Lessons from Lydia

Have you ever read a book that is so good you can’t put it down? Everything else seems to fall away as you immerse yourself within the pages of a captivating adventure with drama, hardship, and excitement. Of course, the book is centered around an outstanding and lovable protagonist with many supporting characters, and in the end, the good guy wins. Over the past few months, I’ve found myself experiencing this within the pages of the Bible. The book of Acts has become one of my favorites! Each time I read it, I am blown away by the power of God displayed through the early church as it is strengthened in the Holy Spirit. 

Within the plot of the growth of the church is the conversion and missionary journey of Paul. The striking twist in his story from being the persecutor to the persecuted grabs the attention of the reader. Soon after Paul’s conversion, he is sent out to proclaim the gospel being led by the Holy Spirit. About half way through this book, in Acts 16, we see Paul and Silas join forces with Timothy, a fellow believer and a child to Paul in the faith. They travel to a city in Macedonia called Philippi where they meet one of my favorite characters, Lydia. Even though her part is brief in the text, there is so much for us to learn from her. Let’s read her part of the story and learn a few lessons from Lydia! 

“So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.”

— Acts 16:11-15

Identity

In Lydia’s story, the first thing I noticed was the clear description of her identity. She was described by being “from the city of Thyatira”, by her occupation as “a seller of purple goods”, and as “a worshiper of God.” The first descriptions point back to her roots and tell us that she was probably well off. More importantly, Lydia had a reputation as a worshiper. A worshiper is someone who shows reverence, adoration, and devotion. Her identity was found in the One that she loved and served. In fact, when Paul, Silas, and Timothy encounter Lydia, she was operating in this identity. She was found praying to God with a group of women. Here, we see that Lydia’s identity determined what she did not the other way around. She was a worshiper of God, and she displayed this characteristic through her actions. 

Many times, it is easy to find identity in what we do. We view ourselves through the lens of our accomplishments and failures which are fleeting. As believers, our identity is to be rooted in something much greater and unchanging, the One to whom we belong. Like Lydia, we are truly known as we center our worship and adoration on God. 

Focus

As Lydia lived authentically in her God-given identity, she encountered the good news of Christ. When Paul, Silas, and Timothy joined the women in prayer, they shared the gospel, and God “opened her heart to pay attention.” Lydia placed herself in a posture and position of worship, and God refocused her heart on the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Her attentiveness resulted in divine revelation. In this, not only was Lydia saved, but her entire household. 

As we choose to center our lives on Christ, the Lord will refocus our hearts on Him instead of the things that vie for our attention. Through prayer, worship, the word, and everyday encounters, we will see and experience the revelation of God. The presence of the living God not only changes our lives, but has the power to move through us to impact so many more.  

Hospitality

Finally, Lydia opened her home for the fellowship of believers. She extended hospitality to Paul, Silas, and Timothy to stay at her house on more than one occasion in this chapter. She was so adamant to be hospitable that she wouldn’t take “no” for an answer. Although the Bible doesn't record any more about Lydia, I am sure that her ministry for the sake of the gospel and the church did not stop here. Who knows how many were invited to Lydia’s and came to know Christ through this “worshiper of God”? 

This is what I want to be my story, and I pray it is a desire of yours as well. As daughters of the King, we are commissioned to invite people to the family of God through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Romans 12:13 calls us to “seek to show hospitality”. Through inviting people into our lives and sharing what God places on our hearts, others can come to know the one, true God!

Before we move on from here embracing our identity in Christ, refocusing our hearts on God, and extending hospitality to others, an important thing to note is that this amazing story occurred as a result of obedience. The Author of this story knew it was essential for Lydia to come to the knowledge of Christ and orchestrated each and every detail for this to happen. As Paul, Silas, and Timothy were on their missionary journey, they tried to go several places prior to Macedonia, but they were prevented from going. The Holy Spirit revealed to Paul in a dream that they needed to go to Macedonia, and they obeyed. As a result of their obedience, Lydia and many others were saved. 

My sister, you are a part of God’s story. A story better than any other. There will be many ups and downs, but in the end God wins. Be brave. Be attentive. Be kind, fellow worshiper of God.

Loved

The end of Luke 10 tells the famous story of Martha and Mary’s initial interaction with Jesus at their home. I’ve always summarized this story as Mary, the one who got it right, and Martha, the one who got it wrong. I thought Mary was commended for choosing the presence of Jesus, while Martha was reprimanded for overworking. Obviously, I should want to be like Mary, but I often relate to Martha instead. I have a feeling we all do. We can all be a Martha. As I have reflected on this story this holiday season and as 2020 is coming to a close, I have realized that there is much more depth to this account and to Jesus’ relationship with Martha. 

Martha had the beautiful gift of hospitality. According to Luke 10:38, it was Martha who welcomed Jesus into her home. She desired to do the right thing; she wanted to serve Jesus. The gift of hospitality is essential to the body of Christ, and being hospitable is something all believers are called to do. This commandment, that I often overlooked, is found throughout the New Testament, and it is reflected in the actions of the church throughout Acts. We are to “contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality” (Romans 12:13). I believe that showing hospitality was exactly what Martha was striving to do for her Lord. However, she simply became distracted with her serving. She became too focused on her efforts, expectations, and responsibilities. She lost sight of the reason she was serving in the first place, even though He was right in front of her. When Jesus called Martha’s distraction and anxiousness to her attention, He didn’t do so out of punishment or comparison to her sister. His correction served as a revelation. Jesus was showing Martha that He is the only necessary thing. Her service and hospitality was meant to flow from His presence. Most importantly, Jesus was showing Martha his love for her as a child of God not based on her actions. Later in scripture, as Jesus crosses paths with this family again to raise Lazarus, it says, “Now Jesus loved Martha…” (John 11:5). All along, this was the fundamental truth. Jesus loved her. 

In the same way, Jesus loves you and I. 

I know from experience, that it can be too easy to get distracted by our daily responsibilities and acts of service, even if it is something we have been gifted in and are doing for Jesus. Many things seek our attention and the holiday season, even with its many differences this year, can be all-consuming. In the midst of our service and efforts, let’s choose to keep our eyes on Jesus, and when we fall short, we can know that He loves us. He loves us truly and deeply just as we are. He invites us into His presence. The love of Christ is the greatest gift we will be given, and His love is the greatest gift we can share with others. 

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.”

— John 3:16-17

The Lord is My Teacher

This year marks my 6th year as an elementary school teacher. The opportunity to teach has been one of the most challenging, rewarding, and craziest experiences of my life. Throughout the past several months, education has undergone many changes with the rest of the world. Although these changes have often resulted in difficulty and tension, I have developed a fresh love for teaching and each person I have the privilege of spending every Monday through Friday with. 

As a teacher, I love my students deeply and want what is best for them. I want them to feel safe and at peace in my classroom. I want them to learn and grow, but as I continue to develop as a teacher, I have come to realize that this often happens as a result of struggle. Although I desire for my kids to be successful, this often means placing challenges in front of them, removing my hands, and letting them rise to the occasion. I am always there beside them to guide and support, but they are the ones able to embrace and overcome the struggle. These are the times in which they come to the deepest understanding and the most growth. 

In Scripture, the Lord is often called our teacher. Throughout the gospels, we see Jesus called Teacher or Rabbi throughout His ministry. In the way He lived and spoke, Jesus was an example, model, and teacher. However, I believe the teaching of the Lord goes all the way back to Genesis. In Genesis 22, we read the well-known account of Abraham being asked to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah. The name Moriah is often said to mean “the Lord is my teacher”, “the teaching place”, or “place of worship”. I think these meanings are so fitting and provide much insight into the events that take place on this plot of land. In Genesis 22, God calls Abraham to take his long awaited son to this specific location and give him as a sacrifice. I cannot imagine being Abraham at this moment. The emotions and questions running through him had to have a palpable tension, yet he obeyed without hesitation. Even as he arrived and began preparing Isaac for sacrifice, he held onto a peace and confidence that the Lord would provide. The faithful Lord did by revealing a ram to take Isaac’s place. 

On Mount Moriah, the Lord not only provided a sacrifice but a challenge that increased Abraham’s faith. Abraham walked through the internal and external struggle of taking his son to be sacrificed, but he trusted in his Teacher and came to deeper intimacy with the Lord as a result. 

There are many times that we face challenging circumstances and difficulties beyond belief. This year has been full of them for many of us. When this occurs, we often pray that our situations will be removed or changed, and sometimes that is the will of God. At other times, He keeps us in the struggle. It is in this place that we have an opportunity to learn something new about our Lord. Is it still hard? Yes, but God is present the entire time. He is there providing, looking out for us, and wanting the best for us. As we face challenges, the Lord will teach us how to overcome them and experience a peace and confidence that is only found in Him. In the end, we will be able to stand in the place of worship and declare the glory and power of our Teacher.

At His Feet

“Don’t let me forget to come back to the feet…”

Recently, I listened to a message by Bible teacher, Beth Moore, in which she spoke this statement. It wasn’t a main point. It was stated more as a reminder between her and the audience to keep her talk on track after sharing another story. However, this statement was what stuck with me. It has served as a continual reminder over the past several weeks. 

“Don’t let me forget to come back to the feet…”

The past several months have been something else. They have often been difficult, lonely, and overwhelming. I have found myself feeling broken and weak. Yet, there has been joy, opportunity, love, and true depictions of community in the mix. 2020 has held some high highs and low lows for about everyone I know.  In the midst of blessings, we've experienced great challenges and losses. This season has been emotionally taxing. 

So what am I to do? What are we to do?

 “Come back to the feet…”

Through the gospels, there are several instances of people coming to the feet of Jesus. This quote was first shared in the context of the woman with the alabaster jar in Luke 7. The “sinner”, as she was called, came before her Lord, pouring out all that she had at his feet. One of the most beautiful pictures of forgiveness, love, and grace. 

Seeking healing for his daughter, Jairus fell at Jesus’ feet (Mark 5:22, Luke 8:41).

The woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit came to his feet (Mark 7:25). 

The grateful Samaritan was found at the feet of Jesus (Luke 17:16). 

The women who discovered the resurrected Christ bowed at his feet (Matthew 28:9). 

Over and over, those who believed came before Christ in love, in tears, and in faith. 

Sisters, He invites us to join in. To come to Him. To bow down at the feet of God and worship Him. Cry out to Him. Thank Him. Talk to Him. Ask of Him. Love Him. 

Hebrews 4:15-16 says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time.” 

Christ knows what we are going through. He longs to meet with us and help us in His mercy and grace. At all times, He invites us just as we are to enter the throne room. In the middle of this season, we can come before God and sit at the feet of Jesus. There, in Him, we will find all that we need. 

*To view Beth’s teaching click here.

Running the Race

I have never been a runner, and I do not plan on becoming one. However, I guess you could say jogging is a habit I am trying to develop post quarantine. Trust me, this is just as shocking to me, as it probably is to you if you know me well. A couple of weeks ago, I decided I would try the occasional jog as a way to be outside more and release some stress. You know what? It has actually worked! I believe the success I have experienced so far in this venture has less to do with the physical aspect of exercise, although it definitely has its contributions, and more to do with what I am choosing to do while I jog. While my feet repeatedly hit the pavement and my breath becomes more strained, I have chosen to worship and pray. 

This is not a new idea or even my idea. Several people have told me that they often pray while they run. I always thought this was wonderful for them, but that I could pray just as well in the comforts of my own home. The beautiful thing is I can; I can pray anywhere! Any moment at any location is an opportunity to enter into the presence of God and talk to the Father! In an effort to grow both my prayer and physical health, I decided to give this time and place a go. What I have learned in this short period of time is that without prayer running would not be possible for me. It is the pattern of prayer that enables my feet to keep going. Prayer and worship take my mind off of my insufficiencies, exhaustion, and physical limitations, and redirect my thoughts to God. 

I am not saying that we should all lace up our tennis shoes and go for a run right now to experience this. Again, I have only been at this for a couple of weeks, so I am in the middle myself. What I am attempting to convey is our prayer life and communication with our Lord and Savior enables us to run our race. At the end of Paul’s last letter, he says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7). Our journey with Christ is a race, not because we are trying to beat one another to the finish line, but because it takes faith, endurance, and discipline. Our lifeline and lasting energy supply is sourced through our relationship with God. He never leaves us or forsakes us, and through our High Priest, Jesus, we are always welcome to directly talk with God. It is our focus on the Father that will keep our minds at peace when the world is falling apart around us. He alone can enable us to go beyond our physical limitations. Our God has also generously and graciously given us fellow brothers and sisters to run this race beside.

“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, so that you won’t grow weary and give up.”

— Hebrews 12:1-3

As we run our race, we are surrounded by the great biblical figures of faith. We belong to the spiritual family line of people like Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Rahab, and David. They are cheering us on in the heavenlies to encourage us to keep going! Jesus, providing a perfect example of endurance and faith, withstood the grueling hardship of the cross for the joy that is found as we join this family. Within our communities and churches today, we are running our races together. May we look around, see one another, and press each other towards the goal of eternity. Day in and day out, let us continue to look and listen to the Father, talking boldly with Him, as we depend on Him. In this reliance, our joy, determination, and ability will be found. 

“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you, and to regard them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we exhort you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are idle, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

— 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18

The Power of a Story

Everyone loves a good story. A story can take you on a grand adventure in a far off place. Stories tell the tale of heroes conquering villains and princesses finding prince charming. Stories excite with suspense and solve mysteries. A story passed down enables you to step into the lives of generations gone by. A story shared gives you a glimpse into someone’s day. Stories open the door to see who people are and what matters to them. 

We all have stories. We have stories we cannot wait to tell our best friend next time we see them. We have stories of the crazy things that happen to us others might not believe. We have stories of joy, excitement, and celebration over answered prayers, new jobs, making a new friend, welcoming a baby, and taking a courageous step. We have stories of sadness, anger, and loneliness over loss of a love, financial fallout, making mistakes, perpetual waiting, and feeling invisible. All of these small stories join together to form the big story of our life. For daughters of the King, this story is our testimony. 

Testimony can be defined as a public declaration of a religious experience and a means to provide evidence. As a child of God, our stories proclaim glorious transformation and testify to the death, resurrection, and saving grace of Christ. Our testimonies serve as a spiritual weapon with the power to conquer the evil one and sin’s death grip on the world. Revelation 12:11 says that we overcome Satan, the deceiver and accuser, by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. 

For a long time, I underestimated this power in my story. I thought that my testimony was boring and plain. My story is not one of drastic measures, and it does not include a dramatic conversion event. For these reasons, I thought my simple story of being raised within Christianity was not impactful or stirring. However, I was so wrong to think this way. There is nothing insignificant or weak about the way Christ invades someone’s life, and that is exactly what He did to me. 

The Lord provided me with a sweet encounter with a sister in Christ to teach me this lesson. Several months ago, I attended a conference for women that serve in ministry and wish to speak, write, and lead. This was the second time I had the privilege to attend this conference, and I knew the Lord would meet me there in an intimate way as He had before. During the first night of this event, I went to a prayer session where I met a lovely woman who had recently given her life to Christ. We prayed together that night and continued to see each other over the next couple of days. Each time we would stop and talk about what we had learned in our sessions and how the Lord was moving in our hearts. Most importantly, we ended up sharing our stories with one another. I learned that in becoming a Christian, my friend left a different religion behind to experience true relationship and love in Jesus. This transformation costs her all she had ever known, but the new life and joy clearly consuming her was irreplaceable. I was so enamored and in awe of the work of the Lord in her life. 

As she shared her testimony with me, I began to tell her my story. I told her of my experience growing up in a Christian home, attending church, and going to a Christian school. Everywhere I went, I was surrounded by Jesus and His word. I could not remember a time that the Lord was not a part of my life. I told her of the impact of my parents and siblings, the influential teachers over the years, and the encouraging sisters in Christ I had found. I shared my God-given passions and dreams with her and how God had already been so faithful throughout my life. As it turns out, my conference companion was just as enamored and in awe of the power of God through the telling of my story as I had been with her story. 

The thing is our testimonies commonly displayed the story of Christ, and that was the source of power. Despite our opposite experiences, it was Jesus that made the difference. Jesus brings new life personally and purposefully to all who choose Him. He makes all stories beautiful. Romans 8:28 says “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” When resurrection power unites with our story the goodness of God is revealed and His purpose is fulfilled. At all times and through every circumstance, God is masterfully weaving and creating our stories to be lived and shared. We are welcomed into His story so that we can extend His invitation of grace to others.  As we boldly own and share our stories, we take a stance to combat the evil one and positively impact the kingdom of God. 

Join me in believing that God is powerfully scripting your story. Each part of it. The good, the bad, the beautiful, and the ugly can be used for His glory. Let others see your life. Let them see who you are and where you’ve been because as people see you, a child of God, they are bound to see your Father, the King of kings, the Lord of lords, and the world’s greatest author. 

God with Us

Matthew's gospel opens and closes by identifying Jesus by the name “Immanuel” meaning God with us. When the angel appears to Joseph about the birth of Christ in Matthew 1, this name, first spoken by the prophet Isaiah, is given. In Matthew 28, Jesus commissions His disciples saying, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” These two proclamations invite us today to experience the presence of God made tangible through the sacrifice of the cross. 

In the midst of trying to find a new normal, we, as Christians, are anticipating with hope the remembrance of Christ’s death and resurrection. The celebration of Easter marks the crux of our faith, the victory of life over death. 

Prior to the arrest leading to His death, Jesus found Himself in the place many of us find ourselves in at this time. He was isolated or practicing “social distancing”, if you will. Jesus knew His time had come, so He withdrew with Peter, James, and John to the Garden of Gethsemane. Filled with sorrow and trouble, He asked His friends to pray, and He stepped a distance away from them to be with the Father. Speaking in deep honesty and vulnerability, Christ laid His desire, hurt, and will before God saying, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (Mark 14:36) In the middle of distress, Jesus returned to His disciples to find them sleeping. After waking them to join Him in prayer, He again stepped away to the presence of the Father. This happened three times throughout the account of the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus, longing for comfort, called together His closest companions, yet in their human weakness, they could not provide the support He needed. It does not mean that Peter, James, and John didn’t love Jesus; it simply means they were human. Humans are incapable of giving what only God can give. Only communion with His Father could strengthen Him to stand and walk forward to become the sacrifice for the sins of all. This time of isolation in the presence of God, surrendering to the will of the Father, propelled Christ to change the world for eternity. 

For us, this season is filled with alterations to our social norm. We are spending less face to face time with coworkers, friends, gym buddies, and students and more time with our families and well, ourselves. Although we are presented with a beautiful chance to rebuild, rely, forgive, and love those closest to us, we are also given a spectacular opportunity to draw close to our Father, the most life altering relationship of all. More than anything we need God. When events, circumstances, and relationships fall apart, our God stands. When distress is great and loneliness sets in, our relationship with God remains. 

We are called to follow the example of Jesus and withdraw into the presence of the King of kings. We have the privilege to come before the Father with the same intimacy and vulnerability as Christ did in the garden because of our identity as His sons and daughters. Romans 8:15-17 says,

“For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”

Did you catch that? We get to call God, “Abba, Father”. This is the same name Jesus used as he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. Imagine a young child reaching up to their father calling out “daddy”. It is in this childlike manner that we can cry out to our God. In this passage, the Greek verb used for “we cry” represents an intense cry of emotion like that of Jesus calling out in the garden that night and as He released His spirit on the cross. It is because of this sacrifice of Christ, that we can and must come to God in this exact same manner. 

Here, it is important to note that Jesus did not separate Himself to pray to God only in these times of great distress. His time with the Father was habitual.

-After feeding the 5,000, Jesus prayed. 

“After dismissing the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone.” Matthew 14:23

-Before He called the 12 apostles, Jesus prayed. 

“During those days He went out to the mountain to pray and spent all night in prayer to God.” Luke 6:12

-In the midst of healing, Jesus prayed. 

“Yet He often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.” Luke 5:16

-As He traveled and taught, Jesus prayed. 

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up, went out, and made His way to a deserted place. And He was praying there.” Mark 1:35

Because of the beautiful example, sacrifice, and resurrection of Jesus, we are able to create this same habit. When Christ died, the veil was torn welcoming all people of faith into the presence of God. As daughters of the King, we have the honor and gift of stepping into His presence whenever we want. In the good times, we celebrate with Him and praise Him. In the bad, we pour out all of our fears and tears before him. In all things, He is there and He is good. Your “Abba, Father” is eager to be with you! 

The Gold Key

Along with resolutions, goals, and planning, selecting a word for the year can be a common new year tradition. In 2018, I first decided to take part in this practice, so I prayed and sought after the Lord for a word. The word I felt led to choose for the year was “fearless”. This bold, fierce, empowering word caused me to be so excited for what was to unfold in the coming months. As the year was drawing to a close, I could have shared with you several ways I lived out this word by stepping out of my comfort zone in action and belief. However, as one of my Christmas gifts that December, I received a gold key necklace with the word “fearless” stamped on it. My beloved friend shared that she felt this word would be important for me in the upcoming new year. The word that I had focused on for 2018 would be the word I would need for 2019... What? Did I do something wrong? Did I misunderstand God? Did I not do enough? Did I fail? All of these things were running through my mind, and I was initially frustrated in receiving this word a second time. 

As time went on and 2019 unfolded, a lot of hard choices, big steps, and transition began to occur. It was the most interesting and challenging year of my life so far. In all the ups and downs, I pressed on and pressed through. Once again, by the end, I could have given you a list of the ways the word “fearless” was evident in my life. Then, lo and behold, for Christmas I received another gold key necklace from a dear friend with “fearless” stamped on it. 

I mean, really? Again all of the same questions went through my mind. Although these gifts from my two friends continue to mean more and more, I was deeply discouraged at first. Instead of reading “fearless” on the necklace, I saw “failure”. The enemy was trying to tell me that whatever I had done each year was not enough to be considered full of faith instead of full of fear. However, I have walked with God long enough and with these friends long enough to detect this dialogue of deception taking place within me, and it was not going to survive very long. 

The truth is that living with the Lord is a relational journey of faith. It is not a checklist. It is not a contest of perfectionism. It is not temporary. Life with the Lord is choosing to say “yes” to Him over everything else. It is continually taking one step away from fear and one step forward in faith. Some fears will persist and some will change with circumstances, but with each comes a choice to give in or proceed in faith. 

Romans 1:17 says that through the gospel “the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The righteous shall live by faith.” It does not say that the righteous will live by success, meeting goals, never failing, or never fearing, but by “faith to faith”. It is a continual process of walking in the presence and power of God. As we move from “faith to faith”, we also experience God’s “grace upon grace” (see John 1:16). There is enough grace to cover every hesitancy, doubt, and backwards step in fear and enough grace to push us onward in the direction of faith. 

Let me share a little bit more on that necklace of mine. As it turned out, my original fearless key was stolen during a break in. The token that reminded me of my friend’s encouragement was taken as I walked into a pivotal season of transition containing both joy and grief. A season in which I had to be brave. Receiving the same necklace a second time was a true gift of God. It was a second opportunity for me to embrace a choice of faith over the identity of fear and failure. It was a second opportunity to receive the encouragement of the faith of my friends. It was a reminder that they are praying for me, and they believe God works mightily in me and through me. For Paul, this encouragement in the faith was the reason he longed to visit the church in Rome. He called it a “spiritual gift” (Rom. 1:11-12), and what a gift it is to help each other keep the faith! The physical restoration of my necklace reflected the spiritual restoration of faith, trust, and obedience God longed to continue within me.

The movement our journeys take from “faith to faith” through “grace upon grace” reveals the redeeming power of God to the world around us. Through Christ, we are not failures even though we will fail. We can choose to be fearless because God is taking us from one degree of faith to the next. Fear will not win because He is faithful.

A Box of Love

We all long to be loved. We search for it everywhere. We look for love in the people that are supposed to love us, whether we find it there or not. We go out of our way to serve others, we purchase thoughtful gifts for people, write love notes, and even do things we promised ourselves we would not do in hope for love. We desire an unwavering sense of belonging, and we need a stable foundation of love. In the midst of the chaos and disappointment surrounding us, the only place this kind of love can be found is in the One that is love. 

In 1 John 4, we find that “God is love”. Love is the strong foundation and core of His character. It is in this love that He paved the way for each of us to come to know Him and have a personal relationship with Him. It is a perfect love, fully unconditional and never changing, much more than anyone on this earth could ever offer.

God’s love is immensely more than we can ever comprehend. Regardless of how many ways we try to understand and fully grasp his love, we will never be able to do it. It can be easy for us to try to fit God’s love in the box of our human brain and experiences in order to reach a conclusion about how God thinks, feels, and acts. Sometimes our conclusions are in line with scripture, and we believe the truths “He first loved us” (1 John 4:19) and nothing can “separate us from the love of God” (Romans 8:39). Other times, our flesh rears its ugly head and convinces us that we’ve gone too far and done too much to receive his love and live loved. At these times, we find ourselves pushing God’s love down into a box and setting it aside like a gift not meant for us to open. When in reality, our names are written on the tag. 

When the Lord descended on the tabernacle in the book of Exodus, his resting place was the ark of the covenant, a gold box in the Holy of Holies. The purpose of this gift was to provide a way for Israel’s sins to be atoned for and for the God of love to dwell among His people. 

In the ultimate display of love, God again came to live with His people. This time, the gift was His son Jesus who was to be born and placed in the box of a manger. Jesus, the Messiah, grew to take on the sins of all and die a gruesome, sacrificial death.

His body was then placed in the box of the tomb, but the tomb could not hold him! He rose from the grave in victory so that all could experience the intimate love of God. Because of this, we do not have to wrestle and fight to encounter true belonging. We can live in the boundless love of God shared in Ephesians 3. 

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

— Ephesians 3:17b-19

His love is wide, wide enough to cover any and all shortcomings and mistakes. His love is long, long enough to endure beside us on this journey of life. His love is high, high enough to reach down, pick us up, and welcome us into His presence. His love is deep, deep enough to penetrate our hearts and fill them until they overflow. This love is more than we can ever know, and it is more than we could ever need. I encourage you today to embrace, receive, and open the gift that is the incomprehensible love of God. 

Can’t get enough of God's love? Join Daughter of the King Ministries this month for the “Month of Love” Challenge! Follow on Facebook or Instagram for posts on how God loves us and how we can love others.

Out with the Old, In with the New

Happy New Year! Welcome to “The Roaring Twenties”, and the next decade of your life. I believe the Lord is ready to release His power in a fresh and mighty way. May our eyes be open to see Him move in 2020.

The start of a new year is a great time to reflect on what has occurred in the previous year and intentionally seek the Lord for what is to come. For this reason, I have decided to share some of the lessons I have learned as I look back on 2019 and a few practices I take part in at the start of a new year. I hope that this will encourage you to take a few moments and think about what the Lord has been teaching you and how you would like to bring in this new decade!

Lessons Learned:

• I am not alone. As long as I have my Lord and King, I have enough, and I am enough.

• People don’t always live up to my expectations but God exceeds them.

• God’s grace is bigger. It is bigger than my sin, frustrations, anger, hurt, and pain.

• Grief is the toughest mix of emotions and can be experienced with any kind of loss.

• The Lord is worthy of trust even when I don’t understand.

• When I don’t know what to do or say, I pray.

• The Father dotes on me and deeply cares for my dreams and desires. He orchestrates divine encounters and gives personal gifts.

• The Lord weaves everything in my life together for good like a beautiful tapestry. Even when I can only see the back with messy, tangled threads, I know the front displays the masterpiece of the Creator.

• Some things have to come to an end so that something new can begin.

New Year Practices:

• Create a prayer list for 2020. This can be short, long, personal, or for your loved ones. It is meant to be a guide and focus point to build faith and conversation with God.

• Make a list of accomplishments from 2019. At the end of each year, I create a list of my highlights and low points. Yes, even the lows go on the accomplishment list because it is something I overcame.

• Develop or revise a life goal list. Several years ago, I made my first life goal list (inspired by The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson). For me, this list is a cross between a bucket list and a prayer list. It includes my hopes and dreams for my life. Each year, I look back and mark off what I have done and revise for the upcoming year.

• Design a vision board. A vision board provides a creative space to record the movements of the Lord, the dreams He has given you, and what you are hoping/praying for. They are personal works of art! Mine have included words, phrases, scripture, song lyrics, images, specific colors, and painted illustrations.

• Pray for a word of the year. For the past couple of years, I have prayed for the Lord to give me a word that He would like me to grow in and focus on in the months to come. It is special to see how the Lord interlaces the word in my life and our relationship throughout the year.

• Begin the year with prayer and fasting. For me, January consists of a time of prayer and fasting. I take 21 days and offer them as a tithe or “first fruits” to the Lord. It is a time to reset and surrender to my King. (If you are interested in more information on this season of prayer and fasting, please visit: https://21days.churchofthehighlands.com/)

A new year represents a new beginning for us, a chance to face our circumstances from a different perspective. Whether you choose to try something new or take part in a personal tradition, I encourage you to begin with prayer and praise for all the Lord has done and all that He will do.

A beautiful thing about the Christian life is that January 1st is not the only day to start fresh. Each day, His grace welcomes another chance and opportunity. He makes all things new!

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

— Lamentations 3:22-23

Breathe

Breathing is the natural intake and output of air to keep the body alive. Breathing occurs without a thought as we sleep, wake up, go through the day to day, and lay in our beds to rest again each night. However, there are moments in our lives that cause us to be more aware of our breathing or lack of it. Moments in which we must remind ourselves to breathe. These can be times of great excitement and joy. You know, those moments that “take your breath away”, such as an answer to prayer, meeting one of your heros, a new job offer, a surprise party, the most perfect gift, welcoming a baby to the world, or that awaited look from the love of your life. Other moments can cause breathing to stall in a completely different way. We all walk through seasons in our lives that can be suffocating, full of stress, strain, and sadness. Instances of heartbreak, loss of dreams, broken relationships, fear, grief, financial blows, changes in our plans, anxiety, and isolation can cause the simple act of breathing to be difficult. 

During times such as these, we have to remind ourselves to inhale and exhale. Throughout 2019, I have experienced some of my highest highs and my lowest lows. As I danced with excitement on cloud nine, I continued to breathe. As I sobbed on my closet floor, I continued to breathe. As I walked around in disappointment and grief, I continued to breathe. As I experienced beautiful gifts of opportunity from the Lord, I continued to breathe. Each moment of joy and sadness reminded me to breathe, not just air, but the ever-present Spirit of the living God.

At the beginning of this year, my goal was to continually take in God’s presence and be filled with His Spirit. Despite what the Lord was revealing to me, I thought this process would look similar to what it had before because, well, that’s all I knew. As the months unfolded, the answered prayers came and the hard times bombarded. Breathing in the presence of the Lord became more personal, simple, comforting, and sustaining. Whether my prayers were short, sweet, long, or frustrated, the Lord consistently whispered in my ear reminders of His grace and love through it all. His grace was there for goals I didn’t meet, for the moments when I didn’t live in joy, and within the beautiful gifts He gave me. This grace and love is what I have chosen to breathe. Inhaling and exhaling His presence, His word, and His Spirit has kept me and is propelling me towards what is to come. 

What are you taking in and letting out? Are you aware of it? Does it sustain you with true life? 

Accept the grace and love of the Lord and Savior. Breathe in His presence with me. 

“So I’m breathing in Your grace
And breathing out Your praise
I’m breathing in Your grace
Forever I’ll be
Breathing in Your grace
And breathing out Your praise
I’m breathing in Your grace
Forever I’ll be
Breathing in Your grace
And breathing out Your praise
I’m breathing in Your grace
Forever I’ll be
Breathing in Your grace
And breathing out Your praise
I’m breathing in Your grace
Forever God, forever God”

— Your Grace Finds Me, Matt Redman

Mara

Last month, I wrote about seasons of transplanting in which God moves in the lives of His children to reestablish, heal, grow, and use them for His glory. I would like to continue to share my thoughts and experiences of this process through the lens of another Old Testament story. As I have continued to walk through my own season of transplanting, I am reminded of one of my favorite stories in scripture, the story of Naomi and Ruth. Although familiar to me, I have been challenged to view the characters and events through a new perspective. 

The book of Ruth begins with an Israelite family living in the land of Moab. This family included Naomi and Elimelech, their sons, Mahlon and Chilion, and their wives, Orpah and Ruth. In time, Elimelech, Mahlon, and Chilion die leaving all three women as childless widows. After the passing of Naomi’s family, she decided it was time to return to her hometown of Bethlehem. Upon leaving Moab, Orpah returns to her family and Ruth makes a bold commitment to stay with Naomi and worship the Lord God. (Ruth 1) 

Throughout the following chapters, the story continues with the transplanting of Naomi and Ruth to Bethlehem. At this point, my attention typically follows Ruth and the beautiful events that take place in her redemption story. However, I have recently been reminded of the importance and personal connections that can be made through Naomi’s story. When Naomi returned home she voiced the reality of her feelings and circumstances through a name change. She asked to be called Mara, the Hebrew word for bitter. 

During this season of transplanting, Naomi was bitter because of the way life had treated her. Have you ever walked through a season of bitterness, anger, hurt, pain, grief, or contempt? 

I know that there have been times in my life that have left me feeling like Naomi. Life can be hard, and many things do not go according to plan. Circumstances are often uncontrollable and unfair. It can be so easy to get caught up in negativity, injustice, and pain and miss the promises and healing that God is placing before us. 

In the book of Ruth, God’s redemption was just as much for the healing of Naomi as it was for Ruth. Even though Naomi walked through a season of unbearable pain and responded to her misfortunes with feelings of bitterness and anger, the Lord renewed her and blessed her with a family again. Ruth’s marriage and baby boy turned Naomi’s mourning to joy. (Ruth 4) 

Our moments of bitterness and weakness are a fresh reminder of our humanity and deep need of the healing grace and strength of the Lord. When you and I find ourselves in the midst of a season of Mara, we can be assured that our sweet time of healing and redemption will come.

“Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel!”

— Ruth 4:14

Uprooted

I love having a vase full of fresh flowers in my home. However, any flower I have in my house has most likely come from a store or a florist. I do not know much about gardening or growing various types of flowers. I can’t say whether or not I have a green thumb because I have never truly tried to grow anything on my own. In spite of this, gardening, flowers, plants, and the like have been important to my family. 

My papaw was a gardener. Some of my favorite memories with him are the times spent in his garden bringing in the harvest. The summer before he went to be with Jesus, the entire family pulled together to bring in his crops. Remembering crawling between his rows of beans stalks picking countless green beans, laughing with family over cucumbers and watermelons, and seeing the abundance received over his lifetime are special memories to me. 

With fall just beginning, it would be fitting to write about seasons of harvest, in which everything goes smoothly, the Lord answers all of our prayers, and He provides more than we need because the Lord is faithful to do this. He has been faithful to me, providing for me and blessing me beyond what I could have asked for. However, a season of harvest is not how I would define where I am right now. Has the Lord been good to me? Yes, and He always will be. Has everything gone according to my plan? Have things always been easy? No and no. 

This month, in the midst of much harvest, I would like to share a few thoughts on seasons of transplanting. There are times when a gardener sees fit to move a plant from one place to another for the betterment of the plant’s growth and future. Our God, the original gardener, also knows that there are times when His children need to be replanted. This change could be for many reasons known to us such as a fresh start, finding life-giving relationships, a job move, financial blessing, new opportunities, reconciliation, healing, and growth. It could also be for a purpose that will never be realized this side of heaven. However, when God asks us to reestablish our roots, it will not be an easy process, but the choice to obey will yield a harvest of His faithfulness and glory. 

In Genesis 12, we find the story of God calling Abram, a beautiful example of obedience in a season of transplanting.

“Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” ”

— Genesis 12:1-3 (ESV)

God instructed Abram to leave his family, his home, and all he had known up to that point in his life and follow Him to a place known to God alone. This is a huge call in which Abram could have come up with many excuses and reasons for why he should not say yes to God, yet Abram chose obedience. He chose to set out and follow his God.

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.”

— Hebrews 11:8 (NIV)

You see, in spite of all that he left behind, Abram took the presence and promise of God with him. With Abram’s call to move came a promise that was fulfilled with the establishment of the children of God. A group of people set apart to know and dwell with the Lord. A group of people that brought the world the Messiah, the Savior. A group of people that all could be grafted into one day. Through the impact of this promise, those who call on the name of the Lord become His precious child, including you and I. 

When God calls you to a season of change, know His promises go with you in your obedience. Our Father is faithful to fulfill each promise, pour out His blessing, and receive His glory. 

“For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him. That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory.”

— 2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV)

Breaking the Mold

Within the past year, I have become addicted to spin classes. Thanks to a spiritual mentor and a beautiful community of women, I found a place where I could strengthen my physical body through cycling and experience positive growth mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. As I continue this workout venture, I often hear instructors say something like “You should be uncomfortable!” or “Uncomfortable is where the change happens.” Throughout the workouts, I have developed a love/hate relationship with phrases like these. Of course, I exercise in hopes of seeing change, but being uncomfortable is hard. Being uncomfortable means I have taken a risk and pushed myself further than I thought I could go.

Outside of the spin studio, I have noticed that my life takes on a similar pattern, and I bet your life does too. Life seems to be composed of a plethora of opportunities to play it safe or get uncomfortable, leaving the choice up to you and me. Choosing the uncomfortable means being vulnerable and putting yourself out there. It means ignoring the whispers of fear and failure and believing the results will be worth the leap. 

It’s uncomfortable to start a new job, go on a first date, ask for forgiveness, open your heart again, move to a new city, make new friends, confront others, be the one to speak up, be the one to be quiet, begin something new, pick something old back up, and step up into the person the King created you to be. Living in our true identities as princesses from a heavenly kingdom is uncomfortable because we do not belong here. We are outsiders on a pilgrimage home. However, we are called to pick up others along the way to join us on this journey. To lead fellow sojourners to the heavenly kingdom, we must act and speak as though we belong there. We must be counter-cultural and out of the box in the best way possible, reflecting the light of Christ in the dark places even if it is risky. As we step into our zone of discomfort, others are able to experience the comfort of Jesus’s forgiveness, grace, and love. Through each risk and act of obedience, you and I are becoming the person we are designed to be. We are breaking the mold. 

“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.”

— The prayer of Jesus for His followers, John 17:13-19

Jars of Clay

I love arts and crafts. One thing I really enjoy doing is going to arts and crafts festivals. It's fun to go from booth to booth and look at the ideas and creative works of others. At any given festival, there is typically a booth full of pottery that the artist has spent hours upon hours making. Each piece of their art is unique and created for a specific purpose. Isaiah 64:8 compares God to a Potter, and we are clay in His hands. Since the beginning of time, the Lord has been molding and shaping His daughters to be a reflection of His creativity on this earth. We are created in the image of God as His unique and beautiful pieces of artwork. 

From day to day, it can be easy to look at ourselves and see all cracks and broken parts of us. We see the pieces that make us weird, not pretty enough, not smart enough, and not capable enough. We notice the parts of our clay that make us imperfect and not worthy to be a daughter of the King. In reality, our broken pieces are not what sets us out, but what sets us up! We are all a masterpiece of the ultimate artist, our King. Each unique aspect of us is what makes us beautiful and gives us exactly what we need to complete our God-given purpose as we await the heavenly kingdom. 

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

— Ephesians 2:10

We are one-of-a-kind creations! As the King’s pottery, we each hold the light of His gospel within us, “treasure in jars of clay”. Let’s shine bright for all to see (2 Corinthians 4:7). 

Be you today! Embrace your unique abilities, personality, and story. Allow God to use you for His Kingdom. You are created for it! 

The Alabaster Jar

In the gospels, we find the story of a woman. A woman much like you and I. One that has been tainted, broken, and bruised by the world and her sin seeking relief, love, and wholeness. The story of the woman with the alabaster jar. This jar was filled with a fragrance seen purely for monetary value by those around except for her. She knew this oil only had true value if it was used for the right purpose. The woman took this alabaster jar and entered into a room where all judgemental eyes and whispers were focused on her. However, she was only centered on one thing. She looked toward her Savior; the one who truly saw her. The woman approached King Jesus and poured out her priceless possession at His feet as a symbol of sacrifice, grace, and worthiness. As the external outpouring of this perfume took place, she emptied herself completely by weeping face down before Him. She anointed Him with the fragrance and cleansed His feet with her tears. The grace, forgiveness, and healing she received was more than worth the vulnerability of her brokenness. Actually, it was more than vulnerability; it was love. 

As humans we all experience brokenness, and we all desire to love and be loved in spite of it. The reality of this longing rests in where we go in our brokenness. The things of our culture and the approval of others cannot satisfy. There is only one that can truly heal. Jesus is the only one who can make you whole again. Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” If your heart is broken, fall at the feet of King Jesus. Pour yourself out to Him. Give Him what is important to you, both big and small. Share your dreams with Him, and tell Him you are disappointed when things do not go as you thought. Let Him know when your feelings are hurt and you are angry. When your expectant heart is let down, go to Him. Cry out to Him, weep before Him, and wash His feet with your tears. When you do, He will catch your tears in His alabaster jar and pour back out His forgiveness, grace, and unconditional love. 

“You keep track of all my sorrows.
You have collected all my tears in your bottle.
You have recorded each one in your book.”

— Psalm 56:8