Finding Refreshment in the Desert

BY JESSICA LANDMON

I just returned from a week-long trip to the Holy Land. This was not my first time visiting Israel. My parents took me there when I was fourteen years old. But being older and having a deeper walk with the Lord, I started the trip excited to see how much more the Word of God would come alive to me. 

We visited so many holy places. We walked where Jesus walked. We saw the cities where He performed the most amazing miracles. I even preached where Jesus preached. All life-changing! But ironically, the site that had the biggest impact on me was the nature reserve in Ein Gedi. 

For those of you who don’t know, Ein Gedi is an oasis right on the edge of the Judean Wilderness near the Dead Sea. This location is mentioned many times in the Old Testament, but most of us recognize it as the place David hid while fleeing from King Saul. 

While we were there, temperatures were near 120 degrees! Saying it was hot is obviously an understatement. It was so hot, I contemplated not hiking into the reserve and just admiring it from afar. However, I am so thankful I didn’t let my temporary discomfort dissuade me because after a short walk, I was rewarded with a gorgeous waterfall and a pool of water to cool off in. What I didn’t realize is that two rivers flow right through this place, making it a lush, refreshing spot right in the middle of the desert. 

I know this all sounds just like a lovely tourist spot, but what was so spiritual about this? Why did this location come alive to me? You see, the Lord really spoke to me right in that place showing me how the Christian life should mirror this oasis. All around us are desert-like conditions. We are often surrounded by chaos, violence, anxiety, and depression. We work in environments that suck the life right out of us. There is barrenness and extreme heat on all sides. And yet, just like this oasis, we are meant to flourish and thrive. We are still called to bear fruit. 

It blew me away to see how land enduring such extreme, scorching temperatures could flourish so much. This is proof that God can make us bloom no matter what situation we are placed in. He will provide refreshing rivers to sustain us. If we put our trust in the Lord, He can provide an oasis from the rest of the world so that we can continue grow in Him even in the middle of a desert place.

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. – Jeremiah 31:25

Real Talk

BY SHALYN C. WILLIS

Years ago, there was a youth pastor who I met at a retreat who was one of the rawest and funniest guys there. He was always great about getting teens hyped up for games and competitions, but when it came time to be serious about something, he would say, “It’s time for some real talk.” I always loved this because it was such a great reminder that sometimes we just gotta get real with one another.

Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices. — Colossians 3:9

God subtly and randomly reminded me of this “real talk” concept the other day. It got me thinking about how so many people today don’t know how to be real. This world of filters and social media has given us the ability to portray a perfect life to the world. When in reality, we are all struggling with real life just like everyone else. The scripture above talks about needing to be honest after having a transformed life. When we become one of God’s children through salvation, we are called to a life of truth and honesty. While many of us may do our best to not tell lies, how many of us are lying to others with our actions?

I sometimes find myself guilty of trying to be a certain way so that others will like me better. It’s human nature to want to be accepted. But even if the entire world accepted you, you would feel empty inside. If we can get it through our heads that the only opinion that matters is God’s, it will free us from this lifestyle of needing others to think that we are perfect. By being our truest selves, we will find that it is actually our most beautiful selves. Vulnerability, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful qualities in a person because it is so rare in this day and age. 

So let us not get caught up in that lifestyle of perfection, but rather live life real. Let’s have some “real talk.” Let’s be those girls who care only about what God thinks and live life filter-free. Be the girl God created you to be. I hope you will accept the challenge to walk the real life walk.

Trust the Process

BY JESSICA LANDMON

The Bible is full of faith-filled scriptures and encouragements. We are told to have faith in God’s Word and trust that He is working all things out on our behalf. But what happens when the very things we are believing for haven’t come to pass? What happens when days of waiting turn to weeks and then weeks turn to years? 

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. – Proverbs 13:12 

If you are anything like me, you want to see your prayers answered immediately. And in fact, there are numerous times in the Bible when we see an instant touch from God - healing, breakthrough, or deliverance. So why doesn’t God always answer that way? Why do some requests seem to go unheard?

Ladies, one thing that I have learned especially in this season of life is that we need to trust His process. We need to stop looking for God’s answers as it relates to our timetable or our understanding. He is God, and we need to recognize that He has a bigger plan for our lives that sometimes we are not privy to. And unfortunately, that plan may require some waiting on our end. 

In the process of waiting, God is still doing a work in us, just not necessarily the work we want. He is refining us, building up character and perseverance. He is creating a wellspring of faith as we wait on Him to move. That is why it is so important to trust Him as we wait.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. – Proverbs 3:5

Or course, we all want to see God move on our behalf. And yes, we want to see that happen immediately, but let’s not forsake His method and ways. Just because we don’t see an answer as we expected or in our timeframe, doesn’t mean that He isn’t moving. So sweet friend, just breathe and trust the process.  

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9

Picture Perfect

BY SHILA ANDERSON

As I scroll through my Facebook posts, I have to laugh. So many happy memories, family vacations, accomplishments – all good things. It really gives the illusion that my life is so perfect. My life, perfect? Again, I have to laugh. 

I personally choose not to put my “whole” life out there for the world to see. My Facebook friends don’t see the hard times, the hurts, the disappointments, or the areas that need healing. This week, in fact, you didn’t see that our refrigerator, a computer, and a shower faucet all broke in our house. And if that weren’t bad enough, the shower faucet breaking led to a gaping hole in the ceiling in my kitchen. Nope, I didn’t post that picture. This past year we’ve been through many changes in our life and, as you know, change is hard. There were some major hurts that came from that. You won’t see that on my Facebook feed either. 

I realize that many of us only put our best self out there and keep the yucky stuff to ourselves. I don’t see anything wrong with that, except when the comparison game begins. What happens when I compare my unposted imperfect life to the perfect, edited posts of my family and friends? It just doesn’t make sense – I’m not comparing apples to apples.

Does anyone else out there get stuck in the social media comparison game? Or is it just me? We should ask ourselves, what are our motives for our scrolls? Are we genuinely interested in the goings on of our friends, or are we looking to compare? Are we in a place where we can feel happy for them, or are we just going to be upset about our own life? Are we losing our joy by our comparisons? Are we thinking everyone else is perfect, but us?

Remember this, no one is perfect. Jesus is the only one that is perfect. Just because you may only be seeing the perfect, doesn’t mean that it’s all that is there. Don’t judge. Don’t get jealous. If it leads to that, maybe you need to take a break from social media altogether. Sometimes we need to take our eyes off of the screen and get our eyes on Christ. Turn your scrolling time into devotional time. Find a plan you like on your Bible App and get into the Word of God. 

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure. – Psalm 16:8-9

I thank God for the me that He made me. I love my imperfectly perfect life. And the next time I get myself in a comparison funk, I’ll remind myself to get my face in The Book and out of Facebook. I hope you will do the same. 

Calling All the Prodigals

BY JESSICA LANDMON

If you have ever been to even one Sunday School class or attended a Vacation Bible School, there is a good chance that you were taught the story of The Prodigal Son. In the book of Luke, Jesus tells the story of two sons. One son asks his father to give him his inheritance early. He then leaves home and squanders all his wealth on wild living. Soon after, a famine hits the land, and he is now destitute and longing for the life he once lived. 

When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father. – Luke 15:17-20a

We often focus on the faith of the father in this teaching. While the son is away, the father continues to hold out hope that his son will someday return. This story is a great faith builder for parents who are in a similar situation. But this blog is not for the “father” in the story. This blog is for the prodigals – all those who have stepped away from the faith, who have intentionally made choices against God’s plan for their lives and are living a life full of willful disobedience, squandering away their God-given inheritance. 

Today, I want to call the prodigals home. 

Take a moment and examine your life. Have you walked away from God to pursue worldly desires? Have you sacrificed your relationship with the Lord for wild living? Are you chasing a lifestyle that is leaving you empty? Have you slowly inched yourself away from God’s covering? Do you feel unworthy to return to God because of those choices that you made? No matter what you have done, we need to understand that God is quick to forgive. He just wants you to return to Him.

Much like our Heavenly Father, the father in this story never stopped thinking about his son. He never stopped loving him. And, he never stopped caring for him. As the scripture clearly shows, the father was continually looking for his return, which is why he saw his son when he was “still a long way off.” 

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. – Luke 15:20

Ladies, it’s not too late. It’s never too late to return to Jesus. You just have to decide in your heart that you are done living your life in vain. Repent, and live the life God intends. Jesus is waiting for you to return with arms wide open. It’s time to go home!

Meet Me at the Cross

BY JESSICA LANDMON

Murder. Selfishness. Adultery. Lying. Pride. Stealing. Gossip. Fornication. Idolatry. Blasphemy. Coveting. Strife. Envy. Greed. Unforgiveness. Drunkenness. Rebellion. Selfish Ambition. Perversion. Sexual Impurity. Disobedience. Witchcraft. Profanity. Jealousy. The list goes on. If you have ever committed any of the above, then you are a sinner, just like me. Sin isn’t measured by size. There is no distinction between a tiny white lie and a big one. It’s all sin. The consequences may differ, but it all separates us from God. We stand guilty.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23

But, because of God’s tremendous love for us, He sent His Son to stand in our place to pay the penalty for all our wrongdoings. An innocent man, God incarnate, hung on the cross – beaten, tortured, and mocked – for you and me. His death was beyond excruciating. It was a physical and emotional hell that He endured for us, so that we would never have to. Eternal condemnation is what we deserved, but eternal life is what He graciously gave.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23

The best part of this extraordinary offering is that it is free to us. We can’t earn it, we can’t buy it, and we certainly don’t deserve it. But, it’s ours. And, yet, so many don’t receive it.

Disbelief is one reason, but unworthiness is another. People continue to deny the power of this ultimate sacrifice. “I’ve gone too far,” “My sin is too big,” “You don’t know what I’ve done,” or “I keep messing up” are just a few of the lies that the devil tries to use to lessen the power of the cross. But, what Jesus did that day is powerful enough to cover any sin. Right before He took His last breath, Jesus declared:

“It is finished.” – John 19:30

And it is finished. The power of sin and death was defeated. Don’t allow the enemy to rob you of this beautiful love offering. You may not be worthy. Actually, I know you aren’t. None of us are, but Jesus is.

So this Easter, I invite you to meet me at the cross, where we are all washed clean.

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for dying on the cross for me. I accept this beautiful gesture of love. I believe you died and rose again so that the penalty of sin would be paid in full for me – for all of us. Please forgive me for all my sins, known and unknown. I pray for power to defeat this sin in my life. I know it has all been paid for at the cross. I lay down all my efforts and control, and I make you Lord of my life. Amen.

(From the WGR archives, originally published March 23, 2016)

Pressed In On All Sides

BY JESSICA LANDMON

There are times in each of our lives where we may feel pressed in on all sides. It appears that there is no solution to our impossible situation. Fear moves in, and our thoughts become desperate and hopeless. 

Right after Moses and the Israelites fled Egypt, they were up against an impossible situation of their own – the Red Sea in front of them and the Egyptian army behind them. There was no place for them to go and no possible way to defeat these skilled Egyptian soldiers – that is, no place to go in the natural and no power in their own strength. 

As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord.

–Exodus 14:10

What happens next for God’s chosen people is the truth that I want all of us to grab a hold of today. In this moment of fear and doubt, in this moment of anguish and uncertainty, Moses tells the Israelites to not be afraid and to stand firm. God would provide supernatural deliverance; they need not do anything. 

Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

–Exodus 14:13-14

And that’s just what He did. The Lord parted the waters of the Red Sea so that the Israelites could travel across on dry ground, and then He pulled back the waters when the Egyptians were crossing, drowning them all. 

Not one of the Israelites in their natural mind could have imagined what God was about to do. There appeared to be no way out. I know many of you are feeling the same way in your lives. There is no way out, no solution, no escape plan coming your way. If you believe that, then you, my friend, don’t know my God. 

God can turn the impossible to the possible. He can heal a broken marriage, provide financial provision out of nowhere, restore the most broken relationship, and heal every sickness and disease. The Lord can bring hope to the broken-hearted and wipe away every tear. His power is limitless. 

Listen, I don’t know what sea bank you are pressed up against today, and I certainly don’t know what army is closing in on you. But, I want to give you the same advice that Moses gave the Israelites. Don’t be afraid and stand firm in your faith. If you surrender this situation over to the Lord, you too will witness God do the miraculous in your life.

Don't Take the Bait

BY JESSICA LANDMON

A concerning follow-up appointment request from your doctor. Unexpected expenses that your bank account cannot support. Relational strain in your family. News of downsizing at your place of work. A child who is testing your patience. Feelings of unworthiness or inferiority that seep in out of nowhere. An issue in your marriage that seems hopeless. A comment that was presented as a joke, but really had some hurtful undertones. Not getting credit for something that you worked hard on. Unfair treatment towards your child by a coach, teacher or instructor.

Ladies, whatever your situation is today, don’t take the bait!

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. – 1 Peter 5:8

Plain and simple, the devil is trying to bait you. He would love nothing more than to incite an emotional response in you that doesn’t honor God. He knows your strengths and weaknesses, your history and your tendencies, and any emotional hurt that hasn’t been dealt with. Basically, he knows what buttons to push.

That is why it is so important to be wise to the enemy’s schemes. If we understand what his strategy is, if we understand that he is trying to push us off course, then we are stronger positioned to resist any temptation that he throws our way.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. – Ephesians 6:10-12

Listen, life is far from easy. Each day presents its own challenges, which is why we must clothe ourselves with the armor of God. Instead of responding in anger, fear, depression, hopelessness, or allowing an offense to build up in our hearts, we need to remember that we have been given Holy Spirit power to resist our natural tendency and take up a position of faith to stand against the enemy.

I’m not suggesting that we all walk around pretending that certain situations are not occurring. That would be foolishness. But, if we hand over all our situations to the Lord, and not react as if we are people without faith, then we will see God’s mighty hand move in our lives.

A Love That Lasts a Lifetime

BY JESSICA LANDMON

What a special start to my Valentine’s Day! After the kids went off to school and my husband headed to work, I was able to spend a good part of the morning with my parents having a cup of tea and holding great conversation. Now some of you may be thinking, “what does this have to do with Valentine’s Day?”

As we talked, I listened to my parents reminisce back to the days when they first started dating. I laughed as I heard them finish each other’s stories. I watched them still joke with another and truly enjoy each other’s company. What pure joy it is, especially in this day and age, to still have parents who are not only still married, but love each other more than they did when they first started dating over 50 years ago. This is such a rarity. We are lucky if we see a marriage last 15 years these days. 

So, what’s the secret to their success? How do you make a love last a lifetime? The answer is quite simple – prayer. I don’t mean just praying for your marriage, but actually praying together as a married couple. One of the best things my parents taught me was that you never let even one day pass by without praying together in unity.

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. – Ecclesiastes 4:12

My father is now retired, but there was a point in his career when he would be away on business for weeks at a time. Some of these trips were overseas where my parents were contending with major time differences. Also, keep in mind that this was back in the day before cell phones, FaceTime, and really any convenient way to contact one another. But even with all these challenges, they never let a day go by where they didn’t spend even a few minutes praying together – for our family, health, safety, etc. They understood a very important Biblical principal that so many miss – there is power in agreement in prayer!

Listen, the devil wants to destroy your marriage. Attacking marriages is nothing new for him. He knows that if he can wedge himself in between the two of you, he can start causing division and strife in the home, not only affecting your marriage but the entire family. However, if you are standing together in prayer each day, there is no room for him to enter. 

So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. – Matthew 19:6

Ladies, the most intimate thing you could do with your husband is pray together. I know it can be a little unnerving if you’ve never done it before. But if you want a love that will last a lifetime, grab you husband’s hand, get down on your knees, and start praying together in unity. 

Happy Valentine’s Day!

You Are Doing It Wrong!

BY JESSICA LANDMON

Let me just start out by saying – you are doing it wrong! If you constantly feel overwhelmed, if you feel burdened by the mounting pressures all around you, if you feel there aren’t enough hours in your day to accomplish all the things you need to do, then girlfriend, YOU are doing life wrong!

I know, life is busy. There are so many things that need our attention. There are so many things that we can invest our time in. There are so many things that we can’t say no to. Now more than ever, women have a real opportunity to make a name for themselves. I mean, who doesn’t want to be remembered for their contribution to society. Except, my friend, that is not at all what we are called to do. We are here to make Jesus’ name famous, not our own.

Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. – Psalm 105:1

Ok, I know I hit a nerve here, but stay with me. Whether you are a preacher, an accountant, or a stay-at-home mom, our mission should be to take the spotlight off of ourselves and shine it brightly on the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. I know this is so contrary to what the world is selling us. And I am certainly not suggesting that we shouldn’t be successful or memorable. God wants us to excel in everything we put our hands to. And, He will equip us to do so. But when we excel, it should ultimately be to bring glory back to Him.

When we chase fame or accolades for ourselves, we will simultaneously exhaust ourselves because we are doing it in our own strength. When we do it for the glory of God, He will empower us. Listen, I truly believe that we should always do our best. But, it’s our motivation that needs to get reexamined from time to time. 

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. – Psalm 139:23-24

Ladies, I am not saying that life isn’t sometimes stressful. There are certainly seasons that will try us more than others. But if you are simply stressed out because you have joined the rat race in trying to become the best at everything to bring recognition to yourself, then something has to change.

What Are You Hungry For?

BY JESSICA LANDMON

It’s a new year, and like many Christians, I have entered it with some extra time on my knees in prayer. As I sit back, looking at 2019 in front of me, I keep asking the Lord what He has in store for my life, my family, my church and this ministry. Interestingly, He answered my questions with a question of His own.  

“Jessica, what are YOU hungry for?”

What am I hungry for? At first, this seemed like an odd reply because I am more interested in His plans than my own. However, when I sat back and thought about His question, it really began to challenge me, and I want to challenge you today too. 

The world is screaming at each of us with so many things that are competing for our attention. And honestly, most of them aren’t bad, in and of themselves. Unfortunately, when our sights are set on worldly accomplishments and distractions, our hunger for the things of God diminish, and we are left with another year frustrated that we haven’t seen God move in our lives to the extent we hoped. However, if we hunger for the things of God, we will see God move in our lives in ways that we could never imagine.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.—James 4:8

You see, the extent to which I see God move in my life this year will be directly correlated to my appetite for the things of God. It’s up to me. If I am chasing worldly pursuits, I will ultimately see worldly results. However, if I am chasing God’s Kingdom purposes, I will see amazing outpourings of the manifest presence of Christ in my life, affecting not only me, but my family, my church and my ministry.

Ladies, time in the Word and time on our knees in prayer are NEVER wasted. You are sewing good seed, and ultimately you will reap a bountiful harvest. Don’t waste another year chasing the wrong “food.” Instead, I encourage you to chase after and passionately pursue a more intimate year with the Lord. So, the questions remains — what are you hungry for?

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.— Matthew 6:33

Do You See Him?

BY JESSICA LANDMON

I have been reading through the Bible practically my whole life, and yet I am still amazed by the things that I read. A familiar passage all of a sudden comes to life, and the Lord unveils a fresh message to me. It’s actually kind of awesome. Let me share a recent example with you.

Just the other day, I was rereading the accounts of Jesus after His resurrection. Specifically, I was looking at the story that transpired on the road to Emmaus. Two disciples, distraught and consumed with all that had transpired, are walking along when the resurrected Jesus joins them. So caught up in the midst of their worries and concerns, they totally miss that it is Jesus Himself that is walking and talking with them.

Ok. Let’s pause for a moment. Two disciples are troubled over Jesus’ crucifixion and now His missing body. They are so fixated on their problems that they don’t even recognize that Jesus is in their midst. How is that even possible? Now before you go and pass judgment on these two, I want you to take a step back and ask yourself how many times you have done that very thing. I certainly paused and reflected on the times I have walked through difficult situations where I didn’t recognize Jesus’ presence in it. 

And for many of you right now, you too are walking in a time of deep trouble or are consumed by a heart-wrenching concern. You may feel hopeless or all alone. But, what you need to understand is that even though you can’t see Him, Jesus is right in the midst of your circumstance. He is walking with you. And He wants to be talking to you. You are not alone!

Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him. – Luke 24:31 

We, like those two disciples, are often so fixated on our trial that we completely miss the fact that Jesus is right there in the middle of it with us. Ladies, I pray that God will give you spiritual eyes so that you may see that Jesus is right beside you, ready to help.

What is in Your Hand?

BY JESSICA LANDMON

I don’t know about you, but when I read the miracles performed in the Bible, I wonder why we aren’t experiencing them to the same extent today. I think we can agree that we all need some form of Godly intervention in one or more areas of our lives. So we pray and sit on our hands waiting for God to show up miraculously to do His thing. Well, let me just tell you that this is the wrong posture. In fact, it is the release of the very thing that is in our hands that unleashes the supernatural. 

Let me explain. In the Gospel of John, we read about a young boy who went to watch Jesus preach and perform miracles. Little did he know that he himself would play an integral role in one of the most talked about miracles that Jesus performed – The Feeding of the Five Thousand. All this little boy had with him was his lunch. He didn’t have a lot to offer up to Jesus. He certainly didn’t have enough to feed all those people, but he decided to give Jesus everything he had in his hands. 

“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” – John 6:9-12

This little boy didn’t have much, but he offered what he had in his hands to be multiplied by God for a supernatural display. Make no mistake, God doesn’t need anything of ours to move, but He does want our obedience and our participation. God will do His part, but we must do ours. 

So ladies, are you waiting for God to move miraculously in your lives? If yes, I challenge you today with these questions. What step of faith is God asking you to take? What role does He require for you to play in seeing your miracle through? What can you offer? What is in your hand?

One Name

BY SHALYN C. WILLIS

As believers in Jesus Christ, I think we often forget the majesty and greatness of the name of Jesus. We take for granted the beauty, power, and hope found in the mere essence of His name. The only name ever to have the power to save, set free, heal, and redeem is the name of my Savior. I can't number for you how many times I have called upon that one name, and my storm was still, my heart had hope, and my fears were faced by faith. That one name has the power to comfort or convict. The one name that can cause armies to be destroyed or a bird to sing is the name of the God who lives in me. 

As Daughters of God, we must not lose sight of the grand nature of Jesus' name. Not only His name, but also Him as a person. He is our salvation, joy, hope, peace, power, faith, goodness, patience, victory, courage, strength, endurance, and love. I know that I need to constantly be reminded of and thankful for that one name. 

In the midst of this crazy life, don't lose sight of that one name. The one name that fulfills us and covers our sins is the name we must remain in awe of. That one name is JESUS!

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. — Acts 4:12

Are You in Need of a Miracle?

BY JESSICA LANDMON

Healing, provision, deliverance, new life – Jesus is the source of it all. Many of you are waiting for your miracle. Many of you are losing faith. I want to encourage you today with this: 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. – Hebrews 13:8 

Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding in Cana. Jesus healed an official’s son in Galilee. Jesus healed a Centurion’s servant. Jesus healed a man’s withered hand. Jesus raised a widow’s son from the dead. Jesus calmed the storm at sea. Jesus casted demons into a herd of pigs. Jesus healed the woman with the issue of blood. Jesus healed a blind man at Bethsaida. Jesus healed a woman who had been crippled for 18 years. Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead. Jesus fed the 5,000. Jesus walked on water. Jesus cleansed ten lepers. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.

I have been rereading the Gospels over the last few weeks, and I am reminded of all the miraculous works Jesus performed while He walked this earth. These are just a few of the many things He accomplished. We see Jesus walk in authority and power, moved with compassion and love, doing miracle after miracle. All of this was done to bring glory to God the Father.

The good news is that these miracles were not just reserved for His time in history. He still heals the sick, brings new life, delivers us from oppression, heals marriages, provides financially, goes after the lost. So why do we struggle to believe?

Simple, we take our eyes off Jesus and instead focus them on our circumstance. Yes, sometimes there is no natural solution to our problem. Yes, we may have exhausted everything under our ability to get a resolution. Yes, everything may look bleak. But no, it is not hopeless with Jesus. He has the final say. 

Ladies, I encourage you to open up your Bible and reread the Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Study the accounts of what Jesus has done. See how He was motivated by compassion and love to move with supernatural power in the lives of so many. Let your faith be strengthened. Invite Jesus into your situation, and let Him do what only He can do.

 With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. – Matthew 19:26

Don't Miss Your Divine Appointments

BY JESSICA LANDMON

We all have appointments. Appointments to meet a friend. Appointments to get our hair done. Doctor’s appointments. Work appointments. Appointments with trainers, accountants, pastors, lawyers. You name it, our calendars are loaded with them.

But, today I want to talk to you about a different kind of appointment. An appointment where God puts you in a certain place or in front of a specific person’s path so that you can accomplish His plans and purposes. I want to talk to you about divine appointments.

I hope my mother doesn’t mind me sharing, but her actions this week really stirred me. She went for her routine breast screening on Monday, and that afternoon, she received the dreaded call back. The radiologist saw a little something suspicious on her scan, and they needed to take further images to determine the nature of the mass. Now I know a lot us, including myself, have sat in her seat at one point in life. But, it is her reaction that I want to showcase.

Her follow up was scheduled for first thing the next morning. Trusting God, she walked in full of faith. Instead of being all consumed with herself and her feelings, she looked outward and saw opportunities to do the Lord’s work while she was there in that waiting room. She ended up ministering to one woman about some dangerous things the woman was involved in, and she also had the opportunity to lead another woman to Christ. 

Ladies, God sometimes asks us to go where we don’t want to go. God sometimes puts people in our path that we just don’t want to deal with. And, God often positions us in circumstances that we just can’t understand in the natural. I encourage you to stop looking inward at yourself and questioning why you have to be where you are at, and start looking outward to see all the opportunities to do God’s work that are surrounding you!

For those of you who are wondering, my mother’s new images came back clean. Of course, this is still something we as women hope we never have to walk through. But, I can say with certainty, that her ability to see God’s plans in the midst of her circumstance enabled her to participate in God’s work. So, ladies, I don’t know what appointments you have this week, but please don’t miss your divine ones!

 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” – Psalm 37:23  

Keep It Out of the Cupboard

BY SHALYN C. WILLIS

What I am about to tell you, I have told no soul. I'm going to be completely honest with you, I have been bad. I knew the right thing to do and yet I chose the opposite. I'll just say it. The other night, I was taking a teacup out of the cupboard to pour myself my nightly routine cup of tea. When I looked at the cup that my hand had grasped, I noticed a streak of soap residue from the dishwasher stuck to the side of the glass mug. At that moment, I had a choice to make. I could have washed it off and then used that mug, or I could put it back into the cupboard and no one would ever know that I had discovered the soap stain and didn't fix it. This being not one of my most shining moments, I put the mug back into the cupboard! Rebellious, I know! I couldn't even believe myself! After I had done it, I laughed to myself, but then I felt God speak to me through this irresponsible action. 

We do this spiritually don't we? I mean, if we are being honest with ourselves and others, there are things, stains, and messes in our lives that we take out and see, but rather than fixing them and making it better, we simply put it back behind the cupboard door. I know that for me, this hit home. This was God's slightly silly, yet profound way of revealing to me, that I have some unfinished business with certain areas of my heart. Things that I keep pushing under the rug, or tucking behind the cupboard door. But God is asking us not to put it back where we found it. He wants us to keep it out of the cupboard. By doing so, we will provide ourselves the opportunity to fix the problem, and wash off the stain. It's time we work on the problems rather than hiding them. 

Proverbs 6:4 says not to put off what can be done now. We are told this not as a warning or recommendation, but as a command! God doesn't desire that we are burdened with these issues longer than we need to. By continually hiding them and putting them away, we aren't allowing ourselves or God the access to work on the issues at hand. We are supposed to deal with things and move on, not be weighed down with the same issue for extended periods of time. But sometimes we don't keep stuff out of the cupboard because it means we have to be vulnerable with ourselves and others. 

I am not telling you this out of a place of achievement. Trust me, I am far from accomplishing my own advice, but the truth is it's not my advice. It is what God has been speaking to me. Ultimately, it is God's advice. Part of becoming dependent upon Him is to be willing to swallow the hard truth He gives. Trust me, I'm still swallowing this one! But in order for God to shape us into becoming more like Him, we have to be willing to keep those dirty, ugly parts out of the hidden places so that He has full access to help us overcome them. One day you will look back at the soap stained mug that you kept putting back into the cupboard, and be mad that you didn't let God reshape that part of your life sooner. We are in this together. I am being stretched and I pray that you will stretch with me. Keep it out of the cupboard, and let Him work on your heart. 

Women Get Real is excited to showcase this blog from Shalyn Willis, founder of Dependent Daughters. Shalyn, at only 17 years old, uses her blogs to help her generation become more like Jesus. Shalyn will be joining the Women Get Real team on the panel at the Becoming God’s Girl Conference on September 28th. If you haven’t purchased your tickets, do so today. We are almost sold out!

http://becominggodsgirl.eventbrite.com

Your Life Should Be a Masterpiece

BY JESSICA LANDMON

The Bible is full of truths to help us live the life that He intends. Unfortunately, without exercising the right tools the right way, our lives will look nothing like God’s plan for it. 

Let me explain it to you another way. My daughter loves art and is very strong in drawing and sketching. A little over a year ago, she decided she wanted to expand her art portfolio to include painting. Now, she has natural artistic ability, but she has never received any specific painting instruction.

Full of passion and excitement, she set up her easel and started to paint. As you probably would imagine, things didn’t go as well as she hoped. She had all the right tools – paintbrushes, fan brushes, paint knives, and so on – and all the right paint, but she simply didn’t know how and when to use each one properly. The result was a frustrated teenager who could have easily walked away and said painting wasn’t for her.

Flash forward a few months, she decides to go at it again. Wiser this time, she doesn’t want to do it alone. Instead she decides to paint along with everyone’s favorite Bob Ross, currently streaming on Netflix. He took her step by step through the painting process. Boy, what a difference! I may be partial because I am her mother, but what a masterpiece she created. 

Ladies, in the same way, God wants our lives to be a masterpiece – a series of events wisely woven together to reflect the power and love of Jesus in our lives. It’s not our fault if we don’t know how to do it, but with the right instruction, we will succeed. But, you can’t do it alone. 

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.

— John 14:26

The Bible at times can be confusing. When you don’t understand it fully, it can be hard to apply it correctly to our lives. We need the Holy Spirit to teach us, lead us, and show us the right choices to make. We must rely on the conviction that only the Holy Spirit brings when we are getting off course and dabbling in areas that are dangerous to our Christian walk. 

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

— Hebrews 4:12

I encourage you to not only read the Word, but allow it to transform you and guide you through this life. These are not just words on a page — they are the very words of God, alive and active, ready to produce fruit in your lives. This is your tool box. Again, don’t feel badly if you do not know how to use it all. But, please don’t try to go it alone. Invite the Holy Spirit into your life, listen to His instruction, and watch your life become the masterpiece that God intends. 

Not a Spectator Sport

BY JESSICA LANDMON

Sorry to talk about the weather again, but we have experienced some crazy weather patterns in New England this year. Our latest run has been monsoon season – well at least it has felt that way. Just a couple days ago, I watched my husband take our dog outside in yet another torrential downpour. I felt so badly for them. Rain pelted from the sky soaking everything in its path, including my husband and sweet puppy. 

Fortunately, I sat dry and comfortable in the confines of my house. I knew it was raining. I saw it was raining. In fact, I heard it rain, but I didn’t experience the rain like they did. I was just a spectator.

Interestingly, as Christians, I feel like we do the same thing. We watch on the sidelines as others develop their faith, and as others roll up their sleeves and participate in promoting God’s purposes on Earth. We see God moving and we believe it to be true, but we aren’t experiencing the Christian life the way that God intends. 

Real faith requires action. It only truly develops when we live it out – when we experience the presence of God first hand, not simply by watching others. You see, Christianity is not a spectator sport.

It’s so easy today to read a devotional or a great book filled with spiritual truths that have been revealed to someone else. We do grow to some extent, but the most effective way to grow is when we hear God ourselves by spending quiet time with just Him. Furthermore, we need to be active with our faith, living out the truths as the Word of God commands, not sitting idly by assuming someone else will go in our place. Share the gospel, make a meal for an elderly neighbor, pray for a sick friend, or volunteer in children’s ministry. These are just a few ways we can be active in our faith and make an impact for Christ in our community. 

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. – 1 Peter 4:10

Ladies, true Christianity isn’t living off someone else’s accounts of God’s faithfulness nor is it being just a recipient of God’s blessings. It requires action and personal experience to make it real. It’s not enough to go to church and be fed. We need to receive spiritual revelation for ourselves. We need to be the church and serve. Every woman needs to roll up her sleeves and participate in God’s plans and purposes. Don’t be afraid to get wet and saturated with the things of God. We were never meant to be just spectators!

WATCH YOUR WORDS

BY JESSICA LANDMON

Being surrounded by all this technology, it was bound to happen. My daughter accidentally texted her friends a seven-minute audio of her and I talking. Once she realized she had done so, pure panic overcame the both of us. At that moment, all we could think about was what we may have been talking about. Did we talk about something personal or did we say something that could embarrass us? I think it’s safe to say that we all would react in a similar manner.

But this silly mistake got me thinking further about my words and all the conversations that I participate in. Obviously, they are not all accidentally recorded, but would I be concerned to learn that someone I didn’t intend to listen overheard me? More importantly, do all the words that come from my mouth honor God?  

The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. – Proverbs 18:21

Yikes! That’s a harsh warning. The words that come from our mouths have the power to bring life or death. Yes, our words have power. And with that, we choose what kind of impact our words will have.

But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. – Matthew 12:36-37

Ladies, I want you to think about the conversations that you have participated in in the last 24 hours. If they were accidentally recorded and played on social media for all your friends to hear, would you be concerned? Would you be ashamed? Obviously, this likely won’t happen, but the fact is that God is always listening. And He says that someday we will all give account for each and every word that leaves our mouth.

I don’t know about you, but I want to use my words for good. I want to be the kind of woman who builds others up and doesn’t waste her words on negativity, criticism, sarcasm or gossip. I want to be a woman who watches her words and uses them to glorify God, whether I’m being recorded or not.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. – Psalm 19:14