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?

 

Now Is The Time (Part 2)

 

At the beginning of May, you may remember that I published a piece on the blog that was entitled, "Now Is The Time" and I shared it as the first installment of a two-part mini series.

My heart is wanting to finish out the rest of my thought; the first part dealt with our time on Earth having a limit, and it will forever be true that tomorrow is never promised...

Have you ever heard about someone reaching old age and "living on borrowed time?"

I'm sorry to tell you that this particular expression is not only exclusive to some, but it is rather true for ALL of us.

Webster's Dictionary describes the word "borrow" as to take and use (something that belongs to someone else) with the intention of returning it.

I thought about that while piecing this together in my mind and I couldn't help but want to write this out: What are you doing with the time that God has given you? Are you making every second count for His glory?

Or have you been living for the world and all of its temporary pleasures?

It's often said by the youth today that "you only live once" and so many souls live in the moment, for the here and now. But it's SO important to live out your faith and to make it all count for Jesus.

And no, you won't be perfect but all He needs is a heart that is willing. This generation needs Jesus now more than ever. YOU need Him more than ever.

Each day that we have is such a GIFT. Now is the time to make it all count for Him.

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise , but understanding what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:15-17)

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)

A Place of Refuge

 Thinking about all of the storms we have faced throughout the past few months (not to mention the tornado watch that currenly looms in our area) leaves me pondering over this little verse and an accompanying message that the Lord laid on my heart to share. 

I have become quite the storm tracker as we've come into warmer weather, it seems as if every few days something new and unusual comes about. 

Tonight we have the aforementioned tornado watch and I have kept praying for the Lord to place a hedge of protection around my home. 

I couldn't help but think of those who are without a place of shelter while storms pass through in their lives...both literally and figuratively. 

Those that are in need of refuge from whatever storm they may be dealing with. Life struggles are inevitable but leaning on Jesus will give your heart somewhere to run to when it all becomes too overwhelming. (We are truly living through some perilous days) 

You need to run to Him.

He wants you to trust in Him. ❤️

He never guaranteed that life would be without storms.

But He DOES promise protection in the midst of them. ❤️✍️

"For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall." (Isaiah 25:4)

Remaining Steady In An Unsteady World

The Lord placed this tiny little thought on my heart that I hope and pray could help someone today; it is such an important reminder that I know we all need and so often forget to remember. 

I was beginning my cleaning adventure for the day by making my bed when I noticed that I was feeling woozy; I take Metformin twice daily and have always known to take it with food, however I have this horrible habit of doing so on an empty stomach.

While Metformin is used in prevention or management of diabetes, it also serves as a first line treatment for polycystic ovarian syndrome (a disorder that creates hormonal imbalances and often induces insulin resistance in the body.

The medicine affects glucose levels and if I choose not to eat before it goes into my system, my blood sugar will drop. I usually have to have a snack in order to bring it back to normal, even if it's with something as simple as a banana. Then I'm good to go on about my day. 

As I was thinking of how to place this thought together, I read that glucose is our body's primary source of energy...you absolutely need it in order to have the ability to think clearly or to walk without stumbling. 

I thought about how so many of us go on about our every day lives without first fueling our minds through prayer and time spent in God's Word. I am SO guilty of this too. This world is full of craziness and confusion. 

So much so that it's becoming harder to see through the haze and even more difficult to walk in it. 

Keep praying and keep spending time in God's Word even if its only for those few quiet moments on your busiest day because it is absolutely necessary to do so. 

Time spent with the Lord will never go to waste. 

Time spent in His Word will forever keep you safe from stumbling in the midst of an unsteady world.

"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 24-25 KJV)

Now Is The Time (Part 1)

Have you ever thought about what a precious gift salvation truly is? 

The Easter celebrations may be over, but I am still thinking about the sacrifice made for all of us on that old rugged cross and the hope that one can have by accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.

I've thought a lot about life throughout the past few weeks and how short our time on this Earth truly is. I still can't believe I'm now thirty-three. It seems as if I were celebrating my sixth birthday only yesterday.

My heart immediately travels to those who are still living out their lives without Christ; those lost souls who are without help and without hope.

I've heard and read stories of so many people who have made promises to get saved once their lives got better. Someday, they'd have it all figured out...

Only that someday would never come.

I think of the level of rejection that Christ experienced (something none of us could ever comprehend) and how much of it He still goes through today. He felt that YOU were worth dying for. The depth of His love remains limitless. His compassions fail not and His mercies are new each and every day

Just know that life is never figured out, and no one ever has it all together. Don't wait around for that someday that will never come. Jesus loves you more than you could ever imagine and wants to save you from an eternity spent without Him.

Tomorrow is never promised. 

Maybe you've felt that tug on your heart that just won't go away. Maybe you're ashamed of what you've done or where you've been. 

Jesus doesn't care about that. 

He loves you beyond fault.

And there's nothing sweeter than His mercy and grace. 

Now is the time to surrender your heart to Jesus, for another opportunity of tomorrow may never come.

"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)

(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) (2 Corinthians 6:2)

A Smoldering City

 If today were your last living day, do you know where your eternal place of residence would be? Would your heart be ready and fully prepared to meet Jesus at any given moment?

I think everyone would collectively agree that the world we are currently living in could only be described as a chaotic and crumbling mess. So many tragedies have taken place within the last several months as well, such as weather-related disasters, massive flooding, widespread fires, aviation incidents, and growing presence of global turmoil.

We are truly living through perilous times within a smoldering city.

A noteworthy fact: Did you know that fire often smolders for weeks before its flames ever make an appearance? And in those beginning stages, sometimes even an odor isn't always detectable. 

I thought that was both interesting and a little bit frightening. It's somewhat unthinkable to consider the possibility of looming trouble long before it becomes noticeable to the naked eye. 

But it's not impossible. 

That's exactly what is happening in our world today.

Yet many precious souls are STILL so blinded with their hearts remaining deceived; they are living in total oblivion and are currently unable to see the dangerous presence of evil and the eventual destruction that lies ahead for them. It's sadly not unusual for some to laugh and joke while on social media about the promise of Christ's return. The Bible provides a stark description of scoffers in 2 Peter Chapter 3:

"Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God, the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men." (2 Peter 3:3-7)

 I've come across the following thought numerous times and it is so true: 

While the world prepares for war, Heaven is preparing for a wedding.

Jesus loves you and He so freely offers the precious gift of salvation. The verses that are included below are two of my favorites and I could not go without sharing them today. The truth of God's Word can sometimes be stark but His love for all is straightforward and beautifully evidenced all throughout Scripture.

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to a place of repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God has 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)

Won't you come to a place of repentance and settle the matter of your eternal residence today?

 

When Your Heart Is Overwhelmed

I was listening to The Goodness of God this past Sunday morning while getting ready for church and I couldn't help but have this thought:

As we look around the world we are living in today, it's easy for our hearts to feel overwhelmed and somewhat forlorn as you watch situations develop.

Isn't this world an absolute mess? 

Even on a smaller scale, day to day life can be messy and overwhelming too. Some days might not all be the best, but I guarantee you that His goodness can be found somewhere in every one of them.

I think we could all use that reminder sometimes. I know that my heart needs it every day. 

No matter what your day looks like, God is still God and His goodness is ever-present. He is our greatest source of shelter from the enemy through times that are about as bleak as they can be. 

When you are without the strength to stand, you can always lean on Him.

When your heart is overwhelmed, you will forever be able to place your trust in Him. 

"From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah." (Psalm 61: 2-4)

I Need You, Lord

When the days seem long, and the nights get tough

May my heart always remember that You are enough

As my thoughts become jumbled, and my walk becomes weary

Lord, I am forever thankful, for I know You are always near me

When the skies are hazy, and the nights seem long

May my heart always remember that You've never steered me wrong

As the light grows dim and my walk grows weary

Lord, I still praise Your name, for I know You are always near me.

"The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." (Psalm 34:18)