Hello Beautiful People!
A simple prayer for Holy Week:
Father God,
‘I'm coming with a heart of worship
I'm bringing in a brand-new song
I'm ready to see the unthinkable
I'm ready for a miracle
Hearts praying for a fresh encounter
Souls looking to the living God
I'm ready for a real revival
O Holy Spirit come
Like a flood, like a fire
Holy Spirit fall
In this place, fill our hearts
Holy Spirit come
Like a flood, like a fire
Holy Spirit come
Oh, Holy Spirit come’
In your precious name, Amen!
Friend, God is right there in the middle of the process with you. He is an ever-present help in time of trouble. (Psalm 46:1).
1. Have you ever experienced God deliberately close a door that you had been praying he would open?
God doesn't ask us to walk this life of faith alone. We will never be perfect on this side of heaven. Allow Him to help you, guide you, lean into His grace, and be open to His unconditional love.
How can we be obedient in a world that is constantly pressuring us, bombarding us, and not to mention daily, we are battling our temptations and struggles?
The Bible says in John 15:4, "remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."
Can we confidently and honestly say that we abide daily in the secret place?
A place where we get alone to unwind from the pressure, the stress, and anxiety of having 'to-do,' and allow ourselves time 'to-be' alone with the Lord. To be still and know that he is God (Psalm 46:10).
God always has an invitation open for you to break away from the noise and get still in his ever-present presence.
All that is required is you close your eyes and open your heart.
We will face obstacles...
We will face pain...
We will face the unknown...
๐๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ฌ๐ข๐ฌ, ๐ซ๐๐ฆ๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ซ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ข๐ฑ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ ๐๐ณ๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ง๐จ๐ญ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ซ๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐.
2 Corinthians 4:18 tell us, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
We don’t have to worry about our current situation or future issues because the Lord has us tightly in His grip. As children of the Almighty we have His promise that no harm will come to one hair on our head. So sister, s๐ต๐ข๐บ ๐ด๐ต๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฏ๐จ, ๐ง๐ฐ๐ญ๐ญ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐๐ช๐ด ๐ธ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ฅ, ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ฌ๐ฏ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ข๐ต ๐บ๐ฐ๐ถ’๐ณ๐ฆ ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฏ๐ต๐ข๐ช๐ฏ ๐ช๐ด ๐ฏ๐ฐ ๐ฎ๐ข๐ต๐ค๐ฉ ๐ง๐ฐ๐ณ ๐บ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ณ ๐๐ฐ๐ฅ!
You are worthy. Simply because He loves you.
You are worthy. Simply because He made you.
You are worthy. Simple because He cares for you.
You are worthy. Simply because He says so.
“You are precious in my eyes. And honored. And I love you.” Isaiah 43:4
Do you have a fond memory that makes you sigh with delight, saying, "Oh, the good ol' days?"
We all have them, whether it was a time you lived in an apartment with your college besties, a memory of your childhood, or it could be even this moment you are living in now, and you don't want this season to end.
Haggi was a prophet in the Old Testament, and God called him to encourage the people of Jerusalem. He was about 70 years old when God called him. So why is his age important? First, Haggi saw the Temple that Solomon built it was luxurious and grand, a place for God to reside in and for the people to worship the Lord. Secondly, Haggi saw the Temple demolished after the Babylonians had destroyed it in a war. So he was a man who could have easily said, "Oh, how I remember the good ol' days!"
There are three key lessons we can take away from Haggi on how to be a Jesus girl when life is just so demanding and, well, busy.
2. We must keep Christ first place
God's people were so concerned about their houses, and how things were going for them, they completely forgot about God. As a result, God withheld blessings from them since they turned from keeping him in the first place of their lives.
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33
We, as Jesus girls, must be about our Father's business despite the discouragement and difficulties we may endure. During Haggi's time, God's people were discouraged by the amount of criticism they received. It was easy to give up.
"But now be strong, Zerubbabel,' declares the Lord. 'Be strong, Joshua, son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,' says the Lord, 'and work. For I am with you,' says the Lord Almighty. 'This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear." Haggai 2: 4-5
A repentant heart is a pure heart. Jesus is our saving grace. He came to have a relationship with God, the Father. On Haggai's day, they instantly repented and started working on building the Temple.
"They came and began to work on the house of the Lord Almighty."
I’m being dramatic...but am I? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to stand your ground for God?
In today’s social climate we are constantly bombarded with comparison, indecision, not enough info and overwhelm. But when it comes down to it...can you confidently say without a shadow of a doubt where you stand for the Lord? I mean your feet are being held to the fire what would you do?
If you were Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego you’d be willing to walk into the furnace knowing that the Lord would save you. If not, He’d deliver you through the fire to Him. Now yes, this is all dramatic but think about the circumstance that these 3 men had to face...
King Nebuchadnezzar summoned them to his presence and required them to follow the new law of worshiping his idols. However, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused saying, ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.’ Daniel 3:16-18
Are you that confident and willing to stand your ground today with all the false idols we have around us like, social media, celebrities, tv shows and more? Or are you indecisive and willing to bow down to preserve your life?
The choice is simple but the road is hard sister. Today I pray that you will know that your God is more powerful than anything and will deliver you, but you need to be able to stand your ground for Him when the fire is beside you.
It takes boldness to ask God to forgive you and bless you despite your mistakes. The accuser would love for you to feel distant, hindered, and stuck because of your mess.
God wants you to repent, get up, and not be defeated by your past (yes, even if you messed up 3 minutes ago or 3 years ago, it is all forgiven through Jesus). Did you know once you repent, God forgives you completely? He removes our mistakes as far as the east is from the west. He chooses to forget. If God can forget our shortcomings, why can’t we do the same?
Jonah made such a mess. God asked him to go to Nineveh, and Jonah intentionally chose not to do it. In fact, he went in the opposite direction to where the Lord was calling him. Sounds like me (can I get an amen)? Once Jonah realized he had made a mistake, he made another decision, he turned back to the Lord. Guess what? The Lord still used him to fulfill his purpose despite his sin.
We get into these mentalities that the Lord can no longer use us because we messed up too bad or that no one would listen to us. If we turn back to the Lord repent, he will get us back on track and still bless us for his own glory.
Can I encourage you today that if you still have a pulse, God still has a purpose for your life? Our citizenship is in heaven, not earth. The Lord always makes a way out of no way. It is his specialty!
BIBLE VERSE: “He said, “I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and Lord, you heard me!” Jonah 2:2 NLT
3. I’ll take refuge in the Lord
Proverbs 30:5
Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Pulse check sister! How’d you do this week? Are you still going strong or are you waining in the lows of your week.
Wherever you are, wherever you’ve been this week remember that when you take refuge in the Lord, He will shield you from the storm.
Now I didn’t say He would make the storm pass over you, I said He would protect and keep you shielded from all that is swirling around you.
This week has been amazing for me and my family but then today as I felt like we were heading into an awesome weekend a small storm stirred up, emotions ran high, and truths were spilled. My heart began to feel heavy as a mom and as a wife yet I immediately felt like I needed to run to my Heavenly Father for answers and guidance.
Years ago I would’ve run to friends or an internet google search for how to fix my situation or circumstance but today was different, the last 10 years have been different. I know that when I can’t do it…my Jesus can!
Where do you run when storms come your way?
“You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen Him who looks after me.” Genesis 16:13
He is a God of seeing.
He sees your troubles. He sees your affliction. He sees your good days and bad.
He hasn’t forgotten you, sweet friend.
He’s looking at you right now waiting for you to reach out and accept the grace, love, healing, and guidance He has set aside just for you.
An amount that is more than enough to get you through.
He’s a God of seeing, and He sees you๐ค
She allowed the Holy Spirit to transform her heart to know Christ, to love Christ and be closet to Christ.
During these trials, are you taking the time to renew your mind with the word of God? Not just thinking and meditating on his word but speaking and declaring his word out loud? Let me tell you, girl, it is one thing to try to combat our thoughts with another thought (God's word). It is another level when you start having negative thoughts, and you start speaking the word of God out loud.
Here are some examples;
* I am afraid of the future. It seems so unknown. COMBAT (speak out loud) My steps, my future is planned out by God, he says, he has plans for good not evil he has plans to prosper me. (Psalm 37:23 & Jeremiah 29:11).
* I am struggling with anxious thoughts. COMBAT (speak out loud) I have the mind of Christ. Fear is NOT from God; he gives me a sound mind, a powerful mind. I have the mind of Christ.
(2 Timothy 1:7)
* I am an extrovert; I am struggling with feelings of loneliness. COMBAT (speak out loud) God is closer, nearer to me than any human could be. He is a friend in times of trouble. He is always watching over and protecting me. (Psalm 16:11 & Psalm 139:7-10).
Girl! Stop placing your focus on yourself!
It’s not about you and your ability!
It’s about His ability to change your trajectory in life. It’s about His plan for your comings and going’s.
If you’re reading this than stop and listen to these words:
Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Are you seeking to know Christ and deepen your faith? Or are you focusing on your own strength to fix your current state?
You do not have to stay stuck in your current season sister! God wants to know you deeper.
4. ✨Do you long to find your God-given purpose?
What if I told you that you have TWO God-given purposes?
As Christians, there are two parts to our purpose, which I like to refer to as our primary purpose and our secondary purpose.
What do I mean? Let’s dive in!
1️⃣Primary Purpose
This is the same for all Christians, and it is to be loved by God, to love others, and to share the Gospel.
God made us simply because He wanted to. He loves us and wants us to accept and experience His love.
Ephesians 3:17-19 “I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
1 John 3:1 “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
But we aren’t meant to just keep that love to ourselves. We are then meant to be like God and share His love with those around us, ultimately sharing about Christ’s sacrifice and leading other’s to the love of God.
John 3:16 “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.”
Mark 16:15 “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.’”
It’s important to be established in this primary purpose first and foremost before beginning to seek or move into your secondary purpose.
2️⃣Secondary Purpose
The secondary purpose is different for each Christian and is the unique calling and assignment God has planned for your life.
It is never going to look exactly like someone else’s and is an important part of your unique identity in Christ.
This secondary purpose may look different in different seasons of your life.
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Your secondary purpose will always stem from your primary purpose!
Self-doubt is tormenting and will steal your confidence in a blink of an eye. ๐
๐ผ♀️๐๐ป
I used to struggle with self-doubt badly. I would always second guess myself, and wonder if I was making the right decision, then if I was making the right decision, was it honoring God? Was I going to make mistakes, stumble over my words, or flat out fail? ๐คท๐ผ♀️
I quickly learned that self-doubt and confidence do not go together. They work against each other. So, I had a decision to make was I going to let self-doubt rule me, or was I going to let God have control. I believe every decision should be soaked in prayer. If you have not received a yes, or a no, you need to step out in faith and see what God has to say. Sometimes God won’t move until you do. I know it’s scary, but it’s time. ๐ฐ
It’s time to push your fears aside and allow God to work with your faith. God responds to trust, not fear. Remember, confidence is a choice! ✨
Tag your girls to give them a boost of confidence ๐๐ป๐ฏ♀️
BIBLE VERSE: “But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.”
James 1:6 NLT
๐๐๐ข๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฅ!
Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the foreshadowed prophecy in the Old Testament. (Isaiah 53)
He came to save those that were lost and to provide atonement and reconciliation. He is the only one, the singular person who could carry out this task.
Today marks the ๐ฑ๐ช๐ท๐ฐ๐ต๐ข๐ญ ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ช๐ฏ๐ต in our Christian faith where Jesus provided us the only way to God through Himself. He became exposed to sin, suffering, embarrassment, pain and death so that we could have union with our Heavenly Father.
He paved the way for us to resist sin daily, to persevere in His name when we fall short, and to face fear head on in His powerful name.
Jesus had complete victory over death that day on the cross. He accomplished taking away the power of sin through His perfect obedience.
So today as we celebrate Good Friday…
Remember His ๐ด๐ข๐ค๐ณ๐ช๐ง๐ช๐ค๐ฆ
Remember His ๐ถ๐ญ๐ต๐ช๐ฎ๐ข๐ต๐ฆ ๐ฑ๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ
Remember His ๐ฑ๐ฆ๐ณ๐ง๐ฆ๐ค๐ต ๐ฐ๐ฃ๐ฆ๐ฅ๐ช๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ค๐ฆ
And continue to remember His ๐ข๐ฃ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฏ๐ฅ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ญ๐ฐ๐ท๐ฆ ๐ง๐ฐ๐ณ ๐บ๐ฐ๐ถ!
As Easter draws nearer, let’s take a moment to reflect on the love of our Savior. A selfless king who gave up His throne to walk a humble human life and willingly suffer for our sins all so we could spend eternity with Him.
Jesus’ sweat became blood as He prayed in agony (Luke 22:44). He pleaded with God to change His will (Luke 22:42). His pure human form was on full display as He anticipated the pain and embarrassment that were to come.
Yet.
He did not cower away when the time came to do what He had promised. He did not show regret as He walked hunched under a cross to Calvary. Because He knew. He knew the outcome and the stakes. The victory that would be had. And the souls of His beloved that would be saved.
The stakes for our hearts were just too high. Because His love was and is just too wide. The selfless love of a sinless Savior for a sinful soul like mine. The greatest mystery of all time.
Do you understand the importance of Passover week and how it relates to our Jesus?
In Exodus 12, when God instructed the Jewish people on how to perform the very first Passover, He told them to choose a lamb four days prior to the Passover dinner. The lamb had to be chosen carefully, for there were to be no defects, in order for it to be worthy of the sacrifice.
The Jewish people were also commanded to continue the Passover tradition every year from then on to commemorate the night in which God delivered them from slavery.
If we fast forward many years later to the week Jesus was crucified, we read about His Triumphal Entry — when He rode into Jerusalem on a lowly donkey and was worshiped by the Jewish people, which we celebrate today on a day known as Palm Sunday.
One of the greatest significances is that this took place a few days prior to Passover, around the time in which the Jewish people would have been selecting their spotless lambs for the approaching Passover dinner.
Little did they know, as they welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem, that they were selecting a very different spotless lamb for the slaughter, the last lamb that would ever need to be offered.
However, this lamb would not be offered to celebrate the Jews deliverance from slavery, but would be killed for the deliverance of ALL men from their worldly sins.
In the coming few days after that first Palm Sunday, Jesus would eat His last supper — the Passover supper— and be arrested that very night for His crucifixion the next day.
Our God is a timely and creative God. The coinciding events of Holy Week are no coincidence.
This week, let us celebrate Holy Week and Easter for what it really means:
The death of a sinless, yet humble King, who willingly laid down His power and throne to be tortured and killed on a cross, made the laughing stock of man.
Yet, rising three days later, conquering death and darkness to secure our futures of being made one with the Father and experiencing lavish love for all eternity.
What selfless love exists like this beyond our Jesus? None. What a precious Savior we have in Him if we only believe and accept it as so.