The Way we Engage the World Matters.

My desire is to be a woman of God who witnesses well to my family, to the world and brings Glory to the One I love. That said, the way I engage with the world matters a whole lot.

I'm reading the Acts this morning and was struck by the way in which Paul and Barnabas engage in conflict (Acts 15).

The Word says they have a "sharp" disagreement, but there is no evidence of hate, painting one party as the villain or ill will on either side. There is context to be considered, yes. Yet, given our culture both within the world AND the church, I feel this is especially pertinent to how we conduct ourselves as Christians.

This is the most I will speak of current world affairs; as our country and world navigates through hurt, fear, anger, hate and the like I will turn to Jesus and ask for His wisdom and guidance. I refuse to be moved by solely my emotions and take action (in word or deed); rather I will take my emotions, return to what and Who I know to be true, and test those emotions in the safety of His presence. Does what I feel line up with what and Who I know to be true? 

Let's seek His wisdom, peace, love and gentleness together as we navigate through this season, Christians. It will serve the world and the One we love well.

The devotion that spurred this:

She Reads Truth

Dear Jesus Follower: you were made to run.

Dear Jesus Follower,

What is it that weighs you down in the marathon of faith? What is separating you from experiencing Jesus? Are there things that hinder you from hearing the voice of God in your life? Are they things that you've tried to let go of, but it's as if they were attached to you with super glue and you just can't seem to shake them off? Are you feeling disheartened because you feel helpless and stuck?

I know early in my faith, I was so frustrated that I couldn't just, "get it together." Life seemed to be falling apart, I was not experiencing any joy, and I was so sad that I was - so I thought - a giant disappointment and failure. 

Lies.

I believe; help my unbelief!

One of my favorite things about being home is the ability to sit at my kitchen table with a big cup of coffee in the morning overlooking our big, beautiful tree and pasture and mediate on God's truth through the devotional www.shereadstruth.com.

So. Good.

View from my kitchen from the winter time.

This morning's scripture was regarding faith and Hebrews 1:1-40 and Mark 9:24 were the focuses.

I will admit, there are times I read my bible, stare at the pages and think, "How is this possible? How could this be true?" Yet, time and time again, I reflect on the many times the unbelievable has happened in my life. The times when God has undeniably showed up.