“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Revelation‬ ‭12:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

On Monday I wrote about God being a roaring lion. Amazing how He is also called Lamb of God. Each of us have been washed clean by the blood of the lamb. Each of us have a powerful testimony to share in the goodness of God. Many of us also have mini miracle stories that become our testimony.

Our daughter, Kendal was diagnosed with juvenile Scoliosis at 4-years-old. For 11 years we would travel to the Greenville Shriners hospital for her medical care. The staff at Shriners made a huge impact on her life at such an impressionable age. At the age of 15 when she was done growing. We considered her healed because she was no longer at risk for needing surgery. This is what I call a mini miracle. At age 4, the journey seemed overwhelming and scary at times. Now kendal has a powerful testimony to share of God’s goodness.

Kendal is now 18 years-old and is taking her prerequisites for nursing. Her life circumstances helped determined her career path. God often uses our tests and trials so that we can share of His glory in the next chapter of our lives. Looking back at such a tender age, God was our lamb that we trusted. We trusted that God would bring good from our journey.

I encourage you to listen to the song, Ain’t Nobody by Cody Carnes. Some of the lyrics sing; “I’m a living breathing miracle and I just got to testify. I’m a walking talking miracle and I just got to let it out.”

On this Water Walking Wednesday I hope you are inspired to share your testimonies and mini miracle stories with someone in need.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Last week I read this verse from Psalm 23 a little differently than I have in the past. My thought was that if the Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing in/at _________. You fill in the blank. On this particular day I was thinking about a job or calling someone had been chosen for and called to. The Lord is our Good Shepherd. He would never lead us astray or abandon us in our callings. We must trust whatever process we are in and keep moving in the direction God is leading.

There is that word Trust again. On this Transformation Tips Tuesday, I want us to picture God taking us by the hand and leading us towards the path He has chosen for us. In this picture the forest is taken care of and so are we. May we all go in Godly confidence today that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

As we listen to Shepherd by Amanda Cook, know that God’s presence in our daily lives is a promise we can count on.

“Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.””
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭5:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

On this Mindset Monday I want us to call on our God as our strong roaring Lion. In Revelation God is described triumphant Lion of the tribe of Judah that could open the scroll. God holds that same strong power today. We are blessed to have His Holy Spirit to extend that same strength and courage to us.

In this photo we see both a calm peaceful stream of water and a tower of strong stones. Why wouldn’t we trust the God who is both the calm in our storm and our defender through the storm?

I encourage you to listen to the song, Lion featuring Chris Brown and Brandon Lake. On this Mindset Monday set the tone for the week. Taken from some of the lyrics; louder than the thunder, may God’s glory roar. May the Lord prepare the way, raise our valleys up and make our mountains low.

“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah‬ ‭55:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This weeks inspiration comes from Steven Furtick’s 1 minute motivation; Who’s got the final word? In this video he talks about putting our trust in God. When we think of God being the all knowing, Great I Am, is it easier to put our trust in Him? Depending on what season we are in, might depend on what we call God. For the first time, I heard God referenced as the “Final Word fom Heaven”. When you read that, what scripture verses come to mind? The first one for me is from John 19:30 NIV; “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” Jesus himself was the final word and His purpose on earth was finished.

Look at the beautiful ocean pictured here. Think about how God’s word does not return empty. Even when sent out to the vast ocean. What He desires to achieve will happen with purpose. We have the choice to live out that purpose, daily putting God’s word into practice. What better way to put His word into practice than to put our trust in Him? On this Spiritual Sunday, let’s recenter our hearts and minds on God’s final word from Heaven.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah‬ ‭26:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Click here and join me for See You Saturday as we talk about pursuing peace!

Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at the goal. ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

“You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.” Psalms‬ ‭65:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Do you ever look at clouds and see images? In Ray’s photo, I see a crown. I am reminded of this verse from Psalms. I believe in this verse, crown means to surround and to complete. Interesting it says, even the “hard pathways” in the New Living Translation. You wouldn’t see a harvest on a sidewalk. I believe this symbolizes every season and everywhere.

Can you believe we have already completed 8 months in 2022? Has this year been bountiful? Or has it been lacking? As we roll into the last 4 months of the year, let’s be thinking about how we can complete 2022. Maybe you need to surround yourself with positivity to finish the year strong. Possibly you are in survival mode and all you can think about is finishing this Friday. Perhaps it has been a bountiful year, can you think of ways you can share that blessing with others?

On this future, finish Friday I pray for God to bless each of us in every season and everywhere we go. Even with all this future talk, I will remind you of my 2022 Mantra; “Live For Today”. It is much easier to consume the elephant one bit at a time.

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” Psalms‬ ‭42:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Isn’t this a beautiful picture? Isn’t it a beautiful image to think of us desiring God, as a deer desires a drink of water. If you keep reading this psalm, you will read how David is lamenting over his time of oppression. Even though he is downcast, David desires and longs for a relationship with God. We are a lot like David. As long as we are on this earth we will be faced with oppression. Thankfully, David had hope. We are blessed to carry that same hope with us today.

On this Thankful Thursday, let’s put our hope in God. Let’s not take for granted the relationship we have with God. A relationship where there are no boundaries and no limitations. In verse 2; “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” We are also blessed to carry God and share in His glory wherever we go.