Grateful Celebration

Merry Christmas Beauties!

It’s time to Celebrate!!! There’s so much to be grateful for today….the Birth of Jesus and Day 40!!!

Let’s take our excitement to the Lord in prayer…Dear Holy Father, thank you for Your Love that provided us a Savior who left His place in Heaven to come down and rescue us and provide eternal life. Thank you also for providing the discipline, motivation, security and love throughout our 40 Day Journey together. You have spoken to our hearts and told us Truth. You have exposed the lies of the enemy and replaced them with your revelations of Truth. We thank you and celebrate you today, in Jesus Name, Amen.

Tomorrow on the Day of Reflection you will look back at your entire journey experience and journal about it as a whole. Today, let’s look at the lyric, “And you are Beautiful.” What does this word now mean to you? How has your definition of it changed over the past 40 days? What do you believe today about your beauty you did not on Day 1? What are the lies you no longer believe and the Truths that have taken their place? Selah.

As you ponder these questions, here is a song that speaks of God’s Truth about who you are, because that’s really all that matters…what He says.

You Say - Lauren Daigle

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’”

— Luke 2:13-14 New International Version

The Light Has Come
Photo by Tim Umphreys on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Happy Christmas Eve Day to you all. I think this day for me has more meaning that Christmas Day. Tonight is when we celebrate Jesus’ arrival. The Light that took away the darkness has come. It brings back memories of Midnight Mass with a choir of Angels singing from the balcony behind me. It was absolutely beautiful.

For some of you, this may not be a day of warm memories, and to that I say, “I’m so sorry.” Ask the Holy Spirit to help you process those wounds and allow him to heal your heart. Let the light of Jesus illuminate those dark, hurtful places and leave only his perfect love. Will you do it?

For all of us, today we can celebrate the true gift of Jesus. I’ve made a list of the many benefits of this beautiful gift in my life:
He protects, provides, loves, encourages, delights in me, will never leave me, created the unique me.
I am cherished, adored, treasured, beloved.

My list is just the highlights, of course, because the benefits of knowing Jesus are endless. What’s on your list? What does having the true light of the world in your life bring? Selah.

There are so many deeply meaningful songs to celebrate Jesus’ birth, and I’ve shared a couple with you here. First is “O Holy Night.” It brings a special reverence to the significance of Jesus coming to the world as a baby so that one day he could die for our sins - to become our Savior. Please review the words, let them sink in, and then watch my favorite rendition of this beautiful song.

Second is my all time, non-traditional Christmas song. The joy expressed in the song perfectly describes the excitement I feel on Christmas Eve. I’m in awe and wonder at how much God loves me to send his son, to save me and reconcile me back to my Abba Father. I am a Child of God - The greatest gift I could ever receive!

O Holy Night!
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night divine

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the wise men from Orient land
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend

Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name

Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night divine

O Holy Night - Hillsong

Hallueujah (He is Here) - Darlene Zschech

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“ I have come as a Light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer wander in the darkness.”

— John 12:46 The Living Bible

The Light, Our Treasure
Photo by Ashin K Suresh on Unsplash

Hello Beauties!

Oh my goodness! There’s so much to say today, but there’s simply not the space here for a full on Bible study. I trust you will do your own digging in God’s Word from the brief encouragement on today’s blog entry.

As I’ve openly shared at several women’s retreats, today’s truth was life changing for me on my very first 40 Day Journey several years ago. On Day 1 God revealed my deepest wound - not feeling valued. That was my core issue that remained even though I was a Holy Spirit filled sold out follower of Christ. I didn’t even know it was there.

On Day 38, Jesus brought me to this passage and changed my name to Segullah, God’s Treasured Possession.

“For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure. The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” Deuteronomy 7:6-9 New Living Translation

For Biblical context, Moses shared with the Israelites why God chose them as His treasured people. A big part was their obedience to his commands and remaining holy. In fact the heading of chapter 7 is called “The Privilege of Holiness.” God asked the Israelites to remain set apart from other cultures - they were special to God and He did not want them defiled.

Please read all of Chapter 7 for more details and further study. This passage in Deuteronomy wasn’t the first time God had made this statement - please read Exodus 19 for more history of when Moses delivered the message to the Israelites after God saved them from Pharaoh.

So, how does this scripture spoken by God to the Israelites relate to us today? Let’s look at the main scripture again. “For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.” Read it a few times slowly. Ask the Holy Spirit to stir your heart to the revelation he wants you to know. He calls us “holy” - do you believe you are holy in the eyes of God? He says you belong to him. Do you know that he accepts you? He says in essence, “take a look around - of ALL the people on Earth, I chose YOU.” Do you believe it? Does that sound possible? Are you walking in this powerful truth? And lastly, the part that changed me - he calls you his own special treasure. Is there anything he’s wanting you to know about that part of his declaration? Selah.

There’s much to ponder, and we’re not quite finished. Be completely honest with yourself and answer these questions - Do I compare myself to others? Do I catch myself feeling insecure in certain situations? Am I always seeking others’ approval? Do I still struggle with perfectionism? If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” you may need to pray you will believe the truth about how God loves you and says you are a special treasure. Selah.

There’s even more to ponder - our part of this equation is obedience to God’s commands. I’m referring to the summation of all the law in the three commands Jesus gave us: Love God, Love Others, and The Great Commission - making disciples of all nations.

The blessing of being God’s chosen treasured possession can’t stop there. We must take this blessing, believe it, and walk it out in our lives with others. What does this look like? I invite you to look at your answers to the previous questions. On reflection, are you self-focused or others-focused? Beauties, if we are to live holy lives as God’s treasures, we have to set our minds on Jesus and how he wants to use us for others.

Pride is ugly and a tool of the enemy. He is a master of deception. Have you been deceived? A simple definition of pride is being self-focused. If we are constantly wondering what others think of us, how we look to others, (literally and figuratively), if we are easily offended, and generally fixated on our feelings, there’s a pride issue. Now is the time to bring this sin before God and ask for purification. Selah.

Beauties, I could have stopped at the “feel good” part of today’s lyric about how you are God’s treasure, but there’s always more growth he wants for you. Please take time to do the hard work in this area. It can be life changing for you as well.

Transformation starts by focusing on Jesus. Let’s lift up our voices and praise our coming King, the greatest treasure of our hearts.
Jesus, My Treasure - Canyon Hills Worship

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“ For you are a holy people [set apart] to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be a people for His own possession [that is, His very special treasure].”

— Deuteronomy 7:6 The Amplified Bible

Daddy’s Girl

Hello Beauties!

It’s a beautiful Winter’s day with a blanket of white covering the Earth. Oh He is a most magnificent Creator, isn’t He? Makes me feel proud to be His daughter. That’s my Abba Father - my Daddy!

With the title of “Child of The Most High God”, we immediately see God as our parent, our Abba Father. Why does the Bible describe us in this way verses God’s creation alone? The answer is simple…His great love for us. It wasn’t enough for Him to be our Creator, He wanted a more intimate relationship with us.

The heart of God is that of a loving Father. The Holy Trinity is made up of God The Father, Jesus The Son, and The Holy Spirit. The Bible is jam packed with scriptures describing The Father’s love for us. One of my favorites is found in 1 John 3:1, (we read it as part of yesterday’s blog,) “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.” The Voice Translation. How incredibly beautiful is this Truth?!

What is your favorite verse that speaks of how God loves you? If you don’t already have one, I recommend you find one that speaks directly to your heart. How deep is the hole in your heart that only His love can fill? Selah.

As you spend time with Jesus today, listen closely…do you hear Him singing over you? Selah.
Father’s Song - Matt Redman

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, ‘Abba, Father.’”

— Galatians 4:6 New Living Translation

Precious in His Sight

Hello Beauties!

“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 NIV

Hallelujah! Praise God! Can I get an Amen? Oh how I love this verse, this promise. It proclaims our true identity in Christ in a bold, indisputable way!

You ARE a Child of God!! What does that mean to you? How do you respond when meeting someone new and they inquire, “tell me about yourself.” Is Child of God the first thing you think of, or do you immediately share your job title? Do you feel the need to rattle off your list of credentials? What you do is just that, it’s the job or duties you perform. It’s not who you are as a person. There’s a big difference.

If you met me for the first time, how would you respond when I request, “tell me about yourself.” Selah.

Let’s take a look at God’s Word and more wisdom about our identity as Children of God.
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans 8:12-17 NIV

What words or sections of this passage were illuminated for you? Pray God continues to reveal your identity as his child. Selah.

Who You Say I Am - Hillsong Worship

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”

— John 1:12-13 New International Version

TRUTH

Hello Beauties!

Do you feel an excitement in your Spirit? We celebrate the birth of our dear Lord and Savior in just 5 more days. If we truly focus on Jesus, and the Grace of God to send him to Earth to save us, this next few days will be glorious.

The world also has a pull on us at this time of year. It can be very exciting - getting together with loved ones, shopping in decorated stores, sharing Christmas stories, and the list goes on. It can also be very lonely for a lot of people who then suffer from depression. One thing I think all of us can say is that we’re very busy!!

Today, let’s prepare for the arrival of Jesus. Let’s cleanse our hearts from all sin, allow the Lord to restore extravagant joy, and be ready to share our salvation stories with those he leads us to this Christmas. Remember, we are his masterpiece - for sure, but we’re created to share the Good News to others.

Everything - EVERYTHING is for HIS GLORY!

Lord, hear our prayer…

1 “Have mercy on me, O God,
    because of your unfailing love.
Because of your great compassion,
    blot out the stain of my sins.
2 Wash me clean from my guilt.
    Purify me from my sin.
3 For I recognize my rebellion;
    it haunts me day and night.
4 Against you, and you alone, have I sinned;
    I have done what is evil in your sight.
You will be proved right in what you say,
    and your judgment against me is just.
5 For I was born a sinner—
    yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.
6 But you desire honesty from the womb,
    teaching me wisdom even there.

7 Purify me from my sins,and I will be clean;
    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Oh, give me back my joy again;
    you have broken me—
    now let me rejoice.
9 Don’t keep looking at my sins.
    Remove the stain of my guilt.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God.
    Renew a loyal spirit within me.
11 Do not banish me from your presence,
    and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
    and make me willing to obey you.
13 Then I will teach your ways to rebels,
    and they will return to you.”
Psalm 51:1-13

O come let us adore him…

Messiah - Francesca Battistelli

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

— Ephesians 2:10 New Living Translation

Unique Perfection

Good Morning Beauties!

There is no darkness in you. There is no flaw in you. You are purity. Do you believe it? What part of this truth is still difficult to claim as your own? Selah.

The Lord has shown me a correlation between our uniqueness and our purity. We are truly pure when we are living as our unique selves - no pretending, no conforming to the world, no hiding. God has made each of us as individuals, distinct in our characteristics and features, so any adulteration diminishes our purity.

Psalm 139:13-16 in the Message Bible describes the beautiful way God created us. “Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; you know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you. The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.”

Are you able to recognize the unique person Jesus created you to be? (Not the person you think others want you to be, or even who you want yourself to be - but the true unique person you are.) Selah.

Jesus is our magnificent creator. Like the intricacies of each snowflake, he designed us with precision and care. He deserves our praise for creating us with unique perfection.
Lord of Lords - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Still, God, you are our Father. We’re the clay and you’re our potter: All of us are what you made us.”

— Isaiah 64:8 The Message Bible

Beautiful Perfection

Happy Lord’s Day Beauties!

This word, "perfect"....do you struggle with it like I do? What lie does the enemy tell you as he torments you with perfectionism?  "You're not good enough."  "You must try even harder." "You still didn't do it right."  The lies in this area are harsh and long lasting. The enemy throws in words like rejected, unloved and unwanted.  Does that sound familiar?

We go about trying to be perfect to avoid rejection and to gain everyone's love and approval. Others may reject you when you don’t live up to their expectations, that’s true, but who’s standards really matter most? You can stand on his promise, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

What if the opinions of others didn’t matter to you? What if the only opinion you valued was that of Jesus? What would happen? Is Jesus and his opinion of you truly enough? Selah.

Through all our failings, flaws, and faults, God sees us as absolute perfection. How can this be? The blood of Jesus washes us clean and continues to cover us so that we can be in the Holy presence of God. There’s no other way.

Perfection - Switch

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

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

— Song of Solomon 4:7 New International Version

The Light of the World Has Come
Photo by Hassan OUAJBIR on Unsplash

Hello Beauties!

“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.”
1 John 1:5 NIV

This verse, this truth, changed my life! For the first time I spoke angrily to God asking, “If your spirit dwells in me, and there’s no darkness in you at all, then why do I still have so much darkness in me?” This question was logical and came from an emotional place of desperation.

The next six months would blow my mind. God revealed himself to me like never before, because I was seeking him and wanting to know truth like never before. In our desperation, we lay it all down, all the pretense, pride, and polish, and humbly lay prostrate at his feet. He rid me of the darkness and filled me with his overflowing light. Jesus healed deep wounds, satisfied every need, and gave me a purpose for living life in the light.

Will he do the same for you, of course. Jesus is not a respecter of persons. (Acts 10:34) Open your heart to his truths:

“You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.” 2 Samuel 22:29 NIV

“You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” Psalm 18:28 NIV

“The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?” Psalm 27:1 NIV

“For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” Acts 13:47 NIV

“The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.” Isaiah 60:19 NIV

“Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.”
Micah 7:8 NIV

…”that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 NIV

Meditate on these truths. Turned them into songs, so you can sing them when you’re needing an extra dose of light on those dark days. We must fight the lies with TRUTH! Are you up for the battle? Are you willing to raise your voice and ask for revelation of God and his truth? Selah.

Jesus is so worthy of our praise!
Light of the World - Lauren Daigle

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Jesus spoke to the Pharisees again. ‘I am the light of the world,’ he said. ‘Whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness.’”

— John 8:12 The Good News Translation

Majestic Purity

Hello Beauties!

I was absolutely overwhelmed by God’s beauty as I traveled to an early morning meeting today. All I could see was a beautiful covering of white - the trees, the road, the sky. Brilliant and pure white. Nothing had defiled the landscape - it was unblemished by machines of man. (Snow plows and automobiles)

What an inspirational portrait of our completely pure Jesus who was without sin, shed his blood to save us.

“Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

 Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.” Hebrews 7:23-27 NIV

Our glorious Lord and Savior Jesus! He gave us life and there’s nothing we could or can ever do to earn it. Stop trying, stop striving. He’s done it all. There is, however, something he asks of us. Let’s take a look at His Word…

Psalm 24:1-10 NIV
1 “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
    the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it on the seas
    and established it on the waters.

3 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?
    Who may stand in his holy place?
4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
    who does not trust in an idol
    or swear by a false god.

5 They will receive blessing from the Lord
    and vindication from God their Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
    who seek your face, God of Jacob.

7 Lift up your heads, you gates;
    be lifted up, you ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
    The Lord strong and mighty,
    the Lord mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, you gates;
    lift them up, you ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is he, this King of glory?
    The Lord Almighty—
    he is the King of glory.”

Did you catch it? He asks that we have clean hands, a pure heart, and a devotion to him - not idols or other gods. Jesus wants all of you, including your undivided heart. If you had to draw a picture of your heart with all the things that may be taking you away from intimacy with Jesus, what would it look like? Selah.

Let’s make this praise song our prayer today….

Give Us Clean Hands - Chris Tomlin

In the Spirit of the birth of our Savior, here’s a beautiful song rightly fitting for our King.

Handel Messiah - Lift Up Your Heads, O Ye Gates - Brussels Choral

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“ Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

— Matthew 5:8 New International Version

Sacred Place
Photo by Kendra Brown

Good Morning Beauties!

What a stunning day the Lord has provided. Here in Minnesota, I look outside my window and the biggest snowflakes known to man are gently falling before my eyes. My office is on the second floor, so I feel suspended in a life-sized snow globe. I stop everything and behold the wonder of God’s Creation.

Today we complete the last day of the 6th attribute, REDEEMED, and selah once again as we reflect the beauty of Jesus. Take time to enjoy your physical surroundings in gratitude for all Jesus has given you. Thank him for your sacred place.

Let’s engage in His beauty in a couple of creative ways. Below you will see a hymn written by a treasured servant of the Lord, Saint Francis of Assisi. Be blessed by his creativity and picture each word in your mind.

“All creatures of our God and King”

All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam!

Refrain:
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
Ye clouds that sail in heav’n along,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising moon, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!

Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light.

And all ye men of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on Him cast your care!

Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One!

(By Saint Francis of Assisi in 1225. Paraphrased by William H. Draper in 1901.)

The second way to engage is by listening to the beautifully written and played songs from George Winston. The album is appropriately called, “December.” Close your eyes as you listen. What do you see? Perhaps this is a good time to use the creative pages in your journal as you listen.

Enjoy the absolute beauty of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Winter (full album) - George Winston

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

Beautiful Holiness Highway
Matt Howard - Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

As we come back to the truth, “you are redeemed,” reflect on all God has revealed to you in the past 3 days. What stands out? What lies have been silenced? What deep places has the Spirit taken you?

Today the Lord spoke to my heart about the absolute love He has for me. It’s unending, overflowing and perfect! He also showed me today it’s when I remove myself from the vine (Jesus is the vine and we are the branched) that I fall into the lies of the enemy. Beauties, we must stay connected to Jesus, every hour, every minute, every second of every day. Our abiding in Christ is vital to every aspect of our lives.

I love how Isaiah describes our life in Christ as the “Way of Holiness” - the way of sovereign grace that redeems us from sin. (35:8-10)

“And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”

The Way of Holiness has three important characteristics. 1) The Way of Holiness is reserved for His people alone. 2) The Way of Holiness is a place of safety. 3) The Way of Holiness will be a place of joy.

Abiding in Christ allows us access to these blessings. Journal your thoughts about the Way of Holiness and the love poured out on you. It may be beneficial to take time to draw your impressions of the highway. Selah.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been overwhelmed (in a good way) this week as I’ve pondered my redemption through Christ and His love for me. Here’s a precious song to praise our Savior today.

Overwhelmed - Hillsong - Darlene Zschech

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“I’ve never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!”

— Jeremiah 31:3 The Message Bible

The Beauty and Passion of Christ
Photo by Vladimir Soares on Unsplash

Good morning Beauties!

Today’s lyric is profound and life changing when we believe this Truth in our hearts. At times it’s easier to believe Jesus died to save “the world” than it is to bring it down to a personal level and ponder the fact He died for “me.” The Truth is, He did die for me and for you.

I think it’s important to know the motivation that sent Jesus to die an unspeakable death is God’s Love for us - a Love that is difficult to fathom. I also think it’s just as important to realize and see what Jesus actually did for us.

If you’ve been on this 40 Day Journey with me before, you know what comes next. I can think of no better depiction of the sufferings of Christ than “The Passion” movie. Below you will find a song I’ve loved since I first heard it in high school appropriately called “The Day He Wore My Crown” by Sandi Patty. Somehow, these two wonderful pieces of art have been combined to create an incredibly moving experience.

It will be difficult to watch, but I encourage you to watch anyway, knowing Truth and Revelation await you. Truth of what Jesus did for you, and Revelation of God’s Perfect Love for you. Selah.

The Day He Wore My Crown - Sandi Patti and The Passion of The Christ

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“But think about this: while we were wasting our lives in sin, God revealed His powerful love to us in a tangible display—the Anointed One died for us.”

— Romans 5:8 The Voice Translation

Perfect Sacrifice
Photo by Daniel Sandvik on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Jesus, the perfect lamb, was crucified for us - for you. What is your first thought? It’s hard to grasp the gravity of such a sacrifice. Jesus never sinned he was blameless. All he ever did was love us, and he was the one who died for sinners like you and me. Selah.

You can find the complete story of the first Passover in the book of Exodus, chapter 12. There you will find the story of how the blood of a perfect lamb was put over and around the doorframe so that the wrath of God would pass by that particular house and save the first born. God provided a way to save these children, and yet he sacrificed his first born son. How much does he love us?

The love of the Lord is too amazing for words, for comprehension! Yes, we must submit our lives to our King, but you’ve heard it said “you must give your life to find it.” It’s so true! We are well loved and cared for when we follow Jesus and obey his commands. Just take a look. I’ve included a couple of promises found in the Book of Revelation regarding the Lamb…
Rev 17:14 NIV “They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
Rev 19:17-19 NIV “‘Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.’ (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.) Then the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ And he added, ‘These are the true words of God.’”

Please write down your thoughts and make them into an offering of praise to God today. He is so worthy of our praise!!

“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 NIV

Let’s give honor and praise to Jesus, who is our worthy sacrificial lamb and promise of eternity.
This is Amazing Grace - Phil Wickham

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“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 18-19 New International Version

Ransomed Captive

Happy Lord’s Day Beauties!

Oh how good it is to be with the Lord today. Take a moment to breathe in the goodness of God. Let his peace and calm resonate in every cell of your body as you take each breath. It’s important to slow down and take in all he has for us. There’s so much he wants to give - we can’t rush the blessing.

Today we meet with Jesus to learn about our next attribute, REDEEMED. There are several words surrounding the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross that can be confusing. Let’s look at the definition of redeem in the dictionary. Here’s from Merriam Webster:

a: to buy back : repurchase

b: to get or win back

2: to free from what distress or harms: such as

a: to free from captivity by payment of ransom

b: to extricate from or help to overcome something detrimental

c: to release from blame or debt : clear

d: to free from the consequences of sin

The picture of Jesus paying my ransom and setting me free from the harm of the enemy definitely pierced my heart. Which definition spoke to you most?

It’s great to understand the definition, so let’s add to our knowledge by looking at what the Bible says about our redemption. Here are several of my favorite verses, but I would suggest you go digging in your Bible to discover even more.

Psalm 49:15 “But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself.”

Isaiah 63:9 “In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.”

Galatians 3:13 “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us…”

Isaiah 35:8-10 “And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”

What do all these verses tell us about our relationship with Jesus? We are valuable to him! So valuable, in fact, he was willing to die to pay the debt we couldn’t pay. Take some time to let that truth sink in as you listen to this beautiful song. Selah.

Redemption - Syts

You know there’s always an action Jesus commands us to do. We are blessed to pour out that blessing to others. What is he asking of us, the Redeemed? “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.” Psalm 107:2-3 NIV Pray for opportunities to share your testimony with others this week. We all have a redemption story to tell.

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

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

— Ephesians 1:7 New International Version

I Surrender
Photo by William Farlow on Unsplash

Happy Weekend Beauties!

Are you ready for more revelation and realization of your beauty? I can hear a resounding “yes!” I’m right there with you, praying for more of the beauty of Christ to flow from my life.

The way to increase in his beauty is to decrease in ourselves. A truly surrendered life is rich in beauty. Are you ready? Are you ready to have no rights of being treated fairly? Are you ready to always put others above yourself? Are you ready to lay down your ambition and wait for God to raise you up in his time? This is what it looks like to die to self. Are you ready? Selah.

God always provides a way to obey his commands. Let’s look together as we ask the question…
How Do I Surrender to God? (from Hope & Joy in Christ website)

1. Trust HIM as He moves by yielding to His will.

2. Lean on HIM for strength when the fear comes by agreeing to give up fighting.

3. Remember how HE has been faithful in the past and giving up anxiety over what-ifs.

4. Praise HIM even when it feels hard by giving up our right to be the hero!

This is not an exhaustive list, but rather an encouragement of how to continue surrendering all we are to Jesus, the one who deserves it.

Let this song be your praise and your prayer as you worship our Lord Jesus.

I Surrender - HIllsong Worship

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your ow understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

— Proverbs 3:5-6 New International Version

Morning Mercies
Photo by Chandan Chaurasia on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Righteous. Saved. Sanctified. Forgiven. Justified. Which one is hardest to believe? There’s a difference in knowing these gifts are true and believing they are true to where they influence the way you live your life. I’ll ask again, which one is hardest to believe? Selah.

I find it life changing to understand God’s mercy in light of our righteousness. Are you like me and catch yourself trying to earn your right standing with God? This lie still causes me to stumble some days. Some days I wonder if God will allow me to continue in the purpose he’s called me to, or if my disobedience will cause him to find somebody else - someone who will do it better. Is it just me?

Take heart beauties, his mercy is bigger than our failures, much bigger. We deserve severe punishment for our sin, our rebellion, but the love of the Father extends mercy and forgiveness. Thank you God!

Don’t believe the lie that God can’t use you because of your sin. His awesome purpose for creating you will be fulfilled through his grace and mercy for his glory. Hallelujah!!

From the Inside Out - Hillsong Worship

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“...because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

— Philippians 1:5-6 New International Version

How Deep and Wide is His Love and Forgiveness
Photo by Sean Oulashin on Unsplash

Hello Beauties!

God's forgiveness is so vast; who can fathom? What does it mean to you to be forgiven of every sin you've committed?  (Past, Present and Future.)  Every tiny mistake - forgiven.  

At times, I think it's harder to forgive myself than for God to forgive me.  Are you the same?  The enemy will bring up an offense over and over so that I believe the lie he tells me, "God will never forgive you for this one.  It's too big."  The Truth is, nothing is too big, and God has already forgiven each and every sin and sinner.

By His forgiveness, we are Justified.  We are blameless, "just as if we had never sinned."  What a relief!  The burden is lifted from our shoulders, and we can walk in Freedom.  

You are forgiven and justified!  With this reminder or revelation, what will change in your life as you walk out this Truth?  Will the Truth restore diminished confidence?  Will it allow you the strength to forgive someone else - "And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us." (The Lord's Prayer)

Take time to hear healing Truth from God today. Enjoy the song below as you meditate on God's Truth - you are forgiven and justified.

East is from the West - Casting Crowns

Love and Blessings, 

Kendra

“...as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

— Psalm 103:12 New International Version

Saved by Grace - Selah
Photo by Ray Shrewsberry on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

Thank you Lord, Jesu! Thank you doing all the work on the cross, that I simply need to believe through faith that your grace is bigger than my sin. Thank you!

You are saved! If you believe and confess that Jesus was born of a virgin, was crucified for the sins of the world, died, was buried, rose again in three days, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father, you are saved. Do you believe? Do you believe Jesus died for your sin so you could be reconciled to the Father? Do you believe there’s nothing more you can do, that Jesus did it all on the cross? Selah.

He rescued us from the grip of the enemy who only came to steal, kill, and destroy. What things did Jesus rescue you from? We often look at the life we now have in Jesus - looking forward, “I have been saved to fulfill the purposes of God.” Have you ever thought of all the things Jesus saved you FROM? Once you reflect on what he delivered you from, you will overflow with gratitude and praise his beautiful name forever.

What a Beautiful Name It Is - Hillsong

Today’s lyric also mentions “Sanctified” which is “the bridge between our salvation and the glory of God, making it the crucial component of Christian living, the essential process upon which all spiritual growth depends.” Pastor A. W. Weckeman

Once again, we don’t have to work for our sanctification, the wonderful Holy Spirit works in us to make us holy before our holy God. “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17 NIV The Holy Spirit reveals truth to our hearts and we become sanctified when believing and following God’s truth.

There’s so much more to know about sanctification. I think you will enjoy Pastor Weckeman’s article from his website Perfecting of the Saints for a deeper look.

I’m Sanctified - Chicago Mass Choir (please feel free to DANCE before the Lord)

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.”

— Psalm 96:2 New International Version

Blessings of the Righteous
Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Do you find yourself still trying to be “good enough”? Even though you’re a Christian, a strong believer, the struggle is real for most women I know, though you’d never know if. We hide this one away and bury it deep. This destructive message becomes an under current in our minds, always there, killing our self esteem and self worth. Discovering truth about our next attribute, RIGHTEOUS, will help heal the impact this particular lie has had in our lives.

“Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:12 NIV
Our Lord Jesus will surely keep us from the threats of the enemy with His very own shield.- His favor, His grace. What an incredible promise! Let’s look at an important part of the promise - Jesus will extend his promise to the righteous. Are you part of this group? Let’s see what God’s Word says.

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 Jesus is God’s ultimate righteousness revealed on Earth. He is and has always been perfect, sinless, the only one truly righteous by his life. Praise you, Jesus!

The Lord pressed upon my heart today, the truth that we all know, but he wants us to really understand once and for all - Jesus did the work! The indescribable work on the cross, where he took our place and paid for our sins with his precious blood. We only have to believe in this miracle and gift of God to become righteous. Please put down your striving, your stress to do the work - Jesus has already done it all.

So let this truth drop from your head to your heart - you are good enough! There’s nothing you can do to please God more than he is with you right now. Accept this beautiful gift from God - Jesus. The blessings overflow to you from the One who created you, loves you, and sings over you. Selah.

Who Am I - Casting Crowns

There is so much more to be said about God’s righteousness. Please fight to spend your time with Jesus as you continue your journey this week. So much truth is ahead for you.

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Blessings crown the head of the righteous...”

— Proverbs 10:6 New International Version