The Holy Spirit works alongside God and Jesus as Jesus’s presence in the world. He is the Jesus said he would send to be our helper, comforter, our advocate to teach, guide, and remind us of Jesus’s teachings.
In John 14:16-17 Jesus says He would ask the Father to send us another advocate to help us and be with us forever.
The world cannot accept Him, because they neither see Him nor know Him. But, as followers saved by God, we know He is in our lives as a guide and empowers and transforms us. He resides within us as the seal of salvation. He leads us to the truth and provides wisdom for our decisions.
He can equip us with spiritual gifts such as teaching, and prophecy. He transforms us by producing spiritual fruit in us. He intercedes for us when we have no words for our prayer.
I know the Holy Spirit is guiding my decisions when my stomach gets tied up in knots. It is the way He communicates with me when He is guiding me in truth and direction. It’s a feeling of peace or unrest. It can be the Holy Spirit’s way of confirming a decision, warning against a path, or nudging toward action.
He can use discernment. I’ve learned to distinguish their prompting through prayer, scripture, and experience. For example: a feeling of peace affirms my choice, while an uneasy feeling can signal caution.
However, discernment is key to enduring the gut feeling that aligns with scripture and just isn’t emotion or circumstance.
They tells us sleep is essential for good health, that inadequate sleep can lead to various issues, and chronic disease.
I don’t think my body got that memo. I have been sleeping between 3-5 hours of sleep with a Power Nap sometimes in the afternoon. I hit the bed about 11 PM and wake up between 3 and 4 AM.
I have tried to sleep longer but I either wake up with a headache or backache. I’ve been checking by a dr and a sleep study and everything is fine. The doctors want to prescribe sleeping pills but I feel drugged for a day afterwards. It’s not worth it to me.
I figure that’s how God made me, and he has by back so, I’m good.
What strategies do you use to increase comfort in your daily life?
When life gets rough, we all want things to make us better. I rely on Jesus‘s words. “ peace I live with you, my peace I give you. Not as the world gives to I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
When life gets rough, I go to the Bible. along with coffee, hot baths. long walks, and a glass of wine from time to time.
We are all moved by what we see. Our emotions, thoughts, and actions are processed through by what our eyes tell us. However, our best decisions we will ever make are the ones we make when we live by faith and not sight.
I am an analytical person, I approach problems by breaking them down into small parts and using logic to understand them. But I have not always been this way. For years I made decisions based on my emotions, and feelings. But, I’ve learned a few things since then.
There are times I find myself falling back into my old ways. Especially when it comes to my children. I definitely still have that “momma protective instinct” going on.
But it is only through faith that the impossible becomes possible. And sometimes it seems completely ridiculous the things that God asks us to do. But, I can tell you I’ve never regretted anything that God asks me to do. If I had chosen to make decisions based on what I saw or my emotions I wouldn’t be where I am today. If I chose to not walk by faith, I would never have seen God’s mighty hand move in my life.
God had brought miracles to my life. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.” When we choose to see through our eyes, we limit God’s ability to do wonders. God is able to do more than what we can ever imagine.
God asks us to step out in faith because it’s only through faith that God can be glorified. If life always happened the way we expected it to happen, there wouldn’t be a need for God to do miracles. When we live by faith, our, lives become a testimony to God’s Almighty power.
God wants to do miracles in our lives, but we just step out on faith to see God move, if we continue to do things our way, how can we expect to see God’s hand?
Rewards in heaven glorify God and provide us with joy, comma peace, and wonder as we pursue godly, living and surrendering to God‘s work in us and through us. Rewards in heaven are the completion of our earthly salvation experience and those rewards will be eternally satisfying.
There are 5 heavenly crowns mentioned in the New Testament that will be awarded to believers. The translation of the word “Stephanos for crown means “a badge of royalty. It is referred to a wreath or garland of leaves placed on a victors head as a reward for winning an athletic contest. This word is used figuratively in the New Testament of the rewards in heaven God promises to those who are faithful.
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 defines how these crowns are awarded.
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competed for the prize is disciplined in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.”
The Crown Of Rejoicing
The purpose: the apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4 to “rejoice always in the Lord, Again I will say rejoice. For all the bountiful blessings God has showered on us. As followers of God, we have more in this life to rejoice about than anyone else.
God’s unchanging Love and Presence. We can rejoice in the assurance that God love is steadfast and eternal. His presence is always with us, offering comfort and guidance -Matthew 28:20.
Salvation and Forgiveness. We can celebrate the gift of salvation which brings forgiveness of sins, and reconciliation with God -Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:1.
Hope in Eternal Life. We can rejoice in the promise of eternal life, and the hope of a future with God, freedom from pain and suffering -John 3:16, Revelation 21:4.
The Holy Spirit’s Guidance. We can be glad for the Holy Spirit, who empowers,guides, and strengthens us to live out our faith -John 14:26, Galatians 5:22-23.
God’s Provision and Care. We can thank God for his daily provision, physical and emotional and spiritual. And trusting He will meets our needs - Philippians 4:19, Matthew 6:33.
Peace in the Midst of Chaos. In a world of uncertainty, we can rejoice in the peace that God surpasses all understanding -Philippians 4:6-7
2. The Crown Of Righteousness
The purpose: we inherit this crown through righteousness of Jesus which is what gives us the right to it, and without it, it cannot be obtained. It is an everlasting crown that is promised to all who love the Lord Jesus and eagerly wait for His return. Through our enduring discouragement, persecutions, sufferings, and even death, we know surely our reward is with Jesus in eternity.
In 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Paul tells us,
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
As followers of Jesus, we become citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we can eagerly wait for him to return as our savior. Then He will take our weak mortal body and change them into glorious bodies like His own, using the same power with which He will bring everything under His control - Philippians 3:21-21 (paraphrased).
When we finish the race, we will get the reward.
3. The Crown Of Life
The purpose: This crown is for all followers of Jesus we know that our earthly lives will end. But we have the amazing promise that comes to those who come to God through Jesus.  This is a promise that He has promised us in eternal life -1 John 2:25.
This crown will also be given to those who successfully under temptation and suffering, who bravely confront persecution for Jesus, even to the point of death.
James 1:12 tells us,
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he had been approve He will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
Revelation 2: 10-11 says,
“Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.”
“Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown” -Revelation 3:11
4. The Crown Of InCorruption Or Imperishable Crown
The purpose: this crown is for exercising liberty by living a life of disciplined endurance. Jesus provided us an example of such a life.
In 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, Paul tells us,
“I do not run like someone running aimlessly. I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize” – NIV
To reward the winner of an Olympic type race. Such as reward points to a permanent honor that Jesus will bestow upon those who live life by the Holy Spirit restraint, which keeps them qualified for ministry.
We should deny ourselves for God, glory that we might be honored at the judgment seed of Christ.
5. The Crown Of Glory
The purpose: This crown is a permanent honor that Jesus will bestow on leaders in the church who diligently disciple God’s people for our growth and maturity.
This is for teachers, preachers etc… who live a steadfast life to live out their calling in service to others.
Rewards in heaven glorify God, and provide us with joy, peace, and wonder as we pursue godly, living and surrendering to God’s work in us and through us. Rewards in heaven are the completion of our earthly salvation, and both awards will be eternally satisfying (Psalm 16.11).
In times of rapid tech advancements, global crisis and social upheavals along with negative news and a sense of collective anxiety among people around us all. It might be difficult to be excited about anything these days.
Finding faith in the middle of the chaos can be difficult. But, excites me. Knowing Jesus will return soon excites me.
What could you let go of, for the sake of harmony?
Over the years, I have learned that to have a peaceful life I need to let go of grudges, expectations, or resentment. It’s about prioritizing balance over being right or holding onto pain.
Forgiving someone who hurts or wrongs us never means that we condom their actions it’s about choosing to be free from the resentment.
Holding on to grudges, and not forgiving others can cause sickness. It hurts us, not the other person.
Think of soul care as the spiritual version of self-care. The world sees self-care as one of the most effective ways to fight anxiety and depression as well as minimize the symptoms of stress. If you’re a believer, you know that no amount of self-care will remedy whatever strife you’re feeling if your soul isn’t at peace. Self-care without soul care is just a bandage on a gaping wound.
Last night I had an awful dream. I was in a doctor’s office and he was telling me I was going to die, there was nothing anyone could do for me. To set my affairs in order. I kept waking myself up but would just go back to the same dream. Then I woke up to the Spirit of God asking me, “What would you do in exchange for your soul?
Our soul must always first. Throughout our lives, we go through many things. The world tends to take our minds off the important things. Our life often seems depleted by people, circumstances, and the demands of our life. There are things we know we should do, and things we must do. How many times have we put things aside, thinking we can get to that later? But, later never seems to come.
Sometimes we risk our soul for our flesh -the flesh decays but our soul will live on forever. Taking care of our souls is precious. It’s more valuable than silver or gold that is in the earth, more precious than all the jewels in the world. It is the essence of a person, our consciousness, character, or spiritual core. It holds greater worth than any earthly treasure. Yet, how many times do we put it on the back burner?
“For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and lose his own soul?” -Mark 8:36
Worldly possessions and achievements are ultimately meaningless if our spiritual well-being is compromised.
Our soul is of infinite worth that far surpasses any material gain.
My dream and the words of the Holy Spirit made me consider how our choices impact our relationship with God and our eternal destiny.
My favorite genre of music is mostly country. Probably because I like storytelling. Hank Williams Sr. And Johnny Cash are my favorite singers.
I also like Creedence Clearwater Revival. An American rock band. I also like Morgan Wallen a country pop singer.
It’s just depends on what kind of mood I’m in for. Music is an emotional resonance because it mimicks the rhythm and tones of human expression. It can lift you up or bring you down depending on your mindset, and the context.
Throughout the Bible, ashes have been the symbol of deep repentance and grief. Ashes remind me of the scripture “For dust you are and to dust you will return” in Genesis.
Sometimes that reality sinks deep because I’ve lived long enough to know life is hard. The road we walk may feel dark, and our battles are tough, and struggles hurt.
Pain definitely leaves a mark, like the ashes in the deepest part of our souls, ashes only God can see.
We often wonder where God is in it all. During our deepest grief, shattered hopes, and broken dreams.
The truth is He was there, right in the middle of it all. Though we might not always see it or feel it, or even understand it, we can know beyond a doubt, that He was with us and is still now with us.
Jesus reminds us in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble, but take courage, for I have overcome the world.”
I believe the very key to the ashes that cover our days in this life. The beauty is Jesus came to bring beauty from the ashes. God never intends for us to stay stuck in our pain, or sorrow, or our sin. With Him, we can heal and restore. He calls us onward. He reminds us that with Him, we have great purpose and hope.
There is beauty and greatness behind every mark of darkness. The ashes will fall away -they won’t stay forever. But His greatness and glory will shine forever through every broken place we have struggled through.
God is greater than anything we face in this life. We will overcome because Jesus overcomes us and our lives are hidden in Him.
God can cover us in peace and bring healing through every hard struggle we face. We will bring peace that the world can not bring. He can bring comfort and care as He wraps us in His arms.
One of my favorite vacations was a road trip to San Antonio Texas. It began like a business trip, it was meetings for four days, but it’s turn out to be a ten day.
We chose to drive instead of fly. It was a 19 hour drive. I loved seeing “The Alamo.” The battle of Alamo in 1836 was a pivotal event in Texas’s fight for independence.
The river walk was amazing. It was incredible and the people were great. And the food amazing.
After the conference was over we spent 6 days coming home, and took advantage of the places to see along the way. 
From Pity to Praise 