Day 3 "Loved Above All Things"

Our Savior’s Love

Good Morning Beauties!

Above every sin, every failure, every hardship, every trial - you are loved.
”But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8 (NIV)

Why do we wrestle with this truth? I believe it’s because of our interactions with people who have shown us conditional love. But the love of God is unconditional. Your value and worth is not tied to your behavior. No matter what you’ve done, His perfect love remains.

Beauties, the clip below depicts this perfect love so beautifully. Please watch it and reflect in your journal all the Savior speaks to you. You may want to watch it several times to hear all He wants you to know. Selah.

Mary Magdalene’s Redemption (The Chosen)

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.
— 1 John 4:19 The Message Bible
Kendra Brown
Day 2 "Daughter Of The King"

Put on Your Crown

Good Morning Beauties!

“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
2 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV)

Yes, it’s true! You are a daughter of the Most High King. This truth gives you the title of Princess in the Royal Family. I know it’s early to stop and Selah, but this truth has a lot to grasp.

What is your idea of a princess? Do you picture someone who’s behind stone walls living a life of luxury, or do you envision someone who’s caring, generous, and serves others?

Grab your journal and write your thoughts and feelings about your royal status. Selah.

Can you easily see yourself in this role, or is it difficult to put the crown on your head? Do you feel unworthy? Where does that thought come from? Psychologists will tell you that girls develop their identity and value from their fathers. Did your Earthly father do a good job of making you feel cherished, wanted, and an important part of the family? Did he encourage you along the way and help build up your confidence? You may have been blessed with a loving Dad, and as wonderful and Godly as some fathers are, they are still mortal men, and have flaws. Not all of our fathers knew how crucial these aspects of fatherhood were to our personal development. Today let your father “off the hook.” Ask the Holy Spirit to help you forgive all his shortcomings, and let go of any disappointments you have for what he may have lacked. You have a perfect Heavenly Father, your Abba Father (Daddy) who will never let you down. Selah.

On Labor Day (in America), we take a break from our work and usually spend time having fun with our family and friends. It’s a day where we can rest and not think about the pressures of work. God purposefully had this 40 Day Journey begin on the Labor Day weekend to reinforce the truth that He allows us to rest in Him everyday, not just on holidays.

As you continue on your journey, He will continue to reveal lies from the enemy and replace them with His truth. Keep yourself open to all He has for you, and you will find rest.

Let’s celebrate our status with our Abba Father! Put your crown on your head and spend time with your Daddy.
Daughter of a King - Jenny Phillips

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention: Forget your people and your father’s house. The King is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your Lord.
— Psalm 45:10-11 New International Version
Kendra Brown
Day 1 "You Are Beautiful"

Beautiful Transformation

Happy Lord’s Day Beauties!

“My beloved speaks and says to me: “Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away…’”
Song of Solomon 2:10 (ESV)

The Lord is making a way for you to follow Him on this new journey. Do you feel His presence? You can trust Him. He is good and wants only good for you. In fact, the Bible says, “surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.” Psalm 23:6 (NIV)

As we look at the today’s truth, “You Are Beautiful”, it’s important to establish a baseline to grow upon in your journey. It reminds me of an aerobics class I took in college. During the first class it was important to understand our current physical condition in order to improve it by the end of the semester. I’ll never forget having to see how many sit ups I could do in a minute. Oh my goodness! I made it to about 40 seconds before my muscles reached total fatigue. However, after working those same muscles for eight weeks, my physical condition had dramatically improved. That is my prayer for you during your journey, that your intimacy with Jesus and your belief in who you are in Him will dramatically improve.

So, let’s look at your baseline of belief. The place to start is by answering some simple, and yet, not so simple questions. Find a place in your journal to write down your answers. How do you define beauty? Do you mostly think about it as physical, inner being, or a combination of the two? Look at yourself in a mirror. What do you see first? Your imperfections or the beautiful way God designed you? Selah.

Once you’ve written down your answers, go back and reflect on how these thoughts make you feel. Is there any feelings you’d like to change? Selah.

Go before the Lord and ask Him to reveal where any painful feelings originated. Ask the Holy Spirit to come and minister to your heart and bring His comfort and peace. Selah.

You’re doing great, Beauty!! Keep your heart open to the truth God wants you to know. Let’s take a moment to stand in His presence and be washed with the truth of His goodness…
Goodness of God - CeeCee Winans

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
— Romans 12:2 English Standard Version
Kendra Brown
Day of Preparation

Come Away With Me

Good Morning Beauties!

Welcome to our Fall 40 Day Journey! Thank you for taking this journey with me, but more importantly, with JESUS. If you are here, it’s because you have obeyed His sweet whisper, “Come away with me.”

Please know that you will be blessed beyond measure while growing your intimacy with Jesus and finding His peaceful rest. Also realize this journey will be a battle. Think about it, you are allowing Jesus to reveal deep rooted lies that had you bound and bring you into freedom that comes from knowing and believing God’s TRUTH. Your freedom is the last thing the enemy wants, and he will fight to keep you bound. Fear not!! We have been given everything we need to fight the battle, and remember, Jesus has already won the war.

Let’s begin with the best weapons: praise, prayer, and God’s Word, (our official offensive weapon.) Each one helps us defeat the enemy and provides us courage and strength as we take each step on our journeys. Take time to lift your voice and dance around in full surrendered praise to Jesus. Then take your Bible and pray over the scripture in Ephesians, the Armor of God. After you’re done, come back to the blog for more preparation. (Just hit the back arrow to bring you back to the blog.)

“Praise” - Elevation Worship

Prayer - Ephesians 6:10-20

Now that we’re prepared for battle through praise and prayer, let’s continue getting ready. Have you ever traveled on an extended journey without preparing all the important items you’ll need? I’m guessing your answer is, “of course not,” so it only makes sense we would pack our essentials to have a great journey. There are three '“tools” I believe are necessary to ensure a successful experience. They are expectations, obstacles, and motivation. Grab your journals and find space to answer the questions as we review each tool.

Expectations - what are you believing will happen through your journey experience? What are you willing to do to make sure you meet those expectations? What are you wanting God to do? What’s your part and His part?

Obstacles - just as I’ve mentioned above, the enemy will put obstacles in your way to prevent you from having a successful journey. Write down what you see as a possible roadblock and create an action plan to overcome it. You may come up with several obstacles, so be sure to write a plan of action for each one.

Motivation - why are you taking this journey? Why now? When you’re tempted to quit, you’ll need a reminder of why you’re going on this journey. On those days when you’re running late or your warm cozy bed is more appealing than touching your feet on the cold floor, you need to remember why you’re waging war on the enemy and regaining what he has stolen from you.

The theme for this Fall 40 Day Journey is to exchange exhaustion for rest, and Jesus will do just that! My heart breaks for women who are weighed down by all they are trying to accomplish. Raise a healthy and happy family, be successful at work, minister to people as the Lord is leading you to fulfill the Great Commission. It’s A LOT!!! What I’ve found is these precious women who are strong, intelligent, and capable are simply exhausted. Can you relate? They’re not taking time to cultivate the most important relationship - Jesus.

This journey experience will help you draw closer to Jesus, unload lies that weigh you down, and fully understand who you are in Christ. He will exchange your burden for his light load. He will refresh and restore you so that you live life and lead from the overflow of the Spirit instead of out of your tired soul. Doesn’t that sound divine?

When this video from Priscilla Shirer crossed my path a few weeks ago, I knew it was a confirmation from God of just how important our rest from exhaustion is to successfully fulfill the purpose He’s given us. Be encouraged by her message, because it’s truly GOD’S message to you through your Fall 40 Day Journey. “The Cure for Exhaustion is Intimacy with Jesus”

Thanks again for joining me on this journey. You won’t be disappointed. Know that I’m praying for you everyday and am available for you should you want to connect personally. Just use the “let’s connect” form on the website.

I’ll meet you back here tomorrow for Day 1. Until then, have a marvelous day in the Lord.

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’
— Mark 6:30-31 New International Version
Kendra Brown
Day Of Reflection

Transformed By His Beauty

Good Afternoon Beauties!

“Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name.” Psalm 86:11 (NKJV)

Again, congratulations on completing your 40 Day Journey. Take a moment to give yourself credit for your dedication and devotion to Jesus. I know it took sacrifice and it was hard work…more importantly, God saw your desire to draw closer to Him.

Are you ready to dance in freedom on Life’s Journey? Knowing there will be more dark tunnels you must go through from time to time, are you still willing to dance, trusting God is with you? Selah.

As you reflect on your journey, what were some surprises along your way? Did you think it was going to go a certain way, and it went a totally different direction? How did God use these surprises to change a part or parts of your life? Selah.

Do you see your True Beauty now? Do you see His Love radiating out of every pore? He established your beauty so others may know Him. How does that Truth motivate you to engage with others? Selah?

Let’s take a look at Isaiah 61:1-3. Jesus provides our transformation so we will walk in newness of life, the life He died to give us. With this new life, we will become ambassadors for Christ and the power of His Love. Our lives are a living, breathing testimony of the Goodness of God.

“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, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” (NIV)

My heart is overflowing with gratitude as I reflect on my journey and on the absolute beauty of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I’ll spend my lifetime thanking the One who saved me and set me free. I’ve included a few scriptures with praise and worship songs below to give you an opportunity to reflect on His beauty and to thank Him for all He’s done for you throughout your journey.

“For the Lord is great beyond description and greatly to be praised. Worship only him among the gods! For the gods of other nations are merely idols, but our God made the heavens! Honor and majesty surround him; strength and beauty are in his Temple.” Psalm 96:-4-6 (NLB)

Beautiful Beyond Description - Soul Survivor & Momentum Light The Sky

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.” Psalm 19:1 (NLT)
You’re Beautiful - Sarah Reeves

“One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” Psalm 27:4 (NIV)
Better Is One Day - Matt Redman

In closing, I would ask you to prayerfully consider sharing this ministry and website with women in your life who could benefit from a 40 Day Journey experience. We all face our own personal battles and need encouragement from each other. Please consider sharing how the Lord used this journey experience to bless you. Are you a women’s ministry leader and interested in bringing this resource to your Beauties? “Let’s Connect” I’d love to hear from you!

Let’s pray…

Dear Heavenly Father ~ Thank You for Your Love and Faithfulness to Your Daughters. Thank You for silencing destructive lies in our hearts that we’ve believed for too long. Thank You for replacing them with Your life-giving Truth. Jesus, Thank You for the Cross. Thank You for taking our sin and shame, and nailing them to the Cross for us so we can be reconciled to our Heavenly Father for eternity. Thank You for restoring our confidence in who we are as Women of God. We will not be defeated, but will rise up Victorious! We will take Your love to all we see and make Your Name know throughout the world. We love You! In Jesus Precious Name, Amen.

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!
— Psalm 30:11-12 New Living Translation
New Years 2024Kendra Brown
Day 40 "And You Are Beautiful"

Altogether Beautiful

Good Morning Beauties!

Day 40 is here! CONGRATULATIONS! You made it. Despite the enemy’s attempts to stop your progress, you kept going with tenacity. You overcame the hurdles and accomplished much! Tomorrow, during our Day of Reflection, we’ll take a look at our entire journey experiences, so today let’s look one final time at the truth, you are beautiful.

I absolutely love the photo above. It represents a girl who is creative, messy, and fearless while keeping her eyes fixed on her adoring Abba Father. It depicts beauty as we find the ultimate freedom in Jesus to be who we really are. It also expresses complete acceptance, even when we “color outside the lines.”

How would you describe the photo? What is your initial reaction? God wants you to know even more about your beauty today. Will you make room for one more revelation? Selah?

Let’s celebrate our freedom today. Get up out of your chair and get ready to dance…
Hey Girl - Anne Wilson

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.
— Song of Solomon 4:7 New International Version
New Years 2024Kendra Brown
Day 39 "You Are A Child Of God"

Beautiful Creation

Good Afternoon Beauties!

“For You shaped me, inside and out. You knitted me together in my mother’s womb long before I took my first breath. I will offer You my grateful heart, for I am Your unique creation, filled with wonder and awe. You have approached even the smallest details with excellence; Your works are wonderful; I carry this knowledge deep within my soul. You see all things; nothing about me was hidden from You. As I took shape in secret, carefully crafted in the heart of the earth before I was born from its womb. You see all things; You saw me growing, changing in my mother’s womb; Every detail of my life was already written in Your book; You established the length of my life before I ever tasted the sweetness of it.”
Psalm 139:13-16 The Voice

When we think of being created, why is it easier to think of our biological parents than God Himself? Is He not the creator of all things? Take time today to read and meditate on Psalm 139:13-16. Pray and bring God into your time of contemplation. Allow Him to show you just how magnificent you truly are to Him and to the world. He formed you perfectly for the purpose He chose you to accomplish while here on the Earth. Selah.

Who You Say I Am - HIllsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

For we are the product of His hand, heaven’s poetry etched on lives, created in the Anointed, Jesus, to accomplish the good works God arranged long ago.
— Ephesians 2:10 The Voice
New Years 2024Kendra Brown
Day 38 "Treasured By Our Lord"

Beauty in Belonging

Good Morning Beauties!

The truth of this particular lyric is special to me. You see, on my very first 40 Day Journey experience, this truth healed my broken heart. To know that God chose me and treasures me was exactly what I needed to believe. It was the antidote to the pain of rejection I had felt nearly all my life. With this revelation, God gave me a new name, “Segullah,” meaning, “God’s treasured possession.”

Let’s see what the Bible says about being God’s treasured possession.
“For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.” Deuteronomy 7:6 (NIV)

“You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in obedience to him, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws—that you will listen to him.  And the Lord has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands.” Deuteronomy 26:17-18 (NIV)

““On the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty, ‘they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him.’” Malachi 3:17 (NIV)

What does God want you to know about how He considers you His treasured possession? It may be helpful to look at both words individually. What does treasure mean to you? Do you believe God can see you in this way? What about the word possession? Does your mind immediately think of being constrained, or tightly held? What is He saying to your mind and your heart? Selah.

The Spirit brought me through an extensive word search this morning, and I’d like to share a portion of it with you.
”Treasured” means something of great worth or value; a person esteemed as rare or precious, cherished.
”Possession” means one belonging to another who has ownership of them.
”Belonging” means having an intimate relationship with another.

Beauties, we are God’s treasured possession. What is our treasure? What is it we desire most? It’s belonging to and having an intimate relationship with the King of Kings , Almighty God, Creator of the Universe, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Let the revelation sink in as you praise Jesus with this beautiful song.
I Am Not My Own - Keith & Kristyn Getty, Skye Peterson

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

You have been chosen to belong to Jesus Christ also.
— Romans 1:6 New Live Version
New Years 2024Kendra Brown
Day 37 "Beloved And So Adored"

In His Presence Is Love

Good Morning Beauties!

“God loves you!” It’s a common phrase we’ve all most likely heard since childhood. In our intellect we know, indeed, God loves us.

The question is, do you BELIEVE God loves you? True life transformation happens when your knowledge becomes your belief.

Spend time pondering the beautiful fact… God loves you. Sit still, quiet your mind, and simply let Him lavish His love on you. Stay in His presence until all the cares of the world fall away from your mind. Be restored, refreshed, and renewed. Selah.

Here’s one of my favorite songs and videos which bares witness to the transformative power of God’s love.
He Knows My Name - Francesca Battistelli

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
— 1 John 3:1 New International Version
New Years 2024Kendra Brown
Day 36 "You Are A Child of God"

You Drown My Fears

Good Morning Beauties!

You’ve made it to the very last, but most important attribute - you are a Child of God. It is who you are, your position in Christ! No other title in the world could possibly come close to the one of “Child of God”. Not only is it your title, but it is your right, once you believe in the name of Jesus. Are you walking in this freedom today? What lies are keeping you from wholeheartedly believing this truth? Selah.

Listen again to You Are Beautiful, and hear how the song musically builds to this last verse. It’s vitally important you receive this last truth as it speaks to your re-birth in Christ. Selah.
You Are Beautiful

Are there people who you’re still trying to please? Still trying to meet their expectations, real or perceived? Write their names in your journal and what you believe they are asking of you. Are you allowing this need to enslave your thoughts and actions? Ask the Holy Spirit to bring new revelation about this situation for you. Selah.

You are a new creation and no longer live as you once did before knowing the person of Jesus. No longer is there a need to please others and meet their expectations to gain notoriety or a title. You already have the best title of all. The days of people pleasing are gone and replaced with pleasing the one who matters, God.

Here’s how Paul explains it to the Galatians, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 (NIV) How is God speaking to your heart through the truth of this verse? Selah.

Let the truth and freedom of this song wash over you as you thank God today for His love and claiming you as His very own child.
No Longer Slaves - Jonathan David & Melissa Helser

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God - children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
— John 1:12-13 New International Version
New Years 2024Kendra Brown
Day 35 "And You Are Beautiful"

Beautiful Perspective

Happy Lord’s Day Beauties!

A few years ago, I woke up to freezing rain which coated everything in a sheet of ice. On the surface, (no pun intended) it seemed awful, dangerous, and anything but beautiful. As I sat at my desk looking out my window, I was unhappy at the weather conditions, but asked God to give me a different perspective.

I quickly became thankful and offered a prayer to Him for all the beautiful things He’d provided me. My husband in the next room, my warm home on that cold morning, my computer which allowed me to communicate with the world, my office decor that created a special place for me to commune with Him every morning. These examples seemed a bit frivolous in the scheme of the world’s problems, but I appreciated how God turned the moment of displeasure into an accounting of His beautiful blessings.

As you look back at your first thirty-five days of your journey, can you see the Beauty and work of God? Where has He revealed a painful place you were unaware of? What lies has He uncovered so you can finally process through them? What are the truths He has shown you to replace the pain of the lies? I encourage you to write them down and say a prayer of thanks to the One who makes all things beautiful. Selah.

You Make Beautiful Things - Gungor

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

I will offer You my grateful heart, for I am Your unique creation, filled with wonder and awe. You have approached even the smallest details with excellence; Your works are wonderful; I carry this knowledge deep within my soul.
— Psalm 139:14 The Voice
New Years 2024Kendra Brown
Day 34 "You Are Purity"

Relationship in Bloom

Good Morning Beauties!

“Catch all the foxes, those little foxes before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!” Song of Solomon 2:15 (NLT)

I love this verse because the vineyard represents our relationship with Jesus. And I love, through scripture, we’re instructed how to keep it pure, how to live the fruitful and abundant life with Jesus. We are to catch all the little foxes before they can destroy the vineyard. The enemy uses so many different “foxes” to keep us from experiencing our freedom in Christ. Loss, lies, and loneliness are a few we all have experienced. What are the little foxes currently in your vineyard? What is creating impurities in your heart? Are you willing to identify them, catch, and hand over to Jesus? Selah.

Let this song be your prayer today as you draw closer to Jesus and purify your vineyard.

Purify My Heart - Jeremy Riddle

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
— Psalm 51:7 New Living Translation
New Years 2024Kendra Brown
Day 33 "Perfect In His Sight"

God Sees Perfection

Good Morning Beauties!

Perfection - if we look at this word from a worldly perspective, it can be a curse. Trying to live up to others’ expectations, or perhaps our own. Striving to be perfect, without flaw. It can’t be done…stop trying precious one. Let that truth set you free today. Selah.

When looking at this word from God’s point of view, it suddenly becomes something that adds to our beauty. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, He reconciled us to the Father, and our Abba sees us as spotless, blameless, and perfect.

I read a devotion today that I pray will help to bring these truths into your heart…
”God, You are the only judge. Remind me of this as I am sinking under the weight of the opinions of others. Whether I’m being misunderstood or whether the assessment is accurate, remind me it is irrelevant. Only You get to decide who I am. Only You know my heart, Lord, and only You can change it. Help me to leave all my judgement with You.” (Prayers & Promises for Women)

You Say - Lauren Daigle

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.
— 1 Colossians 1:21-22 New International Version
New Years 2024Kendra Brown
Day 32 "Darkness Turned To Light"

Light In The Darkness

Good Morning Beauties!

Jesus, who is appropriately called, The Light of the World, will quench the darkness that lives inside of you. I know because He has done this very thing for me. You must be willing to trust Him and follow Him where He leads, even though it may be uncomfortable. Are you willing? Selah.

God is faithful to His promises. He will not let you down. Here are a few promises about leading you out of darkness:

“You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.” 2 Samuel 22:29

“He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings utter darkness into the light.” Job 12:22

“(You) turn night into day; in the face of the darkness, light is near.” Job 17:12

“You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” Psalm 18:28

“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16

“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” John 12:46

I pray your faith is strengthen by these scriptures - these Truths. Will you follow Him today as He leads you on unfamiliar paths? Selah.

I first heard this song about 25 years ago, and I still love worshipping our Lord Jesus with it. I invite you to look beyond the outdated clothes and style of worship and praise your Savior with the precious words and melody.

Sing of Your Great Love - Darlene Zschech

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

...that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
— 1 Peter 2:9 New International Version
New Years 2024Kendra Brown
Day 31 "You Are Purity"

Beautifully Pure

Good Morning Beauties!

We’re beginning the last ten days of our journey. WOW! I hope you are proud of yourself and what you’ve accomplished in the first thirty days. What did you discover about yourself in the past month? What can you celebrate and where do you need grace to see improvement? Selah.

Today we start our seventh attribute - Purity. What do you immediately think of when you see or hear the word Purity or Pure? I think of Jesus and His Pure heart. He has allowed me to meet a few people with a pure heart and I’m always drawn to them.

Here are a couple of definitions of Purity to consider:
”freedom from adulteration or contamination” and “freedom from immorality”. How do you define it? What definition are you trying to live up to? Selah.

I believe we most often think it has to do with our sexuality, especially when we refer to Christian Purity. We hear and use the phrase, “I want to remain pure for my husband before our marriage”, and we wear purity rings as a commitment to remain a virgin prior to marriage. While remaining sexually pure as God has instructed us is important, I believe purity of heart is even more important.

I love great teaching, and the best is that of Jesus himself. His glorious Sermon on the Mount gave us the gift of the Beatitudes. Jesus declares, “Blessed are the Pure in Heart, for they shall see God.” What is the condition of your heart today? Do you hold any bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy, or envy that is preventing you from seeing all of God? Selah.

Jesus didn’t come to correct our behavior, but to purify our hearts. It’s always about the heart with Him. Will you join me in praying this verse of scripture? “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

Pure - Abbie Gamboa

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature] are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character], for they will see God.
— Matthew 5:8 Amplified Bible
New Years 2024Kendra Brown
Day 30 "And You Are Beautiful"

Delightful Beauty

Good Morning Beauties!

The first word that came to mind this morning as I reflected on the sacrifice of Jesus for me was “unworthy.” It put a damper on my morning from the get-go. Then, the Holy Spirit quickly spoke to me, “of course you’re unworthy, but that has nothing to do with your beauty. See yourself as the Father sees you.” WOW! That was the shot in the arm I needed to turn my day around.

So I contemplated what it must be like to see me as Abba sees me. “Lord, help me understand how you can see all my faults and flaws and still see my beauty?” Immediately, three things came to mind, my dog Hewi, The Chosen, and The Word.

My adorable maltese, Hewi, brought such delight to my heart today by the simplest thing. He has been trained to potty in a certain area, but he still has trouble sometimes. He’ll go near the area, so I know he’s trying, and when he went in the designated spot this morning, we had a little celebration. I delighted in him. Even when he fails, I still love him. His struggles never diminish my love for him.

The second thing I though of as I was trying to understand how God sees me was the series, The Chosen. Most of you have probably seen at least some of it by now. It’s an incredible story of Jesus and His disciples, The Chosen. I quickly remembered episodes where the disciples “messed up” or their actions were less than Godly, but Jesus would still look at them with loving eyes and smile. Despite their flaws, He still took great pleasure in them and their desire to grow as they followed Him.

Lastly, I thought of the scripture that says God delights in us and sings over us. That thought was followed by the Spirit’s whisper, “you make things too complicated. Your life and our love for you is so simple.”

What about you, do you need to simplify your life in Christ? Do negative thoughts cloud the truth of how the Father sees your beauty? What is the Holy Spirit whispering to you today? Selah.

I’ve played this song over and over this morning. I pray you will enjoy it too!

God Delights In You - Sovereign Grace

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 2024Kendra Brown
Day 29 "You Are Redeemed"

Redemption is Here

Good Morning Beauties!

You have been redeemed. You have seen the “how” Jesus went to the cross and shed His precious blood to pay your debt. You have read the “why” Jesus paid the ultimate price, to reconcile you back to Abba Father because of His great love for you. How have both of these truths transformed your beliefs? Selah.

The unconditional love of Jesus is AWESOME and at the same time difficult to comprehend. The love we experience from people has conditions; at times, it demands performance, but not true of God’s love. He loves you just as you are, imperfect, and flawed.

As you ponder His perfect love today, you may want to use the creative page in the back of your journal with the cross. Spend time resting in the Lord and finding peace in His presence. He’d love to meet you there.

As on Day 26, our redemption and all Jesus has done for us is worth celebrating. Let’s crank up the volume and shout from the rooftops!

When I Think About The Lord - Mercy Culture Worship

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.
— Psalm 107:1-2 New Living Translation
New Years 2024Kendra Brown
Day 28 "For You The Savior Died"

Sacrificial Beauty

Happy Lord’s Day Beauties!

Today may be a life changing experience for you. Have you allowed yourself to look at the Truth about what Jesus actually did for us? For you? This Truth is not for the faint of heart, so I ask you to be courageous with what He will show you today.

A couple of Bible verses that run through my mind in thinking of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for me.
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." John 15:13

It is His LOVE for you, that Jesus died, so you could be reconciled to The Father and live together for eternity. What does this sacrificial love mean to you? Selah.

We could stop there, and have this warm and fuzzy feeling, but can we just get real for a minute? The cross was torture! The sacrifice was great!

Let's be brave and take a look at the Truth of what Jesus endured for us, There’s a song that touched my heart as a teenager and has stayed with me all these years. There is also a movie that has had a profound impact on my life. When you put them together, it is a bit overwhelming. To be honest, it is hard to watch, but I pray you will, so you will know Jesus more, and to have a better understanding of His depth of LOVE for you.

The Day He Wore My Crown - Sandi Patty, The Passion Of The Christ, Jesus Of Nazareth

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
— John 3:16 New International Version
New Years 2024Kendra Brown
Day 27 "The Lamb Was Crucified"

Worthy Is The Lamb

Hello Beauties!

“Christ went into the Holiest Place of All one time for all people. He did not take the blood of goats and young cows to give to God as a gift in worship. He gave His own blood. By doing this, He bought us with His own blood and made us free from sin forever.” Hebrews 9:12 (NLV)

My encouragement today is simple - Jesus, the spotless and perfect Sacrificial Lamb paid the ransom for you. What sacrifice are you still trying to offer God instead of accepting His Grace by Faith? Selah.

“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)

"Today, let’s spend our time praising The Worthy Lamb of God and let’s linger in His beautiful presence with all of heaven’s angels.
Worthy Of It All - CeCe Winans

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 1:18-19 (NIV)
New Years 2024Kendra Brown