If Jesus isn’t real and He isn’t coming back someday, my faith and obedience help me become a better person. I do believe what He says in His word will come to fruition, and that He will come back. I am eager to hear Him say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ I pray often for many people’s circumstances to change, for them to be blessed, and for their salvation. I also pray and ask God to help me do what He wants and to be more like Him. I have to remember daily that if someone isn’t a believer they can’t understand the thing’s of God. We cant force them to accept or obey the things of God. Only if He changes their hearts and minds. Then they will be willing and able to make those decisions. I cannot boast because I did not make the right decision on my own, and I am not better than anyone. I believe you cannot choose to follow God unless He first changes your heart to desire Him. John 6:44 says, ‘No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day.’ Titus 3:5 says, ‘He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.’
In John 15:16, Jesus says to His disciples, ‘You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He may give it to you.’ I did not choose Him, but He chose me. He changed my heart and mind. Then I decided to believe and live for Him once I realized I am a sinner who falls short every day and needed His perfect sacrifice. Not because I was worthy, but because of His great love for me and His saving grace. It broke me, and I surrendered my life because I was humbled and grateful. I truly love Him. I can’t really explain it, but my heart changed towards the things of God.
I started wanting to read the Bible to understand more about Him. I always thought it was boring, but now I love it. I came to the understanding that I cannot do life on my own; I need Him. I still can be too critical sometimes. Having been through a lot of trauma in my life, I get triggered easily and become angry and mean. I also struggle with pride, comparison, self-control, and self-righteousness. I can be very kind and loving also. Sometimes it is because I want to look good and make people do what I want. Sometimes it’s truly out of love and to bless someone. I will never be perfect, because even as a Christian, no one can be; only Jesus can. But thankfully I have His forgiveness and help on maturing me.
He is the only one who is truly faithful. All humans will fail us. But He can and will do the impossible. He can change anyone by His Holy Spirit. These are by far some of my favorite passages in the Bible because they show my faith was inspired (GOD breathed) by grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, ‘For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.’ It states that salvation is by grace through faith, and this faith is a gift from God, not from human works.
Romans 10:17 teaches that faith comes from hearing the Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says all Scripture is ‘God-breathed,’ and John 6:44 says that no one can come to Jesus unless the Father draws them. Romans 8:28-35 says, ‘And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?’
Thank you, Jesus, for saving me, continuing to change me, and helping me do what you want. Please inspire my friends and family to believe in and follow you. Help us fellow believers earnestly follow after you and to love those who don’t. To not look down on anyone but look up to the only one who can change them and save then. All for your glory. Amen.
Throughout my mom’s life, she has exemplified remarkable forgiveness, particularly in the face of her extraordinarily difficult upbringing, which has persisted from birth to this day.
She was conceived when her mother, Arnell, was just 15 years old. Then her mother made her be put up for adoption. She wanted to keep her.
As a Baby she was left alone and not nurtured in foster care. At age two she couldn’t walk or feed herself. She was supposed to die because she was so small and wasn’t meeting any of the milestones but never did. They didn’t understand special needs back then. Praise God they do now.
As a Young girl she finally got adopted but was badly abused by them mentally, physically, and sexually. She was starved and kept in a basement without a bathroom and left alone for days several times. This was from age five to eleven. The school noticed signs of abuse but didn’t have enough evidence to take her out of the home. She was too afraid to tell anyone and didn’t really realize that other homes were not like that.
Finally the state got involved after her adopted Dad died and then they took her away. She was put in an orphanage because the adopted parents family didn’t want to care for her. She then went from orphanage to foster care until she came of age. In the system she wasn’t treated very well either. Other kids who were also hurting made fun of her unique abilities.
Several foster homes were not nurturing; they just wanted the money typically. Until one family took her out of a group home to care for her and accepted her as family. They offered to pay for her wedding because she was too old to be adopted at that point. They helped her with her alcohol use and brought her to church. She got saved at age 18. At age 27, she finally found her mom through a program to reunite families. She spoke to her for the first time and met her in person a few months later. She still does not know who her father is to this day, or if he even knows she exists. So many unanswered questions. She did get married to my father and had four beautiful children from that marriage. She was also able to continue a relationship with my father, even after their divorce. She still has a good relationship with him. She forgave her adopted mom and accepted her back into her life as well.
She worked with many children throughout her life and now works as a senior companion to six different people whom she cares for and loves as family. She is praying for a Godly, loving husband who will love and care for her. She still has many physical and health challenges but wholeheartedly loves to serve God. Please pray for her; she deserves a loving husband.
BUT GOD. He has blessed her with so much and has always been there intervening. She has had many nice homes, cars, friends, church families, her children, and grand children. She is excited for her future with her heavenly Father and is thankful He accepted her as His child into His family.
My mother’s life experiences have had a profound impact on me, both positively and negatively. I have harbored bitterness and resentment towards her father, her foster parents, the system, my own father, and even her, as a result of the choices that affected me and my family. I have also struggled with anger towards God, frequently asking why has He allowed my mom and family to endure such difficulties. Why hasn’t He still given my mom a husband? However, I have come to realize that God is good and is working to bring all things together for our ultimate benefit. He genuinely loves my mom, me, and my family. He has shown me there is beauty in the brokenness. I am determined to be a model of grace and forgiveness to this next generation.
I have continued to learn forgiveness, acceptance of people who are different from me, and prayer. She is a prayer warrior. I have taken after her, and it’s a big part of why I homeschool my children and am a children’s teacher. I love learning and having fun alongside children. She loved, and still loves, to have fun with kids. She had a special needs daycare and was also a teacher. She always had all the kids at our home and played with us. We had food fights, water fights, loved to garden, go camping, sing, take midnight drives, and go to open houses just to see houses for fun. We also went to every type of church service you can think of, even the extreme Pentecostal ones. Her life has made me question God and want to know Him more. I want to learn and model Christ-like behavior as a mother and mentor to my children and this next generation.
If you remember anything I shared, remember this: As my mother says, “Sometimes we have to forgive ourselves before we can forgive anyone else.” Corrie Ten Boom said, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free, and discover that prisoner was yourself.” Wise words from one who forgave the people who imprisoned her and killed her family. A great reminder that we can forgive the impossible. Pray for the offender and let God repay.
We must forgive others just as He has forgiven us. Forgiveness is like an onion with many layers; it may take many times to be completely healed. Forgiveness becomes stronger as you deal with it. This process can sometimes be painful and make you cry. Don’t bottle it up. Hurt people hurt people. Sometimes, the person hurting you doesn’t even realize they are hurting you. You must let them know how and why they have hurt you. Set healthy expectations and boundaries if you accept them back into your life. It’s okay if you don’t. Always remember you can’t control anyone or any outcome, only yourself. Treat others the way you want to be treated; forgive the way you want to be forgiven. We all make mistakes because we have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
We have often heard refusing to forgive and holding on to hurts is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer the consequences. This is even more true for our souls. So, forgive and let go of the hurt. We don’t have to forget. In fact, for some hurts, we shouldn’t forget. If we do, we are just setting ourselves up to be hurt again in the same way, and maybe worse. But refusing to forgive sets us up for even more suffering.
Genuine forgiveness sets a prisoner free, and you realize that prisoner was you, which brings true hope, just as Christ Jesus has done for us. God is a God of peace and reconciliation.
Romans 15:13 ESV
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Forgive others as I have forgiven you.
Colossians 3:12-15 NIV Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Sometimes we may have to forgive The Lord, because of how We see the situation. We may be angry towards God But… we must learn to trust Him in all circumstances.
Unforgiviness has consequences that can be psychological, emotional, and spiritual. Ephesians 4:29-32 ESV
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. [31] Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. [32] Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Forgive yourself. Forgiving yourself involves acknowledging mistakes, accepting responsibility, showing compassion, and learning from experiences to move forward with self-kindness and positive change. If you can’t forgive yourself you will stay stuck and it will affect your relationships even with God. After you make a mistake don’t dwell on it. You may feel sad, mad, or bad. Apologize to the people you hurt. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Ask for forgiveness.
I would like to share what I’ve learned, in a practical sense, about how to forgive. I do this writing exercise when I need to process an offense and want to forgive. You can do this as many times as you need on just one offense.
• I recommend you first write out the offense. (You may also find it helpful to make a list of anyone who has hurt you or things you want to forgive yourself.)
•Who, What, Where When, How. Then pray. • Write down how it made you feel. (The consequences from their offense) • Write down healthy expectations and boundaries. (Trust is earned, those who hurt you may not be trusted. You must love them, but be careful. Teach people how to treat you. Do not allow them into your life if they will not acknowledge the hurt they caused you, say sorry, and are willing to abide by your rules to continue the relationship.) • Seek wise counsel and pray some more. The Bible says we must forgive because He forgave us. We need his supernatural help to forgive those who have hurt us. You can get help to work on negative emotions and triggers. The Holy Spirit will empower you as well as a biblical counselor. • Try to forgive the offender in your heart before telling them their offense and how it impacted you. Often people don’t realize they hurt you. Try to have empathy and put yourself in their shoes. Be honest and open. • Write out your conversation before bringing it to their attention. Focus on reconciliation and peace during your conversation. • Last but not least drop it. Let it go. Set the prisoner free. Yourself. Pray for the offender. Give it to God.
Forgiveness doesn’t change the past, but it changes the present. The Bible doesn’t just talk about forgiveness. It also talks about loving those who hurt you. Jesus said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). And in 1 Peter 3:9, “Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. It’s okay to be angry but not to retaliate. Remember vengeance is the Lord. He will repay those who have hurt you. He wants you to let go of all bitterness and resentment.
Every person deserves forgiveness and grace. We are commanded to forgive often and repeatedly. Forgiveness is God’s way Embracing forgiveness can be a powerful step toward healing. Every person deserves compassion and understanding.
By choosing to forgive, we open ourselves up to the possibility of growth and transformation. Remember to prioritize your well-being by setting healthy boundaries. Seeking support from a counselor and loved ones can also be incredibly helpful. Pray for those who may have caused you harm, always.
One of the most important types of forgiveness is repentance. Asking for forgiveness from God. This is called repentance. It is a constant saying sorry towards the things that hurt God and turning away from them. God sees everything. He is willing to forgive Genuine forgiveness sets a prisoner free, and you realize that prisoner was you, which brings true hope, just as Christ Jesus has done for us. God is a God of peace and reconciliation.
Romans 15:13 ESV May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Thank you, God, for these wonderful reminders and the great example of my mom. I love you, God. Help me to love and forgive like you.
I will never forget when someone told me I should read the Bible from start to finish. The Bible? No way. How can someone do that? I mean come on my pastor teaches me what I need to know. The first time I decided to actually do it I didn’t think I would actually finsh. I can officially say I have done it five times as of today. I learn so much every time I do. You can do it too. It will change your life. when I started looking for God in the text instead of it being about all the rules and expectations I was suppose to follow it came alive. I started understanding who God was. What He has done and will do. If you haven’t read the entire Bible ever I encourage you to do so.
Some thing’s in the Bible are really hard to understand. I don’t like what it has to say in some parts. I even found some parts boring at first. But God… He changed my heart and mind. He gave me the desire to understand Him more deeply. He gave me knowledge and understanding. I now delight in His word. I wake up almost everyday and read my Bible. The YouVersion Bible app is my favorite because I highlight things and write notes other friends can see. I also like to compare translations to specific scripture. You can do it easily on the app.
Sometimes I listen and read with my kids. We love highlighting thing’s in the Bible and creating images with scripture. We try to share one or two verses that stick out to us each week. That is why I share so many images with scripture. My kids love to create them. I’m praying His word gets embedded in their hearts and minds. Each day we look for what it says about God in the passages. I have a highlighting system that has really helped me understand better. Blue is for what we see about God. Yellow for what is says about His followers. Green for anything wicked or against God. Anything it says about our hearts in pink and last red when there is a command by God. I look up words in the orignal Greek or Hebrew on the logos Bible app. My favorite translation is ESV and AMP. I enjoy studying from a commentary by Puritan Matthew Henry too. I love studying and sharing what I learn with others.
I see from cover to cover that He is sovereign over everything! He is real and is alive. He is coming back. He is working ALL thing’s out for good for those who are called according to his purposes. He has a plan and purpose for it all. He has been working it out since the beginning of creation. I see His heart. I see He is never in a hurry. He is never late. He always provides. He is God. He controls the times and seasons. He changes hearts and minds. He can and does do the impossible. He heals and restores. He died for us to save us and give us new life. He is purifying His people. He chose me and saved me. It isn’t because I made the right choice to follow Him. He is coming back with vengeance to stop the wicked and evildoers. He will make all thing’s new. He is the Way the truth and the life.
I don’t understand it all and never will. The Bible is like a puzzle or scavenger hunt. It’s moving and active. You find something different every time. I will always have questions and will continue to seek Him. He is continuing to change me. I trust Him and am learning more about Him being in His word. I have reverence and awe towards Him. I see how much I need Him. How different he is over any other God and how holy He is. I want to continue to build my relationship with Him and grow up into maturity. I have been asking Him to show me what He wants for my life. To break my heart for what breaks His.
I’m asking Him to help me have a gentle, quiet, spirit. I want to be more sensitive and surrendered to His will. I want to be more like Jesus and less like me. To walk by the fruit of the Spirit and be self controlled. I am seeing small changes in me. His word will change you. He will lead you and comfort you. I can’t wait until He comes back to wipe every tear and make all thing’s new. Lord Jesus come.. Until then read your Bible for yourself. It will change your life.
The other day an elder at my church Paul Wonderly prayed to not have the authorities and political leaders we want in place but the ones that will bring us to our knees. Whoa. It jumped out at me and convicted me. It made me really ponder. We wouldn’t know how good and powerful God is unless we went through the trials and hard stuff. We wouldn’t know the difference between strife and peace. We wouldn’t understand the good and bad. It made me think of several stories in the Bible like Job, Joseph, David, Esther, and Moses. What did they go through? Who was their opposition? Why did they go through what they went through? Who was their authority and allegiance to? Their allegiance was to GOD!
God puts us through hard stuff to refine our character and to help us prove who are allegiance is no matter the circumstances. He appoints every single leader then and now. He is sovereign over those in authority. God has a plan and purpose for everything. He turns all our mistakes and failings into good. Even every politcal leader. He illuminates the darkness. He guides us and comforts us. When we are weak He is strong. He is a mighty miracle working God. He is working all thing’s together for our good. Not comfort but good.
The elite of this world and enemies of God may think they are in control but they are not! What they meant for evil He meant for good! You see it throughout the Bible. I highly recommend you read your Bible from front to cover to see the big picture. To see who has all authority. God is sovereign over everything. The enemy can only do what God allows. He separates the chaff from the wheat. He is purifying His people. He puts us through hard stuff for a reason. Who He puts in office is in His hands. We need to rest in who God is and trust His plans. What we can do is pray “Your will be done!” Pray for all our leaders to be brought to their knees. Pray for those He has chosen to submit to Him and His ways regardless of consequences. To put their trust in Him alone. Pray for a revival of reverence to God!
We may have to go through far worse as a country to see that we need to submit to God and His ways. What is our hope in life and death? Christ alone. Until then as believers in Jesus Christ we can look at our daily walk. Is it focused on Him and building His Kingdom? Are we spending time with Him? Be the salt and light in the world. Be in His word to know what His will is and to build trust. Share your testimony of faith and fight the good fight. Share truth firmly but with love. Be like Jesus. Prove who your allegiance is!
Fight the good fight of the faith. What does that even mean? It means we keep on obeying Gods Word in faith, no matter what we feel, think or understand. So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 ESV
I can’t help but think about Paul’s faith journey. He was stubborn at heart and thought he was doing good persecuting Christians. He grew up in his beliefs and practices. He didn’t choose his family or his upbringing. He was zealous and devout in his faith by persecuting Christians. BUT GOD changed him radically. He blinded him and brought him to his knees. He showed him He was God. He was the way the truth and the life. He opened his eyes, gave him understanding of the truth, and changed his heart to want to obey Him.
Then Paul become zealous for good works. He was commissioned by and for God. He shared the truth and helped form the early church no matter the circumstances. He contended for the faith. I imagine in his flesh he was a bit overbearing and too strong at times. He was maybe a bit too passionate about sharing the good news and helping believers mature in their faith. I’m sure he got frustrated and even sad when people didn’t listen. He grew weary. He learned to depend on God alone. He would weep and pray on His knees for people to believe and obey God. He at times was ridiculed and punished. Thank God He gave Paul that new direction and calling. He allowed Him to believe and contend for the faith. But it wasn’t easy. It wasn’t glamorous. People didn’t always like him. He had to preserver through tough circumstances.
Thank God that He can relate to us. Jesus also experienced people not listening to him or believing. His own people would not listen. He was mocked and ridiculed. He died fighting the good fight of faith. Some people believed and some people wanted to kill him. Same for today. Some people believe and some won’t. We have to remember the truth. We are just the messengers. We plant seeds. We don’t change hearts and minds. It is God who changes people. What we can do is share and then never stop praying! Ask God to open eyes and soften hearts.
The promise of the Scriptures is that “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16).
“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue [run after] righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I urge [command] you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing.” 1 Timothy 6:11-14
Keep fighting the good fight of faith. Never give up!
All Women mother in one way or another. Did you know you mother because that is how God created you? We have been given relational and emotional strengths. He created us Women to help, nurture, nourish, encourage, care for, teach, watch over, and protect. You dont have to give birth to mother. You were created to be a life-giver. You may care for someone. You may adopt a child. You may care for an animal. You may nurture and protect others like the elderly. You may intentionally invest and pour into someone. You may be a role model. You may simply just encourage from time to time and pray for someone.
Remember someone is always watching and learning from you. Being motherly is a gift and a calling. Regardless of age or stage of life us women are called to care for, help, encourage, and love others.
One of my favorite types of mothering is “Spiritual Mothering”. Susan hunt- “Being a spiritual Mother means you can help nurture others in the faith. You do not need to give birth biologically or be a certain chronological age to be a Spiritual Mother. It’s when a woman enters into an intentional nurturing relationship with another to encourage and equip them to live for God’s glory. It is life-on-life discipleship of sharing the gospel and our lives with one another. You are a woman who has had life experiences and there may be a younger woman or child in your life who is going through that same life experience you can disciple them through.” You don’t have to be perfect to be a Spiritual Mother. You just need to be real, honest, share what you have learned, and point them to Christ. I am praying for a few spiritual mothers who will get tough with me, hold me accountable to God’s word, encourage me to grow in my gifts and maturity. To pray with and for me.
Spiritual motherhood is beautiful. It is what God tells us to do in His word. There are many women longing for a relationship that will help them grow in their faith, their gifts, and obedience to Him. It’s showing Jesus to others and helping them to see life from the perspective of God’s sovereign love and our purpose to glorify Him. I pray that God would raise up more women who are teachable and more women who pour their lives, their hearts, their time, their resources, even their sweat, and tears into the next generation. I Pray for God to help you see who and how He wants you to Spiritually Mother. Each intentional relationship you invest in will cause a ripple effect that will influence families, churches, communities, our nation, and the world to live for God’s glory.
❤️A few quotes from Revive Our Hearts Ministry-
“We need to have those multi-generational, inter-generational relationships where we’re imparting life or encouraging; we’re getting perspective; we’re modeling biblical graces; we’re teaching what is good.”
“We must not look at the experiences in our lives as failures but look at them redemptively. We must see how that God takes what our enemy would tell us to be failures and God uses that redemptively by teaching us more of Himself through that experience, by bringing an element of maturity into our lives as we went through that painful experience, that we can now use to disciple others.”
“In God’s economy nothing is wasted, and we need to say that to women over and over and over. Take that experience; hold it up before the Lord as your sacrifice unto Him, and watch Him take it and teach you through it and shape you into Himself and enable you to minister to another who perhaps is going through that very situation.”
“You don’t have to have ‘arrived’ or be a spiritual giant to be a spiritual mother. It is about sharing your life and sharing the word with another sinful human being, and being real and acknowledging where you too have to grow.”
Halloween use to be my favorite Holiday. I use to love to dress up and get drunk. I use to decorate my house with all the decor to celebrate. Once we had children and our son would start saying things like, “that is scary” at our church’s trunk or treat, we started to reflect on that.
A few years ago my husband and I were convicted to not celebrate at all. I understand not everyone has those convictions put in their heart. We didn’t right away either. However we can’t deny that scripture clearly states darkness and light don’t mix! People still on this day do some satanic rituals. We cannot escape the fact of what Halloween is, its roots, and what it stands for. It’s a day glorying the dead not God. If Jesus were to come back on this night I personally would feel guilty for participating as the world does when I know what this holiday is about. Why? Because I have reverence and awe towards the one true God. I do not think any less of anyone that does participate.
I do pray my convictions inspire you to go to God’s word and take it to the Lord in prayer if your allegiance is to Jesus Christ. Trunk or treat can be an opportunity to bless the community and be a witness. You could dress up in characters of the Bible. Yes you can share scripture and a healthy snack too. Maybe be set apart and do it on a different day? These are just thoughts. I want you to be fully convinced in your own mind that your family’s approach to this day is biblical, thought through, and done in the honor of the Lord.
We are not legalistic. A legalist believes that their good works and obedience to God affects their salvation. Legalism focuses on God’s laws more than relationship with God. It keeps external laws without a truly submitted heart. Legalism adds human rules to divine laws and treats them as divine. We must seek to guide our lives by God’s word. Such behavior is not legalism. Grace is freely given to us when we have faith in Christ’s redeeming sacrifice on our behalf, and as we grow in our love for Christ, we obey him. We obey God not to earn our salvation, but because of our relational faith in Christ and our love for him.
We are not trying to ruin other people’s fun or deprive our children. We once did all of the Halloween things. Yet, there came a point where we could no longer join in with the world in this holiday. Dressing up provocative, spooky, or scary it is not of God! The things of evil and fear, ghoulish, and ungodly became too much to honestly join ourselves with. We cannot love what is evil while we seek to follow God. It is inconsistent with our call as Christians to rejoice in what is good, pure, noble, holy, and righteous. God will lead you to the way, the truth, and the life!
Now reformation Sunday we can celebrate that! On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther began the Reformation with a declaration that the church must be recalled to the authority of God’s Word and the purity of biblical doctrine. “With this in mind, the best Christian response to Halloween might be to scorn the Devil and then pray for the Reformation of Christ’s church on earth.” Quote by Laura from Halfway Homesteaders
Seven years ago today we said I do. It has been a rollercoaster ride. I believe you can truly say people come into your life as a blessing and or a lesson. The first time Jesse Littlejohn and I met we talked all night. We had a deep conversation about our pasts, our beliefs, our goals, all kinds of things. I felt like I could tell him anything. He was different and unique. I told myself I didn’t want to date him because he was too tall and not my type. He was the complete opposite of me. Being around him made me feel calm, collected, and safe. I pushed an intimate relationship away, but he became my best friend. He never tried to get in bed with me. He listened to me, gave me advice, and was there for me when I needed. We were friends for a few years before becoming a couple.
I never had a guy treat me so kind and sweet without wanting something especially sex in return. I believe with my prayers, God sent me my husband. We still had a lot to work through from my past hurts and previous failed marriage but it was a great start. We spent a lot of time together and had lots of fun. I finally found a like-minded individual who shared similar goals, had the same beliefs, and was a man of God. Jesse has an amazing story of how he found God. He also fit the description of my dream man. Tall, dark, handsome, classy, a believer in Jesus, and romantic.
Our first Easter we had went to visit my aunt’s church. This couple had been talking about how their life was before committing their life to Jesus being full of sadness, depression, and addictions. I completely related to this. I was truly touched by their story and felt my heart being tugged. When they had asked the congregation to close their eyes if this story touched anyone’s heart. Then to raise their hand while praying this prayer of accepting the fact that I was a sinner and needed a savior. I decided to recommit my life to Jesus Christ that day. I believe I knew who God was but didn’t know Him personally until after that day.
The most amazing moment was when Jesse and I both had our eyes closed we were holding hands and we each had put our hands up together without knowing it. I shared with him my decision, he smiled and said he did the same. I felt at peace and knew this was the start of something great. I had no idea how much it would change our lives. I knew my life would never be the same and ever since that moment, it hasn’t been.
Immediately we wanted to find a church so we could grow and develop in our faith as well as get married in because we had gotten engaged. We visited several churches and found one very close to our home. It was full of all kinds of families, children, and they were focused on glorifying God and making more and better disciples of Jesus Christ. We decided we wanted to not just attend but serve. We loved this church because it wasn’t about forced religion. It was based on truth in scripture and having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. One day after our Sunday service we had been asked to meet with one of the pastors. They were thrilled about us wanting to serve in the church and getting involved. One problem was they knew we were living together.
The pastor wanted to share with us what scripture says about sex and living with someone before marriage. He gave us a pamphlet and we knew it made perfect sense. We felt that tug on our hearts and were convicted. The church had offered a few different options. They told us they would find a place for Jesse to live until we got married or we could move up the wedding. They wanted to make sure we were not forced to make a decision. They wanted us to think and pray about it. We did and decided right away to sleep in different bedrooms and completely stopped having sex until we were married. We wanted to be able to tell our children the truth and also wanted to follow Gods word and not be hypocrites in our Christian walk. It was the best decision for our marriage being founded in Him. On top of making this decision we moved the wedding up and got married at our church October 26th 2014.
We committed our lives to one another and to Christ. It was an intimate ceremony with our family and close friends. As I held Jesse’s hand in front of our loved ones my heart pounded and I felt so much happiness and joy. We were going to grow old and wrinkly together. God willing. I knew God put us together for a reason. Our wedding scripture was 1 Corinthians 13: 4 – 8 Love is Patient, Love is kind. It does not envy or boast; It is not arrogant or rude. It does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, endures all things. Love never ends. Jesse and I try to live our life on this truth. To be faithful, grateful, loving, and humble.
Jesse and I moved to Florida before we had our first baby because we wanted to focus on our marriage, our family, and thought if we didn’t move we never would. It was very hard leaving everyone and everything. This journey moving and becoming a family of four has challenged and stretched us in so many ways. In my opinion becoming a mommy and wife is way harder than anything I have ever done. I am a different person. We are a different couple in so many ways. We learned that we need to depend on God and each other through every circumstance. Grace, respect, and forgiveness is at the center of any successful relationship.
God has really been working on our hearts and desires 💕 We focus on the most important relationship in our life. A personal and daily relationship with Jesus Christ!
We have intentionally worked on learning how to be patient, forgiving, and loving. I am also learning how to respect my husband and how to effectively communicate with my husband. Forgiveness and submitting to my husbands lead is hard for me. I am learning to trust God and seeking Him in all circumstances. Jesse has helped me learn how to study the Bible in context and helps me understand how to apply it in all areas of my life. He is a great provider and protector.
Life keeps getting better and our faith is getting stronger. We are closer to God and each other more than ever. We have so much to be thankful for and two amazing children. “The family that prays together, and is in God’s word together, stays together.” We will never give up and will always put God first. It doesn’t mean that we have it all together or ever will but God.
Surrender your expectations for your life, your marriage, your family and your future to God thin. We expect and desire good things in our lives. There is nothing wrong with that. But when we hold on to those ideals, God is saying, “Trust me with your life. I have something so much better than what you are holding on to.” God has our best interests in mind. He knows exactly what we need. He is working all thing’s out for our good.
Become a student of your spouse. Study them. Get to know them better than you think you do. Learn how they think. And learn what their needs are and how they feel loved. Become a student of God’s word. Look daily for who He is and what He has done. It helps you know and trust Him. It affects all areas of your life especially your marriage!
Praise the Lord ! Oh give thanks to the Lord , for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Who can utter the mighty deeds of the Lord , or declare all his praise? Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times! Remember me, O Lord , when you show favor to your people; help me when you save them, that I may look upon the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory with your inheritance. Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness. Our fathers, when they were in Egypt, did not consider your wondrous works; they did not remember the abundance of your steadfast love, but rebelled by the sea, at the Red Sea. Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make known his mighty power. He rebuked the Red Sea, and it became dry, and he led them through the deep as through a desert. So he saved them from the hand of the foe and redeemed them from the power of the enemy. And the waters covered their adversaries; not one of them was left. Then they believed his words; they sang his praise. But they soon forgot his works; they did not wait for his counsel. But they had a wanton craving in the wilderness, and put God to the test in the desert; he gave them what they asked, but sent a wasting disease among them. When men in the camp were jealous of Moses and Aaron, the holy one of the Lord , the earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram. Fire also broke out in their company; the flame burned up the wicked. They made a calf in Horeb and worshiped a metal image. They exchanged the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass. They forgot God, their Savior, who had done great things in Egypt, wondrous works in the land of Ham, and awesome deeds by the Red Sea. Therefore he said he would destroy them— had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him, to turn away his wrath from destroying them. Then they despised the pleasant land, having no faith in his promise. They murmured in their tents, and did not obey the voice of the Lord . Therefore he raised his hand and swore to them that he would make them fall in the wilderness, and would make their offspring fall among the nations, scattering them among the lands. Then they yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor, and ate sacrifices offered to the dead; they provoked the Lord to anger with their deeds, and a plague broke out among them. Then Phinehas stood up and intervened, and the plague was stayed. And that was counted to him as righteousness from generation to generation forever. They angered him at the waters of Meribah, and it went ill with Moses on their account, for they made his spirit bitter, and he spoke rashly with his lips. They did not destroy the peoples, as the Lord commanded them, but they mixed with the nations and learned to do as they did. They served their idols, which became a snare to them. They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons; they poured out innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood. Thus they became unclean by their acts, and played the whore in their deeds. Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against his people, and he abhorred his heritage; he gave them into the hand of the nations, so that those who hated them ruled over them. Their enemies oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their power. Many times he delivered them, but they were rebellious in their purposes and were brought low through their iniquity. Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress, when he heard their cry. For their sake he remembered his covenant, and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love. He caused them to be pitied by all those who held them captive. Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. Blessed be the Lord , the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the Lord ! Psalm 106:1-48 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.106.1-48.ESV
Faith Inspired By Grace 