Journey of Faith Friday: A Worship State of Mind

I shared this last year as a guest post for my friend Chrissy.  Chrissy has since deleted that blog and started a new one.  You can follow her at Shades of Joy.  I didn't want this post to be lost, so I am posting it here for Journey of Faith Friday.  

A Worship State of Mind

Worship does not come easy to me.  I wish I could say that I awoke each day to the thoughts of "God, you are Almighty and I give this day to you."  Instead, I wake up to thoughts of "I need to do this, I need to do that."

Worship, like many areas of my life, is a discipline that I try to practice every day.  I know the practice of worship will not only offer God the glory He deserves, but will help mold and perfect my character.  A few weeks ago I shared this C.S. Lewis quote:

Ahhhh, God's presence.....we all long for it......Christian or not.  Today, I want to share a few ways to get in a "worshiping" state of mind.

• Wake up early-  Try getting up and out of bed 30 minutes earlier than you normally would.  During that 30 minutes speak only words of adoration to our God (I sooooo miss this and look forward to the time when my newborn is sleeping through the night and I can resume getting up early to spend time in worship).

{Creator, King of Kings, Light of the World, Savior, Lord of Lords, Good Shepherd, Counselor, Almighty, Holy, Alpha, Omega, Just...}

• Listen to worship music for 10 minutes each morning (or whenever you can)-  Use your ipod, your radio, a YouTube video, whatever works, but choose a few worship songs that truly highlight characteristics of God.

{A few of my favorites:  Live by Nichole Nordeman, Great Is Thy Faithfulness by Selah, How He Loves Us by David Crowder Band, Captivate Us by Watermark, Your Grace Still Amazes Me by Phillips, Craig and Dean, How Great Thou Art by Crystal Lewis, The Blood Will Never Lose It's Power by Selah, Revelation Song by Kari Jobe} 

• Find a quiet place- We live in a noisy, busy world.  So take the time to find a quiet place and worship the Lord.  It may be a park bench.  It may be at the water's edge.  It may be on your couch with a blanket and a cup of coffee.  Wherever it is, take the time to be alone and worship.

• Take a walk- During your walk, commit to praising God through His creation.  There is so much that goes unseen, unless you take the time to name it and thank/praise God for it.

• Change positions- Maybe your typical time of worship is while standing during your church's worship time.  Maybe, you should consider worshipping God while on your knees, face down, or sitting with arms raised or lying prostrate.

• Read- The Bible is full of verses solely focused on praising God.  If you are struggling to worship the Lord, open His Word and read the way other people have offered praise to Him.

{Psalm 1, Psalm 19, Psalm 63: 3-4, Psalm 98, Psalm 100, Psalm 146, Psalm 147, Isaiah 9: 6-7, Jeremiah 17:14, Acts 16: 25-34, Revelation 4}

• Use your gift(s)-  Many people do not think they have a gift or they don't think their gift can be used to praise God.  Well, I beg to differ.  I believe that God gives the gifts; therefore, I believe He receives praise through them if His people simply use them.  For example, photography is my hobby.  I take photos of just about anything and everything, but how do I use it to praise God?  Often times, I photograph His creation and attach a verse to it.  Chrissy has the gift of singing.  She uses her voice to praise God on a personal level, but also as a service to her church.  Maybe, you are a gifted teacher.  I believe teaching others how to read or how to do math or how to play an instrument is a gift of praise, unless you are doing it selfishly and taking all the credit for the gift God has given you.  There are so many gifts........so identify yours........make sure you are using it............thank God for it.........and you will be glorifying Him.

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Read previous Journey of Faith Friday posts.

I NEED IT!!

Over the last several days I have been very convicted about how much and how often I grumble.  However, speaking from past experience I wonder if the conviction will come and go with little change on my part.  

A few days ago, Sam and I were walking with the kids in the stroller.  B was being disobedient and Zoe was crying.  All I could think was, "Why?"  Why do I have another child that doesn't like the stroller?  Why do I have another child who doesn't like the car seat?  Why...? Why...?  Why...?  I looked at Sam who listens to me grumble on a daily basis and said, "When I get to Heaven I want to ask God a few questions like, What were you trying to teach me when Zoe was a baby that I obviously didn't learn with Bennett?  Why do I have high strung babies while some are so easy?  Why do some people lose their children?  Why can't some people have children?"  I went on speaking, "I know it is for our own sanctification, but will I learn the lesson when the baby phase is over or will He have to keep refining this area?"  

Sam politely responded with a few words regarding selfishness and once again I was reminded of the TRUTH.  I am selfish.  No matter how challenging this season of life may be, I NEED IT!!!  God uses various situations in all of our lives to refine us, to sanctify us, to draw us closer to Him and for me one of those situations is the newborn phase of my children.  I hate admitting I NEED IT, but if it strips away more of my selfish tendencies and reveals more of a Christ-like attitude then I NEED IT.  

Later I read a devotion by Tracie Miles titled, "Our Thoughts Have Wheels," and it spoke directly to my heart and the thoughts I'd been having.  Here is an excerpt:  

"...I've considered how our thoughts determine a lot about the direction of our lives. Like my school bus, our thoughts will always take us somewhere, but it may not be somewhere we want to end up....

If we focus on how much we do for others and how little we feel appreciated, our thoughts will take us to a place of resentment, with lack of patience and love.

If we spend an entire day fuming over something our husband or kids did, and mentally practice the harsh words we plan to say to them, those thoughts will lead us into a place of arguments, hurt feelings and damaged relationships.

If we dwell on why God has allowed certain problems in our lives, we will transport ourselves into a state of insecurity and unhappiness as we stop trusting God."

It's so true.  How do I know?  I constantly struggle to think positively and that often leads me down a path of mistreating others, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, a grumbling attitude, a lack of empathy for others, and so much more.  Some days I wonder why I struggle so badly to "take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ (2 Cor. 10:5).  It seems like I work on it, but nothing changes.  Then, I realize I am in a cycle, because constantly wondering why, working on it, then believing that nothing has changed is a part of the negative thought cycle I discussed above.  Therefore, today I embrace the truth that "the God of all grace...will himself restore [me] and make [me] strong, firm, and steadfast (1 Peter 5:10).  I embrace that in the end God will still welcome me into His kingdom as one of His own despite the dirt and the grim that may remain.  

I Believe

In the morning I will often listen to Pandora or and iTunes playlist while cleaning up breakfast.  This morning, while listening to the Andrew Peterson station on Pandora I was reminded of how important it is to daily confess that, "I believe He is the Christ, Son of the Living God.  And all I know is that I was blind, but now I see.  Though I kick and scream, love is leading me.  And every step of the way His grace is leading me." 

Journey of Faith Friday: Reminded of the Great I Am

Reminded of the Great I Am

Before becoming a mother, one to five hours of my day were spent driving.  While some may label that a burden I experienced much joy, solitude, and healing during those hours.  Those hours were often spent praying for others, thanking God for His glorious creation, crying out for mercy, and praising Him along with the voice coming through the stereo.  I remember days with the windows rolled down, sun roof back, one hand raised,  and Chris Tomlin and I praising God as loud as we could.  I remember days of reflection as I listened to Andrew Peterson.  I would reach up to rewind the song every  few verses, so I could fully absorb his powerful lyrics.  I also remember days when a song spoke volumes to my heart during that particular season of life, but also reminded me of seasons gone by.

Last week, I experienced one of those rare moments, now that I am a stay at home mom,  of alone time in the car.  I ejected toddler tunes from the CD player and inserted an all time favorite, Nichole Nordeman's Woven & Spun.  I have been listening to this album since it's release in 2002.  At that time The album is packed full of powerful lyrics, but one song in particular has ministered to my heart during various seasons of my life.  It is a reminder of the work God has done and continues to do in my life.  It is a reminder that no matter the season He is sufficient.  He is present.  He is the GREAT I AM and has been from the beginning!!!!

Pencil marks on a wall 

I wasn't always this tall, 

You scattered some monsters from beneath my bed, 

You watched my team win, 

You watched my team lose, 

You watched when my bicycle went down again,

CHORUS: 

And When I was weak unable to speak, 

still I could call You by name, 

and I said “Elbow healer, Superhero,

come if You can,” and You said “I am”

Only 16, life is so mean, what kind of curfew is at ten PM 

You saw my mistakes, You watched my heart break 

Heard when I swore I’d never love again

CHORUS: 

When I was weak, unable to speak, 

still I could call You by name, 

and I said “Heart-ache Healer, Secret-keeper,

be my Best Friend” and You said “I am”

You saw me wear white, by pale candlelight,

I said forever to what lies ahead 

two kids and a dream, with kids that can scream 

too much it might seem when it’s two AM

CHORUS: 

when I am weak, unable to speak, 

still I will call You by name. 

“Oh Shepherd, Savior, Pasture-maker,

hold on to my hand,” and You say “I am.”

The winds of change, 

And circumstance blow in and all around

us so we find a foothold that’s familiar, 

And bless the moments that we feel You nearer 

Life had begun, I was woven and spun,

You let the angels dance around the throne, who can say when, 

But they’ll dance again, when I am free and finally headed home

CHORUS: 

I will be weak, unable to speak, 

still I will call You by name 

“Creator, Maker, Life-sustainer,

Comforter, Healer, My Redeemer,

Lord and King, Beginning and

the End, I am, yes, I am.”

I began listening to this song when the pain and joys of age 16 and the desires of being a wife and mother were all too real.  My sister and brother-in-law sang this song at my wedding and I hope someone will sing it at my funeral.  It is one of those songs that I sometimes think God created just to remind me of His presence throughout my life.

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Read previous Journey of Faith Friday posts.

Most Friday's, I post about the work God is doing or has done in my life, as I journey with Him on this road of faith.
How is God working in your life as you journey with Him?

I have decided to discontinue hosting the linky at this time, but may resume in the future.  However, I would still love to read your post, so be sure to leave a link in the comment section.

Journey of Faith Friday: Crucify Him

Crucify Him

"...the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus..."

"Judus...discussed with them how he might betray Jesus."

"He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them..."

"'I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover wtih you before I suffer....This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me....This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'"

"'Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.  But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.  And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.'"

"'...I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me.'"

"'Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.'"

"And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground."

"He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, 'Judus, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?'"

"'But this is your hour-when darkness reigns.'"

"Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest."

"Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed.  The Lord turned and looked straight at [Simon] Peter.  Then [Simon] Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him....And he went outside and wept bitterly."

"The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him."

"Jesus answered, 'If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I asked you, you would not answer.  But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.'"

"He [Herod] plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer.  The chief preists and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him.  The Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him."

"But they kept shouting, 'Crucify him!  Crucify him!'"

"...their shouts prevailed.  So Pilate decided to grant their demand."

"A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him.  Jesus turned and said to them, 'Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children.  For the the time will come when you will say, 'Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!''"

"...they crucified him....Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'"

"The people stood watching and the rulers even sneered at him."

"The soldiers came up and mocked him."

"It was not about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining.  And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.  Jesus called out with a loud voice, 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.'  When he had said this, he breathed his last."

"The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, 'Surely this was a righteous man.'"

"Then he [Joseph] took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid............................................................."

*Quotes taken from Luke 22-23

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Read previous Journey of Faith Friday posts.

Most Friday's, I post about the work God is doing or has done in my life, as I journey with Him on this road of faith.
How is God working in your life as you journey with Him?

I have decided to discontinue hosting the linky at this time, but may resume in the future.  However, I would still love to read your post, so be sure to leave a link in the comment section.

Journey of Faith Friday: God Sees the Whole Puzzle

God Sees the Whole Puzzle

I sit and watch him work a 4 piece puzzle on his own.  It's the first time he has put 3 of the 4 pieces together independently.  

I sit back watching his intense focus.  Slowly frustration ensues as he struggles to fit the 4th piece.  He walks over, hands the piece to me and says, "Help!"

I want to, but I think of the moment earlier when I watched with much excitement as he achieved a task, that he has been working on for months, for the first time.  Then, I say, "I know you can do it.  You were so close.  Place this edge on the that piece," while pointing toward the puzzle.  

He did it.  Good jobs!!!!  And high fives followed!!!!

Is that what it's like?

God, our Father, our Parent watches intently as we fit the puzzle pieces together.

Life is hard!

Sometimes we try to force the wrong pieces together, because we can't see the whole picture.

Sometimes we figure it out and the Heavens rejoice.

Sometimes God waits for us to ask for "Help" before interceding.

Sometimes we know the pieces don't fit and we just keep ignoring the reality of our need for help and/or change.

There are many applications that can be drawn from watching a child complete a task, a puzzle in this case.  I don't mean to simplify God's parental task and how He deals with our lives or to make it sound like life is a game, but think about it.........We are His children and though we are adults in this world, we all are at different places in our journey with Christ, meaning some are mere infants (1 Cor. 3: 1-5), some adolescent, some mature adults (Hebrews 6:1-12), and so on.  Just as in our physical, mental and emotional development as a human we have developmental milestones in our spiritual life.  

I think of my teenage years and how I spent so much time trying to force the wrong pieces together. Sometimes it was due to my inability to see the whole picture, but many times I ignored the reality of my need for change, my need for a Savior.

I think about my sophomore year of college when I finally said, "Yes" to God's call on my life to follow Him and the Heavens rejoiced.  

I think about the many times I have tried to make the best professional decisions, serve in every capacity available, have difficult conversations, mother my son in my own strength and how those situations compare to the times I asked God for help.  

He sees it all.

The time I said yes to Him and the pieces fit.

The time when all of the pieces were out of place and I used manipulation and control to get my way.

The time I prayed and asked for a godly husband, then waited for him and the pieces fit.

The time I said yes to my own sinful desires and gave myself to another out of wedlock and the pieces did not fit.

The time I spent studying, working, and applying myself so that I could use the resources He blessed me with and the pieces fit.

The time I pressured friends younger than me to join the world of partying and "having a good time" and the pieces did not fit.  

The times I've said I am sorry and the pieces fit.  

He sees it all and like an earthly parent (although we don't see it all), He rejoices, He disciplines, He gives high fives, He weeps, He encourages, He guides, He instructs, and He loves. 

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Read previous Journey of Faith Friday posts.

Most Friday's, I post about the work God is doing or has done in my life, as I journey on this road of faith.
How is God working in your life as you journey with Him?

I have decided to discontinue hosting the linky at this time, but may resume in the future.  However, I would still love to read your post, so be sure to leave a link in the comment section.

Journey of Faith Friday: Reckless LOVE

Reckless LOVE

The music began to play and I immediately felt the tears welling up.  I looked at my husband and said, "This one will make me cry for sure."  The band played on and I hear:

He is jealous for me

Loves like a hurricane

I am the tree

bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy

Like a cup overflowing with water, so the tears flowed and somehow their stain on my cheek brought comfort, brought peace to this soul that all to often forgets the way He loves me.

Do I forget?  Or have I ever fathomed the extent of it?  This love that was not only willing, but did give up the life of His very Son.  

He longs for my attention, my affection, my heart and is jealous when I give it to another.

His love crashes the walls of my life, and every now and then when I stop focusing on all the ways I fall short, I receive a glimpse of the extent of that love.

Do you know you are loved?

Do you know you are desired?

Do you know He is jealous for you?

This video spoke to heart and helps me focus on the extent of God's love for me.  I promise you will not regret taking the time to watch it!!!!!!!!!!!

May the love of God permeate your heart, wreck your life, and bring you a peace that you have never experienced.

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Read previous Journey of Faith Friday posts.

Every Friday, I post about the work God is doing or has done in my life, as I journey on this road of faith.  However, since Thanksgiving is next week, I will be taking a break, but back on Friday, December 2nd.

How is God working in your life as you journey with Him?

Would you consider sharing it with us today?

If you decide to share...enter the URL to your exact post below.  If you join, please help us find one another by sharing the "Journey of Faith" graphic within your post.

You can link up through Wednesday.

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Journey of Faith Friday: The Invisible Woman

Earlier this year, I shared a piece of my heart in Bible Study regarding my struggles with being a stay at home mom.  It has been something I have felt very guilty about, at times, but have been so thankful for friends, acquaintances, and strangers who have confirmed I am not alone.  After sharing my heart, another lady in my Bible Study group (with slightly older children) printed this story and handed it to me in an envelope hoping to encourage me.  It WAS and HAS been so ENCOURAGING that I couldn't resist sharing it here on the blog.  I only wish I could find the author.  For all of the MOTHERS out there needing ENCOURAGEMENT.

The Invisible Woman 

Author: Unknown

It started to happen gradually:

One day I was walking my son Jake to school.  I was holding his hand and we were about to cross the street when the crossing guard said to him, 

"Who is that with you, young fella?"

"Nobody," he shrugged.

Nobody?  The crossing guard and I laughed.  My son is only 5, but as we crossed the street I thought, "Oh my goodness, nobody?"

I would walk into a room and no one would notice.  I would say something to my family-like "Turn the TV down, please" -and nothing would happen.  

Nobody would get up, or even make a move for the remote.  I would stand there for a minute, and then I would say again, a little louder, "Would someone turn the TV down?"  Nothing.  

Just the other night my husband and I were out at a party.  We'd been there for about three hours and I was ready to leave.  I noticed he was talking to a friend from work.  So I walked over, and when there was a break in the conversation, I whispered, "I'm ready to go when you are."  He just kept right on talking.

I'm invisible.  

It all began to make sense, the blank stare, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store.  Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?"  Obviously not.  No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all.

Photo taken with my point and shoot while in India several years ago

I'm invisible.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more:  Can you fix this?  Can you tie this?  Can you open this? 

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being.  I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?"  I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?"  I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please."

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude- but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again.

She's going, she's going, she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England.  Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in.  I was sitting there, looking around at the other all put together so well.  It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean.  My unwashed hair was pulled up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it.  

I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this."

It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe.  I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription:  "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."

In the days ahead I would read- no, devour- the book.  And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:

No one can say who built the great cathedrals- we have no record of their names.

These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished.

They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.

The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam.  He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof?  No one will ever see it."

And the workman replied, "Because God sees."

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place.  It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte.  I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does.  No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over.  You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction.  But it is not a disease that is erasing my life.  It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness.  It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as great builder.  As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on.  The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table."

That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself.  I just want him to want to come home.  And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."  

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals.  We can not be seen if we're doing it right.  And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.  

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Read previous Journey of Faith Friday posts.

Every Friday, I post about the work God is doing or has done in my life, as I journey on this road of faith.  However, since Thanksgiving is next week, I will be taking a break, but back on Friday, December 2nd.

How is God working in your life as you journey with Him?

Would you consider sharing it with us today?

If you decide to share...enter the URL to your exact post below.  If you join, please help us find one another by sharing the "Journey of Faith" graphic within your post.

You can link up through Wednesday.

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Journey of Faith Friday: Hebrew Prayer for All People

Hebrew Prayer for All People

Feeling inadequate?

Experiencing self doubt?

Wondering what God's will is?

Wanting to change?

This past week in Bible Study we focused on Hebrews 11-13.  Much about those chapters ministered to my heart, but it was chapter 13 that really struck a chord in me.  Verses filled with exhortations for the Christ follower was both encouraging and exhausting.  Encouraging that God gives us guidelines of how to live our lives bringing honor to Him.

1. Love others (verses 1-3)--be hospitable to strangers, remember those in prison and those mistreated
2. Be pure (verse 4)--honor your marriage, keep it pure, avoid sexual immorality
3. Be content (verses 5-6) --keep yourself free from the love of money
4. Be loyal (verses 7-12)--primarily speaking of loyalty to church leadership and their ministry, but applies to the whole church
5. Be bold (verses 13-14)--share Christ with others
6. Be worshipful (verses 15-16)--praise God with your lips and your life

Exhausting that I fall so short.  However, that is why I am so thankful for grace and conviction and forgiveness and the sanctification process of the Holy Spirit in my life.  I am also thankful that while reading these verses I began to ask God how I could accomplish all of these things in my life.  As I continued reading, He provided the perfect prayer in verses 20-21:

²⁰ Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, ²¹ equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Oh God, how You accept us right where we are and challenge us to ask You to provide all that we need to do your will.  Oh God, how You produce confidence in us to do what is pleasing to You.   Oh God, how you come along side us encouraging us to change not so that we can feel better about ourselves, but so we can bring glory to your name and be at peace with others.  

God, Your Word truly is a lamp unto my feet!!  Thank you for it!

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Read previous Journey of Faith Friday posts.

Every Friday, I post about the work God is doing or has done in my life, as I journey on this road of faith.

How is God working in your life as you journey with Him?

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Journey of Faith Friday: Hope of the World

Hope of the World

[Jesus] through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we^[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. ³ Not only so, but we^[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

 ⁶ You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. ⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:2-7

The little babe who entered the world that a first Christmas was no ordinary babe.  He was and is the hope of the world.  

How do you define hope?

Here's what a few people had to say:

• My husband said,

"Hope is a desire for change in a situation or status belied by faith in someone or something.  It is more than just wanting something (like a winning lotto ticket).  Hope without faith is simple desire."

• Amy of the Missional Mama said,

"Hope is knowing and trusting that God is who He says He is and as we walk with Him in this life, we are waiting on that amazing Hope of eternally being with Jesus Christ in heaven. That really is our hope. (Titus 3:7)

One of my favorite verses says it well...

But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. Psalm 39:7"

• Katie of Katie Lloyd Photography said, 

"Hope is the promise of better things that are yet to come."

• Heidi of Wonder Woman Wannabe said,

"When I think of hope, I think of a longing and anticipation of GOOD things to come."

• Kathryn of Our Tiny Big Life said, 

"The definition that has stuck most with me is this: 'Hope is certainty in things unseen.' The world talks about hope as a wish . . . what might happen. The hope of Scripture, of the saints, is an unwavering assurance of what WILL be.  Titus 1:1-2"

• Misti of Through a Photographer's Eyes said, 

"One verse comes to mind when I think of the word "hope", 'Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.' Jesus Christ is my hope!"

• Branson of My Reflection of Something said, 

"Hope is watching a sleeping child, and knowing that you can't change the past but you can nurture the future.  It is an email from a friend that comes at just the right time, reminding you that you are not alone.  It is having a partner who completes you, and resting in the comfort of their arms.  Most importantly, hope is knowing that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us unconditionally, a Savior who has walked this earth and understands our trials, and a Holy Spirit to guide us while we journey through life."

• Allison of All For The Boys said,

"Hope is the expectation or desire for something to happen. The optimistic view one has for the future. The desire for something better."

• Courtney of My Perfect Imperfections said,

"Hope is intangible.  It is a strong and confident expectation.  Hope lifts our spirits.  Hope is eternal."

• Faith of Simplicity said,

"Hope is believing that everything is going to be okay - even if you don't know how or when."

• Kindra of Shah's Sentiments said, 

"I think hope is having a belief that there is something beautiful and good beyond my present circumstance - that there is a possibility of something better than what I see right now. Even the tiniest glimmer of hope can provide strength to press on, even on the darkest of days."

• Rebecca of Better Life Bags said,

"Hope.  Knowing that this life is not all there is.  That I am not stuck in this world - with all it's limitations and sinful behaviors.  That I am not stuck in the confines of my own skin and sinful nature.  That I will not always commune with God from a "distance"... that I will someday FULLY know Him as He already fully knows me.  It's not an "if" - it's a "when".  To know that the persecution, hardships, and pain here are all just temporary and will be traded in for an eternity of joy and peace.  And, I assume, that as I age and start to dislike my gray hair, wrinkles, and achy joints, it will be the hope of knowing I will run and dance and jump again."

• Tim of Guitars and Theology said,

"Confidence of a future good."

• Veronica of Tour the House said,

"Hope is defined for me by knowing there is always a better way of life, God would not put us on earth of 60+ years if He didn't mean for us to always have hope of a better tomorrow!"

• Carolina of Life's Reflections said,

"Trusting that God will write the last chapter of the story and will make all things right."

When you think of Christmas, I pray you think of JESUS.  When you think of JESUS, I pray you think of HOPE.  He is the HOPE OF THE WORLD!!

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Read previous Journey of Faith Friday posts.

Every Friday, I post about the work God is doing or has done in my life, as I journey on this road of faith.

How is God working in your life as you journey with Him?

Would you consider sharing it with us today?

Next week, I will not be sharing a Journey of Faith Friday post due to the holidays.

Have a Merry Christmas and I will see you for Journey of Faith Friday in the New Year.

If you decide to share...enter the URL to your exact post below.  If you join, please help us find one another by sharing the "Journey of Faith" graphic within your post.

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