Day 10: Rebuilding {31 Devotions in 31 Days}

"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."

Ephesians 2:19-22

After we have repented of our unhealthy emotions and work towards turning away from them completely, we will find ourselves a little empty. The emotions we were once comfortable with do not fit into our refreshed minds. As our hearts become cleaner, our motives change. Therefore, we must rebuild what our bondage has damaged. 

Let's think about a home. If the foundation of that home was not built upon the right ground, when the earth shifted or the house settles, it would change how straight the supportive beams would be. If one of those beams ever snapped, a complete remodel of the home would be in order. It could prove dangerous to try and continue life with a broken, supportive beam.

Sometimes those supportive beams within us are those same unhealthy emotions, such as depression, anxiety and loneliness. We find comfort in them and rest on them. They have become part of our support system. Throughout the repentance process, God eliminates any man-made support system. Why? That was never in His plan for us! The Master Builder has all the tools, all the knowledge and all the right plans to create the perfect support system for our hearts. Once a man-made support beam is broken, we must approach Him so that He can properly rebuild it.

"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them." Ezekiel 36:26-27

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

The rebuilding process is one that can last a lifetime. Rebuilding means renewing and restructuring. Have you ever started a project at home that should be easy but once you started there were other things that needed attention too? God may start rebuilding one supportive beam but find another beam is about to break. He will alert you and try to get your attention on taking care of that issue as well. We must trust that whatever the Lord shows us that needs to be rebuilt, He is not showing us to do it ourselves but to surrender and obey His commands. This is the only way for an impure heart to be completely changed. 

Reflection:

Now is not the time to hide when something has been revealed. God wants us all to be honest and truthful about the state of our emotions. Have you truly repented of your unhealthy emotions? God cannot rebuild what is not broken. It is time for us to hand over our hearts, completely surrendered to His will.

Action:

Ask the Lord to show you the scriptures needed to start rebuilding your support system. We cannot build without the Word. Pray and fast for wisdom and guidance. Take time with the people you love and bring happiness and joy into your life. Try to limit time with negative influences. The rebuilding process is a vulnerable time and we must be discerning who we spend that time with.

Prayer:

Lord, You are awesome! I'm in awe of who You are and what You've done. I'm so thankful I can approach You and You will embrace me. Thank You for Your mercy and love. Show me my weak support beams and break them so that I may be rebuilt in You. Lord Jesus, guide my thoughts and emotions during this time, that I may only think and do good things that are pleasing to You. Help me move past the brokenness and closer to the completed masterpiece! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Think about the emotions that are not pleasing to God.

Are you ready for them to be broken and made new?

Day 8: Justification {31 Devotions in 31 Days}

In the world today, we cannot come across one person who hasn't been hurt or is hurting. Many of us are bound by fear, guilt, anger, hatred, depression and so many other unpleasant emotions. The Lord Jesus Christ has given everyone opportunity to be delivered. Yet it is not enough to just recognize that we need Him...we must know Him. Through that knowledge, through that real faith, we then are able to see our sin clearly instead of pointing at other people. A new door opens up towards repentance and (hopefully) a complete healing process.

"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse" Romans 1:20

This entire devotional series is about emotional bondage and is geared to deliver us from unhealthy, sinful emotions that keep us from fulfilling God's purpose in our lives. One thing remains clear when it comes to deliverance over bondage: we must first acknowledge that we are sinful and recognize those emotional sins in order to overcome them.

We can't spend our breath and time putting the blame on others. Even if someone else was in the wrong and we are emotionally paying for it, we are still responsible for how we handle the situation. Holding on to fear, guilt and pride is non-verbally justifying our sinful nature. When we choose to embrace our hurts instead of Christ, we are easily deceived.

Romans 3:20 says:
"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin."

To justify ourselves is to place us in the position of a righteous man. We paint ourselves as a victim, innocent and just when we are offended. Yet the scripture plainly states that by the law is the knowledge of sin and the deeds of that law no one should be justified in his own eyes. We are all sinners! Even if we are heavy with emotional pain, it is not right for us to grip onto them and hold them over people's heads.

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" Romans 3:23-24

It is a very hard concept to wrap our minds around. That even those who are broken, crying alone at night due to some unfortunate circumstance in their life, are still sinful. We want to believe that the wounded are just but the Bible says that every single one of us come short of the glory of God because of our sin. The Lord is the only just one.

But there is hope. God's glory was justified freely by His grace through the cross! When the Lord manifested Himself as a man and gave His life, that redemption was made available to wash away all sin. We no longer have to carnally justify our emotional pain but we can boldly approach God and receive deliverance!

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

"So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." Hebrews 13:6

Reflections:
Have you ever said: "I know I shouldn't be mad at her, but she shouldn't have done that" or "My heart is hurting too much, Lord, for me to forgive them." These phrases show a person justifying why they should stay in their emotional bondage. Think about the offenses and relationships in your life. Think about the people who have wounded you the most. Are you still living in a justification mindset?

Action:
It is time to take those to God! To boldly approach the throne, not just asking forgiveness for how you feel but asking that the Lord place compassion upon your heart towards others. Pray that you can move past your emotional turmoil and into grace! Grace towards them and for yourself. Then go to them and declare that forgiveness and mercy (Matthew 5:24)

Prayer:
Lord, we are so thankful for Your grace and love! Thank You for Your sacrifice at Calvary, that each of us has the opportunity to be redeemed and washed of sin. Help us to believe in Your power more than our own, for we all come short of Your glory. You are Holy, Righteous and Just. Show us the reality within our justification so that we are moved towards forgiveness and then eventually repentance. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Are you holding your emotions hostage against someone?

Is that person God?

Tomorrow's Devotion Topic: Repentance
For a full list of daily devotional topics & more information about 31 Devotion in 31 Days: Breaking The Chains, go here to read the original post.

 

UPDATE!! GET THE "BREAKING THE CHAINS" DEVOTIONAL EBOOK >>

Day 7: Selfishness {31 Devotions in 31 Days}

Wow, it has been a full week of the Breaking the Chains devotionals! It has truly been inspiring and life changing, at least for me. In fact, last night I received confirmation through my pastor's evening message that I am on the right track! Don't you just love when that happens? He actually spoke about the exact same thing we talked about in yesterday's devotion topic, "Playing Victim". God is good!!

Today, it's all about me. Okay, and you. Isn't that was selfishness is? Putting the spotlight on ourselves and being consumed by it. When we think about emotional bondage, many times we experience depression, anxiety, loneliness and so on because of past or current circumstances. These unhealthy emotions may not have been triggered by our selfish desires but holding onto them instead of giving them to the Lord borderlines on selfishness.

"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." 1 Peter 2:24

As Christians, we are suppose to be like Christ. We are suppose to be selfless. As our Lord and Saviour graciously became the sacrifice for us, His mind was on what would benefit His children. His mind was on love. As humans, we tend to hold onto the emotions that we are suppose to let go because we have not learned to love right. Or trust right. When we love the way God loves and we trust in Him, we are able to let go of our selfishness and embrace freedom.

"Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness." Psalm 29:2

Selfishness is usually wrapped up like a pretty present but when opened, only destruction lies. It looks appealing and feels good. When we take, hoard, keep instead of give, purge and bless. Being selfish in our ways actually steals the glory away from God! How can He be glorified in your life if you are in the spotlight? How can we be free from unhealthy emotional bondage if we only look at ourselves and not the One who truly delivers?

"I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images." Isaiah 42:8

No matter how hard we try, we cannot change God's mind. He has stated in His Word that He will not give His glory to another. Yet, we in turn are so self-consumed, that spiritually we steal the show and expect Him to perform for us. We are looking inwardly to benefit our desires and justify our emotional bondage, that we are blind to an outward God who provides all the benefits we shall ever need!

Reflection:
Think about your daily priorities. Do you put what you want to do in front of what God wants you to do? Have you asked Him what we wants? Think about your relationships. Are you constantly being offended? Are you always dissatisfied? Many times selfishness comes in the form of pain. If we've been wounded, we automatically play the blame game instead of analyzing our motives and actions. Maybe it was our selfishness that triggered the offense.

Action:
We must ask the Lord to reveal our selfish motives and desires. Ask Him to change your thoughts and your hearts. Think about how you feel when someone asks you to do something. Do you feel happy to help or sulk and pout? Pray for God to be glorified through all that you say and do, so that it may bless others and free you from selfish tendencies.

Prayer:
Lord, we are so thankful that You gave Your life unselfishly at Calvary. Our minds cannot begin to understand the level of love You have shown. Help us to walk with You, so that we may be changed and can act more Christ-like. I pray that we will move to bless others first before ourselves and do it with joy. That we will let go of unhealthy emotions and trust in You, so that Your name is glorified in our lives. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Have you ever hurt someone else because you were so focused on how you felt?

When was the last time you blessed someone happily?

Tomorrow's Devotion Topic: Justification
For a full list of daily devotional topics & more information about 31 Devotion in 31 Days: Breaking The Chains, go here to read the original post.

UPDATE!! GET THE "BREAKING THE CHAINS" DEVOTIONAL EBOOK >>

Day 6: Playing Victim {31 Devotions in 31 Days}

"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." 
1 Corinthians 15:55-58

One of the most difficult things I encountered when the Lord first showed me that my emotions were impure was admitting that I wasn't a victim. The problem was that I has allowed other people to control my emotions. I was on a rollercoaster, going up and down on a daily basis, and instead of being accountable for allowing myself to be on the ride, I was blaming the operator.

The truth is, playing victim is selfishness justified. Although we may be honest about our situation and the other person was in the wrong, painting ourselves as the innocent soul being bullied is not always accurate. For example, let's say someone lied to you and you found out. Our initial reaction would be anger and feeling hurt. This is not playing victim but you are reacting naturally to what happened. Now, what are you going to do with it? If you approach the Lord, asking Him for clarity and peace in the matter, that is mature and right. You will soon realize that those emotions shouldn't hold you and you move unto the next stage, which is forgiveness.

However, if you dismiss seeking God's help and instead retaliate by sulking, wallowing or complaining, this is playing victim. You are robbing both parties from forgiveness, peace and joy. Most importantly, you've allowed yourself to be so consumed with yourself and your feelings, that you no longer can see the goodness of the Lord Jesus Christ.

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
Matthew 6:14-15

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
John 16:33

Playing victim puts us on a road of self-pity. We start thinking we have been victimized and lose sight of being victorious in Christ! We forget that we can overcome because He overcame. Victimizing ourselves prolongs healing and strains our relationships. We become easily offended instead of easily forgiving. We hold onto expectations and forget who God revealed Himself to be. Our suffering becomes more important than Christ's suffering on Calvary.

The definition of "victimize" is:

1. To subject to swindle or fraud.

2. To make a victim of.

Reflection:

Giving into our emotions when we've been hurt by someone only hurts us more. It blinds us from having the victory that the Lord wants us to have and giving forgiveness that the Lord wants us to give. Wallowing in self-pity justifies our selfish carnality, swindling us from overcoming the bondage that hold us down.

Action:

The first thing we must do is when the offense comes, we must recognize that we have a choice. Then we must ask the Lord for a clear view, unaltered by our victimizing ways. This will help us make the right choice and move us closer to healing, forgiveness and overcoming emotional bondage. 

Prayer:

Oh Lord, You are so Awesome and Magnificent. Great are Your ways! I'm so thankful Your thoughts are above mine, that You see what is true and good. Thank You for overcoming the world through the cross, that we have a chance to overcome as well! When offenses come, please show me what is true in the situation. Help me to let go of any unhealthy emotions, so that I may learn to be accountable and forgive. Thank You for being our Provider and Healer. I pray that we will trust in Your power more than the power of those around us. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Do you often "play victim" when you've been wounded?

Have you ever victimized someone?

Tomorrow's Devotion Topic: Selfishness
For a full list of daily devotional topics & more information about 31 Devotion in 31 Days: Breaking The Chains, go here to read the original post.

UPDATE!! GET THE "BREAKING THE CHAINS" DEVOTIONAL EBOOK >>

Day 5: Our Expectations {31 Devotions in 31 Days}

When we think about the negative emotions that bind us on a daily basis, we have to wonder how did they get there. Often times depression, anxiety, loneliness etc. stem from childhood experiences, a broken past or troubling situation that still leaves a mark. The majority of us, however, become so wrapped up in expectations within our relationships that guilt sets in if these expectations are not met.

I firmly believe that if we can direct our expectations properly, then our emotions will be properly filtered as well. Have you ever felt like you were not enough or you didn't do enough? Have you ever felt disappointed in someone because you expected them to act a certain way or to say a certain thing? Have you had relationships falter and fade because one or both of you expected a different outcome than what the reality was?

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."
2 Corinthians 4:6-7

It is in these expectations that our insecurities swell and become burdens. Having the wrong expectations can birth wrong ideas, wrong mindsets and (you guessed it) wrong emotions. Yesterday we talked about how God defined love by becoming a man and dying at Calvary. All we ever need is in the Lord Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

In fact, Psalm 62 verses 5 & 6 says:
"My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved."

When we know who the Lord really is, our expectations can be satisfied because we know and understand what He is capable of. We no longer are bound by the expectations among creation but can rest our expectation firmly on Christ!

Jesus proclaims:
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30

Reflection:
When was the last time you felt rest from your expectations? The Lord wants you to rest by coming to Him with your heavy heart and mind. Having wrong expectations robs you of the joy and peace that God wants you to have! Do you expect more from creation than God?

Action:
Honestly look at your relationships. Pray and ask the Lord to show you what expectations you have and how to lay them to rest with Him. Work towards being a blessing to other people instead of expecting people to bless you. 

Prayer:
Lord, thank you so much for being all that we need! We can rest our expectations and hope in You without fear of disappointment. We are so thankful that You can provide all satisfaction. Show us how to trust that You will never steer us wrong. Help us to put all expectations on You, so that we may experience the most out of our earthly relationships and our divine relationship with You. We are thankful for Your Word and promises. In Jesus' Name, Amen! 

What sort of expectations do you have when in a relationship?

What do you expect from God?

Tomorrow's Devotion Topic: Playing Victim
For a full list of daily devotional topics & more information about 31 Devotion in 31 Days: Breaking The Chains, go here to read the original post.

UPDATE!! GET THE "BREAKING THE CHAINS" DEVOTIONAL EBOOK >>

Day 3: Real Faith {31 Devotions in 31 Days}

As the third day of Breaking the Chains is upon us, I can't help but feel a difference within myself. How about you? Day 1, we spoke about the power of the Word. Day 2 complimented that with praying through and how it is vital to our deliverance to keep an open communication with God. After all, He seeks after a relationship not our traditions. 

Today, we are going to talk about real faith. What do I mean by "real faith"? New age Christianity has become comfortable in mixing the words "faith" and "hope". Many of us have found ourselves praying with a hopeful heart more than a faithful heart. Hope is a beautiful thing. When we have hope, we are given a positive mindset to go on through our trials. However, in order to have a real deliverance from emotional impurity, we have to have faith and lots of it.

My pastor blesses us with each sermon because of his faith; his knowledge of who the Lord Jesus Christ is. He is a biblical scholar and teacher, using every opportunity he is given to help us go deeper into the Word. I encourage you to listen to our church's podcast right here. One of my favorite quotes from my pastor is "Faith is not a hope-so. It's a know-so." Real faith is real knowledge about the God we claim to love and serve. It is not hoping we understand but it is having the right information about Him so that we may be able to please Him.
This is the definition of faith courtesy of my pastor:

Faith is the personal intimate knowledge of the Person, Identity and Plan of God that enables you to discern what He intends to do, so that you can work in harmony with Him.

When we tell one another to "have faith" what do we mean? Most of the time, we are implying to be hopeful. This is not the same as faithful. When we have real faith, we have true knowledge of who God is and therefore can make the right choices in our life. Through making the right choices, we become faithful to God.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."
Hebrews 11:1-3

Faith is the substance! That substance is knowledge that is obtained through studying the Word of God and communicating with Him through prayer. With that faith, that knowledge, we then are able to understand and see things is a spiritual light. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says "For we walk by faith, not by sight", which means we should be walking by our knowledge and not by our carnality.

"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Ephesians 4:4-6

Faith is powered by love. It is because of the Lord's love that we are able to have knowledge of Him. Our relationship with Him rests upon our faith. Without the right knowledge, we cannot have the right relationship. Therefore, our hearts will remain unclean.

Reflection:
Faith is not a hope. Faith is not acknowledgement. Faith IS knowledge! The truth exercised in our mind. Think about your faith. How well do you know God? How deep is your faith? To break the chains around depression, fear and anxiety it is going to take more than a hope. It's going to take real faith!

Action:
Take some time today to ask the Lord to reveal who He is to you. Pray for a real revelation. Ask that your mind and thoughts be changed and directed to new territory. Ask the Lord to reveal any false knowledge that you may have of Him and to guide you towards having real faith. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and resist feeling prideful or shameful. We want to build on what He has already done in your life, not take it away.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus,
We are truly blessed to have a God who cares about our hearts and minds. Thank You for loving us so much, that You have provided the knowledge we need to not only understand who You are but Your plan for our lives. We ask, Lord, for a renewed revelation. Please break down any false mindsets we may have built up. Help us to gain real faith by Your Word and prayer. Help us with our desires, that our relationship with You may reach a deeper level. Thank You for Your love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Have you ever been in a situation where you had to rest upon your knowledge of God (your faith) in order to get through?

Tomorrow's Devotion Topic: Defining Love
For a full list of daily devotional topics & more information about 31 Devotion in 31 Days: Breaking The Chains, go here to read the original post.

UPDATE!! GET THE "BREAKING THE CHAINS" DEVOTIONAL EBOOK >>

Faith + Patience {FREE PRINTABLE}

{Right click image & save. Perfect as a screensaver, wallpaper or print it & frame it}

I was reading my pastor's wife's bible study the other morning and came across this scripture in Hebrews 6:12:

"That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

How encouraged I felt! It is so easy as a mother {especially a SAHM/wannabe WAHM} to get used to the drudgery, the mundane, the same ol' same ol'. Days are full of fun and laughter but also routine and the occasionally "slothful" mentality and attitude.

We must not be lazy in our faith, forgetting that we have a greater hope in the life to come. This world is not our home. God has a greater purpose; a much greater home for us. As we work, He does not forget our labor. As we minister to our husbands, children, family, church...we are not forgotten.

So hold onto the promises! What He said He will do...He will do. Those who are alert, obedient and follow the examples of believers who have left behind a legacy will be rewarded. Maybe not now, but it's coming. Hold on with patience and trust that God does not withhold ANY good thing from His children! {Psalms 84:11}

Linking up to:

Mommy Mentionables

Obedience + Submission = Wife Curse Words

"Oh no, she didn't?!" I can just hear that little voice in your mind right now. You know, the one that talks back to your husband even when your mouth stays shut. Or the one that criticizes your pastor after he preaches something you didn't like. Ouch, feel that? I did. It's a pretty big nerve too, I might add.

If you couldn't tell already, I'm not here to feed you fluff. I've struggled {am struggling} with these words daily. So why do I want to act like I got it all together? I don't and probably never will. However, today I had a turning point. I can't explain how, it was a spiritual shift. My focus had been on the wrong target for so long, that the false became truth and vise versa.

The truth is this: it's not about me. Or you. Sorry. Actually, no I'm not. It's about Jesus. It's about others. It's about His will and His kingdom. I'm not saying we are insignificant. I'm talking about order. And the Lord Jesus Christ is definitely all about order...{1 Corinthians 14:40}

These words are in place for a reason. For correction but mainly for protection. And I don't just mean from that red guy with the horns. Sad how you knew who I meant based on the world's image of him. I can bet he looks nothing like that. The point is, there is a battle. Good vs evil. Man vs nature. Men vs women. Uh, wait, that last one doesn't seem biblical. And yet we somehow think it is.

I'm not going to talk about the history of women's rights, equality, the liberation movement or anything like that. I'm going to talk Bible talk. It seems to me that is where understanding and knowledge {two very different things} make the best marriage. Oh, did I say marriage? Ha, we'll get to that...

Obedience and submission are very similar. To obey an order or a rule, you must submit. In order to submit, you must obey. They go hand in hand like candy and sunshine. Only we don't feel as warm inside. Or outside. Or anywhere, really. Why is that? Have we been programmed so much by society's definition of these words, that now as a Christian wife we seem to allow that definition to trump the Word of the Almighty? To be obedient, we must be submissive by complying with orders. This usually means denying how we feel and what we want. I mean, who wants to do that?!

Soldiers. Soldiers are obedient. Soldiers submit themselves everyday, doing things they don't want to do, fighting fights that aren't even theirs, never knowing more than their leaders. They are only told specific details attached to the job given. They must trust in their leader. Trust that they know what they are doing. Trust that they are plugged into the overseer of the entire operation.

Why? Their very lives depend on it. An order is given and they don't have time for questions. It's time for action because there is a battle and one hesitation can mean life or death. If they wait, it could be the last thing they ever do. If they rebel and disobey the orders, not only can they get hurt or worse, but the ones around them are in danger as well. Side note about orders: life revolves around them. Orders don't have to be looked at as negative. Orders bring, well, order.

As Christian wives, we are soldiers of the home. I'm not trying to feed you any 1950's tv commercial slogan.
Check out Titus 2:5 KJV:
"To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."

A few months ago I read a book called Pursuit of Proverbs 31 by Amy Bayliss. My brain has been spinning since then. When you read her words, you can't help but feel like they aren't really her words. She allowed the Holy Spirit to pen these truths:

"All are equal but one takes on more responsibility than the rest."

"If your country were being invaded by terrorists and a soldier knocked on your door and said, "Follow me" you wouldn't hesitate to go. You have a reverent fear and awe of those serving your country and know that they have your best interests in mind. He is reporting to his commanding officer who is ultimately  reporting to the highest of authority in your country. You trust those sent to protect you by this higher authority. God placed your husband there to protect you and keep your best interest in mind. He is your soldier. He is reporting to the highest of authority. You should have reverent fear and awe of him.

When you submit to your husband you are submitting to Christ. This submission is for your protection. It is not to strip you of who you are or your full potential. That is a lie from the pit of Hell."

Whoa, right? I urge you to get this book if you have not already, right here on Amazon. This isn't a paid sponsored post. I'm not getting paid to talk about this topic or her book. It has truly changed my life and I can say my marriage is better because I am better. There is still so much I am working on but I find peace knowing I'm breaking those lies; the mindsets that have taken root in my heart and are poisoning my soul. Because, honestly ladies...when the wife is dying, the entire house dies.

We are both soldiers, fighting in the same battle. There is a Divine order given that we both must follow. Just because you have someone leading you, doesn't mean you are not important. Having "reverent fear" is not being scared or terrified. It's having a deep respect for someone that you don't want to go against them or displease them. Soldiers need to remember who their battling. It should never be their fellow soldiers.

Here are some scriptures that I urge you to pray over and study on your own. Remember: don't make decisions by how you feel or what you see. Go by what you learn and what you know. That's what all soldiers do. If every soldier went by feelings, we'd have to surrender because no one would be on the battlefield.

It takes more strength to follow, obey and submit then it does to disobey and run away.

{The Lord}
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7

 {Marriage}
"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord." Ephesians 5:22

{Leadership/Pastor/Elder}
"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. "Hebrews 13:17

"Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5

Choose Joy {Free Printable}

Lately I've been feeling kinda far from God. I didn't understand why. I pray every day and have been trying to have a set morning time for more deep prayer and Bible reading. I may not sit down and study like I used to, but I do read scriptures and meditate on them.

In these moments, I always start to question what I'm doing. Is it this blog? Is it my priorities around the home {or lack of}? Am I reading what I'm suppose to? Am I doing what I'm suppose to? Time and time again, I realize how hard I am on myself. My personal expectations. It's like I can't make a mistake. I have lost sight of being merciful to my own person. 

I've been talking to God about this for a while because I don't want to be going astray and I want to make sure my motives are correct in everything I do. It was yesterday as I pulled into our garage that I felt something inside of me. There was a song playing and I felt this excitement come up from my soul. David and I had just come from a local produce place and thrift store. He watched from the back seat as I jumped out of the car, singing and dancing, practically in tears. It had been so long since I felt that way. Since I felt joy.

I'm not saying I'm unhappy. I absolutely adore my husband and son. Being a stay at home {wannabe work at home} mommy is one of the biggest blessings I have. Yet days go by, and I feel disconnected from everything. Not necessarily my family but from my calling. It is then I have to remind myself that part of my calling is to provide a loving home to uplift my husband and train up my son. The other part is to just love God with everything I have and obey His word. And choose joy. Yes, I must choose joy!

 {Free printable} Right click, save to your computer & print

Joy is not a feel-good feeling. It isn't a happy-go-lucky jackpot that if you put in a few quarters, you get a couple of hours of it. Joy is a choice. It is you actually telling yesterday's mistakes and today's expectations: "Listen, no matter what goes down, I am choosing to be happy. I'm blessed and nothing is going to tear me down, not even my bad attitude. The enemy wants to see me gloomy but I am choosing to be joyful!"

When I don't choose joy, I stay in a selfish state of "poor-me's." I'm the queen of my own pity-party; the princess to my wallow brigade...the beggar at the foot of my own table. I end up choosing sorrow which is what Jesus saved me from so long ago! Why do I go back and why do I want to? The thing is, it's comfortable. Being grouchy and sad is normal for us sometimes. It's sick but true.

Today, don't hide behind a frown mask. Whatever expectations you have of yourself, remember that we must put ALL expectations on God!

Psalm 62:5 says "My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him."

I can expect great things from God because He is all powerful and all knowing! I am but a sinner trying to get through this life, in a world that is not my home. Today, I am letting go of yesterday's mistakes because His mercy covers them and His grace buries them! I'm washed by His blood and redeemed for a purpose. His purpose! It's not about me and so I choose joy because when I do, others will see it. They will experience His joy and will see that He is truly great.

Hurry Spring! {Giveaway & Printable}

Seriously, what the junk. Woke up to a cold blanket of nasty white stuff, which made me feel awful. Not like I was going anywhere {SAHM's say what!} but I could have sworn my spring-spidey sense was tingling this week. Guess I was wrong.

What DID make me happy was remembering that I was going to shower you beauties with freebies, woot!! I love giving stuff away, mainly because it feels good. Not just to unload stuff, uh, I mean treasures. I also do love creating fun things, it's just sometimes I have no need for them at home. So maybe you do.

I was thinking how dull my living room has been. I will be sharing photos soon, but hopefully in a "before" setting as I am brainstorming a major revamp. The colors are so dark! Reds, browns, greens...which I love, don't get me wrong. I heart all colors, I ain't prejudice. But I've been dealing with that same color palette for about 6 years, since I was single in my own apartment! Lame, I know.

Enter this bright, fun printable I made:

Man, it just does something happy in my soul :)
I smile every time I look at it! And THAT is what my living room is missing. Colors that make me smile. Of course, I am partial to this scripture. It was one that was shown to me the spring that I was preggo with David. I was going through a lot of emotions, mostly fear. My new book was about to be published and I guess I was super nervous about the entire thing. Excited yet nervous. Oh yeah, and being a new mommy was freaking me out a little. Excited yet freaked.

I was at a conference and this verse was the theme. It couldn't have been more perfect! That year I had two births: one spiritual and one physical. And on the same month, April! Monday I received my first shipment of freshly published books and literally that Friday, David came. It was a great year.

Needless to say, spring is super close to my heart. I'm reminded of all of the joy and the promises God fulfilled in my life.
I hope this printable will bring you some smiles too :)
{The print is 8x10 inches. Right click and save to your computer}

As I'm gearing for this new season, I wanted to be more creative this year. I know, I'm already awesome, but you can't stop there. I want to be totally awesome! {nerd alert}

So I whipped up these little babies for one lucky winner:

I can't take credit for blowing the glass or making the porcelain BUT I did decorate it all pretty like :)
We don't drink alcohol but we do love making smoothies and slushies when the weather gets warm, and using nice glasses with straws. These spring-inspired polka dot glasses would look so cute with something sweet and yummy inside!

Oh and I LOVE green tea. So I just had to add a matching tea spoon rest, which is funny considering it doesn't even really go with the glasses...one is meant for hot and the other cold. However, you can always use the rest for any spoons...like a serving spoon when hosting or salad tongs. Either way, be super careful with washing, no abrasive materials and no dishwashing. Yes, you do have my permission to swoon and have googly eyes. Just take it easy and don't hurt yourself.

The giveaway will run until next Tuesday. It's super easy to enter and there are a few ways you can earn extra entries. Enter below using the Rafflecopter widget. Good luck, beauties. Hurry spring, we need you nowwwww...!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dear David...{Commanded to Love: Letter 5}

I've started a series of letters to my little baby boy, that hopefully one day he will get to read and (hopefully) be inspired by (if not embarrassed by)

DEAR DAVID...

This is letter will hopefully be one that you will keep around for a long time, read it over and over and then share it with your future children. I am burdened and sad. Why? Well, for one thing, this world is getting scarier and scarier, especially for young children born in a church atmosphere because honestly, this world is not liking us church folk very much.

You see, some people are not very discerning with what they say or do. Even if they are sincere in their heart and mean well, they fail to ask God for guidance, which is a HUGE no-no and that leads them to say/do things that do not glorify God the right way and it ends up hurting more than ministering. I'm not talking about people who don't know God yet...I'm talking about church people, son.

When you grown up, you will see lots of things that will be disturbing to your little heart, both inside and outside of the church. I want you to remember one thing: people will always be people, and they do not define who God is. God defines Himself in Jesus, who came to save His people and give them life...what people say/do can't change God because God cannot change!

"For I am the LORD, I change not" Malachi 3:6

Lay your expectations on Him, David! Don't look to people for fulfillment because you will be really disappointed, son. We are not meant to fill voids...if that was so, Calvary would not have happened! Instead, look to Jesus as an example of what to say/do. It's not bad to have earthy, godly people as role models but we should never put them above God...our most important role model ever!!

Be kind to people. Listen intently. Speak softly. Know that you are royalty because the King of kings has called you to be and poise yourself with dignity, honesty, and charity. People will be people but we must still forgive and we must respond correctly, the way Jesus wants us to.

Even in our home, mommy and daddy may not always be on the ball because we are human and do fail. Just know that the way you respond is what God is watching for. We each have to give an account to the Lord for the things we say/do...let the Lord be the judge, David boy, and you just do what He commanded...to love.

"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." John 15:12

Love Always,

Mom

Linking up here!

Count it All Joy {Even When You Don't Want To}

So life is looking a little sad right now.
Sad as in awful as in horrible.

Actually, I'm being super dramatic. Life is, well, life right now. Bad things happen, what can I expect? Do I think, just because I'm a child of God, bad things can't happen to me?
Don't we all think this sometimes! I don't know what Bible we are reading because every story about God's chosen people showcases them falling on hard times, whether it be before, during, or after their ministry.

Most of you know, I'm going through a financial desert. Out of respect for my husband and family, I don't like posting too much details. Another main reason is I don't want to waste my time talking about it...I'd rather pray about it!

You wanna know a fun fact? Okay maybe not that fun. I've had/have people actually get mad at me because I'm so positive during a storm! What the junk, right?
Here's how I see it: How is worrying going to change my circumstances? It's not!!
Trust me, I'm not perfect and am not a robot. That would be pretty sweet though.
My emotions boil over a lot and sometimes I foam at the mouth, and I have all my shots.
But time and time again, when I worry, I end up making my situations worse because I take the focus off of the One who is working in my life, and put it on the problem.

Worrying puts focus on the issue rather than the Healer!!

Here's how God puts it:
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." James 1:2-4

Humans are weird. We want to be rescued but a small part of us likes to suffer. We do! We become familiar in our worried thoughts, our negative attitudes and our sour mood. Then when someone has an answer or just a word of encouragement, we delight in bashing them. How dare they try and make me smile?! Psh... {ya'll know what I mean.}

But God doesn't want us to do that! He never said it will be easy but He did say He will never leave us, nor forsake us. Being positive is not being naive or blind to the problems...being positive is counting it all joy, even when we don't want to!!

I know each one of you has a trial right now. If you don't, you will soon. That's life! It's not about the problems, those are a given...it's about HOW you deal with them.

So choose. Do you want to make things worse by having a negative mindset? Or will you rather count it all joy, so that God's perfect work can take root in your heart? Me? I will count it all joy, even if people scowl at my rejoicing! Besides...it's kinda funny to see them get mad that I'm not mad...pretty ironic...

If you have a storm right now, I'd love to pray for you. Comment below xoxo

Sunday Devotion: Power of Influence

          

"As females, we have more power than we know what to do with. If we can learn to lean on Jesus and allow Him to use that influence to enrich His kingdom, just think how many hearts we can reach!

In society today, we see the negative effects of a woman’s influence. Instead of using her body for God’s glory, she has exploited it to curve men’s attention to herself. Instead of using her words for pleasant admirations, she speaks foul language and uses conniving attitudes to fulfill material desires. This is not how the King wants His daughters to act.

“To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God. For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead” (Proverbs 2:16-18).

In the Book of Proverbs, we are warned of the ways in which not to act. What is more, gentlemen are expected not to give in to such women. Not just to avoid giving in physically, but also emotionally. God cares about men’s emotional states just as much a woman’s. The Scripture is clear that young men must also work on guarding their hearts as well. Yes, ladies, men do have hearts!

“My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: that thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge. For the lips of a strange woman drop as a honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: but her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell. Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them. Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house” (Proverbs 5:1-8).

Gentlemen, you are not exempt. You have a different kind of power of influence. While a woman more than likely uses her influence to manipulate others to do what she wants, you on the other hand are more bold and strong. The most attractive part of the power of influence for you is that first word, “power.”

A perfect example is Jacob using his power of influence to gain the birthright from his twin and older brother, Esau. Esau was only older by like two seconds, but here’s the deal: first-born sons in those days were supposed to get a special blessing from their father. This could include giving them all of the father’s possessions and livestock. It could mean land and also money. Basically, it was a very honorable blessing, one that Jacob managed to buy with one sorry bowl of soup.

Jacob was always jealous of his brother. Even as they were in the womb, they fought and their mother Rebekah was confused:

“And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to inquire of the LORD. And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau’s heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them” (Genesis 25:22-26).

 

There came a point when they grew up and Jacob was preparing some stew or soup. Esau, a cunning hunter, came from the field and was faint. So, naturally, he asked his younger brother for some of the food:

“And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: and Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint” (Genesis 25:29-30).

Jacob seized the opportunity to use his power of influence on his brother!

“And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?

And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.

Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright” (Genesis 25:31-34).

This “power of influence” is a powerful tool, and if the heart has wrong intentions, it can cause some deadly damage. With actions and words, a message is sent to the other person. Verbally and nonverbally, we are given power to influence our world. 

How will you use it?"

- Excerpt from Chapter 8  of my new book "The Palace Keepers: Protecting the Purity of the Heart", available here for Kindle/iPad/Tablet users or here in paperback