Recently, the Lord has been impressing on me the importance of discernment–especially between that which looks good and that which is truly good: The enemy prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). He comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). But, he also masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). When a roaring lion is… Read More »A Word on Discernment Between “Light” & Light
Recently, my husband, new to the pastorate, shared his testimony with our congregation. It’s hard to sum up a life-long testimony in a couple of sessions, but he covered key seasons and life-changing lessons from his experiences. (I’m so proud of him and honored to be his wife–such an undeserved blessing, and is part of the redemption story of my testimony. But that’s a story… Read More »Christian, Would You Die for What You Believe?
A little context before sharing the word: Recently, God has been speaking to me a lot about healing from hard things. I know it’s a topic I already write about rather frequently, but lately, the Lord has shown me that it is time to step into a new area. He has been taking me deeper, revealing connections in work I’ve already done, adding essential strategies,… Read More »It Is Time To Rise Above The Pain (prophetic word)
Why do I feel empty? Why do I constantly feel like I’m missing out on something? Why do I always want more… More…but…more of…what? How is it, that in an age where we do have more of, well, everything, we feel empty, craving more of something despite the endless options spilling out of our lives in every corner? Closets brimming with clothing, shelves overflowing with… Read More »How to Stop Feeling Empty
“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” Isaiah 61:3, KJV If you have ever been betrayed, abused, or mistreated… If you’ve ever sat at… Read More »He Gives Beauty for Ashes
Can gratitude change your life? Each November as the autumn wind ushers in the new month, inevitably, (at least for my fellow American readers), we are bombarded with messages regarding being thankful and expressing gratitude simply because we celebrate Thanksgiving in this season. Everywhere we look we are admonished to “Be Thankful” or “Count Your Blessings.” Inspirational quotes and catchy phrases float across our screens… Read More »Gratitude: A Life-Changing Practice or Trite Tradition?
I have experienced trauma. Perhaps you have experienced trauma. Much of humanity, at one point or another, will experience some form of trauma. It comes with being human and living in a fallen world. Some of us are impacted far more deeply because experiences and responses vary greatly. Not all who experience traumatic events or highly stressful situations develop symptoms of trauma, but others feel… Read More »How to Break Through the Darkness of Trauma
When the Holidays Hurt Truly, the holidays can be challenging times for many. In a season where family, love, and life are celebrated, the lack of those very things becomes more apparent than at any other time. Broken relationships taunt and sickness torments us when all we want is to experience the festive joy in which we see others basking. Christmas cards showcasing adorable children… Read More »When the Holidays Hurt
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. –Ephesians 6:12 Never give up He is by your side, And because he is for you there’s no reason to hide. Covered already by his mighty wing When attacks come against you His hand will take the… Read More »Royal Battle | A Spiritual Warfare Manifesto
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4 Trials, pain, confusion, waiting… How often do you find yourself on this path? How often would you willingly choose it? Like it… Read More »The Surprising Benefit of Fiery Trials