At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

Should you need to forgive someone, no matter how slight or large the offense. Get to it pronto!! Ask for Jesus’ help! He has completely forgiven you and He will give you the strength to forgive others.

Should you feel hemmed in by your circumstances, walls on every side, Look up! Let God scoop you up in His everlasting arms and give you all that you need. He may have you hemmed for a strategic purpose so don’t try to wrangle out of what you are going through. Let Him carry you safely to your next destination in Him.

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes to be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus because He Who is in you is greater than anything! 1 John 4:4

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My Anthem...

This has been my anthem for a few weeks now…

"Every morning
you’ll hear me at it again.
Every morning
I lay out the pieces of my life
on your altar
and watch for fire to descend."
Psalm 5:2-3 MSG

Maybe it is that I am just getting older or maybe that I feel I wasted so much time in my Journey in Jesus. But honestly. I just want leave it all on the field. You know, the field of my life.

So lately, every morning, I lay the pieces of my life on His altar and watch for fire to descend. I want all the “me” stuff to burn away and have Jesus in me be all that is left. And honestly. I have seen Him do some crazy-sweet, powerful stuff these past few days.

Yes. I think this is going to be my prayer for the rest of my days.

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At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

If your stocks have dropped, your smile has drooped, you’ve locked your keys in the car, and your dog isn’t sure if she likes you anymore look up! There is ONE who knows the number of hairs on your head; Who knows you inside-out, and loves you beyond reason. His love never fails!
1 Corinthians 13:8

Should you have a disagreement with a loved one, co-worker, class-mate, house-mate, in-law or out-law. Forgive quickly! Check your own heart first before you decide to check-out of the situation. Make amends. Jesus has forgiven you everything let His grace in you spill onto someone else.
Matthew 18:22

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes to be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus because He Who is in you is greater than anything! 
1 John 4:4

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1 Corinthians 13...Some Thoughts From Dayspring...

I just celebrated my one year wedding anniversary! We had so much fun in a drive through wedding chapel in Vegas wearing matching shirts and sitting in the car. And we kept it a secret.

A month later we had a beautiful ceremony at sunset in our backyard with our handwritten vows and a section out of my Bible that we had begun to memorize. And though these verses have been said so many times at so many events, today I want you to take in this version with a fresh set of eyes.

“Love suffers long. Having patience with imperfect people.

Love is kind. Active in doing good.

Love does not envy. It actually wants other people to get ahead.

Hence it does not parade itself. Love has a self-effacing quality.

Love is not puffed up. Treating others arrogantly.

It does not behave rudely, but displays good manners and courtesy. 
Love does not seek its own, insisting on its own rights and demanding precedence. Rather it is unselfish.

Love is not provoked. It is not irritable or touchy, rough or hostile, but is graceful under pressure.

Love thinks no evil. It does not keep an account of wrongs done to it, instead, it erases resentments.

Love does not rejoice in iniquity, finding satisfaction in the shortcomings of others and spreading an evil report.

Rather, it rejoices in the truth, aggressively advertising the good.

Love bears all things defending and holding others up.

Love believes the best about others. Credits them with good intentions and is not suspicious.

Love hopes all things. Never giving up on people, but affirming their future.

Love endures all things. Persevering and remaining loyal to the end.

Love never fails.”

(Adapted from my Bible in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

And here is what I know as we just said these words again at our one year vow renewal:

Love is a lot of things I am not.

Love is everything God is.

But…Love is something I can strive for every single day in every single way.

Because…Love Never Fails.

Everywhere I Walk...

Leaving eternal footprints…

“How beautiful upon the mountains
Are the feet of him who brings good news...
Who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!”
Isaiah 52:7

Every day it seems I take a lot of steps. Steps around the busy medical clinic I work at; steps through my favorite market; steps along my neighborhood as I attempt to jog. Steps, yes, steps. Lots of them.

God’s Word tells me that I have the potential to leave eternal footsteps. This speaks to my heart. I want every step I take to count. I want to walk where He is leading me to walk and seize the everlasting opportunities Holy Spirit places all around me.

Yes. Everywhere I go, may my steps, actions, prayers, thoughts, and words proclaim: my God reigns!

Want to join me?

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At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

Should your tires be flat, your wallet be even flatter, but your tummy seems to be anything but flat, it is time to take a deep breath of the Holy Spirit, turn off all media, and run to Jesus' presence. Open His Word and drink in His life.

Should your work seem daunting, your household is floundering, and your peace of mind is disappearing, it is time to re-surrender your life to the One and Only who can bring hope, joy, strength and the ever needed wisdom and calm you are lacking. He is faithful, even when you are not.

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes to be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus, no matter what you face, because He Who is in you is greater than anything!  1 John 4:4

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Humility...Wise Words from Dayspring...

I have a relationship I have to maintain. My Ex.

And that first year was rough. He was mad and angry and did a lot of yelling. Now nearly 4 years later we could both tell you that we’re friends. It wasn’t easy to get where we are but if anyone asks me how we do it so well I always tell them this: I had to humble myself.

I spent that first year doing things for him that the world said I no longer owed him. I offered to help him any way I could whenever he needed it. I tried (though sometimes failed!) keeping my mouth shut when he was upset with me. I continued to humble myself to him while the world screamed at me to demand what was mine, fight for my rights, be selfish, and treat him as any good ex should be treated. But I wanted to do it different and it made all the difference.

“Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” Matthew 21:5

In my Bible it goes on to say this in the notes: “The Zealots were looking for a warlike Messiah who would use force. Jesus showed a greater power than armed might, the power of humble wisdom and penetrating love. Meekness is not weakness, but power under perfect control.”

I know firsthand the validity of that statement in my everyday life. 
In a world that entitles us to be strong, and “hear me roar” is what is expected, humility is frowned upon. But if you want to change a relationship in your life it’s the only way. I dare you to try it and just see what happens.

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___________________
by: Dayspring Boldt Broxton

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

Should your country seems overwhelmed, in turmoil, full of restlessness and unrest, look to the King of Kings. He is still on His throne and He is not overwhelmed, in turmoil, or unrest. In Him is no shadow of turning and His love is unabated by world events. He knows the beginning to the end and He is at work drawing many to Himself and giving healing and comfort to those who invite Him to come into their lives.

Should YOU be overwhelmed, in turmoil, full of restlessness and unrest, look to the Prince of Peace. If you have received Him, He is Your Rock, Your Shelter, Your Tower of Refuge. Find genuine comfort, direction, healing, deliverance, and strength in the power of the Holy Spirit. What are you waiting for? Run to Him and don't get up until you sense His presence and receive a fresh word from His Word.

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes to be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus because He Who is in you is greater than anything!
1 John 4:4

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A Foul Mood....Thoughts from Dayspring...

I am feeling super judgmental today: like everyone around me can’t do anything right and their sinful choices and actions are causing me to be in a foul mood. How dare they praise the name of God and claim to know Him, and yet act like THAT?!?

But Jesus said, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7

And in my ugly little tantrum of their abominations, I find myself looking at my own life. Sinning in my judgment upon them. Wondering when I might ever really be worthy to praise the name of God and claim to know Him? Because I won’t ever be worthy. There might have been a three -minute period once when I was a kid where I could be found totally blameless, but otherwise I’m just a big, fat sinner.

Who the heck am I to judge anyone? Why does my ugly heart take it so personally? And how do I love those close to me whose sins are rubbing me the wrong way?

Perhaps I am the only one who ever feels this way.

But if ever you find yourself seated up here on this throne of judgment next to me, remind yourself of Jesus’ words about such behavior. In fact, I could easily rattle off a bunch of verses that put me in my place. I’m also reminding myself about the grace that I am shown hourly for the sins that I constantly do and sure enough, my ugly throne crumbles and my heart is grateful for a grace that is given to not just me but everyone.

And I find myself back on my face right where I belong.

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_____________________________

written by: Dayspring Boldt Broxton

Check-Up Time...

It might be time again to have a little forgiveness check-up…

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:14-15

These are pretty heavy words from the mouth of our Savior. To completely forgive every person who has wounded, hurt or abused us. However here, I want to direct your attention to a different area of not being able to forgive.

Is there someone reading this who needs to forgive the Lord?

This happens, you know. Years ago it happened to me. But He met me in my need, hurt, and anger. He wasn’t afraid to hear me out. It was when I tried to withhold my feelings from Him that I suffered. And when I was ready to invite Him in to deal with my heart, He came,

Don’t stomp off and be mad, sulk, or give up your faith. Would good will that do? Run into His arms and talk to Jesus honestly and listen genuinely. Rely upon His unfailing Word and find comfort in His presence. Take it from one who knows.

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At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

Should you be concerned about your family, your friends, your country, now is the time to pray and not give up hope. Determine in your heart to draw closer to Jesus this week and let the Holy Spirit guide your prayers. He will give you insight how to pray effectively and on point, so be sure to quiet your heart and listen!

Should circumstances not go the way you hadplanned, take a prayer breather for yourself. Ask the Lord Jesus for His guidance. Is this His moving in your life? Is it the enemy’s? Hmmm. Could it be your own doing? Don’t do anything till you sense the Lord’s direction and then move forward with His leading.

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes to be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus, no matter what you face, because He Who is in you is greater than anything! 
1 John 4:4

Living...Now. (Thoughts from Dayspring)

Heaven is real. So is hell. These are things I totally believe. Without a doubt in my mind.

“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” Psalm 84:10

But I have a secret to tell you…

I don’t care.

Hold on, hold on! Hear me out! What I mean is that even if Heaven wasn’t real, I would still love God. Even if I wasn’t promised an eternity with Him in a place with no sin, sorrow, or tears I would still follow Him. Even if all I received was this one go-around in this heartbreaking, very difficult, dark world I would STILL praise Him. Still.

To me it’s not about the end game. It isn’t. It’s about my life today. And what He alone has done for me today. I know who I was and the life I had. I know who He has made me be and the life I have now. I know freedom like I’ve never known, I’ve seen grace like I’ve never been shown, and I am loved as unconditionally as you can bring yourself to imagine. And what God has done for me NOW is worth it all.

So even if this life was the only one I have and a hole in the ground was the only promise awaiting me, I wouldn’t quit Him. Because He has never quit me. I’m a screw-up still. I fight Him still. And sometimes I leave Him behind, still. Even after all He has done for me, but I know that my self-induced-crazy walk with Him is better any day than taking even one step without Him.

What about you? Are you in it for the solely for the security of heaven versus hell? Or are you taking full advantage of His life-changing, life-giving power today?

He is Speaking to Us...

You know? It really is important to do what the Lord is saying...

“...Then they began to cleanse the Temple of the LORD, just as the king had commanded. They were careful to follow all the LORD's instructions in their work.”
2 Chronicles 29:15 NLT

Duh. We all know we need to listen to the Lord’s voice. But honestly, so often I get a directive or a sense of what the He is leading me to, then I try to come up with the best way to get there – without following His instructions. You too?

When King Hezekiah was restoring the temple from all the abuse his father had done to it, the Scriptures tell us here that King H was careful to follow all the Lord’s instructions. How often I try to take matters into my own hands, when a huge part of our Journey in Jesus is drawing close to Him daily, for His daily instructions to us.

Trying to clean up your life, just like that old Temple we read about? Don’t even attempt it on your own. Follow Jesus. Hear His daily heart for you. Not what you are thinking; not what the world is saying. Follow carefully HIS instructions. Walk in His abundance.

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week…

Should life - aka: the world, the flesh, and our enemy - throw you a curve ball, well, you are already on the winning team in Christ! Let Him be your catcher. In other words, don’t noodle, worry, be distracted, or become anxious about your situation. Place your concerns completely in His capable hands and let Him coach you as to what to do next.
Romans 8:37

Should you grow impatient, weary, or wary, keep your eyes on King Jesus. Head to His throne room on your knees. Let the Holy Spirit fill you up and overwhelm you. His strength is all that you need.
Hebrews 4:16

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes to be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus because He Who is in you is greater than anything!
1 John 4:4

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Aging.... from Dayspring will make you smile...

My grandma is turning 80 soon and then a few days after that I’ll be turning the BIG FOUR-OHHHHhhhhh-how-did-I-get-so-old (and how old must my mom be feeling?!? ;) ). Thirty-five was nearly the death of me; my mid-life crisis and all. However, I’m hoping that this one will pass by without too many tears, fears, and face-lift dreams. I am, however, left to take stock.

My grandma is beautiful, youthful, hip, stylish, and one very cool woman. No one would ever think she’s anywhere near 80. I truly hope that when that day comes for me I’ll be as young and lovely as her. Though I know without a doubt that I’ll be fighting it to the death. Some age old gracefully and some fight time. I’ll be the one without a gray hair hidden by color, with a face full of botox and fillers, and working hard to stay in shape.

Yet even as my body changes, my face sags, my eyes dim, and as my hair turns gray and, God-forbid, falls out…yet one things stays the same.

God.

He never changes. Only we do.

Do me a favor. Go to Biblegateway.com and look up Isaiah 46:4 in the NIV at the top search panel. Then when you get to that page, under the verse hit “Isaiah 46:4 in all English translations” and just read through them. I promise they’ll make you smile; wrinkles, crow’s feet and all!

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4

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Written by: Dayspring Turning-40 Boldt Broxton

He Will Not...

Hang with me here.

Say a quick prayer asking the Holy Spirit to speak from His Heart to yours. Now, read this passage slowly...

"...For He, God Himself has said, "I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support.

I will not,

I will not,

I will not

in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let you down relax My hold on you! Assuredly not!"   Hebrews 13:5b AMP

Ponder what He is speaking directly to your heart. Maybe write this verse out and underline what He is saying.

Please take the time to read Hebrews 13:5 in its entirety, for the context of it tells us clearly: Jesus is all we need. He is all sufficient and all satisfying. Come to Him now and surrender more of yourself to Him (I will too!). Yes, He is all we need in whatever we are facing. He WILL NOT let go of us.

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Yes, Lord...

Do you want to become well?

“When Jesus noticed him lying there helpless, knowing that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, “Do you want to become well: Are you really in earnest about getting well?”    John 5:6 AMP

Sure, I want to get well! Jesus seems to ask a rhetorical question here, but maybe, He isn’t. As the Amplified Bible quotes here, are we truly earnest about His healing touch.

Honestly, I went years where I truly don’t think I wanted to be well. I liked my stuff, my issues more than I liked the thought of being free. Would the Holy Spirit be enough to satisfy?  Laughable and tragic all at the same time. Yet, I was destroying myself, my walk with the Lord, and hurting my family.

Self-pity. That can be the culprit of us not letting the Holy Spirit dig deep in us to set us free. We are comfortable in this zip code even if it looks and feels like hell. Nevertheless, freedom is oh-so worth whatever we may have to face to get there. Jesus will walk us through it all to real living.

Yes, Lord. I want to become well.