Honor where honor is due

I’d like to take a moment this week to honor someone: Pastor Kevin Suiter, and his wife, Cindy. Kevin was the Associate and Outreach Pastor for my most recent church home, he served there longer than I’ve been alive. Real quick – don’t worry – he’s still with us. But, him & his wife retired this past week to start the next chapter of their lives. Freeing up their schedules for time to see their grown children and their grandchildren. Also, to enable them to have a more mobile ministry, and in turn, enjoy one of their big joys in life – travelling. I’m wishing them all the best of luck, and much love from all of us as they start this new exciting time!

But, I also wanted to take a minute to shout out here, because Pastor Kevin, is one of my readers!! And has had an encouraging word from the beginning. I mean, it was a pretty big deal to me, to have a pastor tell me how much he loved my blog and how excited he was for me. And, that he didn’t just read it once! He continued to check in, and take a moment on Sundays to tell me how he had enjoyed it this week, and what a good job I was doing. ❤ What a blessing! I attend a bigger church, and here I reached out to the entire Pastoral team, by giving them all little slips of paper with my blog address just written down (before I thought of making business cards :P) And, all of them took the time to read it. I couldn’t believe it! And, they all had encouraging words, and have continued to encourage me. Words cannot express how grateful I have been for this. But – back to my Pastor Kevin shout-out! He has been such a light for us – all of us – our church, my son, and myself. And, to hear all the incredible, moving testimonies that were shared during the “Retirement Party”. Not a dry eye in the house. He’s a part of the jail outreach, men’s retreats, Pastor Conferences, tent revivals, plus all his sermons are available on Google Podcasts (and they DO NOT DISAPPOINT!!) And yet, every time, he talks to everyone or anyone, you feel like you’re the only person in the world. He’s just such an incredible Pastor, and he’s touched SO MANY lives, including mine and my son’s – in such an incredible and lasting way. The world is a better place because of him, and I thank God for him. And, even he’ll tell you, he couldn’t have done it – without Miss America (that’s his nickname for his wife – Cindy). Cindy Suiter, who started and ran our Children’s Program, was the church Secretary, and always shared an anointed word. She was one of those behind-the-scenes people, who kept the ship in shape so that we can all rest easy knowing she’s on the case. Her organization, drive, patience, and understanding could not be matched, and our church wouldn’t be where it is today without her. Thank GOD for both of you! I’m so blessed to know you and to have you in my life, and I wish you both the best of everything! ❤

And Change

And, of course, with these big, great moments in life, we’re reminded of change. Everything changes. It’s inevitable. And, although, it’s hard to accept change, it’s all for the glory of God, he uses all of it.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (NIV)

God tells us, everything changes, seasons come and go, and you just have to be ready for them, or adapt as needed. Just as in, “saying good-bye” to our Pastor and his wife, we make room for a new pastor and his wife. We prepared for the changes, as we should, just like Jesus did. Jesus prepped the apostles for his leaving (whether they were understanding it or not ;)) Jesus got us ready for him not being around, and gave us instructions for what to do until we either we go to him, or he comes to us. You know, “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth” – BIBLE. And, everything you need to know, is in there. For every situation, for every relationship, for everything – you’ve got the instructions – right at your fingertips. You just have to get it from in there, to your head, to your heart.

Psalms 119:11 “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (NIV)

You also need to know the word, so that in moments of crisis, you know what the Lord has already told you to do. Knowing the words of God, are what will help you be ready for changes, when you expect them and when you don’t.

Dig Deeper

I was listening to a pastor’s podcast a while ago, and he was sharing about a change that had happened in his life. He had lost his mentor – who had gone to be with Lord. And, in the throws of grief, he was angry with God, for taking the pastor too soon. He wasn’t ready to be on his own yet. He still needed his mentor. And, he was telling God about all the stuff that he still needed his mentor for, and God, in his still small voice, said, “I’ve given you everything you need.” And, the pastor knew, that he had. And, in that moment, he let go and let God. And, accepted that he was ready, as ready as he was ever going to get, and it was time to start a new season.

Because, if you ask us, we’re never ready are we? We don’t ever feel ready to do anything. Not really. I mean, there might be times, where we think we are, but in that last moment, before we step out-there’s just the slightest hesitation, isn’t there? But, in truth, there are some things you just can’t prepare for, not until you’re in it. You can’t always know every little thing that’s going to happen. – That’s God’s job. That’s why we can rest assured, when we’re on team God. Because, he’s got it. So, whether we rail against the change, or easily step into it, the change is happening, whether we like it or not. And, letting go and letting God, is really, how we as Christians, need to learn to handle life. We need to learn to be more reliant on God and understanding of the fact that we don’t understand. I was at a women’s conference a few months ago, and I heard the speaker, Beth Taylor say so incredibly profound: “You receive the peace that surpasses all understanding, when you give up the right to understand.” And, it’s so true. Stop trying to understand what God is doing, or why. Just accept it. That’s the only way we can make it through some of these life changes. We don’t have the big picture. We don’t have the playbook. But, we’re on the team that does. Team God. Trust him. Trust him like you trust a coach, a mentor, a pastor, your parents, your best friend, because he’s all of those things, and more! Let me share some inspirational quotes that help me get through life here (None of these are mine, I’ve picked them all up over the years):

Worry is a conversation you have with yourself about things you cannot change, Prayer is a conversation you have with God about things he can change.

If the world gets you down, drop to your knees and take it to God in prayer.

Do your best, pray that it’s blessed, and He will take care of the rest.

When you have your Bible, and you don’t feel like it’s working, Double the DOSE!

Everything you want is on the other side of Fear (False Evidence Appearing Real – FEAR)

In the darkest times of your life, your praise to God should be the loudest. Let the enemy know you’re not afraid of the dark.

You have obtained the EXACT SAME FAITH AS THE APOSTLES

God performs “stress tests” sometimes to know your heart – just like the doctor

God does give you more than you can stand, otherwise, why would you ever need to call on Him? We were never meant to do this alone.

In your emptiness, it’s your heart that matters.

The SAME GOD that rose Christ from the DEAD, LIVES INSIDE YOU!! (Ephesians 1:15-21)

I hope those help. They’ve all had their time on my warboard. Some of them, have a permanent residence. But, they’re all things that I remind myself of, in times of trouble, times of change, times of stress. We have to remember that we’re on team God. That we serve the Almighty, the God of Abraham, the God who rose Christ from the dead, the God who sacrificed his son for us, the God who saves you from you.

I believe in the upcoming weeks, I’m going to share some major life events, some have resolved, some have not, but I’ve let them all go to God. I’ve accepted that I have no idea what’s going to come of them, but I’m resting assured that God’s got it all figured out. He knows exactly how this is all going to play out, and I’ve just got to trust Him. I hope they encourage you. I hope this all helps you grow and understand your faith and our God, that it helps bring it from your head to your heart. Because, that’s what we all need, and God’s ready to give it to us.

Let’s Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, I’m praying for this person right now. Whether they’re going through changes right now or not, that they know you. That they draw closer to you. That they get it from their head to their heart that you’ve got this, and that you understand it all. That some of it’s you, and some of it’s the world, but it will all be for your glory in the end if we let it. I pray, that this person draw deep in your well of living water, of overflow. That they truly understand that You are the Great Big God that has all the supernatural, amazing power we could ever want or need. That you are the SAME GOD that rose Christ from the dead. SAME GOD. Oh Father. That you may stir within them, draw closer to them, comfort them and hold them in your mighty hands, deep down in the depths of their soul. That you may give them the supernatural PEACE that we all need in our lives. The peace to trust you, to know you, to love you, to let you have it all. The peace of the Messiah, the peace of our Faith in you Lord. That you may know everything this person needs just like you know the hairs on their head, and you knew them in their mother’s womb before they came to us. That they may accept this all, and trust in you Father. The GREAT I AM! IN JESUS NAME, AMEN!!! ❤

God bless you and keep you all this week.

Take it to the Lord in Prayer

It’s really been on my heart this week to share with you the importance of prayer. I’m not talking about the little “Lord’s Prayer” or the little half thoughts we shoot off, “Father please help me” whatever. I’m talking about a prayer where you talk to God. I heard a sermon this past week, where a pastor had done a survey of his mega-church, and less than 5% of those people prayed for 5 minutes a week, let alone a day. I was devastated. Surely, people must not understand the importance of prayer. Or, like in my previous post, we need to change the way we think about it. So, let’s take a moment to discuss.

In all the gospels, as the apostles are following Jesus, listening to him, watching him heal, watching him feed the thousands, turn water into wine, raising people from the dead….When they have a chance to ask Jesus what they want to learn, they say, “Lord, teach us to pray.” (Luke 11:1) Why? Because they could tell, of all the incredible stuff that Jesus could do, his praying is what was special. Truly special. And, let’s think about it for a moment. Our ability to pray, wherever and whenever we want is truly special. Before Jesus came, we needed to make sacrifices before an alter, and a priest had to pray for us, or we needed to be cleansed before prayer. It was this whole big thing. Obviously, we’ve been struggling with prayer for a long time. But, Jesus came, and then showed us, that we just needed to talk to God. Now, he does in turn, give us the Lord’s prayer as a “pattern” to pray. Which, I could go into here, but you could just search patterns for prayer, like ACTS or PRAY. There’s lots of helpful information out there for these, but I’m going after something different today. We need to pray because God needs to hear us, and it’s our opportunity to hear God.

Let’s Think

When you have a friend, you make time for coffee or phone calls. You have time to discuss details of your life, and get advice and give advice. Use this same concept to talk to God. Prayer is time for you and God. Get alone. And just start talking to him. Talk to him about whatever. It’s not a one-sided conversation either. Once you really start talking to God, you’ll start seeing his answers. That’s also why I started my Prayer box. So, I could start recording his answers to my prayers. I’ve only been doing it for a couple years, and I already have close to 100 answered prayers… And, those are just the ones I remember to write down. Now, I want to take a minute to give you this word of caution. When you start praying, Satan will attack. It’s inevitable. There is nothing he hates more, than someone who is doing the most powerful thing we can do as Christians, PRAY. But, let me share this with you to encourage you to pray anyway, and to know that you’re not alone. 1 Peter 1:3-7
³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, ⁵ who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶ In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. ⁷ These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed .  (NIV)

Double down

James 5:13 says:
¹³ Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.

So, what does that mean? Pretty self-explanatory. Are you suffering? Pray about it. Happy? Thank God for it. Pray all the time. Always praying. Take the time to pray. Don’t know what to pray about? Get alone with God, and pray scripture over your life. Here are some of my favorites:

Isaiah 61:1-4 – very powerful scripture about being restored and anointed and coming out of the ashes

Deuteronomy 28:8 Pray for blessings over your storehouses (financials)

2 Corinthians 5:20 Purpose – being an ambassador for Christ

Matthew 5:16 Being a light for the Lord

Colossians 3:12-15 Everything it means to be a Christian

Open your Bible and speak his words to him. Call out to him from the heart. If you don’t practice talking to God on a regular basis, you won’t think to talk to him when you need it. God wants to talk to you, but you have to start the conversation. He’s a gentlemen. If you don’t have his words remain in your heart, where are they going to be when you need them the most? You can’t rely on his promises if you don’t know what they are. You do not receive because you do not ask. (James 4:2) You have to get down on your knees and ask God. Ask him to come into your heart, your life, ask him to show you which path to take, where to meet him, what to put down, what to pick up. What’s life all about? What’s your purpose? Ask him! He’ll tell you! He’ll show you the way. He’ll give you the strength, the wisdom, the understanding, the fervor, the Spirit. He’ll give you the words you need to ask, and the answers you’re seeking. He’s right there!

I’d like to take a moment to pray for you:

Dear Heavenly Father, I’m bringing this person to you right now. That they may know you better. That they may take time this week to have words with you. That they may open up the inner-workings of their heart to you and let you into their life. That they may be so moved by your Spirit this week, and see you at work in their lives. That they may cry out to you Father in all your glory and your goodness. I pray that they feel you in their Spirit and in their lives. That they may feel your love. That you may guide their steps and guard their hearts. I pray that you pour out your blessings upon them, and show them that they are the head and not the tail. I pray that you soften their hearts Father. Give them a heart of flesh, for you Father. That they may be a light to those around them. That you renew their strength, and forgive them of any and all sins, as you’ve forgiven me Father. That they feel your healing touch in their lives, whether it’s in their bones or in their relationships. You are the great healer. That you reach into them and bless their soul. That they feel this great connection to you, that they may have never felt before, or that they just need to feel right now. That they know that you have them Father. You’ve got it all in your hands, and that we can all rest assured in you. That we can be washed over in your great peace and understanding that surpasses all understanding. That you’ve got great plans for our lives and that our prayers will be answered in all your goodness. I pray that you protect them, heal them, give them peace, give them joy, bless them in their walk, and keep them close to you. That they remain in you, and you in them as they go about their week. That you keep them in all that they do. IN JESUS NAME. AMEN!

Changing How we think

After last week’s entry, I realized I can sit here all day and tell you to “Make time” for God, and you’ve probably heard it from the Pastor too. And easier said than done right? I mean, obviously, it took my falling and “breaking” my back to learn that lesson, c’mon. But, really, although physically I broke my back. In my head, and in my heart, all of those circumstances changed the way I think. But, rest assured! It will not take the same catastrophic event to change the way you think. Let me share a story about how changing the way I think about something has made all the difference.

Cooking

Let me be incredibly honest for a second. I hated cooking. Like, hated it! Loathed it. Dreaded every minute of it. I was totally with a Martha attitude in the kitchen, didn’t matter if it was just for my kid or Jesus, I wanted to be out where the action was, not slaving away in a kitchen. I was alone, I could hear everyone out there having fun, watching tv, whatever, and here I’m cooking….ugh!! And, to me, food was just sustenance. It was energy to go. I grew up on many out-of-a-box dinners and tv dinners. Like, who cares?! Just feed me so I can get back to “life-ing”. But, literally, one day, everything changed. Because I changed the way I thought about cooking. Here I am, one night, scrolling through the wonderful world of Pinterest, and a quote shook me to my core.

“Eating well is a sign of self-respect” – Shirley Dee

Um, whoa?! Well, for me, I feel like a respect myself a lot. So, then, my inner voice says, “But you don’t want to go through the work to show yourself that respect?” And, instantly, I was indignant with myself. Of course! I should go through the work to show myself respect! And, from that day forward, I have actively pursued cooking. I have tried to figure out how to make it fun. Make it challenging. I love to try new foods. We try new recipes at least once a week. You know another thing I found out? My kid loves cooking. He has always seen it as one big science experiment. Always asking to help, how this ingredient is going to change things, can he stir. Look at God using that! It’s amazing! I want to say that I love it now, but we’re still working on it. I no longer dread it, and I do get really excited when it’s something new, and for the most part my recipes work out…. 😉 But, the point is, nothing changed until I changed the way I thought about it.

Taking our thoughts captive

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

I had to captivate my thoughts. I had to actively do something on my end to force the negative thoughts about cooking that would discourage me. Every time one of those thoughts started creeping in, “what are you missing out there?” “it’s so lonely in here” “nobody cares about this food any way” I had to physically stop them at the door. “NOPE!!!” I care, I’m not missing anything – I’m right where I’m supposed to be. And, many times in order to fight the “lonely” attitude, I listen to Christian music or podcasts, and actually turn it into a time of worship and service to the Lord. <– Look at God use that ❤

So, what’s keeping you from spending more time with God? What needs to change in your thinking? I mean, this man died for you. Let’s just consider that for a moment. He died for you. Own that. Don’t try to say, “well, he died for everybody.” You’re everybody! In his final moments, your name popped into his head. He thought about you specifically! And, took relief in the fact that you would now be saved because he was doing this for you. Sometimes that thought just catches me. Shakes me to my core. Any time I start to get nervous about talking about him, or not sharing a word in time with someone, or anything like that, I’ve used that thought to make me take the step. He died for me. Now, I don’t feel like it needs to be a shaming thing, but it’s truth, and I use it as an encouragement, like, “don’t be afraid, he died for you, you can do this.”

You need to take the time to figure out what’s getting between you and your God time. Is it time? Is it because you don’t want to drag out your Bible? Is it because you’re just not sure where to connect? Well, let’s change the way we think!

Time:

You have time to watch TV, be on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram.

Replace screen time with God time.

Or you can wake up earlier, or stay up a little later. (Proverbs 31:15)

Where to connect?:

Don’t want to get your bible out? Download one to your phone or tablet! Youversion has a great one! (Like every version under the sun available)https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/

Podcasts (available in the app stores, I use Google’s podcasts)

Bible journaling

Youtube devotionals

Facebook pages

Instagram accounts

Pinterest (mommyhale07)

You name it, God’s there!

Do your own thing! Make art to the glory of God! Write poetry for him! Start a prayer journal! Listen to devotionals while you cook, drive, go grocery shopping! God will meet you wherever you want! He’s like a best friend that always has time and will be anywhere you could ever want or need.

I hope this has inspired. I hope it has helped. I hope it shaken the wheels loose in your mind to start thinking about where you want to meet God. He walks with you, never leaves you. He’s not at a building waiting – he’s the living God that is everywhere for everyone. God bless you this week, may you grow in your relationship with the Lord. He’s waiting for you.

So, as I prepared for the week’s post, I realized in my excitement to share my blog, I’ve gotten the word out and told all these people, and now – What? All of the sudden there was this pressure. Ok – here’s your audience – what have you got to say this week? And although I have many stories to share of how #Godshowedup in my life – somehow none of these seemed like what the Lord wanted to say this week. I saw this last sentence with a little trepedation, since I don’t know some of my readers as well, and don’t want to lose you before we get started. – But all along this journey, particularly this blog, I’ve been trying to be in-tune to what the Spirit is “saying” to me. Not in the sense of audibly “hearing” a voice, but in the deep stirring. A part of me-that is not me. A sense that doesn’t feel like my own. Like, I want to tell you all about my Christmas miracle(s), or about one of my family’s major trials in 2017, but as I prepared this week, none of these or any of the other laundry list of things I have to say seemed “right”. So, I started praying about it. If not those, then what? I’m listening to podcasts, I’m at my Ladies’ Bible Study, I’m reading through the Bible every morning, and nothing – ok, no pressure. You haven’t been self-promoting and reassuring everyone that there will be weekly posts *rolls eyes.* By the way, please sign up to be a “follower” – you’ll get 1 email each week with a notification of a new posts.

And then, this Wednesday, at service – we listened to a talented congregation member share on obedience. Specifically, the story of Simon Peter letting Jesus use his boat. Good stuff. Amen. I went up after the service and shared my blog address with him – since, after all, my blog is based on obedience and listening to the Holy Spirit. So, I was a little tempted to share some of his message – but it still didn’t seem like “it.” So, I’m thinking about it, time is getting closer, Saturday morning is less than 12 hours away, and as I get ready to take my son to his piano lesson, I decide to start a new book to read off my shelf. And, I pick Twelve Ordinary Men by John MacArthur. *Disclaimer – never read a book by this author, and I’m now only a few pages in, this is not a recommendation here, yet.* And, as I’m reading the Introduction- which I NEVER do – Here is the story of Simon Peter and Jesus and the boat. And the Holy Spirit goes, “THIS!!!” Not this book, but the story, the concept, all of this, how we got here and what this means. And peace and understanding washed over me. This is tomorrow’s post. Dig deeper. Unpack it. So, I pray that while I’m talking to “everyone”, the Holy Spirit is talking to you. Because, I believe that the Holy Spirit is using my gift of gab as a “mouthpiece”. Every time I get ready to write like this, I pray that it’s what the Holy Spirit is trying to say to someone *because 1- I had no aspirations to ever be a writer 2- I don’t feel like I know what I’m doing. But here we are. And thank you to everyone who has been an encourager so far ❤ . Lately, the Holy Spirit has had a lot to say, so much so that it is consuming, I’m constantly compelled to sit down and write new things- I have a whole laundry list of things to tell you guys, but I’m trying to pace myself and you. I don’t want to be this overwhelming notification in your inbox and burn all of us out – but I did feel the need to tell you all that. So – here we go. Obedience. The story of Simon, Jesus, and the boat, and You.

Fishers of Men. Luke 5:10 says, “… Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid. From now on you will be a fisher of men.” Luke 5:1-11 is the complete story – if you would like to read those 11 verses real quick. Here, Simon has toiled all night, trying to feel his family and the village – No pressure – and they have come up empty-handed. So they’re washing and mending their nets for the next evening. They’ve docked their boats. They’re done. They’re frustrated. You’re tired, and all you want to do is go home, and call it a day. AND they have to end their day by telling everyone else that their day is going to be rough because there are no fish to eat. I’m not jealous, at least when I have a bad day, I don’t have to tell a whole mess of people that I let them down. So, they’ve toiled all night for nothing. They’re packing up and packing in. And here comes Jesus (#Godshowedup ;)) Now, Jesus is trying to get a little relief from the throngs of people who are following him, and “pressing against him”. He’s been healing, teaching, and preaching for days, like non-stop. Old School celebrity with a paparazzi. And he’s by the lake, and he’s sees these 2 boats at the shore, and he decides to see about getting on a boat to create some space between himself and the masses. He picks Simon’s boat, and Simon agrees Jesus can use the boat. Even though this means more work for Simon – since he will have to re-“dock” it when Jesus is done. Then, Jesus again, asks for a push. Simon again complies. (Please remember – he’s exhausted and has had a terrible day.) And, I’d like to note here, Jesus gave a sermon here, and that’s not what’s written down, or even noted what it was about, because apparently it was not as important as what was happening right now. The story of Simon. One of my notes from Wednesday – in your emptiness, it’s your heart that matters. Simon’s heart’s in the right spot. He’s exhausted, but serving Jesus. So, Jesus gets done teaching, and tell Simon to do one more thing. Take your nets and boats back out – into the deep and cast them back in…. Excuse me?!? He literally just worked all night, he just got done mending them, and washing them. And Jesus is like, By the way, do it again. And Simon does, but he notes, “We have worked hard all night.” – but, if you say so. So, I can just imagine here, this group of men, rolling their eyes, dragging their feet, and slowly going back to their boats…. deep sigh. And, #GODSHOWEDUP!!! FISH! So many fish! Fish to overflowing! I can just imagine that every single fish in the lake jumping in their nets. They were so full, their boats started sinking. Because we have a God of overabundance! A God of more than enough!!

And then, what, verse 8 – Simon says – “Away from me, for I am a sinful man.” Simon says the same thing we all do when God calls us. Not me, Lord, you must’ve meant someone else. I’m not worthy. Yep, you’re right, you’re the first mistake God has ever made. He totally meant the guy next to you. I mean, you would know better than God, that you’re not worthy….. Wrong! He doesn’t make mistakes. He’s calling you. He’s calling all of us. To be closer to Him, to follow Him, to do whatever it is he’s asking you to do. Please believe, I’m with you. I’m not worthy. I’m a sinner. In almost every sense of that word. I’m not proud of it. But, I’ve repented. And God has washed away my sin, as far as the East from the West. Completely. Wholly. It’s gone. And, I’m a new creation in Christ. And I am. I wouldn’t even recognize the old me – and neither does God. What matters is now. What matters is what I’m doing now. From here to the rest of my life. The past is gone, and if you repent, and you try to do better, try to follow God, try to be obedient – that’s what matters. Your heart. You’re trying. Because, how did Jesus respond? “Oh, you’re a sinner. My bad. Nevermind. I’ll get someone else….”? Nope. He says, “Don’t be afraid. From now on, you will fish for people.” Don’t worry, Simon, I will show you the way. And then, Simon became one of Jesus’s favorites. The same Simon who became Simon Peter – who was one of the original 12. Who wrote 1 & 2 Peter. Same guy. If he did it for him, he will do it for you. For me. For anyone and everyone. He did it for Paul, who was a murderer. Who wrote a decent amount of the New Testament. He washes us white as snow – not muddy snow – not kinda clean. Totally, completely – without blemish. Like it never happened. How empowering. How encouraging. How great is our God?! And what does he ask in return? To try. To be obedient. To follow him. To try to have a relationship. Because he’s already done his part. He died for our sins. He established a way. We just have to step in, show up, be available, listen, read, engage. He’ll be there. Waiting. And it will be incredible! ❤

I hope this encourages you. I hope it speaks to you. I hope it helps you understand – that God is waiting for you. He wants to show up. He wants to show up in such incredible and moving ways that you won’t be able to keep it to yourself. You will become a fisher of men. You will want to share the Kingdom. No man left behind. He wants you, and me, and her, and her, and him, and EVERYBODY! He’s waiting for you to step up, step in, walk in Faith, with Faith, by Faith. All of it!! He’s here. Waiting for you.