One day Jesus told His disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.  “There was a judge in a certain city,” He said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people.  A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.’  The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy.  I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!”  Then the Lord said, “Learn a lesson from this unjust judge.  Even he rendered a just decision in the end.  So, don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night?  Will he keep putting them off?  I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly!  But when the Son of Man returns, how many will He find on earth who have faith?”  Luke 18:1-8

Do you ever begin to feel worn out with praying about certain things?  Do you ever worry that you are wearing God out with your prayers?   

Yes, there are moments when we feel God moving in our hearts, that to have faith for a thing is to stop praying about it and just sit in quiet expectation.  But there are other times, and in my life, these have been more abundant…at least, as of late…when we are to relentlessly pursue.  There are moments when I believe God is strengthening our “muscles”, so to speak.  We all know we are called to pray without ceasing.  We also know from reading about Daniel, that there are moments when our prayers are immediately answered, but angels may be held up by warfare.  Listen, if it happened to Daniel, it can happen to us…otherwise, why would this even be written in scripture?

There are a few things that I have been praying about for many years now…but I refuse to relent in my pursuit and often I can even feel God stirring me to continue these petitions.  Because I can feel God reminding me to continue pressing in through prayer, I will.  While we may never know what is really going on during these instances, we can rest assured that if God moves in us to continue to press in through prayer, then the only answer is, “Yes”. 

Years ago, I had a certain thing I had prayed about for a long time.  One day in my frustration, I told God, “I’ve been praying for this for 10 years, God.  That’s a decade.”  He immediately replied, “Oh, is that all?”  In a moment of correction, I realized that my entitled attitude was a real problem.  What is time to God?  He is infinite.  And, He was certainly doing a lot in my life at the time, as well as, others involved.  Some things just take time.  That’s the long and the short of it all…some miracles just take time.  But, wouldn’t you know it…He DID answer that very prayer shortly after our exchange.  What a glorious answer it was and I’m still basking in the beauty and wonder of His hand moving in the situation.  It was life altering. 

Other times, I have known God was asking me to lay something down and stop interceding for it.  In these moments, again, I don’t have to know why He’s asking me to lay it down…all I need to do is obey. 

Several times, I have really felt God lift off of a request.  At that time, I knew it was not necessary or productive to push forward.  Apart from God, any request is dead in the water.  Even though we may not like it, sometimes we need to let go.  In those times, I’ve seen that what He’s doing is letting it go to seed.  When a request goes to seed, you can rest assured that the answer is being compounded.  You WILL receive a larger than expected move when He instructs you to pick up the request again.  I’ve seen it time and time again.

I encourage you to go before the Lord today and allow Him to weed through your many prayer requests and offer Him your obedience.  Are you to lay things down?  Are you to push on and push forward?  Whatever He asks you to do, simply be willing.  Trust Him enough to let it go.  Trust Him enough to continue to intercede.  Trust and obey…and be blessed.

Recently, the kids and I had the privilege of speaking to a children’s equipping group about the prophetic.  This was our second time speaking with them and each time it’s been so fun to watch them lean in and learn about God’s voice.  You are never too young to learn to hear Him speak…actually, I believe that the sooner you learn, the better.

Toward the end of our class, Holy Spirit reminded me of how practical prophetic can be…and had me talk to the kids about why we do it and how it can be used in everyday life…I’d like to share some of that with you today.

Have you ever thought about it in a practical way?

When our family needs to make a decision, we pray and listen for God’s voice to direct us.  Often more than one of use will hear the same thing and it makes the decision much simpler.  That’s practical prophetic. 

When one of us is feeling low and we need a boost, it’s not uncommon for us to have a family encouragement session.  During this time we will all lean into God and listen for His words of love over the particular person.  That’s practical prophetic.

When I go into public places, I will invite Holy Spirit as my companion and then many times, ask for Him to speak to me about someone.  Then I will give a word to them and hopefully encourage their day.  Everyone likes to hear some good things about themselves and how God loves them.  That’s practical prophetic.

When you need a new idea at work, or for a school project…that’s a perfect time to take a minute, invite Holy Spirit into the situation and allow Him to show you what He’d like you to do.  That’s practice prophetic.

There have been times when one of my kids has been sick, or even a friends kid and I’ve asked God for wisdom about what the cause of the sickness is or what path toward healing they should take.  During these times, God has repeatedly given me specific directions and it’s irreplaceable.  That’s practical prophetic.

A few times in his previous jobs, Chris has had difficult people to deal with and I would often lean in and ask God for direction in dealing with them, and any insight He would give me, then I would convey that to Chris.  Having a deeper insight can really help give you extra grace for a person that’s hard to deal with.  That’s practical prophetic.

One final example, when we lose something, we ALWAYS ask Holy Spirit where it is.  I cannot tell you how many times we’ve found something that was lost, only after praying and asking Holy Spirit.  That’s practical prophetic.

There are still many other ways this can work for you, but I hope this list opens your eyes to how much more the prophetic can offer than just a Sunday word.  God with us, all the time, wants to be involved in our every moment.  When we lean in with our prophetic ears, we give Him that opportunity.

“Get wisdom; develop good judgment.  Don’t forget My words or turn away from them.  Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you.  Love her, and she will guard you.  Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!  And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.  If you prize wisdom, she will make you great.  Embrace her, and she will honor you.  She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown.”  Proverbs 4:5-9

As I went for my exercise today, I was listening to a podcast that was talking about a lot of the, not so great, things that are happening in America right now.  They were discussing the value of the dollar and recession…and other not pleasant things.

When listening about those things I am very selective.  I only listen to those who are full of the Spirit and hold a godly view of our world…but even with that caveat, it can still feel overwhelming.

As I listened to the podcast, I knew the only way to truly know what’s coming was to ask God.  So, I asked Him and “The Report of the Lord.” was His reply.

Then I saw a lot of wonderful things that God is doing right now.  The enemy thought he’d use Covid to destroy us and frighten us, but in the true believers it just served to supply a respite from the world.  It enabled family resets all over the world.  People left the hustle and leaned into those nearest them. 

(I know in some homes it was negative and abuse had an uptick, but I’m talking about in Christian homes.)

For many of us, this time was a much needed rest.  For some it revealed a lot of evil that was happening in schools and allowed parents to make appropriate changes.  God uses everything for good…for those called according to His purposes, and Covid ended up showing that.

Now we face continued food shortages and threats of more shortages, pain at the pump, plus costs rising in every area.  The enemy has plans for this, but I want to hear the report of the Lord.  What does He have to say about it?

Well, when I lean in, I hear Him speaking about further leaning into the art of family.  Thinking through meal plans more, budgeting more intently.  Being more intentional in the way we live.  Learning how to produce more things from home.  Even stretching into new kinds of baking.  These are GOOD things, not bad things.

Gas is high so we aren’t wanting to drive as much, which is helping us to stay home and nest here more.  This is also a good thing.  Nesting is important, as it makes the family feel more content in all situations and helps my kids to feel more established, thereby giving them confidence to spread their wings little by little.

You know, if I know one thing about God, it’s that He always provides.  I have zero doubt that He will supply all our needs according to His glorious riches.  So, even when there’s talk about economic turmoil, I don’t worry.  I place my hope firmly in His hands.  The hands that created all things, are big enough to supply my needs.  The same God Who makes sure the birds are fed and warm, is the same God Who takes care of me.  Why should I fear?  Why should you?

I challenge you to lean in today…lean into the Lord and listen for His report.  Let the weight of the world wash away and focus on your true Provider.  It’s worth it.  That’s where peace is found.

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life- whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear.  Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?  Look at the birds.  They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them.  And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are?  Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”  Matthew 6:25-27

Right now, I see something wonderful.  A holy reset.  A “do over”.  An opportunity to reach into today and flip the script.  A chance to live out the “more” that Jesus said we would.  It, like many things I speak about these days, begins with family.  Being rooted and grounded in our first ministry…God and family. 

God is giving us an invitation…Will you accept it?  All who do will find joy unimaginable in these last days.  Those who chose the still way will have peace that surpasses all other things.  The ones who chose will create legacy, instead of just creating the “now”.  Those who go all-in to the call for a deeper walk will celebrate the richness of relationship with Jesus.  It’s a choice though.  Everything God offers is a choice. 

We have chosen this way, as a family.  Many from my generation and the one following it have begun to stop simply doing the status quo.  We’ve taken a pause and wondered if there’s more. I see many returning to the “old” ways…beginning to disconnect their children and themselves from being slaves to the systems that have been set up.  Old systems that have been effectively eroding our society.  Systems of a godless portion of government…and yes, that godless portion exists in both political parties.  Systems that transfer what should be managed by the church (universal), including personal responsibility; and creating and nurturing a selfish society living completely dependent upon the government for finances and decision making.  Systems designed to bankrupt our country and destroy our Constitutional Republic.  Systems that attempt to take authority over children out of their parent’s hands and place it in the hands of strangers…like doctors and government officials.  All these things are in stark contrast to God’s plan for family and for the church. 

We are made to be accountable to God; we are created to build, create, and partner with heaven.  We are created to be under God’s authority, not man’s authority.  Yes, we will always have governmental structure and we need it, but we were not meant to be slaves of godless leaders who balk at even the idea of God and are completely devoid of conscience and morals. 

It’s time to slow down and listen to God more intently.  The battle for this is intense.  Even in our slowed down state as a family, I still struggle to find the stillness I need.  But I fight for it every day, nonetheless.  It’s a worthy fight. 

Be still and know that I am God, is more than just a memory verse.  It should be a way of life.  It should be our go to position. 

I have noticed that if the world is screaming, “Go this way!!”, then I most assuredly need to move in the opposite direction.  The only way to know what the opposite is, is to be still and listen…and then have courage to move counter-culturally.  The road less traveled.  It’s not the easy way, it’s the narrow way.

“You can enter God’s kingdom only through the narrow gate.  The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for many who choose that way.  But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.”  Matthew 7:13-14

We’ve mentioned this verse before, but I won’t stop mentioning it because we need to constantly be reminded what’s at stake.  Eternity is at stake.  A life in heaven versus a life in hell.   It’s time to return to our first Love.

Look how far you have fallen!  Turn back to Me and do the works you did at first.  If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.  Revelation 2:5

It occurs to me that we are all flawed.  So flawed, that we must always take a moment to consult the Lord before making any decision.  Just this week, we had a breakthrough in one area and immediately, I thought, “Great, now we can do ___.”  But right after that thought the Lord said, “Stop.  Take a moment and ask Me what you should do with this breakthrough.  Don’t just proceed without consideration.”  Then, after taking just a quick moment, I saw that my original thought, while totally practical, was missing something…it was grounded upon me feeling like this breakthrough was our final breakthrough, not something that will continue to occur, thus creating more opportunities.  Without taking that quick moment to consult God, I would’ve made a fine decision, but not the best decision.  More than that, the decision God wanted me to make, also upheld a promise I’d made with someone.  I didn’t immediately think about that when breakthrough came, but when I did, I knew without a doubt that honoring that was the most important thing.

Does this make sense?

I know I’m veiling the details of my example…so let’s look to scripture…

In this portion of scripture, Joshua was leading the Israelites in battle to take all of the territory in the Promised Land.  After defeating several kings, their reputation was striking fear among all the people, so the people of Gibeon “resorted to deception to save themselves” (Joshua 9:4).  They traveled a short journey to meet with Joshua, but pretended they were from far off…even taking moldy bread with them as evidence that their journey was long…let’s read…

So, the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord.  Then Joshua made a peace treaty with them and guaranteed their safety, and the leaders of the community ratified their agreement with a binding oath.  Joshua 10:14-15

In the scripture that follows, we see that 3 days later they discover they had been deceived, but God had to hold to their treaty.  They enslaved the Gibeonites but were not able to wipe them out as they were originally supposed to.

It’s shocking that after all the times Joshua had stopped to consult God on matters, and all the times he had witnessed Moses do the same, he just didn’t this once. 

What I find more interesting about this portion of scripture is that right after this encounter, we read the story of the battle they faced where the Lord held the sun in the sky until they had soundly defeated a large group of kings and their soldiers. 

God could have been disgusted with Joshua over the previous incident, but because Joshua kept his oath to the Gibeonites, that he made before God, God honored Joshua by continuing His faithfulness to the Israelites.  Joshua dealt with the Gibeonites by making them woodcutters and water carriers for the entire community.  Honoring his oath, he didn’t kill them.  He knew if he did it would mean devastation to the Israelites.

There is a lot to process in these scriptures.  But one take-away is this…if you make a mistake because you didn’t consult God, there is always a way to redeem it.  In my life, I’ve seen that God goes above and beyond to always make a way, even when there seems to be none.  No mistake I’ve ever made has been final.  They’ve always been opportunities to build character, learn, grow, and remain humble. 

Have you been born again?  The scripture below is truly convicting, especially to those of us who have been. 

We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.  We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.  We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him Who is true.  And we are in Him Who is true- even in His Son Jesus Christ.  He is the true God and eternal life.  1 John 5:18-20

I don’t know about you, but I still struggle with some sins.  I wish that I didn’t…I try not to… I ask for help, but I’ll be honest and say that I still struggle with some things.

Impatience is a big one.  Sometimes my temper gets the better of me.  Pride, jealousy, the list could go on…

I so strongly desire to not feel this struggle, but I will be completely vulnerable with you and admit that I do.

In this time of life, I truly pray that God will renew my mind to a place where I no longer feel some things…like jealousy and resentment.  I try to counteract impatience by taking a deep breath before proceeding if I feel it. 

When I take an honest look at myself and others, I’d say that all the sins I listed above are a product of self-centeredness. 

As I’ve spent a lot of time contemplating and praying over what exactly is the greatest plague in the body of Christ and the world in general…it’s self-centeredness.  Selfishness.  Egocentric behavior.  Narcissism.  However, you want to classify it…humanity is wrought with it. 

It’s the human condition.  The reason the apple was eaten.  The catalyst for the flood.  The shouts that demanded Jesus die on the cross. 

We are selfish in nature.

But don’t feel as if there’s no hope…even Paul said in Romans…

I do not understand what I do.  For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.  And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good.  As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.  I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.  For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.  For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do- this I keep on doing.  Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.   Romans 7:15-20

Our battle is real.  Our flesh is sinful, our spirit is saved…it takes time and focus to walk as a slave to Christ over a slave to sin.  But it’s a battle worth fighting.  We will never attain perfection, but we should always strive to be more like Jesus…more like our Heavenly Father.  It is always worth it.

Recently, I took a trip to the Ark Encounter…a life-sized replica of the actual ark that Noah built.  It is awe-inspiring, to say the least…but the thing that impacted me the most was this…

When Noah heard from God and began the long process of building the Ark, people thought he was crazy.  They not only had never seen rain before, but they also wouldn’t have built a boat of that size in the middle of dry land…I mean, how on earth would they ever get something of that magnitude to the water?

He was building for tomorrow, today.  This concept is similar to the one we discussed last week, in regard to David.

Noah heard God speak what was to come and he partnered with that word to build something that looked foolish to the world.

Friends, in this season, many of us are being called to build very differently than what’s been normal for many, many years.  It’s a season of shifting and change.  We cannot be afraid of that.

Imagine what would have happened if Noah was so self-conscious that he was unwilling to build the Ark.  Remember, that only he and his immediate family were saved.  All ancestry lines lead back to him.  His obedience was necessary.

Yours is too.

What if the exact thing God is calling you to step out and have faith to do or build, is the thing that will provide for others when the “flood” comes?

Whatever God has called you to is of paramount importance.  Will you say, “Yes”?  Oh, how I hope you will.

Noah was misunderstood for many years.  He was mocked even…but none of that mattered when the rain started to fall.  You see…others may mock you and say you are crazy, but what will it matter when the “rain” comes?

Today, I hope you will make the decision to wholeheartedly lean into whatever God has called you to invest in.  Even now, I am feeling God reinforce to my heart that I am to be sowing into family every single day.  To put family first.  To invite my family into all the things I do.  To include them in any ministry I do.  Family first, means that sometimes I encourage my kids to join me in things that stretch them, or that they say they don’t really want to do…but knowing that it’s God’s heart for us, means that I will continue to present myself and my work as an invitation to them.  I will live as an invitation to the Presence of God. 

Noah didn’t force anyone to join him in the building of the Ark.  He didn’t force his family into the Ark.  He invited them.

We can’t expect a good return on forced things.  We simply lay out on invitation…and let people choose.  I must let my children choose. 

Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God. Genesis 6:11

I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has breath of life in it.  Everything on earth will perish.  But I will establish my covenant wit you, and you will enter the ark- you and your sons and your wife and your sons’ wives with you.  Genesis 6:17-18

Remember the song that says…Jesus paid it all.  All to him, I owe.  Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.?

There is a common saying, “They’ll get what they deserve.”

Today, I want us to all remember…we don’t get what we deserve, we get what Jesus deserves.

Jesus, the Only blameless One…willingly died on the cross so that we could have access to all that He deserves.  He made us co-heirs.  It’s truly unbelievable, and the greatest act of humility ever, to know that our King of kings chose to lay down His life to do this.  He took your sins upon Himself so that you could live free.  When we confess that we are sinners and invite Jesus into our hearts, we then shift from being held prisoner to our sins and into receiving what Jesus deserved. 

Today, I think it’s really important to reflect upon that sacrifice.  The sacrifice that led to our freedom.  The sacrifice that was a catalyst for the Holy Spirit to be released to all. 

Oh, what a friend we have in Jesus.  That song lyric really rings true.

He is truly the best Friend we could ever have.  He died for us, yes, but He also knows us and loves us and even now intercedes for us to the Father.

Who is He that condemns?  Christ Jesus, Who died- more than that, Who was raised to life- is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.  Romans 8:34

Jesus intercedes for us.  Every time I think about that, it truly impacts my heart.  He intercedes for us.  Even now, after coming to earth as a babe, ministering among those who constantly tried to trap Him and eventually would betray Him, and dying on the cross…He still intercedes for us.  Wow.  What a beautiful reflection of the Father’s love.  Jesus, the Son of God showing us still what it is like to be all-in. 

And then again, on that great day, He will come to earth…except this time on His white horse…and set into motion many great things to bring life as we know it to it’s great eclipse with eternity.  The great and glorious day we all wait for with expectation and excitement.

On our judgement day we will be viewed, not through the desecration of our own sins…no…but instead through the mighty blood of Jesus.  Can you imagine anything more wonderful?!

Jesus paid it all.  All to Him I owe…

We will most certainly be thinking about this on that final day. 

So what of the rest of life?  Well, we should strive to live as He did…loving the lost and leading them to the cross.  Opposing evil and living a life above reproach.  Jesus deserves to be the focus of our entire lives, not just Sunday morning and Wednesday evening.  Jesus paid it all…All to Him I owe…every day…every hour…every minute…it ALL belongs to Him.

“Behold, I am coming soon!  My reward is with Me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.  Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.  Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.  I, Jesus, have sent My angel to give you this testimony for the churches.  I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the Bright Morning Star.”  Revelation 22:12-16

In the beginning, right after God created man and woman, He instructed them to inhabit the earth.  He gave them dominion and told them to fill the earth and govern it.

Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply.  Fill the earth and govern it.  Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.  Genesis 1:28

When God made mankind, His intent was that we would inhabit the earth. 

Inhabit: to live in or occupy

Many times, in the Old Testament, as God was giving land to His people, He would call them to inhabit. 

For you are about to cross the Jordan to possess the land the Lord your God is giving you, and you will possess and inhabit it.  Deuteronomy 11:31

As far as I know, God has not stopped desiring us to inhabit the earth, so why has so much territory been relinquished to the enemy? 

Honestly, I believe it’s a combination of things…laziness, wrongly directed righteousness, not realizing the reasons behind inhabitation, etc.

When you inhabit a physical place, then it gives you authority.  You have authority to bind and loose, cut off or cast out.  These are important positions of power that believers must restore. 

Many years ago, God put it on our hearts, as a family, to own lots of land.  I mean, thousands of acres.  Even some of our friends tried to talk us out of this dream, but we still carry it and believe we will see it come to fruition. 

I believe God put that on our hearts because He wants the land. 

After many years, I have dreams for our land that include a lot of service for His people.  Only He knew when He first placed the dream for land in our hearts, that it would develop into our hearts cry for ministry. 

I believe our family is also called to bind demonic strongholds over certain cities and see true and lasting change come.  We want no heart to be surrendered to the flames on that final day…so we will do everything we can to lead as many as we can to Jesus.  Isn’t that what it’s all about anyway?  Jesus.  That none may perish…

Rise up believers!! Rise up and take the land!!  I believe we are in a season where God is more than willing to work miraculously to hand over title and deed to His people.  The great shift is happening.  The land is ours…we must only inhabit it!!

As we heed the call to the “simple”…trading in the overcomplicated ways of the world for a simpler life led from home…our family is also remembering…the gateway to larger breakthrough is celebrating the small. 

Anyone who knows me, has seen that when I’m ready to make a change, I will most often begin with one small action.  Whether it’s first acknowledging change with my words or taking a small step in a new direction, I have learned that for me, success lies in taking small steps.  When you choose to take small steps, then you must learn to celebrate small progress.  Any progress is worthy of celebration.

My internal dialogue has become one of encouragement.  This is another key to success.  We can kill our own momentum if we allow negative words and thought patterns to form in our mind and heart. 

When I run, I will often speak to myself.  I will encourage myself with words life, “I am awesome!  I am strong!! I can do this!! I am loved!  I am blessed!! I have a voice!!” and any other positive thought that runs through my mind.  When I begin to speak these things over myself, it’s shocking how encouraged I become.  Suddenly, I have a better stride and I feel the wind at my back.  Words have power.  When I walk, I will often sing out loud or pray in the spirit.  When I do this, I can feel my spirit lifting up.  I can feel the encouragement.

What is your self-talk like?  Internal narrative is so important.  I cannot stress this enough.  We can make or break change in our lives by what we replay in our mind 24/7.  Today, I encourage you to take every thought captive.  When you hear something, imagine yourself holding it in your hand and extending it to God.  Ask Him if it’s truth or a lie.  He will show you.  If it’s true, then agree with it.  If it’s a lie, then throw it away and move on.  Always be asking God to renew your mind…like the scripture says…

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.  Romans 12:2

Progress begins in your mind. 

Whether it’s big or small, if you have made progress this week, then find a way to celebrate it!

Celebrate those around you and you will also feel encouraged.  Let others celebrate you.  When someone gives you a compliment, then receive it.  Learn to say, “Thank you” and let the compliment soak into your heart.  Let it lift your spirits.  Don’t be afraid to receive good things. 

Sometimes the biggest obstacle to growing and being an encouraged person is to learn to receive goodness.  I’m not sure why it’s so hard, but it can be.  We must practice receiving goodness.  It’s okay to do so. 

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!  Psalm 34:8

Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!  For He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with goodness.  Psalm 107:8-9