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. 
In a world experiencing wars, rumors of wars, and dangers of many kinds, it is comforting to know that God has promised to protect His people. We may not be on the frontline of war, but we all face an enemy who intends to steal, kill, and destroy us. However, we must remember that God is more powerful than Satan. And when we make Him our refuge, we have security in Him. Just like a newborn baby wrapped in a warm, secure blanket, God wraps us in His love, power, and protection.
Psalm 91 is known as the “soldiers prayer”, It is a reminder that God will keep a person safe during all kinds of danger and war. I know I lady who used to send care packages to soldiers overseas every Christmas. She would include a copy of Psalm 91.
This promises of protection is also for us.
There is nothing anyone can come up with that is not covered by the promises of protection in God’s Word. He has provided a shelter that is ours for the taking.
God Himself is our shelter and refuge. A shelter that is inaccessible to the enemy.
Psalm 91:4 tells us, ‘Under His wings, shall you trust and find refuge.” When trouble comes our way, stay in that place of refuge in God. It’s a place of safety from any enemy. Prayer and obedience to God’s Word keep us in His refuge.
God’s protection means we are inaccessible to the enemy, no matter the circumstances. According to scripture, God encircles, encompasses, covers, and shields those who make Him their refuge. His anointing is a kind of force field of protection.
That’s how people through the ages have been able to walk unharmed through dangerous situations. That’s how Daniel survived the lion’s den. The lions couldn’t get to him because a force field of God’s protection was around him. God was Daniel’s refuge in the lion pit.
And God as a refuge for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace as well. They were faithful to God and believed in God and the circle of His power. A force of God’s anointing encased them. They didn’t bow and they didn’t burn. An angel of God was in the furnace with them. They were not alone.
They were encased by the power of God.
We have that same protection available to us when we dwell in the secret place of the Most High (Psalm 91:1).
“A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place. No evil shall happen to you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling. For He will put His angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways.”
There is a place in Jesus where we abide in the secret place of God’s protection. Jesus made this possible with His death and resurrection at the cross. It is a place the world knows nothing about -the secret place. It is a place revealed by the Holy Spirit. It is for the obedient. Our lives can be hidden with Jesus.
We are made in God’s image just like Adam. When Adam was in the Garden it was believed that he had a divine glory about him. However, when he sinned that glory departed from him. Adam lost that crown of honor. Thank God, Jesus got back everything in the redemption that Adam lost in his fall of sin.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17, highlights that the Holy Spirit dwells within believers, making us a sacred place for God. “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you.”
Even though the Holy Spirit dwells in us, we just still make sure we have the “shield of faith” in place when satan aims a furry dart at us. We do that by knowing what God’s Word promises about protection and believing and standing on it with faith.
I have always believed you can deal with things if you don’t know what you’re dealing with. If we don’t know what God’s Word says, we cannot stand on His promises. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). We must know His Word to have any basis for faith.
By keeping a shield of faith over us, no fiery dart of satan can penetrate our lives. Evil will come our way but we don’t have to listen to it. When circumstances look grim, keep your heart fixed on God’s Word -look at His promises instead of the situation. “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Take your seat in the refuge of the “Most High” and stay put. Hold your position even under pressure and satan has to flee.
Hold your place by faith in the secret place with God and believe what the Bible says. Believe the Lord God will bless you.
Our security is determined by the time and attention we give God in this life. Go after the things of God. Make it a priority to spend time with Him every day. Let everything else revolve around your relationship with Him.
God will do His part when we turn to Him. He had given us free will and it is up to us to do our part, which is to attach ourselves to Him and depend on Him. Choose to make God your refuge, and then walk it out. Believe God, rebuke fear, stand on His Word, and speak God’s promises when a furry dart comes your way. Or you can choose to yield to fear and let go of protection.
To the extent that a person pays attention to the Word of God and safeguards His commands, God will safeguard them.
The gift of independence is the opportunity and ability for individuals to make their own choices, manage their own lives, and be self reliant. It is both the freedom to act and the capacity to do so, it is the fundamental aspect of personal growth and well-being. 
It is the cornerstone of America’s identity. It symbolizes the nations founding in 1776 and its core values of freedom, self governance, and individual liberty. It’s the victory of a British rule. It invokes a sense of unity and gratitude for ideals often to personal and collective freedoms. It is not a blend of tradition with activism which is what I believe is going on today.
Independence Day commemorates, the 1776 declaration of independence from British rule, specifically rejecting monarchy in favor of self government. Independence Day celebrates overthrowing a king in favor of self-governance.
God is taking me out of my comfort zone this week. I was asked to speak to a young man who is dealing similar issues I did growing up. Immediately my heart said no, but I promised to pray about it. I can write about what I went through easily. Speaking it is a different story.
I know the most powerful way to defeat lies that Satan or anyone else is to replace it with the truth.
Sometimes life can feel like you’re at a carnival. Like you’ve waited in a long time for cotton candy, watching it swirl away in the hands of others before you, and the spinner breaks, or the ingredients run out, as soon as it’s your turn. Regardless of your patience or even the money you have for it, you’re denied the sweet reward.
Any one of us can be faithful, forgiving, and flexible and still end up with empty-handed rejection or pain. When that happens too many times, it’s hard to wonder if there’s enough love for us.
After years of wading and waiting through the lies I’ve been told, I put up the walls of defense to keep the pain out, not realizing the walls also kept out many good things as well.
Growing up it was easy for self-condemnation to fit into my baggage. I thought that was supposed to keep shoving it inside, to keep it hidden.
When we don’t feel loved from the start we become an easy target for the author of lies (satan) to come into our thoughts. Whether it’s the number of years we’ve believed them or the number of “loved ones” who’ve hurt us, pain can fool us into feeling utterly unloved.
The truth is, our feeling unloved is the biggest lie of all. If you’re feeling unloved, it’s the one thing you need to unpack and never take with you.
People will hurt us, they may say nasty things, steal, lie, or even humiliate us. That’s part of living in an imperfect world, but we have the power to not let it define who we are. The one thing we can do is own our identity.
We were created by God who is love, so we are loved. There are truths we can stand on to release all the lies we’ve been told.
There are scriptures that we can stand on. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us:
“For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and Spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Meditating on what God says, and not what the world says, was my way out of that chronic loneliness I felt even when I was surrounded by others. Hearing and believing what the One who made me was the umbrella in my storm.
There were truths that I stood on that changed my life. When we feel lonely or struggling through a crisis, alone time can feel loveless. God from the beginning of time spoke of who He is in our lives.
He is not angry with us, no matter what we go through, no matter what the enemy tries to put in our mind God’s love is boundless. What’s more, He remains faithful always.
God will love us forever. Psalm 136:23-24 promises us,
“He remembers us in our low estate, for His loving kindness endures forever, and has delivered us from our adversaries, for His loving kindness endures forever.”
God has not forgotten us when we’re feeling unloved. When our soul is dry with longing. Psalm 136 is particularly powerful because of its repetition.
We are never alone. Isaiah 43:1-2 tells us,
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and flame will not scorch you.”
He is with us when life gets deep, or our hearts get burned. He will not let go and will not let us be destroyed.
Our enemy likes to remind us of the lies people tell us, or we tell ourselves. In the world, it’s easy to get distracted and not pay attention to who God says we are in Him. We are never alone when we have God in our corner.
God will rebuild you. Jeremiah 31:3-4 reminds us,
“I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. I will build you up again…”
We have to recognize that God wants what’s best for us. He doesn’t want us to suffer. He will rebuild us, even when all kinds of plans shatter and leave us feeling unloved.
God is kind and His love is everlasting. He is both the architect and the One who rebuilds us by the power of His love.
God will restore us. Joel 2:25 promises us,
“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, My great army, which I sent among you.”
This promise is to restore abundance and satisfaction after a period of devastation. 1 Peter 5:10 tells us,
“May the God of grace, who called you to His eternal glory by Messiah Yeshua, after you have suffered a little while, perfect establish, strengthen, and settle you.”
The God who calls us by name, loves us always, and can rebuild us from disaster. He is the maker of miracles. He has the power to restore what’s missing in us. To mend what’s broken, and find what’s lost.
This one is one to hold onto if you’re ever feeling like the rug has been pulled out from under you and don’t see what remains to be rebuilt. God can restore the strength that’s been missing and even revive dead things we thought were gone forever.
We always have life to give. Letdowns come into every life, and feeling unloved is human. But staying there can stifle our power source. It’s beautiful to receive love, but it’s also a gift to give it. This is why Jesus calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves -even our enemies as ourselves.
Regardless of whether people have made any love deposits in our accounts. God has deposited His love into us. When we find it hard to show love because we are feeling unloved it actually helps to show love to others. It opens our eyes to the truth even though we feel lonely sometimes, we can still choose to show love anytime.
God never cuts off His love supply. The enemy can make us forget that. When we remain open to receiving love our cup can overflow.
