Grow Anyway

Ready With Him

January 19, 2022January 16, 2022by rachelleepallas3 Comments

The Bible is clear that we will not know when the second coming is, but we should still be prepared. When preparing for the second coming, we are not told to hoard and stock up on essentials nor barricade ourselves in our homes. We are said to be like Lot and Noah, working diligently in the plans God has laid down for our life.

Christ teaches about the second coming in Luke 17:20-37. He speaks about it coming at an unexpected time. He talks about the days of Noah with the flood and the days of Lot in Sodom. In these examples, Jesus lists many worldly activities that were happening right up until being destroyed. People were so consumed with the things of this world that they were utterly unprepared when the time of judgment came. Jesus wasn’t saying that these activities were sinful, but we can become easily distracted by them if we aren’t careful. How much time in our lives have we spent worrying about our finances, cleaning our house, rearranging our furniture, or deciding what we are going to wear that day? Jesus gave examples of eating, drinking, building, buying, and many others when the flood came and Sodom was destroyed. Jesus wasn’t saying that we shouldn’t do these things, but He warns that we should not become so distracted by these things that we are caught off guard by His promised return. Before all other things, we must be ready.

So what can we do to “be ready”? In Mark 13:33, Jesus says, “Be on guard! Be alert!” regarding the second coming. This means we cannot wait to be all-in. When Christ comes, we don’t want to be caught in a time of putting God on the back burner. We are meant to put God first, even in doing the things of our day-to-day lives. Putting God above all else is how we can be alert and ready to lose our worldly lives to preserve our eternal life.

Paul prays for things in Colossians 1:9-12 can give us even more clues to what “being ready” for the second coming looks like. Some of the items listed are spiritual wisdom and understanding God’s will for us. We are to live with patience, endurance, the strength that comes from God’s glorious might, and hearts that give joyful thanks to Him. Staying on alert and being prepared for Christ’s second coming looks like each of us living according to God’s will and individual plan for our lives. For the second coming, we should strive to not simply be ready for it, but instead, be prepared by living daily with Him.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that you help me be ready for your return. I seek a deeper relationship with the Creator of the Universe, the God who keeps all promises. You have spoken that whoever desires to save their life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. Please give me the courage to daily life for you and not for myself. Give me the heart to love you and love others far more than my love for my own life and my own worldly possessions. Thank you for all you have done for me, and help me to live a life that shows the proof of your never-ending love. In your holy name, I pray, Amen.

Song: Lay Me Down by Chris Tomlin

Verses for extra study: Luke 17:20-37; Mark 13; Matthew 6:26

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Resting or Starting New?

January 12, 2022January 11, 2022by Susan Collins1 Comment

Last week, Liz wrote about January and resolving to do things differently. It’s a new year, and I’m going to create a new me.

I’ve had a couple of thoughts knocking around in my head. (I know, that’s a dangerous neighborhood; I shouldn’t be there alone. SO thankful that the Holy Spirit is always with me!)

People Must Know (From the pilot episode of The Chosen)
Do I believe IN God, or do I BELIEVE God?
January is the beginning of the calendar, but it’s winter when we rest and prepare for renewal in the spring.

In 2021, the sermon series challenged us all to look at the Saints who came before us (Hebrews 11, By Faith), the obstacles that stand between us and God (Hebrews 12-13, Run Free), and what we are called to as disciples of Jesus (2 Timothy, Entrusted).

When I attended the viewing of Christmas with The Chosen, the shepherd’s words from the pilot episode struck a chord within me. “People must know.” They must know that the savior of the world came to live among us. He grew, laughed, struggled, was happy, angry, sad, and frustrated at times. That God The Son experienced every aspect of being human. Including separation from God the Father due to sin and rebellion. His life, death, and resurrection provide a path to salvation, peace, and healing.

People must know the story of Jesus in MY life. He carried me through the death of my father. How he rejoiced at my salvation. Led me through the desert of divorce and into the green pastures of healing. He has pruned the dead branches and the “suckers” from the tree of my life that steal joy and contentment. How my spiritual and emotional health has been restored and strengthened through that pruning.

I’ve been meditating on what I am doing to tell that story. It’s still in process. I’ll let you know when it becomes more evident.

As for BELIEVING God….whoa! That one really hit me several years ago, and it continues to cycle through my head periodically. While working through a Beth Moore study by that title, I was challenged to focus on the promises of scripture. Specifically, whether I was giving them lip service or had embedded those promises in my heart. I continue to pray scripture over people in my life. I have a verse for each of my kids (young adults now) that I pray using their names and personalizing. My personal verse is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you plans to give you hope and a future.” My prayer often sounds like this, “Lord, I know that Your plans are good, that they will never harm me, and will always give me hope and a future. I don’t understand what is happening now. Help me to see your light and your plan.” OR “Lord, you have promised me life with hope and prosperity. I give this victory to You, for I know it is part of Your plan.” I often pray scripture when I simply don’t have the words to express my feelings or struggle with acceptance or understanding. Scripture shifts my focus from right now to eternity.

Finally, while listening to an outdoors podcast, the guest talked about January being more of a transition time than a beginning. She spoke of the cold, barren character of winter. How animals hibernate and trees go dormant as a time of replenishing. This started me thinking about the Christin Liturgical calendar. The “new year” begins with Lent, an 8-week time of preparation before Easter and the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. How would my life look different if I take this “rest” time to reflect on my life and set my “new me” goals starting in the spring with the resurrection and the rebirth of life? The gym would definitely not be as busy!

This is another area that I am still simmering on. Look for more thoughts in future postings.

Let me know what you are meditating on.

How are you telling your story? Are you starting new in January or resting until spring?

liz goss

What Do You Believe?

January 5, 2022January 4, 2022by Liz Goss3 Comments

It’s January. A time for resolutions, words of the year, diets, and starting fresh. We boldly declare to the world, or at least our dog, how we intend to change for the better in the days to come. But can I ask a question? In the midst of all this decision making do we stop and ask God for direction and help?

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:14-16

Let me break this down a bit for us. Paul was saying, considering we have someone who can continually cover for our sins (that’s Jesus) let’s keep trusting in him! Jesus understands our individual failings since he struggled against the same stuff without giving in. Now we can come directly in front of God himself… imagine!!! Because it is there that we will not get the punishment we deserve but INSTEAD favor and love when we desperately need it most.

Last time I wrote for this blog I talked about God giving us more than we could handle because we were meant to handle it with HIM (you can read that here). But so often the stresses of dealing with this world are too much and we struggle to find our help in God. This is when we tend to turn to things that we are now trying to resolve to change through the formation of resolutions, words of the year, diets, and starting fresh.

Sweet friends. We are all so so human but Jesus understands and tells God about what it’s like so he can have compassion for our troubles. Do we believe this? Do we feel in our hearts the overwhelming love our Father has for us in sending Jesus so that he could know firsthand how fragile our hearts are and forgive us? Hold firmly to this belief and it will turn our hearts to him.

This year has just begun. Take yourself boldly before the throne of God. We are promised mercy and grace so don’t be afraid! Ask God to show you the places he wants to change. Ask him to help you rely more on his strength and less on doughnuts. Tell him of your fear and ask him to give you his peace. Show him your sadness and ask for his joy. Walk right up to that throne and tell God you are exhausted and ask for his power. You will find undeserved favor for it all.

What do you believe? Jesus came to save your soul but also to empower you today. Take hold of who you are in Christ. A mighty warrior for the kingdom of God, bringing his truth to the world through the restoration of our own hearts and minds.

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What’s New About New?

December 29, 2021December 28, 2021by Stephanie Murillo2 Comments

[2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV] 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

I can still remember the elderly, limping, wheezing, smoke-belching, gutless, rickety pile of metal that passed for a car that my dad coaxed into life every morning back in the fifties. That pile of junk struggled to carry us on short trips to the grocery store and barely made it to the top of the nearby Hualapai Mountains. The trips from Kingman to Flagstaff in that old heap were worse. We never knew when a new clank or thud would signal another crisis with the tired engine or worn-out parts in the car’s rear end. My father carried a whole case of oil in the trunk, knowing he would have to stop every hundred miles to pour in another quart into that leaky engine. On downhill slopes, we had the illusion that that old jalopy had some power, but the steep grades returned us to the reality that this poor old vehicle would soon not be able to take us where we wanted to go. The day came when no repair could keep that junker alive. We needed a new car!

You and I are much like that poor old ’39 sedan in many ways. No more band-aids or quick fixes will do. We are worn out and need to be made new, renovated from top to bottom, inside and out. Only the death of our old self and the resurrection of the life of Christ within us will make us new and, by faith, able to conquer the steep mountains awaiting us on our journey (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3-5).

The first step to this regeneration, this making us new, comes when we, by faith, choose to sink or swim with Christ. Being “in Christ” means we lean all of ourselves on Jesus, our perfect High Priest. As we kneel at the foot of the cross, we can receive forgiveness, and an undeserved do-over from the only One qualified to rescue us (Hebrews 5:9; 1Peter 3:22).

The next step brings with it a radical change. We receive a heart transplant from Dr. Holy Spirit, our Great Physician. Instead of exchanging one sin for another or spraying ourselves with some kind of outward morality to try to kill the stench of death, we emerge from spiritual heart surgery as a totally new creation (Colossians 2:11). God doesn’t just pare away some sin here and some evil there, a misconception here, and a lie there. He changes every atom of who we are! But wait, there’s more! God also declares us legally new because of what Jesus did to pay our sin-debt on the cross (Romans 4:7-8; 5:1; John 5:24; Colossians 2:14). He no longer treats us as our sins deserve but gives us grace and more grace (John 1:16; Romans 3:24; 5:20; 6:14). In Christ, God has given us the character of His Son in exchange for our old, tired, defaulting-to-sin nature. What a task, considering how hard and resistant we can be!

Over time, our understanding of God’s goodness to make such a trade grows. Our “new” becomes newer! Our developing understanding produces gratitude that energizes our new way of doing life. Our hearts become softened, and the love of Jesus becomes our “master-passion,” as Spurgeon often preached. Instead of being complacent about our sin, we armor ourselves for war with it until wholeness and holiness become uppermost in our daily lives (Ephesians 6:11; Romans 13:12-14; Colossians 3:12-14). People begin to sense a freshness, an energy, and the scent of clean, vibrant life about us, a life that grows sweeter and more robust over the years. As we train to live out this new nature, we find ourselves thinking and acting, living and moving more and more as our Savior does. Because our life is flowing from Jesus, our Vine, we gradually will find ourselves no longer comfortable with our old, sin-driven life. (1 Corinthians 1:30; Galatians 3:27). “Old” just doesn’t work any longer.

When our old car finally died, my father finally scraped the finances to purchase a new-to-us, used car. It didn’t burn oil! It had a powerful engine, the best powerplant that Dodge Motors could make. There were no holes in the upholstery and no dings and dents on its body. Oh, the joy of that new car! But over time, it also went the way of all vehicles, resting at last in the junkyard. But we have a “new” from Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that stays ever fresh, ever renewed, and eternal when we place ourselves in Christ (2 Corinthians 4:16; Colossians 3:10). In this “new,” the hope, youth, life, and the strength of Christ’s spirit in us is being renewed constantly (Psalm 94:19:103:5; 110:3; Isaiah 57:10; Revelation 21:5). In Christ, ‘new” becomes newer every day!

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, teach me how to live new. Amen.

liz goss

Christmas Has Come

December 22, 2021December 22, 2021by Liz Goss3 Comments

We are all handling things. Hectic schedules. Kids. Marriage. Jobs. Family dynamics. Sick pets. Cancer treatment. Divorce. Death of loved ones. Disappointment. The list never ends. And because trials keep coming our hearts can get so weary.

Have you ever lost heart when things got more than you could handle?

How does it feel to lose heart? The idea that you have anything special to offer the world… fades. Adventure seems distant and life is only drudgery. And the idea that anyone cares about your heart and is coming for you is only a distant childhood fantasy.

We can lose heart in the midst of life’s really hard moments because we doubt that God is for us. And this doubt is Satan’s oldest trick.

“Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’”

“You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”

The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. Genesis 3:2-6

Satan knows that if we can take our eyes off the lover of our souls, we can begin to believe his lies. Lies from the pit of hell such as: God doesn’t care what happens to you, God is indifferent to your pain, God isn’t paying attention, or God has other priorities. Satan will throw these ideas across your path like broken glass in your hardest moments, tempting your heart to despair.

But… Christmas. That word is like a sigh of relief from the depth of our souls. God with us. The God of the universe decided that humanity was so precious to him that he would come save them himself. All they had to do was believe. Believe that he was truly for them; here in the person of Jesus Christ and offering restored relationship with God.

He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. John 1:10-13

God will allow you more than you can handle to come into your life, because he knows that HE can handle it. God is for you and he treasures your heart over everything else in the world he created. So when life throws hard things your way feel the sorrow, and then take it right to the one who knows you best and loves you most.

I don’t know what you’re handling right now, but Christmas is the best news your heart ever got. The God of the universe came down to prove that he is for you, he loves you, and he would move mountains to reach you.

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. John 14:1

Do not let your heart be troubled. Christmas. Has. Come.

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Season of Busyness

December 15, 2021December 14, 2021by rachelleepallas1 Comment

The holiday season is almost always a busy one. In my own life, I have seen that busyness comes in waves. I will have a week of hardly any plans, and then suddenly, my calendar starts overflowing. What I have also seen is that, more often than not, fatigue and stress pair right along with mine and others’ busy seasons. Why is this? Why do seasons of busyness leave us feeling anxious and run down? Is there a way to not let our busyness turn into burnout?

Busyness is not a bad thing. We are meant to spend our time wisely and intentionally. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” That means that whether you’re finding yourself extra busy with work, school, volunteering, friends, family, or some combination of everything, it is vitally important that God is at the center of it all. God can use our busyness to move mountains, but only if the work we are doing is for His purpose and His glory. Our busyness leads to burnout when God is no longer the central focus.

No matter how busy we are, though, we also need rest. Not just a good night’s sleep or an afternoon nap, but rest for your soul. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus tells us that we can find this real rest in Him. He asks us to take time out of our busy lives and come to Him so that He may recover and rejuvenate our spirits. We know that the enemy will use busy seasons to distract us. The enemy wants us to stay tired and worn. The good news is that our God is greater and stronger than the enemy. He provides rest when we need it, and He promises that we will be rewarded for our work when we are working with all our hearts for His glory. If we keep our eyes on Him, He will stay right by our side through every busy season.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, I ask that you stay close to me through this season of busyness. Please let the work I am doing be used for your will. It is so easy to get lost in the hectic nature of a busy schedule. I don’t want to be running around aimlessly, but instead, be running towards you, Lord. When my soul needs rest, I pray that you would slow me down to see you and recover with you. Please give me the courage and motivation to say yes to the opportunities you have in store for me and the wisdom to say no to paths that are not for me. Above all else, I pray that this busy season will glorify you and draw others closer to you, Lord. In your precious name, we pray, Amen.

Song:
By Your Side by Tenth Avenue North

Verses for further study:
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28-30‬‬‬‬
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭127:1-2‬ ‬‬‬
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:23-24‬‬‬‬‬‬

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Your “Holy Yes” is Enough!

December 8, 2021December 7, 2021by Guest BloggerLeave a Comment

Hi Friends!

This subject has been rolling around in my brain for a few months, so it’s time to share it. It’s the word Yes. We are given a lot of opportunities in our trip around this world to say Yes.

Many of us wished we would have said yes to questions long past, but what about today? Right now!? What about a “Holy Yes”? Is your Holy Yes on the table for God? A Holy Yes is a reckoning that’s between you and God. Whatever He asks of you the answer is yes. What makes the yes holy is the Asker and I dare say the answerer because this is a relationship after all. As I was at a gathering in Vegas a few days ago, I was listening to a woman who had said yes to God. He had blessed and multiplied her yes beyond her dreams. Eleven years later she is standing in the harvest of fruit and rejoicing in that yes. But if she hadn’t said yes to God she wouldn’t know the joy of a Holy Yes and a Faithful God!

I began thinking about what it would take for a Holy Yes from us. I want to share a few things that were on my heart before we actually decide what we will say. The One asking is our Bridegroom. He is Trustworthy through and through. His faithfulness endures forever. He promised to never leave or forsake us. He laid down His life for us. What more could He possibly do? He forgave us, called us His very own, and restored our lives. I wonder if we are fearful because our yes is imperfect. He knows this. I wonder if it is because a yes will stretchhhh us. Please remember He isn’t into hurting us…but growing us. I wonder if we will look foolish? Or what others will think? These things cross my mind when I think about an absolute on-the-table, no take-backs, Holy Yes.

Honestly, time is short, and there are things to get done even in the Kingdom of God…especially in the Kingdom. His hand is extended to us…what will our answer be??

Don’t worry we will talk about a Holy No later, but for now, let’s ponder a Holy Yes.

Until next time, love you ladies!

Written by Tiffany Wilson

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Making the Holidays Holy Days

December 1, 2021November 30, 2021by Stephanie Murillo1 Comment

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her” (Luke 1:45).

How can we make the holidays holy days? One way is to join our praises to those of Mary, the mother of Jesus. While visiting her miraculously, pregnant cousin Elizabeth, the rejoicing spirit of a newly pregnant Mary, cried out praise known as The Magnificat. This ancient song, found in the Old Testament, was traditionally sung or chanted by boys. However, on this day, Mary, full of joy at the wonder that she would give birth to the Messiah, either said or sang these beautiful words. You can find her story in Luke 1:26-56.

The Harp with Ten Strings

Charles Spurgeon, a great British preacher of the early twentieth century, said that The Magnificat, a celebration of God’s faithfulness and power, is like a “harp with ten strings” because of the ten reasons to rejoice contained within these Old Testament praises that poured out from Mary’s rejoicing heart. Are you ready for the music of these ten strings?

God is my joy. {Luke 1:46 NIV} And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord.
~ Mary had profound reasons to praise God. She was joyful, having settled confidence that God is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do.

Jesus is God. {Luke 1:47 NIV} and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
~ Mary recognized that this life growing within her was “Immanuel,” God with us and mighty to save. Jesus would one day say, “Before Abraham was, I am (John 8:58).

God bends low. {Luke 1:48 NIV} for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
~Mary was amazed and thrilled that God was coming down to put on humanity’s skin to save us. She saw God stooping down to deliver those who were willing from the clutches of death.

God is good. From now on, all generations will call me blessed,
~ Mary remembered God calling Himself “good” in Exodus 33:19, and she praised Him for His goodness toward her, recognizing His compassion, love, mercy, patience, and power.

God’s grace is holy. {Luke 1:49 NIV} for the Mighty One has done great things for me– holy is his name.
~ Mary celebrated a pure and sinless God offering His undeserved favor to sinful humanity. His “great things” included cleansing, forgiving, and giving us a way to come to His “throne of grace” to receive love, healing, hope, and peace.

God is merciful. {Luke 1:50 NIV} His mercy extends to those who fear him.
~ Mary praised a strong but tender God who comes to us as a compassionate priest, remembering “that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14).

God does not change. from generation to generation.
~ Mary praised God for never changing. He is not subject to bad moods or difficult times. He never lies; He is always a reliable protector and keeper of promises.

God is powerful. {Luke 1:51 NIV} He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
~ Mary knew the power of reciting the specific times in which God had shown His wonder-working ability. God’s resume is a faith-builder because what He has done in the past can do now and in the future.

God is the boss. He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. {Luke 1:52-55 NIV} He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
~Mary yielded to God as a trustworthy king, believing that His will for her was good. She let God be the judge and rule-maker, which freed her to experience fulfillment in the new adventure He had for her.

God is faithful. “He has helped his servant Israel,remembering to be merciful {Luke 1:55 NIV} to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”
~ Mary trusted that God would carry His plan for our salvation and the defeat of death all the way to completion! She trusted Him never to abandon His good plan for her.

What is your favorite string in Mary’s harp? Perhaps you might enjoy meditating on these ten big ideas as you move through this holiday season and add your praises to those of Mary.

Prayer:

Lord, I praise You and thank You for coming down to be with us so that death would no longer defeat us and our mistakes would no longer define us. You are a faithful, strong, good God and the source of my joy. You make the holidays holy days. Help me to play my own harp of ten strings as I praise You. Amen.

liz goss

GATHER WITH GRATEFUL HEARTS

November 24, 2021November 23, 2021by Liz GossLeave a Comment

Thanksgiving Day is arguably the best holiday of the year because… FOOD. Here is a glimpse of what I cooked last year:

But menu aside, this November holiday is deeply rooted in spending time with family, and above all else, gratitude, making this special day the perfect opportunity to tap into a more reflective mindset. So after you’ve said a Thanksgiving prayer over the bounty of food, consider capping off your meal with a few meaningful Thanksgiving Bible verses to share around the table.

NOTE: Even if you are not surrounded by food and family on Thanksgiving Day, you ARE surrounded by the love of your Heavenly Father. Paul assures us of this in Romans 8:39, saying, “No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” And that’s worth being thankful for!

I have compiled a bunch of verses from the Bible on gratitude, Thanksgiving, and praise. In case you don’t have time to make a list of your own during the hustle & bustle, feel free to use mine. Adding Thanksgiving to God into the mix of holiday traditions may just be your NEW favorite reason for loving Thanksgiving.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
1 Chronicles 16:34

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Colossians 3:15

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
Colossians 4:2

I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 1:4

Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.
1 Timothy 4:4-5

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the Lord alone.
Jonah 2:9

Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High.
Psalm 50:14

You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.
Psalm 4:7

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
Colossians 3:16

Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.
Hebrews 12:28

Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods. The gods of other nations are mere idols, but the Lord made the heavens!
1 Chronicles 16:23-26

O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name!
1 Chronicles 29:13

Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.
Hebrews 13:15

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
Psalm 28:7

I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?
Psalm 56:4

Then I will praise God’s name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 69:30

I will sing of the Lord’s unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness. Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.
Psalm 89:1-2

Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods.
Psalm 95:1-3

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening, accompanied by a ten-stringed instrument, a harp, and the melody of a lyre.
Psalm 92:1-3

Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Psalm 107:8-9

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One Step Away

November 17, 2021November 16, 2021by rachelleepallas4 Comments

I have never met someone who didn’t feel far away from God at least one time in their life. We go through seasons of hardship, busyness, and change that can leave us feeling like we are doing life on our own. In my own life, I’ve been told by many people, “If God seems far away, guess who moved.” This quote always sparks two feelings in me: guilt, but what quickly follows is overwhelming gratitude.

The Guilt
We can read in 2 Corinthians 7:10, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” The guilt that can be felt when we are far away from God is meant to be a feeling of sorrow that drives us back to the arms of our Lord. When feeling guilty, we are called to reflect, repent, and make changes that will keep us on the path that God has made for our lives. A guilty conscience is the Holy Spirit’s way of putting conviction on your heart. Guilt does not have to stay with you forever, though. When we bring our feelings of shame and regret to our Savior, He takes them from us, no matter how heavy it is.

The Gratitude
God always longs for a relationship with us, but coming back to the Lord after trying to live on your own can still feel impossible. How do we accept His love and forgiveness after being surrounded by guilt? Psalms 103:12 says, “He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” We were never created to live in guilt and shame but to bring it to God in prayer so that we may be forgiven. If the creator of the universe has been so generous to remove our sins so far from us, then we must be willing to as well. We all fall short of God’s glory, but we also have opportunities to be forgiven and made new. The Holy Spirit walks with us in our journeys, and it is only when we deviate from our path that we feel far from God. Our gratitude is that we are always welcome back to a relationship with Him, no matter how many times we stumble. We are always one step away from coming back to our home in Christ Jesus.

Prayer
Dear Lord, I thank you today that you have never left me. Thank you for your unconditional and never-ending love. God, you know my deepest struggles and the sins that have caused me unbearable amounts of guilt in my life. I ask today that the Holy Spirit be louder than my doubts and stronger than the fears that may lead me farther from you. I long for you, Lord. Please forgive me for my wrongdoings, and remove my sins far away from me. Please help me walk the path you have laid out for me and only take steps that bring me closer to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Song
One Step Away by Casting Crowns

Bible Verses for Additional Study
Romans 3:23-26
1 John 1:9
2 Corinthians 5:17