I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. (Matthew 12:36)

Over the past few years I have made many, many online purchases and I’d never had an issue with any of those transactions until a few weeks ago. After a recent purchase one of the items arrived with damage and there was a long delay in the pickup of the damaged item. In addition, my credit card was overcharged and my many calls to the customer service department did not help rectify the situation.

I was highly frustrated with the whole ordeal and I made sure all of the customer service representatives I spoke with understood exactly how I felt. Each time I spoke with a new customer service representative my patience grew shorter, tone became more unpleasant, and my words became more harsh. Thankfully, a family friend who works for the company was eventually able to intervene and resolve my issues before I lost it completely!

When I think back on how I handled this situation, I am not proud. I let my emotions carry me away and I spoke carelessly. Since most people understand how this could happen, they might be willing to excuse my harsh words. However, God holds me to a much higher standard and He is not willing to brush my bad behavior under the rug.

In Matthew 12:36, Jesus shows us that we have to be careful of what we say because we will be held accountable. God will not excuse our idle words because someone got on our nerves or because he had it coming to him, or because she said something unkind first. Now that we have given our lives to Him, God expects us to be a good ambassadors for Him. Part of our ambassador duties include thinking before we speak, allowing the words we speak to be seasoned with wisdom and grace, and even practicing silence at the most challenging of times. Our words are a calculated choice and we must choose them wisely.

For an emotional person like me, accomplishing these things can seem like an impossible task! However, scripture reminds me that with God’s help, all things are possible (Philippians 4:13). I can be thoughtful, wise, and even silent but only if I continually ask God to serve as the doorman of my mouth (Psalm 141:3). Most importantly, when I slip up and utter something careless, I can go to God in sincerity, repent, and ask Him to forgive me for my words. Then I can praise Him all the more because He will no longer remember my transgressions (Psalm 103:11-12)!

This week, I have a three step plan to help remind me of the importance of speaking properly. First, I’ll be reading the book of James. It’s a great place to start if you want to learn about how to keep control of your words. Next, I’ll be praying about the words I speak and the tone of my voice and asking God to guide me. Finally, I’ll be posting a new Bible verse on my refrigerator:

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)

If you need to work on this area, feel free to join me! May your Monday be happy and blessed!

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for the words the Bible provides for us to ponder and for the many ways these words can help us in our Christian walk. Help us to use our words to encourage and bless others. Forgive us for the times we have not spoken helpful words and give us the strength and courage we need to apologize to those who may have been hurt by our words.  Give us wisdom as we speak and help us remember that our words reflect who we are and what we believe. Amen.

Food For Thought:

1. When was the last time you uttered hurtful or unwise words?
2. What were the consequences of speaking so poorly?
3. Read James 3:9. Why is God displeased when we allow both blessings and curses to come from our mouths?

Photo: Courtesy of tompagenet (Flickr)

On one of our date nights last year, JT and I dined at a little Mexican restaurant. I can’t remember what JT had, but I very much recall the Honey Lime scallops I was served. These sweet tangy morsels were absolutely delicious and ever since that meal, I have longed to taste them again.

We haven’t been back to the restaurant since so I’ve tried to recreate the flavor at home. My creation doesn’t match the restaurant version but there’s a good reason for that. I’ve included soy sauce and bourbon and neither ingredient is very Mexican. However, the combination of flavors sure is tasty.

This past weekend I made Honey Lime Salmon for JT and Honey Lime Shrimp for me. Chicken would work well too.

Honey Lime Salmon
3/4 cup honey
1/2 cup fresh lime juice (for me that’s usually the juice of 2 limes)
2-4 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon bourbon
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 salmon fillet (8 ounces)

Add all ingredients to a small bowl and stir to combine thoroughly. Transfer the marinade to a plastic bag and add salmon. Marinate for 2 hours.

Remove salmon from the marinade and reserve the marinade. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily.

While the salmon bakes, add the marinade to a small saucepan. Bring the marinade to a full rolling boil for at least 3 minutes. Simmer uncovered for 5 – 7 minutes until marinade thickens slightly and creates a sauce.

Serve salmon a bed of rice and drizzle with the honey lime sauce.

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13-14)

Over the past few weeks, my heart has been feeling heavy. There is a particular situation that has been troubling me and I have been praying about it fervently.  Several times a day, I’ve been bringing my requests before God, petitioning Him, pleading for a resolution.

I have been so overwhelmed that I have sought counsel from a few of the more seasoned Christians I admire and have solicited prayers from one of the greatest prayer warriors I know.  As I have prayed and considered the sound advice I’ve been offered, God has shown me that I need to slow down, let go of my worries, and move closer to Him while I wait. So, in order to show God that I was seeking Him with all of my heart, I did something I haven’t done in a long time. I fasted.

Because it had been so long since my last fast, I had forgotten that fasting is a heightening, humbling, and powerful experience. As I fasted, I began to hear the voice of the Lord much more clearly.  God also led me to question my motives for praying and revealed to me that I was so busy pushing my agenda that I had not sought His divine agenda. In addition, God used this fast to help me change the direction and tone of prayers. Ultimately, this Heavenly heartprick steered me in the proper direction and drew me closer to Him.  I now better understand that in order to experience any spiritual growth as I fast, my heart needs to be in the proper condition.

The Lenten season is here and it’s a wonderful time to fast. Consider making this sacrifice as you reflect upon the life changing sacrifice Christ made for each of us. This is an excellent way to keep your mind focused on the importance of Christ’s death and resurrection and a marvelous way to develop and tone your spiritual muscles.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for the Lenten season. Thank you for the sacrifice that Christ made on the cross and for the resurrection  that followed. As we focus on the life changing gift of salvation, help us to embrace You. Draw us closer and allow us to seek ways to get closer to you. Show us how to fast and give us the discipline we need to fast. When we do fast, help us to do it in the proper manner and enlighten us as we sacrifice. Amen.

Food For Thought:

1. Have you ever fasted? What prompted you to do so?
2. Why is fasting an important part of spiritual development?
3. Read Matthew 6:16-18. When we fast how is it to be done?

Photo: Courtesy of samanth celera (Flickr)

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
(Colossians 3:23-24)

Sweet Pea doesn’t like it when I wear my glasses. Nor does she like it when I comb my hair up and secure it with a Sarah Palin style clip. I recently discovered Sweet Pea’s pal Cutie Pie is not a fan of this look either. A few weeks ago after she and her mother Monica dropped by for a visit, Cutie Pie later asked her mother if I was okay. Why? Because I was sporting glasses and a hair clip.

When I asked Sweet Pea why she doesn’t like to see me in my glasses and hair clip, she responded, “You are not being a good Mommy if you don’t have your contacts on and your hair isn’t combed nice.” I explained that there were times I didn’t feel like fiddling with contacts and messing around with my hair and that sometimes Mommy will look like this.

I admit that hair that rivals a bird’s nest, thick glasses, and an uneven skin tone are not the style of first choice, but my appearance certainly does not detract from my ability to perform all of my Mommy duties. Whether I’m wearing glasses or contacts, I’ll still be able to prepare the girls’ meals, take them to their activities, read stories to them, and play with them. Furthermore, there’s no rule that says I have to look like a celebrity while doing it!

Though Sweet Pea’s innocent and seemingly childish comments made me laugh, I found an important lesson tucked inside them. She incorrectly thought I wouldn’t successfully accomplish my Mommy jobs because I didn’t look the part. How many times do we assume that same childish attitude and underestimate others because they do not look the part? Too often. We would do well to remember that the Bible is filled with the stories of men and women who didn’t look the part but were still used by God in a mighty manner!

Consider David. Not many would have guessed he would ascend to such great heights because he was labeled as  small and weak. I’m sure the jaws of many witnesses dropped in awe when little David defeated the giant Goliath with his boyish slingshot and that one smooth stone! As a child, not many would have expected the youngest of Jesse’s boys to assume the throne and reign as one of the greatest kings of Israel. There was a time when David did not look the part.

Consider Joseph. His brothers found him worthless and when they sold him into slavery, they were certain they’d never see him again. Wouldn’t it have been interesting to have seen his brothers’ faces when they arrived in Egypt and found their young brother sitting in authority! There was a time when Joseph did not look the part.

Consider Abraham and Sarah. When they looked at each other, they saw aging faces and weakened bodies. Most would have thought it impossible for them to become parents at such a mature age. God, however, saw otherwise, and blessed them with Issac, a beautiful baby boy. There was a time when Abraham and Sarah did not look the part.

What about Esther? One day while performing every day tasks at home, her world was amazingly transformed when she was brought before the king. Not many would have suspected that a common Jewish girl would  become such a brave and celebrated queen. There was a time when Esther did not look the part.

Others such as Paul, Mary, Deborah, and Moses prove that we don’t have to look the part in order to be a part of God’s dynamic plan. Instead, these heroes remind us that we must not succumb to discouragement and self doubt. When our insecurities rise up within us and cause us to question our ability to accomplish the things God has called us to do, we must trust that He will equip us to succeed.  We must brush aside the opinions of others and remember that God’s opinion is the only one that matters. No matter what we look like, God has an important role for each of us to play in His kingdom!

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for the Bible and all the inspirational words and people it contains. Thank You for providing us with such wonderful instructions for life. Forgive us for not paying enough attention to Your Holy Word and for not reading it as often as we should. Help us to internalize what we read and apply it our lives. Help us to remember that You are the one who will give us exactly what we need to accomplish the goals you have set for us. Be with us as we move forward and prevent us from falling victim to discouragement. Amen.

Food For Thought:

1. What has God recently called you to do?
2. As you approach this assignment from God, do you feel as if you look the part? Why or why not?
3. When you feel insecure how can you overcome these feelings?

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (John 15:12)

For weeks, the girls have been looking forward to Valentine’s Day. This is because they knew I was planning a day of full of fun and special surprises just for them. In the days leading up to Valentine’s Day, I dropped hints about the exciting events the day would bring. When Valentine’s Day finally arrived, Sweet Pea and Sugar Plum were thrilled and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the day.

When the girls came down for breakfast on Saturday morning, they found a bright and festive setting: a kitchen table adorned with a cheery red tablecloth and colorful confetti, shiny balloons floating from the chairs, and new heart-themed place settings. In addition, Sweet Pea and Sugar Plum were greeted by a few Valentine’s Day gifts: barrettes, socks, stuffed animals, and a new Veggie Tales DVD.

After a hearty Valentine’s Day breakfast (including lollipops…shame on us!) and a good toothbrushing, we loaded up the minivan and headed off to a show featuring the girls’ favorite cartoon character. Following the show, we enjoyed a mid-winter barbecue at Famous Dave’s, one of our favorite family restaurants.

Some might wonder why I would put so much effort into creating such a special day for little girls who might not remember the day years from now. Last night as I was reading Passionate Housewives Desperate for God, I was reminded of the answer. Author Jennie Chancey notes that it is the job of wives and mothers to transform the home from “a small kingdom [into] a picture of God’s greater kingdom…a kingdom where beauty shines in every word and deed…” and cautions that “when homes do not have creative, happy, intelligent [women] keeping them, their occupants go elsewhere…”

I always want my girls to have fond memories of the times they spent at home. I never want them to seek satisfaction in other places and in other people because their home lacked love, creativity, and fun. When they look back on their childhood, I want the girls’ senses to be flooded with fond memories of the sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and touches of a warm, safe, welcoming, and creative home.

Though this Valentine’s Day was full of extras, I’m not striving to create a home where every holiday brings gifts and ordinary days always feature extravagant outings. Instead, I’m working to create the loving home environment my children will want to remain part of even as they grow older. I want our small home kingdom to be a little bit of Heaven right here on Earth because of my words, thoughts, and deeds.

Whether you’re a woman works in an office or a woman working from within the home, we can all be the “creative, happy, intelligent mothers” and wives God had called us to be. If we take John 15:12 to heart and allow God’s command to love one another to spur us on, we’ll definitely find new and innovative ways to show love to those in our household. In addition, the love we have for those in our household will make us want to put those ideas into practice. After all, it’s true; actions do speak louder than words.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for the homes You have given us. But more importantly, we thank You for the family members you’ve placed inside of our homes.  Help us to treat them with the love You’ve modeled for us. Inspire us to show our love in new ways and always with great zeal! Forgive us for the times we take our family members for granted and remind us that each day with them is a tremendous blessing! Amen.

Food For Thought:

1. Do you have fond memories as a child at home? Why or why not?
2. Why has God given women the task of making the home “a kingdom where beauty shines…”?
3. Today, what can you do to turn your home into a “picture of God’s greater kingdom” without spending any money?

I do. Many others I know do too. Among the believers was my Cousin Joan.

On Saturday morning, I received a phone call from my mother telling me that Cousin Joan had just passed. For the past few years, Cousin Joan had waged a valiant war against breast cancer, but her personal battle ended yesterday when the Lord called her home.

Even as she fought cancer, Cousin Joan continued to shed a positive light on life. During the Christmas season a couple of years ago, though she was feeling particularly weak, Cousin Joan insisted upon coming to visit my family along with her mother Ruby and her daughter Jennifer. During this visit, I gave her one of my favorite angels to encourage her and asked how she gathered the strength to endure the discouraging days. Her answer was a simple one, “I just trust God even though I’m scared sometimes.”

What an amazing statement to utter in the midst of life’s uncertainty! When asked if we trust God, it is easy for us to say that we do. However, the true question is When times get tough do our lives actually reflect our trust in God? Unfortunately for me, the answer is sometimes no.

Failure to place trust in God can be attributed to several factors. First, some feel that God doesn’t move fast enough. Though we may initially give our issues to the Lord, if He does not resolve the matters in time frame we deem appropriate, we quickly snatch them back. In addition, our own control issues sometimes surface. We think that unless we’re orchestrating the outcome, there will not be harmony in our lives. Finally, fear prevents us from trusting God. We’re afraid that God may address an issue in a manner we not expect or like.

If we do walk in faith and trust God, what can we expect? When we no longer have to wrack our brains over the outcome of life’s challenges, we can enjoy true peace of mind. Next, we can expect to develop patience as we learn to wait on God. Finally, we can expect to see growth in our lives as we give free our hands of our problems and instead reach for the Son.

I believe deciding to trust God in the midst of a life threatening illness was probably frightening for Cousin Joan. However, her willingness to overcome her fears by leaving her burdens with God was pleasing to Him. Little did she know, her ability to trust in God was an inspiration to many.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of life and for the people, places, and things You’ve given us to enhance our lives. Though these things make our lives better, help us to remember that we can only experience a full life when we make You the center of our lives. Forgive us for trying to take care of situations without direction from You.Help us to turn to you as we face worry, fear, and a variety of emotions. Draw us closer to you and give us the strength we need to embrace and trust You.  Amen.

Food For Thought:

1. How do you approach the struggles in your life?
2. What prevents you from placing complete trust in God?
3. Why is it essential for us to trust God with every detail of our lives?

Photo: Courtesy of Photoprincess2006 (Flickr)

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

During the Christmas season a gift exchange was held on a forum I frequent. I mailed a gift to my sweet Christmas buddy and received a terrific gift in return.

I have been wanting to read Passionate Housewives Desperate for God for quite some time but had never gotten around to purchasing it. My Christmas buddy noted that I wanted to read the book and she was thoughtful enough to mail an author signed copy to me as a Christmas gift.

A few weeks ago, when one of the leaders of the church’s womens’ department came to speak to our moms’ group, she suggested that we add an inspirational book to our devotional time. Now that I have Passionate Housewives Desperate for God within reach, I’m reading it along with my Bible during my morning devotional time.

In the short time I’ve had the book, it has already been a tremendous blessing to me. Authors Jenny Chancy and Stacey McDonald offer a fresh Biblical perspective of the modern day homemaker. The book dispels the myth of the desperate housewife and encourages homemakers to recognize their call to work inside the home, to embrace the blessings of caring for their families, and to seek God as they go about their daily tasks.

At times, we all become discouraged by, annoyed with, and passive about the work we have to do. However, if our work matches God’s will, He will provide the encouragement we need to pull ourselves out of the rut we sometimes fall into. For me, Passionate Housewives Desperate for God has done just that. This book has given me the extra dose of encouragement and the swift spiritual fanny kick  I sometimes need to make it through the day. I’m so glad Jenny and Stacey obeyed God when He asked them to write this book and I thank my Christmas buddy for being so generous!

Photo: Courtesy of yoshi3329 (Flickr)

Today is Martin Luther King Day and many of the nation’s  libraries, post offices, and schools are closed as we pause to remember the birthday of this great civil rights leader. The holiday also honors Dr. King’s fine legacy of service. Our family is especially thankful for the wonderful opportunities we have been afforded because of Dr. King’s dedication to civil rights.

Each time Martin Luther King Jr. Day arrives, I enjoy listening to Dr. King’s I Have a Dream speech. Though the entire speech is inspiring and thought provoking, there is one particular line that strikes a chord within me. Now that I am a mother, this line has an even deeper meaning.

Toward the end of his speech, Dr. King forcefully remarks, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” His words reflect my desire as well.  I, too, want my children to be judged by their character and not their color. In order to help make this dream a reality, my husband and I must instill Christlike  character within our children and make sure that our own character is pleasing to God as well.

God wants us each to examine and improve our character and He does not leave us to wonder how to do so. Consider the following verses. They provide clear instruction on how to enhance our own character and the character of our children.

All your sons will be taught by the Lord and great will be your children’s peace. (Isaiah 54:13)

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

These instructions are quite clear. God wants us to teach Biblical, character strengthening principles to our children. This instruction is to originate at home and be a regular part of our daily routine. Parents are to model and discuss Biblical character at home but the Bible notes that the instruction is not to stop there. Parents are to tie and bind these teachings to our hands and hearts so that wherever we go, these Biblical traits come with us.

What can we expect if we follow the Bible’s instructions? Isaiah 54:13 tells us that our children will experience peace. This does not mean that our children will never have to endure conflict. When our children do face conflict, they will bring their problems to God, the One who can provide them with “perfect peace”. Parents who follow this Biblical instruction can expect to find themselves serving as God’s Good Will Ambassador, letting their bright lights shine and bringing glory to God in heaven.

Examining the content of our character and helping our children develop good character is not a quick and easy task. Thankfully God’s Word is full of instruction and also provides us an opportunity to learn we can learn from the men and women of the Bible.

If you’d like to read the entire text of Dr. King’s I Have a Dream speech, visit American Rhetoric’s Top 100 Speeches here. In addition, if you’re interested in continuing Dr. King’s legacy of service, consider participating in The Martin Luther King Day of Service next year. Volunteering to help those in need is a wonderful way for everyone to help enhance the content of our character!

Prayer:
Lord, thank you so much for raising up individuals who have a heart for others. Thank you for Dr. King and his lasting legacy. Father, forgive us for not taking the time to examine ourselves more closely. Help us to seek You and reveal the flaws we have. Guide us to Your Word so that we may improve the quality of our character. As our character improves, help us to perform good works so that we may excellent witnesses for You. Amen.

Food for Thought:
1. When was the last time you took a moment to examine the content of your character using God’s word as a guide?
2. Why is the content of our character so important to God?
3. What can you do to make your home a great source of Biblical character education?

Photo: Courtesy of Auntie P (Flickr)

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. (Proverbs 31:30)

Over the past several months, God has prompted me to reexamine many areas of my life. This examination has shown that though I’ve made progress in some areas, there are other areas that still need improvement.

I’m going to be honest here. I need a serious makeover. I’m not talking about the kind of makeover that involves expensive brand name cosmetics or an arsenal of brushes, powders, and cremes. I’m referring to a makeover that creates real beauty on the inside that radiates outward.

A makeover of this magnitude can only be orchestrated by God! Since He is the one who created me, He best understands how to color me beautiful! As God makes me over, I suspect that I’ll need another cosmetics bag filled with a new line products essential for a new type of beauty!

Instead of reaching for smoothing powder to cover up my blemishes and create a flawless face, I’ll get down on my knees much more frequently and ask God to smooth out my rough spots with His cleansing forgiveness. In lieu of colorful eyeshadows and lash lengthening mascaras, I’ll brighten my eyes by reading God’s word more closely. Rather than tint my lips with my favorite shade of lipstick, I’ll strive to “let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable” in God’s sight (Psalm 19:14).

Trying to meet the world’s standard of beauty is an effort in futility. Beauty trends ebb and flow so very few of us ever reach the height of the beauty bar set by the world. However, there is no need for us to think less of ourselves or fret over our looks because God’s standard of beauty never changes!

Are you ready to show off your true beauty? Spend more time talking to and listening to God. He’ll direct you and help you reveal your true beauty! If you’re looking for a good place to start, consider The 30 Day True Woman Makeover at Revive Our Hearts.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for the loving us just as we are! Though we have spots, stains, and blemishes, we praise You for yet seeing our potential. Forgive us Lord for harboring thoughts, uttering words, and engaging in actions that diminish our beauty. We pray that You would cleanse us from all of our unrighteousness and perform a true makeover. As you cleanse us, continue to remind us that Your mirror is the only one that matters and that Your standard of beauty is the only one that matters! Amen.

Food For Thought:

1. Why do so many people spend so much time making themselves physically beautiful?
2. Is God more concerned with our inner or outer beauty? Why?
3. What areas of your life need to be made over? How will you address these areas?

Like Linus, our sweet little Sugar Plum has a very special blanket. Hers is white with an array of pastel colored hearts and in order to sleep soundly, Sugar Plum must have her beloved blanket beside her in bed. No other blanket will suffice.

One recent morning, I changed and washed the girls’ bedding. That evening as I prepared to put Sugar Plum to bed, I realized I had not transferred the morning laundry over to the dryer. This meant Sugar Plum’s precious blanket was still wet and would not be ready for bed.

Though I knew my offer would not be accepted, I volunteered a similarly colored and similarly sized blanket. Sugar Plum would not accept it and started to cry. After she calmed down, I explained that her blanket was drying and that she could have it the next day. That explanation was not sufficient for her and Sugar Plum said she wanted the blanket that night and would wait for it to dry.

Sugar Plum’s day was a long one and I knew she was tired. But rather than retire peacefully with a different blanket, Sugar Plum fought sleep and insisted upon waiting for me to bring her security blanket. Each time I slipped into her room to check on her, I found her wide awake and whining impatiently. Unfortunately Sugar Plum was giving up much needed rest because she thought she needed to hold onto that blanket!

Isn’t that how we can be? So eager to hold onto the things we think will bring us security! Perhaps we have missed a blessing or two simply because we refused to let go of something we thought would bring us security, comfort, or stability.

When we cling to things other than God, we show that we do not trust Him to provide for our needs. Likewise this lack of trust in God can prevent us from experiencing the many things God has in store for us. How can we live the full lives God has intended us to live, if we don’t lean on Him? Simply put, we can’t.

Sooner or later we learn that our spouses, best friends, children, jobs, and material possessions cannot give us the security we seek. Unfortunately placing full dependence on anything else but God leaves us disappointed and unfulfilled. In addition, it doesn’t leave us free to embrace God, the only one who can meet ALL of our needs.

As the year comes to a close, I encourage you to join me in taking a careful look at what you’re grasping. Let’s make sure we’re seeking security in God. If our trust lies elsewhere, let’s redirect our focus and embrace Him!

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for the friends, families, and materials goods you have given us. We thank you for the joy these things bring to our lives. Help us to remember that You are the one who has provided these and many other things for us. Help us not to put our trust in false securities. Forgive for the times we have depended on other people and things for our needs instead of relying on You. Remind us that only You can meet our needs completely and help us to lean on You completely. Help us to conquer our fear of letting go and letting God and give us the faith we need to rely on You. Amen.

Food For Thought:

1. What makes you feel secure?
2. Are you holding onto things that interfere with what God wants to do in your life?
3. Why is it sometimes hard to “let go and let God”?