Posts in New Years 2023
Day Of Reflection

Walking A New Walk

Good Morning Beauties!

Thank you for meeting me here again for our Day of Reflection. This day gives us the opportunity to look back at our entire journey as an experience and assess our growth. Are you up for it? There’s no right or wrong way to examine your journey; there’s no correct formula.

Here are three steps you may find helpful, but please feel free to create your own method.

Step 1: Simply allow yourself to look back from Day 1 and remember what you had first believed and determine if you now have new beliefs. You may want to write down your findings to help guide the process. Do you want to look at each attribute individually, or consider your journey as a whole? It’s up to you. Which Truth had the greatest impact on your life? How has that Truth changed you?

Step 2: How did the 40 Day Journey process work for you? Were you able to following the prescribed flow of prayer, song, listen to God, journal, pray? Did you use the Creative Pages to slow down and hear from God? Did you find this blog helpful and encouraging? Did you discover the best way for you and God to find intimacy and grow closer in your relationship?

Step 3: Looking back at your Day of Preparation, did your overall journey experience meet your expectations? Did your action plans keep the obstacles from ruining your journey? Did your motives for completing the journey keep you engaged throughout the entire 40 days? What worked well and what didn’t where these preparation steps are concerned?

I pray you have a greater knowledge and belief in who you are in Christ, and that you will experience greater freedom in your daily walk; freedom to be your true self and to fulfill your God given purpose.

If you have had a positive experience, I pray you will consider sharing your story with other women in your life. Jesus asks us to share what we've seen and heard as a witness of His ministry. I pray that you will also consider sharing about your journey on my website to encourage others to take their own 40 Day Journey with God, so they can also be set free from lies and deception into the glorious light of Love and Truth.

It has been a privilege and honor to have been a part of your journey of healing, restoration, and growth. I’ll continue to pray for you and the blessed future God has in store. All joy and peace to you as we move forward in praise and adoration of our King for all that He's done and all that He's going to do.

Kiss of Heaven - Darlene Zschech

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.
— Romans 6:4 New Living Translation
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 40 "And You Are Beautiful"

Reflection of His Beauty

Good Morning Beauties!

Welcome to Day 40! Congratulations, you did it! Your dedication and desire to draw closer to God and know His Truth is to be commended. I’m proud of you, and I hope you are too.

Please join me here tomorrow for our Day of Reflection, where we’ll take a look at your entire journey experience, but for today, let’s focus on the last lyric of the song, “And you are beautiful.” We’ve heard this same lyric several times throughout your journey, so how is it different today? What is God saying to you about your beauty that who haven’t quite received yet? Selah.

On Day 40 of my very first journey, He spoke to me about Jesus’ beauty. God revealed He is the True Beautiful One who simply reflects His Beauty through me.  You may be saying to yourself, "Of course!  This is a no-brainer," but the Truth traveled from my head to my heart, where I allowed it to resonate with my soul.  There is now the realization I’m already the Beautiful woman He created me to be for the purpose of showing the world HIS Beauty.  If we walk in guilt and shame of the lies from the enemy, how will God receive His glory?  Just as the Father was revealed to us through Jesus, we have the amazing privilege of revealing Jesus to the world. Hallelujah!

“My beloved spoke and said to me, ‘Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me.’” Song of Solomon 2:10 (NIV) Yes, now is the time to come out of the lies and darkness, once and for all, and step into God’s glorious life He has for you.

Take a moment to pause and worship the One who created you, the One who loves you and the One who has given you a purpose.  He is so worthy of our praise! 
Beautiful One - Tim Hughes

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.
— Psalm 27:4 New International Version
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 39 "You Are A Child Of God"

Children of God

Good Morning Beauties!

We are almost to the end of our journey together, so please don't coast to the finish line. God has so much to say in these last two days. Let's soak in every last drop He has for us.

The word freedom keeps coming to my mind today when I think about being a child of God. He protects, so we can take risks. He loves, so we can make mistakes. He provides, so we can feel secure. We are free to be the women He created us to be. Strong, confident, loving, kind, game changers, and in this freedom we are to praise him, not just for what he’s done for us, but for who he is.

What word is prominent as you discover your true identity? Write down the word and how it relates to your title as Child of God. What action does it compel you to do? Selah.

Let’s praise God for loving us and choosing us as his children!
Children of God - Third Day

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
— 1 John 3:1 New International Version
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 38 "Treasured By Our Lord"

True Treasure

Good Morning Beauties!

Today’s lyric remains one of my favorites, and one that has brought the greatest healing to my life. I’m excited to share some thoughts about the impact of this Truth, and I pray you will be blessed as I have been.

Let’s look at this beautiful word. Treasured, “to keep carefully (a valuable or valued item.)” The synonyms are quite beautiful: cherish, hold dear, place great value on, prize, value greatly, esteem; adore, dote on, love dearly, idolize, worship, keep safe, be devoted to, think very highly of, appreciate greatly; preserve.

My greatest struggle growing up and even into my young adult years was not feeling valued. The enemy had used people and circumstances to convey the message I was not worthy of love. As you can imagine this message created massive insecurities as I tried to navigate this world and relationships with the people in it.

My life changed when I truly received the perfect love of Christ. Knowing that He loved me and died to save me relieved my heartache and allowed me to live a new life - a life filled with security, grace and blessing. For the first time, I felt cherished, adored, and valuable.

What a precious thought…that we are treasure in God’s eyes. When we look into a treasure chest, we see pieces of beautiful pieces of gold. God sees us, me, YOU! How does this Truth make you feel? Do you believe it? What lies can now be abolished knowing that you are truly valuable to God, your Abba Father? Selah.

Take this song on your journey today and let Jesus speak these words to your heart.
Beautiful - Mercy Me

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession.
— Deuteronomy 14:2(b) New International Version
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 37 "Beloved And So Adored"

One in Love

Good Morning Beauties!

These 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 a lavishing kind of love… overflowing, abundant, extravagant. We are loved and respected deeply. He holds us dear and is completely devoted to us.

A tangible way Jesus loves us as we live here on Earth is through the love of other believers. “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” John 13:34 New Living Translation

The Lord has been gracious and kind to bring beautiful devoted friends to my life. Honestly, it can be quite overwhelming - the blessing of so much love. The Lord is close to us and knows every desire. He sees our painful places, and gives us healing. He brings our chaos and anxiety into order and gives peace. His love is all sufficient, so whatever we need, he’s right there with his endless supply.

I’ve included this special song with extended video so you can see a few real life stories of how God’s love brings restoration and transformation. I pray it blesses you as he reveals a deeper knowledge of his love for you today.

He Knows My Name - Francesca Battistelli

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.
— Zephania 3:17 New International Version
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 36 "You Are A Child Of God"

Adopted by Abba Father

Happy Lord’s Day Beauties!

We are now at the final attribute on our 40 Day Journey…Child of God. Can you think of a better title? I believe the full revelation of this truth leads to drastic life transformation Let this truth flow from your head to your heart today. Will you allow yourself to claim this truth as your own identity? What’s stopping you? Selah.

Let’s see how John describes the manner in which this truth is even possible. “But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name—  who were born, not of blood [natural conception], nor of the will of the flesh [physical impulse], nor of the will of man [that of a natural father], but of God [that is, a divine and supernatural birth—they are born of God—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified].” John 1:12-13 The Amplified Bible

I’ve often heard our new life in Christ described as “taking off” the old self and “putting on” the new self with a robe of righteousness. Can you imagine the transformation? - handing over the dirt and filth of sin and receiving the pure white and spotless robe of forgiveness, acceptance, freedom?

How do you describe being born of God? Write down your thoughts as you ponder this great blessing. If you’re struggling to accept this truth, go to God in prayer, and he will reveal where the enemy has lied to you and has a stronghold in your belief system. Pray for God to demolish the stronghold so that you can fully grasp his love for you and your true identity as a Child of God. Selah.

Take time to worship your Abba Father and cry out to him. He sees your deepest parts.
Child of God - Capital City Music

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. And so we should not be like cringing, fearful slaves, but we should behave like God’s very own children, adopted into the bosom of his family, and calling to him, ‘Father, Father.’
— Romans 8:14-15 The Living Bible
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 35 "And You Are Beautiful"

Oh How Beautiful

Good Morning Beauties!

I woke up this morning to birds singing, not my alarm clock. The first thing I saw was a pale pink sky peaking through the forest of winter bare trees. It was glorious. In that moment, I knew I was part of his beautiful creation, and my heart immediately started praising Jesus, the creator of all beautiful things.

What are some of your “pink sky” moments when God’s presence is all around, and you feel at one with all his creation? Do the lies of the enemy fade during those times with Jesus? Selah.

As you begin the final days of your journey, I pray you will allow yourself to celebrate the beauty of Jesus and how his beauty makes you truly beautiful. I pray you will lay down your burdens at his feet, even if temporarily, and allow his healing balm to meet you while praising him. Get up! Sing and shout to the one who has given you life and paid such a high price to give it to you. There’s nothing like the unfailing love of Jesus, and that’s what he’s freely given to you. Celebrate Jesus!!!

Beautiful Saviour - Planetshakers

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music.
— Psalm 27:6 New Living Translation
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 34 "You Are Purity"

Refiner’s Fire

Good Morning Beauties!

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.

Are you ready to do the will of God, no matter the cost? Ponder your response as you worship him.
Purify My Heart - Jeremy Riddle

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

If you stay away from sin you will be like one of these dishes made of purest gold—the very best in the house—so that Christ himself can use you for his highest purposes.
— 2 Timothy 2:21 The Living Bible
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 33 "Perfect In His Sight"

Uniquely Perfect

Good Morning Beauties!

Today is the day when perfectionists are set free! Do you realize you are already perfect in God’s eyes? It’s true. It’s as if Jesus is standing between you and God, so when God looks at you, He sees the Perfect Jesus. Does that make sense? Can you grasp the concept? Selah.

Have you ever wondered why the need for perfection? I have! Most of my life I’ve strived to be perfect. Since the time in Kindergarten and my desperate need to be number one in the class. Yes, it started for me that early. Lori Snow and I would go back and forth in holding the title. I’m sure it drove Mrs. Carpenter a little nuts.

The need followed me into adulthood and presented itself as top performance in the different positions I held. I had to be number one. But why? I believe it was the need to be accepted by others. The lies of the enemy told me, “If they see flaws, they won’t like me, I’ll be rejected and alone. But, on the other hand, if I’m successful they will accept me. Who doesn’t like a winner?”

This analysis is just hitting a few top layers, because there are much deeper ones. What does my story bring up in you? Can you relate to any of it? Our desperate need for love and acceptance - the human condition.

The great news and truth is God loves you and accepts you with all your imperfections. What you would call imperfections He calls something unique and special He designed for you. Wow! Have you ever thought of it that way?

So Beauties, today is the day to let go of your need to be perfect and rest in the truth that you already are to the one who created you. Selah.

Perfect - Phillipa Hanna / Ed Sheeran

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

You’re beautiful from head to toe, my dear love, beautiful beyond compare, absolutely flawless.
— Song of Solomon 4:7 The Message Bible
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 32 "Darkness Turned To Light"

Marvelous Light

Good Morning Beauties!

Darkness. We’ve all had our share of it. It’s a place of loneliness, hopelessness, and perhaps even despair. The enemy is King of darkness with his purpose to only steal, kill, and destroy. Has he succeeded? What parts of your life do you keep hidden in the darkness with your guilt and shame? Selah.

You may be thinking, “What a bummer way to start today’s blog. I came here to be encouraged.” Beauties, we must first recognize the dark places and give them to God before we can be free of them. Enter - His marvelous light.

God created you with your freedom in tact, and He wants to restore you to that beautiful place. It takes being honest with yourself and Him. I remember a moment in time when I got really mad at God. I was going to church, earnestly seeking Him through Bible studies, and leading a worship dance team. I was doing all the right things, but was still not living a free life. My spirit knew it, and in frustration one day I exclaimed, “I don’t get it! Your word says, ‘where there’s light, there is no darkness.’ but I still have darkness!”

My honestly propelled me forward into my healing. A few months later He called me and met me in Australia where He changed my life forever. He filled my being with His love and light and answered my prayer.

What is your story? Can you remember when God turned your darkness into light, your mourning into dancing? Are you in need of that kind of transformation right now? Cry out to Him with an honest heart and He will answer. Selah.

Marvelous LIght - Christy Nockels

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings utter darkness into the light.
— Job 12:22 New International Version
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 31 "You Are Purity"

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.” 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 new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires.” Psalm 51:10 The Living Bible.

Clean - Natalie Grant

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
— Matthew 5:8 New Living Translation
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 30 "And You Are Beautiful"

In Every Season - Praise Him

Good Morning Beauties!

It’s a beautiful morning to reflect on our journeys. I don’t know about you, but I’m still celebrating my redemption from Jesus. It’s his absolute perfect and unfailing love for me that makes me want to sing and shout and let the whole world know he’s the glorious hope we all search for - that piece of our heart that’s always missing until we find him.

I often hear the term, “season of life.” In fact, I had a wonderful time with some friends last week and we commiserated with each other about growing older and how our minds are not as sharp as they used to be. Can you relate?

Despite the pitfalls of the aging process, we all agreed it’s wonderful being older and wiser. God tells us to get wisdom, so it must be valuable. Can you also relate to the blessings that accompany each year?

Our life’s journeys will all be different, but we can all rest assured knowing Jesus is our Savior and will always be with us through all of the twists and turns we’ll face as we take each step.

What are you facing right now? Do you believe, with God’s help, you’ll make it through? Can you identify the lies the enemy is telling you? Write them down and then beside each one write what the Bible says - the truth about who you are and how Jesus will strengthen you and give you all you need. Selah.

This song is special. One of the ladies singing it had just lost her first baby, Max, about 10 days prior to recording it with the worship team. Can you imagine? Her voice teaches us to praise God in the glorious times as well as the devastating times - in every season he is with us.

Desert Song - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens...
— Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 New International Version
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 29 "You Are Redeemed"

Beauty of The Cross

Happy Lord’s Day Beauties!

After seeing the horrors of how Jesus died on the cross yesterday, how do we consider it beautiful today? This is a question you must ponder and answer for yourself. Again, how is it possible to look upon that torturous device and see beauty? Selah.

As you ponder, I invite you to take time to color one of the artistic pages in the back of your journal. The one above is what I colored in one of my first journey experiences. I remember how it slowed me down to just listen to God, and it was amazing! He shared new thoughts and reminded me of truths I had learned as a child. It was a beautiful time with my Savior. What does He want to share with you about the the cross? Selah.

Another great way to ponder the beauty of the cross is to listen to the truth found in this song. I invite you to grab your journal and write down all the Spirit shares with you.

The Wonderful Cross - Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.
— Luke 1:68 New International Version
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 28 "For You, The Savior Died"

Beautiful Savior

Good Morning Beauties!

Today’s lyric is difficult to look at, I won’t lie. From yesterday, we know that Christ died for our sins. He became the sacrificial lamb for us. Today we will look at how He died for us. What Jesus went through to save us. It won’t be easy.

Scripture describes the passion of Christ in Isaiah 53:1-9.

“But, oh, how few believe it! Who will listen? To whom will God reveal his saving power?  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.  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.

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! But he was wounded and bruised for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace; he was lashed—and we were healed! 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!

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.  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?  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.”

On this day, Day 28 of each journey, I share a special video. A very meaningful song plays over graphic scenes from the movie, Passion of the Christ. It is extremely difficult to watch, but I ask you to watch anyway. The Truth about what Jesus endured for you, for me, for everyone, is not to be missed or ignored. I pray you will be changed by viewing and better understanding the Love God has for you.

The Day You Wore My Crown - Sandi Patty & The Passion of the Christ

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

Christ also suffered. He died once for the sins of all us guilty sinners although he himself was innocent of any sin at any time, that he might bring us safely home to God.
— 1 Peter 3:18 The Living Bible
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 27 "The Lamb Was Crucified

Commingled

Hello Beauties!

“ 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.” 1 Peter 1:18-19 (NIV)

Today’s truth is all about Jesus. It takes the focus from “you are” and highlights who He is…The Lamb who was slain. The innocent, sinless Jesus shed his blood and died for us, for me, for you. What do you believe about this incredible gift? Selah.

I can’t help but think in colors today, thus the picture above. The crimson red of Jesus’ precious blood collides with the brilliant gold of the crown adorning his head as he takes his rightful place on the throne in Heaven. What do both mean to you? Selah.

The beautiful and innocent Lamb of God is worthy to be praised. Let your heart praise him today as you ponder all he’s saved you from and the new life he’s given you.
Worthy is the Lamb - Miriam Webster

Along with praising the Lamb, let’s celebrate the Cross of Christ and beautiful Jesus who set us free.
The Wonderful Cross - Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

In a loud voice they were saying: ‘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
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 26 "You Are Redeemed"

Redemption’s Shout!

Hello Beauties!

Today our journey takes us to one of the most significant attributes of our beauty - our redemption. Stay close to God for the next few days as He takes you deeper into real relationship with Him. The truth revealed in these lyrics will surely kick the enemy in the gut, and the lies binding you will be defeated.

The word redeemed is sometimes misunderstood, so let’s take a look at the definition. “to free from captivity by payment of ransom.” Merriam Webster Dictionary. Here’s the perfect example of redemption found in Ephesians, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” Ephesians 1:7 NIV

There was a payment to be made to cover our sins so we could be reconciled to The Father. Jesus paid it with His precious blood - His very life. Do you know a greater love than this? Selah

We the Redeemed - HIllsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

He saved them from the hand of the foe; from the hand of the enemy he redeemed them.
— Psalm 106:10 New International Version
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 25 "And You Are Beautiful"

Trust. Believe. Live.

Good Morning Beauties!

Twenty-five days of coming to God, sharing your heart, and learning His truth. Is it a habit for you yet? Is it a new way of life for you? Are you growing deeper in your relationship with Him? Selah.

This 40 Day Journey is His gift to you. He longs for you to know Him more and for you to know the Truth about who He’s created you to be. He wants to crush the destructive lies, hold you in His arms, and heal your wounds. He brings confidence to any insecurity and propels you into your purpose. He loves you more than you’ll ever know. Selah.

I think it appropriate to enter into praise and worship today to thank Him for who He is and the blessing He is to us. Make your offering personal by finding the best expression of your gratitude. He’s is so worthy of our praise!
You Call Me Beautiful - Planetshakers

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

How beautiful you are, my love, how beautiful!
— Song of Solomon 1:15 The Living Bible
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 24 "You Are Righteous"

Beauty as We Listen
Photo by Amanda Frank on Unsplash

Hello Beauties!

The last few days have been jam packed with so much truth, I thought it a good idea to spend today pondering about our righteousness, salvation, sanctification, forgiveness, and justification. Are you like me in needing more time with God to really let these truths settle into my heart? Will you allow him to uncover more lies and bring you more truth? Selah.

While you spend time with Jesus, here’s a beautiful channel to inspire connection with your Lord and Savior….

Golden Winter Dawn - Tim Janis

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.
— Psalm 77:12 English Standard Version
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 23 "Forgiven, Justified"

Not Guilty
Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Today we discover what God says about our forgiveness and our justification. Both are important components of his gift of righteousness.

Listen to God’s instruction to Paul (as Saul) on the road to Damascus and what he says about forgiveness, “I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” Acts:26:17b-18 (NIV)

When we repent - turning away from our sins and living our new life in Christ, we are forgiven “as far as the East is from the West.” (Psalm 103:12) Do you need to repent from any buried sin? Ask Jesus to reveal anything creating a barrier in your relationship. Selah.

What does the Bible say about us being justified? Paul explains how Abraham was counted righteous and justified as are we, “The words ‘it was credited to him’ were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 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 4:23-25, 5:1-2 (NIV)

The easiest way I’ve heard justification explained is, “it’s just as if we’ve never sinned.” We have our glorious Savior, Jesus Christ, to thank. His sacrifice on the cross has made us sinless in the eyes of Almighty God, enabling us to return to God in Heaven for eternity. Wow! What a beautiful message of hope.

What do you think about this gift of justification? Do you need to dig in the Bible to learn more? Are you able to process this truth in your mind, and let it fall to your heart and become a firm belief? What may be holding you back? Selah.

Our Lord Jesus has given us the gift of life, abundant life on Earth, and eternal life with God in Heaven. Let’s praise him today. He deserves it!

For All You’ve Done - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

But now God has shown us a different way to heaven —not by “being good enough” and trying to keep his laws, but by a new way (though not new, really, for the Scriptures told about it long ago). Now God says he will accept and acquit us—declare us “not guilty”—if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we are or what we have been like.
— Romans 3:21-22 The Living Bible
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 22 "Saved And Sanctified"

Reach Out and be Rescued

Happy Lord’s Day Beauties!

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,  made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—” Ephesians 2:4-8 (NIV)

Nothing I can say is better than starting the day with God’s truth about our salvation. This magnificent gift allows us to stop striving and stressing to earn our salvation. Jesus’ powerful and beautiful redeeming work on the cross has saved us from eternal damnation (what we deserve for our sin). We simply need to believe this good news is true and ask Jesus to be Lord of our life.

Are you saved? Is this life transformation your personal story? Are you living in the newness of life? Is Jesus your Savior or Lord? Selah.

If you want to know more about salvation, please reach out to me on my website “Let’s Connect” section, and it would be my pleasure to listen, share, and pray with you.

“ Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.  Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” Ephesians 4:21-24 (NLT)

Once we receive salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside us and to help us become Holy as God is Holy. Again, this is not something we have to accomplish in our own strength. We surrender to the Holy Spirit and allow him to sanctify us from glory to glory. We will never “arrive” and be perfect as we live here on this Earth, but our desire should be to continue growing on our spiritual journey.

For all the Beauties who are relying on your own strength to “be good” and “do good” - I pray today you reach out your hand to Jesus, and let him rescue you in your brokenness. There’s no same, just salvation and sanctification…and rest. Thank you Jesus!

Rescued - Lauren Daigle

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live.
— Luke 1:74-75 New Living Translation
New Years 2023Kendra Brown