Day 27 "The Lamb Was Crucified

Commingled

Hello Beauties!

“ 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 1:18-19 (NIV)

Today’s truth is all about Jesus. It takes the focus from “you are” and highlights who He is…The Lamb who was slain. The innocent, sinless Jesus shed his blood and died for us, for me, for you. What do you believe about this incredible gift? Selah.

I can’t help but think in colors today, thus the picture above. The crimson red of Jesus’ precious blood collides with the brilliant gold of the crown adorning his head as he takes his rightful place on the throne in Heaven. What do both mean to you? Selah.

The beautiful and innocent Lamb of God is worthy to be praised. Let your heart praise him today as you ponder all he’s saved you from and the new life he’s given you.
Worthy is the Lamb - Miriam Webster

Along with praising the Lamb, let’s celebrate the Cross of Christ and beautiful Jesus who set us free.
The Wonderful Cross - Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

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 New International Version
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 26 "You Are Redeemed"

Redemption’s Shout!

Hello Beauties!

Today our journey takes us to one of the most significant attributes of our beauty - our redemption. Stay close to God for the next few days as He takes you deeper into real relationship with Him. The truth revealed in these lyrics will surely kick the enemy in the gut, and the lies binding you will be defeated.

The word redeemed is sometimes misunderstood, so let’s take a look at the definition. “to free from captivity by payment of ransom.” Merriam Webster Dictionary. Here’s the perfect example of redemption found in Ephesians, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” Ephesians 1:7 NIV

There was a payment to be made to cover our sins so we could be reconciled to The Father. Jesus paid it with His precious blood - His very life. Do you know a greater love than this? Selah

We the Redeemed - HIllsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

He saved them from the hand of the foe; from the hand of the enemy he redeemed them.
— Psalm 106:10 New International Version
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 25 "And You Are Beautiful"

Trust. Believe. Live.

Good Morning Beauties!

Twenty-five days of coming to God, sharing your heart, and learning His truth. Is it a habit for you yet? Is it a new way of life for you? Are you growing deeper in your relationship with Him? Selah.

This 40 Day Journey is His gift to you. He longs for you to know Him more and for you to know the Truth about who He’s created you to be. He wants to crush the destructive lies, hold you in His arms, and heal your wounds. He brings confidence to any insecurity and propels you into your purpose. He loves you more than you’ll ever know. Selah.

I think it appropriate to enter into praise and worship today to thank Him for who He is and the blessing He is to us. Make your offering personal by finding the best expression of your gratitude. He’s is so worthy of our praise!
You Call Me Beautiful - Planetshakers

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

How beautiful you are, my love, how beautiful!
— Song of Solomon 1:15 The Living Bible
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 24 "You Are Righteous"

Beauty as We Listen
Photo by Amanda Frank on Unsplash

Hello Beauties!

The last few days have been jam packed with so much truth, I thought it a good idea to spend today pondering about our righteousness, salvation, sanctification, forgiveness, and justification. Are you like me in needing more time with God to really let these truths settle into my heart? Will you allow him to uncover more lies and bring you more truth? Selah.

While you spend time with Jesus, here’s a beautiful channel to inspire connection with your Lord and Savior….

Golden Winter Dawn - Tim Janis

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.
— Psalm 77:12 English Standard Version
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 23 "Forgiven, Justified"

Not Guilty
Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Today we discover what God says about our forgiveness and our justification. Both are important components of his gift of righteousness.

Listen to God’s instruction to Paul (as Saul) on the road to Damascus and what he says about forgiveness, “I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” Acts:26:17b-18 (NIV)

When we repent - turning away from our sins and living our new life in Christ, we are forgiven “as far as the East is from the West.” (Psalm 103:12) Do you need to repent from any buried sin? Ask Jesus to reveal anything creating a barrier in your relationship. Selah.

What does the Bible say about us being justified? Paul explains how Abraham was counted righteous and justified as are we, “The words ‘it was credited to him’ were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.” Romans 4:23-25, 5:1-2 (NIV)

The easiest way I’ve heard justification explained is, “it’s just as if we’ve never sinned.” We have our glorious Savior, Jesus Christ, to thank. His sacrifice on the cross has made us sinless in the eyes of Almighty God, enabling us to return to God in Heaven for eternity. Wow! What a beautiful message of hope.

What do you think about this gift of justification? Do you need to dig in the Bible to learn more? Are you able to process this truth in your mind, and let it fall to your heart and become a firm belief? What may be holding you back? Selah.

Our Lord Jesus has given us the gift of life, abundant life on Earth, and eternal life with God in Heaven. Let’s praise him today. He deserves it!

For All You’ve Done - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

But now God has shown us a different way to heaven —not by “being good enough” and trying to keep his laws, but by a new way (though not new, really, for the Scriptures told about it long ago). Now God says he will accept and acquit us—declare us “not guilty”—if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we are or what we have been like.
— Romans 3:21-22 The Living Bible
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 22 "Saved And Sanctified"

Reach Out and be Rescued

Happy Lord’s Day Beauties!

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,  made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—” Ephesians 2:4-8 (NIV)

Nothing I can say is better than starting the day with God’s truth about our salvation. This magnificent gift allows us to stop striving and stressing to earn our salvation. Jesus’ powerful and beautiful redeeming work on the cross has saved us from eternal damnation (what we deserve for our sin). We simply need to believe this good news is true and ask Jesus to be Lord of our life.

Are you saved? Is this life transformation your personal story? Are you living in the newness of life? Is Jesus your Savior or Lord? Selah.

If you want to know more about salvation, please reach out to me on my website “Let’s Connect” section, and it would be my pleasure to listen, share, and pray with you.

“ Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.  Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” Ephesians 4:21-24 (NLT)

Once we receive salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside us and to help us become Holy as God is Holy. Again, this is not something we have to accomplish in our own strength. We surrender to the Holy Spirit and allow him to sanctify us from glory to glory. We will never “arrive” and be perfect as we live here on this Earth, but our desire should be to continue growing on our spiritual journey.

For all the Beauties who are relying on your own strength to “be good” and “do good” - I pray today you reach out your hand to Jesus, and let him rescue you in your brokenness. There’s no same, just salvation and sanctification…and rest. Thank you Jesus!

Rescued - Lauren Daigle

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live.
— Luke 1:74-75 New Living Translation
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 21 "You Are Righteous"

Righteous Oak

Hello Beauties!

We begin the second half of our journey today. I’m so glad you are here, pursuing God with me, and am confident of the blessing you will receive by doing so.

As complicated as the whole idea of “Righteousness” is, it’s also quite simple. If you believe in the saving grace of Jesus Christ, you have “right standing” with God and will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Look at the scripture that tells us this Truth. “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.” Romans 3:22 - New Living Translation.

So, what are the lies saying in direct contrast with this Truth? “You have to earn your way into Heaven.” “You’ve messed up too much, and there’s no repair.” “You’re not good enough to ever be considered righteous.”

There is a plethora of lies that prevent people from believing Christ did all the work on the cross. The lies say we must earn our righteousness. What lies do you believe? Selah. I pray God reveals them to you today and that He takes away any burden preventing you from the freedom of your right standing with God.

Isaiah 61:1-3 is one of my absolute favorite scriptures in the Bible. It describes the beautiful work of Jesus. He came to set us free, repair the damage, give us new life - all for a purpose. We are to stand as healthy and sturdy Oaks of Righteousness so everyone can see His splendor. We stand firm in our righteousness by the redeeming work on the cross of Christ.

The testimony of your life brings God glory. What do others see when they spend time with you? Do they see the peace and love of Jesus, or do they see someone who’s stressed out and striving to do all the right things? The gift of grace allows us to walk in the love of Jesus and bless everyone we come into contact with. Think about all the opportunities we have to share our story with people who are desperate for the hope found in Jesus. Selah.

Legacy - Nicole Nordeman

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
— Isaiah 61:3 New International Version
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 20 "And You Are Beautiful"

Beauty of the Faithful
Photo by Celeste Mc on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Congratulations!  You're half way through your journey. What an accomplishment. Your sacrifice and action plan are working. Beautiful!

Today I ask, "Are you ready to take action on the revelation God has shown you?"  We've all heard, "Faith without works is dead," so today I encourage you to run and jump with abandon into your faith and belief about the Truth God has shown you so far in your journey.  

What does that look like?  Here are a few examples from my previous and current journey experiences:  God revealed in my very first journey my value to Him.  He gave me a new name, "Segullah," which means, "Treasured Possession."  I had a bracelet made with Segullah on it, and now wear it every day.  In another journey He taught me I'm lovely, feminine and soft.  With this new Truth, I redecorated my office from blues and browns to a very girly pink, white and gold color pallet. I literally feel like a princess when I walk into the room.  

In my current journey, I was moved by Day 14. As I recounted the memory of making a choice each and every morning of turning right to spend time with Jesus through worship and reading my Bible, or turning left and being filled with the darkness of he world, I found myself needing to make the same decision now. It’s so easy to grab my phone and check social media, the weather and road conditions, and email before even getting out of bed. That choice let’s the darkness in before I’ve put one foot on the floor. I must make the wise choice every morning to spring out of bed and run to my Bible and meet with Jesus. Faith allows me to make the right choice knowing with certainty that Jesus is waiting for my arrival, and I’ll be filled up with the Spirit once again.

What about you?  What has God revealed to you so far in your journey?  How will you put your faith of this new Truth into action?  Selah.

Let’s celebrate your journey today and praise God for his faithfulness!
Faithful - Elevation Worship

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.
— Hebrews 11:1 The Living Bible
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 19 "You Are Royalty"

Strength & Refuge

Good Morning Beauties!

Wow!  Do you realize you're almost half way through your journey?  That's amazing!  The last thing the enemy wants is to lose control over your thoughts and beliefs, so he most likely is stirring up the battle in your life.  Have you noticed increased inner conflict lately?  

An advantage of being in The Royal Family is that we have a Strong Tower we can run to....Jesus!  He is our refuge in times of trouble.  When the enemy is closing in, you don't have to be afraid.  You have all the protection you need in Jesus.

What fear has you running?  Will you run to your Strong Tower today and relinquish the burden?  Selah.

Refuge - New Creation Worship

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

For you are my refuge, a high tower where my enemies can never reach me.
— Psalm 61:3 The Living Bible
Kendra Brown
Day 18 "Heaven's Glow From You Abounds"

Beacon of Light

Good Morning Beauties!

How do we know if we’re walking in the freedom Christ died to give us? Isn’t that what this journey’s about? So, how do we know if we’re making progress? Will we feel something? Will we look different? Will there be tangible results? Yes.

Today’s lyric is one of my favorite. God gave me a beautiful picture in my head of His warm golden glow coming from Heaven to live in and through us as a beacon of hope to others. As we uncover the lies of the enemy residing in us, Heaven’s glow (His truth and love) will illuminate through the darkness and eventually overflow onto others.

I bet you’ve seen people you know appear to be glowing. Whether it’s new found romantic love, the fullness of an expected baby, or perhaps during worship, an overwhelming expression of love is surely the reason. God allows these intense moments on Earth so we may get a glimpse of how much He loves us.

When we have a taste of the goodness of God, all we can do is share it with others. Holding it in is selfish, and the love of God is anything but self serving. His love always serves others.

So, the answer again is yes. We will reveal our progress by the way we feel, look, and love others. How is your progress? Selah.

Love is action and we must take this love to the world. Let this song inspire you today as you worship the true light of love.
We Are - Kari Jobe

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of people who are crooked and stubborn. Shine out among them like beacon lights, holding out to them the Word of Life.
— Philippians 2:15-16 The Living Bible
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 17 "You Wear The Victor's Crown"

The TRUE Victor’s Crown

Good Morning Beauties!

Jesus bore a crown of thorns and the cross to bring us victory. Are you living in that victory today? Selah.

We have an offensive weapon in this battle…His Word. It’s our sword against the lies of the enemy. Flood these truths in your mind and allow Jesus to come with victory to those places that still wage war against you.

“For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” Deuteronomy 20:4 (NIV)

“The Lord is your mighty defender, perfect and just in all his ways. Your God is faithful and true; he does what is right and fair.” Deuteronomy 32:4 (GNT)

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV)

“I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (TLB)

“Who then will condemn us? Will Christ? No! For he is the one who died for us and came back to life again for us and is sitting at the place of highest honor next to God, pleading for us there in heaven.” Romans 8:34 (TLB)

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NIV)

“Then God released him from the horrors of death and brought him back to life again, for death could not keep this man within its grip.” Acts 2:24 (TLB)

All praise and honor to our King Jesus who gives us the victory!!!

The Victor’s Crown - Darlene Zschech

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
— James 1:12 Amplified Bible
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 16 "You Are Royalty"

Joint Heirs with Christ
Photo by King's Church International on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Welcome to our new attribute - Royalty. At times, this one is the hardest to believe. We find it hard to let go of the heritage of our Earthy family and reach for our new status - that of Royalty.

One definition is “people of royal blood or status.” Yes! As Children of God, we have been saved by Jesus’ shed blood on the cross and as part of our “newness of life,” we now have His blood, His status to call our own. Thank you, Jesus!

What do you imagine comes along with being a member of the Royal family? I think immediately of two words, protection and provision. These two things are important for a girl from her father, and for a woman from her husband. Aren’t you glad we have Abba Father and Jesus to provide anything we need and protect us from anything that may harm us?

I love the scripture from Peter below. He, like Paul, was a man of action. “As a result, you can show others the goodness of God.” Yes! We have our new Royal life to lead others to the Truth of God. When you walk out your Royalty, others will notice your dignity. Watch and see how God will bring people to you so you may bless them with His Goodness, Kindness, and Truth.

Please join me in prayer as we ask God to reveal more Truth about our Royal status. He wants to bring you from all darkness into his full and glorious light. Are you open to all he will reveal? Selah.

Royalty - Francesca Battistelli

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
— 1 Peter 2:9 New Living Translation
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 15 "And You Are Beautiful"

Beauty in the Journey
Photo by Francesca Saraco on Unsplash

Happy Lord’s Day Beauties!

So how are you doing on your journey? Today is a good time to pause and reflect on your progress. It’s time to “Selah” for sure. Grab your journal and let’s take a look at those things you wrote down during the day of preparation.

Is your journey what you expected? The answer for most ladies is “no.” Somehow it goes a little deeper than expected and it’s not a bad thing, just different. God may be taking you to uncomfortable places to reveal truth, but it’s worth it, and He’s right there with you.

Is the journey meeting your expectations? Please look at what you wrote down in your journal and see how reality compares to what you wanted to get out of it. Do you sense God’s presence everyday as you pray and listen for Him to speak? Is there anything you can do differently? Are you fully committed to your experience? Are you wanting Him to do more? Selah.

How are the obstacles that try to get in the way of your successful journey? What may be hindering you right now? Take a look at your journal and see what you anticipated would cause problems. Now look at your action plan. Are your solutions working? Do you need to make any adjustments to your plan or do you need to devise another plan all together? Selah.

Is your purpose for going on this journey still motivating you to meet with God each day and listen as He reveals truth about your identity in Him? Are you still excited to spend time with your loving Lord and Savior and be filled with His love and truth? Selah.

Overall, how are you enjoying your journey? What do you like and dislike? How do you like the journal itself? Do you have enough room to write all your thoughts and prayers? Are you using the Creative Pages to slow down and color, be creative, and listen to God? Selah.

We have now looked at the attributes of BEAUTIFUL, LOVELY, and JOYFUL. What has God revealed to you about these truths? Has your opinion about your beauty changed at all? Selah.

I pray you continue to hunger for more of God and more of His truth. I invite you to reach out and connect with me via my website if you need encouragement or just a good chat.

Enjoy this stunning music as you meditate on your journey today….
Beautiful Relaxing Hymns, Peaceful Instrumental Music, “Glory of Winter Morning Sunrise” - Tim Janis

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

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 New Living Translation
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 14 "You Are Joyful"

The Choice
Eve Calvar + Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Joy - it’s our fuel needed everyday to strengthen us as we step foot in the world. Joy brings freedom, peace, comfort, confidence. How is your joy today? Rate it on a scale of 1-10. Why did you give it this rating? Selah.

I remember a time when I had tremendous growth with Jesus. It was a sweet sweet time of intimacy with my Lord and Savior. Every morning, coffee in hand, I walked up the stairs and had a choice. I could turn right and go in my bedroom to worship God and read my Bible. I could also choose to turn left and walk into our guest bedroom and watch a little TV, mostly news, before taking a shower and going to work. Every single morning, I felt a strong pull in both directions. Would I meet with Jesus, my best friend, where he would provide strength, renewal, and refreshment for the day, or would I fill my mind and spirit with the troubles and evil of this world?

Every morning I had a choice. I could choose joy and light, or I could choose depression and darkness. I have to admit, when I was feeling rather blue on some days, I turned to the left and ended up feeling even worse. In our weakness, we can’t depend on our strength to “turn right.” We must reach out to Jesus and pray he provides the strength to reject the enemy and the destruction he brings.

We all have hardships that can easily derail us from living the abundant life Jesus died to give us. Even Apostle Paul had a “thorn in his side” to contend with everyday. “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 New Living Translation

Paul had a choice. He could let his affliction defeat him, or he could “turn right” and choose joy in the Lord. What can you define as your affliction? Spend time with God as he reveals truth about it and pray he helps you to choose joy instead of despair.

Joy - For King & Country

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!
— Nehemiah 8:10 New Life Version
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 13 "Grace Has Brought You Peace"

Ahhh…Peace

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)

This truth should allow perfect peace to flood our hearts. We have been saved by the amazing gift of grace! We absolutely do not have to work for it - our salvation was paid by Jesus - HIS work was enough.

We accept our salvation through grace, so why do we have such a difficult time accepting the daily grace Jesus gives? Why do we still feel guilty when we fail, or when we believe we haven’t measured up to the standard? How do you struggle with grace?

Today as you spend time with God, thank him for the JOY that comes from accepting his amazing grace, and the peace it brings. Picture him singing over you - he does, you know.

How Sweet The Sound - Citizen Way

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.
— Zephaniah 3:17 New Living Translation
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 12 "Your Spirit's Been Set Free"

Freedom to Breathe
Photo by Fuu J on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

We have been set free! Jesus, our beloved Savior, not only saved our very souls from eternal damnation, but came to give us abundant life. Do you believe it? Do you still feel bound? The truth is Jesus has already set you free, and now you must believe it to live a life of freedom. What’s holding you back? What lies are you still believing? Will you lay them down today?

One of the best ways to experience freedom is communing with God in worship. Let your heart experience peace, joy, and freedom as you worship your Lord and Savior.


”The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:22-23 New Living Translation

Way Maker - Sinach

“But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.” Psalm 22:3 New King James Version

Every Praise - Hezekiah Walker

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…” Isaiah 61:1 New International Version

Freedom - Jesus Culture

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
— 2 Corinthians 3:17 New Living Translation
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 11 "You Are Joyful"

Finding Joy
Photo by Beth Jnr on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

I’m so excited to begin our next attribute with you today. (It’s one of my favorites!) You are JOYFUL.

Let's talk about the root word of Joyful - Joy. How do you describe Joy?  Webster's Dictionary defines it as "The emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune, by the prospect of possessing what one desires."  This definition is how most of the world sees joy - an emotional response to getting something we want.

I think there's more to it.  Pastor John Piper describes it this way, "Christian joy is a good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as He causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the Word and in the world."  

If we think about Apostle Paul in chains as he serves time in prison, he was not getting anything good by worldly standards; and yet Paul encourages us to rejoice - to be continually filled with joy.  Paul had a Godly perspective as he focused on Jesus and not on his circumstance, and provides for us the perfect example how Joy in the Lord is actually our Strength.

I love the photo above. Do you live in an area where it snows. In Minnesota, it snows A LOT!! I can choose to stay inside and curse the snow, or I can go out in it and experience the beauty all around. I can let the snow hit me in the face and be annoyed by it, or release those feelings and simply find joy in surrendering to the cold flakes dissolving when they hit my warm face. We can find joy anywhere - just like Paul.

Do you need Strength today?  You may be going through something very difficult right now.  Will you allow God to fill your heart with joy as you Trust Him?  Selah.

Joy Comes - Tasha Layton

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
— Psalm 30:5 New King James Version
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 10 "And You Are Beautiful"

Grace + Power = Unfailing Love

Good Morning Beauties!

You're doing fantastic!  How do you feel, now that you're a quarter of the way into your journey?  Each day as you take time to spend with God you express your love for Him and commitment for a deeper relationship.  You've opened your heart for Truth and Transformation from the One who knows you best and loves you most.  Beautiful

Before we move on to our next attribute tomorrow, what did you hear from God about your beauty in loveliness?   Make sure you've heard all He has to say.  Selah.

I encourage you to return to Day 1 as a way to examine your progress.  Recount the lies that have been exposed with the light of His Truth in just these first 10 days.  Write down your progress and praise God for all He’s done and all He’s going to do. Hallelujah!

Unfailing Love - Chris Tomlin

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

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 New International Version
New Years 2023Kendra Brown
Day 9 "You Are Lovely"

Lovely Strength

Good Morning Beauties!

How are you doing this morning? Here in Minnesota, it was hard to get out of my warm cozy bed. How about you? Is your anticipation of spending time with God greater than your discomfort of leaving a warm bed?

The past two days we looked at the aspects of Majesty and Humility, and today the Lord showed me how Strength is a common denominator in both. We’re strong in the power we’ve been given by the Holy Spirit, and humility takes enormous strength to put others before ourselves, especially the ones we believe are undeserving.

Today is my father’s birthday, and though he’s passed away, I still reflect on his life and our relationship. I was my dad’s “little buddy.” He gave me the role of tomboy and the nickname Poncho Pete. Anything but lovely, feminine, or beautiful. I carried this lie from the enemy for most of my life, and through one of my first 40 Day Journey experiences, finally replaced the lie with God’s truth.

God showed me how I am strong as well as tender, and he led me to a wonderful role model in the Bible. Proverbs 31 paints a beautiful picture of what we always consider “the perfect Godly woman.” Though her character is outstanding, I’m sure she had flaws the writer left out. Despite her imperfections, we can learn so much from her. Though she is said to be “a radiant bride,” if you are not married, please consider that you are the Bride of Christ, and therefore this scripture still applies to you.

Please take a moment to get to know or re-acquaint yourself with her now. Selah.

Proverbs 31:10-31 (NIV)

Yes we are lovely and strong - through Jesus Christ. He is stronger than all our sin, our pain, and the enemy’s lies. Let’s celebrate him today….

Stronger - Hillsong Chapel

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
— Proverbs 31:25 New International Version
Day 8 "Yet You Wear Humility"

I Am Yours, Lord

Good Morning Beauties!

In what appears to be in direct opposition to yesterday’s truth - the strength we find in the majesty of Jesus - today we’re looking at the strength in humility. Jesus was a master of both; and therefore, we too will find our lives are blessed with both majesty and humility.

First, what is humility? The book of Proverbs has much to say, so here are a few scriptures to ponder:
“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4 (NIV)
”When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2 (NIV)
”Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.” Proverbs 15:33 (NIV)
”Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.” Proverbs 18:12 (NIV)
Please journal your thoughts about the truth of humility and how it differs from what you currently believe. Selah.

Paul encourages the Philippians by providing a clear picture of how we are to be humble like King Jesus. In his letter, Paul recounts the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus to remind us the strength of humility Jesus bore for us and the reward that waits for us.

Imitating Christ’s Humility - Philippians 2:1-11 (NIV)
”1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus
Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.”

Let’s praise our awesome and humble Savior, Jesus Christ!

You Are My King (Amazing Love) - Christy Nockels

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’
— 1 Peter 5:5 New International Version