Tag: Bible

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

Our 24/7 Tutor

krisshetter

At a time when attending school is so wrapped up in politics and fear I am struck with the idea of Jesus being the greatest Life Tutor of all.  He is available 24/7 – both through remote learning and face-to-face.  It’s no wonder the Bible was used as a teaching tool throughout history.  Horace Mann, considered the “father of public schools” once wrote:

Our system earnestly inculcates all Christian morals and welcomes the religion of the Bible.  The Bible is used in almost all the schools, either as a devotional or as a reading book.”

Horace Mann

It wasn’t until 1962, following a Supreme Court decision, that the Bible was removed as a regular textbook from the daily teachings of our school children.  It’s interesting to note that a lot of “Christian ideals” were attacked following that decision.

Note the first lesson at the top right page

And yet Jesus continues to teach us.  The beauty of His teaching is how tailored it is for each recipient.  In one speech or story Jesus weaves many layers – and depending upon your relationship with Him, determines the layer meant for you.  Even the apostles found themselves at different layers when listening to Jesus.  Peter, the loyal bold one, missed so much of the subtleties of Jesus’ messages as he plowed through each situation.  It wouldn’t be until Jesus’ death that Peter would sit in reflection and capture the entirety of their meanings.  In John 13:36 Peter demands to know where Jesus is going and states he will follow him and lay down his life for Jesus in his defense.  He wasn’t basking in the words of our Lord and learning the gentle messages of the coming resurrection.  What he did learn, however, was so valuable.  The gift of loyalty and love and reverence is woven throughout Peter’s life.

It heartens me when reading the multitude of times the disciples scratched their heads when Jesus spoke to them.  They are like you and me – wanting a quick, simple answer to life’s problems.  And Jesus does provide them.  In the book of Luke, Jesus tells us to “Love our enemies, do not judge, do not condemn.”   In Matthew, Jesus tells us to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.”  And if we were to learn and accept those few simple lessons God would be pleased.

Today I praise Jesus, the teacher, who pushes those yearning to learn to a higher layer.  The beauty of a parable is that it requires the reader/listener to arrive at their own “ah ha” moment.  And Jesus loved parables.  Entire sermons and books have been written on these simple parables.  We would all be so exalted if a four-sentence blog we were to write lasted as a teaching moment for thousands of years.

I once did a study on the Beatitudes – the eight blessings Jesus spoke of and documented at the beginning of Matthew.  The non-Christian world has misinterpreted many of these, just like the Pharisees misunderstood Jesus time after time.  I love picturing Jesus running circles around the Pharisees and Sadducees.  He was confident in what He spoke because it was directly of God.  If only we could have the same confidence when speaking of our faith!  But back to the Beatitudes.  If you have never read them, take a moment to go through each.  Write down what you think they mean.  Then research them.  Here’s one on-line source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-stories/beatitudes-bible-verses-and-meaning.html. You may find yourself rolling up and tossing out your initial notes.  You will find yourself in the midst of an “Ah ha” moment.  It’s like the many times I studied the works of Shakespeare.  With the help of a good teacher I finally got the jokes, the political commentary or the messages of love.

Jesus, as the 24/7 tutor (and he’s free!), waits patiently for us to delve deeper into the Word of God.  Your “ah ha” moments bring a smile to His face.  He might even clap loudly with you and exclaim, “YES! You got it!”  That’s why everyday should be “Jesus Appreciation Day.”  But, learning like that takes desire.  It takes commitment.  It takes daily showing up to class.  Will you be present when he calls roll today?

Add your praise below of what Jesus has taught you!

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

Always Faithful

krisshetter

Have you ever “waited for the other shoe to drop?”  I used to live my life out that way all the time.  If something was good, I was just waiting for it to go bad.  If something was bad, I was waiting for it to get worse.  I truly don’t understand how my husband has put up with me for 31 years.  If we got a nice tax return and decided to go on a trip, I just knew some extraordinary expense was going to come up.  My “buyer’s remorse” was legendary amongst my family.  It’s not surprising that my faith in God was at best lukewarm and at worst non-existent.

As I’ve learned and studied more about the character of God one thing stands out above all else – he is ever faithful and never changing.  Throughout the Bible He reminds us that He will keep His covenant with us.  He is the rock to stand on, the bronze wall to withstand attacks, and the fireproof blanket that keeps us from the flames.  Malachi 3:6 says, “I, the Lord do not change; So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.”  But notice who does change: “Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them.”  All God asks of us, “Return to me, and I will return to you.”

Is there anything in your life that is so stalwart? No.  I can say that without even knowing you.  Our friends will disappoint us.  Our spouses will fail us.  Our families might even turn from us.  Our houses will crumble and our bodies will decay.  But God is always faithful, always present, always waiting for our return – with open arms.

I found this beautiful version of Take Me to The Rock that I hope you enjoy! When was there a time you felt God had left you only to realize the opposite had occurred? Share your praise in the comments below!

christian encouragement

Clean Feet

krisshetter

Did you realize that Jesus, in the upper room before His death, cleansed all the disciples’ feet.  By all I mean even Judas’ – the betrayer.  Jesus, however, made it clear that not all of the disciples had been cleansed. “Those who have had a bath (cleansing of the spirit) need only to wash their feet (to remove the sins of the world from them); their whole body is clean.  And, you are clean, though not every one of you.” John 13:10.  When Judas left the room with clean feet that’s all he had, clean feet.  Feet that would then be sullied the minute he walked out into the world.

By all accounts Judas seemed like a loyal follower in the eyes of the other disciples. He had all the same benefits of following in the Lord’s footsteps.  The same teachings.  The same experiences with miracles and blessings.  But he never surrendered his life over to Jesus.  He kept one or even one and half of his feet in the world and with the devil.  He mistrusted God’s Word.  He thought he knew better.  He lived in fear of what the world would do to him if he fully submitted to Jesus.  

Contrast that with Peter.  I realized today that Peter is the “Martha” of the disciples.  Always headstrong and trying to control each situation.  He also thought he knew better.  However, in his heart he loved and trusted the Lord.  He accepted admonishment and the teachings of Jesus.  He, as my BSGs (Bible Study Girls) love to say, was making imperfect progress.  He had a foot and a half in for God.  Until God helped him pull in the rest of him.

I had a couple of encounters with Christian women recently who were counseled to “run to God, for His arms are wide open.”  I was so saddened by their responses which included, “How” and “It’s too late for me.”  The first reminds me of how, as Christians, we absolutely must share our testimony.  We must do the work God makes clear to us in His Word.  By enveloping us in His teachings, submitting every single thought, worry, fear, joy, to Him through prayer and petition we will come into His arms.  God gives to those who ask.  Judas had everything available to him.  But he never submitted.  He never asked for God to change his heart.

The second response makes me cry.  It is never too late in God’s holy timeframe.  I’ve been talking with my BSGs and other friends about banging on God’s door.  Demanding to let us in.  Pleading for his intercession.  Not just lukewarm praying.  An all-out assault.  He has promised His love to us.  “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come and eat with that person, and they with me.” Rev 3:20. We need to stop letting satan whisper falsehoods in our ears — you aren’t worthy, you aren’t good enough, it’s too late.  Take back our lives and put them safely in God’s arms by speaking the Truth of God’s promises.  Promises that are clearly and consistently written out for us in the Bible. Revelations continues with: “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne.” Rev 3:21

Sisters and brothers, God is not a passive “spiritual being.”  He is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent in our lives.  He is powerful and that makes you powerful.  We can no longer see and hear His blessings and let them roll off our backs like Judas.  We need to take what is rightfully ours and plant it deep inside us.  We will struggle like Peter. But our love for the Lord will work for our good. So that when we walk out into that dirty world we stay clean, we stay in His arms.

christian encouragement

Wave Your White Flag

krisshetter

What battles are you facing right now? For me it’s my fears about the direction the country is going. I am a patriot through and through. I’m not a fan of people who twist history to meet their needs for victimization. That may not sit well with people but I will not judge others for living imperfect lives while I, myself, live imperfectly every single day. That being said I can only live in God’s Truth which is the fact that the only battle I have some control over is the one that tries to pull me away from God.
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When I don’t first get on my knees and pray; when I don’t continually look to the Lord for guidance; when I don’t trust that God is the ultimate warrior in the battles for Truth and Justice — this is when I need to remind myself to tighten my own warrior belt and take up my shield.
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Our real battles are being fought in realms unseen. Our job is to surrender to the knowledge that God will fight for us when we ask. He will beat back the armies that wish to destroy us. And as King Jehoshaphat commanded the people of Judah to act before battle, we need to give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever!”
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It’s time to completely turn your battles over to God. Let’s face it, you haven’t had too many victories without Him. Wave your white flag. Get on your knees and pray.
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Join me starting July 27 as I begin 30 Days of Praise for all the great things God has done. Follow me to enjoy this journey! http://www.emboldened.net.
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Uncategorized

Persistence

krisshetter

Where do you place the idea of “persistence” in your life? In God’s realm it is one of the most highly touted human characteristics.
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Persistence gets us to grab hold of the life God wants for us. It molds us into better people. Persistence takes us over the finish line when we continually pray in worship, thanksgiving and petition.
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Persistence is not about never changing course. It’s about never taking your eyes off the ultimate goal — even if that means our course zig zags a bit. When I was learning to sail the first thing we needed to understand was reading the wind. Sensing it’s direction and using it for the most power and energy. Frequently that meant having to “tack” or sail in a zig zag. As a sailor you need to be fully in tune with the unseen in order to persist toward that spot on the horizon you’ve picked out as your ultimate goal.
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I have pleasing God as my ultimate goal. And through prayer, meditation, worship, and paying close attention to His unseen and seen ways I set my sail toward Him. It may mean I zig zag my way but through persistence I know I will reach my goal.
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Please join me in this adventure as I begin 30 Days of Praise starting July 27. Go to my blog (link in bio) and follow me to receive a daily praise and to add your own daily praise ❤️.
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I look forward to setting sail with you!
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Doubt & Mercy

krisshetter

What’s your reaction when encountering people who doubt — doubt your understanding of facts, science, faith, morals, values?
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We’ve become this society where what we know to be true and good and right is what everyone else MUST agree with. At a time when you’d think we’d grown to be more interested in varied ideas it’s seems our desires to expand our minds and sphere of real friends keeps shrinking. An “echo chamber” is one in which we can only hear our voice. And unless we are God, our voice can frequently be wrong.
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As a Christian, I see other Christians falling into a sea of doubt about the lessons and way of life we are called to. We don’t want to be the lone voice outside society’s echo chamber. On the flip side we are called to be our Christian brothers’ keepers — being merciful to followers who struggle against societal lies and snatching each other out of the fires. And even more merciful to non-followers who have yet to accept the Truth of God.
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A Christian’s “doubt” should only lie in the struggle with God’s Word as lived out in the world— not the Truth of God’s Word. When we see our Christian loved ones sinking further into that struggle with the world is when we need to act with God’s authority and be His lifeline.
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When you doubt the right way to live out your life what action do you hope those around you take? Mercy or with condemnation?

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Clear Eyes Open Heart

krisshetter

As I’ve gotten older my allergies have gotten worse. I’ve had sinus surgery and I’m currently going through the allergy shot regimen. And yet I still need to take allergy pills both in the morning and at night. In the early years of this battle I experimented with different allergy medications. Some made me incredibly sleepy and foggy. I saw a commercial for the brand Claritin. What caught my attention was the line “Claritin Clear.” The commercial shows a foggy view of the world. And after taking their product that foggy film is stripped away. That’s what I needed. What I didn’t realize at the time was not only were my allergies making my view of the world foggy but so was my lack of trust in God.

My friend and I were out for a walk and I was struck with the fact that she has taken God’s allergy medication. For one, three different devotionals she read that day pleaded the same action: Trust in the Lord with all you heart and all your mind and all your soul and lean not on your own understanding (Prov 3:5). I told her sometimes God whispers and sometimes He shouts and shakes us! Both are to get us to open our eyes and ears to the truth of our lives — to be God Clear. For another, she’s leaning into God’s grace of that medicine and surrendering.

But the work is not done. In fact the clearing of our eyes can be painful. Just like my twice weekly allergy shots (I hate shots), growth often starts with pain. If we stop because of the pain we can never fully achieve our greatest gifts from God. He wants so much for us — a life free of self doubt, self loathing, and turmoil. But we must first peel away the lies that Satan so readily whispers to us.

Where are you at in this process? Have you tried trusting God but it seems too scary, too painful? My friend a glorious, clear life awaits you. Trust in God’s holy medicine to bring you through the pain.

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Grasp God Tightly

krisshetter

What blessing are you hoping and waiting for today? It’s time to get serious about the strength of your faith and our willingness to make a full confession of our transgressions.
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In a recent Bible study I was asked: “What are you trying to hide from God?” Well, we all chuckled because of course you can’t hide anything from God. But do we truly believe that? Is that how we live out our daily lives? Charles Spurgeon says, “Do not play with sin. Do not confess it as though it were some venial fault that would not have been noticed unless God had been too severe.”
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As the apostle Paul says, God cannot be mocked. The Almighty knows our tepid faith. He knows our bold faith. He hears when we rush through a prayer and he hears when we grasp Him tightly and plead honestly with Him. We don’t reward or accept in our own children or friends a tepid or insincere apology so why should God when what we ask of Him is ten-fold?
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When we plead to God we lay bare our innermost sins and cleanse them. I like the analogy of a wrestler stripping down to the bare minimum before entering the playing arena. Because when we show we have nothing left to give up, nothing left to weigh us down, that is when God performs His greatest work in us.
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So grasp His hand tightly today. Lay out your sins. And plead for His love to envelop you.
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10 Bold Bible Verses To Read Today

krisshetter

What lies are you fighting right now? Bold faith, trust in God, and knowing His love for you are the weapons against satan’s ever present lies.

1. “The One born of God keeps me safe — the evil one cannot harm me” 1 John 5:18

You are a child of God. A raging battle is going on in the spiritual world for your soul. Knowing that your father is fighting for you and trusting that all things are done for your good gives us strength. Many Christians have issues with the idea of satan. But as I discussed with a fellow Christian, the Bible does not shy away from satan. Jesus had a number of conversations with him. If you are going to accept the blessings from God you need to accept that satan is at work trying to keep those blessings from you.

2. “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” Jer 31:3

The only love that will never fade is the love God has for us. It never wavers, it never decreases. Even if your physical world is not filled with love, we can draw on God’s love to persevere. This is not an easy task. A mom in a struggling marriage, with children who always seem disappointed in her said, “I remember that God loves me but sometimes I just need someone to physically hold me.” Run to the arms of the father. Fully surrender that need to God. He will light the way.

3. “He has rescued me from the darkness and I have redemption and forgiveness of sins.” Col 1:13-14

When we accept Jesus as our savior we throw up the lifeline to rescue us. Notice the word is rescue. If someone doesn’t want to be rescued they can make sure they aren’t. Throw up your hand and grasp His. You will be pulled out of your darkness. I have a Christian friend who had been a drug addict and alcoholic for many years tell me she had a dream of being a fish and a hook dropped down from out of the blue. She bit at it and it hooked her mouth and yanked her out of the sea. The next day she knew she never wanted another drink again in her life. God speaks in so many ways to us, just reach out.

4. “We are God’s handiwork.” Eph 2:10

When women sit around talking you’ll frequently hear us complaining about one body part or another. “I’m too chubby.” “Ugh, my hair.” “I wish my lips were plumper.” But think about it — you are uniquely you. You were created out of tiny DNA pieces that became you! It pains me to see satan’s forces at work taking our little complaints and elevating them to destroying our self-esteem. And worse, convincing people they are a mistake and must chop off body parts or take dangerous drugs to limit natural growth. No matter your height, your hips, your lips, your tomboy nature, your kinky hair, you are you and you are God’s creation. We’d save a lot of money and angst if we accepted that every time we looked in the mirror.

5. “I call you friend.” John 15:15

Boy do I wish I had known this when I was younger. An intimate relationship with Jesus and the Father not only brings us so many blessings but brings joy to the Almighty. He longs for that friendship. He will never stab you in the back. He will never forsake you. He is with you at 7:00 a.m. when your feet hit the floor and at 2:00 p.m. when you find out you were laid off. He’s even with you at 3:00 a.m. when your bills are swirling in your head. Pick up your spiritual cell phone and give Him a call.

6. “And I know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” Rom 8:28

I once heard a funny twist on “why do bad things happen to good people?” Instead, how about “why do good things happen to us bad people?” When we say “bad people” I’d bet most people think, “well, it’s not like I’ve killed someone or stolen a million dollars.” But a pastor asked, “Have you stolen anything at all? Have you ever taken God’s name in vain? Have you not been able to forgive someone? Have you ever coveted something?” In fact, there’s only one truly good person that something bad happened to — Jesus. And Jesus suffered on the cross so that our sins are forgiven. So with that in mind we must be thankful for the good stuff God sends our way and trust that any bad that we encounter God is working out a blessing for us somehow, someway in the end.

7. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up others according to their needs.” Eph 4:29

Yes, yes, we know not to gossip and to be kind to others. But are you gossiping about yourself? Are you unkind to yourself? When we talk to our friends, family and strangers how much do we tear ourselves down with “I’m not good at xy or z.” Or again with the physical degradation of ourselves? That’s not to say we should be boasting. But remember, we ARE God’s creation. So speak in positives. Don’t give the devil a hand up on tearing yourself or other’s down.

8. “As God’s co-worker (fill in the blank).” 2Cor 6:1

We are in this together. The entire story of the planet is built on covenants WITH God. He could’ve just made the animals and plants and wiped his hands on his robes and said, “Looks pretty darn good. Time for a nap.” But no, He made us. He made everything else FOR us. So He expects us to work with Him to tend to the needs of this glorious place. That includes sharing with others His love for His creation.

9. “We have the mind of Christ.” 1Cor 2:16

How often have you finished a prayer with “In Jesus’ name, Amen”? Do you know what it means? It means that Jesus is standing beside you, writing shorthand as you pray. He then takes that prayer to the Father and speaks for you. But the responsibility of a mature Christian is to discern the mind of Christ while speaking that prayer. We know His values and have His desires for us in mind. When we have the mind of Christ we can pray boldly and act boldly because we know that we are aligned with the spirit of God.

10. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22

We can say we know God. We can know God loves us. We can see the blessings and be thankful. We can know the right things to do. But if we don’t go boldly and actually DO the Word of God can we really say we truly know God? We need to obey His Word and leave the consequences to Him. Surrender, trust and receive full blessings.

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Farmer Jesus

krisshetter

What seeds are you planting lately? Luke 6:43-45 explains that “no good tree bears bad fruit and no bad tree bears good fruit.”
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Back in early March we planted our warm weather garden — bell peppers, cilantro, and four tomato plants. My hope at the time was none of them would die in a week. I took extra steps this year and learned more about achieving good fruit. And that basket in the picture is just a small reaping of what we have sown. It’s been a constant tending of the needs of each plant. And a constant battle with pests. But the reward is oh so good!
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How many of us take the same care with our spiritual life as we do those things in the physical world? How many of us are struggling even just to tend to our daily lives with loving care? We reap what we sow. We need to pay special care to what we plant in our hearts and minds because even the tiniest seed can reap ten-fold — good or bad.
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A healthy relationship with the ultimate farmer— Jesus— guides us and teaches us the right seeds to plant, when to plant them, and how to tend them. Like my desire for a more fruitful garden we need to actively seek out His teaching.
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Do you want to be a plot of unused, hard dirt? A weed-filled plot? Or a luscious, fruit filled place in this world that shares their harvest with others? Be bold my friends. Ask for gardening advice today 🍅
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