On the Edge of a New Beginning

2017.

So many people are saying things like, “new year new me.” Every year  I either roll my eyes at this phrase or I use it in a completely ironic way. But this year I think that phrase might just actually describe me. Or perhaps New Year New Adventure…

Either way, I am at the edge of a new beginning. I can see the starting line. It’s just a week away. I have to say that out loud to convince myself. I LEAVE IN ONE FLIPPIN WEEK!!!

Saying this would have scared me usually, but I’m ready.

God has prepared my heart.

God has given me the calling.

Just Sit Here and Be With Me

Jenn Johnson (from Bethel Music) has a song called “A Little Longer.” The first time I heard it, I had just been talking with God about what to do next.

“What are my next steps?”

“What lists should I make?”

“How much time do you want me to be in worship?”

“Have I been praying enough?”

Question after question wondering if I was doing enough, if I was pleasing God enough. And then I turned on my Spotify and this song came pouring out of my speakers.

My Best Argument for God’s Love

I was driving back to school in Denver with a full view of the Rocky Mountains (one of my all time favorite creations) and I was just so awestruck by God’s artwork. It was right before the sunset and the sun’s rays were hitting each crevice on every peak with such glorious perfection. (Truly purple mountain majesty, folks!)

They seemed so vast… Then I realized that I was only looking at one tiny part of one mountain range. I thought about even more impressive mountain ranges like the Swiss Alps and how blown away humanity always is with mountains.

I thought to myself, “Wow, how much time and effort did it take for God to create such an impressive masterpiece? Each rock, bend, curve, and edge was intricately designed.”

Then I realized, if God cares so much about mountains that could crumble in an instant and are not even living, breathing, souls, how much more does He care about me?

What If We Believed We Are Beautiful?

We live in a world that tells us we aren’t good enough.

We live in a world that conditions us to think that the proper response to a compliment is to devalue ourselves and disagree.

We live in a world that tells you that you’re conceited if you say anything good about yourself.

We live in a world that then turns around and complains about the negativity, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.

We live in a world that puts us down and then asks why we feel defeated.

Well, what would happen if we allowed ourselves to recognize our goodness?

A Radical Reconstruction: The Blesser v. The Blessing

 ^“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” James 1:17

Are you finding yourself thanking God for the goodness of His gifts or simply for His goodness?

A Radical Reconstruction: The Weight of Our Words

“For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” 1 Peter 3:10-11

Our words are the most impactful and powerful weapon we could ever have. Are we using this power for the good of the Kingdom? If you aren’t, it’s time to start today.

A Radical Reconstruction: Preface

“Restore to me the JOY of Your salvation, and make me willing to obey You!” Psalm 51:12

A reconstruction is the process of rebuilding something after it has been damaged or destroyed.

My idea in starting this devotional series is that everyone who reads this would begin a reconstruction of their hearts and lives. Recently, God has been rebuilding me from the ground up. At first, it was honestly terrifying because I didn’t exactly sit down and give Him permission to rock the boat so much, but I have come to know that what He can do in my life is far greater than what I can do. I put my trust in what His blueprints are for my life and I know that He will not fail me.

Through all of these recent personal changes, God called me to write this series. I’m not sure who my words will reach or what you may be going through, but I know that God has big plans for each reader and myself.

My prayer is that you would diligently seek Christ and wholly surrender all that you are to Him so that He may repair damage that has been done by sin, your environment, or even friends and family.

A Prayer For This Fallen World

Hey God,

As you know, this world is struggling so immensely. My heart is burdened by the evil that is running rampant in this fallen world. Today I want to bow my head and lift my hands to ask for your supplication and healing hand in these hard times.

Hashtag Please Love Me

For quite some time, I have been truly convicted by an issue: Social Media. It can be so much fun and used for so much good, but it can also be incredibly harmful to ourselves and other people. It can completely absorb us and hold our attention for longer than most things. If something is posted, it can spread like wildfire and never be taken back. It is an addiction; we constantly check for notifications, as if this were to measure how much we are cared for. Some people spend hours, if not days, perfecting the carefully thought out Instagram post, so that they can sit and watch the likes pour in. Social media is some people’s only source of news. A complete lie can be told and the whole world might take it as fact within less than an hour.

Whether we use it for good or for evil, it can be a dangerous weapon.

Limited By Your Potential

A while back, someone close to me told me to make sure that I wasn’t living up to my potential, but instead to my destiny.

It stopped me in my tracks. All the voices in my head and expectations of people around me suddenly came to a grinding halt. My focus shifted and I realized that other people don’t determine my steps; not even I do! God does. He has ultimate control over my path in life. That sounds so scary and yet, so comforting.