Dear Lord,

You know what this day entails. I cannot do one single thing without You and Your strength. May my words be Your Words. May my actions be Your actions. May I carry Your peace and love throughout the day and extend to each person I meet. Thank you for walking with me. Thank you for Your love. Thank you for what You are going to do today, in me. I love You and praise You and ask all of these things in Your precious name.

Amen

What if the key to true joy isn't adding more to your life, but taking something off?

In Israel, our teacher asked us to remove our hiking boots and walk barefoot on rocky terrain. Suddenly, every step required intention, awareness, and trust. This is what it looks like to roll your life onto God's path—slow, deliberate, dependent.
We love our "hiking boots"—the confidence to go wherever we want, whenever we want. But John 15 calls us to something different: "Remain in me, and I will remain in you... I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete."

Joy isn't found in control. It's found in surrender. It's a daily choice to take off the boots, step onto His path, and follow the Shepherd—even when it's uncomfortable. But we can do it when we remain in Him. In Him, we will have our joy!

When life gets hard, hang onto your praise. He is faithful and worthy of it all!

“For you are my only hope, Lord! I've hung on to you, trusting in you all my life. It was you who supported me from the day I was born, loving me, helping me through my life's journey. You've made me into a miracle; no wonder I trust you and praise you forever! Many marvel at my success, but I know it is all because of you, my mighty protector! I'm overflowing with your praise for all you've done, and your splendor thrills me all day long." Psalm 71:5-8 TPT

Start off this new week encouraged and strengthened - keep going!

"Isn't it obvious that all runners on the racetrack keep on running to win, but only one receives the 7 victor's prize? Yet each one of you must run the race to be victorious. A true athlete will be: disciplined in every respect, practicing constant self-control in order to win a laurel wreath that quickly withers. But we run our race to win a victor's crown that will last forever. For that reason, I don't run just for exercise or box like one throwing aimless punches, but I train like a champion athlete. I subdue my body and get it under my control, so that after preaching the good news to others I myself won't be disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

What are you carrying that you were never meant to hold? Whether it's unforgiveness, resentment, bitterness, or control, Jesus meets us exactly where we are and invites us to lay it all down. The enemy wants to keep us stuck, but freedom comes when we release what we've been clinging to. It's not always a one-time surrender—sometimes it's every five minutes—but each time we let go, we make room for what God wants to give us.

You can't step into everything God has for you with hands full of yesterday's pain. Let go and let God, and walk freely once again.

What is our posture when we’re waiting on God? Do we have crossed arms, a tapping foot, an unbelieving heart? What would it look like to thank Him before we can see the results? To trust and believe that He is working and moving with our best interests in mind - in His perfect timing? It would look like faith: actively trusting and believing in the One who created us and that He is still on the throne. #truth #FHGM

Anxiety. We have all had our anxious moments. But when it becomes a way of life, living day in and day out with the heaviness in our hearts and fear that never goes away - we must realize that the enemy (the devil) is trying to keep us trapped in anxiousness and racing thoughts. Jesus came to bring us peace that passes all understanding and wants us to experience that peace no matter our circumstances. The enemy wants nothing for us but dis-ease. If you are struggling today with anxiousness and anxiety - it's time to know who the true enemy is - and that he can only be defeated with Jesus.
"And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - PHILIPPIANS 4:7

Throughout our day, we use many different tools. But are we using the one that helps us stand strong in our faith, reveals truth, guides us through the storms of life, and teaches us how to truly love one another?

Today, pick up God’s Word. It is the ultimate tool we need.

Bitterness. It's one of those emotions that leads to resentment, disappointment, and even hatred. And while soul searching, you might think that you got it all, but even a tiny root can grow again in record time, choking out peace, joy, and especially love.

The Bible is clear on what we should do with bitterness, but sometimes, we don't even recognize what we're fighting and when it's grown beyond our control. If this is you today, suffering from bitterness, give it over to the Lord. Forgiveness is vital, forgiving the person or situation that started you down the path in the first place. Don't allow the enemy to use this to distance you from the people you love, especially God.

I battled with depression for years. The lows were so low for a while that I didn't want to get out of bed, do the dishes, or clean the house. I didn't want to do anything. Some days, I didn't even want to live. As someone who knows, depression is not something you want to keep to yourself. You need to reach out and speak up. If it's medication you need for a while or counseling-taking the first step is the hardest, but it will help. And while I did both, l wasn't entirely free until I gave it to God and believed that depression comes from the enemy.

For the longest time, I didn't think God could heal me - maybe He didn't want to heal me. But that was a lie from the enemy. You see, God wants us to have abundant life and joy in our journey. Satan has come to steal, kill, and destroy, and there is nowhere else he would like you to be than at home, depressed, wanting to die. Facing depression is admitting that you need help, taking the proper course of treatment, and letting God in to heal you. Take it from me - l am living proof. #mentalhealthawarenessmonth

Just call on His name!

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." ~ 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

This parable in Matthew 25:1-13 wasn't just for the people in Jesus's time - it is for us today. It reminds us that we must live a life honoring the Lord, focusing on Him, and ready for His return. When we look at the ten, only half were ready; only the wise were prepared. "The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.' ‘No, they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves. But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut."

We must keep our lamps lit. We must keep our eyes on the horizon. We must be prepared and "keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour."

What happens when you look at the picture of your life and it looks nothing like what you planned. I have been there. I had dreamed and strategized and bulldozed and made something of my life, and when I finally arrived I felt empty and lost and alone. I discovered I had been making my own life, never once thinking about God or what He might want for me.

But what I love about God is that we can always return, and  that's what I did. I started off again and this time asked Him, "What do you have for me? What can I do that is right in-line with how You created me?" And this time... well this time my photo is in full color. It's messy, but it's filled with love, grace, peace, family, friends, health, and a joy that I cannot describe.

Today, you can change the picture of your life. You just have to invite Jesus in...

Fear doesn't have to hold you back. God gives you the power and self-discipline to overcome, even when it feels impossible.

You know that feeling when you just want to pull the covers over your head and be done? When giving up seems easier than taking one more step? l've been there. Here's what I'm learning: The moment we want to give up is often the moment right before our breakthrough. The enemy knows this. He whispers "quit" loudest when victory is closest.
Galatians 6:9 reminds us: "Let us not become weary in doing good. For at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." So today, declare with me: "I am not giving up. God is not done yet." Your miracle is coming. Hold on. Don't give up!

What's holding you back from stepping into the full freedom Jesus offers? Fear? Shame? Old wounds? Lies you've believed for too long? Jesus didn't come to manage your bondage-He came to set you free.

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36)

Freedom begins when we stop hiding and start surrendering. Today is a good day to let go and step forward.

Has there ever been a burning bush in your life?

One day, when Moses was tending sheep, he saw a burning bush that did not burn up. As he approached, God spoke to him. God told Moses that He had seen the misery of His people and was sending Moses to Pharaoh to bring His people out of Egypt. Even though Moses could see the miraculous sign of the burning bush and hear that God had a plan and would be with him, Moses was reluctant to do what God asked. He constantly said back to God, “Who am I? What if I can’t do this? What if? What if? What if?”And can’t that be us today? We can see God working, but doubt that He can use us. But here is the truth: we only need to be obedient. When God calls us, He will equip us, no matter how impossible we think it might be. Because NOTHING is impossible with God.

Today, step out in faith, and don’t say “what if,” say “Here I am, Lord, send me.”

When Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness and was tempted by the devil, He used the same weapon we have access to today—God’s Word. Each time the enemy came against Him, Jesus responded, “It is written.”

Friends, it’s time to pick up God’s Word. Put on your spiritual armor, stand firm, and remember: the enemy is already under our feet.

But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” Genesis 3:9-10

Why did Adam and Eve hide from God? Because they sinned. They knew they had disobeyed His commands and hid from Him. And we are still doing this today. We make a mistake, we sin, we feel regret for what we did, and instead of repenting to the Lord, we hide, move away from God, leave the path, and then wonder where He’s gone. But God never moved. We did. God’s Word tells us in James 4:8 to draw near to God, and He will draw near to us.

If you are hiding from the Lord today, if you feel far from Him, it’s time to repent and return. Remember, He never moves - we do.

Think about that marathon runner who can't see the finish line yet. The crowd keeps cheering, "Don't give up!" That's the Holy Spirit in your life today. He's saying keep going, keep trusting, I've got you.

What river are you standing beside today? The Israelites stood at the edge of the flooding Jordan River for three days, staring at impossible waters, wondering how they would ever cross over. But God wasn't asking them to figure it out. He was asking them to step in.

Here's the powerful truth: God didn't calm the waters first. He told the priests to walk into the rushing river, and THEN the miracle began. The moment their feet touched the water, God stopped the flow upstream, and they crossed on dry ground. It’s time to check our faith and trust that God will bring us to the other side.

This week, try this: Create a new rhythm. Worship Him when you wake up. Pray throughout your day. Thank Him for who He is, not just what He does. Watch how your perspective shifts when you position yourself in His presence.

“How abundant are the good things
that you have stored up for those who fear you,
that you bestow in the sight of all,
on those who take refuge in you.” Psalm 31:19

Have a beautiful Sunday!
God Bless!

We spend so much energy white-knuckling our way through life, convinced that if we just hold on tight enough, we can control the outcome. But what if that control is just an illusion? The truth? Our peace doesn't come from controlling life, but from trusting the One who does. God is still on the throne. His love for you hasn't changed. He knows what's best, even when we can't see it.

Today, take inventory. Where are you gripping too tightly? Your kids? Your career? Your relationships? What if you surrendered those areas in prayer and trusted His guidance and timing?

This is your reminder to suit up!

The Armor of God
10 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people." ~ Ephesians 6:10-18