Affirmed in Christ

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45 days to Draw Near

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded
James 4:8 ESV

There are many signs that the current year is coming to its end. The cooler temperature or the recent time change. What was once a bright and sunny time, 4pm central standard means that the sun is setting soon.

As other signs from nature like falling leaves signify the year’s end, there is also the personal awareness that another year is closing – often being a time to reflect on what was or was not accomplished.

I too, like many of us, had a list, an idea, a plan (or three), specific outcomes and changes that I was striving towards, that I am working towards. I know that I was prayerful at the end of last year and beginning of this year, truly seeking the Lord for direction for this year.

And so when I was reflecting on the things that did not quite happen the way I thought or not at all; through the Holy Spirit, I realized that there was still time to pursue something of great importance.

The most important action that I could take for the remainder of the year is to draw near to the Lord. In Him is where I find the peace and reassurance of His perfect will for my life this year, next year, the year after and forever. As the scripture continues, the result of drawing near is an act of sanctification; pressing the believer to turn away from sin and towards oneness with God, instead of double-mindedness.

Today marks 45 days left in 2023. Let’s ignite a fervent focus to drawing near to, spending time with, deepening or developing our relationship with God. It’s where we’ll find joy, strength and perseverance. And if we seek God, if we draw near to Him; He will draw near to us.

Trust God. Seek Him. Be Affirmed in Christ.

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The Power of Testimony

There are many things that I know to be true about myself. I know where I excel and the creative things that come naturally. There are other things that I know about myself – where I stumble and struggle – the move too fast, speak too fast, do too much.

I know the reality that someone who knew me in a different phase of life might not believe that I am writing about being Affirmed in Christ.

To the doubter, myself included I say: “Yet not I, but through Christ in me.”

There is so much power in our testimony. Recently, I have felt completely helpless and desperately broken as one of my children endured a hospitalization. I prayed and cried and pleaded and begged the Lord. There were moments of peace and relief and moments of fear that were terrifyingly traumatic.

I was overjoyed when we were on the road to recovery. The night nurse came in and looked at the Bible verses we had taped up on the wall. He asked, “How did you pick the scriptures that you all put up?” I told him, “Some were scriptures my child had memorized, one was specific to the situation and even one of the papers posted was their personal prayer.” He looked at the scriptures and then at my child and then he said “That’s so awesome. Keep these up on the wall!”

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The medical staff were already amazed at the healing occurring right before their eyes. And they readily commented on how calm we seemed as parents. But the scriptures and prayers on the wall took the focus of this testimony off of us and on to the Lord.

That is the power of testimony. While the details of this story are truly beautiful, I do not have enough space to try to convey the rollercoaster of fear, worry and doubt in my mind that crept between the praying and pleading. My state was unsteady. BUT GOD!

When the situation is too heavy for your heart to hold, when your tears are choked between gasping for air and screaming – that’s where God is! The testimony is that God is unchanging. The testimony is that God is matchless in remaining steady and steadfast.

His love, His character endures through every battle, every thought, everything. THAT is the power of our testimony – that our God is greater, higher, and more.

Trust God. Seek Him. Be Affirmed in Christ.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1, ESV

The Power of Prayer: Raising Spiritually Grounded Kids

Our words possess extraordinary power; they can uplift, comfort, ignite fury, stir sadness, inspire joy, and either establish harmony or unleash turmoil. As the familiar verse reminds us, “life and death are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). This truth extends to the way we speak to ourselves, the words we offer to our family, our friends, and, most importantly, our children. I challenge every mom and caregiver to embrace a spirit of compassion towards our little ones. In our daily interactions, take a moment to breathe and alter your response. See them in their purest state, recognize their needs, and understand that they are longing for our prayers.

Let’s commit ourselves to pray with intention and purpose, every single day until the school year ends. There are seven profound prayer prompts available—employ them all daily or savor one each day of the week. Use these prompts to earnestly connect with the Lord on behalf of the children you hold dear, considering their unique interests, challenges, and ages, either young or grown. Read the scriptures with them, text it to them, write it down and post it in their room. Clothe them in God’s armor, claiming victory for them. Let us boldly declare the hope found within God’s Word and speak life as we pray!

Oh Lord, how magnificent You are! I magnify Your name and extol Your greatness! My precious child is a testament to Your wondrous creation. I fervently believe and pray that my child will come to know the truth of their origin—that they were crafted in the image of the Almighty, with unparalleled perfection. They are Your masterpiece, intricately designed and set apart in Christ Jesus for the purpose of doing magnificent deeds, which You planned with divine foresight. As written in Your Holy Word: Gen 1:27, Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 139:13-14. Ephesians 2:10.
Lord, I believe that my child will embrace Your Word with an open heart, even in their youth! I pray that as they grow, they will hold steadfastly to it, never to stray away. Proverbs 22:6
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of faith! I pray for the strength and unwavering protection of my precious child. In the mighty name of Jesus, I declare that no weapon formed against them will ever prosper! Thank You, Lord, for Your divine guidance in every single step of my child’s life. 2 Thess 3:3; Isaiah 54:17; Psalm 91:11
God, I believe that my child will possess boundless wisdom in every situation they encounter! In moments of uncertainty, I pray that You will lead them back to You with unwavering strength, for I know that You will generously give them the wisdom they seek. James 1:5
Lord God, I pray for my child’s purity in every way! Father I believe that my child will be transformed by the renewing of their mind. I pray Your covering over their lives God and when they are tempted, Father, I pray and praise You for providing a way out so that they can endure. 1 Cor 10:13. Romans 12:2
Jesus, please give my child a mind of Christ! Keep their heart and mind on a path of purity by living according to Your Word. Lord, I pray that my child will think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy. Psalm 119:9. 1 Cor 2:16. Philippians 4:8
Lord God, You are an unwavering strong tower! I passionately pray that my child will always seek refuge in You, discovering profound safety in Your embrace. Proverbs 18:10 resounds in my heart! For my precious daughter, I fervently ask that her life be a living testament to Your Word, that she will “speak wisdom and teach kindness”. Proverbs 31:26 ignites my spirit! For my dear son, I earnestly pray that his life echoes the truth of Your Word, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Cor 16:13-14 fuels my hopes! Lord, I firmly believe my child will act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with You, God, as proclaimed in Micah 6:8. In Jesus’ mighty name, I ask, pray, and believe. Amen!

Trust God. Seek Him. Be Affirmed in Christ.

Finding Joy in Waiting: Trusting God’s Promises

Waiting can often be so hard. Whether we are waiting for a semester to end, for a prayer to be answered, for a relationship or friendship to heal, or for clarity in the many decisions and directions of life, entering a season of waiting can easily lead us to feeling exhausted, uncertain, skeptical, hesitant and even hopeless – God, help our unbelief.

But, Advent teaches us that God is present in the waiting.

In Luke 1:46-55, Mary sings a song of joy, not after Jesus is born, but while she is still waiting for the promise to be fulfilled. Her joy was fully rooted in God’s faithfulness. His steadfastness, not her circumstances.

And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.”
Luke 1:46-55

Like Mary, we can find joy by focusing on God’s promises:

God is faithful: “The Lord is trustworthy in all He promises” (Psalm 145:13).
God gives peace: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
God gives the victory: “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)
God calls me worthy: “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:6-7)
God protects me: “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 121:8)
God is with me: “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves” (Zephaniah 3:17).

Is this a waiting season for you? Can I be candid? This is such an intense waiting season for me. In every aspect of my life- marriage, parenting, building my ministry through Affirmed in Christ and women’s groups speaking engagements, growing my home staging business and serving through real estate, in my profession, relationships with extended families, friendships, physical and mental health, finances, I can go on – I cannot do anything but lay all of this at the feet of Jesus. Even now as I write this I know that the answer is to lean into my relationship with God, to seek Him first. When I seek God first, that’s where I will find the peace and joy that Mary sang of – rooted in God’s promises, in His faithfulness, not my circumstances.

Ask yourself, what is it that you are waiting for? Write this down as a specific prayer and write down a promise of God that speaks to your current season. Keep it where you’ll see it daily as a reminder of His joy, love and faithfulness.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless
at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
1 thessalonians 5:23-24

Trust God. Seek Him. Be Affirmed in Christ.

Finding Peace in the Holiday Rush

The end of the year push, the holiday rush – this time of the year especially, there are times that life can feel anything but peaceful. The world stays in the hustle and adds bustle with Christmas decorations, parties, shopping and gatherings.

Yet we, as believers, know that Jesus came to bring peace. What we need to also remember is that peace is not the absence of conflict, but instead the peace that Jesus brings is a deep, unshakable peace that guards our hearts and minds.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27

In response to rushed days and busy schedules, choose peace. Pray to God and ask Him to heal any feelings of anxiety and trust in the peace only Christ can give. Before your feet hit the floor in the morning, confidently say this prayer: “Lord, fill me with Your peace for today”.

And as you gather with family, friends and loved ones to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, pray that His peace will guard your hearts and fill your homes with the assurance that God loves us all and specifically, remember that you are deeply loved by a God who gave us the greatest gift of all.

Pause and say this prayer today: Lord, thank You for the peace You give—not as the world gives, but as only You can. Guide us all to embrace that peace this Advent season, to quiet our hearts, and to prepare room for You, Heavenly Father, in our lives. May Your peace flow through us, touching everyone we meet, and remind us of Your love each step of the way. Amen.

This Christmas, let peace reign.

Trust God. Seek Him. Be Affirmed in Christ.

Embracing New Beginnings: A Prayer for Transformation

Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You with hearts open to the new things You are doing in our lives. As Your Word states in Isaiah 43:18-19, help us to forget the former things and not dwell on the past.

Lord, we trust that You are making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. We ask that You give us the faith to embrace the fresh beginnings and transformative changes You have prepared for us.

Help us to see beyond our current struggles and to recognize the opportunities that are ahead. God, may we be sensitive to Your guidance and be willing to step out in faith as You lead us into this new season.

Thank You for Your Holy Spirit always reminding us of Your unfailing love and the promises of renewal. We look forward with expectation to the wonders You will reveal in our lives.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

December Reflections: The Gift of Jesus Christ

We’ve made it to December of 2024! Wow, what a year!

As December marks the start of Advent, a season of waiting and hope, let’s remember the prophecy of Christ’s birth:

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

Such a beautiful reminder to slow down and reflect on the gift of Jesus Christ, meditating on Jesus as our source of hope and how He is our Wonderful Counselor.

Think of the names of Jesus. How has He been your Prince of Peace? Dedicate time each day this week in quiet reflection, in prayer and in praise to Jesus, our hope arrived.

Trust God. Seek Him. Be Affirmed in Christ.

Thanksgiving in All Circumstances

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s easy to focus on gratitude for material blessings—family, food, and warm homes. But this week, let’s shift our perspective to a deeper, Christ-centered gratitude.

The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Notice Paul doesn’t say, “Give thanks for all circumstances,” but “in all circumstances.”

Life brings challenges, yet gratitude transforms our hearts when we focus on God’s goodness, even in times of trials.

Reflecting on past blessings builds confidence that God will provide in the future. It shifts our perspective to see God’s hand in all things. Gratitude fuels trust, reframes hardships and inspires worship.

Thanksgiving is an act of worship that glorifies God.

This week, try this: Write down five specific ways God has been faithful this year. Thank Him for each one in prayer. Let gratitude draw you closer to Christ.

Trust God. Seek Him. Be Affirmed in Christ.

Finding Hope in Uncertain Times

Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)

There is a beautiful worship song by an artist who sings about walking through parted waters. This is in reference to the miracle of God using Moses to part the water, so the Israelites could escape the hardships of Pharaoh in Exodus chapter 14:

²¹And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.

²²And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

This passage along with many others show a character-trait of God; the relationship of change in circumstance or situation and His intervention.

In Isaiah 43:18-19, the Lord urges His people to forget the past and not let old memories block their perception of the new opportunities, or the new things, being presented. The phrases “doing a new thing” and “now it springs forth” express a transformative action that God is initiating in their lives.

This message of hope is especially powerful when life gets tough. The idea of God making a way and providing rivers in the desert, is like a beacon of light.

Consider the magnitude of a desert, immeasurable amounts of sand in every direction. But God, In His Greatness, can lead you through what seems endless.

This scripture reminds us that even when things seem completely hopeless, when we cannot feel, we cannot see, or imagine a bright side or positive outcome; God can turn things around.

He’s not stuck in the past; He’s always working to make things better.

Isaiah 43:18-19 encourages us to look forward with anticipation, trusting in God’s ability to provide in unexpected ways and settings. He’s always surprising us with new blessings and opportunities. It might be tough to perceive the new thing that God is doing; still it is important to recognize that it is a promise. We should keep our eyes open and trust that He’s always working behind the scenes!

Trust God. Seek Him. Be Affirmed in Christ.

The Power of Humility in Achieving Goals

In a world where success is often measured by worldly standards, there is a powerful reminder in Psalm 90:

And may the Lord our God show us his approval
and make our efforts successful.
Yes, make our efforts successful!
Psalm 90:17

This scripture serves as a reminder that true success is not simply about accumulating wealth or power. Instead, it is rooted in the faith, values, and the sincerity of our actions. It challenges us to align our pursuits with God’s purpose, reflecting His love and grace in our everyday lives.

True success means reflecting the love and grace of God in our daily interactions. Each step we take towards fulfilling our purpose should be a testament to our commitment and call to glorifying God in all that we do.

Psalm 90:17 invites us, as believers, to approach our goals with humility. We must ask ourselves:

Am I truly seeking God’s heart, or am I just looking to boost my ego? Am I craving validation from others or am I more concerned with God’s purposes and plan?

The Psalm encourages us to seek the Lord’s guidance in our aspirations, reminding us that He is the ultimate source of wisdom and strength.

When we surrender our ambitions to God, we open ourselves up to a form of success that surpasses human understanding. We find peace and purpose while in our journey and while in the waiting; instead of focusing only on the end result – the goal achieved.

In a society where everyone’s always hustling and competing, Psalm 90:17 encourages us to approach our goals and aspirations with humility, seeking the Lord’s guidance and wisdom every step of the way. We should chase our dreams, but with God as our guide, seeking His purpose for our lives. When we surrender to His guidance, we find true fulfillment and lasting success. When we trust Him, we find real joy – allowing ourselves to be affirmed and uplifted in Christ.

Trust God. Seek Him. Be Affirmed in Christ.

Questions for reflection:

Can you recall a time when you felt truly successful? What made that experience different from others?
How can you incorporate the idea of seeking God’s approval into your daily actions and decisions?
How do you find peace and purpose in the waiting periods of your life? What helps you stay grounded during those times?
What role does humility play in your pursuits? How can you practice humility in achieving your goals?
What does it mean to you to be “affirmed and uplifted in Christ”? How can you remind yourself of this truth regularly?

A Prayer on Seeking God First

Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually!
1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV

Heavenly Father, in this moment of reflection, I come before You with a humble heart. I desire to seek You above all else, to prioritize Your presence in my life.

You are the source of all wisdom, strength, and guidance. Help me to turn my eyes towards You and fix my gaze solely on Your loving face.

Please teach me Lord to seek You first in all that I do. In the busyness of life, may I always remember that You hold the answers, the purpose, and the fulfillment my soul longs for.

Help me, dear Lord, to prioritize time with You. Let Your Word be the lamp unto my feet and the light unto my path, guiding me towards a life that glorifies You.

God, I pray that seeking You first becomes my way of life, shaping my decisions, actions, and relationships. Help me to love others selflessly, just as You have loved me. Grant me the courage to boldly share Your gospel and the hope that resides in my heart.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He holds success in store for the upright,
    He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
for He guards the course of the just
    and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Proverbs 2:6-8 NIV

Trust God. Seek Him. Be Affirmed in Christ.

Embracing Grace, in Christ

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 corinthians 5:17-21 (NIV)

I recently heard a talk about “cancel culture” and if it belongs in the heart of believers. The concept of “cancel culture” is like social media’s version of a timeout; one misstep and you’re sent to the corner while everyone debates if you deserve a second chance or a permanent ban from the cool table. So when this worldview entered into the lives of popular worship leaders and pastors [or into our lives with pain points in relationship with friends and family]; the debate about accountability and forgiveness also began. Let’s look at a portion of the passage again, found in 2 Corinthians 5:17-18.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ…”

The call to embrace the “new creation” emphasizes the importance of letting go of our past mistakes and missteps and moving forward with a renewed sense of purpose and identity in Christ – because it is through Christ that we are reconciled to God. In many ways, this mirrors the need for grace and understanding in conversations about cancel culture.

As Christ’s ambassadors, we are called to implore one another to embrace our new selves, reminding each other that our past does not define us. Each mistake serves as an opportunity for growth, learning, and ultimately, transformation. And the same grace that is modeled in this scripture must be given to ourselves and others.

In a society quick to judge, let us choose to be agents of forgiveness and reconciliation, allowing ourselves and others the grace to evolve and become better versions of who we are meant to be in Christ; who God has purposed us to be.

Together, we can foster a culture that values understanding over condemnation, echoing the profound message that we are indeed all new creations, capable of love, empathy, and change.

Trust God. Seek Him. Be Affirmed in Christ.