A Heart of Honesty

 We are now in the final week of September & I honestly have no idea where the time is going.

While the month of August was a little quiet on the blog, I had it on my heart to make September all about writing on the word "purpose"

September ended up traveling in a completely different direction, but Colossians 3:23-24 has never left me, so I thought today would be the perfect time to share a thought on it. 

Everyone knows that Molly's Zone reached the 10 year milestone on September 1st and I can honestly that writing for the Lord continues to give me SO much joy. I love it & could never imagine doing anything else with the life that God gave me. 

For every ounce of tribulation, I have known even greater joy. And the Lord taught me something this year just through experiencing the healing of an age-old belief (or wound) that I had held onto since childhood. 

I never write about it a lot but I know that others with disabilities may have dealt or may be dealing with this in their lives. 

For me, I think that having cerebral palsy is what made me become an overachiever in all that I accomplished or attempted to accomplish. You never feel as though your good enough or that you do enough. That's tough for any kid. 

Even as my journey of writing for the Lord began as an adult, I still battled with this very same attitude. It would leave me frustrated and discouraged. There are times that I truly felt like giving it up and throwing in the towel. 

I gave into that thought process until I figured out that it was Satan who was trying his best to steal every ounce of my joy. 

I'll be honest and write that my energy level has diminished quite a bit throughout the last ten years. I've learned that nothing ever stays the same. 

And it upsets me to watch my body change so much. Adding in PCOS brings forth another set of challenges. (The level of fatigue is unreal) 

But I don't quit. And I refuse to give up my joy. 

I came across something on Facebook one time that read: "don't worry about having the right words, worry about having the right heart." It was so specific to my own heart that I have never forgotten it & it was the reminder I needed. (I love when God gives what we need right when we need it) 

Remember that what you do for the Lord isn't about what you do, how much you do, or how perfectly you do it. All He cares about is the heart you do it with, the amount of honesty and willingness within it.

Be so very careful about not letting what you do for the Lord become more about pleasing others and less about pleasing Him. 

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24)

"For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10)

A Simple Thought on Salvation

 This little thought was placed on my heart last week & I just couldn't go without sharing it. 🩷(even though it would be perfect for a Tuesday morning) 

I have somehow turned into the thirty-something adult who loves finding reduced goodies while shopping at Kroger. (If you are able to snag one of their grilled chicken caesar salads for half price...those are so good! 😍) 

But it's fun. I think of it as like finding hidden treasure. Mom & I have found so many new things we enjoy from doing that. There's plenty of joy to be found in finding a good bargain. (Sometimes you find quite a bit...other times you won't)

And while Romans 6:23 is such a simple verse that probably most everyone can recite....the Lord gave me this thought to place with it tonight: 

The world may offer bargains that come and go, but the gift of eternal life through trusting in Jesus will forever be the greatest one of all. That gift of salvation is a treasure that is freely offered & available to anyone and everyone who will accept it.

 And the best part of all....it lasts forever. 🩷

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23)

The Great Commission: The Importance of Sharing Truth In The Midst of Deception

I couldn't ignore this thought that continues to swirl within my headspace. We are all living through a time of immense darkness & deception. 

Not only is it heartwrenching but also incredibly disturbing and quite unbelievable at this point. 

The world needs the Gospel now more than ever & today I felt led to elaborate on why sharing the truth of His precious word is SO important in our society. 

The Great Commission is the absolute command that the Lord gives us upon receiving Him as Lord & Savior.

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15)

We are called to simply go and share the Good News of the Gospel and to plant seeds wherever we may be. So many souls live without Christ and absolutely every heart needs Him. 

Never underestimate the power of planting the seed. Go and tell someone about Jesus today. 

As I was placing this particular point together, my mind immediately settled on how incredibly blinded our society is to truth; the youth of today have been conditioned to believe in movements or ideals without having the ability to explain exactly why they are following it or believing in it. 

Science tells us that from eighteen to twenty two, the brain continues to develop (up until age 25) and young minds are incredibly impressionable. 

Their hearts continuously search for something to believe in and a place to belong. 

As I have previously noted, it is crucial to share the Gospel because if the seed isn't at least planted, that good news would remain hidden to those that are lost and without Christ. 

We are called to shine His light upon a world that is shrouded in darkness. 

"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

There are those who won't like you and will absolutely hate you simply because you are choosing to share the Gospel. 

And that's okay. 

The world hates the truth, but it so desperately needs it. 

"If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you." (John 15:18)

No matter the opposition, no matter what people throw at you..

Live with an unashamed faith. 

Be unafraid to share it with others. 

Be bold. Be courageous. 

Because, you never know what Christ will do through a heart that is willing. 

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16)

Throwback Tuesday: The Price of Sin Will Never Be Worth It

 There doesn't seem to be anything in this world that isn't crazy expensive. 

The shortages that have come upon us through the past three years have just begun to escalate; it is becoming harder to have our basic needs met. The quality of everything that we've known and loved just isn't the same anymore. 

And what you're being sold is never worth the hefty price you pay.

This thought has hung around in my head for some time. I read and observe a lot. I can't help but take notice of this gradual acceptance of evil. Society is being continuously groomed to make light of something that is no joke. 

Hollywood paints the picture of Hell as a place that is one big party where everyone will be able to freely continue their life of sin.

The presence of evil here on Earth is welcomed, encouraged, and accepted. The Bible vehemently warns against doing so. 

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (Isaiah 5:20 KJV)

Hell is a truly awful place. Many people don't realize that eternity spent there is total separation from God and everything that He provides.

Therefore, not an ounce of rest will be found there.

No air will be found in Hell, because God is the breath of life. 

There will be no light, because Hell is a place of eternal darkness. 

Hell is a place filled with inescapable flames of torment.. there will be no source of the comfort or love that only He can give.

That's quite the hefty price tag. 

 

The penalty of sin is never worth the price you pay. Christ died for YOU and paid the debt of that sin. He gave His life because He loves YOU. 

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." (Romans 5:8-9 KJV)

It is often said that the best things in life are free. The gift of salvation doesn't come with a cost. The freedom and the peace found through trusting in Jesus remains incomparable to anything this world could offer.

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23 KJV)

The improvement in quality of life will always be worth it. 

You don't have to face an eternity in Hell, but you will by continually choosing to reject Christ. One day, it will be too late to change your mind. Tomorrow is never promised.

"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." (James 4:14 KJV)

Eternity with Jesus will always be worth it. He loves YOU. He is seeking to save YOU. Choose to seek Him while He may be found.

"Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:6-7 KJV)

Sunday Thoughts: Fighting Evil With Faith

 Every church service is such a blessing but I especially LOVE Sunday mornings. My heart still aches about what's happened in our country this week, and all I've been thinking about is how we as believers should strive to go harder in our faith & to do even more for the cause of Christ by planting as many seeds as we possibly can. 

For Jesus. For Charlie. 💔

That thought was written out first because it has had a place on my heart since Wednesday, but I also want to touch on those who may have gotten out of church recently or others who may not feel comfortable coming at all. 

I promise that not only does the Lord know your specific situation, He also knows your heart. No matter how far away you fall, you can rest assure that He will forever welcome you with arms wide open. 

And if you've never been to church, well it's just the biggest blessing. Your heart will always come away with something.

I guess my message today is that while Satan will try whatever he can to keep you from trusting in the Lord, following Him, or simply sharing the truth of His precious Word....you musn't let him have that opportunity. 

It's time to start fighting evil with hearts of faith. 

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Anything And Everything

 

Have you ever met someone so special that you felt as though you could come to them about anything and everything? 

It's wonderful to have friendships that go that deep---beyond any sort of superficiality.  

The Lord gave me such a precious thought on Thursday night that I could not go without sharing it in its entirety on the blog as we are (finally) kicking off the month of September on Molly's Zone. 

Did you know that He cares just as much about our little worries as He does the big ones. You can literally come to Him about anything and everything...(that little word pairing is the sweetest thing ever and I'm so thankful that He gave that reminder to me. I am writing it out because I know that someone else probably needs it even more than I did. 

1 Peter 5:7 immediately came to mind when placing this thought together. Notice how it specifically and lovingly mentions that we can cast ALL our cares upon the Lord: 

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

It doesn't matter if what you're experiencing doesn't seem significant enough to warrant prayer. Whatever burden you're carrying today, He knows all about it and it truly matters to Him. I think sometimes we forget that.

His help is your greatest hope.

And He deeply cares about you. 

My friend...

May you remember as you go about your day that not only can you come to Jesus about anything...

But you can surely trust Him with everything. 

"Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made Heaven and Earth." (Psalm 124:8)

Molly's Morning Thoughts: Are You Inviting Jesus In Or Shutting Him Out?

 A Word From Molly: I'm a little late on sharing a thought from yesterday morning but I couldn't go without giving it a place on the blog. I love that the Lord put this on my heart to write because it is SO true. I may turn this into a new blog segment, we shall see, but I hope this speaks to your heart as much as it did mine. Molly's Zone will celebrate its 10th birthday on Monday and I still feel so blessed to have the opportunity to write for Jesus. Molly's Zone has been a little quiet (life has been quite interesting lately) but I cannot wait to share more all throughout the month of September. 

I woke up early this morning thinking about something that the Lord placed on my heart

I LOVE podcasts & decided to try something new on Spotify the other day & listened to an episode about God's power in the midst of impossible situations and it got me wondering:

How often are we guilty of attempting to take on a situation that is too much for us to handle on our own, simply because we are too stubborn to ask for His help?

In doing so, how often do we end up shutting the Lord out of our situation instead of inviting Him in?

I know I am SO guilty.

There doesn't seem to be anyone right now that isn't going through something. ❤

I don't know what trouble you're facing this morning but I know Someone who does, and inviting Him into it will guarantee peace through whatever it may be. I think sometimes we think that acting as the tough guy who has learned through life to simply deal will be enough to carry us through.

Sometimes, peace is the only thing (and the greatest thing) to ask Jesus for, because not only is it precious, it is also priceless. And life can be very loud and overwhelming at times.

Inviting Him into your situation will also give you the strength to endure it. Life can leave your soul weary and weathered, and you will never be able to trudge forward without His all mighty power.

I'll leave you today with this final thought:

Inviting Jesus into your situation not only provides you with His peace and His power, but it also promises that He is still good no matter what the outcome of it all may be.

Whatever you may come to face this morning, don't forget to invite Jesus into it.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)

"And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

"But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." (Daniel 3:18)

For The Messy Heart

Does anyone else actually enjoy cleaning their house or is it just me?

When my mother was still working, my absolute favorite chore was laundry. (It may have taken me seven business days to put away my clothes, but I lived for washing, drying, and folding everything.)

Adulting is never easy and keeping the rooms of your house clean can be quite overwhelming---especially for those who have everything going on all at once. It does seem as if there's never enough time in the day, doesn't it?

Have you ever wanted to take on a "deep cleaning" project only to find that you are completely lost on where to start first?

Maybe you've said "oh, I'll do it another day" because you couldn't find the courage or the confidence to face it all head-on. 

As the clutter continues to build up and around you, the mess only brings about stress, anxiety, and darkening depression.

Living in the midst of a mess will never bring you joy. 

This analogy brings us right into the heart of my message today: living in a messy house will never give you joy and walking around with a messy heart won't either. 

Could there possibly be something in your heart that isn't quite right---maybe you know that your attitude isn't what it should be. Maybe you're backslidden in sin and away from the Lord. Perhaps you are burdened by heartache that currently eats away at you. 

Living in the midst of a mess will never bring you joy. 

What if I were to tell you that it would be possible to start cleaning up the rooms of your heart by doing a little bit every day? 

That way the thought of taking it on isn't so overwhelming and it's easier to maintain a healthy and peaceful environment in the long run.

Never think that Christ expects you to deal with the mess in your life all at once. Take it one day at a time and don't be shy about giving it all over to the Lord. He loves you more than you will ever know. 

Come back to Him and let Him restore the joy of your salvation. 

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit." (Psalm 51:10-12 KJV)

Things To Remember When You Feel Like Quitting On God

Having the opportunity to serve the Lord through writing faith-based short stories and devotionals will forever be my greatest joy. 

I have traveled along on the writing journey for about ten years now, yet it would be untruthful to tell you that I've never felt like quitting. 

I know I have. 

Have you ever felt that way?

Are you in a season of distraction or discouragement? 

The Lord placed this thought and those questions on my heart because I know that many others who remain faithful in serving the Lord in their own respective way are met with same opposition from Satan. 

Sometimes it's difficult for you not to feel distracted and discouraged---as if the joy that you once held in your heart is somehow nowhere to be found.

The good news is that while opposition will never go away on this side of Heaven, there are things to remember and tools that we can use to fight off those fiery darts and keep on keepin' on! (One of my all time favorite phrases)

Today, I want to walk along the practical path and share some tips that I have learned along the way as well as some passages of Scripture serve as encouragers in the midst of those "not so easy" seasons of service to the Lord. 

I have used my writing journey as an example but this applies to anyone and everyone who is doing something for Christ. 

Let's start things off by discussing Satan's tactic of distraction. Have you ever felt spurned because someone wasn't receptive when you shared the Gospel with them? 

I wrote this example out and labeled is as distraction because it IS easy for us to become consumed by one person's negative response.

Sometimes its easy to feel like it's our responsibility to save them. 

But it's not. Only Jesus can do that.

Our job is to simply plant the seed. 

"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building." (1 Corinthians 3:6-9 KJV)

Let us continue with the discussion about discouragement. This is a hugely popular tactic that Satan loves to use and one that I know most battle every single day. 

Have you ever felt like what you do for the Lord is small and unimportant? Those days happen sometimes and honestly, the best thing to keep in mind is that you may be the only exposure to Christ that someone has. You have the ability to reach someone in a way that others may not. Not everyone knows who you know. Remember that little is much when God is in it and that you are a precious and invaluable resource to them. 

"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (2 Corinthians 4:3-4 KJV)

Ultimately, Satan's mission is to destroy by stealing your joy in what you are doing for the Lord; he wants to make you feel as if you aren't doing enough or that God wouldn't want to use you anymore because you mess up all the time. (I wrote these out because I have personally dealt with these in the past) 

None of that is true, my friend. And it's important to remember that while we could never do enough to repay Christ for all that He did for us, we are given the opportunity to serve Him with a heart of abundant joy. We aren't forced to, and there shouldn't be any pressure felt because of your mistakes. We all fall short of His glory and none of us are perfect. In my eyes, that's where the true joy in serving Jesus lies, being yourself and sharing your experiences while teaching and encouraging others. 

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10 KJV)

I hope and pray that these reminders would serve as an encouragement for the heart that needs it today. Remember to keep on keepin on' for the cause of Christ! ❤️

The Love That Saves

 

"Lord, I know my love could never be enough to save them--but I know without a doubt that Yours would."

Have you ever known a lost soul that led you to pray that specific prayer? Someone who touched your heart in such a way that left you with a sense of desperation and determination. 

Maybe it's a friend or a loved one. Or an acquaintance who left a powerful first impression. Watching people in the world today can be truly heartwrenching as so many are oblivious to what waits for them in eternity as they sit comfortably in their sin. You stand by as an outsider and watch as their life trends downward, traveling down that broken and wayward path. 

Knowing that while your love could never save them, the love of Christ is their only hope. They need to know of and experience the power of His mercy and grace; the freedom found in the forgiveness of sin.  

I've had this thought on my heart for some time and I kept thinking about Christ and all of the rejection that He experienced (and still does)

He loves every sinner, no matter what they have done or who they are.....yet there are so many in the world who choose to repeatedly reject Him. The world encourages us to look for happiness and fulfillment in all of the wrong things. They are living in filth and darkness with no thoughts of leaving it behind.

Maybe you're situated in a place of still praying for that lost family member or trying to witness to them openly. The best (yet sometimes the most difficult thing to do) is to be honest with them in sharing the truth of what an eternity spent without Christ would entail.

How does the Bible describe Hell?

Eternal Separation: The continual rejection of Jesus Christ will eventually lead to eternal separation from God, in fiery flames of torment forever without the hope and peace that only He can give. 

"And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:15 KJV)

Eternal Suffering: This could be interchangeable with my other point, but it's important to double down on the fact that Hell is not a place where everyone is having a party and it is a VERY real place. Hollywood loves to either glamorize it or cut out its existence altogether, but you don't have to go there. You have the choice, and when it comes to eternity, that's the most important decision you will ever make.

"And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name." (Revelation 14:11 KJV)

Eternal Sorrow: Continual rejection of Christ will lead to an eternity spent in eternal sorrow. The Bible tells us specifically that there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth---pointing to rememberance of the rejection and sorrowful self reflected anger and regret. 

"And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth" (Luke 13:42 KJV)

"There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out." (Luke 13:28 KJV)

If you're in a place of worrying about someone you love, keep praying for them & keep doing everything in your power to witness to them and to be an example of who Christ is in their lives. 

Or maybe, you're lost and searching or in need of something to wake you up. Honestly, you won't find the peace you're looking for in this world. You'll never know what fullness of joy means because rejecting Him will keep you from all of that. Your heart will forever feel empty and you'll never know of the long-lasting comfort that He can give, even on the best of your worst days.

All of the love in the world---every ounce of good that you do would never be enough to save you---but Jesus will if you simply call upon Him.

He doesn't care about coming up into your mess, the very place where you've been hiding away. He wants to meet you where you are. He'll come sit with you and gladly come into your life if you will ask Him to save you and to come into your heart.

For His love is the love that saves. 

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8 KJV)

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13 KJV)

 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10 KJV)

The Source of Everlasting Strength

"Life may try to weigh you down, but never let it wear you out."

I love that the Lord placed that particular phrase on my heart while thinking about how certain circumstances in our lives can become truly overwhelming. I never enjoy shining a light on all

that I face physically, but I will today because it fits well within the message. 

Many of you may remember that I experienced COVID last September; as a result, I have dealt with lasting fatigue that carries no reasonable medical explanation, although I am absolutely certain that 

living with both cerebral palsy and PCOS may play a significant role.

It's now difficult to exert any amount of energy at all. Completing even the tiniest of tasks often feels the same as climbing Mount Everest. Some of those days it seems as if everything weighs me down and wears me out. (writing honestly)

I know many who struggle with SO much more than I do. I know I'm never alone in that battle.

Maybe you're experiencing one of those days today.

I have recently discovered a LOVE for energy-enhanced water drops. You can find them at any grocery store (I purchased mine from Kroger). I keep several flavors on hand but all of them contain caffeine, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12. 

I cannot go about my day without first fueling my body with a bottle of the enhanced water. It allows me to have more than enough strength to tackle everything on my to-do list. 

While in the process of praying and putting together the rewrite of this particular thought, I sat at my desk and happened to look over to the wall art I have in my office. I have always loved the theme of Psalm 27 that serves as the foundation for the powerful question that lies at the heart of my message today:

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

Would you say that Jesus is the strength of your life today?

    No life will ever be lived without some sort of struggle. You may have made it through one trial just to stroll into another. You may find yourself situated within the calm before the storm in oblivion to what's just up ahead.

Only the Lord can provide the everlasting strength that we need in every area of our lives; drinking up every ounce of the water that is His Word and soaking in every truth will never fail to give us more than enough to face the challenges that come our way. 

Whether it be physical strength to power through infirmities, you can count on Him to carry you through.

"And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Or maybe you're dealing with a difficult person in your life or attempting to witness to an unbeliever, and it just doesn't seem like you're making any sort of progress. Sometimes all you can do is wait on the Lord and simply trust in His timing while continually praying for the courage to keep on planting seeds. 

"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say on the Lord." (Psalm 27:14)

The world is filled with such sadness, and the presence of evil seems to be everywhere you look. I know that we all could use some emotional strength as the days continue to pass by, and the only source of strength that is truly everlasting comes from the Lord. Whenever I encounter a rough day emotionally, this verse never fails to be an encouragement to me:

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)

Is He the strength of your life?