Her Keeper Ministries

O praise the one who paid my debt
And raised this life up from the dead! ✝️💐💛🎉

com·mu·ni·ty || a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.

Our hearts long to find a place among like-minded people, this need is inherently human. Community offers so many benefits… spiritual, emotional and even physical. Having solid community relieves the burden isolation can bring. When you think you are alone in a struggle, you can find comfort in the fact that someone else is dealing with the same thing and understands you. The right community can bring you encouragement and love. Let’s build that kind of community.

Psalm 118:24 💛 This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Happy Tuesday! What are you rejoicing in this week? God is always blessing us, even in the smallest ways, sometimes we just have to stop and look for them. ☀️

𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 - This parable Jesus taught in the gospel of Luke really speaks to me, as the command encourages us in the midst of the tragic affairs unfolding in Ukraine.

This opening verse serves as the guide to interpreting the parable. “To pray persistently for justice for God’s people, as the woman did who pleaded with the judge for justice.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭18:1-8‬ ‭ESV‬‬ 🤍 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Sometimes things happen in this world that don’t make sense and are out of our control. But there is always one thing we can do, pray. Let’s not forget those who are suffering, but remember them in our prayers.

Also, it’s important to not let the evil in this world weigh us down. Remember we have an eternal hope in Christ, and this broken world we live in is temporary. When you intercede on behalf of others, after praying hand the burden over to the Lord. Trust in His sovereignty through the good times and bad.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 💛 pray without ceasing

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:8-9‬ ‭💛 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;

There is a love better than anything in this life. His name is Jesus. He calls you Chosen, Loved, Friend. In the Bible we find His perfect example of what real love is. There in His Word, He teaches us how to love Him in return and how to love one another.

Remember you are loved! Now go out today and let that love overflow from your heart onto those around you who need it ❤️

What’s you favorite Bible verse about love? Comment below.

As we rejoice in God and delight in His presence, He shows himself strong to help us! As you delight in the Lord, where in your life do you see Him provide for you?

Let’s encourage each other by filling the comment section with praises for what He has done! 🤗💕

And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah‬ ‭8:10‬b ‭ESV‬‬

In Matthew 6, Jesus taught the disciples to pray and included “Give us this day our daily bread.” This New Testament prayer for provision through “daily bread” reminds me of God’s provision for the Israelites in Exodus.

In Exodus 16, we see God provide for the Israelites in the wilderness through a daily supply of manna, a type of bread. God instructed the people to gather what they needed for the one day (except a double portion on Saturday, so they could honor the Sabbath by not collecting manna). I love the connection between God providing daily bread for the Israelites, and then in Matthew, Jesus prompting the disciples to pray for “daily bread.”

If you go a little deeper, we find the most beautiful connection - the Lord is our daily bread. He is the one who daily sustains us and provides for us! John 3:33-35 says: “For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ They said to him, ‘Sir, give us this bread always.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”

Let’s go into the week with the assurance that the Lord is our faithful provider! He is the Bread of Life, and we can trust Him to fulfill our daily needs and sustain us through all the ups and downs of life.💕

“In light of my past experiences, my current circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams… What is the wise thing for me to do?” I've been pondering these powerful questions from Pastor Andy Stanley.

If we asked ourselves these questions before we made decisions, I wonder how much hardship and heartache we could avoid. I know this is true for me, as I’ve definitely made some bad decisions without giving much thought to how it would effect my future hopes and dreams.

As Christians we are called to live intentionally. This intentionality should be walked out in wisdom, a wisdom we receive from the Holy Spirit working within us. The more intimately we know God, the more wisdom we will have. (We can grow in intimacy with God by spending time with Him, learning what His Word teaches and pursuing Him wholeheartedly.) This wisdom enables us to walk in step with the Spirit, leading a life set apart from this world.

Let's go into this week walking in wisdom!

Ephesians 5:15 💜 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise

Romans 12:2 💜 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Do you ever feel like you aren’t enough? Maybe you don’t seem to have any special “gifting” or maybe you don’t see a specific purpose for your life. Perhaps you feel like your past or failures disqualify you from being used for something greater?

I want to encourage you today and tell you God’s word teaches us that He uses what the world sees as “less than” for His extraordinary plan! And He does this in the Bible time and time again.

Remember these examples from scripture and hold on to the hope that God can use your “ordinary life” for his extraordinary plan! You have not been overlooked. You are seen by God and He has a plan and purpose for you!

Joseph was sold into slavery by his older brothers and imprisoned for a false accusation… God used him to deliver his father’s people and the Egyptians from a great famine. Genesis 37-45

Moses was an outcast of his own people and felt like he was slow to speech… God made him a leader and used him to deliver the Israelites from slavery. Exodus

Gideon was from the weakest clan and felt he was the least in his father’s household… God raised him up as a mighty warrior and used him to save Israel. Judges 6-8

David was the youngest son and overlooked by his family… God anointed him king over Israel and made him a mighty warrior. 1 Samual 16-17

Bathsheba was a married woman wanted by king David. David killed her husband after she got pregnant and took her as his own wife. Bathsheba is a part of the lineage of Christ. 2 Samual 11-12

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”

“Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.” Joshua‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

You can find promises made and fulfilled all throughout scripture, but reading through Joshua I noticed a command was often followed by a promise. When we walk in obedience to God’s commands, it makes rooms for His promises!

As we grow more intimately in a relationship with God, our desire to please Him grows. And as we chose to live a life pleasing to Him, He can work in us and through us (Phil 2:12-13). So as you walk in obedience to God, watch to see how He works in you and through you! 💕

Happy Monday! How is your prayer life going? Is it something you want to work on this year or are you a prayer warrior? Either way, the Bible is our source of truth and there is so much to learn about prayer in it. Here are some important things to remember that the Bible teaches us about prayer:

Jesus prayed: “But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.” Luke‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭ESV‬‬

We can and should pray for help: “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.” James‬ ‭5:13‬a ESV‬‬

God hears our prayers: “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.” Jeremiah‬ ‭29:12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

We should be persistent in prayer: “And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.” Luke‬ ‭18:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The Holy Spirit helps us pray: “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans‬ ‭8:26‬ ‭ESV‬‬

We should lift each other up in prayer & there is power in prayer: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” James‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭ESV‬‬

We should pray for those who are against us: “bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” Luke‬ ‭6:28‬ ‭ESV‬‬

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:5-6‬ ‭🤍 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Don’t be afraid to Hope. After a long tough season we may become fearful to hope for better days, thinking about the utter disappointment that may follow. Do not live there. God is calling you to place your hope in Him. He is beckoning you to trust in His faithfulness so confidently, you can continue to hope for a breakthrough… that next year, next month, even in a single day your life can change in an instance!

We can praise Him in all seasons, because in Him we have a hope anchored beyond this life into eternity. Don’t be afraid to keep on hoping. Keep trusting the One who is faithful.

There's hope in the morning
Hope in the evening
Hope because You're living
Hope because You're breathing
There's hope in the breaking
Hope in the sorrow
Hope for this moment
My hope for tomorrow
-Jon Reddick

2021 was a tough year for many people, leaving some feeling hopeless in 2022. A friend of mine who is a counselor shared some practical advice, encouragement and a whole lot of a wisdom in our website's newest blog post, "Making Changes for a Better Year". Check it out 💞
https://www.herkeeperatx.com/post/making-changes-for-a-better-year

Making Changes for a Better Year Can you believe it’s 2022?! While a new year usually brings fresh beginnings and hope for a bright and shiny future, going into this year might feel a little disappointing as it’s been a hard couple of years. Where the new decade of the 2020’s brought promise and excitement for many of us, rea...

2021 was a tough year, saturated with moments of heartbreak, grief, and venturing into the unknown. But 2021 was also a great year! Hard times woven together by beautiful little moments… a gorgeous sunset, a summer rain storm, birds chirping and kids laughing as they play in the park, a deeper relationship, a warm cookie, a peaceful quiet time with Jesus, a worship song that brought tears of gratitude.

Life isn’t always going to be hard, nor will life always be great. But it’s important to continue in hope. Place your hope in God, the One who loves you. The One who has a plan for your life amidst all the unknown. The One who sent a savior to this earth for you. The One who made promises and kept them. The One who knitted you together in your mother’s womb. Keep on hoping.

Psalm 42:11b 🤍 Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him

Isaiah‬ ‭40:31‬ 🤍 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint

1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:12-13‬a 🤍 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three

In awe and wonder may we approach the beauty of Jesus being born today, for the purpose of dying for our sins, so we could be reconciled unto Him.

‬‬ “And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:10-11‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Over 2,000 years ago around this time, Jesus came into the world! He came to save us from sin and death, and to reconcile us back to God. Now in 2021, we celebrate Christmas time, but the hustle and bustle of the holidays can easily overshadow the true reason why we celebrate Christmas… Jesus, our savior, a promise fulfilled.

God’s people long awaited a Savior, and when He showed up in the form of a baby, born to a virgin, and placed in a manger - it was not what the people 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥. But when Jesus died on the cross to reconcile man unto Himself 33 years later, it was exactly what we all 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒆𝒅.

Are you waiting for God to come through for you today? He may not show up how you think or plan, but He is faithful to show up and work all things together for your good and His glory (Romans 8:28). As you wait for God to show up, I encourage you to remember He is faithful, and though things may not work out the way you 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵, He will provide exactly what you 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅.

The holidays can be a tough time for singles for many reasons, but remember you are not alone! There are lots of other people who understand what you are going through and feeling 🙋🏻‍♀️.So here are some helpful tips for making this holiday season better! Praying you find joy in the true meaning of Christmas ❤️💚

Tip 1- find out what your other single friends are doing this month and join them. (Plan all the fun Christmas activities with them!)

Tip 2- find a way to serve someone else in need.

Tip 3- make a list of what you like about the holidays. Think about how you can incorporate those things into your month and be thankful for them.

Tip 4- stop scrolling through social media. If pictures of all the happy couples are hard to see, press pause for your own mental health.

Freedom in the Wilderness

I am so captivated by the phrase, “freedom in the wilderness.” This was used to describe the Israelites after they left Egypt in the Bible study I’ve been reading. It sounds like a season I know well, one in which the word wilderness captures my attention while freedom goes ignored. In Exodus, the Israelites focus on the wilderness more than their freedom, which leads to constant complaining and distrust in God. Even after He proved himself powerful and faithful, they dwell on their most current hardship and question His goodness and faithfulness.

There in the wilderness they have been brought to a place to be tested, and no, that’s not the easiest place to be, but there is freedom there! There is protection and provision in this place. There in the wilderness God continually met all their needs, water for thirst and food for hunger.

In the wilderness, we are prompted to remember how God delivered us and to trust He is powerful and sovereign in all His ways, not just once, but again and again. There we are given an opportunity to put our trust in the Lord and his faithfulness, to believe He is good in everything He does, despite what we see (or don’t see).

Have you found yourself in the wilderness? An in between place where you’re waiting for something? For a job, for a husband, for a baby, for healing, for a miracle?

When you find yourself in the wilderness, remember how you were delivered. Remember you are walking in a freedom that comes with assurance of God’s care. Meditate on the wonders God has already worked for you, knowing He will move again on your behalf. He did not bring you this far too leave you to fend for yourself. Take a moment today to forget your wilderness and instead focus on your freedom, the security of being in His hands. There you will find peace for your weary soul and comfort for your anxious heart. 💛

There’s something about sitting in silence or being alone for too long that can leave you feeling uneasy. There have been times in my life when gaps in my schedule allowed loneliness to creep in and made me feel very single and alone. So instead I kept really busy. But being too busy didn’t only drown out the fact I was single, sometimes it also drowned out God’s voice and what He wanted to teach me.

Recently, I found myself with much more free time and for the first time in a long time I really enjoyed it! I began to realize I was in a special season of 𝒊𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒔. Many things in my life are steady and stable, but I am not yet to what lies ahead. I still have goals and dreams, but for now they remain unseen. This isn’t a bad place to be at all, and if anything I have found peace in this season, but I wasn’t use to this and so I began to ask God what He wanted to teach me here. I learned a few things I want to share with you.

First, we can’t hear God, if we don’t stop to listen. Sometimes we are in a season we don’t like and would prefer to just fast forward to the next thing. But in every season, there is something God wants to teach us! A tough season we want to just survive, might be an opportunity to grow through. And maybe, just maybe, you need to grow in a specific area in order to thrive in the coming seasons. We must find time for stillness and allow God to work in us.

Next, it’s ok to enjoy the nothing. Have you ever caught up with a friend or relative and they ask you what’s new? And your answer is nothing. Nothing’s new. Job’s the same, relationships are the same, everything is the same. I hate having to give this answer. I like new things! I like getting to report about a new job role, a new relationship or a new adventure!

However, “nothing new” can still be a 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 place. Nothing in life is necessarily bad there, it is simply unchanging and calm. I felt the Lord encourage me to sit and be still here; and rather than push to make new things happen and plant new seeds, instead to simply watch what has already been planted 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘. To just enjoy what God has given me and relax in the present. (Continued in comments.)

A reminder that you are loved ❤️

“There is no love so great and so wonderful as that which is in the heart of Christ. He is one that delights in mercy, he is ready to pity those that are in suffering and sorrowful circumstances; one that delights in the happiness of his creatures. The love and grace that Christ has manifested does as much exceed all that which is in this world as the sun is brighter than a candle. Parents are often full of kindness towards their children, but that is no kindness like Jesus Christ’s.” - Jonathan Edwards

I think sometimes we get so caught up in achieving our goals... career, personal, spiritual... always striving to achieve, accomplish, grow, be better, that we can completely ignore our need for rest. When our souls need rest, we can find it in Jesus.

I have recently found that I am unsettled by stillness. I don’t want to NOT get after it, not go, not keep moving, not try harder, not push to make things happen. But I’ve been challenged to just stop and let be. Encouraged to let planted things grow, while I watch and wait. I don’t always have to be doing and moving forward. I can enjoy what’s already there and remain where He has placed me. I can settle into the moment and relax. I can use that time to rest. I can stop laboring and turn to Jesus and find rest for my soul. And you can find rest there with Him too. 💕

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matt‬ ‭11:28-29‬ ‭

Meditating on the truth of God’s character is grounding when things get tough, because it reinforces our faith in Him. Also, knowing WHO He is reminds us of who we are. With Him and through Him we can have the strength and confidence to keep fighting the good fight & keep pressing on toward the goal.💕

This is your Friday encouragement to remind you to keep going sis! Don’t give up. You’ve come so far. He’s got you! 💕

When I neglect spending time in the Word and in prayer, I start to feel it in my whole being. Everything starts to feel not quite right... whether I’m a little anxious or have less joy, there’s a noticeable difference in who I am. Spending time with Jesus fills my soul, and as I press in I become more of who He created me to be! I like me better when I spend time with Jesus. How about you? 💕

I have written a few times about unanswered prayers, but this past weekend reminded me of prayers God has answered!

I moved to Austin in 2015 and was not at all connected to Christian community. After a difficult breakup I found myself very alone and longing for deep friendships. So I started praying the Lord would bring me good Christian girl friends. Years went by without an answer.

Then finally at the end of 2018, I got out of my comfort zone (dragged along my brother) and went to an event where I didn’t know anybody. I was determined to make friends there, so I introduced myself to people and struck up conversations. I ended up meeting a girl who went to my church and she invited me to go to their singles conference with her (thank you 💕).

As I stepped out of my comfort zone, attended events and accepted invitations, I met more and more amazing women! In February 2019 I started planning events for single women at my church, and by April I named the group Her Keeper ATX and extended invites to single women from churches all over Austin.

Looking back I see clearly how the Lord answered my prayer in abundance! I have the most amazing girl friends in my life now. Friends who encourage me, pray for me and do life with me. My prayer went unanswered for years, but “in due time” the Lord did answer. And He answered in abundance! This is something I can meditate on to remember God’s goodness! I can look back and see that He hears and answers me.

Look back at the prayers you have prayed…. Where have you seen the Lord answer? Reflect on those answered prayers and remember that He can do it again! 🙌🏼

“I will meditate on all Your work, and on Your deeds with thanksgiving.” Psalm 77:12

“Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.” Psalm‬ ‭63:3‬ ‭ESV 💕

ladies out at the Austin Christian Community Party Barge event this past weekend 🌞🎉💕

The HK and ACCom communities have been huge blessings to me! The first couple years I lived in Austin, I had no Christian friends (and really no close friends at all). It can be tough to get connected to friends as an adult. That’s why I started Her Keeper ATX in February 2019. I was done waiting for friends and decided to step out of my comfort zone and make it happen! It took a few events to make good connections but it did happen. I have met the most amazing women through this group, and many of them women have similar stories after getting involved with HK.

I know it can be hard to put yourself out there and show up when you don’t know anyone, but if you are in need of some good girl friends or good community in general... I encourage to come out to one of our events! Check out our Facebook group through the link in our bio for more details. Or send us a PM 😁

Knowing the truth of who God is should empower us to trust Him more deeply. If we know and believe God is faithful and trustworthy, perfect in all His ways, shouldn’t we have full confidence that His plan for our life is for our good and for His glory? This applies to all our circumstances… not just what we see as good, but also the trials and sufferings we endure.⁠
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Let’s meditate on who God is and allow it to deepen our faith. Let the truth propel us forward in hope, causing us to walk through all seasons in full faith and confidence. Add to the list and comment a characteristic of who you know God is based on what scripture tells us 💕⁠
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𝑮𝒐𝒅 𝒊𝒔 the giver of good and perfect gifts, unchanging and consistent. James 1:17⁠
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𝑮𝒐𝒅 𝒊𝒔 a promise keeper. He does not lie. Numbers 23:19⁠
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𝑮𝒐𝒅 𝒊𝒔 trustworthy. His word is truth. John 17:17⁠
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𝑮𝒐𝒅 𝒊𝒔 merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Exodus 34:6

Taking care of our mental health should be a priority! It’s important to check-in and evaluate how you’re doing, and then make modifications to your routine or habits to help care for yourself. Other times it’s our perspective and outlook that determine how we are feeling. Scripture says: A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22⁠
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David Guzik explains in his commentary on this verse, “those who are broken in spirit will see the effect in their health. It will feel to them that their life has withered up.” ⁠
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At first thought you might wonder, then why would the Lord allow things in my life to crush my spirit? But the type of crushed spirit that is described here is actually one that stems from a person always looking on the dark side of things. Guzik goes on, “it flows from a narrow and perverted view and a spurious humility centered on the 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳.”⁠
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Taking our eyes off our own circumstances and turning them outwardly & focusing on serving others instead of ourselves… these things are key to avoiding a crushed spirit! This verse in proverbs gives the phrase 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 a whole new meaning!⁠
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Instead of only seeing the dark side of things, look for the bright side. Don’t let your spirit get crushed by the weight of your own circumstances, try to make a shift to be more outwardly focused. Watch your joy return as your perspective shifts!

Suffering. We all experience it, despite how good you are, how much money you have or how much faith you have… none of these things can keep you from encountering painful times, whether they are physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. ⁠
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Suffering doesn’t mean God loves you less or doesn’t care. Suffering means you are being prepared for something greater. Here are some reasons found in scripture for our suffering:⁠
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𝚂𝚞𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚛𝚎𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚜 𝚞𝚜. Trails produce a transformation in believers that make us more like Christ. “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,” (Romans 5:3-4).⁠
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𝚂𝚞𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚜 𝚞𝚜 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚘 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚜. When you experience your own trials and suffering and witness God’s faithfulness through it, then you can testify to His character to those who need it. “...and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction,” (2 Cor 1:3-4).⁠
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𝚂𝚞𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚜 𝚞𝚜 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚐𝚕𝚘𝚛𝚢. Afflictions themselves do not bring us glory, but it is in light of God’s eternal perspective where that glory exists. We are not living for this world, we are living for eternity. As we suffer in this life, we must keep our eyes on God, knowing one day we will see full fulfillment of His promises. “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen” (2 Cor 4:17-18a).⁠
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Over and over again in scripture we see God’s chosen ones facing trials and suffering before coming into glory. Jesus suffered even to death, before He rose and ascended into His glory. David was anointed king but endured great trials for nearly 15 years before he came into his reign. The Israelites were freed from slavery, but wandered in the desert for 40 years before entering the Promise land.⁠
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Don’t give up in your suffering. Trust the Lord has greater things for you 💕

The crowds laid palm branches and cloaks down on the ground as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. They shouted, “Hosanna!” (Translating to “save us”). The Jews desperately awaited their King to deliver them from the government’s oppression. What they did not understand is that the Messiah was there to deliver them from their sin and death.

“𝙱𝚞𝚝 𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚙𝚒𝚎𝚛𝚌𝚎𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚜𝚐𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜, 𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚌𝚛𝚞𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚚𝚞𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚎𝚜; 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚞𝚗𝚒𝚜𝚑𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚋𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚞𝚜 𝚙𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚘𝚗 𝚑𝚒𝚖, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚋𝚢 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚜 𝚠𝚎 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚎𝚍.” 𝙸𝚜𝚊𝚒𝚊𝚑 𝟻𝟹:𝟻

They crucified Him on Friday, but on Sunday He defeated sin and death and rose from the grave. Today, we celebrate our Risen Savior. Today we praise God for giving up His only Son for us. Today we remember.

“𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎, 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚗𝚘 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚖𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝙲𝚑𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚝 𝙹𝚎𝚜𝚞𝚜, 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝙲𝚑𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚝 𝙹𝚎𝚜𝚞𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚊𝚠 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚛𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚐𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚜 𝚜𝚎𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚛𝚎𝚎 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚊𝚠 𝚘𝚏 𝚜𝚒𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚍𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑.” 𝚁𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚜 𝟾:𝟷-𝟸

And when tomorrow comes… we must not forget. Tomorrow we continue to arise in our freedom and lead a life worthy of His great sacrifice.

“𝙳𝚘 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚖 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚗 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚋𝚎 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚜𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚖𝚎𝚍 𝚋𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚍. 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚋𝚎 𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙶𝚘𝚍’𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚒𝚜—𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍, 𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚏𝚎𝚌𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕.” 𝚁𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚜 𝟷𝟸:2

Today is Easter. We celebrate our Risen King. And as each day hereafter follows, let us keep our eyes on Him. Honoring him in word and deed. Remembering His great love for us daily.