Our Hope Amidst Trials
So many times we find ourselves worn down amidst what feels like a stagnant stage of life. The monotony of day to day work without [...]
God Will Restore What Was Lost
It’s a heavy thing to consider what we’ve lost because of sin. When we turn from God and choose to live selfishly, there are often [...]
Total Eclipse of Perspective?
Often in our lives we allow similar perspective to rule and consume us, thinking our struggles are bigger than they are. We allow tough seasons, stressful days, or tedious tasks to fully block our light.
4 Ways to Get Out of Your Funk
I have a choice in how I act and how I handle my emotions. I decided I would refuse to let the enemy try to convince me it’s okay to go through an entire day in a funk, not acting like myself. Don’t get me wrong, I understand we all have those days. But, I’ve decided not to let those funks control me. I have the freedom to break free from those emotions, and I will choose to.
The Beauty of Being Alone
When we are quiet and slow down, we make space for the Lord. I am so guilty of crowding the Lord out because of my busyness (even if the busy things are good things). So, I invited the Lord to meet me. I prayed “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).
Replace Fear with Trust
Yes, we will experience trials. There will always be something, but if we strive to plant ourselves by the living water, during the trails we will remain steadfast in His supernatural strength and will be able to conquer anything that comes our way.
God’s Abundant Grace
He gives it to us in a way that is far more abundant and delicious and beautiful than we deserve or need! Think of all the things on this earth that reflect God’s good and abundant grace: sunsets, good food, air conditioning, loved ones, your favorite movie… these things are all God’s grace.
Casting Vision
As 2017 draws near, there are a number of ways to intentionally cast vision and seek the Lord's heart for the year ahead.
Sex Trafficking – It Happened To Me
You might be surprised to know that I didn’t know that what happened to me as a child was considered sex trafficking until I was 18. As I grew older, I came to know what happened to me to be sexual abuse, but it wasn’t until I told my counselor all the details of those circumstances that she said to me, “Rachel, I think you’ve been sex trafficked.” I was quite angry with her because I did not want to believe what she was saying was true—I believed sex trafficking happened only in third world countries, not in the United States. Not in my state. Not in my hometown. Not to me.
Altar of Remembrance
There are many ways to look back over the last year and remember what the Lord has done. Our encouragement this week is to take some time after you review the year to set up your own altar in remembrance and gratitude for 2016.
Gratitude Creates Good Fruit
Be encouraged to delve deeper into all that gratitude holds so that perseverance, character and hope become more and more alive within you!
Gratitude in the Suffering
When we choose gratitude in the difficulties of our lives, we are promised hope. And hope does not disappoint.