Stop receiving packages from the enemy. ?

Every day, we accept stress, anxiety, and disease like we're signing for a delivery we never ordered. But God didn't create us to carry the weight of tomorrow's worries or the world's chaos. He offers something radically different: His peace.

Matthew 6:34 reminds us, "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself." Philippians 4:6 calls us to present our requests to God with thanksgiving instead of anxiety. The key? Stop accepting what the enemy delivers and start receiving what God promises—healing, peace, and restoration.

You weren't designed to live under your circumstances. You were created to stand on top of them, grounded in God's truth. Say it out loud: "I rebuke you, Satan. I will not receive your disease." Put on the full armor of God and fight with His Word.

You are loved. You are chosen. You are healed.

Many things are happening in the world today. Senseless killing, loss of life, tragedy that affects all of us. But it's time to remember that our battle is not against flesh and bone - we are fighting against the forces of evil. And to fight - we need to suit up and pray. Pray for our countries, our leaders, our unity - and pray that we stand firm against the evil one.

10"Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. 11 Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil's tricks. 12 We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. 13 So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day[a] comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm. 14 Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God's justice protect you like armor. 15 Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet. 16 Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Let God's saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God's message that comes from the Spirit. 18 Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God's people. " Ephesians 6:10-18 CEV

In the end, when we stand before Jesus and account for all of the things in our life, Jesus won’t ask us how much money we made, how big or small our house was, or how many trips we went on. He won’t want to know about our investments, our 401K, or how much we saved.

The truth is, He’ll already know how much time we spent with Him each day, if His Word is embedded in our hearts, and how we lived for Him. He’ll already know what we chased after and whether we invested in the world or in His Kingdom.

So when we stand there, will we be confident? Will we know that we lived for the Lord and for His Glory, not ours? Where are we investing our time each day? Is it with the Lord?

Expectations - there are so many we face each day. From the time our feet hit the floor, the rush of what we need to do and the expectations that we face can sometimes stop us in our tracks. I have struggled, facing these each day: working, striving, meeting, exceeding. I have felt it from the world, from others, and from myself. But what about God’s expectations?

That’s where it’s different. When I lean in and listen, I hear Him telling me to rest; rest in Him, trust in Him, wait on Him. There are moments I don’t even need to be working and striving because He always is. I just need to wait. I need to trust. I need to rest.

As we start this new day, I encourage you to lay aside the expectations and lean into what the Father has for you. Lean in, listen, and let Him work and move. Amen

Sometimes we can see it coming—the big wave, the layoff, the diagnosis, the separation. And as we’re standing there, we have no idea how it’s not going to crush us. But we have God’s Word to cling to, and His Word says: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-10

We may be pressed, but we’re not crushed. We may be perplexed, but we’re not without hope. We may be persecuted, but we’re not abandoned.  Today, whatever you are facing, repeat after me… “But God!”

In my old life, I tried to forge my own path, make my own road, and was unwilling to listen to the wisdom of others, especially God. I spent years traveling in the wrong direction, and most of the time I was exhausted from trying to do things in my own strength. But when I finally surrendered to the Lord and was willing to follow Him, He went before me and prepared the way, and I relied on His strength and wisdom. Today, stop paving your own road. Isn’t it time to follow Jesus?
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 ESV

Raise your hands if you love Jesus!
Have a beautiful Sunday!
God Bless!

Is there something in your life that feels like it’s barely hanging on—your job, your marriage, your health? Did you know there is power in His name? Healing in His name? Life in His name? Today, call on the name of Jesus. Invite Him into your job, your marriage, your health, your life. Believe and get ready. Dead things come alive in the name of Jesus.

In my old life, I tried to do everything on my own. I had to prove to everyone that I was capable, hiding behind a mask of perfection so they wouldn't see my brokenness. Each morning, I would pull myself out of bed and face another day, exhausted, weary, but unable to surrender to the One who formed me in my mother's womb and had great plans for me. I just couldn't believe that He could love me after so many mistakes, so many times shutting the door in His face and refusing to let go.

And when I couldn't take another step, at the end of my rope, buried deep under debt and despair, I opened the door and invited Him in. And He didn't yell, or shame me, or ask me what took me so long. He picked me up in His arms and carried me... and He said, "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10 NLT

This month, we’re learning to release the things that keep us bound so we can walk freely in all that God has for us. This week, we’re focusing on letting go of control — those moments when we try to steer every part of life on our own instead of trusting God’s plan. Control can feel safe, but real peace comes when we surrender and allow Him to lead.
Join Reverend Ammie Bouwman as we open God’s Word and discover the freedom found in letting go and trusting His perfect timing.

Listen on the go!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6mytdDmHTqmfny6uMxebj1?si=hKRIK4ktTcWhKYqDIMb8zA

You are not too broken to begin again.
You are not disqualified by your past.
You are not alone at this threshold.

God is going to go before you and he's going to make a way and he's going to open the door and he's going to be with you each step of the way. Hallelujah!

What is the gospel? It's good news! It's the kind of news that changes and transforms people. And it's free. It is a gift to anyone and everyone who receives it by faith. So, let us grab hold of this verse and not be ashamed. Tell everyone you know that Jesus saves!

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed-a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." Romans 1:16-17

Today, there are many “truths” out there. The world tells us we can create our own or pick the best ones for us. But we must be aware of who and what we are listening to. False prophets and teachers do not speak for God, and their messages do not line up with God's Word. Jesus tells us in Mark 7:15,

"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves." We must remember to measure everything against God's Word, our only truth, and ask the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom and discernment in all things.

God's timing is perfect, which means it was His design that you are here today, in this hour, at this time in the world. Let His perfect plan for your life be made known. Step into all that He has for you!

"This is my comfort in my affliction, That Your word has revived me and given me life." ~ Psalm 119:50 AMP #FHGM

Have you ever looked at your current situation and asked, “How did I get here?" Whenever we're lost, it's always best to stop moving, figure out how off course we are, and make a plan. Below are some steps to get us back on course:

1. Admitting to God that we're lost.
2. Asking for help or direction.
3. Determining the struggle and surrendering to God.
4. Trusting in His timing.
5. Stepping out in faith and returning to the path.

Today, no matter how far off course you are - there is still time.

"Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord." ~Lamentations 3:40

Podcast - Season 6/Episode 25

This month, we’re learning to release what holds us back so we can walk in the freedom God intended. This week, we’re focusing on letting go of the past — the mistakes, the pain, and the “what ifs” that try to define us. God is doing a new thing, and He’s inviting us to step boldly into it.

Join Reverend Ammie Bouwman as we dive into God’s Word and discover how to move forward in His grace and purpose. Click the link to listen on the go:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6UflTZUZ8ege38TodiZLOY?si=t9TtBWZYQEWZU2pfJR7djg

*Available wherever you get your podcasts.

When Paul wrote Philippians, he was sitting in a prison in Rome. Paul knew it wasn't about his situation; it was about the work Jesus was doing in and through him in that season of life. We have all been in some kind of prison: a prisoner of a situation, a lifestyle, and addiction - even a prisoner of our mind. But we need to have hope that God is not done with us yet. Let Him finish the work in you. He will break your chains and give you the freedom that can only be found in Him, a prize of everlasting life.

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind me and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 3:12-14

Are you thirsty? So many times in our lives, we thirst for God but don't even realize it's Him we need. We turn to things of this world to quench our "thirst": money, drugs and alcohol, love, possessions - thinking this will fill us up - only leaving us even more empty.

But the truth is that we will never be satisfied until we thirst for the one Who created us in His image. May our natural desire to go to God come as easily as the deer going to water. When it's thirsty, it goes to the only source that will quench its thirst. Let this be us. May our hearts long for God alone.

Let Jesus calm the storm in your life!

"And he arose, and rebuked the wind and said unto the sea, 'Peace, be still.' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." Mark 4:39

What if the breakthrough you're waiting for isn't about your circumstances changing-but about believing God's promise before you see the results?

In Joshua 10, God literally stopped the sun and moon so His people could walk in victory. Not because their situation looked promising, but because Joshua prayed boldly and believed God would do the impossible.

Here's what hope looks like in action. Hope moves you INTO the battle, not away from it. Hope gives you courage to ask God for the impossible. Hope carries you through when everything feels dark. Hope remembers God is not limited by time, strength, or odds.
Maybe your "sun stand still" prayer today is for a child's salvation, a marriage restoration, freedom from addiction, or complete healing. Whatever it is, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Hallelujah!

Jesus promised in John 16:33, "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world." The enemy wants to keep you down, whispering lies about who you are. But God is leaning in today saying, "I have great plans for you—plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Stop letting the enemy kick you while you're down. Rise up. Speak truth over your life. Keep your eyes on Jesus, and watch Him restore the joy that was always meant to be yours.

You were made to move mountains.

They say the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. I believe this is the same truth when it comes to living in this world today. The first step to overcoming is recognizing that this is a battle and that we need to put on the full armor of God each day and fight. And most importantly, remember, - we ARE victorious in Jesus Christ!

God’s Word tells us that the enemy (the devil) has come to steal, kill and destroy and that he prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. We cannot take these words lightly. We must be “strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:10-12)

As we start this new day, suit up! Grab the sword of the Spirit (God’s Word) and pick up your shield of faith! It’s a battle, but we know how this ends. We are VICTORIOUS! Hallelujah!

Surrendering is a daily process. We wake up in the morning, and when our feet hit the ground, we say, "I choose you today, Lord."

Podcast - Season 6/Episode 24

We are starting up a brand new series: Letting Go. So many of us hold on to things that weigh us down—fear, guilt, shame, and the pressure to live for the approval of others. But God calls us to freedom.
This week, we’re starting with a tough one: people pleasing. When our worth is tied to the opinions of others, we miss the joy of living fully in God’s truth. I hope you will join me!

Click the link below or available wherever you get your podcasts. https://open.spotify.com/episode/5WMuRJ8TdNPVDQ9gtczvT0?si=2xtQeRdMTceMwEGDJ7SNwg