I hope I will have a lasting impact by my actions, values,and contributions. I hope people say, I am a good listener. And that my kindness is contagious. People have told me I am strong and they admire my resilience.
Unity In One Purpose
“Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” -Philippians 1:27
Paul wrote the Philippians to both commend and instructed them. In Philippians 1:9, he said he was praying that their love would overflow and knowledge and discernment.
He exhorted them to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel and to stand firm in one spirit.
He wanted their faith to be firmly written in Jesus -and then to grow and spread to others.
Throughout the world, we have lost much of the unity of purpose that we should show to the world. We are too busy, focusing on the style of the worship, music, and traditions than the core substance of unity with Jesus Christ and each other.
Not every believer is pursuing holiness, and not every church is conducting itself in a manner worthy of the gospel. But there are ones who are extending a hand of fellowship and driving together to reach community for Jesus.
Jesus prayed for the church in John 17:21, “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in Me and I am in You. Mat they also be in us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.”
The purpose of unity it not about church, it’s about knowing Jesus and having a relationship with Him. The church is where true believers get together and celebrate Jesus and have fellowship with other believers.
It’s about relationship over ritual.
I think it’s about time we focus on Jesus, and put the emphasis that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, not the church building or its activities.
It’s about living daily with Jesus that is seen in actions not in a church building, and a bunch of rules.
The role of the church is God‘s design. Scripture causes us to knit together in a community (the church) and minister to each other.
The church is like the body of Christ: individuals are less effective and nourished when they are cut off from it.
Gathering provides a place to learn, be strengthened, and see God‘s grace in action, despite our imperfections.
There is tension in the church today. The common frustration is that many people feel hurt. I am perfect people or actions within churches, leading people to say, “I love Jesus, but not the church.
The church is a place where we can build each other up. The call isn’t to abandon the law church, but she worked to build it up in love. While recognizing it’s important it’s accountable to Jesus‘s example.
It’s a place where imperfect people gather to create a community that focuses onfocused on Grace, support, and growth. Church is a hospital for sinners, not saints, where flaws should be expected, and people help each other stumble forward in faith. Where God uses people’s brokenness in his perfect plan. Which leads to shared vulnerability, encouragement, and shared testimony, despite disagreements or mistakes.
The church is a place for the broken. It isn’t about perfect people, but those who are hurting, seeking, and needing God‘s mercy, grace, and healing. It should be a place to receive God‘s forgiveness and love, not condemnation, or fostering vulnerabilities.
It’s a place where we see real flaws in ourselves and others and accept that no church will ever be perfect.
The church is meant to be a reflection of humanity’s need for God, a place where imperfect people come together to be made more like the perfect one -Jesus, finding strength and shared faith and fellowship.
Performing
Performing on stage requires audience interaction, owning the space, and filling silences with vocal and physical energy. This involves being the center of attention and becoming the focal point.
I have performed on stage in high school in choir, which didn’t require me to be the center of attention. Which I was thankful for.
I’ve spoken at church a few times. But not often, because it makes me uncomfortable. I hate the feeling of having all eyes on me.
The Battle In Your Mind
Everyone has internal conflicts, such as conflicting thoughts, emotions, fears, and doubts, that can impact our decisions and well-being.
These struggles, though unseen by others, are considered one of life’s most difficult challenges. But they can be overcome by controlling our thoughts through awareness, discipline, and changing our mindset. I’m not going to tell you, it’s easy to understand and put into practice. Because it’s not, but it is definitely worth it.
That conflict of thought, is the feeling of being torn between choices, values, and emotions. It’s logic vs intuition or freedom vs security.
It’s an inner struggle that represents the fight against negative self-talk, fear anxiety, and low self-esteem that can sabotage any progress we are trying to make.
The battle in the mind is a foundational conflict. The Bible addresses this as generational tensions and disagreement. And emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts with love and understanding. Something that arises between different age groups particular between parents and children. This conflict often stems from differences in values, beliefs and expectations. The most significant battles are won or lost in our minds, as our thoughts shape our actions and can lead to inner peace or chaos.
The Bible addresses conflict in various contexts that emphasize the importance of resolution and recognition. Here are some key scriptures on how to approach conflict:
We can fight the conflicts in our minds, when we recognize and question every thought. Become aware of the thoughts that run through our minds and actively challenge any negative or false ones.
We can change our mindsets. Consciously working to shift our perspective from negative or fearful thinking to a more positive and hopeful one.
When we learn to control out thoughts, we take active steps to guard our minds by being careful about what we consume through our ears and eyes and by replacing negative thoughts with positive ones.
There are strategies for winning the battle in our minds, a victory that brings inner peace and understanding of the world around us. These strategies include practicing gratitude, engaging in prayer, and meditating on the Word of God.
1 Timothy 6:12 tells us we need to “Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.”
It’s hard work that requires having patience with ourselves for not giving up the good fight. That’s when we win the battle in our minds. Our spiritual and mental struggles need to be rooted in our faith in God if we are ever going to win this battle.
First’s In Life
Daily writing prompt
Tell us about your first day at something — school, work, as a parent, etc.
Firsts I’m life are pivotal, memorable experiences that mark personal growth, from childhood milestones like first steps, first words to teenage first kisses, dates, and jobs all the way up to having children, shape our identity and create lasting memories.
They mark significant developmental stages and teach us about the world and ourselves. First experiences come with the feelings of being emotionally charged. They build character, perspective, giving everyone of them a sense of accomplishment.
Favorite Cartoons
Cartoons were made to entertain children when I was growing up. I wasn’t allowed to watch television very much as a child. But, I remember a few watching a few like “Scooby-Doo.” It was about a talking Great Dane and his four teenage friends who solved spooky mysteries, usually involving costumed villains trying to scare people away from hidden treasure.
The other were cartoon adaptations I enjoyed like “The Wizard of Oz.
Faith In Action: The Path To Seeing God
The Bible speaks often about believing, acting, and seeing, and it presents them in a specific spiritual order. And these three actions are related.
In scripture, bleeding is a starting point for those following God. Faith begins before we see results.
Trusting in God’s character, promises, and Word even when circumstances don’t yet show the outcome.
Belief is internal, it’s of the heart and mind, but it’s powerful enough to change actions and destiny.
Here are a few keep scriptures for believing:
2 Corinthians 5:7 – “We walk by faith, not by sight.”
Hebrews 11:6 – “Without faith it is impossible to please God.”
Acts 16:31– “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”
Believing in the Bible, is always the foundation.
Acting -Faith is proven and completed through actions.
The Bible teaches that real belief produces action. Faith that never acts is considered incomplete.
Actions don’t replace belief -they reveal it.
Obedience is faith expressed outwardly. And acting on God‘s Word indicates spiritual results.
Here are a few scriptures:
James 2:17 – “Faith, if it was no works, is dead in itself.”
James 2:18 – “Yes a man will say, you have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith without works, and I by my works will show you my faith.”
James 1:22 – “Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only.”
Seeing – God’s results, outcomes, and fulfillment.
What we believe in obey, then we often see God’s work, fulfillment, or breakthrough..
Seeing involve spiritual understanding, answered prayer, or God‘s promise is becoming visible.
Sometimes the “seeing” is immediate other times, it requires patience. God reveals Himself to those who trust Him.
God fulfills His promises.
Here are a few scriptures:
Joshua 21:45 – “Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed, every one was fulfilled.”
2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise…He is patient with you.”
God brings His work to completion.
Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Isaiah 55:11 – “So is my word… it will not return empty, but will accomplish what I desire.”
God causes the outcome.
Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit your deeds to the Lord, and your plans shall succeed.”
God makes all things work together.
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.”
Genesis 50:20 – “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.”
“What good does it do, if someone claims to have faith but does not prove it with actions? This kind of faith cannot save. Faith by itself, if it does not prove itself with actions, is dead.” James 2:14-17 (paraphrased)
We Are Called To Examine Ourselves
The Bible teaches us to examine ourselves concerning others with humility, love, and respect.
This involves assessing whether our life reflects the teachings of Jesus. 2 Corinthians 13:5 commands believers to “examine yourselves to see whether you are in faith.” This can be done by considering our actions and reliance on Jesus, and the fruit of the Spirit, which are love, joy, and patience in our lives.
The purpose is to gain assurance, identify areas that need growth, and ensure our faith is authentic. This leads to transformation rather than self-deception.
David in Psalm 139:23-24 asks God to, “Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious thoughts. And see if there by any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.” This shows a dependence on God to reveal our own sin and motives, as we may not see them ourselves.
The Apostle Paul connects self-examination with participating in the Lord’s Supper (Communion) stating in 1 Corinthians 11:28, “But let a man examine himself and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup.”
There are some questions I ask myself that I find important for self examination:
- Are you trusting in Jesus alone? Examine if your faith and salvation are based on who Jesus is or what he has done, not on our own efforts or perceiving good deeds.
- Do you see the fruit of the Spirit? Consider if you are growing in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23).
- Is your prayer life genuine? Are you praying with sincerity, or is there bitterness, envy, or evil in your heart.
- Are you living out what you believe? Compare your actions to your beliefs. Are you putting your faith into action, or are you simply hearing the Word without doing it?
- Are you relying on God’s power? Recognize that transformation is not solely your own effort but a work of the Holy Spirit. Are you depending on Him to change you?
There are also some things to avoid when we examine ourselves.
- Unhealthy introspection. Avoid becoming overly self focused to the point of despair or self-pity. Do not fall into thinking “I’m failing at everything” or my growth is hopeless.
- Making self-improvement goal. The goal here isn’t self improvement towards its own sake, but the purpose of being more like Jesus and glorifying God. The focus should be on Him, not on ourselves.
- Focusing only on feelings. Self examination should not be based on feelings alone, as it can be unreliable. Instead, look to the unchanging truth of God’s Word.
The Quiet Life
Sometimes in life, we meet people who have to push drama. There is something in their personality that makes them want to upset every situation. Their behaviors and outbursts are unpredictable and inappropriate. I used to try and be empathetic, but now I tend to just brush off their emotionally reactive traits.
Some people fuel drama due to their deep-seated need for attention, validation, and control. Whether it stems from, insecurity, boredom, or past traumas it is a way for them to feel significant or powerful. Which I could use less of in my life. I usually walk away, if God doesn’t show me that this person needs help and will listen. My default is I will try and help anyone. If they show me that they don’t want my help. I avoid interacting with them.
Applying The Armor Of God In Three Daily Habits
The Armor of God consists of six pieces: The Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit. These elements are described in Ephesians 6:10-18 and serve as spiritual protection for those who believe in God.
I have found many people who teach the Bible will tell us about these, but they don’t inform us on how to apply them.
Recently I’ve had a few spiritual attacks on my family. And I lost my peace with God. Admittedly I was a mess. My child was nearly involved in two work incidents due to equipment failure that could have changed his life forever.
I decided I was going to look into how to apply the Armor of God more fully to our lives.
My family needed a refresher course to help anchor the day in God’s truth and protect us throughout the day.
These 3 daily habits can help counter the attacks from unforeseen circumstances.
- Morning: Belt of Truth
- Action: Speak one Bible truth or verse aloud each morning before you open any device, or check your phone.
- Purpose: This habit anchors the day in reality and aligns your focus with God‘s truth from the start.
2. Midday: Breastplate of Righeousness
- Action: Set a reminder to pause midday abs assess what you have allowed into your heart, and confess any sin, then reset your focus.
- Purpose: This protects our heart from negativity and keeps us guarded throughout the day.
3. Evening: Shield of Faith
- Action: Before going to bed write down one lie you encountered during the day and counter it with a truth about God from scripture.
- Purpose: This practice trains our minds to recognize spiritual attacks and actively deflect them with faith in God’s Word.
We can apply the shoes of the gospel by adopting Psalm 19:14 to ourselves, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, O Lord my Rock.” Can help us be willing vessels for the Shoes of the gospel.
Applying the helmet of Salvation must be to actively protect you. Ind by focusing on God’s promises and rejecting doubt and negative thought.
The Sword of the Spirit is applied by using God’s Word as a weapon. And will usually cause evil to flee.
We live in a world that is chaotic and broken and it’s easy to become distracted and weighed down in even the best of it. We need to practice using the sword of the Spirit -God’s Word.
Announcement Of Messiah’s Reign -Psalm 110
Positive Events
Daily writing prompt
What positive events have taken place in your life over the past year?
Proverbs 22:14 links humility and fearing God to riches, honor, and life. It’s important to recognize that rewards aren’t always wealth, they can include inner peace, wisdom, and protection from life’s snares.
I have had a chance to experience many positive events take place in my life. Such as my son finding an amazing job, which brought him closer to where I live, so I can see him more often.
Discovering my God-given purpose and living a mission-driven life has been a positive event in my life. I always try to see the positive in every event. Because I know and trust God to get me through.
From Pity to Praise 