Life isn't fair...

Good morning my warrior sisters-

How often in our lifetime do we utter these words? "Life isn't fair." I've caught myself saying them over the years. They truly are a waste of time.  Jesus spoke about hardship. If you've lived to 18 you've already been battered and broken; your parents split up, one of them lost a job, money was tight or you lost someone you love. These are events that happen every day.  If you live in the Middle East, you've probably experienced war, brutality, rape and more.

We live in chaotic times and life may not be fair. We were born in this time. Just like those that have gone before us, we face hardship, some more than others, nevertheless, no one escapes it. I often wonder how people face the things in life that are hard without Jesus, don't you?

I've been thinking about this a lot lately.  I get news from CNN, Fox and others so I can monitor the world. I've known for awhile that keeping up with the world news is important. You can't stick your head in the sand. What's happening around us is an opportunity to pray, and pray I do. And every day there is hardship. It's illustrated in harassment charges, war, unrest, hatred, guns, death and natural disasters. People all over the world and in the US are facing truly difficult times.

I've lived through hardship, I've lost loved ones, I've even lost a job I loved. I've experienced sorrow and I've know the pit of despair. I've walked into situations I wasn't prepared for only to find out the I was lied to and I've experienced something else, a peace that can't be explained. Did I like going through hard times? NO. You won't either. And when you hear songs that say you'll get stronger through them, the message rarely resonates in the moment. That's like saying to a kid, you'll be glad I was so strict.  Good luck!

What I can tell you is pursuing Jesus in these moments is very important. Reading your Bible and entrenching yourself in His word and wisdom will transform your mind and take you from a victim to a warrior.  How do I know? Well, I've lived it. If you can walk daily with Him, surround yourself with people that will pray for you, you will find day by day things get a little brighter and step by step God leads you by still waters. People have good intentions, they want to say the right thing. I do at least. Unfortunately, we don't really know what you're feeling or how to help.  Jesus does, He sees deep inside your heart and knows every thought and need before you speak it. He will heal your heart and your mind so that tomorrow you can spread the love he has to others.

If you're saying life isn't fair, you're right. If you live in that statement, then you're very wrong. God is your Father, He loves you and if we believe He knows what's best for us, He will help us get through our difficult time. We all have them. Right now as I write this, I'm dealing with issues and wondering how this happened. Believe me, it does no good. I must stand on the principles I know. Go to Jesus, pray for the circumstances, hope and hope some more. I will use my shield day by day and watch as the power of Jesus takes the wheel.

There is no control in life. The  minute you think you have it, you will lose it. Evil reigns here on earth, that's why soldiers are coming home and committing suicide, that's why teenagers are dying from overdoses, that's why young men that should be making an impact are hiding in basements all across America. And that's why we can't say, life isn't fair. We must fight with the power of the Holy Spirit.

I have no idea what tomorrow will bring. I know that Jesus will come. I don't know if that will be tonight, tomorrow or years from now. I know he set the stars and they are brilliant, vibrant and a testimony to the power of our God and that our failure to recognize that power is our downfall.

If you're in this place right now, pray that God our Father would show you a rainbow.  My sign normally is in a red tail hawk. I see them whenever I'm in despair and they remind me how much God loves me. Find Jesus and little by little you will begin to realize your purpose. As you find your purpose your hardships in life will be an opportunity to grow, painful yes, but worth it in the long run. Remember, Jesus has the nail marks to prove how much He loves you.

Psalm 3:3 NIV

But you, Lord, are a shield to me;
my glory, the One that lifts my head high
In Jesus Name, AMEN

What if you just had today?

Good morning my warrior sisters-

As I sit here on my comfy couch, drinking the best cup of coffee ever, I can't take my mind off of Texas and those that lost their lives at church.  First, we had Vegas which was horrible in itself and then we have another human taking the lives of innocent people. Now, a sleepy small town in Texas  is on the map for the many that were lost.

I haven't slept that well this week and I wonder if it has to do with the people I know are mourning all over the world.  These incidents in the US are harrowing but there are so many more. Every person that didn't get to see tomorrow didn't know this would be their last day on earth.  Those mothers, fathers, and children got up to go to a concert or church. They didn't know that a senseless act would take place.

Just like everyday, they got up, got ready and probably had a to-do list a mile long.  Instead, someone carried a bloodied body to a truck that took them to a Vegas hospital only to find out she died.  A pastor and his wife, while in another state, got a call that their daughter was gone. A husband lost a wife, an unborn baby and several of his precious children. Mothers found out they had lost their daughters and their grand babies, all in a blink of an eye.

The Bible speaks about only having today.  I've blown past that statement so many times.  The truth is, what if this was my last day?  I guess that's what I've been thinking about. If today was my last day on earth did I tell my husband and my boys how much I love them, how much they've meant to my life, how much they made my life rock? I hope I have but we get busy, we get frustrated, we even argue about things that don't really matter.  The last two incidents in the US have forced me to think about these things.  I also wonder about what I've done for Jesus.  Did I give enough? Have I loved enough? Have I had passion for Him and His mission for my life?

If today was your last day and you never opened your heart to Jesus, do you know where you'll be?  I can be the best person on earth but without Jesus there is no heaven for me. I can give all I have, love my neighbor and bring kindness with me and still, without Jesus there is no heaven. I can take care of the sick, the hurting and the lonely and still, there is no heaven without Jesus.  People don't believe this and yet tell me, what other religion did a man hang on a cross for you?  What other religion where a man is involved, was beaten, bruised, and nailed to a piece of wood?  I will tell you— none.

You look for man to be perfect because they say they're a Christian.  There is no such thing as perfect. The most perfect human on earth surrendered his life for you.  We can continue to deny His very existence. We can say there is no God.  We can put up idols, work for money, love ourselves and continue down a path of destruction.  Our loving father will not steer you away if you're heart is closed. He is giving you opportunity to understand that today is all you have. If you're searching the world to find peace, you won't find it. If you're banking on the fact that I will be perfect, you won't find that either. If you're hoping that the shooting incidents in the US are going away, don't bank on that either.  Put your money where it will count. Give Jesus your life.  If you do that then you won't ever have to worry if this is your last day on earth— because where you go from here is more than wonderful.

Hebrews 3: 12-14 NIV

12See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 14We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.

My prayer for the people:

Our Father who art in Heaven spare us the rod.  Turn our wayward hearts toward you today. Let us unite with one voice singing, Holy, Holy, is the lamb who was slain. Give us today our daily bread and Lord, help us to forgive those that trespass against us.  Turn our hearts from the evil one, protect us and make us open only to You.  We seek you in these days of chaos and ask for Your guidance and vision. Continue to make us mighty warriors for you and help us to speak the truth in the face of much adversity. No longer can we stand watching the world grow cold. People are seeking something...guide them toward you so that TODAY they will hear Your voice. My prayer is not just for those lost but for those that have been found.  Encourage all of us, Lord, to be mighty soldiers and stand firm on the rock of our salvation.  In Jesus Name, AMEN.

What's in the number 7?

Good morning my sister warriors-

I hope this day finds you well and if this is your first time on my blog, I hope you know you reached it because Jesus wants you to know, He loves you and that love is true and very worth you committing your life to Him.

That brings me to a number that is referenced over and over in the Bible.  It's the number 7.  Here's just a few stats.

• God created the world in 7 days
• 7 churches
• 7 seals
• 7 angels
• 7 vials
• 777 in Revelation

According to my research 7 is depicted 735 times. Wow. So why is this significant in my life? I had a pronounced burden placed on my heart and I believe it was to pray for President Trump on the 7th of every month.  Anne Graham Lotz did a 777 call to prayer and it reached thousands of people. I'm not sure where this is going, however, I believe it's what God is calling me to do.  Whether you like President Trump or not really doesn't matter. I think that's what's wrong with our nation and world. Hate seems to be more prominent then love. According to the Bible we are to be under authority to our leaders.  What does that mean?  If you look at Jesus it means serving, praying and loving.

So this week, I'm starting to pray for what God laid on my heart. I'm not bragging here, I'm calling.  The number 7 came to me at the same time I felt this burden.  We must pray for our churches, our children, ourselves and yes, our leaders. Whether you live in the US or not, just look around. Russia, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Pakistan, Syria, do I need to go on?  The leaders of the world are making decisions that impact us.  That being said, if you join me on the 7th and I hope you do, don't leave the world leaders out of your prayer.

As I watch President Trump try to navigate the shark waters of politics with his rough edges and ego, I see a man that wanted to do something but is finding that being President is very difficult. Being a leader, whether in business, in state or for a nation is a tough job. Why do you think our forefathers put in checks and balances. They had been under royal rule and didn't like the dictator mentality.  They wanted something where no man was 100% fully in control.

Today, we criticize everything from shoes, to hair.  We don't let up as a society.  I really think we love chaos. We talk of love but I don't see much. We talk of rights and equality but I don't see any of us really trying that hard. We talk of evil but we rarely talk about Jesus and in it all, I see that we become more "I" focused and less humanity focused. 

Leaders say things they shouldn't. Leaders make decisions we may not agree with. Leaders are scorned by the masses. Jesus was a servant leader. His goal was to spread grace, mercy, joy, and love.  What did we do?  We put Him on a cross. Sometimes that's where I feel we are now. Society would rather mock and be disrespectful instead of finding solutions. I even saw a comment that people need to quit praying and think.  Well, how in the world are we going to think if we aren't getting wisdom from above?  That's half our problem, no one even believes in God anymore. 

I have prayed for every President since 1984.  My first election was exciting and full of anticipation and hope for our country. Today, no one wants to vote. They don't like the candidates.  I would bet a great percentage of adults and young teens didn't even go to the polls.  Just from my household alone, 2 went, 2 didn't. It hurts my heart to think that our forefathers risked their lives for our freedom and we don't even vote.

I'm tired of hearing all the things he's not doing.  We have thousands of people not doing the right thing.  You know how we are going to change it. We are going to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We are going to stand in the gap for our leaders and instead of saying scathing, worthless words, we are going to pray.  We are going to lift up our leaders and pray for future leaders and we will do that on the 7th of every month.

Donald Trump is a man.  Realize that. He is human. What are humans?  We are flawed, imperfect and sinful. We don't always do the right thing and especially if we aren't being guided by the Holy Spirit.  Every President from the beginning was a man.  Every one of them has had moments of great weakness. We can continue to criticize or we can get on our knees and ask God to lead this nation. We can ask Him to provide wisdom to our leadership. We can ask Him to guide us.  The Israelites wanted a King so God gave them Saul.  What do we want?  I know what I want. I want to be part of something more important than me. I want to be part of a movement where Jesus is the reason. I want men all over the world to find Jesus and to be given mighty wisdom. I want women to love one another, to pray for their men, children, friends and people they don't know. I want us to stand up and believe that the miracle that was given to Mary is for the world and it came through a woman. 

Women have power they don't even realize. Everyone wants power, you have it!  It's in the form of prayer.  You're not weak, you're strong. The power of prayer is like a sword. It makes us soldiers, it gives us strength. Deborah led an army in the Old Testament.  The King would not go without her. Do you get that? 

Here's my challenge, put the 7th in your calendar for a year.  And on the 7th of every month, pray for President Trump, his wife and his children. Pray for the leaders in every nation and pray that God will not turn from His people. I will be praying and if I'm the only one then so be it. If you want change, then join me in prayer. Ask your friends to pray.  Call on your sisters in church to pray. Let's start a movement of prayer. The number 7 is significant. Change happens on 7.  Let's be obedient and spread the love of Christ throughout the land, while praying for those in authority.

Be well my warriors. If you're not sure what to pray, here's an example.

Oh, Lord in Heaven, we need you.  We are calling on you to help us in our hour of need. The world is full of chaos, hate, brutality and sorrow.  We are asking our Almighty God to bring strength and wisdom to President Trump and all the leaders in the world. Trump needs you to surround him with good men and women that can provide wisdom and a heart open to hear it. Please bring him by still waters and guide him as he leads this nation forward. One man can't do much unless they are led by a mighty God. I'm praying that men and women all over the world will lift up President Trump and his entire family. He needs you Lord, his cabinet needs you Lord. The House and the Senate need you Lord. Our world needs You Lord. Please don't turn from our leaders, our countries or our families. Lead us and bless the US along with every nation under God. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.

Are you full of shame? It's time to see the light.

Good morning my warrior sisters-

I've been contemplating many things in the last couple weeks.  I am close to someone that is dealing with shame, hurt and anxiety.  This person is searching to feel good again but the more they isolate themselves the more defeat they feel.  With defeat comes a sense of loss, shame and a numbness that really is pain.

It's very hard for me to watch anyone in pain. I can feel it sometimes and it breaks my heart. I see it in your eyes and often, see it in the way you carry yourself.  Where most seem to hide it behind a veneer of laughter and a no care attitude, I know you care and that you're feeling lost, alone and worthless.

Pain and shame are very similar because both continue to remind you that something is really wrong with you.  Pain you feel because your nerves are firing off sensors and depending on the pain, you feel discomfort, and often if it's chronic, defeat. Shame is hidden, it lurks in your mind and in your heart. Some wear it like a badge and others push it deep down.  Either way, there are feelings of fear, anxiety and a sense that no one really cares or could possibly understand how you feel.

Maybe that's why Jesus bore our shame.  Maybe that's why he stood and didn't say a word. Maybe that's why he took a beating most couldn't live through. Maybe that's why He hung on a cross. I may not understand. I may not be able to understand anything like your pain, your feelings, your shame but He does. He understands because He took it upon Himself to go through it. He was innocent and yet, His death was the culmination of all hurting people.  He knows even if I don't!

Don't let the world defeat you! Don't wear your shame as a badge!  Give it to Him.  Let Him begin to meet you in your hurt, your pain and in your shame. If He was able to forgive a murderer, how much mercy does He have for you.  There is no other figure on this earth that people worship today, that gave their life for the worst of us. There is no one that can understand defeat, depression, injustice, wrong-doing more than Jesus.  He suffered for us.

Don't look for me to understand, even though I want to. Don't suffer alone because you feel no one understands. Don't let the world take away your light.  I know life is disappointing. I understand shame, I've felt it. I haven't always done everything right and either has anyone else. We are all imperfect. That doesn't mean we have to wallow in it. Look for the light my sisters and see that our God loves you.  We are one bride. We are His. He hasn't left us...He's calling us.  He forgives, He is full of mercy and He hung on a cross so that you would know—He understands and loves us anyway.

One does not mean alone, it means one in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  We are blessed, we are redeemed and we are His.

Be well today and extend an understanding ear to a hurting soul.  Jesus did and so should we.  If you're feeling alone and need a safe place, send me a private message on Facebook. You can find me at @oneservantfulloffaith. Reach out to me and I will pray with you.  We need each other and we need our sisters all over the world to hear our voice and know we are under the one. Jesus. Go to the light and the light will lead you to forgiveness.

Hebrews 12:2-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.