Pure

"Going through the motions doesn't please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don't for a moment escape God's notice." Psalm 51:15-17 (MSG)


"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3-5 (ESV)

Be Still and Know that the greatest thing you can ever do for the Lord is to worship him with a humbled, teachable spirit...a heart like a child's.

His Blood

"He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed." 1 Peter 2:24


But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5


Be still and know, dear friend, that His wounds became your healing.

40 I AMs

We are in the middle of a series at my church called "Stuck." My pastor was talking about how sometimes we allow negative influences to impact our perspectives of what we believe about ourselves, and ultimately what we believe about God. He went on to suggest reading the "40 I Am's" that are written throughout Scripture and confess (acknowledge, declare one's belief or faith in) them. Declaring the "40 I AMs" on a daily will help you to see yourself the way God sees you. When you begin to see yourself from God’s perspective, the opinions of others don’t alter the reality who you are in Him.

You are who God says you are all because of Jesus Christ.


1. A Child of God. Romans 8:16
2. Redeemed from the Hand of the Enemy. Psalms 107:2
3. Forgiven. Colossians 1:13-14
4. Saved by Grace through Faith. Ephesians 2:8
5. Justified. Romans 5:1
6. Sanctified. 1 Corinthians 1:2
7. A New Creature. 2 Corinthians 5:17
8. Partaker of His Divine Nature. 2 Peter 1:4
9. Redeemed from the Curse of the Law. Galatians 3:13
10. Delivered from the Powers of Darkness. Colossians 1:13
11. Led by the Spirit of God. Romans 8:14
12. A Son of God. Romans 8:14
13. Kept in Safety wherever I go. Psalms 91:11
14. Getting all my needs met by Jesus. Philippians 4:19
15. Casting all my cares on Jesus. 1 Peter 5:7
16. Strong in the Lord and in the Power of His might. Ephesians 6:10
17. Doing all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
18. An heir of God and a Joint heir with Jesus. Romans 8:17
19. An heir to the blessing of Abraham. Galatians 3:13-14
20. Observing and doing the Lord’s Commandments. Deuteronomy 28:12
21. Blessed coming in and blessed going out. Deuteronomy 28:6
22. An heir of eternal life. 1 John 5:11-12
23. Blessed with all spiritual blessings. Ephesians 1:3
24. Healed by His stripes. 1 Peter 2:24
25. Exercising my authority over the enemy. Luke 10:19
26. Above only and not beneath. Deuteronomy 28:13
27. More than a conqueror. Romans 8:37
28. Establishing God’s Word here on Earth. Matthew 16:19
29. An over comer by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of my testimony. Revelation 12:11
30. Daily overcoming the devil. 1 John 4:4
31. Not moved by what I see. 2 Corinthians 4:18
32. Walking by Faith and not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
33. Casting down vain imaginations. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
34. Bringing every thought into captivity. 2 Corinthians 10:5
35. Being transformed by renewing my mind. Romans 12:1-2
36. A laborer together with God. 1 Corinthians 3:9
37. The righteousness of God in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21
38. An imitator of Jesus. Ephesians 5:1
39. The light of the World. Matthew 5:14
40. Blessing the Lord at all times and continually praising Him with my mouth. Psalms 34:1

Knowing God

Using the Lamp...

Yesterday I wrote about the critical need for believers to be in the Word, seek the Word, and explore the Word of God for ourselves. I know this can sometimes be overwhelming, so I thought I would put together a few resources that will serve as a catalyst for you as you seek God's Word in your life. It is so important to remember that even if you are overwhelmed, take heart: Jesus never asks you to do anything without enabling you with the power to do it…to include reading Scripture!

What You Need:
1. A Bible-Try reading several different translations. You can test them out on bible.gateway.com. Choose one that you can easily understand. I recommend either the English Standard Version (ESV), New International Verson (NIV), New Living Translation (NLT), or in some cases The Message. (If you click on the link you will be able to see a the variations of each translation of the well-known verse, John 3:16.)
2. A Notebook- I know journeling is not for everyone, but you don't have to write pages and pages of notes, maybe jot down a thought or a question, what is weighing heavy on your heart, your prayers...but you will be amazed to see how God really does move through His Word, and writing it down will help you see...and remember!
3. A Bible Reading Plan- Some days you will just want to pour over the Psalms, or devor a certain book, but if you have a reading plan it will help you stay disciplined in your devotion time and ward of feelings of being overwhelmed and temptations to just give up.
4. A Bible Study or Study Aid-There are some great devotionals out there if you prefer a devotional on a certain subject/theme (like Freedom, parenting God’s-way, building your marriage, etc).

I would love to know if I can help you further, or if you need a Bible. Do not hesitate to ask--it would be a true joy to be able to send you a Study-Bible totally free!

Here is a 6-month reading plan, broken up into 2-week sections, that should help you get started if you have never really explored the Bible on your own. These writings, stories and chapters are relatively easy to read and understand, which will help you gain confidence that the Bible was written for YOU! These are passages that are often referenced in sermons, or commonly quoted, and will help you understand the context regarding these popular verses and stories.

The Life and Teachings of Jesus:
Day 1, Luke 1: Preparing for Jesus' arrival
Day 2, Luke 2: The story of Jesus' birth
Day 3, Mark 1: The beginning of Jesus' ministry
Day 4, Mark 9: A day in the life of Jesus
Day 5, Matthew 5: The Sermon on the Mount
Day 6, Matthew 6: The Sermon on the Mount
Day 7, Luke 15: Parables of Jesus
Day 8, John 3: A conversation with Jesus
Day 9, John 14: Jesus' final instructions
Day 10, John 17: Jesus' prayer for his disciples
Day 11, Matthew 26: Betrayal and arrest
Day 12, Matthew 27: Jesus' execution on a cross
Day 13, John 20: Resurrection
Day 14, Luke 24: Jesus' appearance after resurrection

Life and Teachings of Paul
Day 1, Acts 9: The conversion of Saul
Day 2, Acts 16: Paul's Macedonian call and a jailbreak
Day 3, Acts 17: Scenes from Paul's missionary journey
Day 4, Acts 26: Paul tells his life story to a king
Day 5, Acts 27: Shipwreck on the way to Rome
Day 6, Acts 28: Paul's arrival in Rome
Day 7, Romans 3: Paul's theology in a nutshell
Day 8, Romans 7: Struggle with sin
Day 9, Romans 8: Life in the Spirit
Day 10, 1 Corinthians 13: Paul's description of love
Day 11, 1 Corinthians 15: Thoughts on the afterlife
Day 12, Galatians 5: Freedom in Christ
Day 13, Ephesians 3: Paul's summary of his mission
Day 14, Philippians 2: Imitating Christ

Overview of the Old Testament
Day 1, Genesis 1: The story of creation
Day 2, Genesis 3: The origin of sin
Day 3, Genesis 22: Abraham and Isaac
Day 4, Exodus 3: Moses' encounter with God
Day 5, Exodus 20: The gift of the Ten Commandments
Day 6, 1 Samuel 17: David and Goliath
Day 7, 2 Samuel 11: David and Bathsheba
Day 8, 2 Samuel 12: Nathan's rebuke of the king
Day 9, 1 Kings 18: Elijah and the prophets of Baal
Day 10, Job 38: God's answer to Job
Day 11, Psalm 51: A classic confession
Day 12, Isaiah 40: Words of comfort from God
Day 13, Daniel 6: Daniel and the lions
Day 14, Amos 4: A prophet's stern warning

Understanding the Meaning of Your Faith
Day 1, Genesis 3: The first sin creates a need
Day 2, Isaiah 52: Salvation prophesied
Day 3, Isaiah 53: The role of the suffering servant
Day 4, Luke 15: Three stories about God's love
Day 5, John 3: Jesus explains "born again"
Day 6, John 10: The good shepherd
Day 7, Acts 8: Conversions spread outside the Jews
Day 8, Acts 26: Paul testifies of his conversion before a king
Day 9, Romans 3: God's provision for sin
Day 10, Romans 5: Peace with God
Day 11, Galatians 3: Salvation unavailable by obeying the law
Day 12, Ephesians 2: New life in Christ
Day 13, 1 Peter 1: Future rewards of salvation
Day 14, 2 Peter 1: Making your salvation sure

Prayers of the Bible
Day 1, Genesis 18: Abraham's plea for Sodom
Day 2, Exodus 15: Moses' song to the Lord
Day 3, Exodus 33: Moses meets with God
Day 4, 2 Samuel 7: David's response to God's promises
Day 5, 1 Kings 8: Solomon's dedication of the temple
Day 6, 2 Chronicles 20: Jehoshaphat prays for victory
Day 7, Ezra 9: Ezra's prayer for the people's sins
Day 8, Psalm 22: A cry to God for help
Day 9, Psalm 104: A prayer of praise
Day 10, Daniel 9: Daniel's prayer for the salvation of Jerusalem
Day 11, Habakkuk 3: A prophet's prayer of acceptance
Day 12, Matthew 6: The Lord's prayer
Day 13, John 17: Jesus' prayer for his disciples
Day 14, Colossians 1: Paul's prayer of thanksgiving

The Holy Spirit
Day 1, Judges 14: The Spirit gives Samson strength
Day 2, 1 Samuel 10: King Saul's experience
Day 3, Matthew 3:1–4:10: Role in Jesus' baptism and temptation
Day 4, John 14: Jesus promises the Spirit
Day 5, John 16: The work of the Spirit
Day 6, Acts 2: The Spirit comes at Pentecost
Day 7, Acts 10: The Spirit guides Peter to accept Gentiles
Day 8, Romans 8: Christians' victory in the Spirit
Day 9, 1 Corinthians 2: Wisdom from the Spirit
Day 10, 1 Corinthians 12: Gifts of the Spirit
Day 11, 1 Corinthians 14: Gifts of tongues and prophecy
Day 12, Galatians 5: Life in the Spirit
Day 13, Ephesians 4: Unity and gifts
Day 14, 1 John 4: Signs of the Spirit

Women of the Bible
Day 1, Genesis 2: Eve, the first woman
Day 2, Genesis 18: Sarah laughs at God's promise
Day 3, Genesis 24: Rebekah's marriage to Isaac
Day 4, Genesis 27: Rebekah, the manipulative mother
Day 5, Judges 4: Deborah's leadership frees her people
Day 6, Ruth 1: Ruth and Naomi's deep friendship
Day 7, 1 Samuel 1: Hannah prays for a son
Day 8, 1 Kings 17: A poor widow and the prophet Elijah
Day 9, 1 Kings 21: Jezebel, an emblem of wickedness
Day 10, Esther 2: Esther is chosen as queen
Day 11, Esther 4: Esther's courage at the risk of death
Day 12, Luke 1: Mary and Elizabeth receive great news
Day 13, Luke 2: Mary gives birth to Jesus
Day 14, John 11: Mary and Martha and their brother's death

Men of the Old Testament
Day 1, Judges 6: God calls Gideon to rescue his people
Day 2, Judges 7: Gideon conquers his fears—and his enemies
Day 3, 1 Samuel 3: God calls young Samuel
Day 4, 1 Kings 3: Solomon is given wisdom
Day 5, 1 Kings 19: Elijah runs for his life
Day 6, 2 Kings 5: Elisha heals a powerful foreign general
Day 7, Isaiah 6: God calls the prophet Isaiah
Day 8, 2 Kings 18: King Hezekiah under military siege
Day 9, 2 Kings 19: Isaiah speaks God's word to King Hezekiah
Day 10, 2 Chronicles 34: Josiah sets his nation back on course
Day 11, Nehemiah 2: Nehemiah courageously begins rebuilding a wall
Day 12, Jeremiah 38: Jeremiah, in prison, refuses to change his message
Day 13, Daniel 1: Daniel risks his life in captivity
Day 14, Daniel 5: Daniel's word to a royal orgy

Social Justice
Day 1, Exodus 3: God hears the cries of the slaves
Day 2, Leviticus 25: The year of jubilee, a time of economic revolution
Day 3, Ruth 2: A poor woman finds help
Day 4, 1 Kings 21: Elijah speaks to a land-grabbing, murderous king
Day 5, Nehemiah 5: Nehemiah demands justice for the poor
Day 6, Isaiah 5: Warning to fun-loving materialists
Day 7, Isaiah 58: Worship that God appreciates
Day 8, Jeremiah 34: Freedom for slaves
Day 9, Amos 2: Sins against God by his own people
Day 10, Amos 6: Warning to the complacent
Day 11, Micah 6: What the Lord requires
Day 12, Luke 3: John the Baptist tells how to prepare for Jesus
Day 13, Matthew 6: Jesus speaks on material things
Day 14, James 2: How to treat the rich and the poor

God and Nature
Day 1, Genesis 1: God creates the earth
Day 2, Genesis 2: God creates human beings
Day 3, Proverbs 8: Wisdom's view of creation
Day 4, Genesis 7: God preserves the species
Day 5, Job 38: The greatness of nature
Day 6, Job 39: The wildness of nature
Day 7, Job 40: God's mastery of nature
Day 8, Psalm 8: Praise for the Creator
Day 9, Psalm 98: Nature joins in the praise
Day 10, Psalm 104: God sustains the earth
Day 11, Isaiah 40: The ruler of all creation
Day 12, Romans 8: The "groanings" of our present state
Day 13, Isaiah 65: Preview of a restored earth
Day 14, Revelation 22: The end of history

Two weeks on Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob:
Genesis 12, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, 24, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33

Two weeks on Moses and the exodus:
Exodus 2, 3, 4, 7, 12, 14, 16, 19, 32; Numbers 14; Deuteronomy 1, 2, 4, 31

Two Weeks on David:
1 Samuel 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24; 2 Samuel 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 15, 18

Thy Word is a lamp...

"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105

I have heard and read this verse over and over since I was a little girl. It became, to be honest, one of those verses that I would almost skim over while reading as if it simply belongs on a coffee mug somewhere or maybe in a eloquent framed display to show off in my home. But as I continue on my own personal journey to pursue Christ, this verse has become a simple, yet incredibly profound portrait of why I, and all of us who claim Christ as our Savior, desperately need God's Word every single day.

Because I have been there myself, I know there are some of us that say we believe in Jesus, and that God hears our prayers, but still feel overwhelmed by troubles, lost when it comes to coping skills to battle depravity, and think we don't hear anything in response to our prayers. Can I give you the #1 reason why you feel like that? I guarantee you it because you are not reading God's Word for yourself. Maybe you depend on what a pastor shares from the stage on a weekend, maybe a verse a friend comments on...possibly a random post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter? Let me tell you, sweet friends...God has SO much more for YOU! It is pressing on my heart to share with you and to encourage you to explore the Sacred Literature and allow it to speak truth in your life...you will begin to see God's heart for you, the nature of His ways, and what He is saying to you through His sweet, sweet words of love and guidance, you will begin to hear God's response to your prayers, help for your troubles, you will SEE in the Written Word that even when you feel lost...God knows exactly where you are, and He is holding you close.

There are overall themes of Scripture, no doubt: God is good, God is love, Jesus saves, God wins, hope, glorious hope, beautiful hope. But, if you are not reading God's written Word because you think you know the general "idea," honestly, you are as foolish as a poor woman framing a million dollar bill and just looking at it because she knows it's worth "a lot." Or even better, now imagine the poor woman sitting through seminar after seminar every week listening to someone else talk about how to wisely use a million dollar bill, how wonderful it is, nodding her head, absorbing the information being shared by a great speaker, only to go home and agonize and stress over unpaid bills...all while her million dollar bill sits prettily framed on the counter.

It seems pretty unbelievable right?! Sweet friends, it is no different than allowing your Bible to collect dust on a bookshelf.

Don't believe me? Let me share with you a few situations where God has responded to my life though Scripture and absolutely rocked my world...and prayerfully ignite in you a desire to explore for yourself:

1. Like any of us, I have had people that are close to me speak hateful, hurtful, damaging things into my life that crushed me. I believed what was said in rages of hate-filled attacks were actually true about me until God showed me how to discern real truth (God's truth) and Lies of man, and Satan's attacks on my spirit:

"But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere." James 3:17


2. We all have moments in life when we hurt so deeply it feels like our souls are actually bleeding. One particular time in my life I was dealing with devastating news that not only broke my heart in a way that I did not know was possible, but shattered it even more when I saw my children hurting as well. Psalm 34:17-18 became a salve on the wounds in Spirit, and one I hold very sacred today:

"The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

3. To be totally vulnerable, because of very broken places in my life, scars I carry in my memories, and trials that seem to never end, I struggle with intense fears, expectations of abandonment, a reserve to trust, and mostly a lie I believed that I am unlovable. Likeable--yes...but I always seem to wrestle with if I am someone that can be loved for no other reason but just for who God made me. Such a spectrum of issues that God responded to with words that are so beautifully written I can not begin to give justice to how it moves deep in my spirit. Every time I read this passage, these strong holds in my life shatter:

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
..because you are precious to me.
You are honored, and I love you.
--Isaiah 43:1-5

Don't delay any longer. If you are not in God's Word, start today. No more excuses. Take your million-dollar bill out of the frame and use it. God's word is tangible and an incredible gift that God has given to believers. If you don't know where to start, I will be posting some resources later to help and encourage you. The Book of John is a great place to begin...I also love Romans, Ephesians, Galatians, and the Psalms. If you do not have a Bible, please let me know--I will send you one free of charge. It is my honor and sheer delight.

Be Still and Know "Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts." Peter 1:19