Blog

• 

Are you hungry?

Is your spirit longing for sustenance?

The most “spiritual” food is literally called “manna” which God sent down from heaven. Literally. This was captured in writing that we read in the Old Testament in God’s written Word, the Bible. God’s people were wandering in a desert, lost, in more ways than one, for 40 years. They were looking for the promised land God told them about. But they couldn’t find it. God prevented them, because there were things they needed to learn in their time of struggle. They needed to learn to call on God for their every need. Needs big and small, that only God could provide. Most never really learned the lessons, and many died there in the wilderness without ever finding The Way.

I don’t know about you, but i’d probably be complaining like they did. Begging God for better. And God answered their prayers and cries. But soon they got sick of eating this bread. Can you believe it? This miracle bread from heaven? They found a reason to complain about it. But God is gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love and faithfulness. They got tired of bread. They cried out for more; for better. God did not lash out for their lack of gratitude. Instead, he answered, and this time, sent quail. Meat. There’s more to that story, but let’s focus there.

I think of bread. We need it to survive. Its our food, day to day. Physically, our body would shut down without proper food.

And then i think of the spiritual kind of bread. Nourishment that satisfies our soul at the deepest level. We need it to thrive and function and persevere in this world, and beyond—to experience eternal life in heaven.

Jesus says:

“Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you…Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ ”

“Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

43 “Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus answered….47 Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.”

Jesus proclaims: “48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. 50 But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” John 6:25-51

Have you eaten the bread? The bread that gives life? Our spiritual food.

“Man can not live on bread alone, but every Word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4

Will you partake? He offers this bread to every single person. All it requires is acceptance. Believe, and you will be saved; and well nourished.

 

It’s not easy to say out loud, but my light has been flickering.

Perhaps it’s from being in year 2 of a global pandemic, where, for many, socially distancing has become the new normal. Or maybe i am not the only soul growing weary and believes they have less to offer. Less energy, less patience, less outreach.

As i was reading God’s word the other day, i was reminded of many Truths. If we are not connected to the Vine, we will not bear fruit. And although we can be duped to believe differently, a good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. And all trees need to be pruned. To grow even more fruitful after a time of pruning—cutting out the old, dead branches to have faith and make room for what may grow in its place…Fruit…Beginning with rich blooms and blossoms, from a well nourished and well fed, well watered plant. Uprooting the weeds around it. Producing Beautifully vibrant colors; greenery, strong, sturdy branches that can bear weight; and let’s not forget the deep, deep, root structure that anchors the tree. Anchored—to stand firm amidst the winds, against the storms, even horrific storms that may pass through.

I wonder, how are you doing friend? Is your light still shining? Are you, like myself being pruned? Are you in Need of that intimate connection with the True Vine which is Christ our Lord?

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

“You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” Psalm 18:28

One of my amazing youth pastors at one point gave me a word i have carried closely with me til this day. “Kim,” he lovingly said, “don’t let the hard things of this world turn your soft heart cold and calloused.”

.

.

Let’s Chew on that for a moment.

.

I come to that word again today.

.

Here we sit, 6-almost 7-months in to 2020. A year many of us did not anticipate. A global pandemic. Strangers, Friends, Family and acquaintances very sick, some dying or on the verge. Job loss, salary loss, extra stress at home, kids schooling at home, an almost worldwide shelter in order for several months. Racial injustice and inequity, protests and rioting, political unrest and division, broken families and broken systems. Quarreling on social media. Social distancing. Uncertain times. When will the world be safe? Can i leave my house without a mask? Can i leave my house period?

.

.

.

I don’t have the answers but i do recall those words of my mentor.

I am responsible for the condition of my heart. For my words. For my actions. For my love.

I believe Scripture that tells us the world will get a lot worse before it gets better.

One day there will be a new heaven and a new earth.

Until then?

Lord we invite you in. Our world is broken. We, are broken. In need of saving. We are sinful, fallen, biting and devouring one another. We need your love. We need your peace. We need your guidance and leadership. Teach us to love. Teach us to forgive. Teach us to have faith. We need your sustenance and provision. Without you, we are lost. We have gone our own way.

I pray for our hearts. May those who have been struggling and weary be strengthened, loved, encouraged, comforted.

.

May our hearts stay soft- to the Lord who will carry us through, and for one another.

.

So much has happened in the last few months and honestly, I don’t know what has happened and how…Except to say that when the Spirit of God prompts you to do something, you do it, and He helps you along each step of the way.

He puts thoughts, desires, and plans on our hearts when we pray according to His will, and amazing things can happen. He guides our course, and equips us to take steps in His perfect timing. He is just that good!!

.

.

.

Where have you seen God work in Your life recently? Do you know his touch? Do you listen for His voice? Do you seek his face?

.

Brother and sister, I encourage you to invite him in. His voice is a soft whisper but his plan is read clearly in his Word. He is calling your name.

.

Where do you want to go? What do you want to do? How do you want to feel?

God hears the prayers of those who humbly call on His name for his saving grace; his mercy in time of need; his answer to the questions in your heart, mind, and soul.

.

New year, 2020. What do you want for your self? Do you have a dream? Does it seem too big?

Friend, may I speak as one whom has experienced that God makes things happen- if that is His will. Invite him in. He will strengthen you, equip you, and walk with you. And what an adventure it is.

Thank the Lord!

At times in life, the sure and steady path may begin to get rough and rocky. Steep hills may cause the sojourner to grow weary. Valleys grow dark and cold, with little glimpses of light and sunshine.

.

How does one navigate this unsteady terrain?

.

Who do you turn to to help you carry your load amidst the obstacles?

.

I have a Maker, he knows my name. He sees the future, he promises to carry me through.

.

“What does the future hold?”

.

Maybe that is the wrong question.

.

Perhaps…

“Dear Lord, how will you grow me closer to Yourself this day and every day, amidst the unsteady terrain. You are my rock and my shelter, my tower of strength. I choose to trust in You, for you are good. Your hand holds me fast. Your ways are higher. I am willing to go where you want me.”

.

.

.

💛

Ok, Lord, i trust You.

Peace can come and go if we let it. God’s peace that passes all understanding is a highly valued gift God gives us, and the evil one wants to steal it at all costs. Our enemy the devil “prowls around like a roaring lion.” The Bible says he “seeks to steal, kill, and destroy.”

.

What does he want to steal? Anything good. Any good gift in our life, especially that God graciously has given us. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control, faithfulness, and goodness. Any gift of the Holy Spirit.

.

What does satan want to kill? God’s children. Life. Especially abundant life that God gives. He wants to lure us into the pit of despair and think there is no way out, and nothing good if we do get out of that pit.

.

What does the evil one want to destroy? The hope and future God has planned for us.

.

Some think spiritual warfare is not real. Some think spirits are not real. We are all spiritual beings, meaning we all have a spirit. God is spirit. We are created in his image.

.

We live amidst a spiritual battle.

.

Those in Christ are “More than Conquerors” in Him. Victory is in you and you are able to take a stand against the dark forces in this world in Christ. He is victorious always and forever. God equips us with spiritual armor to help us take our stand against evil. “The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.”

.

Claim the victory you have in Christ. He wins. You win. I win.

🙌

Many times in life the load is to heavy to carry on our own. I think God allows that on purpose so we are forced to ask for help–from those around us, and of course, from Him.

.

.

.

Satan is the “Father of Lies.” The Bible study i was in this past year that just wrapped up was about this topic.

.

The evil one wins if we feel and believe we are alone/ no one cares/ no one understands/ nothing can help my situation.

.

God loves you. Incredibly. With endless, unfailing love. Scripture explains “Nothing can separate us from the love of God- trials, hardship, height, depth…” nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love.

.

I am so thankful for the Lord stepping in to gently and powerfully remind me of this Truth. Thankful for those who make it known that they care, reach out, go the extra mile, drop in unexpectedly, pray, cry with, call, sit. Reclaim victory in your life.

.

I pray for those, like myself, who needed the visible reminder- hands on concern that you are loved. You are valued. You’re struggle matters. You don’t have to fight alone.

…

God bless you. God loves you. Reach out if you need help. It’s going to be okay. ♥️

Sometimes, when you pull over long enough and look back, you see things with a renewed clarity and appreciation for where you are and where you are headed.

.

.

.

I am reminded of the importance and the power of prayer. As a guide, as an outlet, as a practice, to lean into the God of this world and to verbalize out loud or in thought a dependence on Him as the Way Maker. As the healer. As the Great Physician. As The most Wonderful Counselor and Mighty God. He is not far off. He is near the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in Spirit. Will he make a way for you? Yes! He already has. Trust him. Ask him. His answer, in his perfect way…is Yes.

Do you have the peace of God in your heart? Have you ever felt it? He provides peace that passes all understanding.

It’s real.

Dear Lord, thank you for your peace. It can’t be gained apart from You. We can search for peace in a lot of ways, in relationships; in material things; in food; in accomplishments; in social media, substances, or a gazillion other ways, but Jesus- your perfect peace is supernatural. Better than any thing this world offers, your peace is a gift that cannot be bought. Coming from a personal relationship with you, it is a gift. Thank you Lord, for reminding me the importance of coming to You, to be at peace.

“Cast all your cares on the Lord, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

Ever have one of those moments when you sit back and feel so good?

Content.

All is right.

Love.

Connectedness.

Fulfillment.

Belonging.

Relief.

When we pass through the waters, Jesus says he will be here with us. He makes a way for us to make it through.

.

.

If any of you, my dear readers, are like me and living in the mitten- or similar, you know this week tested you in many ways. Maybe being forced home for several days in close to negative 50 degree temps. Half gone stir crazy for over a week. Regular routine interrupted, many with littles also needing to see new surroundings. We made it through!

.

.

.

One thing i love about the Lord is his ability and graciousness to bless us with perseverance. When we make it through a time of testing, we are refined. Stronger. Characters beautified. Victorious.

Praise the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

Joy comes with the morning. So does light. Hope for the day. Warmth.