•Not something to be ashamed of because you’ve already been washed of it•
He looks at us takes those dirty rags wraps and wrings them out real good even though it’s uncomfortable, your vulnerable, and can’t seem to wash your mistakes away. He allows purification to start, the cleaning has begun and the forgiveness was bought at to high of a price for you to pay him back so surrender all into the hands of a merciful Father and his loving hand.
When a rag/ cloth goes through enough it gets stained. When we go through something, somethings we forget but others stain us, no matter how much you try and wash it or remove it the memory or vision of it never fades. The color may dim but the stain remains.
Through the process of staining there’s redemption. There’s a testimony to it, to be stained but not at all still chained to it. Process as redemption not as defeat!
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10
A 30-day devotion to ignite what we hope will create a daily routine to dig in the bible. Continually. Consistently. In a Growing One on One relationship with Christ. To the mom with messy hair and morning breath in a hurry to get her daily devo done before the kids arise oh so “gracefully”. To the teenager that doesn’t understand but desperately wants too. To the college kid in there 20’s trying to survive through temptations. To the busy business man that has the fast life. If these are you or no-where near close. A growing relationship with Christ is something worth the time and pursuit! Feel Free to read along with us the whole month of April @sʜᴀʟᴏᴍᴘᴜʀsᴜɪᴛ❤︎
“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10
Cuffs attached > Death attached.
It’s not it’s own. It doesn’t define.
It has no extra value.
Something in which it’s only benefit is to hold together what’s not wanted to come apart. Or loose. It contains a person. It creates obstacles and produces barriers. Hindering the ability to move. Mentally. Physically.
We are chained to:
Emotions
Identity
The past
Money
Sex
Ourselves
Approval or acceptance
A title
We go and give ourselves away to things that are only gonna make us greedy for more. But God goes and he redeems us. Because we are cuffed to things we will never have the key of. Satisfaction isn’t offered or represented. And if it is it doesn’t last long. It’s because a little taste can eventually lead to being chained to the world. It’s easy to linger around but hard to fight against.
My identity is Christ. It’s for Christ. It is Jesus Christ. But when two dominant things collide. Me seeking me. Flesh will land me in demolished contemporary comfort. Spirit will land me in the comfort zone of the trusting and seeking God. My flesh runs to the world. Spirit runs to the arms of the Father. My flesh will run to things that catch the eye. My spirit will run to the things that catch the heart. Flesh will run to the things accessible. While Spirit will dig up the truth to resolve the issue at below roots base. While flesh will bury the truth spite of reputation.
When clinging to identity it’s where your heart is at. Where your mind is set. And what your mouth speaks.
The things that impact you the most are most likely what had the biggest impact on the chains being attached.
Family situations
Friends
“That certain place”
Self thoughts
The list certainly goes on, but you know what grasp you so tightly and what you’ve already let go.
It’s the chains that once held us down that now motivates us to move towards the race set before us!
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
God has a relentless Mercy towards us. Find your identity in him, he has the key to all the problems to all the chains attached and the ones to come.
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” Galatians 2:20-21
Ladies are sensitive. Caring. Loving. Merciful. Thoughtful. Enduring. Kind. Cheerful. Planners. Money makers. Business bosses. Sky rise outlook with a rusty wallet view. Sensible. Reasonable.
Men are tuff. Taught not to cry. One task oriented. Driven. Determined. Hardworking (most). Leaving Socks everywhere. Adventure addicts. Outdoor junkie.
Through these couple of weeks the two roles of female and male have displayed. The male is fit for preparation. War. The fight. The pressing through. The messy. The task that remains unknown or uncertain.
The female well there are two things they will do:
1). Freak! And I mean worry wart!
2). It’s “OK” but like internally flipping out!
A woman is fit to be a mans help, but what help do we bring to the table when we are flipping out ourselves?
Males well they aren’t as gracious when it comes to telling news. They’re blunt, very blunt. Women need not only a play by play but a budget, plan, timing, how are the kiddos involved, work, bills etc… the list goes on! Because we have a mind set of Caring, placing and taking under our wings.
The kids. The house. The husband. The pets. The bills. The cars and all else that will fit. While the man manages the head, the woman fulfills the arms, legs, feet, and whatever else attached. To keep it going.
“For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,” Ephesians 5:23-26
Women who are strong in the Lord when days are great! Will be all the more strong when times are going south. Because their faith wasn’t in their self but in Christ! They know it. They believe it. And they live like it. And the women around them are alike. Not being of different kinds but of one belief.
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.” Proverbs 31:10-31
“”You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 ESV
The mirror isn’t too reflect your outer body but to reflect your inner heart which is/should ignite Christ.
Don’t have a big event Faith. Don’t be moved by the crowd or the feeling of the world, emotions run empty. But God is a endless amount of spark. To ignite your faith. Even when we believe it’s a dry season he’s working, and when we don’t see or “feel” he’s completely aware of it all.
Being ignited isn’t key it’s keeping the logs continuously lit. The warmth of it is embraced by everyone around it.
“For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.” Psalms 33:4
Posting quotes is something I enjoy because it’s a snippet of truth to carry through your day. But I felt lead posted one and someone messaged me and was like “I love this truth, and what God is doing with your life through the blog, I can’t wait to have a intimate sit down talk about it all”
I responded with a thanks, but the more I grasped the concept of “how” “why” & When. I had no answers. None. All I could think of is me failing.
Not being consistent in the word.
Not putting my all in teaching a small group. Or not applying myself enough.
Not being the best babysitter or good at my job. Being selfish and inconsiderate.
Not being a very kind girlfriend.
Not the best to my parents
Not a very good kingdom builder or daughter of the king
And I took a step back and I said MY GOD. That’s how. That’s why. And that’s when.
{I don’t have to be “good” For my God to be good}
Because I didn’t do anything, and I mean anything! But fail and stumble but MY GOD is faithful and just to see me through when I don’t necessarily see him through.
“He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Because when there’s 2 views or 80. He’s still there. When there’s 5 likes or 100. He’s still aware. He’s still faithful and just. He’s still with me. And he’s not done with me. Though I fail daily. MY GOD remains on the throne. When the enemy comes the world is my God’s footstool. When I am low and down he fights for me. MY GOD remains MY GOD no matter what. No matter where I run. How fast I run to get there. He’s remains. True. Faithful. Honorable. Just. Loving.
“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3
But when those things shift some open and others close we tend to still never prioritize the “if I just” it’s more of a wish list or sweet dream bucket list instead of a realistic and goal achieved.
Don’t go through the motions of the guilt or self pity on why these things aren’t accomplished, you’ll only be digging a bigger hole. Instead invest in training yourself in the righteousness of Christ. In result of bodily training show up, suffer through it you’ll be more than glad that you didn’t throw it off but stepped up to do it!
“You can’t go back and change the beginning but you can start where you are & change the ending” – C.S. Lewis
“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:7-8
It will never become goals being achieved because… The time in the day will never become more than 24 hours. What you do with a little money will be a result of what you will do with a larger amount of money. There will never be this huge airplane drawing in the sky saying when the right time is the “right time” truth is there’s never a “right time” you just go at it make time, prioritize it. Not only invest money but time & a determined Faith through it all. That today is the Right Day!
᪥ Getting involed in a local church
᪥ Saving
᪥ Getting into the gym
᪥ Starting your education
᪥ Growing/ pursuing a one on one relationship with Christ
Think deeply or carefully about (something). Think deeply or focus one’s mind for a period of time, in silence or with the aid of chanting, for religious or spiritual purposes or as a method of relaxation.
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9 ESV
Letting it sink in. Dwell on the good. At peace without worry or frustration. Is to meditate. It’s important that we let our mind brew in/on the things that are important. Not causing anger or an up roar in are actions or mentality. But to meditate on God’s word is to take a step back zone in dig through and pursue. What. When. Who. Sometimes a why.
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.” Psalms 1:1-4 ESV
These verse talks about as you meditate be strong. Don’t be wavering of the Faith or disbelief. Hold tight to the faith, it’s not a “magical” moment it’s simply meditating on the word to be strong. Daily digging in Gods word. To meditate is to ask questions that concerns the topic of which you’re reading or not understanding of a deeper knowledge of it.
“Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Psalms 34:14 ESV
𑁍𑁍 The Pursuit of Shalom, is simply a place where the freedom of anxiety, acceptance, a need or desire for anything but God to fade and to be ultimately embraced in the Word of God in a couple words not this long process or inspirational quote but snips of truth alongside his word to fuel your day:) To awaken the freedom you were called too and drop the bondage of fear and anxiety. 𑁍𑁍
F – alse
E – vidence
A – ppearing
R – eal.
-unknown
“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44 ESV
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 ESV
“”Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:34-39 ESV
It’s breaking away from the faith of your parents and creating a Faith of your own with God. Being able to step out in Faith not in the shadow or burden of family or surroundings. Caring your own cross for Christ not your characteristic goals of your family.
Growing up the devil was this big scary thing that you would immediately notice, like a big scary monster under your bed. Yet it would scare you, you would look under and find nothing! Just a little scare then to bed you went. The older I got the more I realized how not only silly but how blinded I was. Because the devil doesn’t come and say “ I’M HERE, Hello” yet he creeps in he lurks waiting till the right moment to attack. Not scary. Not frightening. Sometimes without memory. But he makes it beautiful. The temptation is in the right spot at the right place with such a taste and scenery that we are captivated. Ready to indulge. Ready to satisfy me. Temporarily.
“But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:3 (ESV)
Being watchful. Not paranoid. Staying in the word. Not lashing out of the tongue. Staying grounded. Not like a leaf in the wind.
While we are sipping on starbs looking at insta, he is waiting to attack, devour, lie and bring everything down that he can. While we sit back. We wait.
He only takes what we allow.
Moods: For Example
• Anger
When you’re not a morning person… and there’s that one person that is you get pretty angry when they scream good morning as soon as you wake up! It will push buttons. The devil knows how to push. Little things as small as this is impact are day impact are mood towards others. And are forgiveness towards that morning person:) lol.
He’s a craftsman for Evil. So stay Grounded in truth. Fruitful in growth. Present/ Aware of the schemes.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” 1 Peter 5:8-9
I think this verse is used in watered down terms. Like seriously the devil himself prowls around waiting to attack!
The Pursuit Of Shalom 