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Have you noticed that the Spirit has a way of bringing to light all the secret parts of our lives that we dismiss as trivial or benign? You know, those things we think don't hurt anyone else or the "little white lies" we think God has grace for?
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Well, this week I had to renew my license, and I had a very real sense of the Spirit prompting me to live honestly before God, the Father, and others...specifically, the licensing clerk that was helping me.
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You see, for years now, I have listened to them ask me if the information on my current license was correct. Not wanting to acknowledge my weight gain to others, I would say 'yes' when my height and weight were brought up. It was just easy to do. I told myself that it was nobody's business. Sometimes I justified the lie by saying I would be losing it soon...and that was true at times too. But, clinging to my 25 year old weight when I was 49? No, God expected more of me than that. Not that it would have much effect on their ability to recognize me if ever my information was actually needed - but I knew. God knew the hidden parts of me that needed to be made right before Him.
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Be holy, as I am holy (1 Peter 1:16). That includes answering a simple question at the DMV with integrity.
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So, the clerk began her questions about my information and read the weight listed. "Is this still correct?" I paused. I knew my response was a bigger battle than this woman could imagine. :) I half sighed/giggled, and then gave her my current weight. I looked up at her to see her smirk. Maybe she knew it must have been awhile since I came clean...maybe she understood the struggle with vanity. Who knows. But I do know that my spirit is lighter by listening to the Spirit's correction. I had been in that place before and ignored Him. I am thankful God has grace for all my nonsense...He has grace for yours too. But loving God with all we are calls us to not take advantage of His grace.
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This was one small way I fought my flesh and humbled myself before God. That matters, friends.
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Let's pray that God would purge us of anything that doesn't reflect His character in our lives. The small things make room for big things, and I want to be transformed by the renewing of my mind, moving closer to the heart of God. Be on the lookout for ways the Spirit speaks to you in the everyday choices you make. This is how to be doers of the Word; not hearers only.
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As I celebrate the beginning of my 49th year of life tomorrow, I am again reminded of three things:
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- My weight doesn't define me (we could insert many things here). God defines me.
- My weight can change. God never changes. His character holds no dishonesty.
- Being honest frees us. Truth sets us free, and faith comes from hearing.
This is real-life faith: wrestling to lay down the old and walking in the new. It's believing that when we do, we will find the rest we long for. Keep persevering in truth, friends. His ways lead to abundant life.
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Giveaway!
To celebrate my 49th birthday and being published by Proverbs 31 ministries, I am giving away a copy of the devotional, Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart to a reader who responds to this email with one takeaway from this newsletter. I will draw from the list of responders Monday, August 29th. Look for an email to claim! (For shipping purposes, I need to limit it to those within the U.S. )
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Free 5-Day Study on Spiritual Frustration!
In case you missed the last newsletter, I have created a 5-day study for each of you on biblical examples of spiritual frustration and what God says will alleviate the tension. There are thought questions to consider as you read, pray, and think on the truths of Scripture. I pray it raises your awareness about the feelings we all struggle with at times and offers encouragement for moving toward rest and grace as you hold tight to hope.
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Click this link to open your free copy. I would love to hear if it is beneficial to you and your relationship with Christ and others.
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New on the Blog:
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Encouraging you to good works!
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"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." James 1:27 ESV
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If you would like to help the Bone family from my church with their adoption costs, visit their fundraising page. In light of all of the abortion debates, let's be busy doing what we can to love on kids who need a safe, Jesus-loving home. Every dollar counts!
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Music I am worshipping with:
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Fun and Encouraging Read!
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The summer issue of Our Story Magazine is on sale and full of fun ideas and projects, encouraging stories, and biblical truth. Great weekend/bedtime reading!
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Check out this beautiful song from Andrew Blooms called Humility. "Still my soul to remember." "Jesus you are my first love." Good truths to sing about.
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Click the member archive to check out any free resources you might have missed!
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"May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands."
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If you need prayer, please send me a message, and I will be more than happy to intercede on your behalf. If you would like to help support my ministry and purchase a beautiful resource for guided prayer, visit this link.
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