For quite some time now, I have has some unrest deep down in my soul. I just figured that it was all going to be okay, that it would pass like an afternoon breeze on a warm summer day often does. But it didn’t and it hasn’t…….

Why am I always comparing myself to others? Why do I listen to the lies that enemy whispers into my ears? Why do I continue to seek the approval of man over the approval of God? Why do I revert back to wanting to fit in instead of stand out like I’ve been called to do? These are all questions I find myself reflecting on this early evening. I’m not going to lie, this is a lonely place to be. I want to know why I keep falling back into the trap of discontentment?

This happens often. It’s the fight to stay humble, the fight to keep your eyes on the real prize. The test to see where your heart really is at and the lesson that everyone needs to pass at least once in their lifetime. The sin is in wanting all the glory to be on you and in seeking the approval of man rather than the approval of God. We lose our perspective and ourselves in the process.

Billy Graham once wrote “Popularity and praise can be far more dangerous for the Christian than persecution. They can turn us away from God without our even being aware of it, making us like those in Jesus’ day who loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” (John 12:43)

Reading John 12:43 causes a gut check, a heart check and most importantly a call to repentance. Admitting that you have desired glory for yourself and that you have looked for love and approval in all the wrong places is a start in the healing process. It’s a step in the right direction.

Emily Freeman wrote in her book Simply Tuesday that “the soul was not meant for fame.” She is correct. Our soul cannot handle the glory that was only meant for God alone! If you find yourself in this place, ask the Lord to keep you from worrying about what others think. Ask Him to help you keep your motives pure. Picture yourself as John the Baptist, always pointing others to Jesus. He knew like Emily and Billy Graham already do, glory is only fit for the King. The weight of it is too heavy to carry by ourselves. God’s glory matters, man wanting God’s glory does not.

I have learned in whatever state I am, be content…….Philippians 4:11

Humbled to learn this yet again,

~Misty~

#John12:43 #ToGodBeTheGlory #Perspective #Humility

You might be wondering, why all this talk about hope?

Hope is an important biblical concept and very few of us have hope or truly hope in the ways we ought to. The truth of the matter is, we believers have hope, because of God’s love for us in Christ. We also are able to have high hopes because of God’s work for us, as demonstrated in and through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

The objective proof of hope is evidenced in the subject, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Do you remember a time when you hated God and were still in rebellion against Him? Those times were not too long ago, especially in God’s usage and economy of our time spent here on earth.

Christ died for both the just and the unjust. This action alone, which encompasses Jesus’ obedience to the Father, demonstrates the magnitude of His love for sinners like you and me. If this does not give you hope to keep on living for Christ or convince you of God’s abundant love for us, then we cannot be sure of what will.

Along with our three thoughts on hope mentioned above, we need to keep the following in mind. We are called to take refuge in the hope set before us. God does not mete out His love for us in tiny measures. No, rather, He goes all out! We could also say that He jumps all in by pouring out His love for us and into our hearts?

Sanctification – Comes from the Latin verb “sanctificare.” Sanctificare is derived from sanctus “holy” and facere “to make.” In its verbal form, the word is sanctify.

The Greek word translated “sanctification” (hagiasmos [aJgiasmov”]) means “holiness.” To sanctify, therefore, means “to make holy.

1. The literal meaning of sanctification is “to set apart” for special use or purpose, to make holy or sacred.

2. The act or process of acquiring sanctity.

3. A gift given through the power of the Holy Spirit, to a person that is considered sacred or set apart. (See regeneration and faith.)

4. The referral to a person becoming holy. 

The word Sanctification appears in the Bible ten times, sanctified appears twenty-four times and sanctify appears nineteen times.

Sanctification is a word that can be further linked to regeneration, justification, grace and faith.

It is the process by which the Father dedicates His love and uses His Holy Spirit to apply the work of redemption to a person who puts their faith in Jesus Christ.

Sanctification is the process of setting sinners apart from sin and purifying them for God’s service or His call on a believer’s life.

Sanctification is in reference to the change brought about by God in a believer, it is begun at the point of salvation or justification and continues throughout the life of the believer.

Keep in mind that a person cannot sanctify them self. They must be made holy through God alone. God’s Spirit does the work of sanctification in the believer. He alone is holy. He is separate, distinct, other. We cannot share the holiness of God’s nature. Scripture is filled with the call to be holy as God is holy. Another word for a holy person is a saint. We are called to seek holiness even though we never reach the perfect holiness that God possess.

Sanctification can be associated with election and predestination. Romans 8:29 (NASB) says – “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;

The concept of sanctification is tied closely to that of grace.

I am guest posting today for Word Nerd Wednesday at My Messy Desk, please take a few minutes to finish reading my post and let know what you think.

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The artwork at the top of this post was created by Lindsey Keith. Lindsey has shared her time and God-given talent at beYOUtiful mom before. Read more on Lindsey

About the Artist: Lindsey Keith is a 17 year old Junior who LOVES God, her family, dance, Art and horses. Lindsey can be found  doing the typical teenage stuff like volunteering or babysitting when she is not creating beautiful Art. She volunteers at church and a therapeutic horse ranch. She is honored to have achieved being on the California Scholarship Federation each semester of her high school career and has received straight A’s during her schooling adventures. Lindsey’s goal at this point in her life is to receive scholarships to be able to attend a Christian University after graduating High School. Her talent on loan from God is exuberant in extraordinary ways. I absolutely love that she finds time to create beauty right where she is. Way to go Lindsey!

Blessed to See People Using Their God-Given Gifts and Talents, 

#WordNerdWednesday #Sanctification #TalentOnLoahFromGod

~Misty~

Over the past few years in the Christian community it has become more and more popular at the start of the new year to pray and ask the Lord to give a word for the upcoming year. As a person prays, they look for a direction or a verse that keeps reoccurring while studying and reading the Scriptures. Once a word is prayed over and chosen, they then begin to journal about the chosen word and learn all that they can from the Scriptures.

For 2016, my word is HOPE and my verse is Jeremiah 17:7.

Jeremiah 17:7 says “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose hope is in the Lord.” (NKJV)

This Scripture seems fitting for the times we find ourselves in. Many people look for hope in all the wrong places. Naturally, we are bent towards finding hope in people, places, things, and relationships. If we are not constantly putting our hope in the only ONE who satisfies, we come up feeling empty and go through life hopeless. Hopelessness leads to darkness and depression.

Jeremiah 17:7, when broken down and studied, means: happy is the one who relies on Yahweh and whose anticipation is in Him.

Even in the midst of darkness, despair or depression one can find comfort in knowing that our hope when placed in Jesus, brings healing and blessing.

My friend Liz who blogs at: creative inspiration at my messy desk made a prayer card with my verse on it and promised to pray that verse for me this year in 2016. I already feel blessed that she would do such a thing. To know that someone else is praying for me (other than my mom) warms my heart. The prayer card that Liz made is featured at the top of this post.

Further, when studying a particular verse, it is important to not take the verse out of context and make it fit what you want it to.

The historical context of the verse is always important and is worth further exploration. The prophet Jeremiah warns the tribe of Judah that sin and punishment are on the way for anyone who puts their hope and trust in man. Our trust and hope can only be found in Jesus. He alone is trustworthy. Jeremiah goes so far as to say “cursed” is the one who puts their trust in man.

I don’t know about you, but I like the word blessed so much more than the word cursed. I would rather receive God’s blessing because I hope and trust in Him than be cursed for trusting in man.

What is your one word for 2016? Have you prayed and asked the Lord to give you a verse to hold onto for 2016? It’s not too late. Get your Bible out and begin praying.

I will be guest posting for “Word Nerd Wednesday” at my friend Liz’s blog. She is allowing me to share for a total of five times this year. I am so excited for this opportunity. My first post is coming up this next Wednesday, January 27th, 2016. Stay tuned as I share about “sanctification.”

Putting my Hope and Trust in Jesus Alone. 

~Misty~

#HOPE #TrustInJesus #WordNerdWednesday #Jeremiah17:7

Today marks the first day of a brand new year. It’s the day we get to start over, find something new and motion forward, fresh with perspective. Doesn’t knowing this cause an awakening deep down in your soul?

January 1st can either be a burden or a blessing. It’s all a matter of perspective.

Just this morning my children seemed melancholy as we slowly took down the Christmas tree, put up all the ornaments and un-decorated the house, restoring it to it’s former glory. When I asked my six year old why the sadness all of a sudden, she said she didn’t want December to end. She loved all the unexpected surprises that celebrating Christmas brings about. From her perspective, January 1st meant an end to all the holiday celebrations. Taking down and putting away all evidence of December signaled a forgotten hope.

Quickly I reminded her that we have a fresh new hope. One that never ends. 1 Peter 1:3 is about Praise to God for a living hope. The Scripture says “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (NIV)

Our (living) hope is not uncertainty or wishful thinking. Each new moment, hour, day, month and year no matter how it begins or ends is a reason to expect with confidence the blessings of God. Those blessings are based on the facts and promises of Jesus and the salvation that He alone brings. Holiday celebrations come and go but the new and living hope we have in Jesus never ends.

We can step into the new year knowing that January 1st indicates renewal, a fresh new hope in how we spend our time, resources and our effectiveness for what really matters. Be encouraged when great things end. This means that new and greater blessings are on their way. It’s all a matter of how you want to see it. Let’s choose to beam with excitement for what’s to come.

It’s a brand new year,

~Misty Ann~

#Write365 #AFreshNewHOPE #HappyNewYear #2016

Each new year I pray and ask the Lord for one word to study or to hold on to throughout the year. One word that will let me know Christ is near me. One word that will bring comfort to me in a time of need. One word that will help me to mature beyond my current level of thinking. Without fail, He always gives me a word.

This year the Lord gave me more than one word though.  While journaling back in January, He conveyed the words “wild and full of faith” to me. I wrote down those words back then and let me just tell you that He was spot on. As 2015 comes to a close, I can look back and see that it has truly been a year of unexpected turns (wildness) and moments where real faith was required to believe all that was going on.

During 2014 I had the word Joy and spent the greater part of 2013 as well as 2014 learning about where true joy comes from. I started finding joy in my life by thanking the Lord for 3 gifts a day. My goal was to reach one thousand gifts and I surpassed that goal rather quickly. Just this morning I recorded my 851st day of thanking the Lord for the many blessings I have.

Recently, I began praying for a word for 2016 and came across the word HOPE. The more I prayed, the more I felt like the Lord was leading me to take a deeper look at what it means to hope and trust in Him. Jeremiah 17:7 (NKJV) says “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord.”

I have seen the word hope a thousand different times and used in hundreds of different ways. The word hope can represent some of the following: hope and change, inside all of us is hope, once you choose hope, anything is possible, hope floats, never lose hope, your existence gives me hope, small hope, I hope you dance and hope is rising, just to name a few.

Hope is defined as a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. The archaic definition of hope is a feeling of trust. Some synonyms for hope are: aspiration, desire, wish, expectation, ambition, aim, goal, plan, design, dream, daydream, pipe dream etc……

I’m not sure where my journey with the word hope will lead me, but I am sure that it begins with putting my trust in the Lord and all He has for me in 2016. I am looking forward to embracing some much needed change with the hope that I open my heart and turn to Jesus like never before.

As I dream about goals for 2016, I am filled with a fresh hope.

Here’s to hoping for the best in 2016.

“My Hope Is You”

by Third Day

To you, O Lord, I lift my soul
In you, O God, I place my trust
Do not let me be put to shame
Nor let my enemies triumph over me
My hope is you
Show me your ways
Guide me in Truth
In all my days
My hope is you
I am, O Lord, filled with your love
You are, O God, my salvation
Guard my life and rescue me
My broken spirit shouts
My mended heart cries out…

Hoping in Him, 

~Misty~

#HOPE #OneWord #WhoseHopeIsInTheLord

A few days ago I read a devotional that was centered around the idea of giving and receiving gifts. It mentioned that instead of wondering what others will bring and give to you this Christmas, ask Jesus what gift you can bring Him this year. After all, Jesus, His coming and sacrifice was the greatest gift ever given to mankind. So I got out my journal and wrote the sentence, Jesus, what is the gift I can bring/give to You this Christmas?

I left the page blank for a few days because I couldn’t think of anything to write down. The more I thought about it, the more critical I became of the types of gifts that I could offer. After all, this is Christ, the King of all Kings and after recently studying His names this Christmas season, no gift that I could offer would be worthy or good enough for Jesus.

I was thinking along the lines that I could offer back up to Him a talent, my time, my prayers etc….

This morning being the day after Christmas, I got up and opened up my journal. I noticed that the page was still blank and I was a day late on presenting my gift. So I asked the Lord once again, what gift could I give you this Christmas? The reply was much more uncomplicated than I had originally made it. It was as if it was now more clear than ever. Jesus was speaking to my heart. I could bring Jesus the gift of “me.” I could give Jesus the gift of myself.

I was tempted to say “is that all?” I mean what is so special about me? I could also take the opposite route in my thinking and become arrogant and puffed up believing that I am more than a great offering to Jesus. I realized that proper perspective was needed. I began to think about all that Jesus became, who He is and what He has already given so that I could offer back to Him, the gift of myself.

I wrote from the heart. Jesus, I offer to you, all of me. Not part of me, but all of me surrendered to You. I’m all in! All of me dedicated to you in prayer. All of me longing to sit at your feet and hear from you each early morning. All of me given to you with joy and gratitude, not only in thought, but in deed and in action. All with your accepting. After all, there could not be an “all of me” without the sacrifice you already gave.

This upcoming year, 2016, is going to be about me offering up all of myself. I’m all in! It is my prayer that my offering is a “sweet aroma” to Him. I realize that I don’t have to sacrifice burnt offerings or offer up grander gifts. Giving Him myself and allowing Him to lead me is the greatest gift I can offer the King of Kings.

As we head into 2016, let’s prepare our hearts for the offering. Is there something that you would like to bring and lay at the feet of Jesus?

Thankful for the opportunity to give and bring the offering of myself, a heart fully surrendered and ready to be lead by the greatest leader of all time.  

~Misty~

#TheGift #AllOfMe #ImAllIn #FollowingTheBrightandMorningStar

It’s that time of year when celebrations are happening daily. Christmas is right around the corner and social media outlets are filled with images of people celebrating, dressing up, having fun and coming together. It is also that time of year when the rush of the season causes many to feel lonely, left out, jealous and discouraged. The Christmas season doesn’t have to be a time of despair, but for many it is.

How do we fight the temptation to fall into depression, sadness, hopelessness or despair during this blessed time of year? How do we stop trying to make everything just perfect and enjoy the season for what it is? How do we avoid the constant rushing around so that we can live and breathe in the moments given to us?

There is hope after all. There is a way that we can begin to enjoy the time that we do have. It’s to focus on the ONE reason we celebrate in the first place. Jesus. He makes our days merry and bright. He shows perfection in an imperfect world. He uplifts, encourages and comes along side of us to let us know that we are never alone. Even when things may appear to be different, He sets the record straight for us.

Jesus has to be our everything. If not, we come up feeling empty. Emptiness is a playground for the very enemy of our soul. Lies are spoken and we begin to believe that darkness has it’s place. It does not. It has no place in this season.

So, if you are starting to experience the temptation to allow darkness in, remember the joy we have in Jesus. Focus first on Jesus, then on Others and finally on Yourself. Before you know it, you will have overcome the negative feelings. Your discouragement will turn into a reason for celebration.

Let the light of Christmas shine brightly this season. Celebrate. Love and live in the moment. Stay focused on Jesus. Find true joy. Have hope.

image via Lindsey Keith

May your days this Christmas season be merry and bright!

~Misty~

#PreachingToMyself #JesusIsTheReasonForTheSeason #FindingTrueJOY