has put together a book that is basically a manual on how to coach yourself. Each chapter helps readers assess “where they are” and develop a picture of a better version of themselves they can work on becoming. Page by page, readers craft a vision for transformation and work through the obstacles standing between their current life and their desired future.
Memorable Quotes: “You and I know that the longing for approval and acceptance is real. Our desire to be approved causes us to make poor choices. Worse yet, instead of seeing God for His wisdom, we sometimes run from Him for fear that He might disapprove. Isn’t it ironic that we sometimes fear man’s disapproval more than God’s?” (p. 151)
Biggest Takeaway: I’m considering using this book with clients for group coaching. Would you be interested in signing up for Group Coaching if I offered a weekly one-hour conference call for $20 a month? It would be a 6-month commitment, and you would invest $120 to join the coaching group. If you are interested, sign up for more information here.
Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done
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Priority: Personal Growth
The Rundown: Jon Acuff has written a wonderful book to help you “take the pressure off” and get things done. He encourages you to give yourself grace and do less in order to accomplish more. We are great “starters” of projects, but terrible finishers. His radical advice may seem like cheating, but putting his strategies into practice will help you stop feeling guilty and accomplish your goals.
Memorable Quotes: “If you want to finish, you’ve got to do all that you can do to get rid of your perfectionism right out of the gate. You’ve got to have fun, cut your goal in half, choose what things you’ll bomb, and a few other actions you won’t see coming at first.” (p. 5) “…Don’t let perfectionism sneak in. It will tell you that you need a perfect answer to what now before you finish. That’s nonsense. You don’t need to have the next thing figured out before you finish this things. Finish anyway. Don’t let the fear of what’s next steal the joy of finishing what’s now.” (p. 178)
Biggest Takeaway: One of the biggest lessons I learned from this fabulous book was to cut my goals in half. Making our goals more achievable makes like more manageable and leads to greater success in the end.
Let’s Chat: What powerful books have challenged your thinking?
Looking for more good reads? Here are my 12 faves for 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
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Friends: As a social media influencer, I have a sweet list of my favorite resources to fuel a wildfire faith in my very own shop on Amazon. (Note: I will get a little something back if you follow any of the links in this post and buy anything on this page. Thanks in advance if you do.).
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June 25, 2020
When You Panic and Need a Prayer for Protection
I received unbearably hard news about someone I love this week. Someone I care about deeply is running full speed ahead on the path to destruction, and facing that reality filled my heart with panic. I groaned a prayer for protection over our family and once again begged God to do the impossible
Yes, I know God is able to do anything.
Yes, I believe God still changes lives.
Yes, I am a woman of faith.
But, my mind was racing with erratic dark thoughts. The sudden uncontrollable fear was overwhelming, and my whole body was screaming.
The enemy is a stinker, and I hate it when he sucker punches you in the gut.
Do you feel sucker punched lately? Is your mind consumed by worry over circumstances you can’t control? Maybe like me, you have a family member who desperately needs a wake up call, but your loved one won’t listen to wisdom.
If you’ve lost sleep this month over something dark and sinister from the pit of hell that is impacting your life, you are not alone.
So, here is what I did to calm myself down and silence the voice of fear: I grabbed my Bible, turned to Psalm 91, and prayed out loud.
Got a Bible near by? Go grab it and let’s go to war together. The enemy doesn’t get to win this one.
Your Powerful Prayer for Protection from Psalm 91:
Almighty Lord, be our place of safety.
Remind yourself that you are perfectly safe because God is present in your life. He surrounds you like a shield.
“This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him. For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” (Psalm 91:2-4, NLT)
Most High God, may no harm overtake us.
Remember nothing can come near you unless God has allowed it, so any discomfort you are experiencing is part of His plan and serves a greater purpose than what you see right now.
“For you have taken refuge in the Lord, my Shelter, the Most High. No harm will overtake you; no illness will come near your home.” (Psalm 91:9-10, NET)
God of Angel Armies, command your heavenly messengers to guard us and keep us safe.
Never forget that all around you an unseen supernatural army is fighting on for what is right and holy in this world. Angelic warriors are watching over all your ways.
“God sends angels with special orders to protect you wherever you go, defending you from all harm. If you walk into a trap, they’ll be there for you and keep you from stumbling.” (Psalm 91:11-12, TPT)
My Deliver, satisfy us with long life and show us Your salvation.
Know that favor surrounds those who follow God faithfully. He will fill you with fullness of joy both in this life and for all eternity. Greater things are yet to come, my friends.
“He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.” (Psalm 91:15-16, AMPC)
Want more help praying the promises of God over your loved ones? I’ve created a one-page printable with 7 powerful Bible passages reworded as a prayer for protection . Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Start your day for the next 7 days saying these Scriptural prayers to your Savior and invite Him to safeguard your home.
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As we arm ourselves with the Word and pray for protection, God will strengthen our spiritual confidence and help us to stay standing even when panic surrounds us. God’s peace that surpasses all understanding will fill our hearts and guard our mind. His sweet peace will help us see with eyes of faith and stop giving way to fear.
Our circumstances may not change right away, but we can elevate our perspective and align our hearts with the Lord. Let’s resolve to meditate on God’s promises and speak life over our day as we pray His powerful Word.
You are safely protected under the shadow of the Almighty.
You are safely protected under the shadow of the Almighty.
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Let’s Chat: What is your favorite Scripture to use as a prayer for protection?
ARE YOU STUCK IN A SPIRITUAL RUT?
I CAN PARTNER WITH YOU TO HELP YOU SPARK A TRANSFORMATION IN YOUR LIFE.
CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO DISCOVER STRATEGIES TO REKINDLE YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE.
ARE YOU READY TO FIRE UP YOUR FAITH?
SIGN UP TO 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 IN OUR PRIVATE FAITH FUEL LIBRARY.
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June 19, 2020
4 Things to Fuel Your Faith During a Crisis
I don’t want to just “hang in there” and survive this crazy COVID-19 crisis. I want to hold fast to Jesus and fuel my faith. I want to live like I know He is faithful. I’m praying for courage to truly trust His way is better than mine. And, I hope to see Him more clearly as I surrender all to my Savior.
How about you, friend? Is the fire in your spirit burning brightly today? I confess I have really struggled to keep encouraged during this most uncertain season. Just this week, I texted a few friends and asked them to pray for us — because the enemy is a stinker, and he keeps throwing big rocks that land right in my living room. I am on my knees praying for God’s protection over my mind, over my marriage, and over my ministry.
My daily prayer during this season is just 3 simple words: “Jesus, help me.”
Maybe like me you are fighting hard to to walk in faith when the whole world seems to be falling apart.
You want to have joy, but you are have cried more than once over a heartbreaking situation.
You want to rest in God’s peace, but you are worried about wha will happen tomorrow. You feel like you are walking through the fog.
You want to love like Jesus, but all around you people are angry and arguing. All the division is painful like an open wound that won’t heal.
You want to be an overcomer, but you feel stuck and weighed down by complicated circumstances.
For anyone who is drowning in discouragement right now, I want to share 4 simple ways I am fueling my faith during this crisis. These 4 strategies are helping me to keep my eyes on God’s faithfulness instead of giving way to fear.
4 Things to Fuel Your Faith During a Crisis
Scriptural prayers will lift your discouraged spirit.
When Jesus was in the wilderness, He cited the Word to combat the attacks of the enemy. I want to arm myself with God’s Word as I fight on my knees for my family.
I purchased a little book with power called Prayers that Avail Much. Every morning, I read one of the Scriptural prayers and remind myself that God is able to do the impossible.
Incorporating the unchanging promises of God into my prayers helps me remember that no situation in my life is beyond redemption. I must speak His life and peace over my circumstances and remember He is sovereign.
His Word is my hope. I want to live like I really believe that my Help comes from the Lord Who made heaven and earth. I want to trust that He will not let my foot be moved. I can count on my God to watch over my life and keep me sheltered.
“In all of my affliction I find great comfort in Your promises, for they have kept me alive!” (Psalm 119:50, TPT)
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Worshipful Words will calm your chaotic emotions.
Some days, the turmoil crashes in like unrelenting waves, and you feel like you are going to drown. It’s hard to stay standing when the ground underneath you gives way. You want to tell yourself the trouble is just temporary and “this too shall pass,” but you are too busy gasping for air to remember.
I want to stop listening to the voice and fear and remind myself that God is fighting for me. He is faithful.
I created a “This Too Shall Pass” playlist on Spotify because I am trying to say yes to worship and stop worrying about all the “what ifs” I can’t control. These are the songs of hope and encouragement that God has written on my heart during this most uncertain season.
“But as for me, Your strength shall be my song of joy. At each and every sunrise, my lyrics of Your love will fill the air! For You have been my glory-fortress, a stronghold in my day of distress.” (Psalm 59:16, TPT)
Rest will revive your weary soul.
Jesus told the disciples to take a break. (See Mark 6:31.) In a world where we wear busy like a badge of honor, I need to create breathing room for my soul, or I will burn out and be no good to anybody. Rest is not selfish. Setting aside time to stop and be still is needed. A wise woman knows she needs rest.
Here is what this COVID crisis has taught me: being a couch potato and binge watching endless hours on Netflix or YouTube is not good rest. I am trying to make wise choices about how I use my time and investing in what truly revives my soul.
I am learning that stillness is more than simply being silent. Stillness draws me closer to the Lord. As I quietly trust Him, I can let go of my emotional distress. There is peace in His presence.
One of the best gifts God has given me during this season of solitude is the joy of slowing down and really appreciating the simple things. Every day at 1:30, Bruce and I have started having lunch outside in our very own beautiful backyard. I’ve seen blue jays flitter by and squirrels being sneaky. Every day as i set aside these 30 minutes, God has given me space for my weary soul to inhale His grace.
Now that our hometown is slowly opening back up, we are also going to the park for a couple of hours on Saturday afternoons. It’s good to get fresh air and watch the wind blow through the trees.
As we sit still, and our barren souls start to come back to life. It is incredibly important to make room for the Spirit to give you fresh wind.
“It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don’t you know He enjoys giving rest to those He loves?” (Psalm 127:2, MSG)
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Writing the Word will renew your anxious mind.
When my emotions are running wild, I need to turn to the Word, trust in Him, and wait for the One who is my Help and Shield.
God’s Word is the only lasting remedy for discouragement. (I am so thankful God gave us this most precious gift!!! I’d be drowning in sadness if it were not for the wisdom found in my Bible.)
Arming myself in the Word is the best way to fight against anxiety. I need to immerse myself in Truth and stop letting imaginary worse case scenarios fill me with fear.
I’ve had my eye on the Write the Word journal for a while, and I finally made an investment in my spiritual well being and purchased the Cultivate. Forgiveness Journal. Every day, I am going to write out a Scripture that reminds me to forgive as I have been forgiven. I want to write HIs Word on my heart and live in victory.
“How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of Your Word. I’m single-minded in pursuit of You; don’t let me miss the road signs You’ve posted. I’ve banked Your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt.” (Psalm 119:10-11, MSG)
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Want to join me in writing the Word on your heart? You purchase your own Write the Word journal here.They have a blank journal for you to choose your own Scripture each day, or you can pick one of the following topics: forgiveness, confidence, joy, hope, faith, and contentment.
Need more help to fuel your faith during this crisis? I’ve created a one-page printable to help you meditate on the awesomeness of your God and fire up your faith during a season of adversity. Grab a copy and spend the next 7 days focusing on how your God is able to help see you through anything. Every morning, you can sit at His feet and strengthen your walk as you remind yourself your faithful God is in control. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
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Taking baby steps of faith every day will make a difference in our disposition. As we purpose to persevere during a crisis, we will slowly start to rise above discouragement and doubt. Step by step, trust that God will see you through, and He will strengthen your heart and help you stay standing.
Your friends and family will probably ask you how you manage all the mess in your life, and you can tell them the secret: God is my Help. God is my hope. Holding on to Him is the only way to survive all the chaos.
You can rest content in a crisis if you resolve to continue fueling your faith.
You can rest content in a crisis if you resolve to continue fueling your faith.
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June 11, 2020
How to Help Mend a Shattered Heart
For seven years, I dragged myself out of bed every morning and made myself go to work. The shards of my shattered heart pierced my mind and darkness flooded every corner. I struggled to just breathe.
On the back wall of my classroom, I hung words of healing in a position visible to me at all times. The psalmist spoke of a God who healed the brokenhearted, and I so desperately wanted to believe that was true even though I didn’t feel like it. Hour after hour, I stood at the front of my classroom, read those words silently, and rehearsed that truth.
He heals.
I reached out for His healing like a desperate woman burdened with a bandage soaked in blood.
With empty hands, I picked up the Word of Life. He slowly mended me stitch by stitch as I scoured the pages of my Bible. Truth was the only remedy.
Once I was resurrected, I danced in a white dress with heart beating wild and never looked back.
I thought I’d run wild and free forever, but since then my heart has been pummeled and patched up over and over again.
My shattered heart longs for heaven.
I live in the midst of the fallen ruins, but this world is not my home anyway.
Daily, I must surrender my broken heart to the One who creates beauty out of the ashes.
How’s your heart, friend?
These last few weeks have been brutal for many, and our hearts are broken by
the secret sin of hate in people’e hearts
The say way eople cannot seem to agree on anything and constantly argue
the prideful pushing and shoving to make a point that never seems to stop
the pain of unanswered prayers as we wait for change
Is your heart as heavy as mine? Maybe you’ve cried about the state of our world and the brokenness in your own family. I wish I could change it and make it all better. I wish I could jump through this computer to pray with you in person and let you know that we are going to be okay.
I still believe God heals broken hearts. When we give him all the pieces, He can put them back together again even stronger.
How to Help Mend a Shattered Heart
Focus on breathing in God’s grace.
You need to slow down to avoid going into shock. Be still before your Healer. Lean on His strength to help you stay standing.
“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)
Wash Your Wound in the Word
Nothing else will stop the bleeding except the water of the Word. Keep pouring the Truth on your pain until the poison is washed away and loses its power over you. Trust that His cleansing Word completely heals.
“How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word.” (Psalm 51:1-2, MSG)
Apply the Salve of Forgiveness
Spread His grace over your mess, rather than holding on to your hurt. Mercy refreshes you and takes the sting out every time. There is a painful discomfort in taking this step that will require courage on your part, but I promise that you will feel better if you mend your shattered heart according to the guidance of the gospel.
“Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ. If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them.” (Colossians 3:13, TPT)
Elevate Your Heart Above Your Pain Point
Lift your hands and heart in worship. As you look up to your Healer, your pain will begin to dissipate. Praise is the remedy for our pain.
“God spoke the words ‘Be healed,’ and we were healed, delivered from death’s door! So lift your hands and give thanks to God for His marvelous kindness and for His miracles of mercy for those He loves!” (Psalm 107:20-21, TPT)
Stay Alert for Signs of Infection
Bitterness is a cancer. Uproot disappointment before it takes hold of your heart. Love wholeheartedly.
“Banish bitterness, rage and anger, shouting and slander, and any and all malicious thoughts—these are poison. Instead, be kind and compassionate. Graciously forgive one another just as God has forgiven you through the Anointed, our Liberating King.” (Ephesians 4:31-32, VOICE)
Need more help to help mend your shattered heart? I’ve created a one-page printable to help you meditate on how much God loves you. Grab a copy and start each morning meditating on these sweet Scriptural promises. Let God’s love wash over you as you worship the One who loves you most. He alone mends shattered hearts. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
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God will not waste the pain in our broken hearts. He will bring beauty. He will fill us with more compassion and greater wisdom. He will help us to love one another more purely and purposefully. God is going to strengthen us as we surrender our hearts to Him.
God will mend your shattered heart if you give Him all the pieces.
God will mend your shattered heart if you give Him all the pieces.
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June 5, 2020
4 Right Responses to Wrong in a World of Injustice
Seeing injustice on the nightly news is hard, but experiencing injustice right where you are standing is brutal. This week has been brutal. It’s been brutal whether you are black or white, male or female, American or an immigrant. Pain is no respecter of persons, and God isn’t either.
I’ve read several posts on Facebook this week that have made me cringe, and one or two that have made me pretty angry — and I don’t easily anger. Everything within me said the words I was reading were wrong and against the heart of God.
A few years ago, I read a post on Facebook that made me mad like a volcano. My anger erupted like an unending avalanche because someone’s thoughtless words hit home, and their flawed perspective disrespected someone I dearly love. I was so upset that I sat down at my computer and wrote about how wrong it felt. Today, I feel lead to res-hare this story. Because some stories we should never forget.
• •. •
Her name is Magda. At age 15, she packed a suitcase with only two outfits and left behind everything else she knew. Her parents were not able to come, so she boarded the plane alone. Once her feet landed on U.S. soil, she worked. First, she sweat it out at a factory putting labels on glass bottles. Then, she was the Avon lady. Eventually, she learned to keep the books and got an office job. At night, she went back to school. Every day, she kept reaching forward and making a better life for her family. Today, you will find her in the corner office with the initials CPA after her name.
She speaks fluent English with an accent. She pays taxes and votes her conscience. Her story is a picture of the beauty of America, the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.
My mom is one of the bravest women I have ever met.
Because I am the daughter of this brave woman, I grew up in sunny South Florida, rather than Communist Cuba. I will forever be thankful.
If you’ve ever been to Miami, you probably heard a little Spanish. My hometown is a culturally diverse city, and I attend a church that reflects that dynamic.
Sometimes, I forget that my mom is still considered an outsider by some, even though she’s been in the States for over 5 decades. Her accent gives her away.
A while back, good friends of mine moved to Georgia. They were starting fresh, and taking a step of faith. On Facebook, mutual friends shared their well wishes for the family.
One comment, however, really irked me. “Make sure you take the flag with you.”
You see in the 80’s after the Mariel Boat Lift there was a popular bumper sticker that said, “Will the last American leaving Miami, please bring the flag.”
Apparently, my mom will never be an American to some people – no matter what her passport says.
• •. •
Has injustice ever hit home for you? Maybe we should pray for God to help us not stand aloof from someone else’s pain. What if we imagined that person was not a stranger, but actually a close member of our family?
The truth is we are all children of God. We are all invited to sit at God’s table together. And frankly, as believers in Christ, we are all members of one body. God created us to be connected so that when one of us suffers, we all suffer.
So, what should be our right response according to the gopsel?
4 Right Responses to Injustice
Pour out Lament
When someone is grieving, we should mirror their response. Our prayer should always be “Lord, break my heart for what breaks Yours.” May God give us His eyes to see and weep with compassion.
“Celebrate with those who celebrate, and weep with those who grieve.” (Romans 12:15, TPT)
Practice true Repentance
“I’m sorry” is always the best place to start when someone is hurting. Asking for forgiveness postures our hearts in humility and acknowledges that change is necessary. It’s agreeing with God that we are broken by sin — that our own hearts are deceitful to the core. Over and over again in the Bible, we see where the godliest person in the room lead by example and confessed the need of an entire community to repent.
“God, give me mercy from Your fountain of forgiveness! I know Your abundant love is enough to wash away my guilt. Because Your compassion is so great, take away this shameful guilt of sin. Forgive the full extent of my rebellious ways, and erase this deep stain on my conscience,” (Psalm 51:1-2, TPT)
Pursue Total Reconciliation
God has called all of us to be front line workers in the ministry of restoring relationships. We fight by persisting in listening, learning, and loving. We lead by example by turning our hearts to Jesus — because He is the only One who. saves. It’s our duty to start the process of seeking restoration with our brother or sister.
…We cannot change another person’s heart or attitude, but our desire and effort should be to close the breach as much as is possible from our side and to hold no anger ourselves even if the other person does. Regardless of who is responsible for the break in relationship-and often there is guilt on both sides-we should determine to make a reconciliation before we come before God to worship.” (Source)
“Therefore, if you are bringing an offering to God and you remember that your brother is angry at you or holds a grudge against you, then leave your gift before the altar, go to your brother, repent and forgive one another, be reconciled, and then return to the altar to offer your gift to God.” (Matthew 5:23-24, VOICE)
Promote Peace
We are called to be peacemakers, not peacekeepers. (Read that again because this one sentence is why I decided to be brave and push publish on this post.) This is not a passive activity, but a passionate pursuit. A peacemaker continually presses in with more of Jesus love and does the hard work of dismantling spiritual strongholds, resolving conflict, and building bridges. Christ prayed that we should be one, and we should be on our knees praying as well.
Where justice prevails and righteousness rules, there you will also have peace.” (Source / worth a read)
“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (II Corinthians 13:11, ESV)
Friend, God has placed us here on mission to love one another in Jesus’ name. Being Jesus with skin on is hard, sacrificial work that we cannot do without the power of the Holy Spirit to show us how to live. To help you “mind your mission,” I’ve put together a list of 10 mission-minded verses to help remind you that there is work to be done. Grab a copy and spend the next 10 days focusing on how you are here to serve with humility. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
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I want to humbly confess here that I have work to do in my own heart, and I am praying for God to help me obey what the gospel says — not what Fox News says, not what my opinionated friends on Facebook say, and not what my own deceitful heart says. Lament, repentance, restoration, and peacemaking lead to change. If we call come humbly before God with hearts, healing will begin.
One glorious day to come, we will all stand before the throne of God — people from every tribe and nation — and worship together as One. But we don’t have to wait until heaven to experience the fullness of life Jesus died to provide us. We can love one another fully today and stand arm in arm together before the. King of Kings. Worshipping together with hearts united is the sweetest glimpse of heaven on earth.
The hard work of reconciliation is always a right response in a world of injustice.
The hard work of reconciliation is always a right response in a world of injustice.
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Let’s Chat: What one step will you take this week to respond rightly to wrong in a world of injustice?
Note: This is a space for us to encourage one another in what is good. If you are not in agreement, feel free to contact me privately to share your dissent if you feel it’s necessary. I will be deleting and not responding to negative. or divisive comments on this blog that express anything other than lament, repentance, reconciliation, or peace.
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May 29, 2020
When You Need to Offer God All the Broken Pieces
Yesterday in the morning, I got up and sat by the window in my living room and lamented the way things have turned out. I looked back at the last 365 days, and I realized our family has experienced a great deal of heartache. Everywhere I look I see brokenness. None of the pieces fit together any more, and I just have no idea how to make it better. So, I opened up my hands with the palms facing upward, and I tried to offer God all my broken pieces once again.
I am not good at waiting. I guess because I grew up in the age of microwaves and instant everything. I want to fix it now.
I wish I could tell you that while I sit in the waiting room holding all the broken pieces I am peacefully at rest, but that is not the case.
In actuality, I am more of a Sara type. I want to make things happen at any cost.
I think God needs my help.
I know He is the Savior of the world in my head, but sometimes that doesn’t drop down to my heart. So, I come up with contingency plans to save myself.
I think about what I can do differently and say better in hopes of changing things.
But then He puts me in a corner where I am helpless, and all of my scheming is unveiled.
He leaves me bare, and I realize that my way is lifeless.
When I demand my way, I end up with nothing.
I end up in the exact spot I feared to enter.
There in the darkness, I realize that I am not alone. My Heavenly Father speaks to me tenderly. He woos me to His side with words of compassion. He picks me up and lifts me out of the mire.
I lift up empty hands to Him, hand him all the broken pieces, and hope blooms again.
Maybe you are like me — reluctant to trust God with everything. Maybe you have schemed and tried to save yourself, too.
If you’ve landed in a dark place, I want to remind you that you don’t have to stay there. You can offer up your pain and brokenness to Him.
You don’t have to be a Sara type.
Let’s choose differently.
I want to join in with Anna. I want to take my grief and my loneliness and my shattered dreams and offer them up to God.
I want to worship with reckless abandon day and night.
I want to persist in praise.
I want to keep looking forward with hope for my Salvation.
Maybe this is what is means to lay down your life as a living sacrifice. You hand God all the pieces and decide to trust Him with your future no matter what.
Lay me down, Lord. Make my life an altar. Take all my broken pieces and transform them. Transform me. Have Your way in me, Jesus.
How to Offer God All the Pieces
This week I was reading through Ephesians, and this verse gave me a new understanding of how I can live fully surrendered to God even when my life seems to be falling apart:
…continue to walk surrendered to the extravagant love of Christ, for He surrendered His life as a sacrifice for us. His great love for us was pleasing to God, like an aroma of adoration—a sweet healing fragrance. (Ephesians 5:2, AMP)
Walk in Love Unselfishly
When we stop focusing on other people’s failures and meditate on how much we’ve ourselves have been forgiven, our perspective shifts from self righteous indignation to humility. Love is costly. Love reaches in to show care and concern even when it’s hard.
“I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.” (John 13:34-35, AMP)
Surrender Your Life Sacrificially
Laying our all on the altar means we let go of our need to control the outcome. Instead of demanding our way, we live fully devoted to God no matter what. We give way to Jesus and yield to His will with a worshipful heart, rather than wrestling to get what we want.
“Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies dedicating all of yourselves, set apart as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational, logical, intelligent act of worship.” (Romans 12:1, AMP)
Spread the Aroma of Christ Sweetly
The fire of God’s holiness purifies everything we’ve laid on the altar, and His fragrance is evident to everyone around us as a result. We are a sweet-smelling savor of salvation. Jesus has poured His love into us, and the scent of a transformed life impacts the atmosphere as we share the word of our testimony with others.
“In a turbulent world where people are either dying or being rescued, we are the sweet smell of the Anointed to God our Father” (II Corinthians 2:15, VOICE)
Need more help to find the strength to offer God all the pieces? I’ve created a one-page printable to help you remember God is your refuge. Grab a copy and spend the next 7 days focusing on how your God has you covered no matter what. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
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For the last few weeks, I’ve started my morning praying these words from a memorable hymn: “Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.” When we offer God all the broken pieces, He takes our hands and lets them move at the impulse of His love. Our will becomes no longer ours, but. fully surrendered to the Savior who is seated on the throne in heaven. Nothing we offer to Jesus will be wasted, my friends. He will consume everything on the altar, and the aroma will ascend to heaven itself.
Offer God all the broken pieces, and He will always bring beauty.
Offer God all the broken pieces, and He will always bring beauty.
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ARE YOU STUCK IN A SPIRITUAL RUT?
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May 22, 2020
When You Need to Know God is Your Refuge
Last Wednesday, I decided I was done. I spent the day in bed in my pajamas and kept the windows closed. When the rain is forever falling, you just want to find a refuge from the storm. I wanted to hide from the world because the world made me sad.
We’ve had a flood of sad stuff hit hard and fast at our house. Besides my roof literally caving in, my soul was flattened by an unexpected wave of spiritual warfare. Suddenly, I was drowning in a sea of sorrow, and I felt like I had nowhere safe to stand.
Y’all some days are just really hard. And when the bad stuff decides to show up all at once, you can get overwhelmed by what my friend Judi calls “the Deadly D’s.” Disappointment leads to distress and discouragement. Discouragement leads to depression and despair. And despair keeps you defeated. The devil loves to create discontent in our hearts and flood us with doubt.
Friend, is it well with your soul this week? Have you opened the door of your heart to discouragement? Are you feeling all alone in a sea of turmoil?
God is a strong fortress to save you no matter how big the storm.
You can trust God will be your refuge.
His presence will supply you with joy.
Even in the midst of the most painful circumstances, God will give you a new song to sing and fill your life with laughter. Posturing your heart to praise His name helps you remember a cheerful heart is good medicine.
“But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You.” (Psalm 5:11, NIV)
His protection will surround you with safety.
He is your Shield when the battle is raging all around you. You stand secure because your faithful God is fighting for you. His Word will arm you with strength and help you standing on the Rock of your salvation.
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold…As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him.” (Psalm 18:2 & 30)
His provision will satisfy you out of love.
God faithfully fills your life with good things. He delights in exceeding your expectations every time. He will always do more than you ask, think, or imagine.
“How priceless is Your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They feast on the abundance of Your house; You give them drink from Your river of delights.” (Psalm 36:7-8, NIV)
Need a reminder that God is your refuge? I’ve created a one-page printable packed full of Scriptural promises to help you meditate on this Truth and fuel your faith. Grab a copy and spend the next 7 days focusing on how your God has you covered no matter what. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
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For the last 10 weeks, we have hunkered down at home and sheltered in place. During the craziest health crisis in history, we’ve cried out to God for healing and help. When life is totally chaotic and out of our control, we really discover what it means to say that God is our ever-present help and refuge.
With God on your side, you can trust your salvation is secure. Come what may, the safest place on earth is wherever you stand in the center of God’s will with a fully surrendered heart. God will not fail you, friend.
God is your safe refuge whenever the storm rages.
God is your safe refuge whenever the storm rages.
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May 14, 2020
When You Desperately Want to Hear the Chains Falling Down
How are things going with [insert name of my tough cookie here]? she asked. I pictured my loved one standing chained to a stronghold and sinking into the pit of hell. Lord, I desperately want to hear the chains falling!
“The same,” I responded with a sad sigh. Nothing has changed. My loved one’s spiritual eyes are still darkened. A lost soul is adrift and seemingly deaf to the voice of the Lord. I watch in anguish as someone I care about deeply steadily progresses on the road to destruction with no U-turn in view.
So, I sit in my kitchen and cry out to the One who came to set captives free.
And He tenderly reminds me:
My love breaks every chain.
I need to ask Him for an extra measure of His grace to fill me up so that His love overflows out of me and opens up a sin-scarred heart to salvation.
Maybe like me. you are praying on your knees for a breakthrough miracle because a loved one is enslaved to sin. The chains of bondage are dark and heavy, and you are starting to despair. It’s so incredibly hard to see someone you love live captive to a stronghold.
Friend, God is fighting with you for the soul of your loved one. His love still reaches into the darkest spaces and sets captives free.
How to Hear the Chains Falling:
Forgive
Offer grace, not judgment. Cover them in love and let go of your list of grievances.
“Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference, a grievance or complaint against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has freely has forgiven you, so must you also forgive.” (Colossians 3:13, AMPC)
Pray
Get on your knees and put on your armor. Prayer is your only battleground.
“Pray at all times on every occasion, in every season in the Spirit, with all manner of prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints, God’s consecrated people.” (Ephesians 6:18, AMPC)
Encourage
A kind word can soften a hard heart. God’s kindness leads to repentance.
“Encourage each other every day—for as long as we can still say ‘today’—so none of you let the deceitfulness of sin harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 3:13, VOICE)
Serve
Wash the feet of the captive. Ministering to their needs melts stony hearts.
“Treat other people exactly as you would like to be treated by them—this is the essence of all true religion.” (Matthew 7:12, PHI)
Welcome
Like Jesus, we need to invite others in. He was a friend of sinners, and we have to have His mindset.
“You will bring God glory when you accept and welcome one another as partners, just as the Anointed One has fully accepted you and received you as His partner.” (Romans 15:7, TPT)
Want to hear the chains falling? The battle is won on your knees. I’ve created a one-page printable to help you remember God is always fighting for you. Grab a copy and spend the next 7 days focusing on how your God is your Defender. Every morning, you can sit at His feet and strengthen your walk as you remind yourself your faithful God is a warrior, and your victory is sure. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
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Love paves the road to freedom, and our job is to keep laying down the asphalt. We need to keep showing up and serving to see true transformation As we love well in hard spaces, God’s love will bring healing.
God’s love helps us hear the chains falling.
God’s love helps us hear the chains falling.
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Let’s Chat: What one step you can take this week to love in hard spaces and hear the chains falling?
ARE YOU STUCK IN A SPIRITUAL RUT?
I CAN PARTNER WITH YOU TO HELP YOU SPARK A TRANSFORMATION IN YOUR LIFE.
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May 7, 2020
When You Cry Out to God and Hope He Will Hear
Daily, I cry out to God and hope He will hear.
I wonder why it’s taking so long. Maybe God thinks I’m a cry baby.
My mountain is more than I can handle. I can’t see past it. I can’t bear the weight of it.
My mountain is frightening and dark and seemingly impenetrable.
I am helpless and weak in its shadow.
Yet, I pretend that I can handle it. I tell myself to be brave.
Never let them see you cry.
I try to get through it in my own strength and trudge on like a four-year-old wearing a red terry cloth cape tied around my neck. I want to push past the worry and be more like Wonder Woman.
I scheme a sure-fire plan to take that mountain down. I walk around in circles and make plenty of noise. I try to fix it in my own strength, and I always end up flat on my face, bruised and brokenhearted.
I cry. Defeated, I cry hard and heavy till I can’t breathe.
I cry out to my Abba Father in desperation.
Help me, Lord. I need You. I can’t do this on my own.
Friend, are you wondering when God will hear your cry and make things happen? Are you tired of waiting for your mountain to move? Me, too.
Don’t listen to the lies of the enemy while you are waiting for your breakthrough. God has not forgotten you, and He is always fighting for you.
Cry Out to God today and trust:
He hears your voice. (II Samuel 22:7)
He turns to you. (Psalms 40:1)
He takes note of your distress. (Psalms 106:14)
He is attentive. His eyes are on you. (Psalms 34:15)
He hears you and accepts your prayer. (Psalms 6:9)
He hears your desires and encourages you. (Psalms 10:17)
He gives you understanding. (Psalms 119:169)
He comes to your relief. (Psalms 143:1)
He extends mercy to you. (Psalms 142:1)
He saves you. (Psalms 88:1)
He rescues you from those who pursue you. (Psalms 142:6)
He delivers you from trouble. (Psalms 34:17)
He vindicates you. (Psalms 57:2)
He brings about justice for you. (Luke 18:7)
He fulfills your desires. (Psalms 145:19)
He is your Refuge, my Portion in the land of the living. (Psalms 142:5)
He knows you are a big cry baby, and He loves you and me anyway.
He delights in receiving and responding to His snotty-nosed children.
Cry out to Him today. Lift up your arms in surrender. Trust that Your Abba Father will envelop you in His care and comfort.
Need a reminder that the Lord hears your cry? I’ve created a one-page printable to help you remember God is with you and always fighting for you. Grab a copy and spend the next 7 days focusing on how your Heavenly Father is on your side. Every morning, you can cry out to the Almighty and rest in care. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
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When we put our hope in God, He will always help us. You can trust Your Abba Father is counting all your tears and keeping record of all your wrongs. His redemption is always at work, and He will make it right in the end. God is your Defender, and He delights in you. He is always on your side, and one day you will look back and see how He walked closely with you through this most uncertain season.
When you cry Out to God, you can trust His response is always tender.
When you cry Out to God, you can trust His response is always tender.
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Let’s Chat: When you cry out to God, what helps you hold on to hope as you wait?
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May 1, 2020
When You Need to Know This Too Shall Pass
Some days, the turmoil crashes in like unrelenting waves, and you feel like you are going to drown. It’s hard to stay standing when the ground underneath you gives way. You want to tell yourself the trouble is just temporary and “this too shall pass,” but you are too busy gasping for air to remember.
This was exactly what happened at my house last week. Within a one-hour period, we were mercilessly hammered by several pieces of distressful news in succession. My spiritual radar went up immediately because I recognized the flood as evidence of spiritual warfare. So, I stood up in the middle of my living room and shouted, “Devil, get out of my house.”
I am hoping this season of suffering will soon pass, but in the meantime, I just need to stay prayed up and persevere.
How about you, friend? Maybe like me you are stuck at home with an ever=increasing level of obstacles that are overwhelming. You can perceive the turbulent storm is growing stronger, and you feel powerless to stop it.
If you are up late at night and unable to sleep because you fear you will sink and not recover from this season of uncertainty, you are not alone. We are all wondering how we will pay the mortgage, wishing we could get back to normal, and worried that COVID won’t ever give us our life back. We are all battling loneliness, anxiety, depression, and hopelessness on some level.
This morning, a very wise woman encouraged me to stop listening to the voice of fear. To survive this crisis, I must stop constantly envisioning my catastrophe. I need to remind myself that God existed before all things, and He holds all things together.
Friend, God has not forgotten you. The God of Salvation is always supernaturally at work to rescue us from the darkness. We just need to.be still before Him and wait patiently for His timing.
Quiet your heart today and resolve to remember this truth: Your Savior will not pass you by. God is always present in your life, and He will protect you.
“This Too Shall Pass” Because God Fights for You
Your Father hears your humble cry.
Abba is carefully attentive to your whispered prayers bathed in tears, and He always responds with compassion. Every time. you turn to Him, you can trust He will surround you with His support.
“Lord, you know and understand all the hopes of the humble and will hear their cries and comfort their hearts, helping them all!” (Psalm 10:17, TPT)
God’s throne of mercy is your sweet relief.
When we are exhausted and feel like we can’t take another step, we can run to Jesus and find the encouragement we need. He will supply us with His mercy and strength to help us keep going when we are weary.
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Hebrews 4:16, NLT)
The Lord will heal your wounded spirit.
Our brokenness is not beyond repair. God will create something beautiful out of the shattered pieces of your life if you lay your all on the altar.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds–healing their pain and comforting their sorrow.” (Psalm 147:3, AMP)
His Word is your comfort.
God’s promises are life-giving and will sustain you through this time of adversity. Regarding His Truth will restore your soul and increase your faith.
“This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your word has revived me and given me life.” (Psalm 119:50, ESV)
The Almighty is the strength of your heart.
The Rock of Ages is our refuge, and we will not be shaken. When His Truth is our firm foundation, He undergirds us with His power and fills us with His hope.
“Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the Rock and Strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:25-26,AM))
Today as I sat down to write these words, the Lord reminded me about a hymn we used to sing in church back when I first gave my life to Christ. I googled the title and found this beautiful version of “Pass Me Not , O Gentle Savior” that was good for my soul. I just couldn’t resist sharing it with you.
Are you struggling to believe that “This too shall pass”? Your gentle Savior will not pass you by. I’ve created a one-page printable to help you remember God is always fighting for you. Grab a copy and spend the next 7 days focusing on how your God is your Defender. Every morning, you can sit at His feet and strengthen your walk as you remind yourself your faithful God is a warrior, and your victory is sure. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
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One day, we will look back at this season and see how God has supernaturally established us and empowered us for a greater work in this broken world. As we lean on His strength, He will make us whole, secure, and empower us to move forward with greater faith. He has promised that after we suffer a while He will ground us, build us up, and set us firmly in place. (See I Peter 5:10)
Friend, Jesus has promised us the victory, and as we trust Him we will stand out as bright lights. Like a lighthouse, our lives will point the lost to salvation. We are “here to be light, bringing out out the God colors” in the world. (Matthew 5:16, MSG)
Keep the faith. Our temporary troubles today are preparing us for an eternal glory beyond compare tomorrow.
“This too shall pass” because your faithful God is fighting for you.
“This too shall pass” because your faithful God is fighting for you.
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Let’s Chat: Do you believe “this too shall pass” because God is fighting for you?
ARE YOU STUCK IN A SPIRITUAL RUT?
I CAN PARTNER WITH YOU TO HELP YOU SPARK A TRANSFORMATION IN YOUR LIFE.
CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO DISCOVER STRATEGIES TO REKINDLE YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE.
ARE YOU READY TO FIRE UP YOUR FAITH?
SIGN UP TO 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 IN OUR PRIVATE FAITH FUEL LIBRARY.
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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.
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