I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. Phil 3:11

Last week a phone call surprised me. Our dear Ghanian son, Justice Ekuban Jr. called to inform me he and a team are in the process of making a modern updated movie based on the story of Ruth. It seems a missionary family head to Africa (mom, dad and two sons) where tragedy happens and the men pass. Justice didn’t take the time to tell me the entire plot due to time constraints. Apparently, in some of the opening scenes, they need a picture of an older white gentleman, so he asked me if I could send him a picture of Darryl, pre-stroke.

With a bit of fear and trepidation, I searched my photo files–because they aren’t the most organized area of my computer. I prayed, Lord help me. Help me navigate all these pictures, help me find the right ones and also help me as I experience the emotions all these photos will touch upon. As the hunt went on and I began to re-live a very special season of my life with my dear husband.

He went to be with the Lord almost nine years ago. Looking at those pictures reminded me of how real my life was with him. That may sound odd to those of you who haven’t lost a loved one. I miss him every day, but being reminded through pictures reminded me how very real it actually was. As I focused on these pictures, it overwhelmed me with joy and the blessing of having him in my life for 38 years. I said “you were real. Our life together was real.” And then I thought, I bet you are even more real up in heaven. That made me even happier!

The next day I read I Corinthians 15 which is full of teaching about the resurrection. It was so comforting to know that it is real. Jesus experienced resurrection, and so will we. But the truth is, Christ is risen from the dead, as the firstfruit of a great resurrection harvest of those who have died. I Corinthians 15: 20 The resurrection is our hope. Through it we have the power over sin, death and the grave. Another friend went to be with Jesus this week. He touched many lives and will be missed by his family. Death here on earth still has a sting and pain to it, but when we get to heaven, all our tears will be wiped away. The good news is we have a Comforter who helps us navigate grief, understands it and still gives us hope, which is good news.

Darryl is living his best life yet! Justice liked the pictures I sent him. So hopefully we will get to see this movie after it is released–not sure how or when! But at least Darryl will play a small part because when he was alive, he chose to live his life fully for Jesus. Let’s do the same.

Father, I thank you for the reality of the resurrection. Please help us understand how real it is, and the power it has given us through it. Thank you, dear Lord, for reminding us that those we miss are with you and we will be reunited with them. Help us to be lights in this dark world to share this good news with others who don’t have this hope. In Jesus Name, amen.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

I made a quick trip to the Dollar Tree yesterday. As I hunted for all the things on my list, I heard an amazing voice. A woman lifted her voice and sang, “Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His Word” This is an old hymn from my childhood. She was loud and proud. I kept trying to find her, but with all the shoppers and the narrow aisles, I couldn’t see her. Have you ever been in the woods and heard a bird sing? You can’t see it, but you can sure hear it? It was like that. Her lilting voice cut through the chatter and people fell silent. For me, it was a glorious reminder to trust in my Jesus.

I don’t know if she deliberately was singing loud enough to be heard all over the store or not. I do know she used the gift of her amazing voice to remind others that we have a Savior named Jesus who we can put our trust in. I don’t know her church affiliation or her race. I do know she loves Jesus and is not afraid to share her trust in Him with others. Maybe she was struggling with some issues of life and needed to remind herself of His goodness. Maybe she just wanted to remind everyone of His love. Again, I don’t know. I do know everyone in the store was affected. The store was so busy yesterday. People were in every aisle. I wish I would have stopped and just looked at the people and their response, but I was so caught up in the uniqueness of it all, I just listened and shopped.

We find ourselves, once again, in an uncertain season. Not only are the Covid numbers rising again, but the division between mandatory vaccine requirements and mask wearing for job requirements is escalating. Our governor has issued mandatory vaccine requirements for all health workers, teachers and staff (both public and private schools) plus mask wearing indoors. Personal choice and decision making seems to be out of our control. If people choose not to get vaccinated and they lose their jobs, what will happen to them? Could our nation be on the verge of protest and rioting against these imposed mandates? Possibly. Do we need to fear? No. Never. Not an option. Tis time to trust in Jesus, take Him at His word, rest in His promise and seek Him like never before. Pray for our leadership. Pray for wisdom for those not vaccinated and for those who are.

Our hearts are burdened for our Christian brothers and sisters in Afghanistan as the Taliban re-establishes their authority. I read today where each family is supposed to mark an X on their house if they have daughters over the age of 12, so the Taliban can take them. If they don’t and discovered, their entire family could be executed on the spot. I can’t imagine the agony these parents are going through. Many are giving guns to their girls and letting them fight it out or choose to kill themselves. It’s horrendous. Is our God still in control? Yes. But so is the battle. Let us join in prayer for our brothers and sisters. I can only imagine the stories of His intervention that are happening right now as people all over the world intercede.

So it is such a good time to be reminded Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus. We must not grow weary in our well doing, but we must continue to seek Him and HIs will. If you differ in your opinions with others, do so with grace and mercy. Seek to understand even if you don’t agree. Seek to walk and live in His peace. Darryl Rodman once said: Peace is a gift from God that establishes our hearts and minds in a confident and assured expectation of His care for us no matter what else is going on. There is definitely a lot going on in our world right now.

Father, Help us. Help those we care about. Help our brothers and sisters in Afganistan and around the world who are suffering from persecution. Strengthen us. Teach us to trust in you, no matter what is going on. We choose to cling to our faith. I pray for those fighting Covid and for their families who are trusting in your power of healing. I pray for those who must choose to lose their jobs or get vaccinated against their will. I ask you to help our leaders find solutions that will not rob us of our freedoms. Father, we need you. Help us trust you and your ways during these tough times. In Jesus Name, amen.

A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. Proverbs 15:13

Once a week I spend time with my sons’ children while they both work. The blessing of sharing these duties with their other grandparent has been wonderful. For the past few weeks, one of them asked me if we could make slime. For the uninitiated slime is considered a non-Newtonian compound, which means it doesn’t behave like a solid or a liquid. It doesn’t have its own shape, but takes the shape of the container you place it in. It acts like a solid when you pick it up, but then oozes like a liquid! If you search the internet, you can find many recipes for making this amazing substance. Each of them contains glue and “slime” activator. The activator is most important–it can be a solution of borax, contact lens solution or liquid starch. You can make fluffy slime (add shaving cream), glitter slime, galaxy slime–as many as your imagination can come up with!

There is something relaxing and fun in making the slime, but will they play with it? Will the time and money I have invested in this fun and requested project yield the entertainment aspect we hope for? I don’t know. We will attempt this project today. I am stepping out in faith that these recipes will work and the kids will have fun. When I said yes to my granddaughter’s request, I knew I my investment would be more than hers. I know there is a risk that none of these “recipes” would produce what she is expecting. But, we are going to make memories today. We will work together, with the others and try something. We will experiment and if it works, great! If not, then that’s ok too.

Reading through the book of Ecclesiastes, we find some encouraging scriptures to enjoy life. There is nothing better for a person that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God. Ecclesiastes 2:24 Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat, and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Ecclesiastes 5:18 These two scriptures mention finding enjoyment in his toil. It is a matter of perspective, isn’t it? How we view our “lot” in life. I’ve known other grandparents who see their “lot” as a burden and a struggle. I understand it can be difficult, but I choose to embrace the enjoyment in this opportunity (toil). Learning to re-adjust our attitude is crucial to learning to enjoy the life God has given. If you struggle with enjoying your work, school, family, ministry take the time to search you heart with the Lord. Ask Him to show you how to enjoy your toil!

A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. Proverbs 15:13 When I find my heart full of sorrow and feeling crushed (which has happened many times) I have learned to talk it over with the Lord. The Holy Spirit is the best attitude adjuster I know. Taking the time to rejoice in the Lord, be thankful for what I do have, instead of what I don’t, developing a grateful heart are all things that help me have a glad heart–therefore a cheerful face! You may not be making slime today, but find something that will bring you some joy. Do something new! Call a friend or family member who needs encouragement.

Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 Parents, remember your children won’t be young forever. People won’t necessarily be around forever either. My summer childcare situation will soon be over. Then homeschooling science and health will begin again with my other grandchildren. I am grateful I see God’s bigger purpose and plan in touching their lives. What areas of responsibility have you taken on that your perspective may need to be refreshed today? Your marriage? Your parenting? Your job? Your ministry?

Father, I thank you for sending refreshment to us on this day. I ask that you help us enjoy the toil opportunities at our hand. Refresh the caregivers. Refresh those in ministry. Refresh the lonely and the overwhelmed. Show them how to enjoy season of life they are in now. In Jesus Name, amen.

I remember listening to my parents and their friends as a child talk about cultural changes that appalled them. My sisters and I were teenagers during the 60s and I know they spent many anxious days worried about our choices. We spent a lot of time listening to what seemed to be “lectures” concerning the evils that lurked, just waiting to pounce. As a know it all, I tuned most of it out. However, the good news is the foundation of faith and the Holy Spirit Himself, had laid in my young life, actually kept me safe from most of those “evils”. Looking back now, I wish my parents had released their faith in the God they had pointed us to, rather than focused on their fear. But, they did the best they could and all of us turned out well.

As I look at the world, my grandchildren are growing into, I understand my own parents’ fears and concerns because things are even darker than ever before. I face the same challenge to sit around and say “woe is me” or help build a foundation of faith in their hearts. They attribute Eleanor Roosevelt to the saying “it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness”. I could simply sit and wish for an easier season for them, but that is out of my control. As an older person, I want to continue to be a candle lighter. I must believe that with God, they will be able to navigate any darkness that comes their way. I pray for my children to have the wisdom they need to prepare their children for life’s challenges. If I look at the darkness, it seems overwhelming. But when I remember how the Lord brought me through, I trust He is more than able to do the same for them.

Psalm 90:16 Let us see your miracles again, and let the rising generation see the glorious wonders you’re famous for. TPT This is my heart cry. So my challenge to us today is to see our challenges of life as opportunities for our children and grandchildren to watch Him show up. Ask the Lord for His leading when to share your own God stories, no matter how large or small. If you don’t feel you have any, then ask Him for some.

This past week I had my second Covid injection. Due to many allergies, I did a lot of praying concerning getting the Covid vaccine at all. When I finally felt released to do so, I did it in faith. I still suffered some side effects for a few days. It was rough, but as I told someone, I am tough. Our children are tougher than we think as well. Helping them to understand God’s love, God’s truth, along with much grace and mercy helps equip them for their own battles. Mentoring them through their struggles is part of good parenting. I have watched my own children do such an excellent job of encouraging their children and teaching them about spiritual warfare in an age appropriate manner.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of praying with two friends:Faye Johnson, 82 and Eva Bunika, 80. They are both strong, but not as strong as they used to be. What do they have? Strong faith! Why? They have been through things. Talk with Grandma Faye, as she is affectionately called, about growing up as an Afro-American child in the south. She could be bitter because of some of the almost unforgivable unfair things she endured just because of her color. Stories she has shared with me are not easy to hear, but they are her truth. It was God and her parents who helped her love all people. Eva came to this country when she was 43 on a religious persecution visa in her communist homeland. The struggles and fears they endured were real. Read “Tortured for My Faith” by Richard Wurmbrand for some perspective. You may see an older believer and wonder who are they? Take time to find out. Their stories inspire me to stand strong. The Deborahs, Joshuas and other Bible heroes inspire us. There are some among us as well, who we can be inspired by as well. As we prayed together, it was precious and comforting. They choose to light many of their candles through prayer. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16 This is something we can all do.

Father, I ask you to help us to become candle lighters, rather than darkness cursers. It is easy to complain and lament about how things are, but help us release our faith to believe you are raising up strong warriors to go and do exploits. I ask you for more manifestations of your loving power to be shared. We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of our testimony. Let us have many testimonies to share with other, including the rising generation. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Brothers and sisters, I want to remind you today that you are loved. You are loved by the Creator of the Universe, the one who hung the stars in the sky and by His Word told the oceans to remain in their borders. This God cares for you. This God understands your strengths and your weaknesses.

With all of life’s difficulties and challenges, we can sometimes lose sight of that foundational truth. When we do fear, doubt and insecurity rise with in. Our confidence wanes, and negative introspection with judgmental criticism can infiltrate our souls. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love. I John 4:18. Even, though we may suffer consequences of our failings, it will not cause our Lord to love us less. Isn’t that amazing?

I discovered this week a shortcoming in my ability to love. I reacted to someone from my past with unkind thoughts. It was a silly, unwarranted and totally a gut response. I really did not even need the Holy Spirit to check me on my response because it was so obvious to me, it wasn’t right. As I explored my feelings, the Lord revealed envy on my part. Oh Father, create in me a clean heart, help us love others as I Corinthians 13: 4-7 describes. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

With the assurance of God’s love we can declare with Paul as he wrote in Romans 8: Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?…No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. When God says nothing, He means nothing. No guilt, shame, or feelings of disappointment can ever separate us from His love. He is ever working to draw us closer to Him through the gift of His forgiveness.

Another blessing of remembering God’s love is embracing His correction. My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom He delights. Proverbs 3: 11-12. He is training us to be disciples for His kingdom’s sake. We are to grow up, mature and take our place as influencers for His kingdom in this world. His discipline helps us mature.

Recap: Last week we looked at beating the bully. To clarify the bully is Satan and his discouraging wily ways to bring disheartenment, disillusionment and depression, with the ultimate goal of causing us to shut down, walk away from faith and hide in the ways of our flesh. He is quite sneaky in his approaches, trying different doors of our soul to undermine our faith in the goodness of God’s character and our place in God’s kingdom.

Recognizing the bully attack is the first step in winning against him. But he is relentless so a one time victory does not mean that he will not try again. So we must be on alert. Ephesians 6:10-11 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. NLT One of his strategies (or wiles) as the King James Version says, is to make you think you are weak and helpless, which leads to hopelessness and depression. My dear friends, we are neither because our strength comes from Him. Basic warfare 101 is to find the lie and counteract it with the truth. His word is truth. As you seek the truth and choose to stand in that truth, we must know Satan must flee from you. Feeling alone and worthless? Choose to believe Deuteronomy 31: 8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you or forsake you. Be not afraid, do not be discouraged. Do not let the feeling of discouragement run your life.

I admit there have been some major discouraging things happening in my life. But, even though I have felt discouraged I have chosen to make a stand against it. Outwardly, not much has shifted, but my perspective has. Putting on the helmet of salvation, which covers my head and its vulnerability. When a soldier prepared for battle, the last thing he put on was his helmet. I think, sometimes as believers, we forget this vital part of the armor of God. 2 Corinthians 10:5 declares we can destroy arguments every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. I realized a truth when reading this scripture, that the ultimate design Satan’s purpose is to get us to disobey the Lord. By undermining our confidence in the Lord and His ways, we will find ourselves shying away from His will, purpose, and plan. By focusing our thoughts on ourselves, magnifying our weaknesses and inabilities our faith becomes anemic. This is all a lie of course.

Battling the bully is something all of God’s people must do. Take action my friends. Renew your mind as needed. What is the truth? You are valuable to His kingdom. Take authority over any doubts that would seek to challenge the truth of God’s Word. Hebrews 11:6 declares that he is a rewarder of those that diligently seek him. That includes you and me! As we persevere, we will grow stronger in our faith and do the exploits He promises His people will accomplish!

Stand strong in the Lord, my friends, even when you are feeling shaky. Read through Hebrews 11 and the heroes of our faith who have gone on before. Do not let the bully tell you that you are not important, because that is a lie. The whole body of Christ needs each of us standing in our place, armored up fighting, not only our battle but those of our brothers and sisters.

Refresh your memory of Philippians 4:7: And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Walk in His peace, my friends. Do not let Satan steal it from you.

Father, I ask that you help us fight against the bully of our souls. You have given us tools to do us. You have not left us powerless or friendless. We are so grateful for your word. I ask you to strengthen everyone who is in a long-term battle. May they be refreshed today with your power and might. Help us adjust our perspective from victim to victor no matter what things look like or feel like, In Jesus Name. Amen.

We’ve been studying in our life group about Deborah, so encouraging as we seek to grow into Warrior Women. Two of our group plus their families fought Covid after we began this study, along with many of our church staff. With faith and grace, we all entered the prayer fight. It is with much joy that we can declare that everyone is on the road to recovery.

Despite these victories, I found myself weary and feeling defeated. Putting on worship, reading the word, declaring God’s goodness are my normal tools I use when I am feeling pressed in. Instead of my life opening up, I felt like I was getting smaller and more ineffective in my life. As I shared with our ladies’ last night, we discovered I wasn’t alone! Others were also feeling diminished and silenced in their sphere of influence. It felt like the hills of obstacles were growing into mountains, with no relief or response from prayer. During our time of prayer, one gal said the word “bully” and I realized we were all being bullied and intimidated into silence and inactivity.

How about you? Have you encountered that bully lately in your life? Those subtle or not-so-subtle taunts about how your God really will do nothing to change the circumstances? My personal family received two difficult diagnoses that are, in the natural, long term with no cure type issues. As we keep praying, the bully looms large and says “why bother”, nothing is changing or will change. Today, I am scheduled for a contrasting CT scan to help discover the cause of increasing pain in my left abdomen. The bully is trying to get me to focus on the worse case scenario, when we don ‘t even know what it is. I have held my ground and have chosen not to go there.

In life we have long-term battles. We can settle under them, or we can choose to continue to fight for victory. Our bully would like to cause us to shrink and settle for less than God’s plan. We have not heard a word from the Lord to stop fighting for total health, so we fight on. I choose to keep on knocking, keep on seeking and keep on trusting for His plan and His purpose to be revealed. Our bully goes around as a roaring lion seeking who he can devour, and I admit lately I think he has taken a few bites out of my soul. His bites include condemnation, accusation and doubt. With these bites, he wanted to leave behind an infection that would cause me to lose hope, stop believing and stop praying. His goal was to bring discouragement and cause my heart to be disheartened.

But his plan was uncovered. I will not grow weary in well doing. I will not stop praying and I will not stop trusting my God to do miracles. Deborah was a strong leader. She heard the word of the Lord and spoke victory to Barak. Barak had 10,000 fighting men; his opponent had 40,000 fighting men, plus 900 chariots. But Barak had the word of the Lord on His side, so do we. (Read the story in Judges 4 and 5).

It is humbling to admit the bully was winning in his battle to render me weak and wimpy. But the good news is that no matter how wimpy I feel, God is still strong. He continues showing off His might and power. This morning I realized the bully was attacking God’s character. My most precious Rock, the steadfast one, is always true to His Word. My mind was distracted by the bully’s words and his attempt to cause me to lean upon my own understanding, not His. Our Awesome God continues to work His work, no matter how we feel, and for that I am very grateful.

Father, we silence the bully’s words in our ears. We release your Words of life into every situation that looks contrary to God’s plan. We choose to trust you and your ways. We lean hard upon you and we know you will show us the path of life. In Jesus Name, Amen

After writing Faith and developing integrity last week, I found myself thinking about where integrity actually comes from. I realized it begins internally, within our own soul. I thought about my promises to myself I had never kept, you know, “I will eat healthier, exercise more”… Ouch. I discovered my own lack of internal integrity. Sometimes it is hard to keep promises to yourself.

It is the Catch 22 that Paul wrote about in Romans 7:17-20 But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can’t keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it, anyway. My decisions, such as they are don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong, deep within me and gets the better of me every time. Yes, how do we develop integrity despite our fleshly nature fighting for its way?

Paul goes on in verse 25: The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, bu tam pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different. (MSG) The answer is our dear Savior. I confess I messed up this week. Tired from grocery shopping, I went to return my cart. I must not have paid close enough attention as I put it away, because as I turned around, it went rolling out in the parking lot right toward a lady who was backing out of her parking spot. I ran to catch it, but it glanced off her car, startling her. This is where I really messed up. She thanked me for getting the cart and asked me, ‘Where did that come from?’ Instead of confessing, it’s my wayward cart, I looked around as if I didn’t know where it had come from! Talk about the lack of integrity. Even though there wasn’t a mark on her car, I still felt horrible for not owning up to the fact I had not put my cart back properly. Can I tell you why I did not just apologize? Not really. I am sure it was pride, fear and guilt that caused me to cover up my part. I feel ashamed of myself. Once again, I find myself in need of a Savior, and grateful I have one. Not only to forgive me of my sin, but to help me walk in honesty and integrity.

It was a split second reaction. I felt horrible immediately afterward. The accuser was there to say “and you just wrote about being a person of integrity”, shame on you. Yes, there was shame on me. I wish I could find her and apologize. It doesn’t matter that there have been other times when I have ‘done it right’, growing in integrity means you do it right. I am grateful for Hebrews 4:14-16 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. I am sure I will have another opportunity to humble myself and walk in integrity and honesty. I pray my response will be more honorable. The challenges to walk in integrity are all around us.

Father, I ask you to help me and others to walk in your ways with integrity, honesty, and humility. I am so grateful I have not only a forgiving Savior, but one who also chastises and helps me overcome my weaknesses. We run to you and your throne this day to find your grace and mercy to help us in our time of need. In Jesus Name, Amen.

So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands. Psalm 78:72 NKJV

God prepared David and took this gentle shepherd-king, and presented him before the people as the one who would love and care for them with integrity, a pure heart and the anointing to lead Israel, his holy inheritance. Psalm 78:71-71 The Passion Version

Do we even think about the importance of integrity in our everyday life? Probably not until something or someone lets you down does it even cross your mind. The Passion Version expands verse 72 and makes it clear the qualities David had as a leader were integrity, a pure heart, and the anointing. As I read these scriptures, I realized that integrity is something that is only in our control. Conviction of the Holy Spirit and our conscience can help remind us to live with integrity, but in reality, the choice is up to us. My integrity is just that, my integrity. Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. A person with integrity always seeks to reflect their ethical standards regardless of circumstance. It is something each person must develop within their own selves. A person without integrity has no internal boundaries or borders when temptation, tests, and trials arise. The quality of integrity shows up during the challenges of life. How will we respond? It is something we all want others to have in their relationship to ourselves!

There are many scriptures that talk about the not only the blessing of integrity but also the problems of those who live dishonestly.

Proverbs 19:1 Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.

Proverbs 10:9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.

Proverbs 20:7 The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him.

Reading these scriptures, it seems obvious that everyone would choose to walk with integrity, right? However, we know it is not the case. Remember when Peter vowed he would never betray Jesus, and of course he did. Fear caused Peter to break his own vow. But the good news is we see God’s grace, mercy and anointing, strengthening Peter to the point he was martyred for his faith. In 2 Kings 5, we find the amazing story of Naaman, a commander of the army of Syria. He had leprosy. God connected him with the prophet Elisha, Naaman obeyed Elisha’s instructions and was healed. Naturally, he was grateful and wanted to give gifts to Elisha in gratitude. But Elisha said no. Unfortunately, Gehazi, Elisha’s servant out of greed, went to him, lied, ask for the forbidden gifts. His greed overcame his loyalty and showed his lack of integrity. Elisha called him out, and he went from Elisha’s presence a leper. As a leper, he could no longer be the prophet’s servant. He missed out on being part of some amazing miracles.

As believers, people expect us to walk in honesty, tell the truth, and be people of our word. Sadly, due to fear, like Peter or greed like Gehazi, our flesh often dictates our actions. So how do we grow in our integrity? First, by identifying what your core values are. The ones you refuse to compromise on. Find out where fear or greed may be areas of temptation and build up those walls. I believe as David worshipped God, God grew bigger and more real to Him, which allowed him to honor the things God honors. When he could have killed King Saul, he chose not to. He was a man of integrity. When he messed up, he owned it. A man of integrity does not have to be a perfect person, but he needs to own up to his mistakes. Gehazi, when found out, tried to cover up his actions.

This week, I admit, I dealt with two situations where integrity was breached. One was with a lawyer, the other a medical clinic. I am trusting the Lord to work through each circumstance, which is out of my control, and see Him bring good from them. I don’t think either of them deliberately set out to dishearten me, but they did. So my choice is to forgive and walk on. I don’t want to be a stone thrower of accusations or set myself up as an example of the integrous person around, because I am not. I can only choose to do my best to be a woman of integrity, relying on the Holy Spirit’s help. With a fresh understanding of how important it is to others for me to keep my word, I walk on, being quick to forgive.

Father, I ask you, help us in this area. I know we all want others to walk integrity toward us, but we need your help to do the same. Thank you for the promises we read in your word that come from walking in integrity. Fear and greed are two major areas where your people stumble. Please show us any place where our walls are down. As we grow in our trust in You and of You fear and greed will not have such a hold on us. Forgive us when we fall short, help us make it right, in Jesus’ Name.

I look forward to spending time each day in God’s Word. It is a time to hear and learn from Him. Except, I have a confession to make. I skipped reading a few chapters this week. Yes, I did. I knew the story well enough that my heart just did not have the courage to face it—as if that would change it! Sometimes there are situations in life that are the same way, difficult things I just want to stick my head in the sand and wish it away. But, as we know, that is not the way life works. We have to face it with faith and move on through. At the time, I just couldn’t bear to read the sad tale of Solomon’s desertion from the ways of the Lord. Hearing stories about people making poor choices in their lives makes me sad as well. Not reading those chapters did not take away the reality of Solomon’s actions, nor the subsequent fallout that happened to Israel because of his sin. As I went back and read them, I could only purpose in my own heart to learn from the results of his actions. His actions led to dark days in Israel. It is my heart that my decisions do not lead to dark days in my own life, or in others.

I Kings 11 begins the story of Solomon’s heart turning away from the Lord by His foreign wives and their gods. I Kings 11: 5 In Solomon’s old age, they turned his heart to worship other gods instead of being completely faithful to the Lord his God, as his father, David, had been. Solomon worshiped Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molech, the detestable God of the Ammonites. In this way, Solomon did what was evil in the Lord’s sight; he refused to follow the Lord completely, as his father David, had done. It saddens my heart to read this. It saddens my heart to hear of people who I love and care for, walking away from the fullness of their connection with the Lord. I can’t control or make choices for others, only for myself.

It’s been a rough week for many. It’s felt like darkness is encroaching from all sides. But the good news is we have choices; and we have authority. We can choose to use the authority God has given us, or we can wallow in self pity.

After I received a telephone call with some very disappointing news, I began to declare: “Satan, I’m done. I’m done with your workings. I’m done. I’m done. I’m just done. Back off. Back off in Jesus Name.” A pretty simple prayer—but it was all I could say. And it’s how I was feeling. I wasn’t just done for myself, but for so many others who are dealing with difficult situations.

Are you experiencing some dark, difficult days? Do you know someone who is going through trials and tribulations? I come alongside you and declare that Jesus reigns. He reigns over everything. At His name, every sickness must submit. At His name, Satan must back off and back out. At His name, freedom shall come and His light shall invade every dark place. We see the subtly that Satan used in Solomon disobeying God’s law and marrying foreign wives. They snared him and lured him away from his first love. Father, I thank you for opening our eyes to Satan’s sneaky ways in our lives. I ask that you lead us and guide us. Keep us from the evil one and deliver us from temptation. Though we walk through dark valleys, I ask that your rod and staff protect and comfort your children. I thank you we do not have to be afraid of dark places, for even there you are in our midst. I thank you for grace, mercy and conviction; so if we are experiencing temptation you will show us the better way. I speak light to every dark place. I speak peace to every place of confusion. I speak hope to the hopeless places.

Father, I know there are parents, children, friends, and relatives who have made poor choices, as our example Solomon has done. I ask that you lead them out of their sin and back on your path. I pray that you will give wisdom to those who are walking in the light to help guide them back to you. I thank you, Holy Spirit, that you are working when we cannot work. We know you love the backslider. We know you love the sinner. We know you love us. Thank you for working all things together for your good, In Jesus Name, Amen.