“This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’”Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Today is Wake Up Wednesday and God is calling us to “rise from the dead.” The book of Ephesians in the Bible is a record of letters the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus. In chapters 4 and 5 Paul gives instructions on Christian living. If you are able today, read Ephesians 4:17-5:20. How is God speaking to you through His word today? In what area of your life are you feeling His conviction? In what area is God calling you to revival? Remember that the Biblical definition of revival is renewal or awakening. In what area do you need to wake up?

Dear Heavenly Father, shine a light on the dark areas of my life that You would have me bring to light. May I wake up from the dead and allow the light of Christ to shine through me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This week I have shared my thoughts on revival. When I think of a personal revival I think of conviction and repentance. Revival means a turn around in behavior. Read below what happened just before today’s featured scripture.

“When Solomon had finished the temple of the Lord and the royal palace, and had succeeded in carrying out all he had in mind to do in the temple of the Lord and in his own palace,”
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

On this Turn Around Tuesday I encourage you to read all of 2 Chronicles 7 to understand the full context. In this text, God is calling for His people to turn away from evil and turn to Him. He is calling for revival. This text was written thousands of years ago, yet God still calls us to turn from evil daily. What is God calling you to turn away from today?

Dear God, open my eyes to my transgressions. Give me strength, courage, and guidance to turn around and repent. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

You and I are human which means you and I are sinners. You and I must daily confess our sins and ask God for forgiveness. We each have times in our lives when we get so caught up in a particular sin that we feel we cannot break the cycle of committing the sin, confessing and asking forgiveness, and then falling into the trap again.

This Mindset Monday I encourage you to truly repent and turn. Read today’s scripture as a prayer. Look at today’s picture and think of God’s grace and forgiveness washing over you to clean and renew your spirit. Feel the cool and refreshing water of the Holy Spirit washing you white as snow.

Yesterday I shared with you the biblical definition of revival. As defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary, revival is renewed attention to or interest. Today, let’s adopt a revival mindset. Let’s confess our sin, ask for forgiveness, and renew our attention toward’s God. Let’s allow God to create a pure heart in each of us.

Dear God, Thank you for your mercy, forgiveness, and grace. “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬) In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” Psalms‬ ‭85‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The Biblical definition of revival is renewal or awakening. Does today’s picture represent your spiritual life? Are you in need of revival? Corporate worship is one avenue of revival.

This Spiritual Sunday, be intentional during your time of worship. Allow the music, scripture, and message to renew your spirit and breath renewed life into you. May you leave your worship time revived and ready to serve!

Dear God, Thank you for the blessings of today. Revive us! In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Join me for “See You Saturday” as I talk about finding Joy in our journey.

To those of you that have followed my HPV journey, Friday made twelve weeks since my hysterectomy. I am joyfully back to running. God is good! Thank you for your prayers and support!

“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalms‬ ‭30‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If you don’t have joy today, hold tight because according to our key verse, Joy will come. Whatever you need healing from, God’s favor is with you. In a bitter relationship? Anger won’t last long. Experienced a death? Over time those wounds will fade and memories will give light. Have a lost child? Prayer will keep you going. Notice today’s photo is a closer view of yesterday. Each day we heal we get closer to the joy God has for us.

I encourage you to listen to the song, “Joy In The Morning” by Tauren Wells and Elevation Worship. It is long but it reminds us that our story isn’t over. Sometimes more healing needs to take place and more work needs to be done. The good news, God’s favor lasts a lifetime. We are blessed to have a Jehovah Rapha who heals all wounds. We may not understand on this side of the cross but we can have joy that one day in heaven we will.

Jehovah Rapha, My Lord who heals me, cradle me as I sit at your feet. Thank you for a lifetime of favor. I surrender my wounds to be healed. Forgive me when I pick them back up tomorrow. Celebrate with me when I leave them with you. Today is the day you have made. I desire to heal in exchange for joy. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalms‬ ‭118‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I am calling today Thoughtful Thursday because of the thought that God puts into each and every day. From creation to the cross, each day He has made. The name El Shaddai which means Lord God Almighty comes from the story of Abraham and Sarah. I pray this blessing over each of us this very day as together we rejoice; “May the God of your father help you; may the Almighty bless you with the blessings of the heavens above, and blessings of the watery depths below, and blessings of the breasts and womb.” Genesis‬ ‭49‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What is on your mind today? Is there something that has not gone the way you envisioned? It’s ok because the Almighty God that made the sky is the same gentle spirit that knows our every thought. The song, “El Shaddai” by Amy Grant comes to mind. I encourage you to not only listen but to thoughtfully sing the words for God to hear. Let’s pray.

El Shaddai, Lord God Almighty, you are so thoughtful. Thank you for making today and considering every intricate detail. Forgive me when I miss seeing the blessing. Celebrate with me when I choose to be mindful and intentional. Today is the day that you have made. I will choose joy in the blessing of today. In the name of Jesus, Amen.