Resurrection Power

Happy Easter Beauties!

“ For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.  For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:5-11 (NIV)

Oh the good news of Easter! Is there anything more beautiful than the life of Jesus resurrected from the darkness of death and the tomb? What an amazing love story! Not only did Jesus conquer death, but He rose again to give us new life. A life that is simply beautiful.

The resurrection power that raised Christ from the dead is given to us, so we too can live a life of authority over darkness. No longer slaves to fear, doubt, anxiety, guilt, and shame, we command the enemy and his demons to leave. They have no place in our lives - our newly resurrected lives. Selah.

If the same power that raised Christ lives in you, please believe this truth - Nothing can stop the resurrection power living in you from accomplishing everything Jesus died to give you. Nothing can stop you from living your life in freedom! Nothing can stop you from making your dreams a reality! Nothing can stop you from ___. You fill in the blank. Selah.

Today we celebrate the risen life of Jesus, and also our own. How will you celebrate your new life? Selah.
Resurrecting - Elevation Worship

Please join me here tomorrow as we reflect on our entire 40 Day Journey experience.

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“God raised the Lord from death. He will raise us from death by His power also.”

— 1 Corinthians 6:14 New Living Translation

Forever Reconciled

Good Morning Beauties!

“ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (NKJV)

The Father will do anything for His Children, as long as it leads us back to Himself. The purpose of blessing is always to bring us into a deeper relationship with Him. The truest blessing is Jesus! The ultimate victory is reconciliation to the Father. It has always been about us returning in beautiful harmony to the Father.

Please take some time to journal about your understanding of what Jesus did on the cross and how it helped to bridge the gap between you and the Father. What does reconciliation mean to you? Selah.

Last night I attended our church’s Good Friday service, and I still carry the images with me today. The love of the Father was on full display as my eyes and heart witnessed the suffering of Jesus on the cross. It was a picture of God’s Perfect Love - The Perfect sacrifice of His Perfect Lamb. It was PERFECTION on display.

As we consider the truth about our rightful place as a Child of God, ponder what that means in your life. What has the Holy Spirit in the past few days taught you about your title? Selah.

Please take time to celebrate the truth of what Jesus has done for you and the fact that you are, indeed, a Child of God.

Who You Say I Am - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“‘In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.’ Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”

— John 14:2-6 New King James Version

Journey to The Cross

Hello Beauties!

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 (NLT)

There is no greater love than this…Jesus died on a cross for us, for me, for you. The indescribable display of love is two fold, right? The love of Jesus to lay down His life for us, and the love of God the Father. He loved us so much He gave His one and only Son to save us. We will never know a greater love.

He is so magnificent, and yet He treasures us! Shouldn’t that be the other way around? Are you perplexed by what appears to be a mistake? He’s the one who should be treasured by us. It’s not a mistake! You are dearly loved and treasured by God. What do you think about this truth? What lies make it hard to believe? Can you uproot them and hand them over to the one who died for you? Selah.

On this special day we remember the great love of Jesus as He went willingly to the cross. As you ponder His great sacrifice, how did it appear on your life’s journey. We all come to the place of encountering the cross. We must make a choice to believe what Jesus did for us there or not. We can also believe all the freedom found in this sacred place, or we can choose to walk on by, leaving the cross behind. Leaving the love, mercy, grace, peace and joy found in the cross is to live in darkness, void of His light. What will you choose? What will you help others choose? Selah.

Let’s praise and honor Jesus our Savior and King. He deserves nothing less.

Jesus You Gave It All - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.”

— Deuteronomy 7:6 New Living Translation

Lavished Love

Good Morning Beauties!

“ Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.” Deuteronomy 7:9 (NLT)

Today’s lyrics are powerful words! The Bible tells us that Jesus is called Beloved by God the Father, and that is what we are as Children of God...His beloved. His cherished, His darling, His precious.

It's time for a heart check. Is this how you feel? Do you know this love? The love of The Father?

Let's look at the words, "so adored." Not only are we adored by God, but SO adored. It's that lavishing love on us we read about yesterday. Overflowing, abundant, extravagant. We are loved and respected deeply. He holds us dear and is completely devoted to us.

This perfect love of God changes lives! I know, because it changed mine. It wasn't until the cerebral knowledge of His love dropped to my heart that I KNEW His love and was changed forever.

Please enjoy this video today. It's a powerful song with amazing stories of how His love has changed lives.

He Knows My Name - Francesca Battistelli

Love & Blessings, 
Kendra

“God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.”

— 1 John 4:9-10 New Living Translation

No Better Name

Good Morning Beauties!

“With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever, for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death.” Psalm 86:12-13 (NLT)

Today we discover all God wants us to know about our Eternal title, Child of God. In the song, You Are Beautiful, you may have noticed the crescendo and key change as the final verse was sung. All the other attributes have culminated to this final truth - you are a Child of God. Take that truth in and journal about those thoughts and feelings you have right now. Selah.

I believe there is no other name, position, or designation that compares. As long as I know I’m a Child of God, no other title a person could give me matters at all….BUT, I must first know and believe who I am in Christ.

God has clearly spoken his truth to us in 1 John 3:1. I am including many versions here so that the Holy Spirit will speak to your heart through them in various ways. Take time to slowly read through them all and journal what you hear the Spirit say.

“What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are.”
The Message Bible

“See what an incredible quality of love the Father has shown to us, that we would [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are!”
Amplified Bible

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.”
English Standard Version

“See how much the Father has loved us! His love is so great that we are called God's children—and so, in fact, we are.”
Good News Translation

“The Father has loved us so much! He loved us so much that we are called children of God. And we really are his children.”
International Children’s Bible

“ See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children—think of it—and we really are!”
The Living Bible

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
New International Version

You Say - Lauren Daigle

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.”

— John 1:12 New Living Translation

Transformation

Good Morning Beauties!

What a stunning morning. The weather is in stark contrast to Day 31 when we started our look at Purity. The snow has melted off the trees and is giving way to warm sunshine with birds singing their morning song. God is a God of transformation!

Reflecting on the past few days, let’s check in and discover more about your transformation. Knowing you are Pure and your sins are forgiven, knowing you no longer have to live up to any expectations, knowing you are free to walk in the light, how do you now see your beauty? What has God spoken to your secret places? Selah.

Here is a word study of sorts from BibleStudyTools.com on the word Holiness. The links are active, so take some time to dive deeper into the meaning of this beautiful word. It is wrapped up in your purity.

Holiness [N] [T]

in the highest sense belongs to God ( Isaiah 6:3 ; Revelation 15:4 ), and to Christians as consecrated to God's service, and in so far as they are conformed in all things to the will of God ( Romans 6:19 Romans 6:22 ; Ephesians 1:4 ; Titus 1:8 ; 1 Peter 1:15 ). Personal holiness is a work of gradual development. It is carried on under many hindrances, hence the frequent admonitions to watchfulness, prayer, and perseverance ( 1 Corinthians 1:30 ; 2 co7:1 ; Ephesians 4:23 Ephesians 4:24 ). 

Beauties, we are called to put our faith into action, to become holy as He is holy. (1 Peter 1:16) Let’s praise God today for our Beauty and the way He has transformed our lives to be more like Him, especially during this beautiful Holy Week.
Holy, Holy, Holy - Audrey Assad

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“But now that you’ve found you don’t have to listen to sin tell you what to do, and have discovered the delight of listening to God telling you, what a surprise! A whole, healed, put-together life right now, with more and more of life on the way! Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God’s gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master.”

— Romans 6:22-23 The Message Bible

Purified by Fire

Good Morning Beauties!

“I have refined you, but not as silver is refined. Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering.” Isaiah 48:10 (NLT)

Have you heard the term, "Refiner's fire"?  It refers to God using difficult circumstances in our life (the fire) to refine us like gold...pure gold.  The process requires intense heat to remove the impurities.  Do you know this process?  Take time to journal what you've learned from seasons of "heat" in your life.

Let me encourage you with Truth.  God will not abandon you to the flames.  He is right there beside you, praying for you, rooting you on to victory.  He wants you to win!  "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." 1 Peter 5:10

The purification process isn't easy, in fact it's difficult.  God asks us to die to ourselves so He can increase.  Die to pride, bitterness, selfishness, and the list goes on.  Filling up with His love, grace, mercy, kindness, peace, joy....then we will be the vessels He can use mightily in the world.  What do you need to burn today in order to make room for more of Him?  Selah.

Refiner - Maverick City Music

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.”

— 2 Timothy 2:21 New Living Translation

Standing Perfect Before God

Happy Palm Sunday Beauties!

Welcome to Holy Week. I pray you’ve all enjoyed your Palm Sunday morning with the King of Kings. Did you have an opportunity to celebrate His triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem and the meaning of His humble journey?

Let’s look at today’s lyric, “perfect in His sight.” Do you think you’re perfect? Are you striving to be? What do you believe in your heart about such a thing? Selah.

The Lord was so faithful as I looked to Him for a new message about this subject this morning. I usually speak to all the perfectionists out there who try to be perfect to be loved and accepted by family, friends, and even God. I continue to speak truth into the striving and proclaim God already sees us as perfect through the blood of Christ and His sacrifice. And, of course, I continue to say, “God already loves and accepts you just the way you are, so stop trying to be better!”

Today, He showed me a parallel between the Jews’ expectations of Him and our expectations of ourselves. You see, the Jews were waiting for their Savior, and many believed Jesus was indeed Him. The problem was they were looking at Him with an Earthly perspective. They were ready for a triumphant King to blaze into the city like a victorious warrior, but Jesus humbly rode in on a donkey. He did not meet the expectations of the people, but He did fulfill prophesy. He did what His Father called Him to do.

So, how does this story relate to you? What are your expectations of yourself? Do you expect perfection? Are you trying to live up to others’ high standards, or your own? What happens when you don’t live up to those standards? Is it okay to disappoint others as long as you are following Jesus and your purpose? Take a moment, stop, and honestly answer. Selah.

We pray for perfect behavior out of our love and deep devotion to God, but we will never attain it. So we keep on trying with more determination. When we fail again, we try even harder until we’re exhausted, believing we’ve disappointed God. Do you find yourself on this cycle? Selah.

I’m here to say, get off the cycle. You are already perfect in His eyes! The failures of being a human are going to happen over and over, like standing in a field of a million flowers, but it’s okay. Our role is not to be perfect, but to stay in relationship with Jesus, and fulfill the purpose of our lives….to love God, love others, and make disciples of Christ.

“For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News.” Colossians 19-23 (NLT)

Are you ready to move on from the need of perfection, knowing you are already loved and accepted by the one who created you? Selah.

The one perfect thing we can focus our attention on is Jesus - God’s Perfect Love. Beauties, the love we’ve always longed for can be found in Jesus. He’s our one true and perfect love!

Perfect Love - Planetshakers

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.”

— Song of Solomon 4:7 New International Version

Filled with His Light

Hello Beauties!

I love this lyric - I have lived this lyric. Have you found, even as a Christian, you may feel like there’s darkness in you? At times, it feels likes it’s all around, am I right? Let’s look what scripture tells us about this subject.

“This is the message God has given us to pass on to you: that God is Light and in him is no darkness at all. So if we say we are his friends but go on living in spiritual darkness and sin, we are lying. But if we are living in the light of God’s presence, just as Christ does, then we have wonderful fellowship and joy with each other, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from every sin.”
1 John 1:5-7 The Living Bible

Okay, so we know who God is and we know we are His children, so why still the darkness? Our sins are forgiven, we have salvation, but how do we daily walk it out? The following passage helps us to “stay walking in the light” by what we hold in our minds. We know this is the battleground - good versus evil. What we fill our minds with will determine our light quotient.

“Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.” Philippians 4:8-9 The Message Bible

If you’re feeling darkness today, write down what you’re thinking about. Now go back and find God’s Truth to pray over those situations. He will keep you in His peace as you fill your mind with His Truth.

Jesus is the Light of the World. Please take time to reflect on the magnificent wonder of His creation as you watch this beautiful video. Journal as you ponder the symbolism of how Jesus has turned your life from darkness to light. Selah.
Dark to Light - Jonathan Besler

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“You have turned on my light! The Lord my God has made my darkness turn to light.”

— Psalm 18:28 The Living Bible

Pure in Heart

Good Morning Beauties!

We’re beginning the last ten days of our journey. WOW! I hope you are proud of yourself and what you’ve accomplished in the first thirty days. What did you discover about yourself in the past month? What can you celebrate and where do you need grace to see improvement? Selah.

Today we start our seventh attribute - Purity. What do you immediately think of when you see or hear the word Purity or Pure? I think of Jesus and His Pure heart. He has allowed me to meet a few people with a pure heart and I’m always drawn to them.

Here are a couple of definitions of Purity to consider:
”freedom from adulteration or contamination” and “freedom from immorality”. How do you define it? What definition are you trying to live up to?

I believe we most often think it has to do with our sexuality, especially when we refer to Christian Purity. We hear and use the phrase, “I want to remain pure for my husband before our marriage”, and we wear purity rings as a commitment to remain a virgin prior to marriage. While remaining sexually pure as God has instructed us is important, I believe purity of heart is even more important.

I love great teaching, and the best is that of Jesus himself. His glorious Sermon on the Mount gave us the gift of the Beatitudes. Jesus declares, “Blessed are the Pure in Heart, for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8 (NIV) What is the condition of your heart today? Do you hold any bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy, or envy that is preventing you from seeing all of God? Selah.

Jesus didn’t come to correct our behavior, but to purify our hearts. It’s always about the heart with Him. Will you join me in praying this verse of scripture? “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

Clean - Natalie Grant

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“...let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”

— Hebrews 10:22 New International Version

The Light of Love

Good Morning Beauties!

As you stand in the light of the cross, do you see beauty? Can you look past the torture device of how Christ died for you and see the beauty of His fulfilled purpose? Selah.

Has God brought you to some difficult places, where you had to decide to move forward, trusting the pain had purpose, and He would see you through to the other side? Can you see the beauty in those places now? Selah.

Jesus showed Thomas the scars that remained from His crucifixion. He was not embarrassed, nor did He feel angry about what He had to endure. Jesus revealed the Beauty of His purpose in those scars. What about you? Are you able to look at your “scars” and see beauty and purpose? Selah.

I pray you’re able to take time to ponder each question and see what God reveals to you.

The Passion - Hillsong Worship

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“After you have suffered a little while, our God, who is full of kindness through Christ, will give you his eternal glory. He personally will come and pick you up, and set you firmly in place, and make you stronger than ever.”

— Peter 5:10 The Living Bible

Let Light and Love Flow

Good Morning Beauties!

“ Hallelujah! I want to express publicly before his people my heartfelt thanks to God for his mighty miracles. All who are thankful should ponder them with me.  For his miracles demonstrate his honor, majesty, and eternal goodness. Who can forget the wonders he performs—deeds of mercy and of grace?” Psalm 111:1-4 (TLB)

While reflecting on the past few days lyrics, I approached the throne today with timidity and a feeling of unworthiness. Especially after watching the heartbreaking video of Jesus shedding his blood for me yesterday. The images still haunt me today.

The Holy Spirit spoke sweetly, “You feel unworthy because you are. That’s the point. No one is worthy except God. No one deserves salvation, that’s why it’s a gift found through grace by faith.” With that message came thought of God’s great mercy. I think it starts there.

God’s mercy is astounding! It allows him to spare me from the punishment I rightly deserve. Think about this truth with me - mercy stops the punishment and grace allows for redemption. Do you see it? Selah.

How are you processing the truths we’ve pondered this week? Are you able to grasp the magnitude of Jesus’ gift of salvation for you? For the world? What emotions are you feeling today? Is the Holy Spirit trying to reveal a lie you’ve been believing? Selah.

When we know the truth about God’s mercy and grace and all that Jesus paid for us, we can’t help but be filled with his light and love. That’s our gift from him, and we are to share it with the world. Give it away freely today - let it flow!

I think the only appropriate response is praise! Join me in raising our voices and hands in total adoration of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

A Thousand Hallelujahs - Brooke Ligertwood

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“So let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive his mercy and to find grace to help us in our times of need.”

— Hebrews 4:16 The Living Bible

Beloved Savior

Good Morning Beauties!

“He died for our sins just as God our Father planned, and rescued us from this evil world in which we live.” Galatians 1:4 (TLB)

Today seems fitting for our focus and reverence to be unto our Lord Jesus Christ. Prayerfully reflect on His actual sacrifice on the cross for us, the “how” of our redemption. It’s difficult to image the horror from reading the description in Isaiah 52 and 53, and even more so to watch the video which brings the words to life. I pray you will read each word and watch each moment of Jesus’ payment for our sins. Take time this day to grow closer to your Savior. Allow the Truth of your redemption to filter through your mind and reside in your heart.

Isaiah 52:13 “See, my Servant shall prosper; he shall be highly exalted. 14-15 Yet many shall be amazed when they see him—yes, even far-off foreign nations and their kings; they shall stand dumbfounded, speechless in his presence. For they shall see and understand what they had not been told before. They shall see my Servant beaten and bloodied, so disfigured one would scarcely know it was a person standing there. So shall he cleanse many nations.”

Isaiah 53 “But, oh, how few believe it! Who will listen? To whom will God reveal his saving power? 2 In God’s eyes he was like a tender green shoot, sprouting from a root in dry and sterile ground. But in our eyes there was no attractiveness at all, nothing to make us want him. 3 We despised him and rejected him—a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. He was despised, and we didn’t care.

4 Yet it was our grief he bore, our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, for his own sins! 5 But he was wounded and bruised for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace; he was lashed—and we were healed! 6 We—every one of us—have strayed away like sheep! We, who left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet God laid on him the guilt and sins of every one of us!

7 He was oppressed and he was afflicted, yet he never said a word. He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter; and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he stood silent before the ones condemning him. 8 From prison and trial they led him away to his death. But who among the people of that day realized it was their sins that he was dying for—that he was suffering their punishment? 9 He was buried like a criminal, but in a rich man’s grave; but he had done no wrong and had never spoken an evil word.

10 But it was the Lord’s good plan to bruise him and fill him with grief. However, when his soul has been made an offering for sin, then he shall have a multitude of children, many heirs. He shall live again, and God’s program shall prosper in his hands. 11 And when he sees all that is accomplished by the anguish of his soul, he shall be satisfied; and because of what he has experienced, my righteous Servant shall make many to be counted righteous before God, for he shall bear all their sins. 12 Therefore, I will give him the honors of one who is mighty and great because he has poured out his soul unto death. He was counted as a sinner, and he bore the sins of many, and he pled with God for sinners.” The Living Bible

The Day He Wore My Crown - Sandi Patty

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“I have been crucified with Christ: and I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the real life I now have within this body is a result of my trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

— Galatians 2:20 The Living Bible

Perfection

Good Morning Beauties!

“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 1 Peter 2:22 (NIV)

It's hard for me to grasp the true sacrifice that Jesus completed for us. He was perfect love walking the Earth. All He did was love people; he was spotless and pure. Yet, he was crucified.

When John the Baptist first saw Jesus walking toward him, he proclaimed, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" John 1:29 (NIV) Jesus came to Earth with a purpose, and that purpose was to die for our sins so we could be reconciled to the Father.

After the Day of Pentecost, Peter spoke with boldness and power from the Holy Spirit, "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake."
1 Peter 1:18-20 (NIV)

How do you wrap your head around it? Is it necessary for you to understand the role of the Lamb with intellect at all? Perhaps you are wanting to gain knowledge and understanding deep down in your spirit. However you need to take in the blessing of the Lamb, make time today. Selah.

Praise and Worship the Lamb of God with all you have.
Revelation Song - Kari Jobe

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”

— Revelation 5:12 New International Version

Shout His Praise

Happy Lord’s Day Beauties!

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (NIV)
Hallelujah! We’ve been redeemed! Redeem - “to buy back or pay off, to clear the payment.” Jesus paid the debt we owed. He ransomed us with his precious blood.

What comes to mind knowing you owed a debt for your sin, but Jesus made the payment for you. He gave you life and gave up his own. Do you know a greater love than this? What are you thinking and feeling as you read these truths? Selah.

Why? Why did Jesus give up his own life for sinners like us? Isaiah 63:9 describes, “In his love and mercy he redeemed them.” It will take our entire lives to truly understand the love of Jesus. It’s a beautiful quest to know him more and more until we are finally face to face in Heaven.

As you may know this about me by now, I always want to look at acting upon revelation from the Lord. We are not to keep our blessings, wisdom, and understanding to ourselves, but to share and encourage others. The action of the redeemed is quite clear in the Bible. “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story — those he redeemed from the hand of the foe…” Psalm 107:2 (NIV) Yes! We are to shout from the rooftops all Jesus has done for us.

Let me ask you, when you’re out to dinner with a friend, and she unexpectedly pays for the meal, don’t you feel a little uncomfortable? We often say, “no, you don’t need to do that.” What’s the discomfort about? I think it’s because we believe we haven’t earned it or deserve it - am I right? Let’s think a little bigger. What if, because of an addiction, you lost your home. How would you feel if a stranger paid for another one - only this one was brand new and much bigger - your dream home? Would you tell everyone you know what this stranger did for you?

So, when the wages of your sin is death, and Jesus pays that debt so you can live, how do you feel? It’s more that a dream house, it’s your very life! Do you tell everyone you meet about him and the amazing gift of grace he’s given you? Selah.

Let’s shout his praises as we celebrate our beautiful Savior who paid the price for us!
Let The Redeemed - Josh Baldwin + Ethan Hulse

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace”

— Ephesians 1:7 New International Version

Intimacy

Good Morning Beauties!

Jesus Prays For All Believers:
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:20-23 (NIV)

My sweet Jesus gave me a crucial truth this morning. “The best picture of who I am in Him is painted in the presence of Jesus.” I find my true identity in light of knowing his true identity.

He also reminded me He is a gentleman and is patient to wait for my arrival each day. I must be intentional in my worship, prayer, and scripture meditation to build our intimate relationship. He won’t force me, or guilt me into seeking him. No, on the contrary, he says when I seek him, I will find him. Not sometimes, but each and every time. He is faithful and trustworthy.

I pray you will make time today to worship your Lord and Savior, commune with him in prayer, and learn from him in meditating on his Word. What is stopping you? Will you prioritize your relationship with Jesus above all else? Selah.

This song portrays my sentiments perfectly. Please listen and allow it to take you into his presence.

The More I Seek You - Kari Jobe

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. ”

— James 4:8 Amplified Bible

Display of His Splendor

Good Morning Beauties!

You are Righteous! Is it sinking in? What have you heard from God about your justification, salvation, and sanctification? Are you still processing just how miraculous this gift is? Selah.

Jesus came to make us right with God, so we can enter His presence, and be changed by His Love and Goodness. This change makes it possible to be an example to others, so they too might be changed. I think this transformation by God is the true “circle of life.”

Who in your life is God prompting you to be a Godly example? A friend? A co-worker? A family member? You don’t have to be perfect to be used by God, just willing. Are you willing to make a difference in someone’s life today? Selah.

I’m in awe thinking about how God loves the broken and creates strong and capable Ambassadors to build his Kingdom. Who could do that but God? Let’s praise the greatness of our beautiful God today.
How Great is Our God - Darlene Zschech

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”

— Isaiah 61:3 New International Version

Free From Condemnation

Good Morning Beauties!

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” Romans 8:1 (NIV)

Praise be to God that we are forgiven and justified. Hallelujah!

Let’s look at these two words for a moment. Forgiveness is pretty easy to understand, but what about justified? In my quiet time this morning, I found a great article on the Seth Lezon website about the difference between the two. I pray it builds your understanding of what Christ has given us with his sacrifice on the cross.

“What is the difference between justification and forgiveness? Jesus died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Does that mean that, since we have been forgiven, that we are justified before God? No. Forgiveness wipes out all debts, but we’re not rich. In other words forgiveness means we are free to go, but it doesn’t bring us close to God.

The definition of justification is: someone who is declared or made righteous. A helpful way to explain justification is that God looks at you and me ‘just if I’d never sinned.’ Justification is what brings us close to God.

Forgiveness in Christ means we are no longer under the punishment of death, but our hearts are still bent toward sin. Justification in Christ means we are now Children through the resurrection of Jesus, and we are being purified from sin.

Jesus has given forgiveness to everyone. He took the sins of the world on Himself (1st John 2:2) so that everyone could have the opportunity to be justified, but only those who accept His forgiveness can be justified. But if we don’t accept His forgiveness and His justification, we have denied the Son of God and are back under judgement (Hebrews 10:26).

In Matthew 22, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a King who prepares a wedding feast for His Son. Everyone was invited into the banquet but some chose not to come in, others tried to come in but weren’t wearing the right clothes (so they were kicked out), and others were wearing wedding clothes and were able to stay.

In ancient culture, the king would provide clothing for his events, in this case he would have provided wedding clothes. In this parable the wedding clothes represent Christ’s righteousness. If someone wasn’t wearing the right clothes they were either a wedding crasher or they thought their clothes were better (they worked hard to be righteous) and therefore would have been kicked out. If they were wearing the clothing provided by the King that means they would have been justified to be there (made righteous).

Justification comes from life changing faith in the resurrected Jesus.”

Do our lives reflect both His forgiveness and justification? What are the key points the Holy Spirit is speaking to you about? How does he want you to take action? Selah.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for sending your son to die on the cross for each of our sins. We are so grateful for your forgiveness, may your forgiveness lead us to deeper faith in you so that we can put on your righteousness and enter into your banquet. In Jesus name, Amen.

No Condemnation - Anthony Evans

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.”

— Romans 4:25-5:2 New International Version

He’s Calling

Good Morning Beauties!

“'Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:22 (NIV)

Let’s talk salvation. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. More than reciting a simple prayer, we repent of our sins, turn from our sinful ways, and find new life in him. Take a few minutes and remember when you first answered the sweet whisper of the Holy Spirit, calling you into communion with Jesus. You may want to journal about where you were, who was with you, what was happening in your life, and how you felt. How often do you think of this glorious time of your salvation? Do you express your gratitude on a daily basis for being rescued from death and eternal damnation to abundant life and eternal glory with our Heavenly Father? Selah.

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

Let’s talk sanctification. I heard a term recently, “Harsh Judge”. It’s meant to represent the negative self talk we all have that torments our minds. The strong Christian women leaders I know expect perfection from themselves. “I should be over this by now. Why am I dealing with this sin again? I love Jesus, why am I still acting this way?” Let’s silence those lies right now. Jesus is NOT a harsh judge! In fact, he declares in the Bible he came to love and not judge us. He is for you, not against you. Do you believe it? Selah.

The Holy Spirit’s work in us is our sanctification. He brings us from glory to glory. It’s a precious process while we’re here on Earth to become holy as God is holy. We will never reach perfection until we are with him - the King of Glory. So, in the meantime, be kind to yourself. Look back from the day of your salvation to today. Where are all the places you’ve grown? How far has the Holy Spirit taken you thus far? Where are your victories? Selah.

Let’s praise God for calling us to himself, saving us, and making us holy.
Glory to Glory - William Matthews

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.”

— John 12:47 New International Version

Innocent

Good Morning Beauties!

“Blessings crown the head of the righteous” Proverbs 10:6 (NIV)

There’s no better blessing than to know we have a right standing with God and will dwell with him forever. We don’t have to earn it, work harder for it, do everything perfect. We already have his complete approval through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. We will be found innocent on Judgement Day. Hallelujah!

We’re a society of earners. We earn our wages, we earn respect, we earn a good reputation. This way of thinking is temporal and not eternal. I still find myself, at times, trying to earn my righteousness. In these times, I catch myself and stop what I’m doing to ponder on the fact that I am already righteous because of what Jesus did for me, and there’s nothing I can do to change it. Working harder and behaving better will not change it. Failures in my life will not change it. Jesus has already completed the work so we can simply receive his gift.

What does today’s verse stir in your spirit? Can you relate to my struggle to try to earn righteousness? What message does the enemy tell you? Does he tell you to try harder, be more this or be more that? Can you identify areas in your life where you’re trying to earn God’s approval? Selah.

This song perfectly captures the truth about our righteousness. Perhaps listen to it a couple of times throughout the day to let this truth sink in.

Who Am I - Casting Crowns

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

— 2 Corinthians 5:21 New International Version