Blog

Bible Verses to Keep You Strong

nonacruzLeave a comment

Hey there, friend! If you’re feeling like you need a little extra strength and encouragement in your life, you’re not alone. We all go through difficult times and challenges that can leave us feeling drained and helpless. But did you know that the Bible is full of verses that can give you the strength and courage you need to overcome any obstacle?

Here are some of my favorite verses that I hope will inspire you:

  1. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

This verse reminds us that we are never alone, and that we can do anything we set our minds to with the help of Christ. No matter how big or small the challenge may be, we can draw strength from our faith and the knowledge that we are never alone.

  1. “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” – Psalm 28:7

When we trust in God, we can be confident that he will always be there to help us and guide us through difficult times. We can find strength in the knowledge that we are never alone, and that God is always watching over us.

  1. “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 40:31

This verse is a powerful reminder that when we put our hope and trust in God, he will renew our strength and help us to overcome any obstacle. With God’s help, we can soar to new heights and achieve things we never thought possible.

  1. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him.” – 2 Chronicles 32:7

This passage acts as a constant reminder to us that no matter how large or powerful our adversaries may appear to be, God is always with us, and his power surpasses anything that we may be forced to battle with. As long as we keep in mind that we are never by ourselves, we will be able to tackle challenges with the fortitude and courage they require.

  1. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” – Ephesians 6:10

This is a potent reminder that our strength derives from God, and that ultimately, he is the source of all strength. We have the ability to be courageous in the face of any difficulty when we put our faith in his strength and guidance.

These are just a few of the many Bible verses about strength that can help inspire and encourage you. So the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or discouraged, take a moment to reflect on these verses and draw strength from your faith. With God’s help, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve your dreams!

Thankfulness

Sheri Yates2 Comments
blog image
Colossians 3:15—the end of this verse is my favorite line in the Bible:
“And be thankful.”
Thanksgiving is a command. This is an imperative statement. It is saying, “And you, be thankful.” I believe we are commanded by God to be thankful.
I often think of thankfulness as thoughtfulness. Thankfulness and thoughtfulness go together. The Word of God tells us to think of others above ourselves. We should in fact think other people are more important than ourselves (see Philippians 2:3–4). But how often do we do that? We fight to get through traffic. We fight to be first in line. We run into the restaurant to cut someone off so maybe we can get seated three minutes before they can. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been passed on the highway only to catch up with the person who almost caused a wreck a few minutes earlier.
I think when we are thoughtful and thinking about someone else deeply—about what they have done for us or the sacrifice they have made—it evokes an overwhelmingly thankful heart. Is it thankfulness or thoughtfulness? Regardless, thoughtfulness is the root of thankfulness every time.
My cousin is on her honeymoon right now. Because I helped her plan her honeymoon, she sent me the sweetest message. She is on the final night of her honeymoon. What is going on in her mind that she would send me a text on the final night of her honeymoon? Really! The two of them were thinking about this trip and how amazing it was, so they began to be thankful for the person who helped them plan it. Here is her message:

It’s our last night. I checked in online. We are freshening up to go to the fire and then the pool. We have had the time of our lives. There have been many times I thought I needed to be pinched because everything is so perfect here. We have laughed endlessly. Thank you for booking our vacation. Thanks to you, we have had the best honeymoon imaginable. I am so thankful to have a great cousin like you. I love you. You are a prayer warrior. The weather has been incredible. God is good. We are sure this trip is a start to a very happy marriage. Thank you.

When we are mindful and thoughtful of others and we consider what they have sacrificed or what they have given, it always results in thanksgiving. The Bible tells us that in the end times, people will be lovers of themselves. They won’t be thankful because when you love yourself more than anybody else, you are not thoughtful of the person next to you.
You cannot do anything about a person who is not thoughtful. But you can do something about you. You can be one who deeply considers the sacrifice of Jesus and what He has given. When we deeply consider what He gave—His body and His blood—and that He was naked on a cross, someone gambled over having His undergarment, and He was marred beyond human likeness for our sins, then we can become thankful to God.

Thank you, Father, that we have life. Thank you, Father, that I’m no longer a slave to sin because You have set me free. I’m no longer under the power of darkness. I’m in the power of light. It’s because of You and Your sacrifice.

Thankfulness always changes the game and your attitude. When you are thankful, you cannot remain anxious or depressed. You can’t stay there.
So here’s the challenge: Open up a journal, a notebook, sticky notes, a chalkboard, or whatever else works for you and compel yourself every day to write down what you are thankful for in the morning, at lunch, and in the afternoon. At the end of the week, I want you to see what has changed, what is different about you. Then share it with us. Come back to this blog post and tell us what is going on in your life.

For the Struggling

nonacruzLeave a comment

I know that life can be tough, and as a Christian, you may feel like you’re supposed to have it all together. But the truth is, we all have struggles and challenges that we face. Take heart, you are not alone in this.

I want you to know that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and to struggle. It doesn’t mean that you’re any less of a person or that you’ve failed in some way. What matters is that you keep going and don’t give up hope.

I encourage you to lean on your community. Talk to your friends, family, or fellow church members. Knowing you have a support system in place may be incredibly relieving at difficult times.

Don’t forget the value of showing appreciation. There are still blessings to be had, despite our trials. Being thankful for little comforts like a cozy bed and a nice dinner go a long way. Incorporating these bright spots into your thoughts and memories might help you see things in a new light and find inner calm.

Most importantly, don’t forget to stay connected to God. Spend time in prayer and reading the Bible. It’s in these moments that you can find comfort and strength.

Finally, keep moving forward. Even when it feels like you’re taking one step forward and two steps back, keep pushing. Remember that God is with you, and He’s walking alongside you every step of the way.

So, my dear friends, whether you are in a struggle or not, I hope these words bring you some encouragement today. Know that you’re not alone, and with God, there is hope for a better tomorrow.

Two Ways

Sheri YatesLeave a comment

blog image

There are two ways we can minister: One is out of compassion in response to someone who’s hurting or something that we see. The second is out of the Spirit’s leading.

All too often, we minister out of compassion and not out of His leading. When the Spirit leads us, we will always see His power flow. 

What I love about the Original Design Youth Group is that they have been ministering out of the Holy Spirit’s leading. The week before they go out to minister, they ask the Lord to whom He wants them to give love. They write down clues and pictures that the Lord gives them. The following week, we worship and then go out to look for the people God described the previous week. 

These young students have learned the power of sitting and listening to the Lord and allowing His Spirit to lead them to minister and bring amazing encouragement, freedom, and healing!

Do you primarily minister out of compassion as a response to people, or are you leading from the Spirit’s prompting?

Everyday Christ-like

nonacruzLeave a comment

Hey there, friend! Have you ever thought about how to be like Christ in your everyday life? It’s easier than you think! Being Christ-like doesn’t mean you have to go out and save the world, but it does mean showing love and kindness in small ways throughout your day.

Here are some ways you can act like Christ in your everyday life:

Show some love. One of the simplest ways to be Christ-like is to show some love to those around you. It could be a smile, a hug, or just a kind word. Letting others know that they are seen and appreciated can go a long way in brightening someone’s day.

Listen up. Another way to show Christ’s love is by being a good listener. When someone is talking to you, give them your undivided attention and really listen to what they have to say. It’s a great way to show that you care about the person and what they have to say.

Patience is a virtue. Patience is a key part of being Christ-like. It’s not always easy, but being patient with others shows grace and compassion. Whether it’s waiting in line or dealing with a difficult person, take a deep breath and remember to be patient.

Forgive and forget. Forgiveness is a big part of being Christ-like. When someone wrongs us, it can be tough to let go of our anger and hurt. But by forgiving quickly and letting go of resentment, we can show Christ’s love and model what it means to truly forgive.

Encourage and uplift. Lastly, we can be Christ-like by encouraging and uplifting those around us. Whether it’s a compliment or a simple word of affirmation, offering encouragement can make a big difference in someone’s day and show them that they are valued.

Being Christ-like in your everyday interactions doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s all about showing love, being a good listener, practicing patience, forgiving quickly, and offering encouragement. So go ahead and spread some love and kindness to those around you. Let’s show the world what it means to be Christ-like!

Temple Fitness

Sheri YatesLeave a comment
blog image

Don’t be so focused on the physical that your eyes are not on the eternal. There is tremendous worship and spirituality in taking care of your temple because it’s God’s house. But for so many people, it is all they talk about. 

All they think about is every meal and every detail. They are obsessed and consumed with: “I don’t eat this. I only eat that. I don’t do this. I do that. I flavor with this. I flavor with that.” I can see how people like me can be annoying to the rest of society because we do put a ton of focus on working out and eating a certain way.
We have to keep in mind that we are aliens in this world. This is not our home. We are not of this world. But if we don’t take care of our temple, we won’t be in this world, either. There is a good balance.

We constantly need to remember that it’s not what we put in our mouths that defines us; it is what comes out of our mouths. We need to be careful about how we talk. We need to be careful of our aggressiveness. I am so guilty of this—almost aggressively saying, “My way is the right and only way.” But it’s not loving or kind. If you are having to be aggressive and mean about something, then maybe your opinion is fueled by a lie or some wound or hurt you have been through that has made you mean and aggressive to anything mean or an opposition.
I want us to be eternally minded and make sure our focus is on God. If we eat something not on the plan, or if we have to eat something that isn’t hormone free, or if we need to eat a grain and we are on paleo, or if we have to eat a carb and we’re on a ketogenic diet, then we should recognize it is prayer over our food that cleanses it. It’s not the food itself. You cannot put your hope and faith in your food. It’s only emptiness. It’s going to come up empty every time.
So let us keep our minds on the eternal and not focus too much on the physical, because we are aliens in this world.

Physical Self-Care is Important for Your Spiritual Health

nonacruzLeave a comment

Hey there, friends! I hope you’re having a lovely day. Today, we’re talking about something super important: physical self-care and its connection to spiritual health.

First things first – physical self-care is all about taking care of your bod so that you can feel your best. This includes stuff like eating yummy healthy food, getting your sweat on with a workout or two, catching enough Z’s, and keeping yourself clean and fresh.

Now, you might be thinking “how the heck is this related to spiritual health?!” Well, my friend, it turns out that when you take care of your physical health, it can seriously boost your emotional and mental health, which is connected to your spiritual well-being. Like, if you’re feeling down in the dumps or dealing with anxiety, going for a run or eating a balanced meal can really help lift your mood and give you a much-needed boost.

Plus, when you make time for stuff like prayer and meditation, you can really tune in to your body and your breath. This can help you feel more present and centered, which can totally amp up your spiritual practice and make you feel more connected to God.

And hey, taking care of your physical health can also make you feel stronger and more energized, which is super helpful when doing the work of God! Whether you’re doing some ministering or just trying to stay focused during prayer, having a healthy body and a clear mind can really make a difference.

So there you have it, folks – physical self-care is basically a one-stop-shop for feeling your best and getting your spiritual groove on. So go ahead and treat yo’ self to some healthy food, a good workout, and some chill time on the couch. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you for it!

Out of the Pit: What to Do When You Are Discouraged

Sheri YatesLeave a comment

blog image (1)
When I am super discouraged or my hope is deferred, I am cautious of whom I talk to. I don’t want anyone speaking death over me, agreeing with what is going on, or giving me advice that contradicts the truth of the Word of God. Every time, I am very careful of whom I speak to and whom I lock arms with.

Everyone’s steadfastness in the Lord can have highs and lows—with moments of firm commitment and, other times, feelings of weakness. If I focus on my circumstances, I can easily become discouraged. When I focus on the face of Jesus, everything He paid for on the cross, and the truth of God’s Word, my hope can be revived. He has been faithful in the past and will be faithful today. He is faithful today, and He will be faithful tomorrow. My God is good, but sometimes I have to ask myself, “Do I really believe who God says He is? Do I believe it?”

What I do to get myself out of a pit—because I seem to be in one this morning—is start praying. I tell God how I really feel. I don’t hold back. I give Him all my ugly thoughts and all my ugly words. I give Him all my doubt and disappointment. I confess it all.

The next thing I do is start asking Him whom I could talk to, who could encourage me. I don’t need anybody to crawl into a pit with me because then we would both be stuck down low. I need someone who is up high and will encourage me with mercy, love, and truth. I need someone who will say, “That sucks, but God is really the only person or thing we can put our hope in.” I ask the Lord to bring someone to mind, or I simply listen and wait for peace. He will direct my steps if I ask Him. “You do not have because you do not ask God” (James 4:2 NIV). But if you seek Him, you will find Him.

Sometimes I don’t talk to anyone else. I let the Holy Spirit be my comforter. Today what came to mind was that I needed to call into a prayer line with beliefs similar to mine. I know, without a doubt, 100% of the time, they will strongly encourage me. They will agree with me in the truth and renew my hope. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and it is certain. It is absolutely resolved. It is believing for things that aren’t seen; it’s not visible. Man’s eye can’t see, but I am sure it is there.

I am reminded of the testimony of a man named Allen Moore. He had a stroke. He is not supposed to be able to walk or talk. His MRI to this date reveals that the part of his brain related to these abilities does not work. With man’s eye, it appears he should not be talking or walking, yet he does. I have met him personally, and he is walking and talking—living the unseen.

I start reminding myself of all the things God has done for me in my life and my family. I start reminding myself of the miracles and the power of God that have been on display in my life for years. As I do that, it encourages me. I am encouraging and sharpening myself in the Lord and in the truth. It awakens me and gives me hope. It gets rid of doubt. It doesn’t increase my faith, but it begins to smash out any doubt so my hope can be renewed. When my hope is renewed, faith is restored. Faith is present.

I can use my imagination in faith to see a part of my body completely healed and whole again. What would it look like the next time I can see it? I won’t look at it again until I have done this for a while and feel it is time.

When I fall into a pit, I do this to get out of it. How about you?

A Prayer for Restoration

nonacruzLeave a comment

Dear Lord,

We come to you today with heavy hearts and aching bodies, seeking your healing touch. You are the great physician, the one who created our bodies and knows them intimately.

We pray for a speedy recovery, for our aches and pains to fade away, and for our energy to come back in full force. We know that you created us with amazing bodies that can do incredible things, and we want to get back to feeling strong and healthy again.

We ask that you would heal our minds and hearts as well, lifting up our spirits and renewing our hope. May we feel your presence with us always, comforting us in our struggles and guiding us on our path. Help us to trust in you, even when things feel tough.

We also pray for those around us who are in need of healing. We lift up our loved ones, our friends, and our community to you, asking that you would bring your healing touch to their lives as well. May they feel your love and your care, and may they be restored to full health and vitality.

We thank you, Lord, for your infinite love and grace, and for the healing power that you bring to our lives. May we always trust in you and seek your care in all things. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Being a Woman of God

Sheri YatesLeave a comment

blog image (1)
I had a God encounter. I spoke with a woman who loves the Lord with all her heart. We shared testimonies while we did some dishes. It was a random meet for only a moment between women a few generations apart.

She had lost her husband of thirty years. I began to weep at the thought of even starting to lose mine. All those little things I am nagging about—like his socks beside the bed and the protein powder he sprinkles but never wipes off the counter—started to grow faint. These are minor issues. They’re immaterial, really. Why does this type of thing bother me? Why does it nag me? Why do I have to open my mouth? Shut up. Shut up. I hear it repeating in my head. I would rather have those socks on the floor, and the protein powder on my counter than not have him there at all. Who cares about the house? It’s about people.

She told me her last words to him were, “Hey, you aren’t supposed to be doing that.” He was on doctor’s orders not to do certain things because his heart was fragile. She said she had to forgive him for doing things outside of what he was supposed to do because that was who he was. He didn’t want to be someone different. He didn’t want to live a different life.

I have been thinking about this nonstop. I thought that if we knew how to war in the name of Jesus Christ, then the dead would be raised up until they had long lives. When we are given a doctor’s report, we don’t have to receive it. We don’t have to receive the doctor’s report. We have to stand up in the name of Jesus Christ and receive the truth for our medicine, not a fact. I thought to myself, “If that happened to me, I would not only have to forgive my husband, but I would also have to forgive myself for not being the warrior that I was supposed to be, for not being someone so firmly established in the truth that facts don’t faze me.”

Truth is my fact. The truth should be my reality above everything else in this world. I do live in this world. I live in a body, but the truth is that I am a spirit. I am a spirit with God living in me. The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in me. It does no good to have that power inside of me if I can’t use it in this world, if I can’t draw on it to help people. It does no good if I just receive all the dark, sick evil in this world. It does no good whatsoever.

I want to be a woman of God. I want to be a lioness arising, according to Lisa Bevere. I want to be a woman standing at the gate with my sword and refusing to let in any stealing, killing, and destroying. The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in me, and I have been commissioned and called by God and given authority over darkness in the name of Jesus Christ.

I hope you have a God encounter today and a revelation that changes you forever. Stand up, ladies. Stand up, women of God. Stand firmly in the truth, knowing that this is a spiritual battle. It is not a battle in physical. It is won through the name of Jesus Christ.