“Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” Luke 12:22-26

“Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.” 

So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.” 1 Kings 17:2-6

Worries Don’t Apply (Luke 12:22-26; 1 Kings 17:2-6) – Lovely Birds of Lent Week 6

I just noticed that both of these passages talk about ravens, and yet, I drew a bluebird on a flowery branch when I thought about not worrying. I guess I associate bluebirds with lighthearted joy more than ravens. However, ravens are a very interesting choice for not worrying. Ravens are incredibly intelligent. They can use tools, gesture, and mimic humans and mechanical noises. 

Many of the people I know who are chronic worry-ers consider it to be a sign of their intelligence. They seem to think that other people who don’t worry as much simply aren’t facing the truth of the situation. If they were, they would be worried too. However, the wisest birds in the animal kingdom don’t worry. And the Bible says that we shouldn’t either. 

Trusting God

Trusting God for the future is not a sign of a lack of intelligence. It is a choice in the face of possible trouble or disaster to not worry but instead place our hope and expectation in His hands. Whatever happens, He will help us through it. 

“Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” Luke 12:22-26

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” Our worry does not accomplish anything aside from ruining our present. Not only does it not add an hour to our lives, it wastes the hours we do have. 

God Cares for You

God takes care of our needs. We don’t need to worry about daily needs like food, shelter, or clothing. We do our part to work and be responsible but worry is not necessary and does not help provide for us. God owns everything and He can provide for us when we see no other way. He can even do miracles using the birds.

“Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.” 

So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.” 1 Kings 17:2-6

Elijah had to hide from King Ahab and Queen Jezebel who wanted to kill him. God provides a place to hide, a water source, and the birds bring him food like an ancient form of Doordash. He gives Elijah a much-needed break and provides every detail. 

Light-hearted Bluebirds

We can relax and find joy like a light-hearted bluebird on a beautiful flowery branch! We don’t have to worry when the God of the universe is watching over our lives. In the face or potential pain and trouble, we can still smile and be joyful. He’s got this!

Lovely Birds of Lent Week 6 Action Step:

Let’s assess the tendencies we fall into! Do you tend to be a worrier or a truster? Take a moment today to place trust in God’s provision and care for you and let go of worry. 

Come over to the Facebook group @DevoInAction (https://www.facebook.com/devoinaction) and share your thoughts about today’s devotional or post a pic of your journaling under Lovely Birds of Lent Week 6 or post on Instagram and tag me @devoinaction!

THEN, comment on someone else’s post to encourage and build them up in the Lord! Let’s not just share our art but also the heart of what God is speaking to us with one another. 

Lovely Birds of Lent Week 6 Prayer:

Dear God, Open our eyes to the abundant care You provide us. Help us to trust in You instead of worrying. Remind us as many times as we need to let go of our worry in the face of Your love for us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Lovely Birds of Lent Week 6 Video:

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“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31

Worth More (Matthew 10:29-31) – Lovely Birds of Lent Week 5

Sparrows can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They adapt readily to new surroundings, surviving and thriving. There are a variety of kinds of sparrows and they can actually look quite different from one another. Even though they are pretty cute, some people refer to them as rats with wings, because house sparrows are plentiful in cities.

This was also the case in the Roman Era when Jesus was traveling and teaching. In Matthew 10, Jesus is sending his twelve disciples out to preach and proclaim the Kingdom of God. Before He sends them out, He prepares them for what they will experience. He gives them authority to cast out evil spirits and heal diseases. He instructs them to rely on the hospitality of the Jewish people rather than taking provisions. He warns them about the persecutions they will endure.

Do Not Be Afraid

The persecutions sound so scary, but Jesus tells His disciples not to be afraid of the people who oppose them. 

“So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:26-28

When we embrace the saving power of Jesus, our eternal salvation is secured. We don’t have to be afraid of people who can kill our physical bodies when we are assured eternity in heaven. Our souls healthily headed to heaven to spend all of time with God should be a primary concern. 

Plentiful Sparrows

Then, Jesus goes on to let the disciples know why they have no need to worry. 

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31

Those pesky little birds that are incredibly plentiful do not escape the notice of their Creator. In the first century, sparrows were so abundant and small that they were sold for food two for a penny or sometimes five for two pennies [Luke 12:6]. They were an affordable kosher food for poor Israelites in Jesus’ time. 

Worth More

And yet, these tiny birds that were overlooked and undervalued by everyone were not ignored by the Father in heaven. Jesus tells us this to emphasize how much God values people. He knows how many hairs are on our heads. He is watching over us all the time because we are worth more to Him than many sparrows. 

Worth more. Our worth to God is not determined by our intelligence, ability or achievements. Instead, our worth comes entirely from the love God chooses to lavish on us. His love and care for us gifts us with incredible worth. We are worth more because He says so. 

Lovely Birds of Lent Week 5 Action Step:

As you are painting your sparrows this week, remind yourself that you don’t have to earn God’s love or worth in His eyes. His love for you imbues you with unspeakable worth. The next time that you are tearing yourself down internally, shut down that inner voice with the truth about how God’s eyes of love look at you. You are worth more than many sparrows. 

Come to the Facebook group @DevoInAction (https://www.facebook.com/devoinaction) and share your thoughts about today’s devotional or post a pic of your journaling under Lovely Birds of Lent Week 5 or post on Instagram and tag me @devoinaction!

THEN, comment on someone else’s post to encourage and build them up in the Lord! They are worth more than many sparrows too! 

Lovely Birds of Lent Week 5 Prayer:

Dear God, Give us Your perspective on ourselves and others. Help us to see that we don’t have to earn Your love. You give it freely to us. Thank You that You see our worth when we don’t feel worthy. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Lovely Birds of Lent Week 5 Video:

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“Do you not know?

    Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

    the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

    and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary

    and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,

    and young men stumble and fall; 

but those who hope in the Lord

    will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

    they will run and not grow weary,

    they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31

Hope and Rest to Soar (Isaiah 40:28-31) – Lovely Birds of Lent Week 4

Lately, I don’t often feel like I am soaring through life. With the recent illnesses, Rheumatoid Arthritis flair-ups, and fatigue, I feel more like I am slogging through life. However, this passage in Isaiah encourages me. God is always strong, and HE gives strength to the weary and weak. 

“Do you not know?

    Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

    the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

    and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary

    and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:28-29

We can choose to lean on God and absorb our strength from Him. I just need to remember to lean into Him daily. Sometimes I forget to take the time to take my weakness and weariness to Him when I start feeling that way. 

Soaring and Gliding Instead of Grumbling

I want to be the kind of woman whose constant connection with her Creator imbues her with strength and energy rather than one who complains about ailments and trudges in exhaustion. I am often like the tiny confused bird in our printable, but if I will keep my focus on the strength and power of God, I can soar like the eagle. 

“Even youths grow tired and weary,

    and young men stumble and fall; 

but those who hope in the Lord

    will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

    they will run and not grow weary,

    they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:30-31

Hope in the Lord

“Those who hope in the Lord” – do you know what hope means? Having heard this word my whole life, I rarely think about what it actually means. To hope is to look for good outcomes expectantly. Am I watching for what God is doing on my behalf? Am I looking for His good purposes and expecting them? I looked up the meaning in the original language. The Hebrew word “qâvâh” has an additional meaning of “to collect or bind together.” Those who gather and bind themselves with God to expectantly hope for His good outcomes will have their strength renewed. “They will soar on wings like eagles.”

Eagles’ Wings

Eagles’ wings are impressive! The wingspan of an eagles can grow over seven feet in width. Each wing contains over 1,200 feathers. These huge, powerful wings allow eagles to rise thousands of feet in the air with minimal wing flapping. Then, the massive spread of feathers keeps them aloft with very little effort as they glide at high altitudes. Short times of expending reasonable amounts of energy and effort followed by soaring and gliding through the heights. That is how God envisions us living the Christian life when we are trusting and hoping in the Lord in community with other Believers. 

Lovely Birds of Lent Week 4 Action Step:

Are you a glass half-empty or half-full person? Do you find yourself dreading coming events or anticipating the goodness of God? Do you consistently gather together with other believers? And when you do, do you spend your time looking to God and expecting His goodness or gossipping and griping?

Today, we can take stock of our attitudes and draw near to God for His strength and energy!

Soar on over to the Facebook group @DevoInAction (https://www.facebook.com/devoinaction) and share your thoughts about today’s devotional or post a pic of your journaling under Lovely Birds of Lent Week 4 or post on Instagram and tag me @devoinaction!

Lovely Birds of Lent Week 4 Prayer:

Dear God, We want to soar in Your presence. Remind us to look to You expectantly with anticipation and to gather with other believers to seek after Your good purposes consistently. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Lovely Birds of Lent Week 4 Video:

https://youtu.be/SYvie8buxSw

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“Even the stork in the sky

    knows her appointed seasons,

and the dove, the swift and the thrush

    observe the time of their migration.

But my people do not know

    the requirements of the Lord.” Jeremiah 8:7

““Does the hawk take flight by your wisdom

    and spread its wings toward the south?

Does the eagle soar at your command

    and build its nest on high?

It dwells on a cliff and stays there at night;

    a rocky crag is its stronghold.

From there it looks for food;

    its eyes detect it from afar.” Job 39:26-29

Observe and Learn – Jeremiah 8:7 (Lovely Birds of Lent Week 3)

I love the little bird in this week’s printable. It is looking up intently and has that tail sticking straight up. It seems to be very alert and observant. Both of the scripture passages that I read for this week speak of birds being observant. 

In Jeremiah 8:7, birds are credited for observing the times and seasons as is evidenced by their migration. This alertness and intelligence is contrasted with the people of God who are not observant of the Word of God. 

“Even the stork in the sky

    knows her appointed seasons,

and the dove, the swift and the thrush

    observe the time of their migration.

But my people do not know

    the requirements of the Lord.” Jeremiah 8:7

Inside Out

During Lent, we can spend time looking intently into the Word of God and staying alert to the work He is doing in our lives. His Word is “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12) and is as relevant today to our lives as it was in the moments after it was written. When we are in His Word consistently, it has an impact on our daily lives. His Word transforms us from the inside out. 

Eagle Eyes

 ““Does the hawk take flight by your wisdom

    and spread its wings toward the south?

Does the eagle soar at your command

    and build its nest on high?

It dwells on a cliff and stays there at night;

    a rocky crag is its stronghold.

From there it looks for food;

    its eyes detect it from afar.” Job 39:26-29

Like the eagles mentioned in this passage, we need to have “eyes that detect from afar.” As God’s people, we have to be alert and be observant of the times around us, watching and praying rather than worrying. We put our trust in the God who can do the impossible. His eyes are always watching over us. Let’s look up like our little bird, observing the care of our Father. 

Lovely Birds of Lent Week 3 Action Step:

Take a moment today to observe what God is doing in your life. Through what events can you see His Hand at work, His care for You, or His protection from harm? What bible verse jumps out to you during this season? Observe and learn how God’s word interacts with your daily life. Be an alert little birdie this week!

Come on over to the Facebook group @DevoInAction (https://www.facebook.com/devoinaction) and share your thoughts about today’s devotional or post a pic of your journaling under Lovely Birds of Lent Week 3 or post on Instagram and tag me @devoinaction! What do you see God doing in your life?

Lovely Birds of Lent Week 3 Prayer:

Dear God, Give us eyes to see Your goodness in our lives right now. Help us to be Christ-followers who are observing Your Word and applying it in our lives. Thank You that You are always watching us and caring for us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Lovely Birds of Lent Week 3 Video:

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“I know every bird in the mountains,

    and the insects in the fields are mine.” Psalm 50:11

He Knows Every Bird and He Knows Me (Psalm 50:11) – Lovely Birds of Lent Week 2

This week I learned about a bird of which I had never heard! It is called a bee hummingbird and is the smallest bird in the world. The biggest ones are smaller than two and half inches in length and their nests are less than an inch in diameter. In fact, bee hummingbird eggs are the size of a pea. 

These tiny birds with their beautiful feathers, blur of wings, and extraordinarily rapid heart rates remind me that God is a master designer. He is a creative Creator. I would never have thought of making a bird that would be mistaken for an insect half the time it is viewed. 

He knows them

However, God never makes that mistake. He knows every bird and every insect. 

“I know every bird in the mountains,

    and the insects in the fields are mine.” Psalm 50:11

Each and every one of them are His own creation. He cares for them and provides for them. 

Every bird and me too

He knows every bird and He knows me. He created you and He created me. He cares for us and provides for us. 

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

and before you were born I consecrated you;

I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5

He sees me

It’s true that God knew us and designed us in our mother’s wombs, but He also knows us right now. He sees me right where I am. 

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me!

You know when I sit down and when I rise up;

    you discern my thoughts from afar.

You search out my path and my lying down

    and are acquainted with all my ways.

Even before a word is on my tongue,

    behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.” Psalm 139:1-4

He knows when I am struggling with the fasting and prayer regimen of Lent. He knows when I forget about giving to the needy. He sees when I push through the desire to be lazy and continue to dig into His Word daily. He lifts me up when I am discouraged. He convicts me when I am making wrong choices. 

Lovely Birds of Lent Week 2 Action Step:

Even the tiniest bird in the world has not escaped God’s notice. This reminds me that I am never outside His notice either. 

Take a look in the mirror and remind yourself (out loud if necessary) that God knows you and loves you. Then, take extra care to remember that God knows and designed every other person too – even the really annoying ones. Let’s make a point to treat others with God’s view of them in mind. 

Head on over to Facebook @DevoInAction (https://www.facebook.com/devoinaction) and share your thoughts about today’s devotional or post a pic of your journaling under Lovely Birds of Lent Week 2 or post on Instagram and tag me @devoinaction!

THEN, chirp your encouragement to someone else lifting their spirits today!

Lovely Birds of Lent Week 2 Prayer:

Dear God, Thank you that You know us and You see us. Help us to see others with Your view of them in mind. Help us to show love and kindness to everyone we meet. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Lovely Birds of Lent Week 2 Video:

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Come and Perch (Matthew 13:31-32) – Lovely Birds of Lent Week 1

“He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”” Matthew 13:31-32

“ “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.”  Matthew 23:37

Come and Perch

I grew up with parents who always have birdfeeders in the backyard and enjoy watching the birds eating and playing. I remember one summer while vacationing at a cabin in the mountains of Colorado, we had two hummingbird feeders in one tree because there were too many birds for one feeder. I could stand by the feeders and put my finger by right next to the feeder. The tiny birds would land on my finger to take sips from the red liquid. 

Those birds with their incredibly fast fluttering wings and long, thin beaks were fascinating to watch. They practically danced through the air and would interact with one another as they all gathered around the glass feeders with bright red sugar water. They had beautiful greens, reds, purples, and more in their tightly feathered bodies. 

Spring Birds

Now that I live in the midwest, it doesn’t feel like spring has arrived until I hear early morning bird songs as the sun comes up. With the winter chill dissipating, birds begin to reappear from wherever they spent the winter months. They gather in the trees, on electrical lines, around the lake in our backyard, and we see them swarming in the skies. 

Joy in the Gathering

The cheeps and tweets of the birds as they perch lifts my spirits that are ready for warmth and sunshine after snow and ice. When I read today’s scripture in Matthew 13, I was struck by the joy that it implies.

“He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.””

Matthew 13:31-32

The kingdom of heaven is a place where we come and perch, gathering together to exalt God’s name and character, to exhort one another, and to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. 

Jesus as a hen?

Jesus even wanted the gathering of God’s people together. He mourns the state of Jerusalem and says that He longs to gather the people together as a hen gathers her chicks sheltering them under her wing. 

“ “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” 

Matthew 23:37

During this Lenten season leading up to Easter, let’s not forget the importance of gathering with other believers. We can do that here in an online format and physically in our local churches. When we come and perch with other believers, we sing our songs of praise to God and chirp our encouragement to others. 

The traditional focal points of Lent are fasting, prayer, repentance, and giving to the needy. Our times of gathering together can empower us to stay strong in fasting and prayer and giving. They help us to recognize our sin so that we will be drawn to repentance in God’s presence. God’s flock – the Church – is a powerful vehicle for His purposes to be accomplished in this world. His kingdom is a place for us to gather. To come and perch.

Lovely Birds of Lent Week 1 Action Step:

Let’s gather together on social media! Come on over to the Facebook page @DevoInAction (https://www.facebook.com/devoinaction) and introduce yourself to us! Share your thoughts about today’s devotional or post a pic of your journaling under Lovely Birds of Lent Week 1 or post on Instagram and tag me @devoinaction!

THEN, comment on someone else’s post to encourage and build them up in the Lord! Let’s not just share our art but also the heart of what God is speaking to us with one another. 

Lovely Birds of Lent Week 1 Prayer:

Dear God, Help us to step out of our comfort zones and gather together with other believers! Give us words of encouragement for others and help us to lift You up when we are together. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Lovely Birds of Lent Week 1 Video:

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If you don’t have access yet to the Resource Library, find out how to get free access HERE!

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“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17

Sparkling Advent #12: Every Good and Perfect Gift (James 1:17)

Merry Christmas! I hope that you are having a wonderful day celebrating the birth of Jesus. As presents are piled up around the tree, let’s remember today that every gift we have in this life is from God.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17

Have you ever gotten a really bad gift? Maybe it was bad because you desperately wanted something else and were disappointed  or maybe it demonstrated the gift-giver doesn’t know you at all. Perhaps it showed a lack of care or disregard for your feelings. 

God does not give those kinds of gifts. His gifts are good and perfect. He doesn’t lurk in the shadows, pulling the strings of bad things happening. He is the Father of lights, showering us with gift after gift. 

He planned from the very beginning of creation to send the ultimate gift of Jesus because He knew we could not stay sinless and holy on our own. His care for us through the Savior was prophesied down to small details hundreds of times throughout the Old Testament. Jesus, the ultimate gift, fulfilled them all!

Action Step:

Read Luke 2:1-20 today and think about how many things had to happen at the right time in the right order for the prophecies about the Messiah to be fulfilled in Jesus and thank God for His ultimate gift!

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered. 2 This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.

4 Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, 5 to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 Then she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him tightly in cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:

 

14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!

15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”

16 They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger. 17 After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard, which were just as they had been told.

Follow @devoinaction on Facebook and join in the conversation about each post in this series. Please feel free to share a pic of your Bible entry and share your thoughts on the scripture in each devotional. Or, tag me @devoinaction on Instagram. The hashtag for this series is #sparklingadvent

Prayer:

Dear God, Open our eyes to the wonders of Your gifts to us that are good and perfect. Everything we have is from Your hand. Thank you for Your blessings and especially thank You for the gift of Jesus. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Check out the video on YouTube:

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“As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
    we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:36-39

“And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” Revelations 12:11

Sparkling Advent #11: The Gift of Victory (Romans 8:36-39, Revelations 12:11)

I’m going to let you in on a little secret about me: I love to win. When I was growing up and even into early adulthood, no one ever wanted to play games with me even though I loved to play board games and card games. I would play to win like it was the most important thing in the world and was a sore loser. Victory at any cost! 

I have tried really hard to curb this tendency in myself when playing games with family and friends so I won’t be insufferable to be around anymore. In my spiritual life, I am learning that being victorious is not dependant on my abilities or strength. My victory in this life and the next is about what Jesus did far more than what i have done or will ever done. 

The Blood of the Lamb

Jesus allowed His blood to be spilled on my behalf. I am deserving of death because of my sin, yet Jesus took on the penalty of my wrongdoing. He is called the sacrificial Lamb in reference to the Old Testament sacrifice system. 

“And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” Revelations 12:11

The Word of Our Testimony

The word of our testimony is powerful. What we say with our mouths is important. Our words carry weight and spiritual significance. 

“If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation.” Romans 10:9-10

Our victory comes through a partnership that is established when we believe and confess that Jesus has paid the price for our sin through his death on the cross and has risen in victory over the grave. 

His nearness

We are more than conquerors, victorious in life, when we stay close to God. We stay soaked in HIs Word, connected to HIm in prayer, and aware that nothing can separate us from Him.

“As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
    we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:36-39

His nearness  is our secret weapon to winning. Our victory is a gift from God. 

Action Step:

Do you feel like you are winning at life? If not, maybe you need to take a look at how you define victory. Is it in material accomplishments or through staying connected to Jesus? Or, maybe you are trying too hard to do it all alone. Let’s remember His nearness that brings us victory and start sharing our testimony of His goodness to us. We can claim victory back again this Christmas!

Follow @devoinaction on Facebook and join in the conversation about each post in this series. Please feel free to share a pic of your Bible entry and share your thoughts on the scripture in each devotional. Or, tag me @devoinaction on Instagram. The hashtag for this series is #sparklingadvent

Prayer:

Dear God, Thank You for the blood of Jesus that paid for my victory over sin. Help me to use my words powerfully to affirm my belief in You. Remind me that You are always near and that nothing can separate me from Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Check out the video on YouTube:

Don’t miss out on all the freebies!

For access to the free printables to use in Bible art journaling, click here: https://www.devotioninaction.com/resourcelibrary/

If you don’t have access yet to the Resource Library, find out how to get free access HERE!

The post Sparkling Advent #11: The Gift of Victory (Romans 8:36-39, Revelations 12:11) appeared first on Devotion in Action.

“being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;” Colossians 1:11

“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“The Lord is my strength and my song,

    and he has become my salvation;

this is my God, and I will praise him,

    my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” Exodus 15:2

Sparkling Advent #10: The Gift of Power (Colossians 1:11, 2 Timothy 1:7, Exodus 15:2)

I was a musical theater kid and have always loved Broadway musicals. There is a song in the Lin Manuel Miranda musical In the Heights where the cast repeatedly sings, “We are powerless, we are powerless.” The lyrics carry a double entrendre since they are in the midst of a blackout and literally have no electrical power; while at the same time, as a minority group in the United States, they feel the cultural prejudices and inequities that make them feel powerless to change their futures.

Interestingly, it is in our powerlessness that we can experience the gift of power from God. Even though we are not naturally powerful or strong, we can be through the Holy Spirit within us. Paul prays for this gift for the church at Colossae in Colossians 1:11:

“For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we haven’t stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;” Colossians 1:11

Power for endurance

This world can be a difficult place to be a Christian. All around us the culture is trying to disprove belief in God or get us to approve sin. We can only endure in the faith if we walk in the power of God’s Spirit rather than our own striving. We are not strong enough on our own. 

“being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;” Colossians 1:11

Power to fight fear, The Strength of self-control

We do not have to fear the culture around us, the negative things that happen in the world, or what might happen in the future. We have power through Jesus to hope for the future, to stand firm in the face of opposition, and to endure. The Spirit’s power enables us to love others and to exhibit self-control in the face of temptation. 

“Therefore, I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands. for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:6-7

The baby and the barbell

I love the printable this time! This little guy lifting this huge barbell is so funny and cute, but it illustrates such an important point. We do not have power in and of ourselves. The only way that a baby can lift a barbell is through a trick or because someone else is behind them lifting it for them. We have the gift of power not in ourselves. We are the baby, but in our weakness, God shows  His strength through us. Because it is obvious that we cannot accomplish all this on own, His power in us sparkles to the world around us!

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.”

Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Action Step:

As we are in the week of Christmas, you may be feeling overwhelmed with trying to get everything done in time for the holiday festivities. Sometimes, this particular part of the season leads to feeling like time and finances are tight. We can be tempted to be short-tempered with those around us. But God’s power in us can help us to exhibit self-control and love others in tough situations. If we have difficult family situations, experience frustrations this week, or things start to go sideways, we have an opportunity to rely on God’s strength in us empowering us to continue in love, sparkling for God.

Follow @devoinaction on Facebook and join in the conversation about each post in this series. Please feel free to share a pic of your Bible entry and share your thoughts on the scripture in each devotional. Or, tag me @devoinaction on Instagram. The hashtag for this series is #sparklingadvent

Prayer:

Dear God, Remind us right in the middle of those “tight” temptation moments to lean into Your power instead of our own. Help us to love others and control our own tendencies to defend ourselves or demand our rights. Let Your strength sparkle in our weakness. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Check out the video on YouTube:

Don’t miss out on all the freebies!

For access to the free printables to use in Bible art journaling, click here: https://www.devotioninaction.com/resourcelibrary/

If you don’t have access yet to the Resource Library, find out how to get free access HERE!

The post Sparkling Advent #10: The Gift of Power (Colossians 1:11, 2 Timothy 1:7, Exodus 15:2) appeared first on Devotion in Action.

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,  not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:4-10

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. 2 Corinthians 8:11

Sparkling Advent #9: The Gift of Good Works to Do (Ephesians 2:4, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Corinthians 8:11)

Early in my Bible art journaling journey, a thought became the foundation of my experience with this particular way of interacting with God’s word. That thought is,

“Perfection in our art is not the point. The point is to spend time in the Word of God, so that He can transform us from the inside out. We are His masterpiece – He is working on us!”

His Masterpiece

This idea is based in Ephesians 2:10 – 

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Good Works

We are the art that God is creating! Even so, that does not mean that we are not supposed to be doing anything. He created us on purpose. He has good works for us to do. 

You might be thinking, “Work? That’s not a blessing!” However, the work God has for us, He is empowering us to do. We are created to do those good works and they help us sparkle to others. 

Uniquely Created

You might have the gift of hospitality, ready to open your home to others at a moment’s notice. You could be a really good cook or baker, who could share food with those who have been in the hospital or are going through a rough patch. You might sing like an angel and have a gift for leading worship. Maybe, you have a ministry of making cards for the elderly like one of my readers. There are so many ways God can use us to sparkle for Him in our world – ways for which we have been uniquely created. 

I like to write and create art, so even though there are many others who are better at it than I am, God is using me to run this blog. Sometimes, we just need to be the one willing to say yes. I have a really good friend who always stays late at church functions to make sure that things are cleaned up and the burden doesn’t fall entirely to the church staff. Another friend of mine leads a Bible study for women and checks in with “her ladies” in between meetings. My sister has a ministry/business helping to connect businesses and her community through social media. 

What are your good works?

What opportunities do you see God opening up for you? Do you have skills, talents, or things you have learned that could benefit others? Do you see a need that you could help to fill? God’s mercy and love blesses us with good works to do so we have purpose and direction. His Word equips us and empowers us! 

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Never too old

Some people I have met think that they have “aged out” of doing God’s work. I have news for you – we never retire from a calling to do the good works for which God created us. They may change through the years, but there is always something for us to do to sparkle in our own sphere and draw others to Jesus. 

Action Step:

Today’s action step is to identify the good works God has you doing or what you could/should be doing on behalf of His kingdom. It doesn’t have to seem “big” to you – every good work is important in God’s Kingdom. We can sparkle in whatever role He has for us!

Follow @devoinaction on Facebook and join in the conversation about each post in this series. Please feel free to share a pic of your Bible entry and share your thoughts on the scripture in each devotional. Or, tag me @devoinaction on Instagram. The hashtag for this series is #sparklingadvent

Prayer:

Dear God, Show us the blessing of the good works You have prepared for us to do. Direct us in how You have equipped us to sparkle for you while serving others in our communities. Help us to see our good works as blessings from You and not just work to be done. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Check out the video on YouTube:

Don’t miss out on all the freebies!

For access to the free printables to use in Bible art journaling, click here: https://www.devotioninaction.com/resourcelibrary/

If you don’t have access yet to the Resource Library, find out how to get free access HERE!

The post Sparkling Advent #9: The Gift of Good Works to Do (Ephesians 2:4, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Corinthians 8:11) appeared first on Devotion in Action.