I am a beginner in the planting process. I have used the same little pot to start out both my succulents and my cactus. This past Sunday I transferred the plants into bigger pots because they had outgrown the little pot and flower box they lived in. This reminds me, are we making room to grow in our Christian walk?

We should never fully mature at being a Christian. God wants us to get planted in His word and flourish. When we stop growing, we should evaluate why. Maybe we need to serve in other areas at church or in our communities. Maybe we need to join a small group at church.

On this Transformation Tips Tuesday , I encourage us all to pray and ask God to plant the desire in us to keep striving, to keep growing in our Christian walk so that we can flourish.

God worked it out for Mary. God worked it out for Elizabeth. God will work it out for you and I too. On this Mindset Monday, let’s remember that nothing is impossible with God. Just like the seasons change, God is in control.

Will you choose to surrender your week, your days, your hours over to Him? Like this song, God will work it out. Some of the lyrics sing;

Be encouraged

Be still and know

Lean in

Take hope in God alone

I encourage you to worship God this morning as you listen to this song. Set your mind on things above on this Mindset Monday; God Will Work It Out By: Maverick City Music

On this Spiritual Sunday I want us to think about our tribes. We could have multiple tribes; small groups at church, friendships, and family. In Hebrews 10:25 NIV we are instructed to not give up meeting together; “not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Relationships and fellowship are a vital key to our spiritual growth.

Have you ever tried running in sand? It can be very challenging. Sometimes you feel as though you are running in place. Look at these patches of beach grass, some hardier than others. Our tribes help nurture and strengthen us. God made us for relationships, especially for days it feels like we are running in place. As we go to our places of worship today, I pray we will all gain strength from God and our tribes.

Last night I had the pleasure of taking my daughter, Briley, to see Lauren Daigle in concert. One of the first songs she is known for is “How Can It Be”. As she sang last night, I was reminded again of what the cross means to you and I.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3:16-17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

No matter our mistakes. No matter our failures. God sent His son Jesus Christ to die on the cross so that you and I may have everlasting life. That concept is so hard to understand, so hard to believe. Why would anyone take our punishment? As Lauren Daigle sings, how can it be?

On this Finish Friday, let’s hold on to the love and grace of John 3:16. Let’s share that verse of mercy with others. Let others learn about God’s promise of eternity through our own living testimony. What actions in your daily life are a reflection for others to see your belief in John 3:16?

Listen to the words of this song and gain power and strength from God’s love and mercy for you.

How Can It Be

Today I am thankful for hope. When my day is gloomy and I feel overwhelmed, I don’t have to be consumed with worry. I can kneel at the cross of Jesus Christ and look up to Him for strength and courage. I am thankful for the symbol of the cross as a reminder of my Savior. I am thankful I walk under the protection of His love, grace and mercy.

Today let’s start our rainy, gloomy day, by looking up to the cross. Let’s look up and give thanks. Let’s look up and have hope and courage. This song by Lauren Daigle can guide our gaze.

https://youtu.be/-4Nx2hEhVRE

When I am parallel with the cross I am reminded of a scene from the movie “The Shack.” The main character, Mark Phillips, who is mourning the loss of his daughter, is seen rowing a small boat in the middle of a body of water. The boat, which represents Mark’s sorrows, begins to sink. Mark’s grief and regrets are consuming him. Jesus calls to Mark and tells him to focus on Him. Slowly Jesus helps Mark change his focus and together they walk across the lake. Since seeing that movie, I visualize Jesus walking beside me, as I “walk on water.”

This Water Walking Wednesday, I encourage you to think of Jesus beside you. He wants to be your friend and partner as you walk through life. What are you feeling, knowing He is beside you? What do you two talk about as you walk side by side?

Below is a link to the scene from the movie.

https://youtu.be/G1OHyINxuRQ

Some days I have big tasks ahead of me that seem insurmountable. Some days the giant in front of me is towering overhead. On these days, I must remind myself of the cross behind me as I meet these challenges.

““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”” John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, has already conquered the world. No matter what we face, Jesus is not only ahead of us, but He is behind us. Jesus is following us as we meet each giant. Jesus is whispering words of strength and courage in our ear.

On this Transformation Tip Tuesday, as you face obstacles, stay focused on Christ ahead of you and then remember to take a glance behind you at the cross of Jesus Christ following your steps and giving you courage to keep going.