Beautiful Sacrifice

Good Morning Beauties!

The sinless, spotless Lamb of God paid for our sins. He shed His blood to pay our debt we couldn’t pay ourselves. This is why the redeemed sing for joy to our Savior, Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!! All glory and honor are yours, Jesus!

What motivated such a sacrifice? God’s love for you. Have you received it, really received it in the deepest part of your being? Do you enjoy peace and rest knowing you are absolutely loved by the precious Lamb of God who willingly and freely gave His life for you? Selah.

I pray you may “have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.” Ephesians 3:18 (NLT) There’s nothing greater to give than one’s very own life, and Jesus gave His…for us, for you.

Let’s give Him all the praise we have to offer!
Paid It All - Decibel Worship

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

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

— 1 Peter 1:18-19 New Living Translation

Blessed Redeemer

Good Morning Beauties!

“But I called on your name, Lord, from deep within the pit. You heard me when I cried, ‘Listen to my pleading! Hear my cry for help!’ Yes, you came when I called; you told me, ‘Do not fear.’ Lord, you have come to my defense; you have redeemed my life.” Lamentations 3:55-58 (NLT)

Beauty, Jesus came to your defense. When your penalty for sin was death, He stepped in and stopped the execution. What do you think about this truth? Why would Jesus die an unspeakable death on the cross for you? Selah.

I pray that the Lord is revealing a deeper understanding of your value and worth. Value is the amount a person is willing to pay to own something, or someone in this case. Jesus paid your ransom with His precious blood so that you could live, and not just live, but live abundantly and with God to rule and reign forever. What does this truth say about your value? Are you having a hard time believing it? What lie are you still believing from the enemy? Selah.

Let’s praise Him with a heart full of gratitude for redeeming us.
We The Redeemed - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever.”

— Hebrews 9:12 New Living Translation

Beauty of God’s Creation

Good Morning Beauties!

“Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;  let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.” Psalm 96:11-12 (NIV)

Today, let’s marvel and stand in awe of God’s glorious beauty. We see it in nature, in people, in creatures of the land, earth, and sea. We can zoom in and see it in the workings of the human body, the artistry of your favorite flower, a baby’s laugh, an elderly couple walking hand in hand. The beauty of Jesus shines everywhere!

Write a list of where you encounter God’s beauty today. When you look for it, you will find it, and your list will be full. Hallelujah!

You are part of His beautiful creation. Do you believe it? Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (NIV) Do you know it full well? Selah.

Let’s join with creation and sing praise to our Holy God and thank Him for including us in His beautiful masterpiece.
God of Wonders - Third Day

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“The heavens are telling the glory of God; they are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship.”

— Psalm 19:1 The Living Bible

Beautiful Freedom in Truth

Good Morning Beauties!

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6 (NIV)

The past few days have been jam packed with many glorious truths. We’ve looked at our righteousness, salvation, sanctification, forgiveness, and justification. We’ve looked at God’s Word concerning each one of these truths. Take time today to revisit your righteousness and the truths that help you understand the gifts God has given you. What lie does He still want to reveal so you can be free of it? Will you take time to listen? Selah.

I pray this further examination will ensure you believe in your righteousness with your entire soul. I pray that you will never again hear the lie, “you’re not good enough,” or “you have to work harder to earn God’s love and forgiveness.” I pray you will no longer have feelings of guilt and shame.

Soak in His love for you as you praise Him…
Greater Still - Brandon Lake

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”

— Isaiah 61:10 New International Version

Freedom of Forgiveness

Good Morning Beauties!

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,” Acts 3:19 (NIV)
What a beautiful promise. If we humbly come before our God with a sorrowful heart asking God to forgive our sins, He will “wipe them out.” Then He provides us with freedom from guilt and shame - a true refreshing of our souls. Hallelujah!

Are you feeling distant from God? Have you done all the regular things to draw closer, but still feel like He’s far away? When’s the last time you were on your knees in repentance? Is sin keeping you away from the heart of God? Selah.

Our first repentance led to our salvation, and yet we need to repent daily because we sin daily. Our beautiful Lord will forgive every sin - He already has on the cross. Daily repentance keeps us in close relationship with Jesus. It keeps our hearts pure before our King.

“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” Psalm 32:1 (NIV)
When we live a life of repentance, we can walk in the freedom of this promise, in this blessing. Have you received Jesus’ forgiveness in your heart? Have you released all your guilt and shame to the One who loves you and has already forgiven you? Have you forgiven yourself? Are you holding on to any particular sin thinking it’s just too big for Jesus to forgive? Will you release it today? Selah.

“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12 (KJV)
This truth allows us to stand before the Righteous Judge with confidence knowing we have been justified by Jesus’ work on the cross. Have you pictured it? Standing before God on Judgement Day? Is it daunting? Do you believe you will hear the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Take time to journal about what you currently believe and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal His truth to you. Selah.

Forgiven - Crowder

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.”

— Romans 5:1-2 New International Version

Beautiful Peace and Rest

Happy Lord’s Day Beauties!

Salvation and Sanctification - two vitally important truths we must fully understand to defeat the enemy and walk in freedom. Both are gifts given to us. It’s critical to know the work has already been done, and there’s nothing you need to do but simply believe and receive them.

Jesus has already saved your soul from eternal damnation on the cross. Jesus said, “It is finished.” John 19:30 (NIV)

“Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.” Ephesians 2:7-10 (MSG)

There’s absolutely nothing you can do by good works to win your salvation. Jesus freely gives it to you when you believe in His gift of grace through faith. Do you believe? What works can you lay down once and for all knowing they will not make you “good enough” to go to heaven? Selah.

“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.” 2 Dorinthians 3:16-18 (MSG)

The Holy Spirit is working out your sanctification - making you more like Jesus every day. If you’re like me, you want to live a sinless life after all Jesus has done to save you, but it’s impossible. Allow the Spirit to convict you of your sin. When you go to the Spirit with your failings, you need only to ask His help, and He will continue to lead and guide you in the ways of the Lord. Can you identify those things that you keep trying to do better? Trying to master? Isn’t it exhausting? Selah.

Beauties, it’s time to understand God’s work and our work. Only Jesus can save our lives, and only the Holy Spirit can make us Holy, like God. Our job is to join God where’s He’s working, that place He’s called us to join Him. When we surrender our ideas of what we’re supposed to be, do, and accomplish, the peace and rest of God will invade our lives.

Let’s celebrate how God always meets us right where we are, and we meet Him with praise.
Hallelujah Even Here - Lydia Laird

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

— Mathew 11:28-30 The Message Bible

Beautiful Boldness

Good Morning Beauties!

Today is a perfect example of how to overcome obstacles and remain committed to your journey. I’m dealing with what appears to be food poisoning or an acute flu bug. Though I would prefer to stay in bed, I know how important it is to remain on the journey, spend time with God, and write this blog to encourage you. Beauties, stay the course, don’t give in to distractions. God will truly give you strength as you pursue Him.

For the next few days, we’ll look at our righteousness. This attribute of who we are in Christ is so vitally important, I’m going to use a previous blog from a few years ago to ensure my illness doesn’t hinder what God wants you to know about your right standing with Him. When we no longer are weighed down by striving to be “good enough,” we find rest for our weary souls. Hallelujah!

From the 2019 Fall Journey…

Do you hear lies saying, “You’re not good enough”? How about, “You’re a mistake”? Or even, “God will never forgive you”? Today is the day to lay the lies down at the feet of Jesus and put on your robe of RIGHTEOUSNESS. The truth is you are good enough, you’re not a mistake, and God has already forgiven you. The work Jesus completed on the cross declares us right before our Holy God, and no lie from the enemy will ever change that. You are allowed to go boldly into the throne room of God free of any guilt or shame. Will you go? What’s holding you back? Selah.

Let’s look at truth directly from the Word of God…

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.” Romans 5:1-2 (NLT)

Amen and Amen! Let’s celebrate the gift of RIGHTEOUSNESS today!

Greater - Mercy Me

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”

— Romans 3:21-22 New International Version

Oh How Beautiful

Good Morning Beauties!

Day 20! You are AMAZING! You’ve hit the half-way mark and are still here - wanting to grow with Jesus. You’re doing the hard work, uncovering painful lies and replacing them with God’s truth. Hallelujah!!

You’ve probably noticed more attacks from the enemy - I sure have. That’s to be expected. He has kept you bound in his web of lies for a long time, and now you’re breaking free from them. Please be praying Ephesians 6 daily. God provides His armor for us to fight against the enemy…and WIN the victory!

We’ve come back to the truth, you are beautiful, and like Day 10, we will determine how our belief in our beauty is growing. We will also reflect on our journey experiences and how our tools are working for us. Let’s take these topics one at a time:

Looking back at Day 1, where you wrote down your definition of the word BEAUTIFUL and journaled your thoughts and feelings about how it applies to your life, how has your belief in your beauty changed over the past 20 days? What revelation has Jesus brought to you? Selah.

Next, write about your journey. What surprises have you encountered? How has it already been a blessing to you? Selah.

Finally, how are your tools working? How are your expectations being met? Are you willing to put in even more work? Any unexpected obstacles pop up recently? How are you overcoming them? How is your motivation holding up? Are you still wanting to ensure you complete the reason you started your journey in the first place? Selah.

As you worship Jesus with this song, ponder how much you love Him and need Him. Use this time to bring Him your heart of thanksgiving.
How Beautiful - Mosaic MSC

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.”

— Psalm 29:2 King James Version

Reflection of the Prince of Peace

Good Morning Beauties!

On Day 16 we looked at our Royal Status. Today, let’s see what the Bible says about Jesus’ titles and look at one in particular.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

Jesus is the Prince of Peace, what a beautiful royal position. Do you know this Prince of Peace? When has He shown up right at the exact moment you needed peace in the midst of your storm? Write down a few examples (I’m sure you have many) and spend time thanking Him for being your Prince of Peace.

Here’s a perfect example in the Bible of how the Prince of Peace spoke intimately with Peter. It’s a depiction of the verse, “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” Mark 4:39 (KJV)

Jesus walks on water with Peter and calms the storm - The Chosen

Held by Jesus, Peter repeatedly pleads, “don’t let me go.” What is your plea to Jesus today? Cry out to Him and He will bring you rest.

Let’s thank Him for His peace and power as we praise Him today.
Tremble - Upper Room (Mosaic Music)

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

— John 14:27 King James Version

Filled with His Light

Good Morning Beauties!

“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12 (NLT)

Are you dealing with any darkness today? Any lie that wants to stay dormant? Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate anything keeping you in darkness, even just a little bit. We want full and complete wholeness and a life filled with His radiance. Selah.

Jesus was a man of action when He lived on here on Earth. Always moving, always serving. We have received His light to shine His truth for others, not to simply stay still and soak in the blessing day after day. So, let this scripture motivate you and understand why you are to let your light shine….for others.

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 (MSG)

Are you up for the challenge? Are you ready to “go public”? How will you shine brightly for others today? How will you be generous with your light and lead others to our Heavenly Father? Selah.

Let this song lead you into powerful prayer and fuel your obedience to shine His glorious light today. Hallelujah!
We Are - Kari Jobe

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you.”

— Isaiah 60:1 New Living Translation

Fearless Warrior of God

Good Morning Beauties!

Jesus has already won the war with the enemy. He has defeated death. He has won the VICTORY!!! Let me remind you, Jesus lives inside you; therefore, the victory has been won in you as well. Are you living your life from a place of victory? Does fear have a stronghold that just won’t subside? Why do you think that is? Selah.

The phrase "fear not" appears in the Bible 365 times, once for each day of the year. Some say this is a daily reminder from God to trust Him and focus on Him each day. God obviously knew we would fight against fear, so He gave us daily encouragements in the form of His Word, His Truth, to help us when we feel afraid. Fear is a stronghold from the enemy and it’s vital to break free from this deception.

Here are a couple of powerful scriptures that are worth memorizing and keeping in your arsenal of weapons. The Word of the Lord is our sword, our offensive weapon to win our battles.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

Take some time to reflect how the enemy has used fear to steal, kill, and destroy parts of your life. Now pray for God to restore those things. What does it mean to you to know God is with you at all times, wherever you go? How can fear exist in the presence of God? Will you relinquish the Spirit of fear today? Selah.

You wear the Victor’s Crown, and yet you will have battles. You must come prepared to the fight with your full armor (Ephesian 6), knowing that Jesus is right by your side. You are not fighting for victory, but FROM victory, so stand firm against the spirit of fear today and declare, “I am FEARLESS!”

Fearless - Jasmine Murray

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“The victor’s crown of righteousness is now waiting for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on the day that he comes, and not only to me but also to all who eagerly wait for his appearing.”

— 2 Timothy 4:8-10 New International Version

Our Home in Christ

Good Morning Beauties!

As I journaled this morning, God created a beautiful masterpiece in the sky right in front of me. The broad brush strokes of a muted brown were quickly overtaken by a brilliantly shining pink surrounded by an ocean of turquoise. It was glorious! HE is glorious!

Today we move forward in our journey to our next attribute, Royalty. What do you think of when you hear that word? Do you see the British Royal family? For most Americans, that’s the closest thing to royalty we’ve seen. Do you see crowns, royal robes, carriages, mansions? Selah.

Believers in Christ have been given a royal status. It’s true! You are part of THE Royal Family. This means believers are spiritually born into the status of royal priests when they receive Jesus.

What does this truth mean to you? What does it change in you and for your life? Does your royal status change your perspective in any way? Selah.

For me, I picture a beautiful palace, (the presence of God) where He provides everything I need and protects me from any and all danger. The truth of my royal status helps me overcome anxiety and fear. No longer do they have a grip on me. Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus!

Not only does God create works of art in the sky, but He also creates each one of us as a beautiful masterpiece. Soak in the amazing truths in this song today…
Royalty - Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

— 1 Peter 2:9 New International Version

The Lord's Beautiful Delight

Happy Lord’s Day Beauties!

“How beautiful and how pleasing you are, my love! How happy you make me!” Song of Solomon 7:6 (NLV)

Are you starting to believe it? In the depths of your soul, do you believe you are beautiful and pleasing to God, your Creator? Selah.

If you’re having any doubts, please grasp the truth of this scripture, “The Lord your God is with you, a Powerful One Who wins the battle. He will have much joy over you. With His love He will give you new life. He will have joy over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 (NLV)

God takes joy in you and sings over you! He is so delighted in you and your beauty! Will you come into agreement with God today and believe, you are beautiful? Selah.

God is Singing Over Me - Regi Stone

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“How beautiful you are, my love! How beautiful you are!”

— Song of Solomon 4:1 New Life Version

Joy Overflow

Good Morning Beauties!

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)

In the past few days we’ve looked at joy invading our praise, the freedom we have in Christ, the unmerited favor and peace Jesus freely gives us. How do you rate your joy level today? Is that even possible? Write about your joy journey with Jesus this week. Selah.

“For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

Jesus considered the cost of dying a brutal death on the cross and was willing to pay our debt for the joy of bringing us home to live with God for eternity. He looked to the future with an eternal perspective and found joy. He willingly served others while here on Earth though He was The King of Kings. Take time to think about what this means to you. Selah.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3 (NIV)

Is your faith being tested right now? Are you in a season of trials? Will you prioritize serving others with the same love and compassion Jesus gives you? How will you allow joy to be your strength during these times? Selah.

Center of My Joy - FBA Worship

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”

— Philippians 2:1-2 New International Version

Peaceful Beauty

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)

God’s favor given to us, though undeserved, provides our salvation, (through faith) but doesn’t stop there. God showers us with grace each and every day. His blessing is ours though we continue to make mistakes and falter. He sees our broken pieces, and in His great love and compassion, extends His amazing grace. Hallelujah!! Thank you, Jesus!

So the question is, if we live under God’s grace, why do we still live with anxiety? We’ve been given salvation - we will live and reign with Jesus for eternity, so why the stress and fear? Selah.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

It’s time to surrender our anxiety to God in prayer and live in the fullness of His grace and peace. Another way to say it is, we need to lay down all the lists, busy schedules, expectations, and demands, and give them to God in prayer, and then find His rest.

What do you need to surrender today? Is it activity or something internal? Make a list in your journal and then, one by one, hand them over to Jesus. Through His grace, He will bring peace, and rest. Selah.

Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace) - Hillsong Worship

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

— John 14:27 New International Version

Beautiful Freedom

Good Morning Beauties!

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)
Take a look at this scripture, this truth, again. What does it mean to you? How does it apply to your life? When have you been bound? Felt like there was no way out? When did you first experience the freedom Jesus brings? Remember and write down your story. Selah.

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13 (NIV)
I love the clarity of this scripture in Galatians. We are not set free as a blessing to keep for ourselves, but to use our freedom to serve others. Jesus was the best example of this truth. Write down Bible stories that have made an impact on your heart and how freedom was key to the story. How will you serve God and others differently as you focus on your freedom? Selah.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
During our journey, we are exchanging our exhaustion for God’s rest. This truth shows us a clear path to do just that. Once we’ve found our freedom in Christ, we no longer have to be weighed down by the yoke of sin. Jesus has set us free from our burden of guilt and shame. Isn’t that great news, Beauties? What will you do with your freedom, now that you are free to fly? Selah.

Let this song wash truth over you, then go before the Lord with thanksgiving and praise.
Set Free - Hope Darst

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

— John 8:36 New International Version

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

Good Morning Beauties!

“Joy, a fruit of the Spirit. Comforting, content and full of peace. An enduring attitude of the heart and spirit, and a natural part of the Christian faith. It’s often connected with, but not limited to, following Jesus and pursuing a Christian Life.” (Compassion article)

How do you define joy? Where do you find it in your life? Are there certain moments you experience joy, or is it an undercurrent flowing gently in the background? Is it fleeting? Does it come and go? Do you want more of it? What do you think and feel about joy? Selah.

When looking in the Bible, I find joy and rejoice accompany the word praise. Here are a few examples:

”The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” Psalm 28:7 (NIV)

“Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.” Psalm 33:1 (NIV)

“Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.” Psalm 43:4 (NIV)

“My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I whom you have delivered.” Psalm 71:23 (NIV)

It makes sense that joy would be evident while we praise God. The Bible says, “But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.” Psalm 22:3 (NKJV) God joins us as we praise Him!

Beauties, I know you have a million things to do today, so let’s fill up your energy tank with joy by praising the one who gave us life and every good blessing. He’s so worthy of our praise - every praise!
Every Praise - Hezekiah Walker

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

PS Hello Beauties from Seymour! I’m so glad to have you with us!

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”

— Psalm 90:14 New International Version

Beautiful Soul at Rest

Good Morning Beauties!

Day 10 already! It seems we just got started.

For the fourth time, we’re looking at the truth you are beautiful. If you peak at your journal on Day 1, how have your thoughts and feelings changed so far about your beauty? What are the beautiful truths Jesus has revealed in your time together? Selah.

Today’s a good day to reflect on your journey and determine how the tools from the Day of Preparation are working. Look back in your journal to where you wrote your expectations, action plans to overcome obstacles, and motivation to take the journey. Let’s take them one at a time:

Expectations - is the experience what you imagined it would be? How is it different? Are you still willing to put in the effort? How is God showing up like you needed? Are there adjustments necessary for you to continue to improve your journey experience? Selah.

Obstacles - are your action plans working for the obstacles you knew you’d face? Do you need to make a few tweaks or do you need a new plan altogether? What roadblocks have surprised you? Have you created a plan to overcome those too? Selah.

Motivation - are you still enthusiastically running to the Lord each day to commune with Him? Remember why you started the journey and ask the Lord to reignite the fire if needed. Selah.

With all the tools, prayer is also necessary. Ask the Holy Spirit to provide knowledge, strength, comfort, discernment, anything you need for your journey. He’s ready to give you what you need.

A couple of things to revisit…the journey is different for everyone, it’s as individual and unique as you are. God moves in different ways, and I know that for the women who remain faithful to the 40 Days with Jesus, they’ve been positively changed. Also, as a reminder, this blog is to be an encouragement to you along the way. It’s not a Bible study. Feel free to use it everyday, occasionally, or not at all.

I’m so proud of you, Beauties!!! In the middle of your crazy busy schedule, you’re prioritizing and building intimacy with Jesus. You’re fighting a battle with the enemy who wants you trapped in his lies. You are courageous, brave, and a mighty warrior! God bless you!!

Beautiful - MercyMe

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

— Psalm 139:14 New International Version

He Is Our Strength

Good Morning Beauties!

Let’s look at our loveliness again today. There are so many layers to this truth. It’s important to understand what we think about the word lovely and how our belief applies to our lives.

Growing up, my thoughts had me believing that loveliness was feminine and femininity was weak. That was the last thing I wanted to be. I had always prided myself on being strong, without anyone’s help. But that was a massive lie from the enemy. I did need someone to help me in those vulnerable times of weakness. I needed God and His strength.

Do you struggle with the need for control? It’s a symptom of relying on yourself rather than God. Take some time to think about your reliance on self instead of God. Write down some examples of times you needed God’s strength, but didn’t cry out to Him. Was it for self-protection, not believing God would come through for you? Was it lack of trusting God’s love for you? Was it because you felt unworthy of His help? Selah.

As we discovered in our last two days, we have the power of Almighty God living inside of us as well as the humility of Jesus. We are truly strong in Christ, and we share it with the world the way Jesus did, in gentleness, kindness, meekness with compassion and love.

The key to finding strength from the Lord is through denying ourselves. As we choose to deny our fears and desires, we leave room for God to take over. As we surrender to God, He strengthens us to do what we never thought we could do.

Beauties, let’s celebrate our femininity today and our reliance on the Holy Spirit, dwelling inside of us, to strengthen us when we are tired from the battle. Here are a few truth statements the Lord shared with me today that I pray will bring you a sense of relief and rest from your fatigue.

It’s okay to depend on God for my strength and security.

It’s okay to work hard, but not to exhaustion.

It’s okay to trust God to show me balance.

It’s okay to remain quiet.

It’s okay not to be the one to save all who need saving.

Humble yourself and surrender your need for self-reliance to the Lord during this classic worship song.
The Warrior Is A Child - Twila Paris

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

— Psalm 46:1 New International Version

Humble Submission is Beautiful

Good Morning Beauties!

Our ulimate example of humility is Jesus. Be inspired today…
”In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!”
Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)

Here’s another beautiful scripture with a picture of what God desires for us…
“So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.”
Colossians 3:12-14 (MSG)

If you’re like me, you respond by letting Jesus know, “yes, yes, I want to be that beautiful woman You describe here, but how? How do I maintain this expectation when I have a million things to accomplish today and everyday. I need to be a great wife, mother, employee, ministry leader, mentor, friend, care provider. How Lord? How do I do it all?”

Jesus hears our plea and answers us through the Apostle Paul….
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)

What are a few key points God wants you to learn from this passage? Write them down in your journal and thank Jesus for the deeper revelation of these truths today. Selah.

Here’s my revelation for the day…
We must live with an Eternal perspective about everything, including our need for God. Yes, we are to grow and mature in our Christian faith, but unlike Earthy expectations, we do not grow independent of our Father. We are to live a life in constant dependence on Him. This reliance keeps us humble, knowing that apart from Him we can do nothing. (John 15:5)

I know Beauties, you have surrendered your lives to the Lord and are serving Him. At the same time you are exhausted and are finding your purpose more of a grind than a fulfilling call from the Lord. Ask yourself a few questions:
Why do I still try to take control? Why do I still focus on my performance of how I’m serving God? Why won’t I simply let go? Selah.

Here are a couple of beautiful songs that speak to the beauty of surrender and humility. Offer these up to your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ as your prayer today.

Unending Love - Hillsong Worship

Draw Near - Passion

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

— Philippians 2:3-4 New International Version