Bible Challenge (2 Peter 2:9)

"The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations," 2 Peter 2:9

How comforting to know this doesn't only mean physical temptations, but spiritual ones too. I may be tempted to be frustrated about something I have no control over, but the Lord can deliver me from that temptation. The key is to remember that overcoming a temptation is not about me trying, but about me yielding (to the Lord).

Bible Challenge (Exodus 2:9-11)

“And the Lord said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the Lord. And the Lord said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes, and be ready against the third day: for the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.” - Exodus 2:9-11


I cannot help it but to realize just how blessed I am. Back in Exodus, if the people were to receive instruction from God, it was through a prophet. If they needed intercession, it was through a priest. Even here, they had to go through a three-day process in order to even hear the Lord speak to His servant Moses, and in the end only Moses was able to catch a glimpse of His glory! How blessed I am to be able to hear from the Lord through His Word daily in such an easy way, I can learn directly from Him through His Holy Spirit. I can see His glory in the wondrous creation around me and in the many blessing and provisions God gives me. I taste His goodness in the daily bread he provides and the fruits He gives from the earth. I can touch His love through the fellowship of the believers around me. And I can smell His mercies that are new every day with each breath I take. How blessed and happy am I!

Bible Challenge (James 1:17-18)

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the Word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures." James 1:17-18

EVERYTHING in my life that is good or perfect was provided to me from my heavenly Father. Something that I so often forget is that just as He was fully capable and loved to bless me with gifts yesterday, He can do so today. My Lord never changes, and He loves me so much that He even gave His Word of truth that I might be begotten of Him. How much more shall He be that same Lord and give me what is good for me every day of my life? May I be faithful to remember His beautifully good gifts of yesterday and have faith in His wisdom to bless me with He knows (not what I think!) is good for me today!

Bible Challenge (James 1:25)

"But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." James 1:25

Knowing I would struggle with doing what is right the Lord blessed me with His Word to teach and instruct me. Sometimes I wonder how I can become more of a "doer" of the things I read in His Word and wish I would not be so forgetful at times. When I read this verse I realized the key was right in front of my nose... I WAS looking into the Perfect Law of Liberty, and the secret was no secret at all, it told me right there, "and continueth therin." I'm to diligently and continually be looking into (reading, studying, memorizing) God's Word, and this will cause me not to be a forgetful hearer, because then God will be reminding me of what I need to do daily through His Word!

Bible Challenge (Matthew 16:24-26)

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:24-26

In order to truly follow Christ, there must be a denying of self. I have natural human tendencies and desires that God desires for me to set loose. I must empty my hands of MY desires in order to take up the cross of GOD’S desires and plan for me.

Bible Challenge (Galatians 5:15)

"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." - Galatians 5:15


This goes really well with the verse from a few weeks ago. Having accepted by faith the free gift of salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ, we are now host to the Holy Spirit.
Because we live with the Holy Spirit living in us, it only makes sense that we should strive to walk in the Spirit, being sensitive to His promptings and daily walking in what He shows us through God's Word.

"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
"He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you." -John 16:13-14

Bible Challenge (2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1)

"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

"And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord almighty.

"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1


This really spoke to my heart this morning, because there are so many times when it is tempting to compromise my convictions and stands in the Lord because of enticing things of the world. Yes, I may find fun, happiness, and even a sort of fulfillment, but it is not true fulfillment. The realization that cleansing myself from the filthiness of the flesh and spirit brings me the promise that the Lord will be a Father to me, providing ALL that I need physically, emotionally, and spiritually. What a precious promise and incentive to be separated for Him!

Bible Challenge (Ephesians 3:20)

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us," - Ephesians 3:20


Amazing how often I forget just how much my Lord can and loves to do for me as He's working on me! Why am I always surprised when He does the exceeding and abundant in my life?

Bible Challenge (Galatians 3:3)

"Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?" - Galatians 3:3

So often I am guilty of allowing God to bring me to a point of humbleness and peace in Him, then almost unconsciously taking over and just doing what I "know to do." It is so easy to form mindless habits such as reading or memorizing God's Word and praying daily for others that I sometimes go through the motions without even thinking on or considering how God wants to use these in my life or how He wants to lead me. No wonder I come crashing down at times! If I honestly stop and look around I can see that, though I started in the Spirit, following where the Lord lead me, I got so busy looking at what was happening that I let go of His hand and started leading myself!

Bible Challenge (Galatians 5:16)

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." - Galatians 5:16


How many times I have struggle senselessly over some temptations. If I were faithfully reading and studying God's Word, memorizing His Word, and praying like I ought to, I wouldn't be near as likely to struggle so much!

Bible Challenge (Philippians 4:19)

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19


Never at any time will I be without anything I NEED. Granted, I may be without things I want or feel I need at time, but God knows exactly what I need, be it physical, emotional, or spiritual. It can also be singleness, a married life, children, a career, spiritual dryness, or a time of refreshing in the Lord. God will always provide what I need to lead me on to His perfect will for my life. Praise the Lord for His bountiful provisions!

Bible Challenge (Philippians 3:8)

"And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:" - Philippians 3:8


How blissfully relieving to realize that I am not dependent on my own righteousness for salvation or good standing with God, but through faith in my Lord Jesus Christ. God no longer sees me in all my filthy righteousness and sin, but instead sees the clean and clear righteousness of Christ that covers me. Oh what amazing change a little faith in the right One will do!

Bible Challenge (Colossians 1:9-11, James 5:16)

There are two verses today, because they go so well with each other!


"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
"Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness." - Colossians 1:9-11


Not too long ago the Lord began to burden my heart about praying faithfully for my brothers and sisters in Christ and their walk with the Lord. This morning as I read this, I realized that as I pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ, this would be a perfect prayer! I know that this would be something I would love to have prayed over me every day!


"The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." - James 5:16b


I have begun to see that simply because someone made a profession of faith, they will not always daily walk in that faith, and if they do, there are so many struggles and trials that go with it. I know I have plenty! This is part of the reason the Lord led me to pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ. Reading this verse made me realize that my prayers WILL do something, and if more of us as His children were to faithfully pray for each other, the more we will see Him working in His children, His churches, and all over the world!


If you are a brother or sister in Christ, I am praying for YOU! Will you pray with me for our family in Christ?

Introduction to Essential Oils Class - Tonight!

Interested in learning more about essential oils? The more I learn about them, the more I am in awe of how God created each and every aspect of His creation with us in mind!

You are welcome to sit in and learn more and get the opportunity to win some great prizes such as sugar scrubs, bath salts, lip balms, and more!

Feel free to share and invite your friends!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1443021515998789/1448829565417984/

Bible Challange (Jeremiah 31:28)

"And it shall come to pass, that like as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, saith the Lord." - Jeremiah 31:28





I've never really seen this verse before, but it was so encouraging in a way.God may bring me through all sorts of troubles and trials, but He is also bringing me through watchful times of growing and building in Him. What a blessing to know He always has my good in mind!

Bible Challenge (Psalm 141:3)

"Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." - Psalm 141:3


The Lord has been convicting me lately of how careless I have been getting with my tongue. This week when my tongue slipped, I was ashamed. Thankfully no one heard me, but I knew things had to change. I had been "trying" to watch what I said, but if God wasn't the one keeping my lips, there was no way it was getting tame (James 3:8 "But the tongue can no man tame;" that includes me!). God began to lay this verse on my heart, and I began to pray it when I left my house in the morning. Yesterday I was just about to open my mouth, when this verse ran through my mind. Praise God for how He works! Only He can tame this wild tongue, and hopefully I will be faithful to listen to the promptings of His Holy Spirit and allow Him to tame it in His way.

Bible Challenge (Psalm 9:9-10)

"The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
"And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee." - Psalm 9:9-10

Such a comforting promise to cling to when not everything is going how I'd like it to! Something I noticed for the first time is that it says the Lord will not forsake those that SEEK Him. It makes sense now why some people live their lives the way they do, and when hard times come they say that God has forsaken them and doesn't care. It's not that He doesn't care, but He can't forsake them if they weren't seeking Him and were close to Him in the first place!

2 Corinthians 5:7

"For we walk by faith, not by sight:" 2 Corinthians 5:7

Sometimes it seems like life would be so much easier if God showed me every "next step" BEFORE I had to take it. But the more I learn about faith, the more I realize that God uses uncertainty to build my faith and trust in Him. How can I walk by faith if I can see everything that is coming? Too, the uncertainty alone is used as a major faith builder. I may have fears about the tomorrows in my life, but if I were courageous and certain of each step I took then I wouldn't be walking by faith, would I?

Bible Challenge (1 Corinthians 1:4-5)

"I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge." 1 Corinthians 1:4-5

What a beautiful testimony of the church in Corinth! I was just thinking and praying about how I could use a certain area in my life to glorify God, and reading this I realized, it is by the grace of God that Jesus Christ enriches me. When something is being enriched, it means it is gradually changed in its entirety by something else. When I asked Jesus to come into my life and save me, He entered my life and began the enrichment and sanctification process. The more I seek Him and His will, the more He can enrich every area and aspect of my life.

Bible Challenge (Luke 9:23)

"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23

Often when I read this verse I think about what it means to take up my cross and how I can apply that to my daily walk with the Lord. However there is one part of this verse that is often forgotten or not paid any attention to, and that is "let him deny himself." So many times I am willing to go anywhere or do anything the Lord wants me to, but I forget that one of main aspects in following Christ is to deny myself, forsake what I hold dear and my own personal pursuits. I'm not only to daily live willing to take up my cross, but also to be just as willing to leave "me" behind. Just as Peter, Andrew, James and John IMMEDIATELY left their life behind to follow Christ, I need to be willing to leave MY life, dreams, and desires behind without hesitance or question and follow where Christ leads me.

Bible Challenge (Psalm 51:10-17)

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Psalm 51:10-17

Is this my heart's true desire and prayer?

Bible Challenge (Nehemiah 6:9)

"For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands." Nehemiah 6:9

As God is growing me and leading me in my walk with Him, He gives me a work to do. It can be something as "small" as staying at home and being a blessing to my family, or being a light and a testimony at college, or even something as "large" as going to a mission field. Whatever it is, as long as I am faithfully following Him, I am doing the work He has called me to. There comes a point in time when the devil realizes he can no longer take me away from the work, so he does his best to distract me. It can be with circumstances, "enemies", or even friends. Anything that will slow me down or hinder me from doing the work God has for me to do. (Read Nehemiah 6 for the full picture) But even when distractions come there is a comfort. I can call on the Lord to strengthen my hands, and though it can be difficult at times, HE can work His might through me and continue the work. Praise God for His strength through my weaknesses!

Bible Challenge (Exodus 3:3-4)

“And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said Moses, Moses, And he said, Here am I.” Exodus 3:3-4

Sometimes God desires for me to turn aside from the path I am walking in life to see what He is doing and how He is working, and many times uses that “wake-up call” to call me to something greater than what I have been doing.

Bible Challenge (Mark 1:35)

"And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he(Jesus) went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed." Mark 1:35

So many times throughout God's Word I am commanded to pray. I pray for wisdom and understanding when I read His Word, for meals, and for special requests. But do I ever just get alone with the Lord and talk to Him in prayer? Even Jesus, the Son of God Himself knew the importance of spending time alone with God. So many times I use the excuse that I don't have time, but even that excuse is nullified by Christ's example of getting up "a great while before day". It is that important. Am I willing to make a time of prayer a part of my day, even if I have to get up earlier in order to have unhindered and uninterrupted time with my Lord?

Bible Challenge (Matthew 21:22)

“And all things, whatsosever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” – Matthew 21:22

There have been things in the past that I have prayed for God to provide for me or remove from my life and I sat back and just waited for Him to answer. Sure, I knew He could do it, so I thought I was asking in prayer and believing. Recently I’ve come to realize that if I truly believed, I would act on that belief. I would not only pray for certain things, but I would go forward, acting on the faith that God WOULD provide or WOULD remove something from my life. Two farmers may pray for rain, and one sit on his porch waiting for it, while the other goes out and prepares his fields to receive it. Which one truly believed? Which one am I?

Bible Challenge (Exodus 4:10-12)

"And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.
And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord?
Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say." - Exodus 4:10-12

God does not care about what I can or cannot do, because when God calls me to do something, He also will equip me. I may not have all the answers or know everything before I begin to do the work He has called me to, but as long as I trust in Him and follow His will, He will give the answers and abilities as I need them. Not necessarily before.

Bible Challenge (Matthew 18:3-4)

"Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3-4

The neat thing is that even though the greatest in the kingdom of heaven is those who are humble and have child-like faith, those who are truly humble and daily live that child-like faith have no desire to be creates in the kingdom of heaven. To be great is not the goal, but to be so low that being great doesn’t matter.

Bible Challenge (Matthew 14:29-31)

"And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore first thou doubt?" Matthew 14:29-31

It takes a great deal of faith to step out and go where I've never been before, but as long as I keep my focus on Jesus Christ, He will use that faith to hold me up. There may be times when I am whipped about by the winds of trouble and splashed by a wave or two of trials and testing, but as long as I keep my eyes fixed on Christ, I can keep walking forward in confidence. It is only when I take my eyes from the Lord and start to focus on the people or circumstances around me, or think to much about exactly WHAT I'm doing that I will start to become overwhelmed and sink. May I keep my eyes fixed on Christ and step forward confidently in the faith I have in Him!

Bible Challenge (Hebrews 11:6)

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Hebrews 11:6

Faith is the foundation of my entire walk with the Lord. I know that unless I have faith, the Holy Spirit will not have freedom to work in my life. But one thing I never really though about was the fact that unless I lived each day exercising that faith, I would never fully please my Lord. Unless I daily walk in that faith, I cannot please Him. Sobering thought!

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

So many people have posted neat little quotes, verses, and praises over the past two days. I have really enjoyed reading them, and it has helped me think through some things.

I think many times I as a Christian wonder why I don’t grieve more over what Christ did for me on the cross. Many times I see people cry or get emotional when talking about the crucifixion of our savior, and while I do feel a somber respect, I never grieved.

Someone posted a link to an article that, when I initially read, I totally disagreed with. It focused on each and every physical, painful aspect assumed to have happened during Christ’s death on the cross, and not on the spiritual and mental agony, which I believe is the main happening in those long moments.

I got to thinking about it more, and I realized that yes, what my Lord went through physically was terrible, VERY terrible. But then I thought about the REAL reason of Jesus’ death.

There’s a song that has a phrase, “It was not of pain, but a broken heart (Jesus) died.”

Jesus died a lot sooner than “normal” and way before the two thieves that hung next to Him. Why? I thought about the things I associated Christ’s death with. He took EACH and EVERY sin on Himself. In those moments, He felt the weight, the grief, and the guilt of each and every one of those sins. I know that there were times that I sinned, and the guilt made me miserable enough to cause me to feel physically ill. Jesus felt that. Every time that I could not go to bed because of something I had said or done, He felt that. He felt ALL of the weight from EVERY sin I committed or will commit in ONE space of time. When I think of all that I’ve done, and how terrible I’ve felt for different ones of them, I could not even begin to imagine trying to hold the guilt for ALL of them in one day. That would be unbearable! HE did! But not only for my sins, but for the sins of the ENTIRE WORLD.

“The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?” – Proverbs 18:14

There have been so many people through history that have endured unthinkable torture and physical agony, yet have been able to hold on because of what Christ had done for them. Their spirit, their faith and hope and love for Christ sustained their infirmity. Jesus had physical suffering, yes, such that many people died from before and after Him. But I had to stop and think of the torture of His Spirit. Who indeed could have borne that?

And that wasn’t the worst part, the worst part was that God, in His complete and perfect righteousness, had to turn His back on His Son Who had all the sins and wretchedness of the entire world on His shoulders. I tried to imagine for a minute what it would be like to know God had turned His back on me for just ten minutes. He could not look on me or hear me. I can’t even begin to imagine it! Yet Christ on the cross had to endure that. Even though He cried, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” He knew full why, and submitted willingly.

The more I think about those two aspects, the weight of the sins of the world, and His agony at having His own Father turn His back on Him, the more I agree with the phrase of that song.

As I was riding home from the store, I was praying aloud, as I often do when I’m alone in the car. I was just starting to get a glimpse of the true suffering of Christ (though I will never fully comprehend it!) and I asked the question “why?” I know it was because of love, but it was so hard to understand! And then if saving my soul wasn’t enough, He was now always “on call” for me. Ready and willing to listen to each and every trouble and request I have, and continuing to do things for me in ways I could never imagine.

I knew I could never understand that love, but I wanted to be able to kind of have an idea of why. Suddenly the thought of a grandparent popped in my mind. Grandparents always love their grandchildren. No matter what those children do that’s wrong, they still love them. And they don’t just love them, they also love to do things for them. A grandparent loves it when their grandchild needs something, and they can provide it for them, or if their grandchild asks them for something, and they can provide it. They never cease to love their grandchildren, and will love them, comfort them, and do what they can for them… even if they never get anything back.

Now this doesn’t even begin to describe God’s love for me, but seeing that, and place a grandparent’s love in perspective with God’s love (which is impossible to do, by the way!), I begin to feel overwhelmed. I started to tear up as the magnitude of what Jesus Christ did for me began to come together in my mind. Christ went through SO MUCH! And it was all because of love for ME! I am so unworthy! Praise and bless His Holy Name!

I just prayed earlier this week that God would show me more of His love, and place in me a desire to worship, honor, and serve Him because I WANT to, not just because I was supposed to, and He has begun! 

Bible Challenge (Philippians 3:9)

 "And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:" - Philippians 3:9

What freedom it is to know that it is not my righteousness, but the righteousness of God that saves me! All that is required of me is to daily walk in faith. It is not always easy, but it is simple. How blessed I am!

Bible Challenge (Matthew 8:19-22)

"And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead." Matthew 8:19-22

I know that I want to follow the Lord wherever He leads, but just how much do I want it? Am I willing to do without, be it comforts or entertainment? Am I willing to sacrifice even to the point that I would place Him above all others, including my own family? Just how much do I want to follow Him?

Just By Way of Update...

No, I have not dropped off the face of the earth. I am pretty busy with college, and for that reason I probably will not be posting much on here besides verses until May. At that time I will evaluate and pray about what to do with this blog next. Thank you so much for your interest and support in my blog, and I look forward to posting for you again!

Bible Challenge (Matthew 5:6)

Matthew 5:6 "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled."


Many times the beginnings of the desire is not enough to make me earnestly seek it, but it is enough to pray for that desire to become stronger, even all-consuming! God promises that if I ask anything in His name He will do it, and that He will not withhold any good thing from His children. I wonder what would happen if I were to diligently pray for this for myself and my brothers and sisters in Christ? Imagine what a generation of Christians who are passionately desiring and pursuing the righteousness of Christ could do! Will you pray with me?

Bible Challenge (Matthew 4:19,22)

Matthew 4:19,22 "And he saith unto them, Follow me and I will make you fishers of men...And they immediately left the ship and their father and followed him."


When Jesus called, these disciples immediately stopped what they were doing and followed Him, leaving their home, livelihood and family. As far as I know, they didn't even KNOW Jesus, but followed Him fully and completely in blind faith. Talk about trust! I can't help but wonder how many times Jesus has called me to follow Him in different areas of my life, and I have failed to place my faith and trust completely in Him, even though I know Him and that His way is always right. I may kind of follow Him, but still cling to some aspects of my natural human self. As I looked at this passage I realized that if I am not following fully and completely, I am basically not following at all! May I be willing to sacrifice anything and everything and truly follow Jesus wherever He leads me!

Bible Challenge (2 Corinthians 1:24)

"For by faith ye stand." - 2 Corinthians 1:24

Faith can be such a simple thing, I easily forget about it. How many times I have forgotten to place my faith and trust in the Lord for the daily decisions in my life, only to eventually find myself fallen flat on my face. It is when I live each and every day of my life in constant faith and obedience to the Lord that I remain standing. Praise God for something so simple, yet profoundly effective!

Bible Challenge (1 John 4:9-10)

"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." - 1 John 4:9-10

Every gift God gives to me is inspired by His love for me. God is the greatest gift-giver, and every one of His gifts to me is precious and good. From the creation of the first light to the sending of His own Son,  THE PERFECT GIFT, every gift God gives is a reflection of His love for me. May I learn from Him and willingly and thankfully receive and use His gifts to glorify Him!

Bible Challenge (Isaiah 26:4)

"Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:" - Isaiah 26:4

What a comfort to think of that everlasting strength! No matter what happens in my life, I ALWAYS have a reason to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ! He IS strength, and trusting in that Strength will allow me to be strong! Offering trust, gaining strength... what a trade!

Bible Challenge (Galatians 6:8)

"For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." - Galatians 6:8

Every so often I realize that I have been displaying anger, impatience, lying, or other sinful traits a lot more than usual. If I stop and evaluate what I've been spending the majority of my time doing, I find I have been spending more time watching movies, reading books, etc. than reading God's Word. According to this verse, if I feed my sinful, fleshly self, that is what will start to show in my life. On the flip side, when I am diligent in reading and studying God's Word, my whole attitude shows the results! (And my family is thankful!) :-D

Bible Challenge (2 Corinthians 5:4)

"For we that are in this tabernacle to groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life." - 2 Corinthians 5:4

It is interesting to note that never in God's Word does He say He will remove our sinful nature. Instead, He tells us how to put on the righteousness of Christ and encourages and equips us to be transformed to His image. He tenderly takes the clay we are made of and uses THAT clay, molding and transforming it to be a vessel for His glory! How thankful I am that God covers my sinfulness with His righteousness, my mortality with immortality, and my flesh with His blood!

Bible Challenge (1 Thessalonians 4:7)

"For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness." 

- 1 Thessalonians 4:7

Interesting how many times we as children of God forget that He not only saves us, but calls us to live a life of holiness.

Bible Challenge (Psalm 37:24)

"Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand." - Psalm 37:24

What precious comfort to know that no matter how many times I fall, be it in faith, obedience or temptations, the Lord is ALWAYS ready and willing to pick me up from where I am.

Bible Challenge (Proverbs 28:13)

"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."

 - Proverbs 28:13

I had to stop for a second when I read this. I'm not sure how I interpreted this before, but today it struck me in a whole new light. 

Many times when God brings me to the point of surrender and getting serious in pursuing my relationship with Him, things will come to mind that I probably should go to others and apologize for. So often I push it aside with the "I'll just do better from now on: excuse. While God is pleased with my turning back to Him, my relationship with Him will not truly prosper until I confess those sins and then be able to fully leave them behind. 

Am I hindering my walk with God by not confessing and forsaking any sins in my life?

Bible Challenge (Romans 8:26-27)

I just finished reading my Romans passage and when I came across these verses I couldn't help but feel relieved!

"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God."     -Romans 8:26-27

What a comfort to know that I'm not the only one trying to make sense of me in prayer! I'm sure He does a much better job than I do! Just imagine God listening to our stuttering bumbles, then turning to the Holy Spirit raising His eyebrows and saying, "interpretation?"

Okay so maybe not, but it was a fun thought!

Bible Challenge (Philippians 3:13-14)

"Bretheren, I count not myself to have apprehended: But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

 -Philippians 3:13-14

Praise God for His mercies that are new every day! Through Christ's strength I can leave the struggles and trials of yesterday behind, rest in His love and walk in His grace today, and reach forward to the victories and growth in His righteousness in the tomorrows ahead. Glory be to my Savior and Guide!



HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!