Bold faith is a result of Jesus’ transforming power in our hearts.

Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.

Ephesians 3:11b-12

Bold faith humbly shares the transforming power of the gospel. Bold faith also speaks gracefully and without rancor. Moreover, bold faith is alive and active as Jesus works through his children to love tirelessly. Are you ready for some bold faith?

I sure am ready for confidence to proclaim the mystery of the gospel (Ephesians 6:19) Maybe, we can accomplish it together, because here is what we see:

Moving through the book of Ezekiel you and I will see the glory of heaven and the Spirit of God in motion. Ezekiel is called to prophecy to the house of Israel but is also warned by God about their hard hearts. They will not listen to what he has to say about the coming judgement and their idolatry.

We see this resistance in ourselves and the ones we love, don’t we?

Does anyone want to hear about their lifestyle and habits that don’t honor God or themselves? It’s just not what we want to hear! The people of Israel are no different.

Ezekiel has a mountain of resistance before him and some really bad news to share. So, what does God do? God gives him a picture of the throne of glory and how the hosts of heaven worship and honor God.

The stark comparison of heaven’s glory and proper worship to Israel’s confused mix of a little of God here, and a little pagan there is striking.

The half-hearted loyalty and stiff-necked people are stubborn and resistant to the only true Deity who can give them peace and contentment.

So, I think of Ezekiel as the heart of stone prophet. Not that his heart was hard but that his message was a plea for people to tear down the wall around their hearts that shuts God out. You know that wall all of us carefully build to protect ourselves from emotional turmoil and further disappointment.

Much like Israel, our culture places too much trust in the world around them. They get sucked into the mainstream of life and its ways and before they know it, the principles of God’s law are forgotten. As a society, they depend on jobs, finances, or the government for security and even guidance.

Ezekiel is saying to Israel, and I believe to us, wake up.

He becomes the watchman to warn the people of their wickedness—even though God’s already told him they won’t listen. God puts it this way:

“If I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. But if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, or from his wicked way, he shall die for his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul.”

 Ezekeil 3:18-19

Judgement came to the house of Israel, and the people were scattered. Yet God’s plan to redeem and restore them is a beautiful shadow of how He will send His son Jesus, a few hundred years later, to save us.

God tells Ezekeil the exiled people of Israel will be given a new heart!

They will realize their sin and repent of their idolatry.

“And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people and I will be their God.”  Ezekiel 11:19-20

Questions to Ponder:

• Why do you think the Holy Spirit put theses verses in the bible?
• How does it move you to think, speak, or live for God in a different way?
• Are you a watchman for the lost people within your influence?

The hope of the gospel is to surrender our entire way of thinking to the Lord Jesus Christ and confront the broken awful blackness of our soul. As we lay it before him and ask Him to redeem and restore us, a new regenerated soul is born. We have a one heart with Christ, a new heart and a new spirit.

Gone is the heart of stone with its cracked wall of feeble protection that allows loneliness, jealousy, envy, and greed to seep in and corrupt our souls. In its place is a pliable, open softness towards ourselves, our past, and those around us!

It’s a heart willing to forgive generously, love unconditionally, and move excitedly to honor and please God.

Glory to you, God for the message of freedom to face our sin, confess our sin, and lay it before you for our healing.  A new life here and for eternity!

God bless you, today. I am praying for you as you read this and listen to the message God has for you! You’ll find more encouragement, recipe devotions, and health tips on the blog, so look around and let me know what you think!

I’m expanding my physical and spiritual health ministry into a podcast too; it’s called Family Focused Health and it’s on Spotify! I would be so grateful if you can join me there each week for health topics, scripture, and ways to implement healthier lifestyle habits into our lives.

I am reviewing “Everyday Theology, What You Believe Matters” by Mary Wiley, today because it’s so good you’ll want to add it to your list of must do studies! It is not only foundational, encouraging, and biblically solid, it will prepare you to articulate solid truth for the world.

Why is that so important?

Well, because the world is really busy filling my mind, my kids’ minds, and your mind with its views!

I notice this every day in media, marketing, articles, and even health promoting sites. However, I experienced it yesterday through casual conversation, meeting a new person for the first time. The person was so adept at incorporating his worldview into everything he said, I left the encounter knowing exactly where he stood on every frontline issue.

His choice of words to describe his role at a previous school gave a brief view of what he taught. However, the Hillbilly antics of the people who lived there filled his conversation and expressed his perception of the racial divide. By the time we were ready to leave, I knew his views on marriage, abortion, and conservatives.

My friend, I want our radically different views of life, marriage, and family to roll off our tongues in casual conversation too! Mary Wiley’s, “Everyday Theology” is going to help us do that! More importantly, it will show us how to do it in a non-confrontational or negative way.

Sessions Covered in Everyday Theology

We will start the study learning about the following topics:

• Scripture
• God
• Jesus
• The Holy Spirit
• Humanity
• Salvation
• The Church
• The End Times

In this eight-week study, you will get a clear view of everyday theology and how to talk about your beliefs with others. If you want a study guide to follow, you can order it with her video teaching sessions at Lifeway.com.

A sneak peek for the study is also available if you want to check it out too.

In our introduction and the following weeks reveal the importance of forever. When we examine scripture and see God’s plan for order and protection, we see love and guidance for a more peaceful way to live. I want that for myself and my family, and I want it for you!

Let’s take a look at the term “forever”.

What does forever mean to you?

To me, it means to the end of the age and beyond death. Our scripture memory verse today in Isaiah 40:8 describes God’s Word as standing forever.

I invited a lady to bible study yesterday because this day of study helped me clarify my purpose.

Sharing with her how studying the bible has changed my life for the better just rolled off my tongue. The thought provoking questions that make me think about what I’m reading has transformed my life more than just sitting down to read a chapter or listening to a sermon ever could.

However, even though I’ve enjoyed bible study for personal growth over the years, it’s never been something I wanted to keep secret.

The urge to share it with you and others just kind of took over my life. It has nothing to do with me being a good person, but evidence of the transforming Word of truth hitting a humbled heart. I want everyone I know to experience this!

My friend, God’s Word is forever, because it’s relevant, meaningful, and purposeful. It is everyday theology coming alive is us as we share his living and active Word that is sharper than a double-edged sword to pierce the thoughts and attitudes of every heart!

Spend some time in the following Psalm to understand a heart longing for God and understanding how important it is to communicate with our heavenly Father.

Psalm 119:89-91

Psalm 119:92

Psalm 119:97-104

Mary Wiley says, “If we love God without loving God’s Word, we don’t really know the object of our affection.

Pray for a desire to seek God in His Word over every other desire in your life. He’ll gladly answer this prayer and give you the true desire of your heart…Him.

I look forward to walking alongside you in your journey, please check out the blog for recipes and the devotions for encouragement.

Mysty

Simplifying Health God’s Way

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-`8

1 Thessalonians 5 ESV – The Day of the Lord – Now concerning – Bible Gateway

Is there someone in your life that reminds you to hold fast to the good and be thankful in all circumstances? Who is the person telling you to look at the bright side?

I’ll be honest, I’m not always thankful in every circumstance.

Other than Paul in my daily bible reading, there is no one around me reminding me to be thankful in all circumstances either.

Sometimes I savor a little self-pity before conviction takes over and I see God is up to something. My heart needs tweaking from the Holy Spirt to hold fast, love more, give grace, and be patient.

When I think I have difficult times, all I have to do is attend a local community sporting event or interact with children at our Wednesday night church program, and see my life is not as complicated as I think.

Satan is harassing families and tearing them apart. The grade schooler playing soccer and running to the sidelines for a drink of water from his parents seems perfectly normal. The little girls at church giggle and hold fast to the joy of playing with others, until they settle down for our lesson and tell me about their parents in jail.

I notice the distance of the soccer player’s mom and dad from grandma and grandpa at the game. I also wonder about who is mothering these girls while they are separated from their mothers. I’m more than a little sad, I’m angry because I know Satan loves this. He thrives on tearing these families apart.

Many grandparents in the area are raising their grandchildren due to the drug use of their parents. They do the best they can and hope for the better days ahead. I’m certain they are especially hoping for freedom from this cancer of the soul.

In his letter to Thessalonica, Paul says,

Hold Fast to What’s Good in Life!

They are holding fast to the good, while their children are struggling with evil. A physical example of what I sense in the families of those sweet girls on Wednesday night. Lord, may they never fall into the cycle of addiction their parents are trapped in at the moment. Instill them with the power of your Word, so they abstain from every form of evil.

  Only Jesus can soothe the loneliness of an absent mother, calm the overwrought emotions of a fearful child, and remind them who He is. He is the Great I am. He is worth rejoicing, and only He will find a way for these families to survive all the evil placed before and upon them!

I pray for them to find relief, and the sanctuary of hope through Jesus. As I studied the state of humanity in bible study this week the question arose, “What are you most looking forward to when Jesus returns?”

I’m looking forward to no more child abuse and innocents suffering!

I’m tired of Satan having his way with families, as the evilness of the human heart overflows with pain and misery, looking to fill the void with substances and hurting those they love in the process.

Thanks, in All Circumstances

How do I rejoice and give thanks in these circumstances?

I rejoice because I know the Healer who can put his arms of protection around these families. I look to prayer warriors who call upon the name of the Lord to remove wicked desires and unnatural cravings. I ask for forgiveness for lack of action on my part, and pray He shows me a way to help.

Most of all I rejoice that God is good, and I can hold fast to what’s good. Although He doesn’t remove all evil, He works it out for those who love Him. In His timing, and in His way.

If you are also struggling to rejoice in all circumstances and mourning the status of torn families, I pray He shows you how to hold fast to what is good, too.

You and I can take comfort in knowing, Jesus has the power to reconcile all the angry, frustrated, drug-addicted, abused, and sad people we know to God, in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. Because he came and preached peace to everyone far off and those who are near (Ephesians 2:16-17).

Glory to God.

If you need further encouragement to embrace bold faith, check out more devotions here!

The Burden of a Health Crisis

A few years ago, my two co-workers were diagnosed with cancer around the same time. One of them colorectal, and the other breast cancer. The first had recently adopted two boys from Russia, while the other found her lump breastfeeding her child.

Although the burden of this catastrophic diagnosis weighed heavily on these ladies and every single one of their family members, they both faced it matter-of-factly, like they did everything else in life. 

I remember watching them continue working in the intensive care unit as they underwent treatments. They’d say, “Everything is going to be ok; God has this.” They tolerated chemotherapy like champs, and they’d laugh and joke with the nurses hooking them up to treatments.

The unspoken ruminating going on in their minds remained a hushed mystery.

I can only guess their thoughts as I put myself in their shoes. “How long do I have, Lord?” “Will my family remember me fondly?” “Did I do what you wanted me to do?” “How will my children react, and who will look out for them when I’m gone?” “Will my husband be ok?” “How long before he finds someone else?”

The emotion of the unknown is stifling.

The apostle Paul felt it come crashing in upon him and his comrades in Asia, much like today’s newly diagnosed cancer patient and their families reel from the shock of this diagnosis. The burden is so heavy he despairs life itself. He says in 2 Corinthians,

Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him, we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.

2 Corinthians 1:9-10 ESV – Indeed, we felt that we had received – Bible Gateway

Although the burden is overwhelming, he draws strength from God, who he knows delivers. He implores the church in Corinth,

You also must help us in prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted through the prayers of many.

2 Corinthians 1:11 ESV – You also must help us by prayer, so – Bible Gateway

Purpose of the Burden

I rejoice as I read this because the prayers of many helps lighten the burden of the unknown for my friends and family facing cancer. The purpose of it also becomes clear as we draw closer to each other and to God. Prayers restore peace to the heart under great duress. The power of prayer can heal the body of cancer cells and deliver ruminating minds from unanswered questions too.

Most of all, the prayers of many are felt wholeheartedly by the one receiving them. The Holy Spirit moves in and among us, connecting our thoughts to those of our friends in need. He can span many miles in mere seconds to soothe and comfort a hurting and doubtful soul.

The breath of life also works miracles.

It’s been almost ten years since my two friends faced cancer and won. Even though it was not an easy road to take, and the burden of complications from being sick is ongoing, their hope remains.

They didn’t lose heart, nor should you and me. The reality is our outer self is wasting away, but our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light and momentary affliction is preparing us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the unseen things. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things unseen are eternal (2 Cor. 4:16-18).

A Prayer for The Burden

Father God, I pray today for my friend whose burden is beyond her strength. You see her, know her, and love her more than words say. May the prayers of many reach her and her family at this moment. I pray you lift the burden of the unknown and the fear. Eventually, all of us will face the day when this tent, our earthy home, is destroyed.

But we have a building from you, God, a house not made with hands, but eternal in heavens. On that day, the burden of the immortal will be swallowed up by life. Praise you, God! You have given us the Spirit as a guarantee. (2 Cor. 5:1-4) Until then, Lord, prepare my friend and me for whatever we face in this tent. Please give us more time to do what you have called us to do and draw us closer to you in the process. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

For more encouragement in your walk with God and easing your burden see the devotions page; Bold Faith.

Two of my favorite vegetables pair up well together for this easy Kale & Walnut Sweet Potato Skin appetizer. Sprinkled with a little garlic powder, the slightly bitter kale makes a nice contrast of to the sweet potato. Add the crunch of walnuts and some fresh grated Romano cheese and you have a delightful… and healthy, appetizer.

Benefits of Kale/Sweet Potatoes/Walnuts

Although kale is known for its polyphenols and antioxidant activity, most of the nutrient value is lost in cooking. This is why it is so important to eat fresh fruits and vegetables daily in addition to our cooked favorites. The good news for this particular vegetable is the retention of beta-carotene; it only loses about 5% (1).

Sweet potatoes are also a good source of beta-carotene. So, when converted to vitamin A, this dish helps your immune system by fighting free radical damage. It also provides protection for your vision (2). Topping the dish with a few walnuts adds crunch and heart-healthy, cholesterol lowering benefits!

Devotion

The importance of keeping our vision protected with vitamin rich foods is just as important as keeping their value in spiritual discernment. The eyes take in so many messages! For instance, images of good and evil, as well as beauty and darkness. If we are not careful and do not protect what our eyes are subject to, we are susceptible to lowering our standards.

The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

Mathew 6;22-23

The unbiblical practices occurring all around us make us immune to certain acts that are not honoring to God. May be cling to the biblical principles that hold our lamp up high and shine a light in the darkness. I hope you enjoy nourishing both your physical eyes and spiritual eyes today!

You can start with this Kale & Walnut Sweet Potato appetizer as you read your devotions. Remember, what God puts in the garden is good!

References:

Composition and antioxidant activity of kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) raw and cooked – PubMed (nih.gov)

Sikora E, Bodziarczyk I. Composition and antioxidant activity of kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) raw and cooked. Acta Sci Pol Technol Aliment. 2012 Jul-Sep;11(3):239-48. PMID: 22744944.

The influences of purple sweet potato anthocyanin on the growth characteristics of human retinal pigment epithelial cells (nih.gov)

Sun, M., Lu, X., Hao, L., Wu, T., Zhao, H., & Wang, C. (2015). The influences of purple sweet potato anthocyanin on the growth characteristics of human retinal pigment epithelial cells. Food & nutrition research, 59, 27830. https://doi.org/10.3402/fnr.v59.27830

Salads

• Tasty & Simple Salad in a Jar Ideas
• Red Relish & Cherry Salad
• Tuna & Red Pepper Salad with Quinoa
• Simple Pear & Pepper Salad
• Power Salad
• Power Quinoa & Cucumber Salad
• Sustaining & Easy Salad Ideas
• Broccoli & Cherry Salad
• Kale, Apple, & Beet Salad
• Potato and Tomato Salad
• Turkey Pecan Salad

Articles

What to Expect with an RN Health & Wellness Coach

The STRENGTH Approach to Christian Wellness

A Faith-Based Approach to Stress Relief- 3 Easy Steps

Resolved: Firmly Determining to Do Something

When We Change our Minds, We Change Our Lives

10 Easy Ways to Strengthen Your Immune System

The History of Dyes in Food, Why it Matters, & A List of Safe Foods

414 Bonding Challenge Kickstart

Bold Faith

Daniel Overview–Unfailing Character, Unflinching Faith

Faith of the Elderly

Ezra Overview-The Hand of Our Good God on Us

Letting Go of Useless Thoughts

When Facing Seasons of Spiritual Depression, Tune In To God’s Voice

The Messiness of Passing Through

And he said, “Oman greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”

Daniel 10:19

How blessed are we that our Father and Creator opens our eyes to the same encouragement He gives Daniel? For we, like he who loves God, also cry out to our Lord in our distress. We see Daniel as an example of faith under fire in this passage. He sees the destruction and devastation coming upon the people he loves, yet he is strengthened.

Although our circumstances may be different, we too see havoc upon us. Powerless, we begin seeking ways to build up our courage. As we undergo illness, distress, loss, and heartache in our own lives and in the lives of those we love, we cry out to the Lord.

Therefore, we have hope as we read this passage because God always sends comfort and reassurance when we cry out to Him. Daniel’s vision of what will happen to his people in the latter days is devastating. The truth of the conflict in the vision causes him to lose his appetite and mourn for three weeks.

The Comforter envelopes us with new courage.

When we receive devastating news or undergo a health crisis, we too can be in the same distress. Weak and wondering, Daniel see’s the messenger of God coming to reassure him in his time of need. Terrified, he falls to his knees. He displays an example of where our posture before the Lord will be when we face Him in our darkest hour.

Moreover, emotional pain and heartache from physical loss can take our breath away and remove our words. However, when we come trembling before God with the devastation of it, He sees our misery. The doubt, fear, and debility are laid before Him. Unseen, our spirit cries out. Exhausted and exposed to our own vulnerability, we fully submit our warring emotions to Him.

God hears our cries

As a result, we slowly feel a warmth in the pit of our soul spread like a soothing balm to calm our tumultuous emotions. God hears our cries and sees our surrender to Him. Jesus picks up the pieces laid before Him and methodically puts them in order as the Comforter envelopes us with new courage.

For further encouragement check out the devotion page on this site!

“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” Isaiah 41:10

God never fails to give us a passion for something…….

He works in us and through us to help His people….. My passion is to learn! I love God, His wonderful word and His wonderful provision in the garden.

I want to combine the last 20 years of continuing education classes and on line nutrition classes with 25years of nursing adults to bring you encouragement, hope, fun, and healthy recipes to build an sustain these temporary bodies that serve our Lord.

So, feel free to look around! There are devotions, bible studies, and easy recipes to explore!

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