The Science Behind the Lax-Vox Singing Tube: How It Works to Strengthen Your Voice

Have you ever wondered how the Lax-Vox Singing Tube works its magic in transforming your voice? In this blog post, we will delve into the science behind the Lax-Vox Singing Tube and explore how it can strengthen your vocal abilities. By understanding the underlying mechanisms at play, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for this innovative tool and its potential to enhance your voice like never before.

1. The Concept of Resistance Training for Vocal Folds: The Lax-Vox Singing Tube operates on the principle of resistance training for the vocal folds. Similar to how weightlifting builds strength in muscles, the Lax-Vox Singing Tube provides controlled resistance to the vocal folds. By producing sound vibrations into the tube, the back pressure created gently massages and exercises the vocal folds, promoting muscle strength and control.
   

2. Back Pressure and Vocal Fold Closure: When sound vibrations are generated into the Lax-Vox Singing Tube, back pressure is created, which encourages the vocal folds to close more efficiently. This improved vocal fold closure enhances the coordination of the vocal folds, resulting in clearer, more powerful vocal production. By practicing with the Lax-Vox Singing Tube regularly, singers can strengthen the muscles surrounding the vocal folds and achieve more consistent vocal fold closure.
   

3. Developing Vocal Fold Muscles: The Lax-Vox Singing Tube's vibrations stimulate the muscles surrounding the vocal folds, leading to their development and increased strength. Over time, these strengthened muscles contribute to improved vocal control, allowing singers to sustain notes longer, hit higher or lower pitches with greater accuracy, and achieve a more nuanced vocal performance. The Lax-Vox Singing Tube serves as a targeted workout for these crucial vocal muscles.
   

4. Vibrations and Resonance: Apart from strengthening the vocal fold muscles, the Lax-Vox Singing Tube also aids in developing vocal resonance. The vibrations produced by the tube stimulate the resonance chambers in the vocal tract, resulting in a more resonant and vibrant sound. This enhanced resonance adds depth, richness, and projection to your voice, allowing you to captivate your audience with a more compelling vocal performance.
   

5. Evidence-Based Benefits: The effectiveness of the Lax-Vox Singing Tube is supported by scientific research and numerous success stories from singers and vocalists. Studies have shown that the Lax-Vox technique, which utilizes the Singing Tube, can improve vocal function, reduce voice fatigue, and enhance vocal range and projection. These evidence-based benefits give credibility to the Lax-Vox Singing Tube and make it a valuable tool for vocal training and therapy.
   

By understanding the science behind the Lax-Vox Singing Tube, you can appreciate how it strengthens your voice and improves your vocal abilities. The resistance training it provides, along with the back pressure and vibrations, work in harmony to develop vocal fold muscles, enhance vocal fold closure, and stimulate resonance. With consistent use, the Lax-Vox Singing Tube can unlock your vocal potential and pave the way for a more powerful, controlled, and resonant voice. Embrace the science and incorporate the Lax-Vox Singing Tube into your vocal training routine to experience the transformative effects firsthand.

Lax-Vox Tube

$15.00

The Lax-Vox Tube is the best vocal warm-up tool you will ever find. Developed by Marketta Sihvo, PhD, and Ilter Denizoglu, MD, the Lax-Vox Tube teaches you how to properly use your diaphragm in speech and singing. The Lax-Vox Tube is used worldwide by professional opera singers, speech and language pathologists, public speakers, and vocalists.

With the Lax-Vox, you will:

• Strengthen your vocal chords

• Learn to project from your diaphragm with power and clarity

• Safely warm up your voice before singing or public speaking

Quantity:

Add to cart

Selah: Embracing Sacred Moments of Worship

In the midst of our busy lives, filled with constant distractions and demands, there is a profound need for moments of stillness and reflection in our worship. Selah—a word often found in the Psalms—invites us to pause, reflect, and meditate on the beauty and greatness of God. In this blog, we will explore what a Selah moment is, why it is crucial in our worship, and practical ways to facilitate these sacred moments in our personal and corporate gatherings.

1. Understanding Selah: The term "Selah" appears 71 times in the book of Psalms, and its exact meaning remains somewhat mysterious. Scholars suggest that it could indicate a pause, a musical interlude, or an invitation to ponder deeply. Whatever its precise meaning, Selah calls us to pause, to take a breath, and to attentively reflect on the words, melodies, and truths of our worship.

2. The Importance of Selah: Selah moments play a vital role in our worship for several reasons. First, they allow us to fully engage with the presence of God. In Psalm 46:10, we read, "Be still, and know that I am God." Selah moments create space for us to quiet our hearts, to silence the noise around us, and to experience the awe-inspiring reality of God's presence.

Second, Selah moments deepen our understanding of God's character and his Word. They enable us to meditate on the lyrics we sing, the Scriptures we read, and the prayers we offer. Just as a painter contemplates each brushstroke, Selah invites us to savor every word, every note, and every moment of worship.

1. Facilitating Selah Moments: Creating Selah moments in our worship experiences requires intentionality and a heart posture of surrender. Here are some practical ways to facilitate these sacred pauses:

a) Silence and Stillness: Set aside specific times during your worship service or personal devotion to embrace silence. Allow space for individuals to meditate, pray, or simply be still in God's presence. Silence can be uncomfortable at first, but it opens doors for deep communion with the Lord.

b) Reflective Scripture Readings: Incorporate readings of Scripture passages that encourage reflection and meditation. Pause after each verse or section, inviting individuals to internalize the words and allow them to penetrate their hearts.

c) Instrumental Interludes: Intersperse moments of instrumental music within your worship set. These interludes provide an opportunity for individuals to close their eyes, breathe deeply, and allow the melodies to carry them into a place of intimate connection with God.

d) Guided Prayer: Lead the congregation or small group in guided prayers that promote reflection and confession. Pause after each prompt, allowing time for personal reflection and response.

e) Journaling and Expressive Arts: Encourage individuals to journal their thoughts, prayers, and reflections during worship. For those inclined toward the arts, provide space for painting, drawing, or other forms of creative expression as a response to the Selah moments.

Selah moments in worship are not mere pauses; they are sacred invitations to encounter God, to deepen our understanding of His character, and to align our hearts with His. As we intentionally cultivate these moments of stillness and reflection, we open ourselves to a deeper, more transformative worship experience. May we embrace the beauty of Selah, both individually and corporately, allowing it to shape our hearts, renew our spirits, and draw us closer to the very heart of God.

Unleash Your Vocal Potential: How the Lax-Vox Singing Tube Can Transform Your Voice

Are you looking to take your singing skills to the next level? Do you want to improve the clarity, strength, and overall quality of your voice? Look no further than the revolutionary Lax-Vox Singing Tube. In this blog post, we will explore the incredible benefits of using the Lax-Vox Singing Tube for vocal training and therapy, and how it can help you unleash your vocal potential like never before.

1. Understanding the Lax-Vox Singing Tube: The Lax-Vox Singing Tube is a simple yet powerful tool designed to optimize vocal training and therapy. It consists of a small, flexible tube that is partially submerged in water. By producing sound vibrations into the tube while maintaining a relaxed and controlled airflow, the Lax-Vox Singing Tube creates back pressure that gently massages and exercises the vocal folds, resulting in improved vocal strength, control, and resonance.
   

2. Enhancing Vocal Clarity and Strength: One of the key benefits of using the Lax-Vox Singing Tube is its ability to enhance vocal clarity and strength. The back pressure created by the tube helps to develop the muscles surrounding the vocal folds, promoting better vocal fold closure and reducing breathiness or strain in the voice. Through consistent use, singers and vocalists can experience increased vocal power, better projection, and improved tonal quality.
   

3. Expanding Vocal Range and Resonance: The Lax-Vox Singing Tube is also highly effective in expanding vocal range and improving resonance. By engaging the muscles responsible for vocal production, the tube helps singers explore and access the full range of their voice. The gentle vibrations produced by the tube also help to create a more resonant sound, allowing singers to achieve a fuller, richer tone.
   

4. Versatile Applications: What sets the Lax-Vox Singing Tube apart is its versatility. It can be used by singers, actors, public speakers, and anyone looking to improve their vocal abilities. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, the Lax-Vox Singing Tube can be incorporated into your warm-up routine, vocal exercises, and even vocal therapy sessions. Its compact size and portability make it a convenient tool for on-the-go vocal training.
   

Unlock the true potential of your voice and achieve vocal excellence with the Lax-Vox Singing Tube. Don't wait any longer to invest in your vocal journey. Take the first step towards vocal mastery now!

Lax-Vox Tube

$15.00

The Lax-Vox Tube is the best vocal warm-up tool you will ever find. Developed by Marketta Sihvo, PhD, and Ilter Denizoglu, MD, the Lax-Vox Tube teaches you how to properly use your diaphragm in speech and singing. The Lax-Vox Tube is used worldwide by professional opera singers, speech and language pathologists, public speakers, and vocalists.

With the Lax-Vox, you will:

• Strengthen your vocal chords

• Learn to project from your diaphragm with power and clarity

• Safely warm up your voice before singing or public speaking

Quantity:

Add to cart

The Lifeline of Your Faith: The Necessity of Daily Scripture Reading

Today, I want to delve into a profound topic that lies at the very core of our Christian journey—the indispensable need for daily engagement with God's Word. Just as physical nourishment sustains our bodies, the regular intake of Scripture is essential for the health, growth, and maturation of our spiritual lives. Join me as we explore the depths of this truth and uncover the profound impact of daily Scripture reading on our walk with God.

1. Nourishment for Your Soul: Just as our bodies require daily sustenance, our souls long for the nourishment that comes from the Word of God. Jesus Himself declared in Matthew 4:4, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." The Scriptures are our spiritual food, providing sustenance that satisfies the deepest longings of our hearts. As we immerse ourselves in God's Word daily, we partake of its richness, finding solace, encouragement, and spiritual growth.

2. A Guiding Light: In a world enveloped in darkness and confusion, the Word of God serves as an unwavering and illuminating source of guidance. The psalmist declares in Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Through daily engagement with Scripture, we discover the eternal truths that guide our steps and direct our choices. God's Word provides wisdom, discernment, and clarity amidst the complexities of life. As we diligently study and apply the Scriptures, our paths become aligned with God's perfect will.

3. Intimacy with God: The daily reading of God's Word is an invitation into an intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father. As we meditate on His precepts, we draw closer to Him, aligning our hearts with His desires. James 4:8 assures us, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." Scripture reveals the character, attributes, and heart of God, fostering intimacy and communion with Him. Through the Scriptures, we encounter the Living Word, Jesus Christ, and our souls are transformed as we behold His glory.

4. Equipped for Spiritual Warfare: Engaging with the Word of God daily equips us with spiritual armor, enabling us to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy. Ephesians 6:17 exhorts us to take up "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we wield a powerful weapon against the forces of darkness. The Scriptures contain divine promises, declarations of victory, and examples of God's faithfulness. Through the Word, we are fortified, empowered, and equipped to overcome every spiritual battle.

5. Transformation and Growth: The transformative power of God's Word is undeniable. Hebrews 4:12 beautifully captures its potency, stating, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Daily immersion in Scripture renews our minds, aligns our desires with God's will, and conforms us to the image of Christ. As we encounter the living Word, our hearts are convicted of sin, and the Holy Spirit works within us, producing spiritual fruit and molding us into vessels of honor.

6. Discerning Truth from Deception: In an age of false teachings and worldly philosophies, the Word of God serves as an unshakable foundation of truth. It is the plumb line against which all ideologies must be measured. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." By engaging with Scripture daily, we develop a discerning spirit, distinguishing between truth and falsehood, and standing firm in our convictions.

The Word of God is not a mere book but a living and transformative force that nourishes, guides, and empowers us. Through its pages, we encounter the living God, commune with Him intimately, and are equipped for the battles we face. Let us approach the Scriptures with reverence, seeking to understand their depths and allowing them to shape our lives. May we diligently engage with God's Word, for it is in this sacred practice that our faith is fortified, our hearts are transformed, and our lives are anchored in the truth. As Psalm 119:105 proclaims, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

10 Powerful Devotional Prayers to Deepen Your Relationship with God

As we journey through life, there is nothing more fulfilling than having a deep and intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father. Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to connect with God, seek His guidance, and experience His love and presence in our lives. In this blog post, we will explore ten powerful devotional prayers that can help you deepen your relationship with God. These prayers are inspired by the attributes of our Heavenly Father and aim to draw you closer to Him. Let's dive in!

1. Prayer of Surrender:

Heavenly Father, I come before you with an open heart and a willing spirit. I surrender my desires, plans, and ambitions to You. Help me to trust in Your perfect will and surrender every aspect of my life to Your loving care. I long to walk in alignment with Your purposes and experience the fullness of Your presence.

2. Prayer of Gratitude:

Dear Father, I am grateful for Your unfailing love and the countless blessings You have bestowed upon me. Thank You for the gift of life, for Your provision, and for surrounding me with Your grace and mercy. Help me to cultivate a heart of gratitude and to always recognize Your hand at work in my life.

3. Prayer of Trust:

Loving God, I place my trust in You completely. In times of uncertainty and doubt, I choose to lean on Your faithfulness. Strengthen my trust in Your plans and purposes, even when I cannot see the way ahead. I know that You are with me, guiding me and leading me towards the abundant life You have promised.

4. Prayer of Wisdom:

Heavenly Father, I seek Your wisdom and discernment in every decision I make. Grant me clarity of thought and a deep understanding of Your truth. Help me to align my choices with Your Word and to walk in the paths of righteousness. Guide me, Father, as I navigate the complexities of life.

5. Prayer of Forgiveness:

Merciful Father, I humbly come before You, acknowledging my shortcomings and failures. Please forgive me for my mistakes, both known and unknown. Teach me to extend the same forgiveness and grace to others that You have shown me. Help me to cultivate a heart of compassion and reconciliation.

6. Prayer of Strength:

Dear God, when I feel weak and weary, I find my strength in You. Fill me with Your divine power and grant me the endurance to overcome life's challenges. In my moments of weakness, remind me that Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. I rely on You, Father, to lift me up and carry me through.

7. Prayer of Guidance:

Loving Father, I seek Your guidance in every step I take. Open my eyes to see the path You have laid before me. Help me to discern Your voice amidst the noise of the world. Lead me, Father, and direct my steps according to Your perfect plan for my life.

8. Prayer of Intimacy:

Heavenly Father, I long for a deeper intimacy with You. Draw me closer to Your heart and reveal Your love in new and profound ways. Help me to set aside distractions and busyness, that I may fully experience Your presence. I yearn to know You more intimately, Father, and to be transformed by Your love.

9. Prayer of Praise:

Dear God, You are worthy of all praise and adoration. I exalt Your name and declare Your greatness. May my life be a reflection of Your glory and may my words and actions bring honor to Your name. I join the heavenly chorus in praising You, for You alone are deserving of all praise.

10. Prayer of Renewal:

Loving Father, I come before You with a humble heart, seeking renewal and restoration. Refresh my spirit, O Lord, and breathe new life into my weary soul. Remove any burdens or distractions that hinder my relationship with You. Fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit, that I may walk in the fullness of Your joy and experience a deep, abiding peace that surpasses all understanding.

Prayer is a precious gift that allows us to commune with our Heavenly Father and deepen our relationship with Him. Through these ten powerful devotional prayers, we can surrender, express gratitude, trust, seek wisdom, extend forgiveness, find strength, seek guidance, cultivate intimacy, offer praise, and experience renewal in His presence. As we commit to a consistent and heartfelt prayer life, we open the doors to a deeper and more fulfilling relationship with God.

Remember, prayer is not just a one-way communication, but a dialogue with our Heavenly Father. As we pour out our hearts to Him, let us also take time to listen and be attentive to His gentle whispers. May these prayers be a starting point to ignite your desire to seek God and cultivate a meaningful connection with Him.

So, my dear friends, let us embark on this journey of prayer, knowing that as we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. May our relationship with Him flourish, bringing transformation, peace, and joy into our lives. Let us commit ourselves to prayer and experience the boundless love and grace of our Heavenly Father.

Every Season

I have recently been thinking about how our time on this earth is the only time in all of eternity that we get the chance to worship God and praise God through hardship, through pain (physical, emotional), through suffering, AND through joy, through blessings and prosperity. Because in Heaven, there will be no hardship, no pain, no suffering. “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4-5)

What an opportunity it is to worship the Lord through everything we experience in this life. In every season, when we feel as if we are on the mountaintop or we feel like we are passing through the lowest of valleys, we get the chance and have the choice to worship. Even though we may experience highs and lows, God is constant. Nothing that happens in heaven or on earth dictates the worthiness, holiness, or character of God. That leaves us with a choice. We have the choice to only worship Him when we are on the mountaintop, or we can actively choose to worship Him through hardship, through pushback, and give Him the worship, praise, and honor due His name.

When Paul and Silas were thrown into prison, they prayed and worshiped God, despite their circumstances. And like Job, no matter what is thrown at me or against me, I will not curse the name of the Lord. I will bless the name of the Lord. To have a faith as strong as Job’s, one in which God was so confident that no matter what the enemy stole or destroyed of Job’s, he would not sin against the Lord or curse Him. Through the lowest valleys and darkest times, I will choose to worship the Lord. And on the mountain tops and the brightest of days, I will choose to worship the Lord. I will be a lover and worshipper of God in every season, and in every moment.

I came across a couple of songs recently, and I thought these lyrics were so beautiful.

YOU REMAIN | UPPERROOM

When I see Your face

I’ll wish I’d given more away

Don’t let me waste a trial

Don’t let me miss the chance to praise

Jesus, it’s an honor to cast down these crowns

What a privilege to lay my life down

Cause I know that all I have gained will fade

But You will remain

And these treasures that life seem to bring

They mean nothing if You’re not with me

Cause I know that all I have gained will fade

But You will remain

HIGHLANDS | HILLSONG UNITED

I will praise You on the mountain

I will praise You when the mountains in my way

You’re the summit where my feet are

I will praise You in the valleys all the same

No less God within the shadow

No less faithful when the night leads me astray

You’re the Heaven where my heart is

In the highlands and the heartache all the same

Lord, we don’t want to miss an opportunity to praise you because we were too focused on ourselves. In our lowest of lows, we turn to you as our hope and strength. And when we are on the mountain tops, we humbly look to you, knowing that you are our source and that every good thing comes from you. Let our lives be a sacrifice of praise to you because you are the only one worthy. You are more than enough. We love you! Amen.

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Rest

I never realized how important rest was to God until recently. 

I’ve been studying David’s life and discovered a verse that gave the reasoning behind David not being chosen to build the temple of God that I had never noticed before. In this portion of the scripture below, God outlines His reason for choosing David’s son, not him.

“Behold, a son will be born to you, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all His enemies on every side; for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days. He shall build a house for My name….” 

1 Chronicles 2:9-10a (emphasis added)

God prioritizes rest. 

He refused to let David build His temple because he shed so much blood before Him, and He wanted a man of rest to build His house. As I pondered how much God values rest, as shown in His decision, I felt like God began to speak to me about what happens when we rest. 

Rest is where we become dependent on God and have peace because we surrender our worries to Him. As we trust Him more fully, anxiety leaves, and fear subsides. As we allow His love to fill us and meditate on God’s attributes, the worries of life become very small.

We see more about rest in the creation account in Genesis 2:1-3:

“Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them were finished. And on the seventh day, God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it because, in it, He rested from all His work which God had created and made.” (emphasis added)

Again God reminds us how vital rest is through Moses in Exodus 20:8-11 where He commands us to remember the sabbath day and keep it holy by doing our work in six days and to dedicate the sabbath to the Lord. 

Later in Hebrews 4, God tells us there is a promise of rest for all believers but only those who obey Him and keep their hearts open and vulnerable before Him will enter.

A friend recently introduced me to an excellent book called The Power of God’s Names by Tony Evans, where he deep dives into each of God’s names that He reveals Himself by in the scriptures. I want to share an excerpt from this book to show how vital rest is to our God.

“God is telling us through this passage in Hebrews 4 that He has established a rest for us. First, He created a rest for the people of Israel. It was called the Promised Land. In the Promised Land, others had already dug wells, built buildings, and cultivated the land. While the Israelites were in bondage in Egypt, God was preparing a place for them. They simply had to walk into it and enjoy it. 

And now God has a rest prepared for you. If you belong to Jesus Christ, you are part of the people of God. As a member of God’s family, you can enter into the Sabbath rest He has for you. It’s called a Sabbath rest because it’s already completed. Rather than trying to make God do something for you, you can rest in what God has already done. He had already prepared works for you to do that you might walk in them. You don’t have to scheme, manipulate, or wear yourself out trying to live your life in God’s will. 

Your job as a follower of Jesus Christ isn’t to try to outwit, outplay, or outsmart God - to try to figure out your own personal destiny yourself. God has already drawn the map of your life, and it’s a good life filled with both a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). It’s a plan that’s self-perpetuating. You just need to obey Him fully so you can enter the rest he has planned for you.

You don’t need to create it. Elohim, the Creator God, has already created it. You don’t need to force it, Elohim, the strong one has already set it up. You don’t need to go find it. Elohim, the personal and ever-present God, will reveal it to you as you seek Him each day.” (pages 38-39)

In today’s busy world, it is hard to slow down to check our hearts and ensure we trust and rest in God. I encourage you to take time daily before the rush and sit with Him. Allow Him to speak to You through His word, silence, song, writing, or some other way. 

God recently has encouraged me to wake up at 5:30 each morning to be with Him without worrying about getting ready for work as I was before in my limited time with Him. I haven’t been entirely successful this past week, but I did seek Him for three days and plan to start again next week.

If any of you know me, I am NOT an early morning person, so this is a struggle, but I believe my obedience, despite the cost, is worth the blessing of being with Jesus. 

What is God asking you to shift in your life right now to make more space for Him? 

Where does your heart need to soften and become more open so that He can fully lead you into all He has for you?

Let’s start wherever we are afresh in Him, friends, and pursue Him today.

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Learning to Love: Reflections on 1 Corinthians 13 and Mark 12

In the fall of last year, I was pondering on what my word for 2023 would be. Our church has done this year after year, and I thought I would do one personally. As I prayed and reflected on how that year went for me and the circumstances I faced, I felt the word love so strongly.

I knew I needed to be more loving and generous because that is exactly how Jesus lived. I want to reflect every part of Him and love truly was His message.

It was probably late October or early November when I began to dive into this idea and ask the Lord “how can I be more loving?” Immediately, 1 Corinthians 13 came to me, specifically verses 4-8.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

While reading through this passage, I was able to pull out aspects that I had not been good at applying to my life. I knew I needed to be more patient, I knew I had been easily irritated, I knew there were clear changes that needed to be made. I called out to God asking for His help in making these changes. I asked for more patience and to be more kind.

After a few weeks, I felt no change. I felt like there was something still missing. I cried out to God asking Him what I was missing. Then the Lord brought me to another well-known passage, Mark 12:28-31,

And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Of course, “love your neighbor as yourself” grabbed my attention, but not in the same way most people would think. I try my best to be loving to those around me, but what I was stuck on was the “as yourself” part. I realized that in order to love people, I needed to love who I was. And I don’t mean in physical aspects or appearance, I also don’t mean in a selfish way. I needed to love my character and what I was able to do.

You see, just a few months prior in August, my husband and I found out we were pregnant. We were over the moon and so grateful for this blessing. Day after day, the idea of becoming parents became more real. Five days after that positive pregnancy test, I woke up bleeding. I would soon come to know that I was having a miscarriage.

This loss broke me in so many ways. But I still had faith in God, I still believed that he would keep His promises and that we would be blessed in the future. But the pain was still very present. Through all of the blood loss, I became very sick and developed a respiratory infection, which soon turned into an ear infection. I knew I was feeling under the weather, but was unaware of the severity until I felt one of my ears pop. I finally went into urgent care to find out that my ear drum had ruptured. It was several weeks before I could hear normally again.

From the miscarriage, to then being sick, and then rupturing my eardrum, I felt like it was one thing after another. My body continued to be put through hardship and it couldn’t seem to fight. While I never gave up on God, I definitely gave up on myself. I honestly began to hate myself because I felt like I couldn't do the things that women are designed to do.

I thought I could compensate by trying to excel in everything else I did. I tried to be the best youth leader, the best wife, the best friend, sister, daughter, I tried to be the best in every situation. And when I would fail, I would beat myself up. I soon became angry and even more impatient, which was the complete opposite of what I was trying to be.

When I was brought to that passage in Mark 12, I began to realize where I was falling short. With the help of my husband and close friends, I was able to notice how I was essentially setting myself up to fail. I was placing unrealistic standards and expectations on myself that would be impossible to meet. It was only inevitable that I would fail, furthering the self-hatred cycle.

What I had to do was appreciate the abilities that the Lord gave me. I had to love who I was and what I was capable of doing and truly trust that the Lord’s promises would come to pass. If I wanted to love others, and I mean truly be loving, I had to display that same love for myself.

If you are currently struggling to love others, how do you feel about yourself? Look inwardly at your own heart, is it even full of love? Because you cannot give away what you don’t have.

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St. Patrick and the True Meaning of St. Patrick's Day

“My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, And from those who persecute me.”

Psalm 31:15

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28

Today is St. Patrick’s Day. We can be encouraged by the life, faithfulness, and love for God’s Presence that Patrick held. 

St. Patrick was not actually Irish. Rather, he was kidnapped by pirates at 16 years old and was taken to Ireland as a slave for six years. During that period of his life, he said that God’s Presence became very real to him. It was in the midst of slavery that Patrick began an intimate walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. He would commit his entire day to prayer, even in the slave work and captivity that he was experiencing. Together, we will pray his most famous prayer at the end of this devotional. 

One night, God came to him in a dream and said, “Your way of escape is here.” Patrick walked over 200 miles that night to a ship on the shore where he was able to escape slavery and return to Great Britain. Back in his homeland he pressed into God’s Word and committed himself to live wholly for the Lord.

God visited him in another dream where he heard the cries of the Irish people imploring him to come set them free. Patrick knew that to return to Ireland could mean death. However, as Acts 5:29 says, “We must obey God rather than human beings!”

Patrick went back to Ireland and preached the Kingdom of God, taught the Word of God, and healed the sick. There was a great revival that broke out in the land! 300 churches were planted, over 120,000 people were baptized, and many more were saved! Historians say that through Patrick the Lord took Ireland from a heathen nation to a Christian nation. There was an incredible hunger and thirst for God’s Word that many of the people saved, who were at that time illiterate, would memorize all of Psalm 119 and other lengthy portions of Scripture. 

Today is a reminder that God can and will use anyone. He is sovereign and He is looking for a people who are obedient to His call. If you are in a seemingly impossible situation, God is faithful to deliver you. His heart has been, and will always be, to use the miracles He performs in your life to set others free as well. We can rest in the assurance that God will work all things together for our good because He is good!

Here are a few questions to reflect on after today's devotion:

• In what area of your life do you need God to tell you “Your way of escape is here”?

• What dreams has God given you about “setting captives free”?

• How can you press into prayer not as a daily task, but a lifestyle?

• Will you commit yourself today to the preaching of the Kingdom, the teaching of His Word, and the healing of the sick?

A Prayer of St. Patrick

As I arise today,

may the strength of God pilot me,

the power of God uphold me,

the wisdom of God guide me.

May the eye of God look before me,

the ear of God hear me,

the word of God speak for me.

May the hand of God protect me,

the way of God lie before me,

the shield of God defend me,

the host of God save me.

May Christ shield me today.

Christ with me, Christ before me,

Christ behind me,

Christ in me, Christ beneath me,

Christ above me,

Christ on my right, Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit,

Christ when I stand,

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,

Christ in every eye that sees me,

Christ in every ear that hears me.

Amen.

Crafted Prayer Against Witchcraft

My wife and I had just moved into a new place, in a new city, and the first night there, I had a nightmare, which was a rare occurrence. However, this nightmare was so intensely real that it woke me up. I heard a shriek in the nightmare, and it was ringing in my ears as I woke up. I knew at that moment that this was a spiritual attack, and not just some fever dream induced by the food I had eaten the night before.

The Lord clearly told me that the spirit of witchcraft had a stronghold in the neighbor’s home. Later this was confirmed, while I was on a walk, and I discovered that the neighbors’ trees and exterior were covered in strange wiccan and pagan artifacts. That same day I took a few hours to gather scriptures about spiritual warfare and witchcraft in order to write a crafted prayer.

Crafted prayers are important because they allow us to pray more effectively and specifically, using the language and promises found in scripture. When we craft a prayer, we are intentionally choosing words and phrases that reflect our faith and trust in God, and that align with His character and will for our lives. This kind of prayer can be particularly helpful when we are facing specific challenges or spiritual attacks, such as the threat of witchcraft.

By grounding our prayers in scripture, we can draw on the promises of God and declare His power and authority over any darkness or evil that we may encounter. These prayers can be a powerful tool for spiritual warfare, helping us to stand firm in our faith and trust in God's sovereignty.

As I prayed this prayer (which is found below), I had a vision from the Lord of a blinding white light rushing into the home next door. At the same exact moment of that vision, I heard a blood-curdling scream from the next-door house! The same unclean spirit that tried to intimidate me with a shriek invading my dreams, was now screaming as the glorious presence of Christ was invading that home.

From that night on, there were no more nightmares, and one by one, the pagan trinkets came down from the home!

I encourage you to save this prayer on your phone, or print it out, and destroy the works of the devil!

Lord we stand firm on your word that says “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn.” (‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭54:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). We know this is our heritage so we declare that the weapons of witchcraft are broken in the name of Jesus, and we condemn every tongue that has risen against us. 

Lord, Your word says that You will curse him who curses me. (‭‭Genesis‬ ‭12:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). Therefore I ask that you curse any evil spirit that is coming against me, my family, my friends, my ministry, my finances, my health, and my city in Jesus’ name. 

Lord, we cancel the assignments and powers of the one who practices witchcraft, the soothsayers, the one who interprets omens, the sorcerers, the one who conjures spells, the mediums, the spiritists, or the one who calls up the dead. We know that all who do these things are an abomination to You, and because of these abominations You are driving them out from before us. (Deuteronomy‬ ‭18:9-12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

Lord we ask that you would work so mightily against these spirits so that any of those who had practiced magic would bring their books together and burn them in the sight of all. (‭‭Acts‬ ‭19:19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

Lord, like you did with Saul, would you fill the houses of witches, warlocks, pagans, and wiccans with a blinding white light of Your glory. We ask that such a mighty work be done, that like Simon, these individuals would be freed from demonic possession and would give their life to you. 

We declare a total undoing of all things witchcraft and declare a new dimension of God’s glory and righteousness to be poured out upon me and my household!

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Saint Valentine: A Radical Lover of God

Saint Valentine is a legendary figure who lived in the 3rd century. He was a priest in Rome during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. At that time, Christianity was not yet widely accepted, and Christians were often persecuted. Saint Valentine was known for his compassion and kindness towards those who were suffering, including Christians who were being persecuted for their faith.

Saint Valentine's life took a dramatic turn when he was arrested for secretly marrying Christian couples and for preaching the Christian faith. Emperor Claudius II ordered him to renounce his faith, but Saint Valentine refused, and instead, he continued to profess his love for Jesus. As a result, he was martyred by beheading on February 14, 269 AD. It is said that he wrote a letter to the daughter of his jailer, signed "From your Valentine," which is believed to be the origin of the modern-day Valentine's Day.

Saint Valentine's sacrifice for the sake of loving Jesus is an inspiring example for all of us. It reminds us that being a radical lover of God requires sacrifice, sometimes at the highest cost. As Christians, we are called to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. This means putting God and others first, even when it is difficult or costly.

In a world that often prioritizes individualism and self-interest, Saint Valentine's example challenges us to live for the sake of the gospel. To be a radical lover of God, we must be willing to surrender our will and desires to Him, and allow Him to guide and direct us in everything we do. This can only happen as we cultivate a deep and intimate relationship with Him, seeking His face and experiencing His presence in our daily lives.

As we celebrate Valentine's Day, let us remember the true meaning behind it and be willing to display to love of God at any cost.

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More Than You Realize

What is a miracle?

I asked God this question the other day if I had ever witnessed one. I have friends who have seen legs grow out, cancers disappear, deaf ears hear, and metal plates dissolve, but I can’t remember seeing any of those types of things.

In this honest moment of reflection, God began to shift my perspective of what is miraculous. First, He responded to my question, “more than you realize.”

Yes, all the things I mentioned above are miraculous, to be sure, but so many other things are as well that seem mundane or even commonplace. Let me explain what God showed me.

I was seeing color for the first time as I looked outside my car window driving home into the sunset. Such a vibrant sunset!

God showed me the trees able to grow because of His design, the sun able to rise and set daily because of His careful hand, the wind whistling through the trees because of Him yet again, the birds flying and singing for our enjoyment and His, my family brought together by His love and sustained by Him, my friends so loving and supportive in my ups and downs also brought together by Him, my house provided by His hand, my job provided by His favor, my ability to excel at my job because of His blessing and intelligence He has given, my car functioning steadily and safely because of His provision and protection, more than enough food at home because of His faithful hand, the ability to sing and worship Him with song and my life by His grace, and the list never ends.

He knit me together in my mother’s womb and saw my unformed substance, as we read in Psalm 139. Every detail of my life was laid out before a single day had passed. Life is a miracle, friend. If only our eyes were open to this reality more often, if only we didn’t get sucked into the mundane and routine or complain about petty things that don’t go our way, maybe we would see the miracle of this journey of life.

There are so many miraculous moments in my life that I will never know about because of His grace and divine protection to avoid ever experiencing them. There are also miracles like my marriage being restored and becoming beautiful just as God promised me years ago, and also surviving being hit by a truck as a young child while walking across the road, which resulted in landing on my face on the asphalt and somehow having no broken bones and all scars but one on my face disappearing.

What is miraculous?

His promises fulfilled

Existence on this earth

Every day we wake

Community

Healing

The ability to enjoy life

Compassion

Generosity

Anything that shows God’s nature

Friend, I urge you to let God take you on this beautiful journey of rediscovering the miraculous in the everyday. Let Him restore the awe and wonder of a child of who He is and all He has done. Walk in real life, free, according to His design.

Please join in this prayer with me.

Father, open my eyes to see the miraculous today and every day after. Help me to live with a grateful heart, always ready to brag about You. I love You.

Who’s It All For

As a worship pastor, many thoughts can run through my mind after leading. But recently, God showed me the only question and thought that really matters after leading a set.

Is He pleased?

God is teaching me more and more that everything is all about Him and for Him. As Christians, we gather together as a body to minister to His heart; we are created to live a lifestyle of worship, and we are called to be after His heart in all we do. Church is not about us and what we can get; it’s about Him. What if we gathered together for no other reason than to look at Him?

I knew that worship was about Him. But early on in leading worship, I was also very concerned with the people I was leading. That is not a bad thing; we should care about the people God has entrusted us to lead, but the first things first. Whether I am in my house by myself worshiping, worshiping with my toddler, or leading the youth, there is One who must always be first. 

If I was leading from a place of thinking of the people I lead first, how can I lead people to Him? God spoke something to me that changed the way I lead. He said, “first, minister to My heart and then teach and lead others to do the same.”

So now, after leading, I don’t wonder if we did good; I ask Him if He was pleased. Nothing else matters. My agenda is Him; my plan is Him, and the songs we sing are about Him. We gather for one person and one person alone; His name is Jesus. Is what we are doing pleasing Him? 

In ministry, it can be easy to get wrapped up in what others think, how things seem, the sermon series, how many people showed up, how many people raised their hands, and so on. Let’s return to our First Love and get wrapped up in Him.

Don’t be a slave to a set list or a clock. Learn to look at Him and minister to Him. Entirely depend on Him to lead and guide you. It’s all for Him.

Did we gather for Him?

Did we worship and sing songs about His character and attributes?

Did we lay down our agendas and depend on Him to lead?

Did we read His word and fall more in love with Him?

Did we speak His name and lead others to Him?

Is He pleased?

The Clay Flask And The Rams Horn

Have you ever wanted to be used of God to see revival? Whether it would be in your family, workplace, school, or even your nation, God wants to use you. Now that’s the good news. 

The bad news, or perhaps the more difficult-to-swallow news, is that God doesn’t use just anyone. He uses those that are after His own heart. I want to compare and contrast two different anointings in the Bible and show you a few keys to walking in a pure heart after the Lord. 

When someone was anointed with oil in the Old Testament, they were set apart for God’s purposes. If you’re looking for a great topical study, I would encourage you to study all the times oil is mentioned in the Bible. To summarize that whole study for brevity’s sake, let me tell you this: Oil represents the Holy Spirit. Having oil poured upon you was a prophetic act declaring that God’s Holy Spirit was to fill you and overcome you for a purpose - usually for a purpose of revival.

In the book of 1 Samuel, you see two particular men get anointed to lead the nation of Israel. At this point, Israel did not have a king, and they were desperate to have one. Mainly this was because all the surrounding nations did. They became dissatisfied with God’s plan and wanted to be like everyone else. God gave them over to their desires.

In their search for a king, they found Saul. In short, they picked him because he was handsome and tall. I’d like to think that I meet that criterion as well, but I am not sure that my physical appearance qualifies me to run a nation. Actually, I am positively sure that it does not qualify me - that is a terrible reason to pick a leader. Again God gave His people over to their desires.

When Saul was anointed as king, he was anointed with a clay flask. When prophets, priests, and kings were anointed, it was usually done with a ram’s horn full of oil. So the question stands: Why was Saul anointed with a clay flask?

Simply put: The people pressured God for a leader, and He let them get what they wanted. 

The clay flask represents the pressures and desires people seek in placing a person in leadership. The clay flask would only have a short effect on Saul and would serve to give the people what they wanted. Yes, his anointing was met by wild and radical manifestations, but Scripture never once says that Saul loved the Lord. Actually, within two years, Saul would turn his back on God. The clay flask can never replace a dedicated heart. No experience of the Spirit can replace a dedicated heart. 

I believe it is possible to have a place of influence as a leader and not have a heart for God.

That is a scary place to be.

Now onto David. Saul was rejected as king, and the Lord chose another. He told Samuel to fill his horn with oil and to go to Bethlehem. The Lord told Samuel the following, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” God was telling Samuel that His ways are better than ours and that He had found a king for them.

When Samuel came to Jesse’s house, he had all the boys go through the purification ritual. They were all clean while David was in the field dirty. Jesse put out everyone but David. He saw David as insignificant. Unworthy. Too young. Uneducated. However, God did not see this. One by one, all of Davids's brothers were told no. Then when all the brothers were not chosen, Jesse admitted that David was in the fields with the sheep. David had no idea that Samuel was there and his life was about to change drastically.

When David was called and anointed in the midst of his brothers, the spirit of God came mightily upon him. God’s anointing was reserved for the right heart. The ram’s horn represents aggressive strength and authority. A soft heart to the Lord will be met with a powerful anointing that carries the authority of God Himself. David had no wild manifestations like Saul did. This shows me that even the most significant moments of your life can seem insignificant if you judge them based on spectacular manifestations.

Scripture later says that David was a man after God’s own heart. David penned many of the psalms, in sin, in victory, in anguish, and in strength. No matter the circumstance, David always returned to the Lord in penance. 

I believe that now God has two options in front of you: the clay flask and the ram’s horn. 

What do you want? 

Do you want to keep fighting and striving for your desire to lead revival? Or do you want to focus on your heart and on the Lord and let Him anoint you?

We Have Access

“8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:8-12

We have gotten so used to the Christmas/nativity story that sometimes we can not realize what Jesus actually did. It can be easy to just go through the motions, celebrate Christmas, and then move on with our lives.

We should never lose sight of Christmas and what it truly means and reminds us.

God was born.

He emptied Himself and came as a baby. He dwelt among His very creation. He tabernacled Himself among us.

“14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt [tabernacled] among us”

John 1:14 NKJV

What is “tabernacle”?

The tabernacle's purpose was to provide a place where the people could properly worship God.

We may recognize the word tabernacle from hearing about Moses' tabernacle or David’s tabernacle. Both foreshadow what we have now because Jesus was born.

God has a reason and purpose for everything that He does. So, why did He empty Himself and come as a baby? Why did He tabernacle Himself among His creation?

He was restoring what we lost in the garden.

In the very beginning, Adam and Eve were working, walking, and resting with God. They had perfect communion with Him and lived perfectly in His design. That is until Genesis 3, when everything changed. Everything did not just change for Adam and Eve; it changed for all of us.

Sin entered the picture and separated us from God. God had to remove Adam and Eve from the garden. But, He did not remove them out of punishment. He removed them out of love. If they had eaten from the tree of life, they would have made everything permanent. God had a plan to bring them back, so before they could solidify their destiny and ours, He removed them from the garden.

Before they were removed from the garden, we see the promise come into play.

“And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”

Genesis 3:15

Genesis 3:15 says that a baby is coming somewhere that will bring us back to the paradise of His presence.

God gave us the promise before He acknowledged the problem.

“Then the Lord God said, “Look, the human beings have become like us, knowing both good and evil. What if they reach out, take fruit from the tree of life, and eat it? Then they will live forever!” 23 So the Lord God banished them from the Garden of Eden,”

Genesis 3: 22-23a

Their rebellion created a crisis that called into question not only their access to God’s presence but also their continued existence at all.

God desires intimacy with us. We were created for intimacy. This is why He had to come and tabernacle among His creation.

Here is a picture of what we think Moses’ tabernacle looked like.

The closer you got to the center, the holier the space. The curtain (veil) separates the purity of God from sinful people. God’s presence is at the center.

It was not that God needed a physical sanctuary on earth, but that each one of us is called to build a tabernacle for God in our hearts, preparing ourselves to become a sanctuary for God.

Now, because of Jesus, we have full access to His presence. We can boldly come to the throne room of God because He tore the veil that was separating us. We all have access. It is no longer just one person a year; we are all invited to have intimacy and full access to our Father.

“Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom”

Matthew 27:51 NKJV

The very thing that was separating us from Him was destroyed. Giving us access.

“19 And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. 20 By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. 21 And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, 22 let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.”

Hebrews 10:19-22

Now we are the temple. God is tabernacled in us.

In the Old Testament tabernacles, a fire was to always be burning. The fire was not started by man; it was started by God. BUT, man was responsible for maintaining the fire and keeping it going. The fire was a constant reminder of God’s power and all-consuming presence. The fire was eventually put out because it was not maintained.

We see the fire come back in Acts 2.

In Acts 2, the fire of the Holy Spirit birthed the church. As before, the fire was started by God, not man. It is God’s power at work in us. It His presence back with us, just as it was in the garden.

WE HAVE ACCESS TO GOD THAT OTHERS ONLY DREAMED OF HAVING.

Leaving Behind Agendas For Jesus

Recently, the Lord has been speaking to me about laying down my agenda in all aspects of my life. Setting aside my schedule, my time, my expectations and making space to be with Him. I’m learning to put all of those things aside because I’ve been given an invitation to meet with the King. 

We are being invited daily to meet with Jesus. This is an invitation that is continual. It is constant and never expires. What a true honor and privilege it is to be able to come before the King of kings, the Lord of lords, and meet with Him. 

We are so blessed to be able to freely worship Him, but also that we have free access to Him and to His presence at all times. The veil has been torn; we are no longer separated from God’s presence because of the work that Jesus did on the cross, taking on our sins so that we may be blameless if we only believe and receive the gift that He has offered us. The gift that was bought at such a price, but freely given. We can boldly and freely enter into and be completely consumed by God’s glorious and magnificent presence simply because we have a covering of Jesus’ blood that is over us. It is by the blood of Jesus that we have access to the Holy of holies, and we get to be in the presence of God at any time. 

“For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father” 

Ephesians 2:18

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”

Hebrews 10:19-22

Who am I to set an agenda, come to God with my agenda or put God on a timer? And why would I want to come that way? 

Let us say, Jesus, come and do what YOU want to do. I just want to look at you and behold your beauty. I don’t want to leave until you dismiss me. I don’t want to miss a moment with you because I set my agenda above you.
When we worship, it is not the introduction or the prelude to the rest of a church service. It is an invitation to enter into the glorious presence of our King and behold Him. When we’re reading our bibles and spending time in prayer, is there an ulterior motive behind it? Is it because we want to get something? Or want to check a box? Or is it because we simply desire to spend time with our Father and be in His beautiful presence and glorious embrace? 

Many times, we go to the Lord (whether we realize it or not) to get or gain something for ourselves. But what if we shift our mindset, so instead of spending time with Him to GET something, we go to Him to GIVE something? The beautiful thing is that Jesus does not expect us to give anything, but we are able to give Him the gift of our hearts, our lives, our worship, love, and adoration. 

Like the story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10.  Jesus and His disciples were welcomed into the home of Martha. Martha was busy and distracted by all that needed to be done for her guests, but her sister Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus, just listening to Him. Martha was upset that Mary was not helping her prepare things, but Jesus responds by saying, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed — or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42) 

Where do you find yourself? Are you busy, distracted, and worried about all that’s on your schedule? Maybe you gladly welcome Jesus into your home but are too distracted or overwhelmed to rest in Him. Or… do find yourself sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to His every word, giving Him your full attention. 

Or even the story of the sinful woman who sat at Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her tears, kissing them, and pouring perfume on Him. She saw His worth, His beauty, and she gave Jesus something that cost her. 

Like Mary and this woman, they found what mattered most. Not in doing things or being sinless, but simply sitting at the feet of their Savior and pouring out their love onto Him. 

I believe God wants to take us deeper. To do that, we may have to get out of our own way and lay it all down before Him. It may be uncomfortable at first, but I want to encourage you not to rush your time spent with Jesus. Even if you don’t “feel” like it… sit in His presence a little bit longer. Don’t miss something God wants to say or do because you were quick to move on. 

Lord, I am sorry for setting my agenda before you, and I ask for forgiveness. Thank you for the sacrifice that you made on the cross so that I can be with you and have access to you at any moment. Would you place a desire in me to simply be with you and love you, no conditions? Help me to just sit at your feet and pour out my love. Lord, would you take me deeper, I am open. I love you. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Gazing at the Beauty of the Lord

This past weekend I spent time with family, and during that time, I went into Tiffany & Co. for the first time. I’m not a huge fancy jewelry person, but I admire the beauty. We started with necklaces, earrings, and gold rings, which were lovely, but the showstoppers were the diamond engagement rings.

I couldn’t stop gazing at them. They were so brilliant that when I moved my gaze angle and saw rainbows reflecting from them. At that moment, I remembered Revelation 4, where John sees God on His throne in all His radiance and describes him as brilliant as a gemstone and an emerald rainbow emanating from this throne. I never got the emerald rainbow part until I saw these rings reflecting light into rainbows.

It’s safe to say I encountered God at Tiffany & Co., although I wasn’t trying to. Right now, stop and dwell on God’s beauty, His radiance. I encourage you to read and mull over Revelation 4 and ask Him what it means, bit by bit. I firmly believe God longs to reveal Himself to us during our day-to-day tasks, but we miss little opportunities due to focusing on the natural too much.

Let’s get lost in gazing at our strong, beautiful, brilliant God and awe Him. Let’s see how that shift in our focus changes the everyday mundane of life. Let’s encounter Him together, friend, and let’s go deeper.

“After these things, I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.” Immediately I was in the Spirit; behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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Overcoming Sadness

The Bible mentions Job to be a God-fearing man who is blameless, upright, and turns away from evil. Even when his property was taken, his children killed, and his health destroyed, Job did not blame God. Instead, he fell to the ground and worshiped the Lord. 

Often when we talk about Job, we often talk about his faithfulness and pursuit of the Lord. Many acknowledge that the worst of the worst happened to Job, yet he still praised God. We say we need to model this ourselves and worship the Lord no matter what. While this is extremely true, and something I want to emulate in my own life, we often overlook the rest of his story.

The third chapter of Job is full of emotion; it is entirety is made up of his cry out. 

Job questions what the point of being brought into the world was if suffering and tragedy are all that his being alive brought. In other words, Job essentially says he wishes he was never born. Job 3 is 26 verses of self hatred and deep pain.

What we tend to ignore is truly how relatable this is! Our lives are full of celebrations, but they are also full of hardships. When we are in the thick of it, and we don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, we begin to question everything. 

What did I do to get myself in this mess?

Why do only bad things happen to me?

Why was I even born if I was just going to end up in this trial?

These emotions are so common that I have thought of things like this. I have thought that I wasn’t going to make it out. I have lost hope. God gave us emotions for a reason, and it is okay to feel them. Jesus modeled sadness, and He modeled grief. But what we aren’t supposed to do is stay in those places. 

The enemy wants us to be consumed by these emotions because it makes us vulnerable. And when we are vulnerable, the enemy has a foothold and an easy way in. John 10:10 says, “the thief [the devil] comes only to steal and kill and destroy…” That was exactly the enemy’s motive with Job; and that is his motive with us. When we look back at what the enemy did to Job, we must understand that, yes, God did let it happen, but He did not cause it. It is not in God’s character to cause pain because He is a loving Father.

What God does is use these moments to shape us and point us back to Him. After Job’s cry, there are several chapters with people condemning him and telling him where he went wrong. Of it all, what matters most is God’s response. The Lord reminds Job of His goodness and the miraculous things He did. He gave Job a new perspective and told him that He knows everything and wants Job to have complete trust in Him. 

How does Job respond?

He repents! Job puts his trust in the Lord and asks for forgiveness as he began to question God’s intentions. He doesn’t remain in those feelings, and he doesn’t ignore God. 

Why don’t we always model this ourselves? I think it’s because a little part of us wants to stay in sadness. We enjoy being victims to our sufferings because it is easier than working through them. 

But here’s the thing, nothing good can come of that. 

I have heard it said like this, nothing good grows in the dark. So why stay in that darkness? 

The only way to fall out of sadness is to seek the Lord, who is overwhelming Joy. The Lord has a plan, and nothing will change that because He doesn't change. The Lord ends all suffering, it just may look different than we expect, and it may require us to do some work. 

I know it may be tiring, but I think a little sweat and soreness is worth the overwhelming joy that the Lord will bring. Do you?

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Names of Jesus Advent: Awesome (December 4)

This advent blog series will help draw you closer to the Person of Jesus, the lover of your soul.

December 4: Awesome

“O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places.
The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people.
Blessed be God!”

Psalm 68:35

Most theologians believe Psalm 68 is connected with the coming of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem in 2 Samuel 6. Israel found victory over her enemies. Jerusalem was secure. But most importantly, the presence of God had returned.

Interestingly, the title of Psalm 68 is “To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. A Song.” ​​As the people marched forward with the Ark, the trumpets sounded, and this song rose up to God. There was a joyful explosion of praise and music centered around the presence of the Lord.

Even though David and the people of Israel were celebrating the return of the Ark, David knew that God was greater than any holy place. He was greater than any holy thing. As wonderful as Israel, Jerusalem, and even the Ark of the Covenant were, God Himself is exceedingly greater.

Too often we are more excited about the benefits of the Lord than the Lord Himself.

We celebrate in victory, blessing, healing, and strength; but do we celebrate whenever we see and meet with Him?

I have concluded that there is no way that I walk in the realization of the awesome wonder of God at all times. My life would look vastly different if I did.

Consider the definition of awesome: “extremely impressive or daunting”.

Can we say that our perspective of God is so extremely impressive that we stand in a daunting awe and wonder of Him? Does the weight of the anticipation of His coming overwhelm you? Do you feel drawn up into a holy ecstasy as you consider Him and His ways?

If you are struggling to say yes to those questions, or even remember the last time you stood in awe of God, I would submit that you need to be still in His presence reflecting only upon who He is and what He has done. 

Our relentless pursuit of Him thrives when we desire to stand in awesome wonder of the greatness of God. 

I find, like David, that singing praises and worshiping God is the best way to magnify your perspective of the Lord.

“We have too much sinning against God, but cannot have too much singing to God.”

- Charles Spurgeon

May we worship God in all of His awesomeness today.

In closing, consider the exhortations of Psalms 66 and 68:

“Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!
Sing out the honor of His name;
Make His praise glorious.
Say to God,
‘How awesome are Your works!’”

Psalm 66:1-3

“Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth;
Oh, sing praises to the Lord…
O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places.
Blessed be God”

Psalm 68:32-35

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If you would like to display a 30-day Advent wall calendar in your home, check this out!

First Love

“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”

Revelation 2:4

First love. I have heard these two words so many times without knowing what they meant. I take things very literally, and I assumed it represented the first person you ever loved. I met Jesus early on in my life. I honestly don’t remember ever not knowing or believing in Him. So to me, I assumed that He was chronologically my first love. Revelation 2:4 was an invitation to return to the first person I loved, Jesus.

Honestly, though, it always confused me. What did Revelation 2:4 mean for my husband, who did not give his life to Jesus until he was 20? Jesus was obviously not his first love. So what did this verse mean for him? Did it not apply to him?

I could not make sense of it, so I continued to take it literally in my mind. God showed me recently more about this verse and what I was missing. Revelation 2:4 is an invitation to all of us who follow Jesus. He is knocking on the doors of our hearts and calling us back to Him being first in our lives.

God is not talking about the first person we ever loved. He is talking about who we love most. Who is our highest love? Who is our supreme love? What do we put first? What we put first in our lives is our first love.

Jesus should be our first love! Revelation 2:4 is His heart for us, His bride, to come back to Him and live a life that puts Him first.

For some, we may place another person, a celebrity, families, our careers, or even serving and doing ministry above Jesus. We can be doing the right things and still be missing it. 

You can be serving in the name of Jesus, and Him not be your first love.

What a sobering reality.

I love the story of Mary and Martha. This story paints a beautiful picture of what Jesus being our first love, should look like.

Mary & Martha 

“38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” 41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:38-42

Martha was not doing anything inherently wrong or evil. She was serving and preparing. She was doing the things that needed to get done. But, she was distracted and completely missing her first love. She was serving Jesus instead of being with Him.

Martha asked Jesus to rebuke Mary, who was not helping her. Instead, Jesus said Mary was doing the one good thing. Mary was putting Jesus, her first love, first. Not just saying it with her words, but resting at His feet. Martha was acting in a manner of trying to earn and strive. She needed to get everything done and make sure everything looked good. While Martha was not doing anything bad, she still missed her first love. Martha's actions were not endorsed at all by Jesus. 

Jesus is not after all that we can do and what we can accomplish. He is after our hearts. That means that we can be the best servants and completely miss Jesus. We can be the one who never misses any event at church yet never sit at His feet. We can go through our Christian checklists of habits we are supposed to do and still not know Him. That is frightening. 

“21 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’”

Matthew 7:21-23

In the above verse, it seems that all of these people cried, “Lord! Lord!” were shocked by Jesus’ response. They said, “but look at all we have done for You.” It does not seem like these people were terrible. They were ordinary people like you and me trying to do all the right things. They probably looked like they had it all together. They were perhaps the ones who filled their schedules and were super busy for the kingdom.

They were busy doing all the things…

Yet, Jesus didn't know them.

Jesus wants our hearts. He wants us to put Him first and for our serving and ministry to be an overflow of our love for Him. He does not need us to do everything and be at everything. He wants us to be ones that He knows. Ones that spend time with Him. Not just ones who do a lot for Him.

I have lived similar to this lifestyle. I was passionate, and I was doing all the stuff. I checked off every box, was at every event,  and my calendar was full. I did make time to stop every now and then and just rest at His feet, but honestly, I did not know how to rest.

I served from a place of striving. God taught me that when I strive, I do everything with my own strength. When we strive, it says that we don’t need God. Of course, that was never my heart. My heart was for God, and I did truly love Him. Yet I thought I had to do it all and be perfect. I had to earn and deserve His love. 

When we strive, we seek purpose and validation from those around us. Our attention and focus are not on Him; it’s on ourselves.

From the outside, I looked like I was in health. People would ask how I could do it all and continually be going. Honestly, I thought I was in health too. I thought I was special and could do it all, all while God was pursuing me and telling me to stop and slow down.

Friends, busyness, and high performance are not signs of health. They are signs of insecurity and striving.

God wants us to lay all of that down and come back to our first love. He wants to be the highest in our lives. He wants to be above even all the things we do for Him and in His name. If He is not first, none of that even matters.

Your schedule does not define you. 

You are not defined by how much you accomplish. 

You are not defined by checking off all the checkboxes.

You are defined as a child of God who has been loved for all of eternity. We are not orphans who have to strive for our place. We are sons and daughters who can rest with our Father and live without any insecurities.

Insecurities are areas where we don’t know who we are. Areas in that we have not received God’s love.  It is those areas that cause us to strive and look for validation. Where we may look passionate but are lukewarm.

God showed me that my definition of lukewarm is different than His.

 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. 20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.”

Revelation 3:15-21

I thought lukewarm meant lazy, half-hearted, not fully in. That surely was not me at all. I was passionate and all in for Jesus. I was wrong yet again.

Revelation 3 tells us that being lukewarm means that we are not depending on God. We are striving and doing things on our own. Just like the people who called out, “Lord! Lord!” and Jesus said I never knew you.

Any areas of striving or busyness I have in my life came from feeling like I had to do it on my own, I had to perform, I had to prove, I, I ,I , I. 

That’s the problem... It was “I” not Him.

God has set me free from striving, and I have never had so much peace and rest. He brought me back to my first love. I didn't realize what health was until I slowed down and sat long enough to receive His love. 

He took me on a journey where I had to confront the root of my insecurities and striving. While it is hard to go back, when we go back with Him, we receive freedom and breakthrough.

Now I can focus on my first love—the one good thing. At the end of it all, I want to be one that He knows. Everything else can wait.

The most important thing I do is spend time with God. The best place for me to be is at His feet.

I don’t have to do everything.

I don’t have to be at everything.

I don’t have to prove myself.

I don’t have to strive.

I am not validated by how busy I am.

It is not about how much we do.

It is not about how busy our schedules are.

It is about our hearts.

Today is a new day. Today is an invitation to come back to your first love. Lay everything else aside and prioritize being at His feet.

Do you have areas of insecurity?

Do you ever find yourself striving or performing?

Do you seek validation for all that you can accomplish?

Ask Jesus to take you to the root. Let Him in to do what only He can do. Get rid of insecurity, striving, and seeking validation, and return to your first love. 

Your life will never be the same.

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