faith

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Against the Grain

For am I now seeking the approval of man or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 I hate being misunderstood. It’s one of the most frustrating things for me – I’m saying something, doing something and people (even people who are supposed to know me) interpret it another way. Put their own spin on it. Tell me I’m not…

A Child is Born

All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” Revelation 7:11-12 Perfect love. Rock of salvation. His body and blood Heaven’s bridge. I need not fear. Behold and be loved. Inequity removed. Robes for rags. Come, let us adore Him. He…

Speak Life

There, I said it. Air silenced by the slicing sting of words. Backed up words I wanted to say but hadn’t. Angry words spoken from a place of hurt. Words that wound. In response to scripture that says I am accountable for every idle word, I joke, “I am going to be before the Lord a lonnnng time.” My tongue can be a sharp sword and it’s by far my greatest sin struggle. I make light of it when what…

Love Endures

Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. John 16:22 O Lord my God, I cry to you for help. The night stretches long but morning will come. Your promise preserves my life. You are my portion, my salvation and grace. You delight in Your people and remember sin no more. Deliver and rescue. Stronghold. Shield and refuge. I trust Your Holy Name. Your…

Kingdom Keys

Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” Luke 17:20-21 The kingdom of Heaven has come near – it’s here. A portable palace contained in a King. A kingdom not of this world. Holy Spirit, Holy ground. Righteousness, peace…

Consuming Fire

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.  Hebrews 12:28-29 Jesus, Mediator, Redeemer, Savior, King. Righteous made perfect through blood. Grace and gratitude. Once aliens, now heirs. Far away, brought near. He is my peace. Barrier destroyed. Veil torn. Wall of hostility demolished. Jesus’ body reconciled me and you and them through the cross. Made a way where…

Love Lingers

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her.” Luke 10:41 Who doesn’t love a party? It was an important day – this man of God, the one everyone talked about was coming to their house. Important religious leaders and community people were expected as well. Many people and much preparation. The…

Perfect Peace

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 Trust in the Lord the eternal Rock - the rock that never moves. He levels and makes paths straight. As I seek and trust, He fills me with His peace. Peace that passes understanding. Peace that cannot be shaken. Steadfast. Secure. I will believe and not be anxious. The Lord God is my strength and song. He is my salvation. Turn from…

All Things

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 This was my go-to verse, the one I repeated over and over when my son was small. Repeated through the not knowing. Repeated through doctor appointments, therapies and surgeries. Repeated through medical bills and not enough. Repeated through diagnosis. “I can do all things.” A twenty year old new mom and a medically fragile baby. He came home on a heart monitor with his first surgery scheduled. Doctors…

My Shield

But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. Psalm 3:3 I call out to the Lord and He answers me from His Holy mountain. If God is for me, who can be against me? I am pressed but not crushed. Persecuted but not abandoned. Struck down but not destroyed. Clothed with power from on high. God’s child. Christ’s friend. United with the Lord. Salt and light. Free from condemnation. Citizen of…