What are you boldly believing God for in 2023?

What are you boldly believing God for in 2023?

by | Dec 30, 2022 | Belief, Faith, Trust

He looked at them with compassion and touched their eyes. (Matthew 20:34)

I have read the story of Jesus healing the blind beggar several times over the last few months. Today, though, it encouraged me in a different way. As I think about the approach of a new year, I want to be like these two who spoke their request with boldness and faith, then put their faith into action. The Bible says they immediately received their sight and followed him.

As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

“Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”

Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. (Matthew 20:29-34)

Healing faith

They played a part in their healing, too. Mark and Luke’s version of this story says that it was his faith that healed him.

That faith reminds me of another set of verses that tell us to believe and move mountains. (Mark 11: 22-26).

Also, Luke 11:8-10 tells us much of the same. It describes a man who knocks on his friend’s door asking for bread. His friend refused to get up because he was already in bed, however, Jesus said “because of the man’s boldness, he will get up and give him as much as he needs.”

What is your mountain?

That, my friend, is a lesson for us as we enter 2023. What is your mountain? What are you boldly believing and asking God for in 2023? What are you putting your faith in God to do for you this year? Whatever is ahead, let’s

  • Be bold. Make the ask.
  • Believe and have faith.
  • Praise Him big.
  • Follow Him. Serve Him big.

We play a role in our results as well. In each verse, they believed. They had faith. They knocked.

If I ask God to fulfill my dream, I must put in my work, too. If I ask God to heal me from a physical condition, I may have to change some patterns or habits to get there.

So, my desire for myself and my encouragement for you this new year is to be bold. Boldly believe God and ask him to move that mountain. Boldly dream the dream. Work hard to achieve it. Praise God for it. Serve Him through it.

I pray the Lord will bless you and keep you, make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May He turn his face toward you and give you peace in 2023.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

 

God of Possible

God of Possible

by | Dec 9, 2022 | Faith, God, Miracles

“What a fool,” I thought as I read Zechariah’s response to the angel Gabriel’s news. An angel of the Lord appeared in front of him, and he asked this question – How can I be sure of this?

In his mind, he and his wife Elizabeth were too old. (He wasn’t really a fool, but in that moment, he focused on his earthly limitations over what God said he would do. In his defense, the Bible says that he and his wife Elizabeth were righteous before God. Luke 1:5-7)

However, I can just imagine Gabriel’s indignation when he said “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.”

Speechless

The result? Zechariah was not able to speak again until that very child was born.

God put an angel in front of Zechariah. An angel who had just stood in the presence of Almighty God.

Oh, how many times have I questioned God’s word to me? I may not have seen an angel standing before me, but God’s word is clear.

In contrast, what did Elizabeth do? She didn’t hear from the angel. But she gave God the credit. Luke 1:25 says “The Lord has done this for me. In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

Blessed

Six months later and about 100 miles north in Nazareth, Gabriel shows up on another mission. This time to a young virgin named Mary who was Elizabeth’s relative.

Mary’s response? Not “how can this be,” but “how will this be?” A few moments later, she demonstrates her faith when she says “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” No human reasoning. No asking for a sign. Just, let it be done.

When Mary later visited Elizabeth, she summed it up perfectly.

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:45)

Wow. These two stories teach us what it’s like to just trust—no questioning what God said. No assumptions. It will be what the Lord says it will be. And know that the good that comes to us is the Lord’s doing.

So, the next time I question something God says to me, I’m going to think of Zechariah and Mary.

  • One old. One young.
  • One mature. One inexperienced.
  • One who’d likely seen God work many times.
  • Both knew the scriptures.
  • One led by human reasoning. One spirit led.
  • One who saw through a “how CAN this be” lens. One who saw through as a “let it be as you say” lens.

Let us, too, see from Mary’s lens and respond accordingly. Because nothing — not age or physical condition — is impossible with God.

Let the miracle of the Christmas season lift your spirit today.

Seasons Come, Seasons Go

Seasons Come, Seasons Go

by | Dec 2, 2022 | Faith, Gratitude, Obedience

“We lost, momma,” my oldest son informed me after the Ragin’ Cajun’s basketball game. As a team manager, his disappointment was understandable. It was their first loss of the season.

As a boy mom of three athletes, I’ve seen many seasons come, and many seasons go. The thrill of victory during those seasons energizes us and sends our spirits soaring. The disappointment of defeat, although discouraging, also creates a desire to improve and do better the next time.

Seasons are like that. For some, we can’t wait for them to end. For others, we want to hold on to and cherish. And still, some are like a roller coaster ride. During those, we just hang on for dear life.

A surprise season

Sometimes seasons take us by surprise. Sometimes we anticipate and even celebrate them.

As we near the end of the year, another season comes to a close.

With the birth of Christ, Mary and Joseph entered a new season in their lives. I’m sure the news that created this new season took them by surprise. They didn’t expect to enter their marriage with Mary’s pregnancy. Imagine the string of emotions that event created. However, they accepted it and honored God through it.

As we enter the Christmas season, let us begin it with gratitude for not only a baby in a manger but for Mary’s willing heart and Joseph’s obedience. And most important, let’s be grateful for God coming down to live among us and offering redemption for our sins once and for all.

 

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

Sundown

Sundown

by | Nov 18, 2022 | Faith, Forgiveness, Hope

Across the soccer field Wednesday night, the evening sun sank on the horizon creating pink, cotton candy-like clouds across the eastern sky. As I watched the fading light, I remembered another sunset — years ago and thousands of miles away — that took my breath away.

After a week-long meeting in San Diego, I was restless to leave the building and breathe in fresh air. Outside the hotel, a bike rental company caught my eye. I looked at a few routes and decided to take the 13-mile path to La Jolla. Drawing near to my destination, the route wove me through a neighborhood that had the Pacific Ocean as its backdrop.

I stopped to watch the sun melt into the dark water as residents walked out of their homes to do the same. Incredible hardly describes the scene.

What does sundown say to you? A closing chapter in your life? The end of a particular season?

This is my son Garrett’s senior year of high school. In a way, it is the end of a season for him. For all of us. But it also points to the excitement for what is in store for the future.

For me, sundown — the end of the day or the end of a season — brings about a new beginning and hope for tomorrow.

A new beginning

Jesus’ ministry on earth did just that. With His sacrifice, the old covenant God handed down through Moses became obsolete.

Living under the old covenant, the priests would enter the outer room of the sanctuary to carry on their ministry. But only the high priest could enter the inner room and that was only once a year. And he could not enter without a blood sacrifice for himself and the people.

But when Christ made the ultimate sacrifice, He entered the Most Holy place once and for all by his own blood, offering eternal redemption. (Read Hebrews chapter 9)

Christ entered heaven itself to appear for us in God’s presence. (Vs. 2:24)

But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. (Vs. 9:26 NIV)

Christ’s end of His season on earth — he sacrificed himself to do away with sin —began His next when He sat down at the right hand of God. (Hebrews 10:12 NIV)

Hope for the future

Are you at the end of a season? Can you look beyond sundown in your life and see the hope that Christ brings through His sacrifice?

  • Hope for salvation. You can receive Christ’s gift today.
  • Hope for a brighter future. Hold on to the hope His promises bring.
  • Hope for peace. Trust His plan and receive peace.
  • Hope for another day of strength. Claim the power of the Holy Spirit in your life.

Hope believes in a better tomorrow.

Make the most of the season you’re in and when sundown comes, grab hold to a new beginning and rest in the hope you have in Christ.

Claiming joy

Claiming joy

by | Nov 2, 2022 | Faith, Joy, Obedience

A year ago, I stepped out in faith to write and publish a book. Oh, I had written some before then, but it was intermittent at best.

But last November was a turning point for me. And what a journey it has been. I can’t even count the number of obstacles there have been to get to the point of releasing it.

The joy stealer

Even yesterday, I received news that set me back a bit. As I sat with my head in my hands and tears threatening to overflow, I thought about the theme of my book Grief Unwrapped: Discovering Joy in a Season of Sorrow.

Joy. Would I let the enemy steal my joy? I thought for a second. No, I’m not going to let him steal my joy over this.

Because that is what he wants to do. Like David defeating Goliath, we need to come against Satan in the name of the Lord Almighty.

So, what will I do? I will stand firm in my faith. With Jesus by my side and His name on my lips, I will press on and accomplish the task. He is in control. May His name be exalted. May His name be praised.

A simple request

So with that, I am excited to say all three versions of the book will be available to the world this weekend. The paperback has already been published and is available. The Kindle and hardcover versions will be available Saturday, November 5th. If you would feel led to buy and read it, I would be grateful. If you’ve read it, I’d love to hear your thoughts about it.

Many people have asked how they can help. If you believe it will benefit others, you can help by

  • Writing and posting a review on Amazon or goodreads
  • Telling others about it, especially if you have found nuggets that have helped you
  • Sharing it on your social networks
  • Asking a library to buy it and make it available on their shelves

Thank you

Many have been alongside me as I have grieved. You’ve cried with me; you’ve laughed with me. You’ve met specific needs and you’ve encouraged me in countless ways.

And if I don’t know you personally, I pray that you have received these same blessings and that God has or will give you opportunities to be there for someone else in their grief journey.

I am living proof that God

  • Still works
  • Still cares
  • Still speaks

I am proof that you can experience joy even through trials and loss because of faith in Jesus Christ. I can attest that you can find a deep connection with the God who knows you. My experience proves that your life can be fulfilling again.

You CAN discover joy in your season of sorrow.

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. Psalm 94:19 (NIV)

When Jesus calls

When Jesus calls

by | Oct 21, 2022 | Belief, Blessing, Faith

The blind man’s shout for mercy stopped Jesus in his tracks. Then Jesus told his disciples to call the man.

I love what the disciples said next.

“Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.”

The blind man jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.

Jesus knew what was on the man’s mind, but he asked, “What do you want me to do for you?”

“I want to see,” he answered.

The blind man was bold. He didn’t want to miss his opportunity so when others tried to silence him, he shouted even more.

 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. Mark 10:52 (NIV)

Jesus by my side

This story reminds me of a conversation I had with a friend who is now with Jesus. It was years ago, but it has always stuck with me.

As she was driving alone, she envisioned Jesus sitting beside her. He asked her these same words. “What can I do for you today?”

My friend, stop for a moment and call out to Him. I assure you; He’s calling for you and that fact alone can lighten your load and cheer you up.

When Jesus calls . . .

  • We can rest assured He knows what’s on our mind. He knows the longing of our soul.
  • We can cheer up because the King of the world wants to do something for us.
  • Our faith plays a role in the outcome.
    • We need to believe He is who He says he is.
    • We need to know that He will do what He says He will do.
    • We need to believe he can heal.
  • When we really encounter Jesus, we want to follow Him.

Oh, how I needed these words today. It has been a week. I’m sure you can relate.

But I am resolved to put my focus on Him – not my environment or my circumstances.

The Bible tells us we have not because we ask not, and we have because we ask. Our next move should be to pray until the answer comes. He welcomes our communication with Him.

Romans 3:20 supports this same message.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20 (NIV)

I want my faith to strengthen as I follow Him. I want that for you too. Today, let’s call out boldly, listen and be encouraged as He calls us and receive the blessings He wants to give us.

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