"When Jesus heard this He said, 'This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.'" - John 11:4

This verse comes from the story of the rising of Lazarus. I have always loved the story of how Jesus raised his friend from the dead, but I especially loved this verse when I came across it last week. I think it is so relevant to each of us. We all have "illnesses" in our lives. Although they might be serious physical illnesses, we might also have other illnesses or weaknesses in our lives that keep us from growing closer to God, distract us from His grace, and which keep us suffering in this life. But as this verse says, "this illness is not to end in death," meaning these struggles and trials are not meant to take over our lives, and are not meant to lead us to destruction and distance from God. Rather, these trials are meant to glorify God, in that He has power to conquer any illness we could be struggling with. The King, who has conquered death, is glorified through our reliance on His grace through hard times. This week I challenge you to use your struggles for His glory. Allow His grace to work in your life, and allow His power to reign. 

Have a wonderful week, and a very happy new year! God bless you always! :) 

"Then Mary said, 'Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.' And the angel departed from her." - Luke 1:38

This verse is so simple, but the meaning behind these words has changed the course of human history. By Mary's humble acceptance of God's amazing plan for her life, the Word of God became flesh and became a man for our salvation. If she hadn't been so willing to be completely consumed by God and His will for her life, we would not have salvation. Not only that, but we wouldn't know Jesus Christ, our Lord, our guide, and our God. If one simple yes could bring about such an incredible impact, just think about the impact that could result if each and every one of us said yes to God and allowed His will and love for us to consume our lives. This week, I challenge you to surrender to the Lord. Put aside your plan and truly empty yourself before Him, so that on Christmas morning there is a proper place for the King of kings to be born anew in your heart. Let His will be done. 

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas. :) Be filled with the joy of the season. God bless. 

"The voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Make ready the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.'" - Mark 1:3

I think this verse is really great to reflect upon, especially in Advent. Although it is very easy to get caught up in the material aspect of Christmas and the hustle and bustle of the season, I think it is very important to take time during these weeks of Advent to really think about how you are preparing your heart and soul to receive the Lord Jesus. Yesterday was Gaudete Sunday, a Sunday for rejoicing because the birth of the Savior, our salvation, is near. What have you done thus far to prepare your heart? In just two short weeks Jesus Christ Himself will be coming to dwell within you anew, if you invite Him. If you had a special guest coming to stay in your house, you would clean for weeks. But shouldn't this be how we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Savior of the world? This week I challenge you to truly "make ready the way of the Lord, make His paths straight" in your heart. Prepare yourself so that on Christmas morning it will be more than a remembrance of a day long ago in Bethlehem, more than a day to exchange gifts, but a day to truly be refilled with the joy that only comes from Christ Jesus the Lord. 

Blessings on your week! May Christ's peace dwell within you especially this week! :) 

"Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what He requires of you, and He will provide you with all these other things." - Matthew 6:33

This week I want to invite you to do a reality check on your life. Where are you focusing your time and energy? Look beyond the chaos of everyday life, what are you really concerning yourself with? This verse tells us to be concerned above EVERYTHING else with the Kingdom of God and with what He requires of you. I know I can't honestly say I always put the Kingdom of God above everything else in my life. This week I challenge you to find one way in your everyday life you can put the Kingdom first. For example, I am going to try to make sure to start my day with prayer, because I usually don't remember to pray right when I wake up. Find something that works for you. For God promises that when we concern ourselves with the Kingdom of God above all else, He provides us with everything else we might need. 

Have a wonderful week! Never forget that you are loved! God bless you always! :)