She Believes 3
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Marico Early

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She Believes 3 Devotion

God Has Provided All That We Need

God Has Provided All That We Need

During this month of Thanksgiving, let’s take a moment to focus on how great our God is.   He is so worthy to be praised!  All that we have He has provided.  We even see His provision through all of creation.  Every person, animal, and even the plants and trees are all blessed by the hand of God.
He has thoughtfully planned and orchestrated it all.  How can we not love and praise such a thoughtful, kind and loving God, who is a Father to us all?   He is our great Provider and His wisdom and generosity cannot be matched. Oh God how we love and appreciate you, should be our daily anthem.  May your hearts be blessed as you read the scriptures below that speaks to the greatness of our God. Blessings to each of you!
Psalm 95:1-7
1 Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.

3 For the Lord is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;
7 for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.
Psalm 7:17
17 I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness;
I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.
Psalm 145:8-9
8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
9 The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
Psalm 89:8-14
8 Who is like you, Lord God Almighty?
You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.
9 You rule over the surging sea;
when its waves mount up, you still them.
10 You crushed Rahab like one of the slain;
with your strong arm you scattered your enemies.
11 The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth;
you founded the world and all that is in it.
12 You created the north and the south;
Tabor and Hermon sing for joy at your name.
13 Your arm is endowed with power;
your hand is strong, your right hand exalted.
14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
love and faithfulness go before you.

Isaiah 40:28
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
Psalm 103:3-14
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:
8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.

Psalm 8:3-4
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?[a]
Psalm 104:5-33
5 He set the earth on its foundations;
it can never be moved.
6 You covered it with the watery depths as with a garment;
the waters stood above the mountains.
7 But at your rebuke the waters fled,
at the sound of your thunder they took to flight;
8 they flowed over the mountains,
they went down into the valleys,
to the place you assigned for them.
9 You set a boundary they cannot cross;
never again will they cover the earth.
10 He makes springs pour water into the ravines;
it flows between the mountains.
11 They give water to all the beasts of the field;
the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
12 The birds of the sky nest by the waters;
they sing among the branches.
13 He waters the mountains from his upper chambers;
the land is satisfied by the fruit of his work.
14 He makes grass grow for the cattle,
and plants for people to cultivate—
bringing forth food from the earth:
15 wine that gladdens human hearts,
oil to make their faces shine,
and bread that sustains their hearts.
16 The trees of the Lord are well watered,
the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.
17 There the birds make their nests;
the stork has its home in the junipers.
18 The high mountains belong to the wild goats;
the crags are a refuge for the hyrax.
19 He made the moon to mark the seasons,
and the sun knows when to go down.
20 You bring darkness, it becomes night,
and all the beasts of the forest prowl.
21 The lions roar for their prey
and seek their food from God.
22 The sun rises, and they steal away;
they return and lie down in their dens.
23 Then people go out to their work,
to their labor until evening.
24 How many are your works, Lord!
In wisdom you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
25 There is the sea, vast and spacious,
teeming with creatures beyond number—
living things both large and small.
26 There the ships go to and fro,
and Leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.

27 All creatures look to you
to give them their food at the proper time.
28 When you give it to them,
they gather it up;
when you open your hand,
they are satisfied with good things.
29 When you hide your face,
they are terrified;
when you take away their breath,
they die and return to the dust.
30 When you send your Spirit,
they are created,
and you renew the face of the ground.
31 May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
may the Lord rejoice in his works—
32 he who looks at the earth, and it trembles,
who touches the mountains, and they smoke.
33 I will sing to the Lord all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

Psalm 146:6-10
6 He is the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
he remains faithful forever.
7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets prisoners free,
8     the Lord gives sight to the blind,
the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,
the Lord loves the righteous.
9 The Lord watches over the foreigner
and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

10 The Lord reigns forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.

Praise the Lord.
Psalm 147 :6-11
6 The Lord sustains the humble
but casts the wicked to the ground.

7 Sing to the Lord with grateful praise;
make music to our God on the harp.

8 He covers the sky with clouds;
he supplies the earth with rain
and makes grass grow on the hills.
9 He provides food for the cattle
and for the young ravens when they call.

10 His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his delight in the legs of the warrior;
11 the Lord delights in those who fear him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love.

Psalm 147:15-18
15 He sends his command to the earth;
his word runs swiftly.
16 He spreads the snow like wool
and scatters the frost like ashes.
17 He hurls down his hail like pebbles.
Who can withstand his icy blast?
18 He sends his word and melts them;
he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.

James 1:17
17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Psalm 107:1
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

Psalm 69:30
30 I will praise God’s name in song
and glorify him with thanksgiving.

 

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She Believes 3 Devotion

Missed Opportunities

Several years ago, my husband and I were attending a basketball game.  As I was sitting there watching the game, I struck up a conversation with a lady that I had never met before.  She was quite friendly and seemed to have been a nice person.

At some point in the conversation, I asked her where she did go to church, and she said “we don’t go to church”.   I kept talking to her as if she had not just told me that she did not go to church.

Because I am a Christian, that reply should have sent bells and whistles off in my head.  For some reason I did not feel comfortable speaking up when I heard her response.  I don’t know if it was because we were at a game, that I didn’t speak up, or if I was just at a loss for words when I heard her response.  But what I do know for sure is that I missed an opportunity. On the way home I kept thinking, why didn’t I speak up. Why didn’t I invite her to come to church with us for Sunday worship?

The Holy Spirit really convicted me over this one.  The sad thing is that I never saw her again.  What if I was the one assigned to share the Good News with her.  If so, I missed my chance.

As Christians we have opportunities to share God and to do good all throughout our day.  Whether it be to invite someone to church or take meals to the sick, or to make a donation for a worthy cause, there are always opportunities to serve.

I encourage you to stay alert, and when you see or hear a way to serve or help someone, don’t miss your opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to that person.  Let’s make a commitment to seize the opportunities that are presented to us, to share the Good News or to serve in a way that brings God honor and glory!

Philippians 2:3-8
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing  by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
1 Peter 4:10-11
10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 3:15
15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
2 Corinthians 5:20
20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
Psalm 96:3
3 Declare his glory among the nations,  his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
Galatians 6:9
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

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You Are Worthy

You Are Worthy

This past weekend I was asked to speak at a retreat.  The theme of the retreat was Worthy To Win.  I thought that this was a great topic, because at some point or another we all have felt unworthy to some degree.
Feeling unworthy comes from believing the lies that Satan tells us.  He wants us to doubt the promises, and truths that God’s Word has given us.  He wants us to live in doubt, fear and unworthiness.  These are the tools that he uses over and over and over again.
Another one of his tools is to accuse us of things that God has already forgiven us for.  Although God has forgiven us, Satan’s constant accusations make it hard for us to forgive ourselves. He reminds us of past failures or past experiences and that causes us to feel shameful.
 He knows how this eats away at our self-esteem and our sense of self worth,  so he keeps the accusations coming.  It is difficult to feel worthy when you are constantly reminded of all of the reasons why you should qualify as unworthy.  Through this process we are held hostage and we lose our effectiveness to grow and achieve all that God would desire of us.  Believing Satan’s lies keeps us from stepping into our purpose.
Be clear, God sent Jesus to sacrifice His life for us, because we were important to Him.  That in itself means that we have value and we have worth.  God took the time to masterfully create us, and all that he created was good.  We are worthy because of what God has done for us, not because of who we are. Because we wear His seal we have worth.
We are worthy to live a joyful life.  We are worthy to enjoy the blessings that God has provided for us.  We are also worthy to walk in freedom, because we are no longer held captive. We have been set free by Jesus’s death, burial and resurrection.  We can only be held captive if we choose to believe Satan’s lies.
How Do We Change Our Thought Process And Start Believing That We Are Worthy?
1.  Pray!  Since our worth comes from God, we should spend time in His presence.  Daily when you pray, ask God to help you believe that you are who He says         that you are, and that you can do what He says that you can do. Remember, it is His power that works through you to achieve great things.
2.  I encourage you to Journal.  Journaling is one of the best ways to process your thoughts and feelings.  It also helps you to release the things that you have             been holding on to.
3.  Forgiveness is key!  If you have been hurt or abused in some way, it is crucial that you forgive the person that offended you.  This helps you to move forward         in believing that you are worthy.  Remember you are not what happened to you.
4.  Read your Bible daily.  I recommend that you read scriptures when you rise each morning and before you fall asleep each night.   Keep God’s word on your           mind and in your heart at all times. It has transforming power.
5.  Take ten to fifteen minutes each day, and just be in total silence.  Listen for God’s voice during this time.  Remember, total silence!
6.  Believe that you are worth the personal work that it will require to change your thought process.  Your goal is to get to a place where you are in full agreement       with God, that you are worthy of all of the blessings that He has for you.
7.  Positive affirmations are important.  Look in the mirror and tell yourself five to ten great things about yourself each day.
8.  Be grateful!  Write down ten things that you are grateful for each day.  Gratitude opens the door for more blessings to enter in and it helps you to be appreciative of what God has already provided.
9.  Don’t allow people who are consistently negative to occupy your time or space.

10.  If you are still struggling after several months of follog these steps, I suggest that you seek a good Christian Therapist, or Counselor to help you work   through issues that may be more serious.  Don’t be afraid to get the help you need, because you are worthy!

13 For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made
Luke 12:7
7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Psalm 8:4
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,  human beings that you care for them?[a]
Isaiah 53:5
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Romans 8:1
8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

 

 

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Holy Matrimony

Holy Matrimony

This past weekend my family and I attended a beautiful wedding reception. The bride looked radiant as all brides do, and of course the groom was full of smiles.   I couldn’t help but hope that the joy they were experiencing at the reception would last a lifetime.   Those of us who have a few years of marriage under our belts, know that marriage is not always rainbows and kisses.  There are great days, and some not so great days.  There are ups and downs. There are twists and turns and there may even be some disappointments along the way.  It’s called life!

Whether you choose to marry or stay single, life is still going to happen to us all. When we marry someone, we are choosing the person that can be our lifelong partner to navigate the strong waves and currents of life.

We are making a  commitment to love that person unconditionally just as God loves us, no matter how hard the winds of life may blow.  Only death should be what separates us from our spouse.

So you may be thinking how is this even possible?

Here are 10 keys to a healthy marriage.

  1. Only with the help of God, can we enjoy marriage in the way that God has purposed it to be.  Allow God to be the head of your marriage. Honor Him with your marriage and your marriage will be blessed.
  2. It requires putting your spouse’s needs ahead of yourself at times.  It requires living a selfless life.
  3. It means being willing to forgive offenses that may occur. Both partners should ask for forgiveness quickly and be willing to forgive quickly. Don’t let things fester.
  4. Praying with your spouse is also a key component to a strong and healthy marriage.  Study God’s Word together and also worship together. Keep the enemy from your doorstep.
  5. Communication is also key.  Share your feelings, wants, needs and desires with your mate.  Don’t leave them constantly guessing or trying to read your mind.
  6. Keep dating.  Keep romance alive in your marriage.
  7. Make important decisions together.
  8. Speak to each other respectfully and honestly.  Even when you are upset try to choose your words wisely.  It may even be best to calm down first, before having a difficult         conversation. Another good thing to do is to pray together before having a difficult discussion.
  9. Never publicly embarrass your mate.
  10. When you hit a tough spot that you just cannot navigate your way through, pray together first.  And if it’s still hard to get on the same page,  go and see a  good Christian counselor.   Don’t allow too much water to get under the bridge that you are at a place of no return.
  11. Set goals, live life with zest, enjoy one another

Genesis 2:18-25
18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
19 Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals.
But for Adam[a] no suitable helper was found. 21 So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs[b] and then closed up the place with flesh. 22 Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib[c] he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
23 The man said,
“This is now bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called ‘woman,’
for she was taken out of man.”
24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
25 Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.
Matthew 19:4-6
4 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’[a] 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’[b]? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Mark 10:9
9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
1 Peter 3:7
7 Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
Ephesians 5:21-25
21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Colossians 3:18-19
18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Ephesians 4:2-3
4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
Ephesians 5:28-33
28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”[a] 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Ephesians 4:32
32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
1 Corinthians 7:2-5
2 But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. 3 The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4 The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. 5 Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
Romans 12:10
10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Who Will You Pour Into?

Who Will You Pour Into?

Most of us are where we are because of the kindness of someone else.  When you look back over your life, who would you say, has had the most impact on your life?   Some of you may say it was a parent or a teacher or even possibly a best friend.  Today I would like to challenge you to be that person in someone else’s life.   I challenge you to be a difference-maker.

Who do you know right now who could use some guidance, encouragement or mentoring?  I would start with getting with that person over a cup of coffee just to see how they are doing.  They may not necessarily need help, they may just enjoy having a friend initially, or they may just need to know that someone cares.   I can assure you that if you create an environment that feels safe to them, they will be willing to open up and share what’s going on in their life with you.

This gives you the perfect opportunity to be a blessing to them.  Sometimes being a blessing is just sitting and listening, and sometimes you may be asked your opinion because they are seeking guidance and direction.  Always be sure that you are being prayerful over the situation so that you are allowing God’s wisdom to be the guiding light.  As you share with them, always point them back to God and His Word as their source of wisdom and direction.

8 Questions To Consider When Mentoring Or Helping Others
  1. Do you approach others with love instead of skepticism or judgement?
  2. When you leave someone are they better off because you have been in their space?
  3. Do you find it easy to encourage others?
  4. Do you speak life into others?
  5. Are you a motivator?
  6. Are you willing to check in on those you are helping from time to time, to see how they are doing?
  7. Are you willing to hold them accountable in a loving way to what they say they are going to do?
  8.  Are you willing to be a great example first?

Let’s go out and be the hands and feet of Jesus.  So many need to know that someone cares for them. Let that be us!
1 Corinthians 11:1
11 1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
Titus 2:7-8
7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
Proverbs 9:9
9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.
Proverbs 1:5
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,  and let the discerning get guidance—
Hebrews 10:24-25
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Titus 2:3-4
3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children,
Proverbs 27:
9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the pleasantness of a friend
springs from their heartfelt advice.
Philippians 4:9
9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Proverbs 1:8-9
8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction
and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
9 They are a garland to grace your head
and a chain to adorn your neck.
Ephesians 6:4
4 Fathers,[a] do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

 

 

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Are Your Words Seasoned With Love?

Are Your Words Seasoned With Love?

Have you ever said something and instantly wished that you could take it back? Unfortunately, once our words escape our tongues, they hurl into the universe, never to be recaptured again.  I must confess that there have been many times that I have said things without thinking, that I later regretted.

As we all know words are powerful.  We have the power to bless or curse with our tongues. Our words can build others up or tear them down.  They can encourage or discourage others.  Hurtful words can literally stick with a person their entire lifetime and words of encouragement can do the same.

We have all been on the receiving end of both the positive and the negative use of words. Do you remember how both felt? When someone uses their words to encourage you, you feel energized, I am sure.   But, when they use words that discourage you, it deflates you and sucks the energy from you. It can also make you feel inferior as well as angry.

Let’s make a commitment to think before we speak.  Even when we know that we may have to have a tough conversation, let’s pray before we speak. We can ask God to give us the perfect words for that particular situation.  We should try to think of the most loving way that we can communicate what we are feeling, Let’s season our words with love.
 Let’s speak life!

29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Proverbs 15:4
4 A gentle[a] tongue is a tree of life,  but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
Proverbs 25:11
11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
Proverbs 18:21
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,  and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Proverbs 15:1
15 A soft answer turns away wrath,  but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Luke 6:45
45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Colossians 4:6
6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Faith

Are You Running Your Best Race?

Are You Running Your Best Race?

For the last two weeks my family and I have been watching the Olympics.   Both my husband and my daughter were athletes at one time.   So, they really have a healthy respect for what the athletes are going through as they compete to bring gold medals back to their country.  Most of them have worked their entire lives for this big win.

The track and field events are especially captivating to me.  To see the athlete’s strain and push themselves beyond what they could have even imagined in some cases, is really something to witness.  Talking about leaving it all on the field, nothing could be truer for these athletes. At the end of the races that we have been watching, most of these elite athletes collapse from sheer exhaustion.  They truly exert everything within themselves to win.

My question for you today is are you giving it your all?  Are you using every bit of your strength and energy to achieve what God has called you to do?   Are you taking your assignment as seriously as these athletes are taking their assignments?  When God calls you home, will you cross the finish line all used up from faithfully pursuing the work that He has placed you on this earth to do, or will you cross over rested because you chose to be a spectator instead of a participant?

Today I want to challenge you to run the race that God has placed before you purposefully with passion and fervor.   Choose to honor God by using up every drop of all that He has poured into you.  There will be no gold medal when you cross the finish line, but there will be a jeweled crown and the words well done my good and faithful servant, and that my friend is worth more than the gold of a million medals.

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Hebrews 12:1
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,2 Timothy 4:7
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

 

 

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She Believes 3 Devotion

How To Respond When Life Seems Unfair

How To Respond When Life Seems Unfair

Have you ever found yourself in a situation that seemed very unfair?  If so, you know that it can be extremely frustrating to say the least.  It is easy to give advice when it’s someone else that is going through a difficult season.  But when it’s our turn to face difficult circumstances, all of a sudden, our words of encouragement seem to go straight out the window.

I have gone through some pretty tough seasons in my life, and I will be the first to tell you that waiting on God can be extremely hard.  I will also tell you that when I look back on every one of those difficult seasons, I can see how God was drawing me closer and closer to Him.  He was using the circumstance that I was in as a catalyst to change my heart and to open my eyes to see past the circumstance and to see Him.

You see He knows just how long to leave us in the fire as He is transforming us to look more and more like Him.  The more we resist and fight the process the longer we will stay in the fire of change.  Don’t complain and don’t resist.  God is transforming you and preparing you so that you will be strong enough and wise enough to handle the next assignment that He has for you.

So today I want to encourage you to trust God and to trust His unquestionable love for you.  Remember, what He is allowing you to go through, is happening for you and not to you.

Things That Will Encourage You While You Are Waiting
  1. Pray daily and ask God for direction, strength and clarity.
  2. Read God’s Word daily.  It will calm your anxieties and give you peace in the midst of your storm.
  3. Journal, write your feelings down. This will help you to process your thoughts and emotions.
  4. Have a Christian friend that you can be accountable to, and that will pray for you.
  5. Try to be still for 15-30 minutes each day and listen for God’s voice.

2 When you pass through the waters,  I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
Psalm 55:22
22 Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let  the righteous be shaken.
Isaiah 41:10
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;  do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Psalm 9:9-10
9 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
James 1:2-4
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Matthew 11:28
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

 

 

 

 

 

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Faith

Squash The Negativity

Squash The Negativity

If you are one that is paying attention to politics right now, you know that this past week has been a political roller coaster. My purpose in writing the blog on this topic today, is not to encourage you as to whom you should vote for. You will come to that conclusion on your own. Also, I believe that who we choose to vote for is a very personal decision. However, what I would like to do is encourage you to remember who you represent at all times, and that is Jesus Christ.

Let’s be the change that we want to see in our political climate right now. Let’s not add to the current negativity that is brewing in politics each and every day as we get closer to the election.

As Christians we are called to a much higher standard. A standard that calls us to love and respect others even when we don’t necessarily agree with their viewpoint. We are called to use wise judgement and to choose our words wisely. We are called to love and not hate. Let’s not spread this evil poison called negativity.

We know that negativity is another tactic that Satan uses to destroy what is good. Don’t fall prey to his antics.

Choose to be a part of our country’s solution, not its problem. Choose to take the high road when you see something ridiculous posted on social media. Just simply choose not to comment. Not all things are worthy to be dignified with a comment. Let it go and move on. Win by making your statement in the voting booth. Continue to let your light shine and remember God is still the One in control and He will ultimately have the final say. it is His will that will supersede everything.  May God bless us all, as we navigate through this political season.

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

20 and said:
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.
21 He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

13 Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!
Proverbs 10:19
19 Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.
Proverbs 12:18
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Matthew 12:36
36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.
Ephesians 4:32
32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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GOD’S AMAZING GRACE

GOD’S AMAZING GRACE

This past week I read several chapters in the book of Romans and I just wanted to read more and more.  This is such a rich book and my heart was so blessed.
I hope that by reading a few excerpts from it in today’s lesson, that you too will  be encouraged to read more.  I know that you will be just as blessed as I was by doing so.

In the book of Romans Paul explains so beautifully why we needed to be saved from our sins.  He also explains our sinful nature which is always waging war against the spirit within us.  Constantly our flesh wants to rule over our spirit, and resist obedience to God’s commands. Because Paul has so eloquently written this book of Romans, I thought it would be best that you learned directly from him today.

Before you start reading, pray and ask God to help you process and receive every bit of what He would desire for you to receive from Paul’s teaching.  By doing so I know that the Holy Spirit will reveal more to you than you would receive otherwise.   Read and be blessed my sisters!
ADAM’S SIN OUR SIN
Romans 5:14
14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come.
GOD’S AMAZING GRACE
Romans 5:6-11
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Romans 5:15-21
15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! 16 Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
20 The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, 21 so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
HOW WE ARE COUNTED RIGHTEOUS BEFORE GOD
Romans 4:25
25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
Romans 5:1-2
5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God.
YOU MUST BELIEVE AND CONFESS
Romans 10:9
9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved
BURIED WITH CHRIST THROUGH BAPTISM
Romans 6:1-14
6 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with,[a] that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. 14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.
OUR SINFUL NATURE AND GOD’S GRACIOUS PROVISION
Romans 7:14-25
14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[a] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature[b] a slave to the law of sin.
Romans 8:1-8
8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[a] free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,[b] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.[c] And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

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