Streams of Living Water
Photo by Ezra Comeau-Jeffrey on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Thank you for joining me here for the last day of preparation.  You're already showing great dedication to your journey.  The past two days we've looked at expectation and obstacles, and today we ponder motivation.

Do you have previous experiences in talking with God?  In hearing from Him?  In receiving revelation knowledge from Him?  Or is this "hearing from God" thing new to you?  It's really very easy;  there's no mystery.  God desires nothing greater than to be in relationship with you and has provided prayer as a way to communicate with Him; simply talking to Him and waiting to hear what He has to say.  I'm not referring to audibly hearing from God, but He will give you impressions deep in your spirit of what He wants you to know.  

God is infinite, and no matter where we are in our current relationship with Him, we can always grow deeper.  Any good relationship takes time and commitment from both parties.  It takes honesty and openness to flourish. 

Are you ready to go deeper with God?  Are you hungry for more of Him?  When you're extra sleepy on day 15, and you're thinking about skipping your time with Him, what will get you out of bed and excited to meet your King?  Here is where you need to dig deep and check your true motivation.  Take time to "selah" these questions today.  

God has so much love for each one of us, and has blessing in store as we walk with Him on our 40 Day Journey.  Thanks for preparing.  You won't regret the work.

Here’s my prayer for us as we think about our relationship with God and all that awaits us. Lord God, let this description of the Bride and Bridegroom from Your Word be the picture of our intimate dance with our King.

“Arise, my darling!
Come quickly, my beloved.
Come and be the graceful gazelle with me.
Come be like a dancing deer with me.
We will dance in the high place of the sky,
yes, on the mountains of fragrant spice.
Forever we shall be united as one!”
~ Song of Solomon 8:14 The Passion Translation

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“I long to drink of you, O God, drinking deeply from the streams of pleasure flowing from your presence. My longings overwhelm me for more of you!”

— Psalm 42:1 The Passion Translation

Obstacles Along the Journey
Photo by John Salzarulo on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Thank you for meeting me here again as we continue to prepare for our journey.  The next step is to identify any and all obstacles that may hinder your journey.  Once identified, a plan of action to overcome these barriers is created.  Only you know what they may be for your journey, and only you can create the action plan to defeat them.  Please pray for God's help with this step.  

One of the biggest obstacles I found myself, as well as many other women, is time.  The success of the journey requires time.  Time to pray, journal and listen to God.  You may have heard, "The enemy created busyness."  I'm not sure if that is exactly true.  We are all responsible for our own schedules and saying no to activities when needed.  The truth is we have to make time for those things we give priority.  So here's the question, do you prioritize your relationship with God?

If time is one of your road blocks, consider getting up earlier than you do now, before the rest of your family.  You will want to go to bed earlier, but it's something  you can do for just 40 days.  I can hear the resistance already, but I ask you, "Are you worth it?  Is growing deeper with God worth it?  Is transformation worth it?"

Remember, you identify the obstacles that will prevent you from completing  your journey from day 1 through to day 40.  Once identified, you create the action plan.  You may want to write your action plan in your journal along with a commitment statement to yourself for motivation when needed.   

I'm praying for you today as you complete this important step of preparation.  

Love and Blessings, 

Kendra

“For those who cling to the true God, it is said, ‘Clear the way that they travel; widen the roads and make them smooth! Take away any difficulty so that they may go easily!’”

— Isaiah 57:14 Voice Translation

Your Journey Begins
Photo by Matt Howard on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

What an extraordinarily gorgeous day to begin our journey process. I’m so glad you’re here, and it proves you are strong, courageous, and seeking after God’s Truth. The greatest Truth you will learn is how much God loves you. His perfect love is the answer we desperately need to answer every question, every wound, every doubt. He is here with us, waiting to share the truth about who He created you to be and all He has for your life. “…Jesus came to give life, and life to the full.” John 10:10

Before we get to Day 1, we must take a few days to prepare. The 40 Day Journey is a life changing experience. To those who will do the hard work, it will be transformational. For any extended and significant journey, preparation is needed. Let’s look at a few ways we can get ready for our amazing journey.

Do you choose the “narrow gate?” Here is what the Bible says, “Come to God through the narrow gate, because the wide gate and broad path is the way that leads to destruction—nearly everyone chooses that crowded road! The narrow gate and the difficult way leads to eternal life—so few even find it!” The 40 Day Journey is definitely a narrow gate. It’s difficult to say good'-bye to lies we’ve held onto for years. We’ve used them as our safety blanket at times, and God wants you to know and live in His truth.

In Mark 1:3, we find John the Baptist as he declares to the people, “Prepare your hearts for the coming of the Lord Yahweh, and clear a straight path inside your hearts for him!” Jesus is coming on this journey with you, be sure of that. Are you willing to open your heart to Him and everything He has to show you? Jesus is loving and kind, and yet He must be about truth. Sometimes the truth hurts. Are you willing see it despite the pain?

What are your expectations? What do you want to see, experience, know? What are you willing to do to ensure it happens? What are you wanting God to do? Setting clear expectations is so important, and will help keep you on track throughout the journey. You may want to write them down in your journal and refer to them often.

On the practical side, please prepare by getting to know your journal. Read the introduction, review how the journal pages work and check out the artistic pages towards the back. Make it your own! Use it however is most helpful for your journey.

No matter why you are here, embarking on your journey, He has plans for you. Jeremiah 29:11 holds God’s promise, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” We can believe and trust our Abba Father when He makes such a declaration to His children.

We have a wondrous working God and this passage in Isaiah explains the ministry of Jesus. This is the purpose of your Savior, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:1-3 Jesus came to bring you this life! A glorious life!

Most importantly - PRAY! God is faithful to answer prayer, and it’s the key to a successful journey. If at anytime you want to pray together, or let your prayer request be made known, please reach out to me through the “let’s connect” section of the website. I consider it a privilege and honor to pray with and for you. Please know that I am praying for each of you daily, lifting up your lives and journey experiences to God for His blessing.

Beauties - you are AMAZING! You are God’s precious gift. You are brave, and you can do this!!

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete.”

— Romans 12:2 Voice Translation

Bring The Light
Photo by Olivia Bauso on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

You did it! Your 40 Day Journey is now complete. No doubt you experienced a variety of emotions throughout the journey; happy, sad, peace, frustration, exhilaration, boredom. Those feelings are all a part of growth, and in the end, that’s what matters.

Today is a day to spend time reflecting on your journey, your growth, and any action you need to take going forward. Today is also a day to assess the process. Review your preparation and determine how it effected your journey. Were your expectations met? Did your action plans keep the obstacles at bay? Did your motivations keep you going when you wanted to quit? Selah.

I have been on several journeys, and always grow closer to God. This time around my “take away” is to focus on my inner life with Him instead of my external life. All along this journey, the weather seemed to coincide with our daily lyric. Even yesterday, Easter, the weather was sunny. That makes sense for the day of celebration.

But what about today? The weather is dark, rainy, and I hear gently thunder moving closer. God confirmed with me outside forces are going to be different than His nature and power within me. I am filled with His love, I’m at peace, and my spirit is joyful, so I must not take in the darkness from an unkind word, injustice, and overall worldly troubles. The freedom I’ve found in Jesus is here to stay - but I do need to keep my focus on Him and not the world to keep it alive in me.

2 Corinthians 3:16-18 The Message (MSG)

“Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are—face-to-face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We’re free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.”

Our faces shine brightly with the light of Jesus dwelling inside us. Nothing from this world can take that away from us. The choice is ours to keep it shining. The Spirit is ever drawing you closer and closer, the choice is yours - will you follow? Every blessing we receive is so we may give it away to bless others. Will you bring His light to the world so that others may know Him? Selah.

I pray you have been blessed by your journey experience. If so, will you prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? There are a few ways you can help: Tell a friend and buy her a journal, write about your experience for the website to encourage other women, create a review on Amazon.com, most importantly - pray for God’s work to be done. Thank you!

I Will Follow You - Jesus Culture

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Then Jesus said, ‘I am light to the world and those who embrace me will experience life-giving light, and they will never walk in darkness.’”

— John 8:12 The Passion Translation

Break of Dawn
Photo by Alexandru Tudorache on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties and Happy Easter!

Welcome to Day 40. We will meet here for one more day tomorrow to complete our journey together with our Day of Reflection, but today is for CELEBRATING!!!

I’m actually at a loss for words this morning as I contemplate on the marvelous life of Christ and how perfectly BEAUTIFUL He is. Of course, it’s His beauty that radiates from us as Daughters of The King and Children of God. Are you as overwhelmed as I am to bask in the newness of life He brings?

I heard a great sermon this morning from Pastor Steven Furtik, and he said something that really struck my heart. He said that Christ’s resurrection was not a one time event, that Jesus is Resurrection and so He is always resurrecting us. AWESOME! What does that mean? For me it means, on those days when all I see is my sin and shame starts to creep in, Jesus is in that very moment resurrecting me to new life. It’s a constant renewing from our Beautiful Savior.

Do you see it now? Your True Beauty? We see it. We see the love of Jesus pour from your eyes as you listen to our heartaches. We see it as you give a word of encouragement just when we need it. We see it when you give us a special unexpected gift to say you care.

Will you accept the new life Jesus came to give you this morning? Will you allow Him to mend your heart and fill it with His love? Will you say, “No more!” to the lies of the enemy and move on in the sparkling life Jesus has for you? Will you surrender to the Grace freely given so that you may be FREE? Selah.

Resurrecting - Elevation Worship

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“For You bring me a continual revelation of resurrection life, the path to the bliss that brings me face-to-face with You.”

— Psalm 16:11 The Passion Translation

Confident In His Love
Photo by Edward Cisneros on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

How are you feeling today? Are you excited to celebrate our Risen Savior tomorrow? Are you still pondering the incredible sacrifice of the Cross from yesterday? I pray today you will be able to focus on the Truth of The Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Good News is just that - good news! Glorious News! I’m including the entire passage of Romans 8 from The Passion Translation to confirm what we’ve looked at during your journey as it pertains to your freedom from striving to be “good enough.” This beautiful passage speaks of our rightful place as Children of God and the freedom it brings. The Easter Message can be found in these words - I pray you will spend time letting God’s Truth touch your heart today.

Living by the Power of the Holy Spirit

8:1So now the case is closed. There remains no accusing voice of condemnation against those who are joined in life-union with Jesus, the Anointed One. 2 For the “law” of the Spirit of life flowing through the anointing of Jesus has liberated us from the “law” of sin and death. 3 For God achieved what the law was unable to accomplish, because the law was limited by the weakness of human nature.

Yet God sent us his Son in human form to identify with human weakness. Clothed with humanity, God’s Son gave his body to be the sin-offering so that God could once and for all condemn the guilt and power of sin. 4 So now every righteous requirement of the law can be fulfilled through the Anointed One living his life in us. And we are free to live, not according to our flesh, but by the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit!

5 Those who are motivated by the flesh only pursue what benefits themselves. But those who live by the impulses of the Holy Spirit are motivated to pursue spiritual realities. 6 For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set controlled by the Spirit finds life and peace.

7 In fact, the mind-set focused on the flesh fights God’s plan and refuses to submit to his direction, because it cannot! 8 For no matter how hard they try, God finds no pleasure with those who are controlled by the flesh. 9 But when the Spirit of Christ empowers your life, you are not dominated by the flesh but by the Spirit. And if you are not joined to the Spirit of the Anointed One, you are not of him.

10 Now Christ lives his life in you! And even though your body may be dead because of the effects of sin, his life-giving Spirit imparts life to you because you are fully accepted by God. 11 Yes, God raised Jesus to life! And since God’s Spirit of Resurrection lives in you, he will also raise your dying body to life by the same Spirit that breathes life into you!

12 So then, beloved ones, the flesh has no claims on us at all, and we have no further obligation to live in obedience to it. 13 For when you live controlled by the flesh, you are about to die. But if the life of the Spirit puts to death the corrupt ways of the flesh, we then taste his abundant life.

Sons and Daughters Destined for Glory

14 The mature children of God are those who are moved by the impulses of the Holy Spirit. 15 And you did not receive the “spirit of religious duty,” leading you back into the fear of never being good enough. But you have received the “Spirit of full acceptance,” enfolding you into the family of God. And you will never feel orphaned, for as he rises up within us, our spirits join him in saying the words of tender affection, “Beloved Father!” 16 For the Holy Spirit makes God’s fatherhood real to us as he whispers into our innermost being, “You are God’s beloved child!”

17 And since we are his true children, we qualify to share all his treasures, for indeed, we are heirs of God himself. And since we are joined to Christ, we also inherit all that he is and all that he has. We will experience being co-glorified with him provided that we accept his sufferings as our own.

A Glorious Destiny

18 I am convinced that any suffering we endure is less than nothing compared to the magnitude of glory that is about to be unveiled within us. 19 The entire universe is standing on tiptoe. yearning to see the unveiling of God’s glorious sons and daughters! 20 For against its will the universe itself has had to endure the empty futility resulting from the consequences of human sin. But now, with eager expectation, 21 all creation longs for freedom from its slavery to decay and to experience with us the wonderful freedom coming to God’s children. 22 To this day we are aware of the universal agony and groaning of creation, as if it were in the contractions of labor for childbirth. 23 And it’s not just creation. We who have already experienced the first fruits of the Spirit also inwardly groan as we passionately long to experience our full status as God’s sons and daughters—including our physical bodies being transformed. 24 For this is the hope of our salvation.

But hope means that we must trust and wait for what is still unseen. For why would we need to hope for something we already have? 25 So because our hope is set on what is yet to be seen, we patiently keep on waiting for its fulfillment.

26 And in a similar way, the Holy Spirit takes hold of us in our human frailty to empower us in our weakness. For example, at times we don’t even know how to pray, or know the best things to ask for. But the Holy Spirit rises up within us to super-intercede on our behalf, pleading to God with emotional sighs too deep for words.

27 God, the searcher of the heart, knows fully our longings, yet he also understands the desires of the Spirit, because the Holy Spirit passionately pleads before God for us, his holy ones, in perfect harmony with God’s plan and our destiny.

28 So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose. 29 For he knew all about us before we were born and he destined us from the beginning to share the likeness of his Son. This means the Son is the oldest among a vast family of brothers and sisters who will become just like him.

30 Having determined our destiny ahead of time, he called us to himself and transferred his perfect righteousness to everyone he called. And those who possess his perfect righteousness he co-glorified with his Son!

The Triumph of God’s Love

31 So, what does all this mean? If God has determined to stand with us, tell me, who then could ever stand against us? 32 For God has proved his love by giving us his greatest treasure, the gift of his Son. And since God freely offered him up as the sacrifice for us all, he certainly won’t withhold from us anything else he has to give.

33 Who then would dare to accuse those whom God has chosen in love to be his? God himself is the judge who has issued his final verdict over them—“Not guilty!”

34 Who then is left to condemn us? Certainly not Jesus, the Anointed One! For he gave his life for us, and even more than that, he has conquered death and is now risen, exalted, and enthroned by God at his right hand. So how could he possibly condemn us since he is continually praying for our triumph?

35 Who could ever separate us from the endless love of God’s Anointed One? Absolutely no one! For nothing in the universe has the power to diminish his love toward us. Troubles, pressures, and problems are unable to come between us and heaven’s love. What about persecutions, deprivations, dangers, and death threats? No, for they are all impotent to hinder omnipotent love, 36 even though it is written:

All day long we face death threats for your sake, God.
    We are considered to be nothing more
    than sheep to be slaughtered!

37 Yet even in the midst of all these things, we triumph over them all, for God has made us to be more than conquerors, and his demonstrated love is our glorious victory over everything!

38 So now I live with the confidence that there is nothing in the universe with the power to separate us from God’s love. I’m convinced that his love will triumph over death, life’s troubles, fallen angels, or dark rulers in the heavens. There is nothing in our present or future circumstances that can weaken his love. 39 There is no power above us or beneath us—no power that could ever be found in the universe that can distance us from God’s passionate love, which is lavished upon us through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One!”

Amen and Amen. Prayers of blessings and peace as you take in the Good News of Christ today!

Who You Say I Am - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“ For the Holy Spirit makes God’s fatherhood real to us as he whispers into our innermost being, “You are God’s beloved child!’”

— Romans 8:16 The Passion Translation

Treasured Beauty
Photo by Jakub Kriz on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

It is not a coincidence today’s lyric falls on Good Friday. God is so good in His planning. There is no better way to prove we are treasured and loved by God than to send His precious Son to die for us. Are you able to accept this Truth? That you are worth the death of Jesus? Selah.

As we ponder the sacrifice Jesus made for us today, let it build us up in the confidence of how much He loves us. I’ve included a few scriptures here, but I encourage you to dig into The Word and find Truths special to you.

Isaiah 43:1-2

"But now, this is what the Lord says – he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: 'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.'"

Isaiah 49:16

"See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands…

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

Jeremiah 31:3

"The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.'"

Romans 5:8

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Zephaniah 3:17

"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."

The picture above looks like me when I was her age. I didn’t feel treasured or loved and was full of sadness. The Lord has healed my broken heart, and today I live knowing Jesus and knowing His love for me. I discovered this beautiful song today, and absolutely love it. I wish I had heard these truths when I was that little girl. Do you have a picture of yourself in a time when you were hurting? Perhaps you can get it and sing this song over her today.

In His Eyes - 1 Girl Nation

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession.”

— Deuteronomy 7:6 New International Version

Transformation Power
Photo by Hassan Saleh on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

God’s love - it’s a game changer! It formed the universe and created everything in it. It brings peace to nations, families, and the personal war waging inside us. Love conquers all, casts out all fear, and softens a hardened heart. Do you know this love? Do you want this love? It is already your - just reach out a take it.

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 began to KNOW Him. His love extinguished my fear, anger, sadness, and anxiety, and replaced them with security, confidence, stability, joy, and peace.

Not only are we adored by God, but SO adored. It's that lavishing His love on us scripture talks about. Overflowing, abundant, extravagant. We are loved and respected deeply. He holds us dear and is completely devoted to us.

In this season of transformation, I’ve included a special song and video to encourage us today. I’ve watched it numerous times and am inspired with each viewing. You’ll hear the stories of several young ladies whos lives were radically changed by the Love of God. Perhaps your life’s journey has not been exactly the same, but I’m confident you will be able to relate to the feelings they share.

God wants to take you into a deeper relationship with Him, and that creates change. Are you willing to open your heart wide and let His Love wash over you?

He Knows My Name - Francesca Battistelli

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Consider the kind of extravagant love the Father has lavished on us—He calls us children of God! It’s true; we are His beloved children.”

— 1 John 3:1 The Voice

Child of God
Photo by Liane Metzler on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Do you need to know this Truth today? Are you desperate to know who’s you are? Do you have a deep down desire to belong? Selah.

Your Abba Father loves you beyond measure and has claimed you as His very own. Do you find yourself longing today, but you’re not sure why or for what? I believe we are all born with a hole in our hearts (figuratively speaking) that only God can fill. He designed us that way so we would long for Him.

“For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.” Psalm 107:9

Allow the Truth of your birthright to sink in today. You ARE a Child of God! Uncover any hidden parts of your heart and let His love fill you to overflowing. Here’s a beautiful song with lyrics to enjoy as you spend time in the loving arms of your Abba Father.

Child Of God - Capital City Music

“With every breath, with every thought
From what is seen to the deepest part
I offer all that I've come to be
To know Your love Fathering me

Father, You're all I need
My soul's sufficiency
My strength when I am weak
The love that carries me
Your arms enfold me 'til I am only
A child of God

With every step on this journey's walk
And wisdom songs, that the soul has sought
I give my self unreservedly
To know Your love fathering me”

Child of God - Capital City Music (Featuring Rachel Jacques)

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“But to all who received Him, He gave the right to become children of God. All they needed to do was to trust Him to save them.”

— John 1:12 The Living Bible

Beauty of Holiness

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 and given 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 see 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. 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, as God’s loving servants, you live in joyous freedom from the power of sin. So consider the benefits you now enjoy—you are brought deeper into the experience of true holiness that ends with eternal life!”

— Romans 6:22 The Passion Translation

Bliss
Photo by Darius Bashar on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

I pray you are experiencing more of God’s freedom after the past several days on your journey. Letting go of darkness and lies of the enemy and walking in the light and purity Jesus died to give you. It’s transformation at its best!

What will we do with our freedom? What will the result be in our lives from all that Jesus had done for us? Here are a few verses from scripture (New International Version) that help us put into action this amazing gift from Christ. I found these on the internet from BibleStudyTools.com, and there are so many more found in God’s Word.

“Many times when we think about purity it is related to sexual purity, however God's Word has much to say about purity in regards to our heart, mind and soul. God calls us to live a life that is holy and free from an evil and wicked ways. Moral purity should be our ultimate goal as we pursue to live in a way that honors God and remembers the sacrifice of Jesus! Read these Bible verses about purity to better understand how we can pursue a righteous life.”

2 Timothy 2:21-22
”Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

James 1:27
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

1 Timothy 4:12
”Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

Psalm 19:9
”The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous.”

Psalm 51:10
”Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Psalm 119:9
”How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.”

Philippians 2:14-15
”Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky”

In Your Freedom - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“What bliss you experience when your heart is pure! For then your eyes will open to see more and more of God.”

— Matthew 5:8 The Passion Translation

Perfectly Unique
Photo by Tsolmon Naidandorj on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Today’s lyric is one that most of us find difficult to believe. Instead of believing our sins have been washed away and we are seen as unblemished by God, we still struggle with perfectionism.

Why oh why do we still demand perfection of ourselves? Who are we trying to please? Who’s acceptance do we still need? Is it our own unmet expectations? Selah.

In looking at the snowflake in the picture above, at first glance, it looks perfect. Upon closer examination, you can see the imperfections. Is this scrutiny the way you look at yourself? Pretty good at first glance, but not so great in the details?

As an exercise today, please look at one area of your life where you are striving to be perfect and write it in your journal. Ask the Lord to show you what is the origination of the expectation. Is it from something said? Something implied? Family tradition of success? Take time to uncover the truth about need for perfection in this area.

Once you have an idea where it originated, let’s look at the fear factor living within the need to be perfect. What would happen if you fall short of perfection? Would you be rejected by someone? Would you feel shame? Please write down the worst case scenario of falling short.

In your examination of your need for perfectionism today, do you see where the enemy has used deception to cause fear of failure. The Bible tells us, “Love never brings fear, for fear is always related to punishment. But love’s perfection drives the fear of punishment far from our hearts. Whoever walks constantly afraid of punishment has not reached love’s perfection.” 1 John 4:18 The Passion Translation

Let’s pray for God’s revelation of how we’ve been made perfect in God’s sight, and that we may walk in the freedom of His love without fear of punishment. Let’s celebrate the only perfect thing that matters…His Love!

Perfect Love - Planetshakers

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Every part of you is so beautiful, my darling. Perfect is your beauty, without flaw within.”

— Song of Solomon 4:7 The Passion Translation

Light of Love

Good Morning 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 life-giving message we heard him share and it’s still ringing in our ears. We now repeat his words to you: God is pure light. You will never find even a trace of darkness in him. If we claim that we share life with him, but keep walking in the realm of darkness, we’re fooling ourselves and not living the truth.  But if we keep living in the pure light that surrounds him, we share unbroken fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, continually cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:5-7 The Passion Translation

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.

Let’s reflect on the magnificent wonder of all God has done for us and all He is.

Wonder - Hillsong United

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Now, with breathtaking wonder, let everyone worship Yahweh, this awe-inspiring Creator.”

— Psalm 33:8 The Passion Translation

Pure Light of Jesus

Good Morning Beauties!

We have finished the first 30 days and are beginning our last 10 days of our journey. I’d say this is a great time to take a peak back to see where your journey has taken you, and to press in with anticipation to what God has planned for you.

God always uses nature to speak to me. His creation is magnificent, and is always inspiring. Today as we begin to look at our Purity, it’s snowing! It’s a surprise because it was supposed to be finished by now, but it’s a sweet surprise to find snowflakes gently falling outside my window. The perfect picture of purity.

Also perfectly framed in view are dozens of birds singing, playing, and flying in what appears to be an arial show. I’m enjoying the performance from my front row seat, and as I take in the whole picture, I have the impression God is speaking to me. He says Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross has purified me, just like the white blanket of snow. As the birds sing and fly around with joy, I’m reminded of the freedom that comes with knowing I’m pure, without sin in the Father’s eyes.

What is God speaking to you about your own purity today? Are you able to fully grasp your sins are no more? Do you feel like singing and dancing in your freedom, or are you having a hard time letting go and forgiving yourself? Selah.

Here is one of the most pure worship songs I know. Enjoy….

Lord of Lords - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“If we walk step by step in the light, where the Father is, then we are ultimately connected to each other through the sacrifice of Jesus His Son. His blood purifies us from all our sins.”

— 1 John 1:7 The Voice Translation

The Light of His Love
Photo by KEEM IBARRA on Unsplash

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

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“And then, after your brief suffering, the God of all loving grace, who has called you to share in His eternal glory in Christ, will personally and powerfully restore you and make you stronger than ever. Yes, He will set you firmly in place and build you up.”

— 1 Peter 5:10 The Passion Translation

Christ The Redeemer
Photo by Edgar Chaparro on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

How are you doing? This part of the journey can be difficult, so I encourage you to stay strong and let God do the deep work inside that brings change. He has so much for you and all He asks is time with you and an open heart.

The past two days we’ve looked at the “why” and “how” of our redemption. We know Jesus paid our debt with His precious blood to bring us back to The Father. As difficult as it was, we looked at the torturous details of what He was willing to do for us. The why and the how are a massive undertaking to comprehend, so you may need a lot more time to ponder.

Today let’s look with celebration at the fact we’re redeemed! There’s no more “trying to be good enough” to earn salvation - Jesus has already made a way. With the heavy burden lifted, what does that mean for you? What are the things you can let go of and how will you walk in the Freedom Jesus gave you? Selah.

Let’s worship our Savior today with all our might for all He’s done to redeem us.

We The Redeemed - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“For the greatest love of all is a love that sacrifices all. And this great love is demonstrated when a person sacrifices his life for his friends.”

— John 15:13 The Passion Translation

The Passion Of The Christ

Good Morning Beauties!

Today seems fitting for our focus and reverence 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[b] 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[c] 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[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. 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,[b] 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 / The Passion of The Christ

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

God’s Perfect Lamb
Photo by Nadia Supertino on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

“The Son of Man, (Jesus) has come to save all those who are lost. A shepherd in charge of 100 sheep notices that one of his sheep has gone astray. What do you think he should do? Should the shepherd leave the flock on the hills unguarded to search for the lost sheep? God’s shepherd goes to look for that one lost sheep, and when he finds her, he is happier about her return than he is about the 99 who stayed put. Your Father in heaven does not want a single one of the tripped, waylaid, stumbling little ones to be lost.” Matthew 18:11-14 The Voice Translation

Oh how He loves us, each one of us! That’s a good place for us to focus today, on His unending love and devotion for us. It’s the “why” God sent His beloved Son to die for us. I pray you are able to let the Truth of God’s Love sink deep down to every part of your soul. Sometimes I’m so overwhelmed by His love for me that I think I’ll surely die. I just have no more capacity to take it all in. Can you relate? Jesus loves us all that much - overflowing.

Please spend time today hearing His tender thoughts towards you as He fills you to overflowing.

Lord I’m Amazed - Bethel Music

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 International Version

My Debt is Paid
Photo by Paul Keiffer on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Any journey will seem a little monotonous after awhile, but I pray you push through it and open your heart for what’s to come. God has so much more for you in these last three stanzas of the song. He has many more Truths for you to know. (And in my opinion, these three are the biggies.)

For the next few days we’ll look at our Redemption. Jesus has redeemed us! To be honest, until I started my first journey, I was getting redemption confused with reconciliation. In case anyone else is a little confused, let’s look at the definitions.

From Google Dictionary, Redemption is, “the action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment, or clearing a debt.” Reconciliation is, “the end of the estrangement, caused by original sin, between God and humanity.” - Wikipedia Theology. These definitions make it clear that our redemption makes it possible to be reconciled to God.

So then, how are we redeemed? The precious blood of Jesus Christ was payment for our sins. He was willing to die on the cross to pay the debt He did not owe to bring us back to The Father. The gravity of this Truth is almost too much to comprehend. In this season of Easter, let’s spend time pondering Jesus’ great sacrifice. Selah.

I Have Been Redeemed - Vineyard Worship

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Since we are now joined to Christ, we have been given the treasures of redemption by his blood—the total cancellation of our sins—all because of the cascading riches of his grace.”

— Ephesians 1:7 The Passion Translation

Beautiful Rainy Day
Photo by Danielle Dolson on Unsplash

Good morning Beauties!

What a wonderful rainy day. Unlike most people, I enjoy a good rainy day every now and then. It’s cleansing and allows me time to think.

So, let’s do a little pondering about our beauty through His gift of Righteousness. If we don’t have to live our lives trying to live up to expectations of others, including God and ourselves, is there beauty? I say yes! Living a life of confidence, knowing we’re accepted just as we are, brings peace, joy, and love….and that is Beautiful!!

What is God wanting to share with you about your beauty today? Linger in His presence and listen. Selah.

Love and Blessings,

Kendra

“Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive [a]what was promised.”

— Hebrews 10:35-36 New American Standard Bible