Day 28 "For You The Savior Died"
All For You

All For You

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[a] 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 He Wore My Crown - Sandi Patty

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

Christ suffered and died for sins once and for all—the innocent for the guilty—to bring you near to God by His body being put to death and by being raised to life by the Spirit.
— 1 Peter 3:18 The Passion Translation
Kendra Brown
Day 27 "The Lamb Was Crucified"
Perfect and Spotless

Perfect and Spotless

Good Morning Beauties!

Are you ready to spend time with God and learn more about your redemption from Jesus? Often on Sunday mornings I lose focus on Him because my mind has already jumped to Monday and what the work week will bring. My mind runs a mile a minute with the “to do” lists both at work and at home. It’s hard to slow down and focus on God. Can you relate? Perhaps it’s other distractions that hold your attention.

As I entered into my sacred place of worship with God, a song was running through my head. An old song I hadn’t heard in ages, and I began to sing it out loud. Then I decided to look it up on YouTube and worship with it. The tempo of the song was slower than I was use to singing it, and I was rather annoyed at first, but then realized it was helping me slow down my mind and wandering thoughts which enabled me to focus on God. Don’t you just love how He works?

Here is the song in case you need a little slow down yourself.

Oh Lord You’re Beautiful - Jesus Culture

“For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.” 1 Peter 1:18-19 - New Living Translation.

What do you feel when you read Truth about what Jesus did for you? A sinless, all loving Jesus paid the ransom for all your sins, my sins, the sins of all mankind with His precious blood on the cross. I think we may know it in our minds, but will you let the knowledge drop down to your heart today and believe this sacrifice is what He did for you? Selah.

The Lamb of God - Vertical Worship

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’
— John 1:29 New Living Translation
Kendra Brown
Day 26 "You Are Redeemed"
Draw Me Nearer Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Draw Me Nearer
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Oh that we are redeemed! This attribute we are entering into for the next 5 days is so special. Are you ready? Hearts opened wide? Willing to be changed forever?

All morning I keep hearing “draw near to me.” What a sweet place to be, in the shadow of His wings. There we are secure, protected, tenderly loved by God. My soul is at rest when I draw near to Him.

The Bible tells us when we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. So, in our closeness with God today, what does He want to impart to us about His redemption? Does He want to take us beyond the definition of how He paid the price for our ransom with His precious blood? That Truth in itself is something to ponder forever, but does He want to go deeper with you today?

“With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever.” Hebrews 9:12 - New Living Translation

Jesus has allowed us to enter into the Most Holy Place, to be in His actual presence. Will you go in? Selah.

Draw Me Nearer - Meredith Andrews

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
Kendra Brown
Day 25 "And You Are Beautiful"
Beautiful in His Presence Photo by Shalom Mwenesi on Unsplash

Beautiful in His Presence
Photo by Shalom Mwenesi on Unsplash

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?

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 all that He’s done for 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 darling! Oh, how beautiful!
— Song of Solomon 1:15 New International Version
Kendra Brown
Day 24 "You Are Righteous"
Call Upon His Name Photo by J on Unsplash

Call Upon His Name
Photo by J on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

If you’re in Minnesota, you’re waking up to gusty winds with snow and below zero temperatures. As I look out my window, I see little “snow tornados” dancing on the ground. So much turbulence to see with our eyes.

Instead of feeling nervous about today’s driving conditions, I’m surprisingly calm. The Lord has reassured me, just as He controlled the winds and the water when the disciples were in the boat while He slept below deck, He is in control now. I will not be shaken when I trust and rely on the goodness and faithfulness of God.

I hope you’re enjoying examining your righteousness this week. Knowing that you’re in “right standing” with your Creator is life changing to those of us who tried to earn His acceptance and love. Once you know this Truth in your mind, you can start believing it in your heart and walking it out in your life.

Romans 3:20-30 puts it all together for us; our righteousness, salvation, sanctification, forgiveness, and justification. It says, “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.  This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—  he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith.  For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.  Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.”

God’s amazing Grace and Salvation through Faith in Jesus Christ is for us all! “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NIV

So what about it? Do you truly believe in your righteousness that saves you through the work of Christ? Will you stop striving to be good enough through works of the flesh and release it all to God? What are you still holding on to? Will you open your heart and give it to Him today? Selah.

Here I am to Worship/Call - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
— Romans 10:13 New International Version


Kendra Brown
Day 23 "Forgiven Justified"
Come to the Alter and be Forgiven Photo by Reinaldo Kevin on Unsplash

Come to the Alter and be Forgiven
Photo by Reinaldo Kevin on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Thanks for your dedication to your journey today! What is God saying about these two life changing words? True Freedom is found in them. We have the power, through Christ, to be set free from our sins and to set others free from the offenses they have done to us. It never stops at us; we must continue the act of forgiveness to others.

Not only are we forgiven “as far as the East is from the West,” (Psalm 103:12) we are Justified as well. The definition of the word in Christianity is, “declared or made righteous in the sight of God.” Another simple way of looking at it is “we are free from sin, just as if it had never happened.” Romans 5:1-2 says, “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.” - New International Version

The enemy would have us believe we are beyond the reach of God’s forgiveness and justification, but that’s a lie. Have you allowed yourself to receive God’s forgiveness? Have you completely forgiven yourself? Who do you need to forgive today, just as if they had never sinned against you? Selah.

Enjoy a beautiful time of worship with your King today.

Forgiven - David Crowder

O Come to the Alter - Elevation Worship

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

All the prophets tell us about Him and assert that every person who believes in Jesus receives forgiveness of sins through His name.
— Acts 10:43 The Voice Translation
Kendra Brown
Day 22 "Saved And Sanctified"
I Called, You Answered

I Called, You Answered

Good Morning Beauties!

Today’s lyric, “Saved and Sanctified” is extremely important in understanding the full meaning of these words as they relate to your identity in Christ. I could not possibly provide enough information in this blog to help you discern their concepts, but I will encourage you to get your Bibles and dig deep, do some research online, and most effective - listen to what God wants you to know about your salvation and sanctification.

Today, I just want to share a little about my experience with the word SAVED. Merriam Webster defines it, “to keep (someone or something) safe: to stop (someone or something) from dying or being hurt, damaged, or lost.” That definition is correct for what Jesus did for us, but there’s much more.

For so long, I thought only of what God saved me “to.” He saved me to an eternal life with Him in Heaven. He saved me to a life of freedom. He saved me to His promises. I had a painful past and didn’t want to look backwards, so I kept my eyes looking forward with hope and anticipation.

A few years ago, God showed me that never looking back was keeping me from relating to hurting people. This is when i began praying for a more compassionate heart. He began to show me those things He had saved me “from” - depression, hopelessness, fear, darkness, death. God reminded me of the times I cried out to Him, and how He truly rescued me from those situations.

God rescues us for a reason - for our purpose to be fulfilled here on Earth. I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again, “we are blessed to be a blessing to others.” We are saved to bring the message of salvation to others. What stops you from sharing the saving work of Christ to others? Selah.

Here are a few scriptures and song I pray will encourage you. He loves you and will respond as you cry out in the areas where you need Him.

“He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.” Psalm 18:17

“He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” Psalm 18:19

“You exalted me above my foes; from a violent man you rescued me.” Psalm 18:48

“In your distress you called and I rescued you, I answered you out of a thundercloud; “ Psalm 81:7

“He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.” Psalm 107:20

Came to My Rescue - Hillsong United

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.
— Romans 10:9-10 New Living Translation
Kendra Brown
Day 21 "You Are Righteous"
Crown of Blessing Photo by freestocks.org on Unsplash

Crown of Blessing
Photo by freestocks.org on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

We begin the second half of our journey today. I’m so glad you are here, pursuing God with me, and am confident of the blessing you will receive by doing so.

As complicated as the whole idea of “Righteousness” is, it’s also quite simple. If you believe in the saving grace of Jesus Christ, you have “right standing” with God and will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Look at the scripture that tells us this Truth. “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.” Romans 3:22 - New Living Translation.

So, what are the lies saying in direct contrast with this Truth? “You have to earn your way into Heaven.” “You’ve messed up too much, and there’s no repair.” “You’re not good enough to ever be considered righteous.”

There is a plethora of lies that prevent people from believing Christ did all the work on the cross, and there’s nothing we can do to earn our righteousness. What lies do you believe? Selah. I pray God reveals them to you today and that He takes away any burden preventing you from the freedom of your right standing with God.

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

Blessings crown the head of the righteous...
— Proverbs 10:6 New International Version
Kendra Brown
Day 20 "And You Are Beautiful"
Moving Forward, Moving Mountains Photo by Michael Shannon on Unsplash

Moving Forward, Moving Mountains
Photo by Michael Shannon on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Congratulations, you’ve made it half way through your journey already. I’m confident you’ve experienced change in at least one part of your life, if not more, over these past twenty days. How are you feeling about it?

Have you ever been half way through something and wanted to give up and turn around and go back to where you started? There have been times where I’ve done just that. It left me feeling discouraged and helpless. There have also been times where I’ve wanted to turn back around and go to where it was familiar and comfortable. I thought the challenges were too great, and I was tired from trying to overcome them on my own. Something stirred inside me, and I made the choice to keep going, to forge ahead through fear and discomfort. That “something” was the power of God working inside me. Please trust me when I say “keep going, put your trust in Him, He’s with you, and it’s worth it!”

Half way is also a great time to assess how your journey’s going. Are your expectations being met? Are you keeping the obstacles away from your progress? Are you staying motivated? Only you can answer these questions - answer them honestly. Selah.

Do you need to make adjustments? Here are a few things, as a reminder, that will help your success: spend time in prayer first, listen to the song and let the Truth wash over you, make time for your relationship with God, use your journal to keep track of the lies that have been silenced with God’s Truth, slow down and use the creative pages to quiet your mind so you can hear Him speak to your heart, and commit to coming to Him every day no matter what.

Whatever you do, love yourself for the progress you’ve made and don’t beat yourself up. Send yourself positive messages and practice self care. And know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, God loves you and is so proud of you!

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up power within you to endure all things.
— James 1:2-3 The Passion Translation
Kendra Brown
Day 19 "You Are Royalty"
Helping Hands of Love Photo by Tim Marshall on Unsplash

Helping Hands of Love
Photo by Tim Marshall on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

How is your “glow” this morning? Are you inspired to spend time with God to hear His revelation, or are you lacking a little motivation today? Either way, I’m glad you’re here pursuing the one who loves you and has called you by name.

God is speaking to me about responsibility today as it relates to our Royal status. He quickly took me to scripture where I’m inspired by Jesus’ example found in Mark. “But when the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees saw him eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does he eat with such scum?’ When Jesus heard this, He told them, ‘Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.’” Mark 2:16-17 New Living Translation. Jesus chose LOVE over politically correct tradition.

A modern day example of this type of non-conformity, is the late Princess Diana. She used her Royal status to turn the dynasty on it’s head and began to help the “unlovely.” She put tradition aside and began her legacy of loving the broken. Isn’t that when she really began to come into her own with confidence and truly “glow?”

Our Royal status comes with an accountability to care for others. We have been forgiven much and are now in right standing with Him. Is it your heart’s desire to bring the good news of the gospel to the poor, (poor in spirit, poor in health, poor in finances)? Selah.

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

Those who live to bless others will have blessings heaped upon them and the one who pours out his life to pour out blessings will be saturated with favor.
— Proverbs 11:25 The Passion Translation


Kendra Brown
Day 18 "Heaven's Glow From You Abounds"
Heaven’s Glow In Us

Heaven’s Glow In Us

Good Morning Beauties!

The Beautiful sun is brightly shining today…thank you Lord! There’s just something about the sunshine that automatically lifts my spirit. Can you relate?

Today’s lyric is one of my favorites in the entire song. It expresses the Truth of how we “glow” after spending time with God.

“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.” Exodus 34:29 NIV

When we ignite our spirit with the spirit of God, we are changed and we radiant His light and love, and isn’t that just like God. He blesses us and fills us with His love so we may go and bless others. This continuous blessing occurs as long as we connect with our source of light; otherwise, we will walk around in the dark inspiring no one.

Light also extinguishes darkness…Truth uncovers lies. What lie does God want to illuminate for you today?

Radiant God - Hannah Ford

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.
— Numbers 6:24-26 New International Version
Kendra Brown
Day 17 "You Wear The Victor's Crown"
Sweet Victory In Jesus

Sweet Victory In Jesus

Good Morning Beauties!

I’m traveling this morning and will be on a plane when I typically sit down and spend time with God and journal. Here is what I wrote on Day 17 a few journeys ago. I pray you will be blessed.

Victor, Victory, Victorious. What do these words mean to you? If you are a victor, have won the victory, and are living a victorious life, what does that look like? Success? Power? Ease?  Or does it look like Perseverance? Trust through Trials? Faith through Fear?  Can it be Both? Does it look like the life you are living now or the life you want to live? Selah.

Sometimes our view of a victorious life is like the one the disciples expected from their Messiah. A mighty and strong warrior who would overthrow the Roman army, but that wasn't the case. Jesus arrived on earth in humility and won the True victory, as He wore a crown of thorns and died on the cross. By overcoming the grave, He defeated, once and for all, sin and death, so we may live a victorious life here on Earth and in Heaven for eternity.

Jesus was our perfect example of Victory and is the ultimate wearer of the Victor's Crown.  Let's learn from Him. The Bible teaches us in Hebrews 12:1-2.  "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles; and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."  

What does your Victor's Crown look like?  Why not take a few minutes and draw it on today's  page while you listen to this song...

The Victor’s Crown - Darlene Zchech

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
— James 1:12 Amplified Bible


Kendra Brown
Day 16 "You Are Royalty"
Heritage of Royalty Photo by King's Church International on Unsplash

Heritage of Royalty
Photo by King's Church International on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Welcome to our new attribute - Royalty. At times, this one is the hardest to believe. We find it hard to let go of the heritage of our Earthy family and reach for our new status - that of Royalty.

One definition is “people of royal blood or status.” Yes! As Children of God, we have been saved by Jesus’ shed blood on the cross and as part of our “newness of life,” we now have His blood, His status to call our own. Thank you, Jesus!

What do you imagine comes along with being a member of the Royal family? I think immediately of two words, protection and provision. These two things are important for a girl from her father, and for a woman from her husband. Aren’t you glad we have Abba Father and Jesus to provide anything we need and protect us from anything that may harm us?

I love the scripture from Peter below. He, like Paul, was a man of action. “As a result, you can show others the goodness of God.” Yes! We have our new Royal life to lead others to the Truth of God. When you walk out your Royalty, others will notice your dignity. Watch and see how God will bring people to you so you may bless them with His Goodness, Kindness, and Truth.

Please join me in prayer as we ask God to reveal more Truth about our Royal status. What does He want you to know? Selah.

Royalty - Francesa Battistelli

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
— 1 Peter 2:9 New Living Translation
Kendra Brown
Day 15 "And You Are Beautiful"
Unconditional Joy Photo by David Charles Schuett on Unsplash

Unconditional Joy
Photo by David Charles Schuett on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

It’s such a joyful day as we take another look at our Beauty. As you reflect on how far you’ve come on your journey, what are you believing about your beauty? Has your definition of the word changed? I know mine has. After several journey experiences, I now define True Beauty as “the magnificent reflection of the radiant Christ.” Take a moment to write down your definition. Selah.

I love the picture above! I see a strong, free, joyful Beauty dancing though a dark tunnel is before her. Where are you on your journey? Are you able to dance before the darkness, knowing God will see you through? He will. He will never leave nor forsake you….He will always be there for you. Hallelujah!!

Especially since we’ve been learning about Joy, let’s take time to celebrate today! Let’s dance and linger in the incredible Freedom God has given us. Even if we are going through a really tough time right now, He allows us moments of pure joy to bring us back to His Heart.

Below is a a dance that is a visual representation of the word Beautiful. Created by a lovely woman of God, Cynthia. Araya’s journey through the dance is inspiring and will bless you.

Araya’s Wings - Cynthia Newland, Choreographer

Ok, it’s time to get up, and get dancing! Enjoy this praise and worship to our Beautiful Lord.

Joy - Rend Collective

Our scripture from yesterday is so good, I had to use it again today!

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!
— Psalm 30:11-12 New Living Translation
Kendra Brown
Day 14 "You Are Joyful"
We Are His Joyful Light Photo by Guilherme Stecanella on Unsplash

We Are His Joyful Light
Photo by Guilherme Stecanella on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

It’s a beautiful morning and I’m excited to be with you again as we enter into our third week together. Thank you for your dedication to your journey, even when it gets tough. You’re amazing! You’re Strong! You’re Brave!

Let’s look at the scripture found in Titus 2 that puts the last few days together with the themes of Joy, Freedom, Grace and Peace. Paul writes in Titus 2:11-14…..“God’s marvelous grace has manifested in person, bringing salvation for everyone. This same grace teaches us how to live each day as we turn our backs on ungodliness and indulgent lifestyles, and it equips us to live self-controlled, upright, godly lives in this present age. For we continue to look forward to the joyful fulfillment of our hope in the dawning splendor of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus, the Anointed One. He sacrificed Himself for us that He might purchase our freedom from every lawless deed and to purify for Himself a people who are His very own, passionate to do what is beautiful in His eyes.” - The Passion Translation

WOW! Such Beauty and Truth in Paul’s writing. What excites me about this passage is Paul’s “call to action.” We’re never made whole and mended of our brokenness to live a selfish life…no, we are to take the blessings and bless others. Paul puts it, “…to do what is beautiful in HIs eyes.”

Are you believing you’re too broken to serve God and help others? That’s a lie! It’s in our pain we can relate to others and show them the way to truth and healing. How is God wanting to use you in your brokenness? Selah.

Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace) - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!
— Psalm 30:11-12 New Living Translation
Kendra Brown
Day 13 "Grace Has Brought You Peace"
Peace of Undeserved Favor Matheus Ferrero - Unsplash

Peace of Undeserved Favor
Matheus Ferrero - Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

I pray you are having a delightful morning in the presence of our King. Today we’ll look at two beautiful words, Grace and Peace. These are life changing words, so let’s slow down, dig deep, and pray for revelation.

Thayer’s Greek Definitions defines grace as:
“1) that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech; 2) good will, loving-kindness, favor, of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues.”

Holman Bible Dictionary defines grace as: 
”an undeserved acceptance and love received from another, especially the characteristic attitude of God in providing salvation for sinners.”

How do YOU define Grace? Selah.

Now it’s time to review a couple definitions of Peace.

Thayer’s Greek Definitions defines peace as: 
”1) a state of national tranquility, exemption from the rage and havoc of war; 2) peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord”

Holman Bible Dictionary defines peace as: 
”well-being, restoration, reconciliation with God, and salvation in the fullest sense”

Again, take a few minutes and write down how YOU define Peace. Selah.

Writer Jenifer Jernigan paints a beautiful description how Apostle Paul in the Bible was changed by Grace and Peace. From her book “Dive Deeper” she writes, “Paul very often paired the concepts of grace and peace together in his writings. Remember, he’d once been a persecutor of the church and opposed to all things Christianity. His heart, mind, and soul raged inside him as he tried desperately to follow all the rules. In his pursuit of dotting all the  i’s and crossing all the  t’s, a life of peace was far from his grasp. Paul understood full well that once a person received and accepted the undeserved gift of God’s grace, he or she would also be filled with God’s peace. Paul’s embracing of God’s grace opened the doors to a life of peace with the almighty God.”

Grace - God says, ‘I will bless you though you have not earned it.” It also reassures us we don’t have to strive to be “good enough.” There is nobody “good enough” and that’s precisely why Jesus came - He was good enough, He was Perfect!

Peace - Knowing God accepts us just the way we are - broken and all. No more striving, no more exhausting days of trying to measure up to unrealistic expectation, simply - no more. Peace is a comfort like a warm blanket on a cold night…it covers.

What revelation is God speaking to your heart today? What lies must go and be replaced by His Truth? Selah.

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) - Chris Tomlin

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

For it was only through this wonderful grace that we believed in him. Nothing we did could ever earn this salvation, for it was the gracious gift from God that brought us to Christ! So no one will ever be able to boast, for salvation is never a reward for good works or human striving.
— Ephesians 2:8-9 The Passion Translation
Kendra Brown
Day 12 "Your Spirit's Been Set Free"
Beautiful Freedom Photo by Andrea Reiman on Unsplash

Beautiful Freedom
Photo by Andrea Reiman on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

We’ve made it to the weekend and I’m hoping to spend more time with God today than my workday schedule allows. What about you? Are you finding quality time to spend with Him throughout your week? Some topics have so many layers, it takes time to process. The idea of Freedom is one of them.

Freedom - “The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.” “The state of not being imprisoned or enslaved.” Which definition makes the biggest impression? What words stand out most?

Lies of the enemy, turned into our beliefs is the greatest opposition to our freedom. We’ve heard of brave men and women being captured and imprisoned, and yet their spirits remained free. Apostle Paul, who wrote the vast majority of the New Testament in the Bible was chained in a filthy prison and yet encourages us to “rejoice.” Corrie Ten Boom was imprisoned in a concentration camp and faced horrific challenges, but said, "Love is larger than the walls which shut it in." Both Paul and Corrie did not allow the enemy to steal their freedom of spirit.

The most freedom I’ve ever experienced was found in the presence of God, where He showed me my True identity in HIm. I had been believing the lie that told me I had no value. Though I had achieved success by worldly standards, my spirit was held captive by the lie, and I was not living the life of joy, peace, and love Christ died to give me. What lies hold you captive? Selah.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
— 2 Corinthians 3:17 New Living Translation
Kendra Brown
Day 11 "You Are Joyful"
Pure Joy Photo by Court Prather on Unsplash

Pure Joy
Photo by Court Prather on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

One of the instructions I’ve asked you to follow is making honesty a priority on your journey. Let me be honest with you - I’m really struggling today. Fatigue has plagued me over the past few days making it difficult to focus on my journey and at work, and it’s been hard to stay awake to chat with my husband when I return home in the evening. This morning it’s particularly strong.

In my desire to find an inspiring passage about the beautiful Joy we’ve been given, I found a wonderful Bible study by Nivine Richie. I’ve also found one of my favorite songs to dance around the house with….a truly joyful song about God’s love. Please enJOY the study and song and spend time soaking in His goodness. Selah.

Joy Bible Study - Nivine Richie

You Gave Me Love - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
— Psalm 16:11 New International Version
Kendra Brown
Day 10 "And You Are Beautiful"
Reflection is Brave Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

Reflection is Brave
Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

WOW! Here we are on Day 10 already! That happened fast! Today is another day to pause and reflect on your journey experience.

How are you feeling about your own personal beauty right now? Looking back through the past nine days, do you see your beliefs changing? What has God revealed to you that you may not have seen right away? Do you feel closer to Him? Are you trusting Him more? Selah.

In considering the preparation work you completed, are your expectations being met? Do you need to make any adjustments of what you’re willing to do for a successful journey? Do you need to pray that God will provide more of what you need? How is your action plan working? Are the obstacles to your success being kept away from your journey, or are there boulders blocking your path? Finally, is your reason for going on the journey still motivating you? Selah.

Please take your time answering these questions today and make any adjustments needed to keep you going. You may want to make a list, slow down to color the creative pages, or just sit with God in silence. This journey is yours, so do what is right for you.

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
— James 1:4 New International Version
Kendra Brown
Day 9 "You Are Lovely"
Lovely Laughter Photo by Huyen Nguyen on Unsplash

Lovely Laughter
Photo by Huyen Nguyen on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

How are you doing this morning? It was hard to get out of my warm cozy bed this morning as I hear the cold wind shaking my windows. How about you? Is your anticipation of spending time with God greater than your discomfort of leaving a warm bed?

The past two days we looked at the aspects of Majesty and Humility, and today the Lord showed me how Strength is a common denominator in both. We’re strong in the power we’ve been given by the Holy Spirit, and humility takes enormous strength to put others before ourselves, especially the ones we believe are undeserving.

Proverbs 31 paints a beautiful picture of what we always consider “the perfect Godly woman.” Though her character is outstanding, I’m sure she had flaws the writer left out. Despite her imperfections, we can learn so much from her. Though she is said to be “a radiant bride,” if you are not married, please consider that you are the Bride of Christ, and therefore this scripture still applies to you.

Please take a moment to get to know or re-acquaint yourself with her now. Selah.

Proverbs 31:10-31 New International Version

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
— Proverbs 31:25 New Living Translation
Kendra Brown