Category Archives: Weekly Devotions

Monday Mornings are rough for everyone so I’ll be posting a devotion each week to help you get your week started off right!

It’s time we make-over Mondays and get back to our main mission of serving God!

Weekly Devotions

is going to church NECESSARY?

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Often, I hear people say, “I don’t need to go to church to be a Christian.” Is that true? Do you really need to “go to church” to be a Christian? Or can you just worship from home in your nice cozy covers? Or pray at home with your family?

Personally, I believe people say they “don’t need to go to church to be a Christian” because they just don’t want to go. If you don’t go to church every time the doors open, I am not calling you a terrible person. I just want to encourage you to rethink your priorities. Are you not going to church because you would rather do something else?

In some situations, “going to church” is not an option. Some people are unable to go to church because they don’t have transportation to get there, or maybe they work on Sundays or work odd hours or have parents that won’t take them. If you are sick or have the flu, please do not go to church. I encourage everyone to find a church and go there as much as you can; however, if you are unable to go, there are millions of online churches and livestream services. Just don’t use the excuse, “I can just watch it online” to avoid other people.

To answer your question, I am going to ask a question, “Why is the church there?” I live in South Carolina where there is a church building on every corner. One Sunday, my husband and I counted over 25 churches between our house and a 45 minute drive to the church we were attending (and those were just the ones we could see from the main road). Churches are everywhere, but why?

My #1 Reason for believers to go to church: “If we are truly “the Church (believers in Christ as a whole)” then we should desire to get together with other believers regularly. We are not meant to live life alone. It’s important to worship together, pray together, and encourage others in their walk with Christ. Do you desire to go to church?

Here are a few reasons why it IS IMPORTANT to go to church:

  1. The church is a place where people can gather together and worship God, the Creator and King.
  2. The church is meant to be a place where people encourage each other and build relationships to help them through life.
  3. Church should be a “safe haven” where people in need can turn to when they need assistance (spiritual, physical, or emotional). A homeless person or person in need should always be able to reach out to a local church for help.
  4. Church is not just a “hang out” for Christians. When a person becomes a Christian, other believers should gather with them and welcome them as family. The Bible says we are brothers and sisters in Christ. How often do you see or contact your brothers, sisters, family members, and friends? If we are all a spiritual family, don’t you think we should meet together?
  5. Church is a place for renewal and remembrance. Life is busy, and you are not intentional about making time for God, you will leave Him out. Making a commitment to attend church is a showing God that you are giving Him some of your time to devote yourself fully to worshiping and learning more about Him. How deep is your devotion to Christ?
    “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42
  6. The Bible tells us multiple times to ‘love one another’ ‘encourage” “teach” “disciple others” How can you do that with other believers if you never attend church?
  7. Yes, YOU are the church, not the building you go to; however, gathering in a house of worship is a great way to remind yourself that you are not in this fight alone.
  8. Your team is at your church, not on your couch or boat. Your “team” is your church family. I know that when I have a prayer need, I can depend on my church family to pray for me. So often people take their prayer requests to Facebook or other social media sites and expect every person that likes or throws up a prayer emoji to pray for them. Do you really think a prayer emoji counts as a prayer for your struggles? Praying with your church family is vital to the Christian life. Do you have a church family you can depend on to pray for you? If not, I encourage you to find a church, build relationships with other Christians, and serve God together. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
  9. Church builds community. A person that works alone cannot complete as much work as a person that has hundreds of people helping them out. When you go to church, you gain helpers to work beside you for the glory of God. Together, you can change the world. Imagine if there were empty churches everywhere and no one to lead Vacation Bible School? How many of you would not be saved? I know of a lot of people that were saved at VBS. Without churches that serve together and host VBS each year, how many children would never know about God? ”
    “ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” Colossians 3:16
  10. Going to church is a place where your Pastor and leaders can guide you through God’s word. The Bible is not always easy to understand, and Google does not have the answer for everything. Plus, if Google does have the answer for Biblical questions, how do you know which website to trust? It’s important to go to church to learn from others about your Heavenly Father.
    “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Romans 10:17
  11. You can’t sit still and expect God to move you. You have to take a step of faith and actually do something. Church is a great starting point.
  12. Why go to church? You need to. You may not always wake up on Sunday morning and want to get out bed to go to church, but you need to. God has a message just for you, but you can’t hear Him without letting Him speak to you.
    “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2
  13. God equipped your Pastors, leaders, and teachers in your life for a reason. “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. ” Ephesians 4:11-13

I pray that this will encourage you to go to church next Sunday. If you already attend church on a regular basis, invite a friend next time. It’s time to introduce them to your spiritual family members.

May God bless you and show you His love and grace every day!

Weekly Devotions

break down your wall

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“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

In the next few weeks, I am going to go through each topic that was taken off the cross at Empowered Jesus Girl. First and foremost, I want you to remember that whatever you hung on the cross, YOU gave to Christ. That means, that the struggle you wrote down, you are no longer burdened to. Each day, I want you to wake up and remind yourself of the struggle that YOU gave to God. Don’t pick it back up or try to “fix” the struggle on your own; instead, leave it at the cross and let God lead you back into His everlasting arms.

If you were not at Empowered Jesus Girl, I want you to take time to meditate on one struggle that you are facing today. What’s holding you back from following God’s will? Is there something or someone that you are putting in front of your relationship with God? Maybe it’s anxiety? Fear? Anger? Arguing with a friend or family member? Friends that are leading you away from God? Materialism? Bitterness? Guilt? Shame? Whatever your struggle may be, give it to God. Imagine yourself nailing it to the cross and leaving it at His feet to take care of it Himself.

Believe it or not, He does not need your help. As a woman that likes to “fix” things or people myself, I find it hard to let go of things I feel like I can’t control. In all honesty, it is very hard for me to look at another person struggling and not want to “fix” them on my own terms. Over time, I have learned that I am not in control and I was never meant to “fix” anyone or anything. God is the One that is in control. When you have faith in Him, leaving your struggles at the cross, is the greatest relief you can obtain. But the hard part is, you truly have to leave it there. You can’t hold on to the tail of the struggle and continue to try to do everything on your own, you have to give it all to God and let Him do the work for you.

At the end of the night at Empowered Jesus Girl, I took down each tag from the cross and could feel the hurt, the pain, and the struggles that each of you are facing. For the one’s facing fear, I wanted to run to you and just remind you how fearless our God is.

To the one’s fighting depression, I wanted to tell you the battle is not over yet, never let the devil take away the joy God has given you.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

To the young lady that feels guilty over her sins and blames herself for situations that occurred in her family, I want you to know, it’s not your fault. It may seem like everything YOU did caused a ripple effect of bad situations, but in reality, people will fail you every day, but God never will. He is always with you.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let those who fear the Lord say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.” Psalm 118:1-18

To the one that is ashamed to say she is not on the right path and doesn’t know where she is going in her life, know that God has a plan for you. Just trust in Him and He will lead you.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

I could keep going on and on about each struggle that was left on the cross, but I’ll save those for another day. Today, I want to focus on the number one struggle that was posted on the cross, anxiety and depression.

There were young ladies 4th grade – adults that each posted their struggles on the cross that night. Out of all the 200+ ladies there, over half of them wrote “anxiety or depression” on their tag. The first one, was me.

You all know my battle with depression, and you know that it is still an off and on battle for me every day. I have good days and I have bad days, but on my worst days, I can look to God and know that He is still with me. He hears my cries when I am broken. He loves my smiles when I am joyous. He is never going to leave my side or stop fighting the battles I can’t do alone.

If you are suffering from anxiety or depression today, I want you to post scripture around your house, your room, or even just in the notes in your phone that will remind you of God’s goodness and grace. The best way to fight the devil is with the word of God. Pray in Jesus Name that the devil will stop knocking you down. The devil will attack you when you are weakest, but you are your strongest when you are in God’s word, surrounded by people that encourage you and lift you up in prayer. Don’t let the devil defeat you. Defeat him with God’s words, constant prayers and praise unto the Lord, and a never-ending love from Christ the Father.

Here are a few scriptures that you can write down, put in your phone, or post around you house as reminders God’s love. For Valentine’s Day, a lot of parents posted hearts on their kids doors each day writing down something that they loved about them. Why not take those hearts and write down things that your Father loves and does for you? Remind yourself daily of His love and you will find peace again.

May God bless you and show you His grace every day!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:6-8

“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 5:13

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Proverbs 12:25

Matthew 6:34 

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Joshua 1:9 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

James 5:15 

And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

Romans 8:26 

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

Jeremiah 29:11 

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Isaiah 41:13 

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

Matthew 11:28-30 

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Romans 12:12 

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Psalm 94:19 

When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.

Hebrews 11:6 

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Romans 5:3-5 

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Psalm 118:1-18 

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let those who fear the Lord say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. …

Proverbs 17:22 

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Psalm 34:18 

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Deuteronomy 31:8 

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Hebrews 11:1 

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

John 10:10 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

James 1:2-4 

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Matthew 11:28 

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

    Weekly Devotions

    Leave it at the cross

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    At the end of the night at Empowered Jesus Girl 2019, stood an old wooden cross covered with the sins and struggles each girl was facing.

    The altar was full, the tears were flowing, and sisters in Christ were kneeling together lifting each other up in prayers.

    What a powerful reminder of how we should be every day! Kneeling at the cross, laying down our struggles, giving God complete control, and lifting each other up.

    After the crowd left, the church was cleaned, and the room was left silent, I took down each tag off the cross and packed them away in a small box.

    When I came across the box the next day, I took each tag out and prayed over it. From anxiety & depression, to friends and family issues, shame and guilt, bitterness, selfishness & doubt, anger and fear, each tag was a cry out for help from the Lord. Each tag represented a girl that needed God to help her through her pain.

    Over 60 tags had anxiety, fear, or depression written on them. 30 said doubt, 23 shame, 42 friends/bad relationships. Many others with various struggles.

    Whatever your tag said, whatever is blocking you from following God’s will for your life, it’s time to let it go and give it to Him.

    Friday night, over 200 girls put their struggles on the cross and gave them to God, their path has been made clear, and they are working towards a closer walk with Christ.

    What’s holding you back? What do you need to nail to the cross?

    Make the decision today to follow God without distractions.

    Leave them at the cross and walk away with peace that only God can grant you!

    Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

    1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

    Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God”

    May God Bless you and show you His grace every day!

    Weekly Devotions

    Empowered jesus girl is this friday!

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    We are so excited about Empowered Jesus Girl this year! We have over 200 girls signed up and a great line up of praise and worship, comedy, and a make-up tutorial by Stacy Simmons. I will be the speaker this year and I am so excited to see what God has in store for us! Taylor & Reid Hawkins will be leading praise and worship and we’ll be having FREE pizza and goodies from 6-7!

    Registration is open all week or you can register at the door! So far we have 242 girls signed up for this great event! Please pray for the team and the girls as we learn how to follow Christ with all that we are! God Bless!

    Go to WildernessGrace.org to register your group! For more info you can call me at 864-915-8094

    Weekly Devotions

    Power to the weak

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    “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:29

    With Empowered Jesus Girl only 2 weeks away, I am encouraged by this verse, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:29. This past weekend has been rough on my family. My oldest son, Carson who is 5 years old, was diagnosed with pneumonia on Friday morning. We spent 2 ½ hours at the Doctor’s office and I dreaded the germs that we were exposed to. As a mother of two, when I walk into a Doctor’s office, everything I see looks like a germ. My “germ goggles” turn on and one by one I see them creeping all over the room. When I pick up the pen to sign in my kids, I think about all the sick people that previously touched that pen. When I sit down and hold a clipboard filling out paperwork, I once again worry about the patients that touched that same board. As my two sons reach for a magazine, I jump up and stop them before it’s late, you know there are germs on those things! I seriously turn into Ninja-Mom trying to protect my kids from the evil germs everywhere! Don’t even get me started on bathrooms and waiting room chairs!

    But…I am only human and I can’t protect them from everything. Even if I keep them from touching everything in the room, every breath they take contains germs that I can’t even see. Germs give moms nightmares is what I’m saying. Think about it next time you reach for the handrail at the mall or press a button on an elevator that thousands of people have already touched. What are you exposing yourself to?

    Anyway, this blog is not supposed to be about my “germophobic” self. Instead, it’s meant to be a reminder that we are not in control of everything. There are dangers out there that we can’t even see. Even moms can’t protect you from everything around you. Beyond germs, there are forces in this world that I can’t fully protect my children from. There are people that will try to lead ym children astray, television shows that will entrap my kids with lies from the devil, and evils that I don’t even know how to explain.

     Ephesians 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

    The Bible tells us to always be on guard from the devil’s schemes.

     “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

    As Christians, this world is against us. After all, if you had no interest in Jesus Christ and never served Him in any capacity, why would the devil waste his time on you? The devil is going to attack anyone and everyone that serves the Lord. This is not meant to scare you or discourage you from serving God, instead, it is meant to remind you that you are not in this alone. Although this world is against you, God is always with you!

    “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

    As I prepare for Empowered Jesus Girl, I must admit, I am under attack and your prayers area always greatly appreciated. A friend of mine told me the other day that she admired my confidence and strength in the Lord, but on the inside,  I was struggling just as much as she was. Every day I have to renew myself spiritually by seeking the Lord for guidance, trusting Him, and knowing that He has a plan that I cannot see. There are days that I feel like the devil is throwing darts at me. Some of the darts are darts of anxiety, fear, and doubt. Whereas, other darts contain sickness, weakness, and lack of confidence. It’s been said that “you are your worst critic.”

    Just last week, I published my first book, “But God Had a Plan.” Shortly after receiving the first 75 orders, I started realizing that I had basically just published a portion of my diary. My book is a 60-Day devotional that is filled with personal experiences and positive impacts that Jesus Christ has had on my life. I am not proud of every battle I have faced, but I pray that the fact I have overcome my battles with Jesus Christ, will encourage and strengthen other young women. My book will be available at Empowered Jesus Girl and on Amazon.

    My self-doubt and anxiety increased as more and more books sold. Not to mention for 3 weeks straight I battled with formatting and editing my book then found more errors after they were printed – so I had to go back to re-format again and again. I’ve come to terms with the fact that if you find mistakes in my final copy, just take them as reminders that I am human.

    Empowered Jesus Girl is only 2 weeks away on February 8th, 2019. With it being at my home church, East Pickens Baptist, I’m a little nervous about speaking – especially right now – because right now I have no voice and I don’t know how that will work with speaking to a bunch of teenagers. Sunday, my youngest son and I went to the Doctor as well. On top of Carson having pneumonia, Asher has a double ear infection, and I have an upper respiratory infection. Altogether, it has been a rough weekend, but I know where my strength will come from.

    At the Doctor Friday, even with a fever of 103, Carson told the Doctor that he was hulk and he could defeat anyone except for God. The nurse looked at him and said, “You’re right, you can’t be stronger than God because He is the One that gives you your strength.”

    At night, my anxiety increases, and I feel weaker and more insecure that I ever have. God has used music to help me find peace each night. There are hundreds of medications out there to help people sleep but only Jesus Christ can give you the calm that will lull your heart to rest. At night when I start to panic, I’ve started singing…not out loud because that would freak my husband out and not be a peaceful calming sound…instead, I fill my mind with praise and scripture. As I start to stare at the ceiling and struggle to sleep, I quote the scriptures that fill my mind and sing the songs that bring joy to my heart. Shortly afterwards, I fall asleep…I promise it works better than counting sheep. I’ve never understood the sheep deal, but praise and prayer will always help you through hard times.

    The battles we face that other people cannot see (worse than the germs all around you) are the ones that we can only fight with Jesus Christ. Utilize His word, encouraging music, and uplifting friends to find peace and get the rest you deserve.

     “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.” Psalm 40:3

    Listen to Lauren Daigle’s song, “You Say” for further encouragement when you feel weak need His love and power to lift you up!

    “I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I’m not enough
    Every single lie that tells me I will never measure up
    Am I more than just the sum of every high and every low?
    Remind me once again just who I am, because I need to know (ooh oh)

    You say I am loved when I can’t feel a thing
    You say I am strong when I think I am weak
    You say I am held when I am falling short
    When I don’t belong, oh You say that I am Yours
    And I believe , oh I believe
    What You say of me
    I believe

    The only thing that matters now is everything You think of me
    In You I find my worth, in You I find my identity”

    • Lauren Daigle

    Don’t forget to go online to WildernesGrace.org to register you and your friends for a Girl’s Night Out at Empowered Jesus Girl 2019!

    I can’t wait to see you there!

    May God Bless you and show you His grace every day!

    You can purchase my book online at: https://www.amazon.com/BUT-GOD-HAD-PLAN-JOURNEY/dp/1792166486/ref=sr_1_1_twi_pap_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1548685817&sr=8-1&keywords=kayla+rampey

    Weekly Devotions

    Step up your prayer life

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    “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Hebrews 13:3

    To my sisters in Christ,

    As followers of Jesus Christ, we are united as a family worldwide. For every believer, you are my sister, my friend. As your family member, I will pray for you, be there for you, and do all that I can to insure you know that you are not alone. You are my family, a child of our Heavenly Father, together we can make a difference.

    You are always in my prayers!

    Your sister in Christ, Kayla Rampey

    The Bible tells us in Hebrews 13:3 to “remember those in prison as if you were together with them, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Imagine if your biological brother, sister, mother, or father was imprisoned for believing in Jesus Christ. How would you feel if your family member was taken from their home, beaten, mistreated, or even killed for their beliefs?

    My heart breaks thinking of how I would feel or what I would do if my family member was in that sort of situation. I can’t imagine what it would be like to hear that my sister, my best friend, was thrown in prison and beaten. I would automatically want to find a way to help her and get her home safely as soon as possible. But what if her life was meant to be an example to glorify God? What if her faith during persecution would cause thousands of people to come to know Christ? Would I even understand the depths of her love for Christ? Would my faith override my fears?

    The truth is, I can’t imagine true persecution, but people all over the world are dealing with situations just like this every day.

    This blog is not meant to scare you or cause you to worry about things you can’t control; instead, it is meant to inspire you and encourage you to pray for your spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ that are suffering all over the world.

    My small group started a new study Sunday called “I am n.” I’m sure you’ve seen the symbol, but do you really know what it means? In the Islamic culture, all Christian homes, businesses, and churches are marked with a symbol “n” showing others that the people inside proclaim Jesus Christ. In a culture where Christians are not welcome, this causes mass destruction, hate crimes, and chaos that is hard for us to even imagine. Christians are forced to escape with only their shirts on their backs because their businesses suffer for their beliefs and they are not welcome in their communities. Families are torn apart, taken from their homes, and beaten for their beliefs. Without warning Christians can be imprisoned and harmed without reason. Pastors and believers have lost their lives just because they refuse to denounce Jesus Christ as their savior.

    It’s easy for Christians like you and I to get disconnected with our persecuted family members halfway around the world. For us, we have it made. We can preach the gospel almost anywhere without worrying about true persecution. The biggest worry we have when it comes to sharing the gospel is, “what if people make fun of me? What if they won’t listen?” Whereas, in other countries across the world, there are Christians fearing for their lives just because they own a Bible.

    I can’t express to you how important it is for you to pray for your extended family members. I will admit that there have been times (way too often) where I pray for myself, my close family, my food on my own table, and maybe a few friends that I know are struggling, but I forget about or overlook the ones that need prayer the most – my persecuted family members. There are days that my prayer life is nowhere near what it needs to be. When life gets busy it seems like my prayers get shorter and shorter, when they really need to get longer to help me grow closer to my Heavenly Father.

    Without a sense of urgency or a reminder of the sacrifices some of our brothers and sisters are making, it’s hard for us to understand true faith.  We often forget about the people that are not in our direct sight daily.

    Who are you forgetting about today? Have you forgotten the ones that need prayer the most? When was the last time you prayed for your brothers and sisters in Christ that you don’t even know?

    When you think of your “global” family in Christ, remember to pray for:

    • Pastors and missionaries that serve all over the world
    • Persecuted Christians
    • Military and their families
    • World leaders

    Also pray for your enemies, pray for:

    • Terrorist and people that are persecuting Christians, pray that the Lord will change their hearts if it be His will, and if not, pray that whatever happens it will make a huge impact in this world for the glory of Christ.

    The people that are hardest to pray for are usually the ones that you need to pray for the most. Today I challenge you to step up your prayer life, make a list of those that you need to add to your daily prayers, and remind yourself daily of the freedom that you have in Jesus Christ. Never forget about your persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ and let their lives be an example to you, inspire you to grow your faith, and encourage you to be urgent in sharing the gospel with everyone.

    May God Bless you and show you His Grace every day!

    Don’t forget to register for Empowered Jesus Girl 2019! For more info visit: WildernessGrace.org See you soon!

    Weekly Devotions

    cherishing christmas

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    As I look back on the past year, I cannot help but think of the one that are grieving this holiday season. In 2018, I lost my uncle. At Christmas dinner this year, there was a silence in the room, a somber sound knowing that he was not there. He was full of stories and brought laughter and smiles to everyone he met. He was loved and will always be missed. My dad and his brothers and sister, lost their brother, their best friend. My grandparents lost their son, something that they never though would happen. Parents always think they’ll outlive their children. His wife lost her husband, the one that cherished him for his love and laughter. His children lost a father and grandfather to their children. The painful list continues with family and friends as his life impacted so many around him. He was young, but it was his time to be with the Lord. He spent Christmas with Jesus this year.

    My mom and aunt lost their mother, the one that loved them from their very first breath. She was the one that was always there for them, cared for their every need, and cherished every moment she had with her girls. I lost a grandmother, a great grandmother to my children, and a friend that always made me smile. She had a lot of struggles in her life, but the day that the Lord took her home, we all had peace knowing that her mind was finally at ease. She was experiencing a calm in the arms of Jesus Christ.

    I have friends that have lost their mother, father, and grandparents. At Christmas, there was an empty spot at their family gatherings and broken hearts around the room. Others have lost children, young and old, without a reason or understanding of why. Mothers have had miscarriages leaving them scarred and broken. Young lives have been lost to suicide, victims of depression and pain, and family members are lost not knowing how to comfort those they love. I am broken for the parents that have lost their young children. I can recall two sets of parents that lost a 17-year-old daughter and another that lost all 3 of her young children car wrecks. How will they go on? Will they ever recover from the brokenness that they feel?

    Wherever you are, whatever you may be doing this Christmas, take time to tell the ones around you how much you love them. Mend broken relationships, give and accept forgiveness, and appreciate every person around you. You never know when your last Christmas with them might be. Wrap your arms around them and remember how blessed you are to have them in your life.

    We may never understand why lives are lost at certain times, why people die so young, and why suffering occurs, but we can always find peace in Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us in John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” We can always know that our peace from God alone. Our victory and eternal peace will not be found on this earth, it will be found in the arms of our Father.

    To those that have lost loved ones in the past year, know that if they knew Christ as their Heavenly Father, they are with Him experiencing peace that we cannot even imagine. They are healthy, not suffering in pain, and not broken or hurting over the brokenness of this world. Have peace and know that though they are not with you, they are watching over you, waiting for you and the lost ones around you, to trust in the Lord. There is only one way to see them again, and that is through trusting in Jesus Christ. If you know that you are a sinner, and you know that you need Christ in your life, trust in Him and allow Him to help you overcome the struggles of everyday life. Let Him lead your life and your understanding will be transformed, your love for others will grow, and your life will forever be changed. I pray that your next year will be a year that glorifies God, impacts those around you, and is filled with love and appreciation for each moment you are blessed with!

     

    May God Bless you and show you His grace every day!

    Weekly Devotions

    Consumed by christmas

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    Consumed by Christmas

    With Christmas only days away, the rush has begun! Today, I was walking through Walmart trying to get some last-minute shopping done, and on every aisle, I heard at least one kid saying that they wanted something. To be honest, my son was one them. As we walked each toy aisle, he found something new that he had to have. Even at 3-years-old, my son is not satisfied with what he already has. At home, he has a room full of toys, food on his table every day, and more than he really needs. However, society has made him think that he’ll never have enough.

    Stores full of excess always leave you feeling like you need more. When I go to Walmart to go “grocery” shopping for 3 items, I never get out of the store with only those 3 items. There is always something more that I think I need and when I get home, I’ll always think I need something else. As I drive home, I pass by huge houses and beautiful cars that I would love to own. Car lots are full of shiny vehicles much nicer than what I own. It’s hard not to want when there is so much to offer in this world. As a Christian, you must train your mind, re-focus on what matters, and not let the world consume you. It’s not easy, but with prayer and dedication, it can be done.

    “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Exodus 20:17

    To covet means to desire what does not belong to you. Never having enough money is regarded as a symptom of the love of money.

    What do you desire that you don’t have today? Maybe it’s a new phone? Car? Bigger house? More money?

    We are living in the age of “want.” In Exodus 20:17, the Bible tells us not to covet several things including people, oxes/donkeys, our neighbors house, and anything that belongs to our neighbor. The last part sums it all up – “do not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Your neighbor is your friend at school, your family member, or even the person at the store that you don’t even know. There will always be someone in this world that has more than you, and there will always be someone that has much less. Either way, do not get distracted by the consumer mentality that this world has to offer. This world offers a lot of “things”, but our God can give you more than you’ve ever imagined.

    During Christmas, take your focus off what you don’t have and remember what you do have. If you are reading this today, you probably have a phone or a laptop, internet access, a roof over your head, and maybe you’re even eating a snack while checking out my blog. Wherever you are, or whatever you are doing, you are blessed. You may not have 100 presents under your tree, the best new phone, or everything you’ve ever dreamt of, but you can have the one that matters, Jesus Christ.

    Christmas was never meant to be about presents and goodies. Christmas is meant to remind us of the birth of Jesus Christ and His life and love for His children.

    This Christmas, make time to sit down and thank God for His love for you. Don’t let the rush of Christmas stress you to the point that you forget what it’s all about in the first place.

    Weekly Devotions

    Growing in Grace

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    In 2 Timothy Chapter 1-2, Paul is being a spiritual mentor for a younger pastor. Discipleship is simply encouraging and helping another person grow closer to the Lord. Ask yourself, “Who am I mentoring today? Am I leading anyone closer to God?” As followers of Christ, we are called to serve Him by serving others, showing the love of Christ, and leading this world out of darkness and into the Light. How can true followers of Christ serve without helping guide others?

    The scripture states in 2 Timothy 1:5, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also”

    Discipleship is not a job only for Pastors and leaders in the church, it is a job for each and every believer. Paul reminds the younger Pastor in 2 Timothy of the spiritual guidance that he received as a child through his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice. Speaking of the sincere faith that His family members had, Paul goes on to say, “I am persuaded, now lives in your also.” Through the discipleship of his grandmother and mother, this young pastor was able to grow closer to the Lord each day. Their influence encouraged Him, and I can imagine that their prayers were answered the day that he came to know the Lord. Can you imagine the smile on their faces when their son and grandson told them he was going to share the gospel as a pastor?

    As a mother of 2 young boys, I am called to disciple my children. Beyond that, I am also called to disciple other people around me. When a person young or old accepts Christ as their Lord and Savior, their journey is just beginning. Some people are saved at such a young age that all that they know about Christ is that He died on the cross and was raised again to save them from their sins. They know that He lived and died but He lives again, and they’ve confessed that He is Lord, but do they know the entire Bible? Do they know how to lead others to Christ? Do they know their spiritual gifts and how to use them for His glory?

    When a person is first saved, the Bible says that they are “babies in the faith.”

    “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” 1 Peter 2:2

    Babies in the faith need nurturing, care, and guidance to grow in the Lord. If you are a new believer in Christ, I encourage you to find a spiritual mentor to disciple you in the faith. Disciple does not mean discipline; instead, it means to guide and help you grow closer to the Lord. A spiritual mentor will help you through hard times and answer your questions when you stumble upon scripture that you might not understand completely. Keep in mind that your spiritual mentor does not have to be the Pastor or a leader at your church. Y

    Your spiritual mentor needs to be:
    1) Strong in their walk with Christ both inside and outside of the church.
    2) A firm believer in the Word of God, not wavering.
    3) Available to help you, pray with you, and answer your questions
    4) Wise and understanding of God’s Word.
    5) A true example of how someone should live and serve Christ

    Find someone you can trust and depend on for guidance. I promise that if you will reach out to someone and just ask for help, they will be there for you. If you are unsure of who to go to, go to your Pastor and ask him who would be a good spiritual mentor for me? I guarantee he will be able to point you in the right direction. God does not want you to live this life alone. He wants you to be helped by others so that in the future you can disciple someone else as well. We are all just a part of His plan. Start today by deciding to find the guidance you need.

    To the followers of Christ living for the Lord and able to disciple others: Who are you being a spiritual mentor to today? If you aren’t a spiritual mentor to anyone, open your eyes. There are “baby Christians” all around you that need your help. Don’t waste another moment in your Christian bubble. It’s easy to consider yourself a Christian, strong in the faith because of your attendance at every Bible Study and worship service there is, but if you aren’t practicing discipleship and living out His Word, what are you doing?

    The Bible says in James 1:22-25, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”

    You can disciple a young believer by simply praying with them when they are in need. When you pass them at church each Sunday, ask them how they are doing. You must intentionally reach out to new believers and make a point to help them grow in their faith. Remember that they will need nurturing and care just as a newborn baby does. Encourage them daily. Text them scripture or send them a card. Do whatever it takes to help them stay on the path that Christ has laid before them.

    The Bible says in Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” When you are working unto the Lord, whether it’s by serving in the church or community, or mentoring someone that needs guidance, you are doing God’s work.

    We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ. Start today. If you are a follower of Christ, strong in your walk, find someone to disciple, mentor, and guide closer to the Lord. If you are a new Christian, don’t be ashamed to ask for help. Talk to your pastor about helping you find a spiritual mentor, join a small group, and connect to others that will lead you closer to God and not further from His Presence.

    Praying for you always!

    May God Bless you and show you His grace every day!

    Weekly Devotions

    Cling to His Word

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    Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

    November 10th – 17th, 2018, my husband went on his second mission trip to Cuba. His first trip was in April of 2018, and after that trip, he knew he would go back the next time he had the chance. To be honest, before the trip, we had no idea how we would be able to afford for him to be able to go back. Even with the church paying a portion of the trip, we would not be able to afford it.

    About a month before the trip, our Pastor announced that there were still openings for the Cuba trip. Looking at my husband, I knew he wanted to go, but I also knew that we had medical bills a mile high that limited our financial ability. For about 6 months prior to the mission trip, I experienced major health problems with my blood pressure. The doctors tried multiple medications and sent me to a cardiologist for a full work. In the next few months, I had an EKG, ultrasound of my kidneys, CT scan, echo-cardiogram, and multiple rounds of bloodwork. Each test came back with no results but hefty bills. In the meantime, I was left being a test dummy for medication after medication with multiple side effects. It was the longest 6 months of my life. Age 30 was not going too well for me. Eventually, the doctors seemed to get my blood pressure under control but told me to expect to be a frequent flyer to the cardiologist for the rest of my life. High blood pressure and heart trouble runs in my family, so I try my best to stay as healthy as I can.

    Needless to say, bills were flowing in and money was flowing out. We were pushing it to make it from paycheck to paycheck. A few weeks before the trip, I reached out the group leader and asked her what the cost would be for the trip. I knew that if it was God’s will for Dustin to go on the trip, we would find a way. Within a few minutes of messaging the leader, she messaged me back and said that his way was paid in full. We may never know how or why this happened, but we do know that God had a plan. Just thinking about that day gives me chills. When I walked in the living room and told my husband he needed to start packing for Cuba, he was overjoyed with excitement. God provided a way for my husband to serve him in Cuba when there was no way we could do it on our own.

     “For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37

    When Dustin returned from the trip, he was full of stories about how God worked while they were there. From the 80 lights they were able to provide to the new church in Cuba to the families that received Christ, he was overjoyed and filled with the Spirit. One of the stories that stuck out to me the most was of a woman that they met on their previous trip. When they went to Cuba in April, they met a woman on visitation and were able to lead her to the Lord and give her a new testament Bible. She was so proud of her new Bible she received in the Spring that they decided to take her a full Bible when they went back in the Fall. Tears came to her eyes as they handed her the full Bible. She hugged the Bible the entire time the team was there talking to her.

    How often do we forget the simple things in life? How often do you forget how blessed you truly are? My husband and I probably have 5 extra Bibles sitting on our bookshelf at home. On top of that, we have another bookshelf filled with Christian devotionals and commentaries that we’ve probably only read a time or two. We have so much to be thankful for yet we hardly even think about the little things right in front of our eyes.

    When was the last time you hugged your Bible and thanked God for His Word? There are people all over the world that may never hold the Word of God in their hands, yet you are privileged to own multiple Bibles. When you feel like you have nothing in this world, hold onto His Word and remember how blessed you truly are.