Tag Archives: #spirituality

#inspiration

Demons

We all have our demons. When we say this we are speaking metaphorically, but demons are real beyond metaphors.

There exists a spiritual battle in another realm that is going on all around us. Just because we can’t see it doesn’t make it untrue. God commands His angels to fight for us and protect us from evil spirits. We could not fight this enemy on our own.

When we believe in God, the attacks intensify. It’s not easy being a believer. I call Christianity a blood sport.

If you are experiencing pain and struggle in your life, know the source from which they came. Rely on God to fight for you. When the battle is between God and anything else, there is no fight. He wins every time…

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#inspiration

Here! Have Another Bite

Have you ever had someone try to cram their politics or religion down your throat? I believe we all can answer that question with a resounding yes!

Trying to convince others to believe what we believe through force doesn’t work. People have their own reasons for their convictions, right or wrong. It’s none of our business, actually.

The best way to communicate our faith is through our actions, not a bunch of religious talk. People might respond to our political beliefs by asking questions of why we believe the way we do. Then, and only then, we can begin a dialogue.

Let’s focus on our actions, not our words. Find out who you are, then stay true to yourself, but keep an open mind to the beliefs of others. We are better together…

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#inspiration

Lean In

Some of our greatest achievements were born in the darkest of times. If we press on and refuse to give up, we will emerge on the other side of the battle. It will not be easy, and it may feel like this period will never end, but your confidence and resilience will grow exponentially.

Lean into whatever makes you uncomfortable. Face the darkness in your life. Stare the devil down and let him know you serve a greater master. State your victory out loud and declare it in the name above all names- Jesus Christ. His name will make the demons shudder…

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#inspiration

Relationship v. Religion

What’s the difference between relationship and religion? Relationships are intimate, they are turned on, and they are a safety zone. Religion, even the word turns people away. Let’s examine this just a little further.

Think of your closest relationships. They are built on a foundation of trust. Trust takes time to build. You feel like you can be yourself around your closest friends and family. There’s no need to pretend to be someone you’re not.

Religion evokes guilt, shame and judgment. This is because many religions use these as tools to get your attendance and your money. That’s not what God wants. He wants a personal relationship with us, even when we are at our worst. Yes, you read that correctly. God isn’t looking down on us with His arms crossed condemning us. No. God created us and He hasn’t forgotten about us. We are always on His mind.

I encourage you, and myself, to pursue a deeper relationship with God. Study the life of Jesus. Jesus was a rebel and he was a badass. He took away guilt, shame and judgment while calling out the hypocrisy of some of the religious leaders of the day. He is here for us, even though we don’t see him…

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#inspiration

Storms

We are in the middle of thunderstorm season. I love those storms. But what about the storms of life? Those seem to be in season all the time.

We live in an imperfect world. Stuff will happen that we cannot anticipate. Our attitude in facing the storm will determine our outcome. We must remember that God is in control, we aren’t. He doesn’t cause bad things to happen to us or our loved ones, but He does allow them.

When we think about how great God is, and we realize there is absolutely nothing He can’t do, we find peace. God will see us through whatever we are dealing with. Put your focus on Him and not the storm. Then we will see His hand in our lives. You can’t miss it…

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#inspiration

Void

Everyone has a void they are trying to fill. The world tells us that fun experiences, status, wealth and sex will fill the hole in our hearts, but the world lies. Those things produce temporary happiness, but they aren’t fulfilling.

Only God’s Spirit will sustain us and fill the emptiness. He is our only source for everything we have, and God is our only hope. Trust Him, not the world…

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#inspiration

Expectations

When I go to a five-star restaurant, I expect great food, atmosphere and service. If I only received two of the three, then the experience didn’t meet my expectations.

What do I expect from myself? Certainly I expect to give my best in life. For some people, my best isn’t good enough, while for others it’s more than enough.

But what about God? He gives the believer and the non-believer the same fresh air and sunshine. We all get the gift of life. So let’s not take Him for granted.

Jesus told us to “pray expectantly.” Believe we have received it before actually receiving it, thanking God in advance. That’s faith in a nutshell. And I believe it’s good, solid advice…

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#inspiration

Moods

I often say, “I have one mood, and it’s good!” It’s true. I don’t allow the difficulties of the day to affect my mood.

Every day we will face unknown challenges. As much as we want to believe we can control what happens to us, we are not in control. God has a much greater plan that we are incapable of understanding. So let’s trust that He is on our side, and that good can come from even our worst day.

When you let go of the desire to control, freedom waits…

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#inspiration

Insane!

There are people in this world who will act like we are the greatest thing ever, only to turn on us when we don’t allow them to manipulate us. You know the type. Narcissistic personalities have pervaded society, or at least it seems that way.

Narcissists will try to break us down and rebuild us the way they want. They are sick. They see nice people as prey, not as a person who has their own goals, dreams and desires. Narcissists are like ninjas when it comes to manipulating and gaslighting people. They have struck you before you even knew they were trying.

Stand up for yourself. It won’t be easy to learn this lesson. Remember this-God alone has authority over our lives. Let Him guide you through the process of learning…

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#inspiration

Columbine

On the morning of April 20, 1999 two dark and disturbed young men ended the lives of 12 students and one teacher before the two murderers took their own lives. At the time, the Columbine High School massacre was the largest school shooting in American history.

From this unthinkable tragedy, an organization was born: Rachel’s Challenge. Rachel Scott was the first child killed that day, but she did not die in vain. Her impact on the lives of others lives on. Over 30 million people have experienced her story, thousands of youth suicides have been prevented, and at least 8 documented copycat school shootings have been averted.

After Rachel’s Challenge is introduced into a school, the school becomes a safer, better-connected community. Students are no longer trying to learn in a “fight or flight” environment. I proudly serve on the board of Rachel’s Challenge. Check it out here:

http://www.rachelschallenge.org

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