Beautiful Holiness Highway
Matt Howard - Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

As we come back to the truth, “you are redeemed,” reflect on all God has revealed to you in the past 3 days. What stands out? What lies have been silenced? What deep places has the Spirit taken you?

Today the Lord spoke to my heart about the absolute love He has for me. It’s unending, overflowing and perfect! He also showed me today it’s when I remove myself from the vine (Jesus is the vine and we are the branched) that I fall into the lies of the enemy. Beauties, we must stay connected to Jesus, every hour, every minute, every second of every day. Our abiding in Christ is vital to every aspect of our lives.

I love how Isaiah describes our life in Christ as the “Way of Holiness” - the way of sovereign grace that redeems us from sin. (35:8-10)

“And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”

The Way of Holiness has three important characteristics. 1) The Way of Holiness is reserved for His people alone. 2) The Way of Holiness is a place of safety. 3) The Way of Holiness will be a place of joy.

Abiding in Christ allows us access to these blessings. Journal your thoughts about the Way of Holiness and the love poured out on you. It may be beneficial to take time to draw your impressions of the highway. Selah.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been overwhelmed (in a good way) this week as I’ve pondered my redemption through Christ and His love for me. Here’s a precious song to praise our Savior today.

Overwhelmed - Hillsong - Darlene Zschech

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“I’ve never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!”

— Jeremiah 31:3 The Message Bible

The Beauty and Passion of Christ
Photo by Vladimir Soares on Unsplash

Good morning Beauties!

Today’s lyric is profound and life changing when we believe this Truth in our hearts. At times it’s easier to believe Jesus died to save “the world” than it is to bring it down to a personal level and ponder the fact He died for “me.” The Truth is, He did die for me and for you.

I think it’s important to know the motivation that sent Jesus to die an unspeakable death is God’s Love for us - a Love that is difficult to fathom. I also think it’s just as important to realize and see what Jesus actually did for us.

If you’ve been on this 40 Day Journey with me before, you know what comes next. I can think of no better depiction of the sufferings of Christ than “The Passion” movie. Below you will find a song I’ve loved since I first heard it in high school appropriately called “The Day He Wore My Crown” by Sandi Patty. Somehow, these two wonderful pieces of art have been combined to create an incredibly moving experience.

It will be difficult to watch, but I encourage you to watch anyway, knowing Truth and Revelation await you. Truth of what Jesus did for you, and Revelation of God’s Perfect Love for you. Selah.

The Day He Wore My Crown - Sandi Patti and The Passion of The Christ

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“But think about this: while we were wasting our lives in sin, God revealed His powerful love to us in a tangible display—the Anointed One died for us.”

— Romans 5:8 The Voice Translation

Perfect Sacrifice
Photo by Daniel Sandvik on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Jesus, the perfect lamb, was crucified for us - for you. What is your first thought? It’s hard to grasp the gravity of such a sacrifice. Jesus never sinned he was blameless. All he ever did was love us, and he was the one who died for sinners like you and me. Selah.

You can find the complete story of the first Passover in the book of Exodus, chapter 12. There you will find the story of how the blood of a perfect lamb was put over and around the doorframe so that the wrath of God would pass by that particular house and save the first born. God provided a way to save these children, and yet he sacrificed his first born son. How much does he love us?

The love of the Lord is too amazing for words, for comprehension! Yes, we must submit our lives to our King, but you’ve heard it said “you must give your life to find it.” It’s so true! We are well loved and cared for when we follow Jesus and obey his commands. Just take a look. I’ve included a couple of promises found in the Book of Revelation regarding the Lamb…
Rev 17:14 NIV “They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
Rev 19:17-19 NIV “‘Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.’ (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.) Then the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ And he added, ‘These are the true words of God.’”

Please write down your thoughts and make them into an offering of praise to God today. He is so worthy of our praise!!

“In a loud voice they were saying: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’” Revelation 5:12 NIV

Let’s give honor and praise to Jesus, who is our worthy sacrificial lamb and promise of eternity.
This is Amazing Grace - Phil Wickham

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.”

— 1 Peter 18-19 New International Version

Ransomed Captive

Happy Lord’s Day Beauties!

Oh how good it is to be with the Lord today. Take a moment to breathe in the goodness of God. Let his peace and calm resonate in every cell of your body as you take each breath. It’s important to slow down and take in all he has for us. There’s so much he wants to give - we can’t rush the blessing.

Today we meet with Jesus to learn about our next attribute, REDEEMED. There are several words surrounding the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross that can be confusing. Let’s look at the definition of redeem in the dictionary. Here’s from Merriam Webster:

a: to buy back : repurchase

b: to get or win back

2: to free from what distress or harms: such as

a: to free from captivity by payment of ransom

b: to extricate from or help to overcome something detrimental

c: to release from blame or debt : clear

d: to free from the consequences of sin

The picture of Jesus paying my ransom and setting me free from the harm of the enemy definitely pierced my heart. Which definition spoke to you most?

It’s great to understand the definition, so let’s add to our knowledge by looking at what the Bible says about our redemption. Here are several of my favorite verses, but I would suggest you go digging in your Bible to discover even more.

Psalm 49:15 “But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself.”

Isaiah 63:9 “In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.”

Galatians 3:13 “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us…”

Isaiah 35:8-10 “And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”

What do all these verses tell us about our relationship with Jesus? We are valuable to him! So valuable, in fact, he was willing to die to pay the debt we couldn’t pay. Take some time to let that truth sink in as you listen to this beautiful song. Selah.

Redemption - Syts

You know there’s always an action Jesus commands us to do. We are blessed to pour out that blessing to others. What is he asking of us, the Redeemed? “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.” Psalm 107:2-3 NIV Pray for opportunities to share your testimony with others this week. We all have a redemption story to tell.

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”

— Ephesians 1:7 New International Version

I Surrender
Photo by William Farlow on Unsplash

Happy Weekend Beauties!

Are you ready for more revelation and realization of your beauty? I can hear a resounding “yes!” I’m right there with you, praying for more of the beauty of Christ to flow from my life.

The way to increase in his beauty is to decrease in ourselves. A truly surrendered life is rich in beauty. Are you ready? Are you ready to have no rights of being treated fairly? Are you ready to always put others above yourself? Are you ready to lay down your ambition and wait for God to raise you up in his time? This is what it looks like to die to self. Are you ready? Selah.

God always provides a way to obey his commands. Let’s look together as we ask the question…
How Do I Surrender to God? (from Hope & Joy in Christ website)

1. Trust HIM as He moves by yielding to His will.

2. Lean on HIM for strength when the fear comes by agreeing to give up fighting.

3. Remember how HE has been faithful in the past and giving up anxiety over what-ifs.

4. Praise HIM even when it feels hard by giving up our right to be the hero!

This is not an exhaustive list, but rather an encouragement of how to continue surrendering all we are to Jesus, the one who deserves it.

Let this song be your praise and your prayer as you worship our Lord Jesus.

I Surrender - HIllsong Worship

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your ow understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

— Proverbs 3:5-6 New International Version

Morning Mercies
Photo by Chandan Chaurasia on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Righteous. Saved. Sanctified. Forgiven. Justified. Which one is hardest to believe? There’s a difference in knowing these gifts are true and believing they are true to where they influence the way you live your life. I’ll ask again, which one is hardest to believe? Selah.

I find it life changing to understand God’s mercy in light of our righteousness. Are you like me and catch yourself trying to earn your right standing with God? This lie still causes me to stumble some days. Some days I wonder if God will allow me to continue in the purpose he’s called me to, or if my disobedience will cause him to find somebody else - someone who will do it better. Is it just me?

Take heart beauties, his mercy is bigger than our failures, much bigger. We deserve severe punishment for our sin, our rebellion, but the love of the Father extends mercy and forgiveness. Thank you God!

Don’t believe the lie that God can’t use you because of your sin. His awesome purpose for creating you will be fulfilled through his grace and mercy for his glory. Hallelujah!!

From the Inside Out - Hillsong Worship

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“...because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

— Philippians 1:5-6 New International Version

How Deep and Wide is His Love and Forgiveness
Photo by Sean Oulashin on Unsplash

Hello Beauties!

God's forgiveness is so vast; who can fathom? What does it mean to you to be forgiven of every sin you've committed?  (Past, Present and Future.)  Every tiny mistake - forgiven.  

At times, I think it's harder to forgive myself than for God to forgive me.  Are you the same?  The enemy will bring up an offense over and over so that I believe the lie he tells me, "God will never forgive you for this one.  It's too big."  The Truth is, nothing is too big, and God has already forgiven each and every sin and sinner.

By His forgiveness, we are Justified.  We are blameless, "just as if we had never sinned."  What a relief!  The burden is lifted from our shoulders, and we can walk in Freedom.  

You are forgiven and justified!  With this reminder or revelation, what will change in your life as you walk out this Truth?  Will the Truth restore diminished confidence?  Will it allow you the strength to forgive someone else - "And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us." (The Lord's Prayer)

Take time to hear healing Truth from God today. Enjoy the song below as you meditate on God's Truth - you are forgiven and justified.

East is from the West - Casting Crowns

Love and Blessings, 

Kendra

“...as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

— Psalm 103:12 New International Version

Saved by Grace - Selah
Photo by Ray Shrewsberry on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

Thank you Lord, Jesu! Thank you doing all the work on the cross, that I simply need to believe through faith that your grace is bigger than my sin. Thank you!

You are saved! If you believe and confess that Jesus was born of a virgin, was crucified for the sins of the world, died, was buried, rose again in three days, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father, you are saved. Do you believe? Do you believe Jesus died for your sin so you could be reconciled to the Father? Do you believe there’s nothing more you can do, that Jesus did it all on the cross? Selah.

He rescued us from the grip of the enemy who only came to steal, kill, and destroy. What things did Jesus rescue you from? We often look at the life we now have in Jesus - looking forward, “I have been saved to fulfill the purposes of God.” Have you ever thought of all the things Jesus saved you FROM? Once you reflect on what he delivered you from, you will overflow with gratitude and praise his beautiful name forever.

What a Beautiful Name It Is - Hillsong

Today’s lyric also mentions “Sanctified” which is “the bridge between our salvation and the glory of God, making it the crucial component of Christian living, the essential process upon which all spiritual growth depends.” Pastor A. W. Weckeman

Once again, we don’t have to work for our sanctification, the wonderful Holy Spirit works in us to make us holy before our holy God. “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17 NIV The Holy Spirit reveals truth to our hearts and we become sanctified when believing and following God’s truth.

There’s so much more to know about sanctification. I think you will enjoy Pastor Weckeman’s article from his website Perfecting of the Saints for a deeper look.

I’m Sanctified - Chicago Mass Choir (please feel free to DANCE before the Lord)

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.”

— Psalm 96:2 New International Version

Blessings of the Righteous
Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Do you find yourself still trying to be “good enough”? Even though you’re a Christian, a strong believer, the struggle is real for most women I know, though you’d never know if. We hide this one away and bury it deep. This destructive message becomes an under current in our minds, always there, killing our self esteem and self worth. Discovering truth about our next attribute, RIGHTEOUS, will help heal the impact this particular lie has had in our lives.

“Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:12 NIV
Our Lord Jesus will surely keep us from the threats of the enemy with His very own shield.- His favor, His grace. What an incredible promise! Let’s look at an important part of the promise - Jesus will extend his promise to the righteous. Are you part of this group? Let’s see what God’s Word says.

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 Jesus is God’s ultimate righteousness revealed on Earth. He is and has always been perfect, sinless, the only one truly righteous by his life. Praise you, Jesus!

The Lord pressed upon my heart today, the truth that we all know, but he wants us to really understand once and for all - Jesus did the work! The indescribable work on the cross, where he took our place and paid for our sins with his precious blood. We only have to believe in this miracle and gift of God to become righteous. Please put down your striving, your stress to do the work - Jesus has already done it all.

So let this truth drop from your head to your heart - you are good enough! There’s nothing you can do to please God more than he is with you right now. Accept this beautiful gift from God - Jesus. The blessings overflow to you from the One who created you, loves you, and sings over you. Selah.

Who Am I - Casting Crowns

There is so much more to be said about God’s righteousness. Please fight to spend your time with Jesus as you continue your journey this week. So much truth is ahead for you.

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Blessings crown the head of the righteous...”

— Proverbs 10:6 New International Version

Beauty in Sharing the Good News
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

It’s Day 20! We’re half way through our journey together. Are you enjoying your experience? Has it been more difficult than expected, or are you waiting for the “big reveal” wondering when God’s going to show up? Just as everyone is different, each journey will be different. My journey has been getting me back on track - returning me to the secret place where my intimacy with Jesus grows. Oh how I’ve missed this place.

When we look back to the 4 attributes and key words within each one, what are some key themes you see? Selah.

In my own journey, I see clearly that everything I am and have is due to one thing - one person - Jesus. His truth, grace, love, and light shine through me so I can share the Good News with others. Looking at our Eternal purpose, it’s all about being free to share Jesus with others. When we become like little children who want to please their father, knowing he will protect us and encourage us, there’s nothing we won’t do for him, including sharing him with others who are desperate to know his love and salvation.

What has he asked of you in these first 20 days? Are you prepared for the second half of your journey? What changes do you need to make in order to have the very best experience? Selah.

Enjoy this sweet classic song as you celebrate your beauty through him today.
Our God Reigns - Ingrid Dumosch

Love and Blessing,
Kendra

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!””

— Isaiah 52:7 New International Version

The Blessing of Eternal Perspective

Happy Lord’s Day Beauties!

Here we are reflecting on our royal status once again. Has your belief changed since we last took a look? Can you lay down the lies and truly believe you are co-heirs with Jesus? Have you accepted the victory he’s given you? Are you willing to see the light of Christ inside you and let it shine to the rest of the world? Selah.

In my journaling time this morning, the Spirit brought to my attention the truth about perspective. God gives us choices, we can choose life or death. We also have a choice in our perspective. Do you live your life with an Earthly or Eternal point of view? Which is guiding your life?

Perspective influences how we respond to life situations. Here’s a list I found at Crickett Keeth’s website. Please make note of your first reaction when you read through the list.

An earthly perspective says, “I want to stay in my comfort zone.”
An eternal perspective says, “This is stretching me, but I trust God’s hand in it.”

An earthly perspective asks, “What’s best for me?”
An eternal perspective asks, “What’s best in God’s bigger plan?”

An earthly perspective focuses on self.
An eternal perspective focuses on God.

An earthly perspective has limited vision. It’s the here and now that matters.
An eternal perspective has a broad vision. In light of eternity, what really matters?

An earthly perspective listens to the world.
An eternal perspective listens to God.

An earthly perspective walks by sight.
An eternal perspective walks by faith.

We can get discouraged when we look at life from an earthly, temporal perspective. Paul reminds us to keep an eternal perspective in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18:

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Lord Jesus, help fix our eyes on you and things with Eternal purpose. May you rescue us from the importance we place on Earthly things and situations. Bring clarity to this issue for each one of us and give us peace as we turn our eyes to you. Help us believe in the truth - we are ROYALTY. In Your name we pray, AMEN

Royalty - Francesca Battistelli

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

— Colossians 3:1-2 New International Version

Radiant Light of His Spirit
Photo by Senjuti Kundu on Unsplash

Good Afternoon Beauties!

Have you ever met a person who “lights up the room” when they walk in? I’ve been told several times that I’m that person, and I think to myself, “What are you talking about?” How is it possible they don’t see my insecurities, my sadness, or my failures? Simple answer - they see God’s Spirit shining forth in all HIS Glory, not my own.

Don’t you just love the photo of the little girl above. She’s a mess! Paint all over her and her clothes. Is that what you see, or do you see a radiant smile and a joyous spirit. Did you notice she’s looking up as if Jesus is standing right in front of her. She’s happy, unafraid, and knows it’s absolutely okay to be messy. Do you feel the same way, or do you believe you must have it all together before you can go to God? How about before being used by God? Do you have to clean up your mess first? Selah.

I believe she paints (pun intended) a perfect picture of what others see when they look at us. On the outside, we may be a little messy, okay, a lot messy, but people see the light of Jesus shining though the Spirit - when we desire to walk with him and be used by him.

Here’s what Paul shares with the Corinthians, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.“ 2 Corinthians 4:6-7

I found this commentary on Crosswalk.com regarding this scripture passage -
”Yes, we are weak, cracked, and far less than perfect, but the treasure within us is glorious. If we were to be beautiful and polished vessels, then others would see that...and not the treasure within.

As believers under the new covenant, we have something believers of the Old Testament longed for and dreamt of. They heard about the one who was to come, who would wipe away their sins and fulfill the law they were so desperately trying to keep. We are living in the full victory of Jesus, and he actively chooses us to share his light and truth.

One of the reasons he chooses us is precisely because we are jars of clay. He doesn’t limit this treasure to the spiritually elite and mature. It’s not about who had been a Christian the longest, who can recite the most verses by heart, or who has the most quiet time. If you are a follower of Jesus, then you have the greatest treasure ever known. He is using you to shine his light in the darkness.“

Are you ready to shine in the world for Jesus? Especially now, people need love, hope, and kindness. Are you ready to make an impact for Christ knowing that people can see the Spirit through your cracks? The time is now. The harvest is here. Selah.

Let’s celebrate Jesus, our Savior, and Light of the World.

Light of the World (Sing Hallelujah) - We The Kingdom

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“ I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

— John 8:12 New International Version

Eternal Victory
Photo by Ismael Paramo on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Did you expect to see a different picture today? Something a little more glamorous perhaps? This photo of the cross and Jesus’ crown of thorns is the ultimate expression of victory! Jesus won the eternal victory for all who believe in him. Death where is thy sting?

How do we live a victorious life, true life that Jesus gave us on the cross? In laying down our life in full submission to Jesus. That’s it, as simple and difficult as that.

The enemy does a great job of distracting us from the victory with trials and hardships. “How can this possibly be victory,” we ask as we grieve the death of a loved one, get a cancer diagnosis, lose our job. Suffering is an Earthly experience, and we must make the shift to an eternal perspective to enjoy the victory.

Paul is a great example to us. “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.” Philippians 1:20-26 NIV

Are you ready and willing to live the victorious life? Selah.

Victor’s Crown - Darlene Zschech

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.”

— Revelation 2:10 New International Version

Royal Inheritance

Good Morning Beauties!

Royalty? Do you believe it? Our next attribute is one that many have a difficult time believing, and I think it’s due to our strong Earthly view of the subject. It’s hard to get images of the British Royal Family out of our minds. Castles, The Royal Guard, Ceremony, etc. Queen Elizabeth, now there’s a strong picture of what it means to be royal. She led the country and her family with conviction and loyalty by submitting to Jesus.

Is a royal life really for us? I come from a family of pig farmers in Germany. What is your heritage? The shift must be made from our Earthly heritage to our Eternal one. We are part of God’s Royal Family! Hallelujah!

Let’s look to see how Paul describes our inheritance to the Ephesians, “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” Eph 1:11-14 NIV

Our inheritance is the sum total of all God has promised us in salvation which is being reserved for us in heaven, and we are being preserved until the time it will be given to us. It will surely be awaiting us and we will surely receive it. Peter writes, “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, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.” 1 Peter 1:3-4 NIV

This passage tells us that not only does the Word of God guarantee we will finally possess our inheritance, but also the Holy Spirit guarantees that we will finally possess what God has promised. What do think about this truth? What lies are coming to mind that you need to replace with your royal status? Selah.

Here’s an encouraging praise song to our Victorious King. Let’s get up and get moving in confidence!
Royalty: Live at the Ryman - Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“The blameless spend their days under the Lord’s care, and their inheritance will endure forever.”

— Psalm 37:18 New International Version

Graceful + Peaceful + Freedom = Beauty
Photo by frank mckenna on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

We’re just past a third of the way on our journey together. Congratulations! Way to go!! You’re doing it. You’re drawing close to Jesus everyday and opening your heart to him as you ask him to reveal lies and truths. It’s hard, it’s painful, and you’re brave enough to commit to the process. AMAZING!!!

Today I’d like you to take a few minutes to evaluate how your journey is going. Please look back to your notes written on Preparation Day. What were your expectations? Are they being met? If so - celebrate and thank God for all he’s doing. If your answer is no, what do you think is the reason? Do you need to adjust your expectations? Of yourself? Of God?

Next, take a look at the obstacles you anticipated would try to derail your progress. Are your action plans working to keep you on track? Do they need adjustment? What are some unexpected obstacles you’ve encountered along the way? Have you written an action plan to combat them? Now’s a good time.

Finally, is your WHY keeping you motivated to join Jesus on your journey every day? It may help to recount the benefit of your journey so far? What lies has he helped you to uncover, and what are the truths he’s helped you replace them with?

Thanks for taking time to assess your journey. It will add value as we continue seeking Jesus and his truth.

Back to your journaling…stop to ponder once again the truth of “you are beautiful,” Do you find yourself beginning to accept this truth whole heartedly? Selah.

Let’s worship our most beautiful Lord Jesus, and then receive the blessing that he’s given us a crown of beauty for ashes. Thank you Jesus!!!

You Are Beautiful Beyond Description - Worship God Almighty

Beauty For Ashes - Victory Worship

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes...”

— Isaiah 61:3 New International Version

Joyful Strength
Photo by Jeffery Erhunse on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

In the midst of the hustle and bustle and overwhelming noise of the world, are you able to connect to the quiet strength and joy inside you? Do you need that strength now more than ever?

Has the past few days been joyful as we’ve reflected on freedom, grace, and peace? It may have been marked with difficulty. As Jesus rebuilds your joy, the enemy is angry because he knows he’s loosing his stronghold. A well known scripture is “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” It’s true, and the enemy hates it. You flourish as you live out of a place of JOY!

In Nehemiah 8:9-12, we see there was sorrow and weeping when the people heard God's law and realized how far they had gone away from its teaching, but Ezra told them to rejoice and celebrate because of the restoration. That's when Ezra said, "The joy of the Lord is your strength". He was speaking to the remnant of Israel who has returned to Judah to rebuild the city and its temple. It was a time of restoration, not only of the ruined city, but also of obedience to the law of God.

How is God restoring your life right now? What is he saying about your obedience? Do you see your joy increasing? Selah.

Joy - Rend Collective

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob!”

— Psalm 81:1 New International Version

Come with Me
Photo by Jackson David on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life.” Psalm 143:8 (NIV)

Grace - the unmerited favor of God. We are saved by grace through faith. It’s not our works that reconcile us back to our gracious Father, but only the redeeming work of Jesus. I don’t know about you, but it will take me a lifetime to fully comprehend this amazing grace. It’s so simple, and yet so complex and hard to believe - we have to trust.

The grace of God was vital to our salvation, but what about the grace we receive daily? I approached Jesus this morning with thanksgiving and worship. I then asked how he wanted to use me today. The first thing I think of is works - what can I do for him? Immediately following my question was his response, “I just want you to be with me. How I use you will naturally flow from your time spent with me.” The doing must learn to submit to the being. Serving the Lord in our purpose is a great and right thing, but it must not take priority over our relationship with Jesus. Selah.

Have you ever experienced a greater peace than being in the presence of Jesus? If we trust his love is unconditional, despite our sin, we will run into his presence every chance we get. Because Jesus lives in us, his presence is with us at all times. I’m referring to intentionally seeking him and spending quality time with him. There we find love, healing, acceptance, and overwhelming peace.

Do you find yourself looking for ways to serve Jesus or seeking Jesus to grow your relationship? Does your sin keep you from seeking him? Selah.

By grace we are saved and by grace we live and find peace.

Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace) Hillsong Worship

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“My beloved spoke and said to me, ‘Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me.’”

— Song of Solomon 2:10 New International Version

Freedom In Heaven and on Earth
Photo by Aditya Saxena on Unsplash

Happy Lord’s Day Beauties!

We are FREE! “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 (NIV). What does this freedom look like to you? Based on that definition, can you say that you are living in that freedom today or are there burdens you still carry? Selah.

Several years ago I faced opposition within my church, which was heartbreaking, yet it brought me to a deeper relationship with God. It was the first time I relinquished “my rights” to Jesus. It’s the first time I prayed for the person opposing how God wanted to use me.

During that time, I wrote a praise song celebrating the freedom found in Christ and the joy found in surrendering my life to Him. Here’s V2 and the Chorus:

“Freedom is found in You, Lord Jesus
Freedom to bless all those who curse us
This freedom I’ve found to follow You, Lord
It makes my spirit soar

Hallelujah, Jesus we adore
Hallelujah, praise forevermore
You humbly took my place
I’ll gladly run this race
Giving You my rights, my life, my all”

It was while writing the bridge where I found a deeper truth about freedom.

“May Your grace and mercy flow
May Your grace and mercy flow from me
May Your grace and mercy flow
Let it flow”

When I wrote the first line, I was thinking about myself and the blessing of the grace and mercy of Jesus flowing over me and my life. It wasn’t until the second line included “from me” that I got it. The bridge was a prayer asking God to allow me to be used as a vessel of his grace and mercy for others. It’s not about me!

There’s tremendous blessing in following Jesus’ instruction as we continue reading Galatians 5:13-14 (NIV), “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

We will be free from our sin nature in Heaven, but while still here on Earth, we can enjoy the freedom Christ gives us. Are you under the weight of burdens? Are you willing to die to yourself and your desires for the sake of others? What level of freedom do you find yourself in and where does Jesus want to take you? Selah.

Freedom - Jesus Culture

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

— John 8:36 New International Version

Joyful Adoration
Photo by Courtney Cook on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

It’s a bright and sunny day and a perfect backdrop to our next virtue - Joyful. I tend to think of sunshine and the color yellow when i hear the word “joy.” How about you? What first comes to mind?

We’ve all heard sermons that teach joy is not a feeling, it’s more than that. How would you describe it? Take a few minutes to write down your definition.

I find the Bible teaches us from Jesus’ example that joy usually accompanies some sort of trial or suffering. Look at this example in Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” How do you reconcile “Joy” and “enduring the cross”?

In Romans 12:12 we instructed, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 we’re given the same instruction, “Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Jesus taught us by his example, that joy is ever present and will strengthen us as we go though hardships, pain, and suffering. It’s also our testimony to others to encourage them in their faith

Let’s look at John 15:19-14 It’s a beautiful scripture where Jesus describes our ultimate blessing as a result of following His command. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”

Selah.

Let’s celebrate the love and joy of Jesus with our first Christmas hymn…
Hymn of Joy - Chris Tomlin

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“...yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

— Habakkuk 3:18 New International Version

Beauty in Humility

Hello Beauties!

It’s been an inspiring time with Jesus this morning. He’s revealed so much, and I want to share it all, but will share what I believe he’s wanting you to know today.

As we look at the familiar lyric, “You are beautiful” again, I have a few questions for you. These are the questions the Spirit asked me this morning:
Are you willing to receive all Jesus has for you? You may say you are, but are you really?
Are you allowing Jesus to pour into you through the Holy Spirit, or do you resist and declare, “I’m good, I’ve got this,”?

During my time with the Lord, he had me look at two words, rebellion and resistance. I read several scriptures and was convicted that I indeed have some rebellion in my heart. This serious sin is against our Awesome God, and I must resist it. Just listen to these definitions. Rebellion - “Defiance toward authority.” (Remind you of anyone - satan, perhaps?) Resistance - “to take action in opposition, try to eliminate, reduce or oppose.”

To rebel against God is PRIDE, and the way to resist it is to take action to eliminate it. How? Through humility. God wants our obedience, not our sacrifice. Here is the message King Saul received about his disobedience, “For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.” (1 Samuel 15:23)

Before you think today’s message is a bummer and not encouraging - let’s look at what the Bible says about humility. James 4:7 and 4:10 are promises from God, “7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” We can also be encouraged by 1 Peter 5:4-7, “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Here are several more benefits from living a humble life:

1. It brings about the favor of God in every aspect of life (Esther 2:9, Proverbs 3:34)
2. There is abundance of God’s grace ( James 4:6)
3. God hears the prayers of humble people (2 Chronicles 7:14)
4. God forgives the sins of humble people. (2Chronicles 7:14)
5. It brings about wisdom (Proverbs 11:12)
6. It brings riches, honor and life (Proverbs 22:4)
7. It brings about Gods guidance (Psalm 25:9)
8. It brings victory for us (Psalm 149:4)

I pray you will open your heart even more to Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to dig a little deeper and reveal any pride that exists. God wants to eliminate anything that’s holding you back from radiating the true beauty he’s created in you.

Obedience - Lindy Conant - Bethel Worship

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

— Micah 6:8 New International Version