Category: Inspiration

In our modern world, we don’t really get the chance to witness amazing miracles or acts of God. At least, not in the way I think of them. (You know, like the ones from the days of the Bible. Personally, I think we witness many miracles, we just don’t realize it.)

At any rate, the miracles that I think about God doing, the huge Biblical ones that I am sure pop into everyone’s heads are the following:

• The parting of the Red Sea
• Daniel in the lion’s den
• Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead
• Jesus himself overcoming death on the third day

There are, of course, tons of others. The Bible is chock-full of them. That is one of the reasons I enjoy reading my Bible—you realize just how expansive and amazing our Lord truly is.

So, the reason I wanted to write on this topic today is because I believe that we may soon get to see some of these miracles for ourselves.

Many believers have been praying for a revival in our land, and I think it is happening. Our country has turned so very far away from God. It is my belief that He is calling us back. If we keep our eyes, ears, hearts, and minds open, we will see Him do wondrous things.

Mario Murillo is already having tent revivals in California that are bringing in thousands of people. Many of these souls are getting saved! Praise God!

In my heart, I believe many more will be coming. We will see things happening in this country that many won't understand or believe, so don't be alarmed. It is just God working to turn our hearts back to Him. I, for one, think it will be a glorious time. Just watch Him work!

We know good from evil and truth from lies. We know our rights don't come from the government, but from God. And, we will fight to the death to protect those rights.

America is the last bastion of freedom in the world. And, we will not fall. It is time to stand with our Founding Fathers and invoke the power of "We the People" and the power of God. We are the Patriots. Join us!

Watch NOW

#stopthesteal #americafirst #godwins #resist #holdtheline #wewin #trump2020 #fightthegoodfight #theplottostealamerica

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Broken is Beautiful

11/7/2020

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A while back I learned about the Japanese art form of Kintsugi. Kintsugi means "golden joinery." It is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with lacquer mixed with powdered gold. The philosophy behind this is to treat the breakage and repair as part of the history of the object, rather than to just disguise it.

Isn't this just beautiful?

As you can see from the photo above, I think it makes this once ordinary bowl breathtaking, don't you?

This is what God does for us as human beings. He takes our brokenness, our hurts, and our sorrows and with His heroic love He starts to make us whole. The Lord's love is not just any old love, His love is a triumphant mix of mercy, grace, tenderness, forgiveness, and kindness. His love heals us. His amazing and potent love; His combination of ingredients makes us golden.

Over time, as we bask and grow in His love, we will go from glory to glory. And, as such, we will become more and more like Him. One might even say more golden. (See 2 Corinthians 3:18) This is what it means to grow spiritually in Christ. And, I don't know about you, but I want to be more golden--more like Him.

And, we are all broken, aren't we? Each in our own way. Some of us are more broken than others. But, praise God, He can heal us. All we have to do is ask Him. I know that sounds too easy--too good to be true. But, it IS true. How do I know? Because, not only does the Bible tell me so, but I have personally experienced it for myself.

I may be broken, but because of God's love for me, I am now beautifully so! My cracks are being sealed with God's golden love for me. His love makes me whole.

And, as typically happens with me, this reminds me of a song I need to share with you that reinforces this thought: Beautifully Broken by Plumb.

Here are the lyrics:

Every tear, every doubt
Every time you've fallen down
When you're hurting, feeling shame
When you're numbing all your pain
When you've lost your way
And feel so far away
You're not

You're beautifully broken
And you can be whole again
Even a million scars
Doesn't change whose you are
You're worthy
Beautifully broken

Every fear of being loved
For who you are no matter what
When you're stumbling, with each step
And you're haunted by regret
And the darkness closes in
Just listen

You're beautifully broken
And you can be whole again
Even a million scars
Doesn't change whose you are
You're worthy
Beautifully broken

You're beautifully broken (beautifully broken)
You're beautifully broken
Oh, the god who made the stars
Is the god that made your heart
And he's holding you right…

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Don't Be Taken Over By Fear

10/2/2020

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We are living in very stressful, very chaotic times. "Normal" life is stressful enough, but throw in a world pandemic, economic uncertainty, rioting and racial unease, and a presidential election into the mix, and stressful doesn't even begin to cover it. But, well, here we are. Welcome to life in 2020.

As I was walking Kudzu the other day, I was listening to music, with my playlist on shuffle. A song from 2008 popped on that I used to love, but had not heard, much less thought about in many years. Listening to it with "new" ears was akin to being punched in the gut. What song was it, you ask? The Fear by Lily Allen. I am sure Lily wrote it as a tongue-in-cheek song. On its own, I thought it was a fun, cute song--back 12 years ago. Today though...well, it really hit home. There is really one set of lyrics that echoed in my head, and they haven't stopped since. These are the lyrics I am referring to:

I don't know what's right and what's real anymore. I don't know how I'm meant to feel anymore. When do you think it will all become clear? 'Cause I'm being taken over by the fear.

Doesn't that just succinctly sum up how we are all collectively feeling right now?!

There are so many people in our world who are feeling so very lost and overwhelmed by fear. It is hard to digest everything that is happening right not, much less understand it. Fear of the future, fear of the unknown, fear of not being in control, and just not knowing what tomorrow will bring. When the world keeps throwing punch, after punch, after punch--you can't help but wonder: what's next?

I am not going to lie to you, I have absolutely no clue what tomorrow will bring. But, I do know the man who does: God. Not only does God know the future, but He is already there. He is the Great I Am. And, because of Him, we DO NOT have to live in fear--of ANYTHING. Not the pandemic or of getting sick. Not about any economic issues. Not about riots or racial unrest. Not about this country and who is going to run it. NOTHING. NOTHING.

If you are feeling fear about anything in life, you need to seek God out. Get into your Bible. Get in The Word of God. There you will find tons of verses that tell us NOT to fear. I wrote an article earlier this year highlighting some of these verses. Please read it! Spend time in prayer, spend time listening to some good praise music, step away from your social media accounts and TV, get outside and get some fresh air and marvel at the beauty of the world that God created.

When you spend time with the Lord, you will find your fear subsiding. He gives the peace that surpasses all understanding. I can't explain it - but trust me when I tell you--it is very real. And, I am so grateful for it!

And, let me tell you something, that fear that you are feeling is NOT from God. Only good things come from God. (Don't be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:16-17)

That fear you are feeling is from the devil. And that devil is out there seeking whom he may devour. (Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8) Do NOT allow him to get to you. Do NOT be his victim. Stand against him and he will flee from you. James 4:7 tells us, "Submit yourselves therefor to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This is the truth brothers and sisters, the truth.

While we don't know the future, we can stand firm in the Lord and trust Him to take care of us, no matter what crazy thing may come our way. The Lord promises to ALWAYS be with us--to NEVER leave us. He is our Hope. He is our Refuge. He is our Truth. He is our firm Foundation. He is our Freedom--most especially our Freedom from fear and worry.

So while these storms are circling all around me, coming closer and closer and closer, I am fine. Why? Because I am a Child of God. I KNOW that the Lord is holding me in the palm of His hand, and He will keep me safe from whatever storms are hitting. And, the Lord loves you and He will do the same thing for you. All you have to is ask. Do NOT be overtaken by fear.

Oh, and that question that Lily asked: When do you think it will all become clear? Well, I think I know the answer. Soon. Very, very soon.

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Gospel Artists Unite to Fight Poverty

8/31/2020

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Photo By Devin Harvey

This past Friday evening, August 28, 2020, gospel artists "United to Fight Poverty" with a virtual concert on Youtube. It featured TobyMac, Hillsong Worship, Kirk Franklin, for KING & COUNTRY, Tamela Mann, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Matthew West, CeCe Winans, Natalie Grant, Zach Williams, Mandisa, Big Daddy Weave, Matt Maher, Phil Wickham, Christine D'Clario, Blanca, Rita Springer, Dante Bowe, Colony House, and Jon Reddick.

And, y'all it was AWESOME!!

I have never heard of Colony House before. The band is composed of brothers Caleb Chapman on vocals and Will Chapman on drums, with guitarist Scott Mills, and bassist Parke Cottrell. Caleb and Will are the sons of contemporary Christian musician, Steven Curtis Chapman. Take a listen to their songs Looking for Some Light and Waiting for My Time to Come.

Looking for Some Light

Waiting for My Time to Come

I have never listened to Kirk Franklin before either. Y'all, I have been missing out! I have no idea where I have been, I guess under a rock or something! lol

Kirk Dewayne Franklin is an American choir director, gospel musician, singer, songwriter, and author. He is best known for leading urban contemporary gospel choirs such as The Family, God's Property, and One Nation Crew among many others. He has won numerous awards, including 16 Grammy Awards. His song Love Theory has me grooving! You will have this on repeat! And, Wanna Be Happy? has an amazing message.

Love Theory

Wanna Be Happy?

It never ceases to amaze me how much music can do for your soul. How it can just lift your heart or comfort your hurts or explain exactly how you feel. I have said it before and will say it until I die, music is medicine.

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What Is Your Song?

8/30/2020

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A few Sundays ago I was listening to Mandisa on my Abide App while I was at the gym. She asked, "what is your song?" She was sharing with us that we each need to write our own song about our life. Mandisa pointed out that while all bluebirds sing and sound very similar in their song, that they each have a distinct sound that belongs to only them. We are the same way.

So, ever since then, I have been thinking about what my song is. I have written a few lines in my head and thought it would be good to actually get them on paper. (Or, type them out, as we do nowadays!) And, so here we are.

I realized that for a few years now I have been repeating three words in my head to myself. I say them over and over. So, I figured these words would be the name of my song.

Trust and Believe

I trust and believe in you, O Lord.
I trust and believe in you.

Your Word is my lamp and my sword.
I long to be in your presence and one day see your face.
I am ever so grateful for your love and never-ending grace.

When this world becomes too much and my struggles overwhelm.
I turn to you and trust and believe, because you are at the helm.

I trust and believe in you, O Lord.
I trust and believe in you.

I know the promises you have made.
And I know that they are true.
I know that you love and cherish me.
I place all my hope in you.

Many days my strength fails me,
And my head and heart are a mess.
But, in you, I find my comfort.
In you, I find my rest.

I trust and believe in you, O Lord.
I trust and believe in you.

I place my confidence and my heart in your hands.
I gladly give you my life,
It is yours to direct and plan.

I rest securely in the knowledge that I seek and find in your Word.
That I need not fear, nor worry, nor live my life on my own.
I rest securely in the knowledge that Jesus will come again.

It is for all these things and more, O Lord,
I sing your praises evermore.

I trust and believe in you, O Lord.
I trust and believe in you.

This is it. This is what I have so far. Maybe one day I can put some music to it, somehow. And, maybe even find my voice to sing out loud.

So, what about you? What is your song? I would love to hear it!

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Hard Reset

5/16/2020

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Photo by Sachin Tripathi from Pexels

Have you ever needed to do a “hard reset” on one of your electronic devices? Your mobile phone? A tablet? Maybe even your computer? You know, because it is frozen and won’t work anymore? I know I certainly have. It’s as if that device is saying, “Ok, I have had enough. I can’t take anymore. I need a break.” Thus, you have to shut it down, give it some time, and do a hard reset to get it to function again.

Well, as human beings, I believe we all need to take breaks, too. And, right now during this coronavirus pandemic, we are getting our chance. Maybe this is God’s way of giving us the ability to do a “hard reset” on our lives and ourselves.

Even though this pandemic is scary in a multitude of ways, we should be using this unexpected time at home to our advantage. If we just change our perspective a bit, we can look at this as an opportunity to better ourselves, our lives, and maybe even the world we live in. This is our moment to create some beauty out of the “ashes” of this Covid-19 mess. (See Isaiah 61:3)

Below are just a few ideas I have on using this time wisely.

Spend more authentic, honest time with God. Make Him your first priority. Read your Bible. Study what it says. Pray. Meditate.
Spend quality time with your family. Play some games. Take delight in a delicious meal together. Read some books or watch a movie together.
Help a neighbor or a friend in need. Offer to run errands for those who are not able to get out of the house. Bake some cookies and leave them on their doorstep. Even just a smile and a wave from across the street is an easy way to lift another’s spirit.
Get outside. Talk a walk. Play with your dog. Plant some new flowers. Enjoy the great outdoors. Vitamin D, fresh air, and sunshine are good for your soul. (As is taking in the beauty of God’s creation. Watch the sun rise or set. God does glorious work!)

Yet, more often than not, these are the first things that get pushed aside in our daily lives. We don’t necessarily mean to, but we get busy just living life. We have jobs and kids and chores. And, yes, these are all important too. But, we get so occupied with all of these other things, we forget our greatest concerns should be looking towards the Lord and then taking care of each other.

I pray that during this unforeseen season where our lives have slowed down to a snail’s pace, that we will all turn the tables to our benefit. Let’s do a hard reset on our lives and put the focus where it should be—God and others. After all, God’s commandment is to love Him first and second to love one another. (See Mark 12: 30-31)

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Watch God Work

A Great Awakening

Broken is Beautiful

Don't Be Taken Over By Fear

Gospel Artists Unite to Fight Poverty

What Is Your Song?

Hard Reset

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