My God My Everything

     For with God, nothing is impossible.  Luke 1:37 Mt. Everest, Kilimanjaro and the Grand Tetons are just a few famous mountains that fill you with awe and wonder at God’s creation especially when you consider that He spoke them into existence.  Every stony peak, winding trail and rugged ridge were designed with intention. The thought of commanding them to move is a bit overwhelming, but also empowering when you believe that in Christ, you have power to move the mountains that exist in your own life. Mountains of doubt, fear and worry can often reach higher elevations than those made of dirt, stone and trees. They loom large when they…

 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee.  As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance  and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.  He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?  Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”  Then he…

 For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:6-7 At a recent prayer group, a participant mentioned that many believers do not understand, let alone access, the immense power of God that is within them to use for His purposes. I realized that this year’s journal, Christ in Me, is full of instruction on that very topic and sadly, I will admit that I do not access or use the power of God within me as…

Lord, give me the Strength to Stand

Remember who you are, what you stand for and who you represent. Everyday there are choices to be made that will either take you to a place of worry and despair or that will ground you in confidence as you rest in the promises of God.   Having strength to stand comes from knowing and believing in your identity in Christ.  You are His.  His precious daughter whom He redeemed because of His immense love for you.  Created with purpose and chosen to represent Him to the world. Knowing who you are in Christ unleashes the power of God within you to stand firm in the face of adversity with the…

And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5  Endurance is the ability to hang on when it would be easier to let go.  It’s what helps you get through the trials of life without compromise or wavering and it’s what helps you finish well the race marked out before you. Your race, your unique plan and purpose designed by God, will take you through mountain…

Lord, help me to Resist Sin & Temptation

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”  Matthew 4:4 Temptations surround you whether they are external like extra servings of your favorite food, bargains on the sales rack, physical pleasures and spending too much time on social media. Or they may be internal such as worry, greed, envy, fear or vengeful and negative thoughts.  At times they seem relentless which only makes them harder to resist.   Some are fueled by the enemy who roams around looking for ways to devour and deceive you, while others come from your own evil desires.  Your desire to…