“Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant — not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What is your mindset this Testimony Tuesday? Are you ready and waiting to share your testimony with the people God places in your path today? Are you confident in sharing your journey or are you feeling unworthy because you are in the middle of a trial yourself? Is your own road foggy and unclear and as a result you feel you have nothing to share because you can’t see what is ahead?

Recently, I struggled with feelings of inadequacy in my ministry of writing for you. As I walk through my own trials and difficulties, I sometimes feel you would rather not hear from someone as unworthy as me. Then God reminds me, as only He can, that it is not my strength that I should rely on. It is not my ministry. It is not my testimony. It is God’s strength I should rely on. It is God’s ministry and God’s testimony and I am His vessel. And so are you.

When the road ahead is foggy, God will reveal bits and pieces of clarity as you need it. However, no matter what part of your journey you are on, you have something to share. God will equip you with all you need to testify to His faithfulness. The Holy Spirit will guide and direct your steps, if you will be willing to yield to the promptings God sends.

Click here to listen to the song, “Let Them See You” by Colton Dixon. The words of this song are in my daily prayer and May it also be your prayer as God prepares you to share your testimony daily.

“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭19‬:‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.’” Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Beloved: dearly loved.

Jesus was the beloved Son of God. You are also a beloved Child of God.

In yesterday’s post I discussed that we all have storms, struggles and difficulties, but God is with us every step of the way. On this Miraculous Monday, I want to remind you that no matter what faults or failures you may have, you are dearly loved by God. After all, you are created in the image of God! Go back to the beginning for proof.

“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.’”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬ ‭ESV‬‬

God dearly loved Jesus. We dearly love Jesus. And God dearly loves us. We are His beloved, no matter what! Don’t let anyone tell you differently! What a miracle!

Click here to listen to “I Am Your Beloved” by Jonathan David Hesler. Pay special attention to the following lyrics.

“I am Your beloved. You have bought me with Your blood and on Your hand You’ve written out my name.”

Draw comfort from the words in the song that say, “Oh the One who knows me best is the One who loves me best.”

Do you believe you are a beloved child of God? Do you trust that your name is written on His hand? Do not let judgmental comments of others make you believe any differently about yourself. If you are suffering from self-doubt today, repeat to yourself, “I am a child of God. I am His beloved!”

Photo by Ray White

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5 NIV

We are fresh into a new year. Many of us are full of hope and excitement as we have set new goals or re-established routines or habits. However, in the middle of all the newness, there are still trials and tribulations.

Are you currently encountering a difficult time? Are you facing a storm? If so, what is your response? How are you reacting? Are you retreating, are you trying to avoid the issue, or are you walking towards it head-on?

In his poem “A Servant To Servants”, Robert Frost writes, “The best way out is always through.” As a Christian, my prayer is that as I face difficulties, I will face trials head on. I pray that instead of avoiding the storm, I will go through it as I hold on to the promises of God. Joshua 1:9 is one of those promises:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

If the new year has brought you a fresh set of issues to deal with, I encourage you to forge onward and face your trials head on. Hold on to the promises of God, and trust that He will never leave you or forsake you.

As you start your Sunday, Click here to listen to “You’re Gonna Be Ok” by Bethel Music. To me, it is like a love song from God, reassuring me that I will be ok, no matter what I face. May you also be encouraged by the words.

Click here to read the full poem, “A Servant To Servants” by Robert Frost.

This is too much, too wonderful— I can’t take it all in!”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭139‬:‭6‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Click here to watch today’s See You Saturday video as I talk about my word/mantra for 2023.

Click here to read my blog post from yesterday as I explain more about my word/mantra for 2023.

We would love to hear about your word/mantra for 2023. Comment below, text, or email Julie or myself to share with us.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” ‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

On this Final Friday of 2022 I share with you my word for 2023.

Relish: (verb) enjoy greatly.

Each of us have such busy lives and time is fleeting. My life is full of many pending changes as I am sure yours is too. I thrive on planning ahead. However, God has convicted me to relish the blessings of each day.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In keeping with the idea of relishing the moments of today, my mantra is more of a quote from Emily Dickinson. “Forever is composed of nows.” I encourage you to Click here to read the full poem.

Did you choose a word for 2023? Do you have a mantra or quote that you want to shape your days? We would love to hear from you about what God has laid on your heart.

As I close today I want to share a song that God has used to shape my thoughts on my word and mantra for 2023. Click here to listen to “Jireh” by Elevation Worship and Maverick City. Jireh means “God will provide.” You and I know that not only does God provide but He blesses us with even more than we ask or imagine!

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬