Moving Up-Friday Freedom

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you 1 Peter 5:6 esv

Never forget that you can trust God. When everyone else fails you can always run to Him. Do you feel Him leading you? Then just follow His direction! Even if you don’t understand, just follow Him. Even if it seems like you are going opposite of your life’s plan, just trust the Lord. In His perfect timing everything will work out for Christ’s glory and your good!

“There are so many things about the will of God,
the things we don't understand 
because they seem so hard.

We try to find the way 
that seems to be just right,
but the way we choose 
only leads us further from the light.

But if we can learn to accept 
the things we cannot change,
and never question God 
for we'll never know His way.

We must accept what God allows,
and we must never try to tell Him how
to order our lives, He has a plan in mind.”

~Hezekiah Walker

Moving Up-Thursday Thought

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you 1 Peter 5:6 esv

What is God’s plan for your life? This is a question many of us may think about sporadically at church or Bible study. And even then just for a moment. But when was the last time you just seriously pondered what exactly it is that God wants to accomplish through your existence? We always think about what we want. We think about our plans and our goals. This is why many of us get frustrated with where we are in life.

Are you tuned into Jesus’ plan or your own? God’s path is always the best. His plans are always blessed. Instead of wondering why things may not be going as you planned, rest in the Lord’s faithfulness. Have joy in the fact that you don’t have to understand every situation in your life, but Christ does. Trust Him and His plan even when you don’t like it. Do you really believe God will come through?

Moving Up-Wednesday Word

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you 1 Peter 5:6 esv

God elevates us at His appointed time. We try and try to make God get in line with our plans. We work and we work and wonder why He hasn’t moved yet. God has placed in us a desire to be great and do great things. We were made to be great, but under the Lord’s ultimate rule. Christ wants us to follow Him first, then be exalted in Him. That’s His plan.

Stop trying to raise yourself up. Let Jesus raise you up. Let your desire to do great things yield to your desire to please the Lord Jesus Christ. Even if everything around you doesn't makes sense; just trust the Lord. He has the best intentions for you in His heart. Don’t try to get God to bless you plans. Get in line with His plans. God’s plans are always blessed and they are always the best! 

Moving Up-Tuesday Truth

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 esv

In God’s will there is no need for worry. Peter tells us that we can cast all of our cares on the Lord. Let that sink in. Each and every problem. Every last concern. We can give it all to our Savior. When we think of lowering ourselves, even for God’s purposes, we tend to worry. Even when we just know God is leading us in a certain direction, the path can be tough if He is leading us through an uneasy area.

Picture yourself holding your massive load of potential worries and heaving them over to Jesus. Humility is not the path most people take, but it is God’s way. Don’t worry about the money. Don’t worry about what other people think. Just follow the Lord. When you start to worry remember what you have been called to do. Cast all of your cares on the Lord Jesus!

Moving Up-Monday Motivation

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you 1 Peter 5:6 esv

Every so often we all need to be reminded of humility. We take a look at our lives and get down on ourselves. We’re not where we want to be in certain areas. We feel like we could be more successful. But as far as God is concerned humility is the path to success. God has to bring us low in order to prepare us for spiritual success.

Jesus was extremely humble. He had every right to exert His authority in every situation, but He didn’t. Sometimes He just let people wrong Him. Sometimes Christ allowed people to think things about Him that weren’t true. At times the Lord put others’ needs above His own. You need to learn how to do the same. When you do God will raise you up at the proper time... His time!

Wrestling-Friday Freedom

And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” Genesis 32:27-28 esv

Jacob was a changed man. Not because he forced God to do anything, but because He allowed God to get His attention; even though it took extreme measures. There are many common blessings that God gives us simply because of who He is, but when we give into Him there are many more. God’s plan is the best plan for your life. Once you get in line with that, like Jacob, you will walk into your God given destiny! Just give in. Just trust Jesus.

“And right now right now is the moment
Today is the day
I've been changed
I've been changed
And I have waited for this moment to come
And I won't let it pass me by...


I won't go back, can't go back, to the way it used to be
Before Your presence came and changed me
I won't go back, I can't go back, to the way it used to be
Before Your presence came and changed me”

Wrestling-Thursday Thought

When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. ²⁶ Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” Genesis 32:25-26 esv

What are God’s intentions? This scene of Jacob wrestling with God is very confusing yet intriguing. The Bible and our lives often makes us wonder what God’s purposes are in the way He deals with us. God could have simply made Jacob do whatever it was He wanted His servant to do. But as we keep seeing the Lord doesn’t operate that way. He wants us to willingly serve Him.

What are God’s intentions with you? What is He trying to show you? Jesus wants you to grow up spiritually and in the knowledge of His Word. But He will not force you to do anything. Do you ever feel like you’re wrestling with God? How is that working for you? Do you willingly serve the Lord?

Wrestling-Wednesday Word

And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Genesis 32:24

Jacob was wrestling with God. Obviously at any point Almighty could have pinned down Jacob’s body. However, as the Lord usually operates, He wasn’t after Jacob’s body, but his mindset and intentions. God wanted to pin down Jacob’s will. And so after wrestling all night long the Lord touched his leg and dislocated Jacob’s hip joint. Now we have reached the great turning point. Jacob turned from wrestling to clinging. When Jacob proclaimed he would not let go this was not an act of defiance, we can never force God to do anything, but now he wanted God like never before.

Sometimes God just breaks you all the way down. When you don’t listen to what He says or follow His direction, God knows how to get your attention. When you keep resisting Christ He can get you in line with Him. Give in to the Lord before your turning point has to come this way. Just give in and win!

Wrestling-Tuesday Truth

And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day.  Genesis 32:24 ESV

When God wrestles He always wins! Jacob actually tried to wrestle with God. As if winning against the Lord in any battle is ever possible. What God had in store for him was so great. If only Jacob had known what the Lord wanted to do in his life, then he probably wouldn’t have resisted God. Jacob wouldn’t have wasted time in a futile wrestling match.

Don’t waste time warring with God. He always wins. Many people think that Jacob was wrestling with God in order to get the blessing, but that is just preposterous. God never operates that way. We don’t get blessed by resisting God. We get blessed by obeying Him. Don’t wrestle with the Lord. Just give in and win.

Wrestling-Monday Motivation

And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. Genesis 32:24 ESV

In the middle of his scheming and conniving Jacob had a wrestling match. Jacob wrestled with the Lord. God had a purpose and plan for His servant, but he just wanted to do it Jacob’s way. And so Jacob wrestled with the Lord all night long. He was already tired and now this. If only he had simply gave into God’s way.

Do you ever feel like you are wrestling with the Lord? Don’t be hesitant in going where God is leading. There is no need to resist Jesus. He only has good plans for you. Just trust Him. If you feel like you’ve been wrestling with Christ just give in. He only wants to make you better and stronger!

Broken Down...Built Up-Friday Freedom

For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” Acts 9:19-20 ESV

After Paul submitted to God Paul was restored and he began doing what the Lord created him to do. Paul preached the unadulterated truth of Jesus Christ with an unparalleled fervor. Christ has something just as great for you too. Your pain is the first step to building you up into the man or woman God has called you to be. Don’t stay down; just submit to God’s plan. Let God raise you up!

“Hold on don’t give up
Don’t you worry you don’t have to cry God sees,
He sees what you’re going through God is willing and He’s able
This didn’t catch Him by surprise
So if you would trust Him and just step, step aside

And be still; don’t question it
For these obstacles they were allowed
And know he wants to take you
Take you higher, higher you just hold on
And know my God is willing; and he's able
This didn’t catch Him by surprise
So if we would trust Him and just step aside!”

-Tamela Mann

Broken Down...Built Up-Thursday Thought

Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. Acts 9:8 ESV

Are you going to stay blind? God wanted to get Paul’s attention so He blinded him. For three days Paul was blind once Paul had succumbed to God’s will his sight was restored. At this moment Paul received two types of sight; physical and spiritual. God restored him when he got in line with the Lord’s plan. Before his encounter with the Lord Paul wanted to kill every Christian. Afterward he wanted to bring as many people to the body of Christ as possible.  There was a good reason behind Paul’s affliction.

There’s good reason behind your affliction as well. Many of us stay in our sufferings too long because we just keep trying to do it our way. Christ is waiting on us to get in line with His plan. What if Paul had a stubborn attitude towards the Lord? We don’t know, but he could have possibly stayed blind the rest of his life. What about you? Are you going to stay in your affliction? Are you going to stay blind?

Broken Down...Built Up-Wednesday Word

Before I was afflicted I went astray,
    but now I keep your word.

It is good for me that I was afflicted,
    that I might learn your statutes.

       Psalm 119:67,71 ESV

For 176 verses the unknown psalmist proclaims his love for the Word of God on Psalm 119. Here towards the middle he shares how he has come to obey God’s instruction so fervently. Affliction. Not wishful thinking or attending a conference, but pain. Suffering took this man away from his waywardness back into God’s will. He even goes on to say that the affliction was good for him!

Stop and think about your pain and suffering. Do you like them? No, of course not. No one in their right mind enjoys pain. But are they good for you? Yes. Your afflictions are opportunities for you to grow like you have never grown before. In your time of suffering just ground yourself in the Word of God. Your focus will shift from life’s pain to the joys of God’s promotion!

Broken Down...Built Up-Tuesday Truth

Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”  Acts 9:3-4 ESV

God blocks us when we need to be blocked. Saul, which Paul was knows as before his conversion, was on the way to Damascus to kill more Christians. God had great plans for Saul, but He had to break him first. Saul was definitely on the wrong track and Jesus did something about it.

Sometimes when you’re on the wrong path Christ has to intervene. God sees and knows all the magnificent things you could do if you would just listen to Him. When He sees you going the wrong way sometimes He breaks you down. However, this is never to keep you down. God only wants you to realize your full dependence on Him.

Broken Down...Built Up-Monday Motivation

Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. Acts 9:8 ESV

God builds us up through breaking us down. Look at the Apostle Paul. Before he wrote 13 books in the New Testament he was strongly against God. God had a plan to use Paul from the beginning of time. However He had to prepare Paul for the calling on his life. God has a calling for you too.

When you think life is breaking you down The Lord is simply making you stronger. God gets your attention through brokenness. Just think about it; when does Jesus have your undivided attention? When you have nowhere else to turn. What seems to be holding you down now will hold you up later. Be strong in the Lord!

Hey Mom

On what would be my Mother's 47th birthday, what better gift to give than...a daughter?!

Hey Mom, this is Kimberli

I just love her

I know she’s the one for me

Yes she’s smart and yes she’s saved

She reminds me of you in so many ways

Not here to replace. No one can do that

But like you, I just love her so much

Hey Mom, this is Kim

You would like her

We just know we were meant to be

Yes I open her doors, yes I give her my best

She reminds me of you, she expects nothing less

Not here to replace. No one can do that

But like you, she’s a virtuous woman

Hey Mom, this is Kim My soul mate

It’ so clear; everyone can see

She’s gorgeous and sweet, but don’t worry she’s tough

How she reminds me of you; she don’t take no stuff!

Not here to replace. No one can do that

But like you, on her I can lean

Hey Mom, this is Kim

My “Eve”

Why? God custom made her for me

Greater than her beauty is her spiritual wealth

She reminds me of you; she knows Christ for herself

Not here to replace. No one can do that

But like you, she’s a woman I trust

Hey Mom, this is Kim

I just love her

You would too. She’s God’s gift to me

She’s a woman of God, but knows how to have fun

She reminds me of you. Yes I know she’s the one!

Not here to replace. No one can do that

But like you, she just loves me for me

Thanks Mom for all you taught me

Wow…God has doubly smiled on me!

Just Wait-Friday Freedom

 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 ESV

Stop focusing on what you don’t know and set your heart and what you do. We don’t know when God will show up. We just know that He will. Sometimes you have to let what you know about God trump your feelings. Stay in His Word, pray even when you don’t feel like it, and look for opportunities wherever you are. God is up to something! Just wait.

Sometimes in life you'll find that
You get in a hurry
But when you have assurance
There is no need to worry

You can wait, wait, wait on the Lord and you'll see
He always keep His word.
But just trust in Him
Don't be dismayed

Patience in time of trouble
Trust and believe Him
And everything God promised
You will receive it
If you wait, wait, wait, on the Lord.
And you'll see and He'll
He'll always keep His word.
But you must just trust in Him
Don't you be dismayed

Just Wait-Thursday Thought

declaring the end from the beginning
    and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, Isaiah 46:10 ESV

Do you know your future? Of course not. None of us do. As much as we would like to plan out every step of life exactly; we simply can not. Sometimes we get frustrated in trying to make things happen in our own timing. But we weren’t made to live that way. We were made to totally dependent on God. In spite of what the world says this is how God’s true children are supposed to live.

Who knows your future? God does of course! Because He sits outside of time The Lord knows how life will unfold. Think about your favorite movie; the one you know all the words to. That is how God sees your life, but He knows it even more. Christ has the plan. He knows why things take so long. Trust Him.

Just Wait-Wednesday Word

For a thousand years in your sight
    are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. Psalm 90:4 ESV

God exists outside of time. Never forget that. The comparison of a thousand years to a day simply tells us that time means nothing to The Lord. He doesn’t grow older. He never learns anything new. God never changes. Our God sits outside of time itself. While grow more impatient waiting on what is to come; He knows every detail exactly and precisely.

God literally has all the time in the world. Don’t try to rush Him. I promise that you won’t get anywhere doing that. God is doing what He does best; running your life, my life, and the entire world in His own sovereign system. Even when you don’t understand remember who Jesus is. You can trust The Lord. Let Him do it His way. Trying to rush Christ will only slow you down!

Just Wait-Tuesday Truth

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?  Romans 8:32 ESV

God wants the best for us. Find that hard to believe sometimes? Join the club. Whether we believe it or not even the strongest of us can get caught up in our feelings. God gave us emotion and we’re meant to express them. However we must learn to control our feelings lest they eventually control us. Our knowledge of the eternal God must take over our feelings at any given moment.

God gave us His Son! Jesus willingly died for you. What good thing, then, would He possibly keep from you? Nothing. God wants to hold nothing back from you, but He also wants you to be ready for each blessing and opportunity. God wants to bless you, but He must also prepare you for the next level. Wait on God.

Just Wait-Monday Motivation

Wait for the Lord;
    be strong, and let your heart take courage;
    wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:14 ESV

God always blesses those who wait for Him! Life is filled with temptations to do things our own way. We want everything to play out in our timing. Seemingly everyone else has everything and we want to live good too. Knowing that God will supply all of our needs and actually trusting Him to do it become two different things. How we yearn to take life into our own hands!

Never forget as much as we want to be blessed abundantly; God wants to bless us even more. But He knows how and when everything will work. Don’t fall for the enemy’s lies. God loves you and He will take care of you. Don’t look around. Look up. Wait on God and He will come through for you.