Is Just Believing Enough? – Daily Devotional 4.27.20

When I think of this question, I’m not wanting to address doing good works. I want to look at the process of becoming saved, and what it means to truly give your life to Christ. I found it interesting to read two sort of contrasting stories within one chapter of Acts.

9 Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10 and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.” 11 They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery. 12 But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.

18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19 and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”

Acts 8:9-13,18-23

In this story, you have Simon, a proclaimed great sorcerer, believe in Christ and become baptized. He was trapped by the desires of his heart though, and Peter tells him he must repent. It’s not clear if Simon was saved or not, but Peter tells him that he can have no part of the ministry until he asked the Lord to forgive him.

Skip down a few verses, and you see this:

34 The eunuch replied to Philip, “I ask you, who is the prophet saying this about—himself or another person?” 35 So Philip proceeded to tell him the good news about Jesus, beginning from that Scripture. 36 As they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, “Look, there’s water! What would keep me from being baptized?” [37 And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart you may.” And he replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”] 38 Then he ordered the chariot to stop, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.

Acts 8:34-38

No mention of repenting occurs with the eunuch, but the phrase “with all your heart” pops out to me.

Simon was still led by the desires of his heart; he longed for the power that came from the Holy Spirit, not the Holy Spirit itself. The eunuch let his whole heart be taken by the belief of Jesus Christ, and his belief is portrayed as more pure.

To me, believing is the act of giving your heart and life over to Christ. Along with that comes repenting of the things you’ve done and being transformed into a new creation. Realize that even Satan and demons believe that Jesus is the Messiah, but salvation comes from dedicating your life to Him.

Food for Thought on Being a Christian Woman – Daily Devotion 4.25.20

This is another day of contemplation for me. I read something today that had me a little stunned, but intrigued at the same time. I’m going to highlight some verses that made me question some things about living as a Christian woman in everyday life and in the church. (My thoughts and what I felt on my heart on what it looks like to be a Christian Woman can be see in this post https://hintofsunshine.home.blog/2019/09/13/truths-women-need-to-be-told/)

I read 1st Timothy 2 today, a short read that’s pretty packed. It starts off talking about prayer and said this:

1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

1st Timothy 2:1-4

Pray for all people! Especially those in authority above us!

I had to add that in because I felt it was so important, but now onto the rest of 1st Timothy 2:

 9 I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. 11 A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15 But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

1st Timothy 2:9-15

At first my pride wants to scream, “Wait, what!” I had to research more because I felt like I need more context so I read this: https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/1-timothy-2/. (I don’t actually know if I’m allowed to do that and what the laws are, but hopefully no one gets mad at me for promoting their work!) I enjoyed reading more of the historical context and theology behind the words, and what it had to say. I especially kept thinking on the part where it says that Adam was put in authority so he had to take responsibility when it happened.

I think this is a hard passage to read for many woman from start to finish because it means stepping back and saying, “I’m not first.” We should be okay with not dressing up and showing off, but instead use our actions to put God first. Now I believe there is a balance, and the post above talks about it being a cultural thing, but it raises some questions for myself. Why do I get slightly angry when I read this passage? Am I okay with not being viewed as pretty or attractive if my actions are sharing God with others? Am I willing to be submissive if God has put man in authority above woman? Am I willing to let go of my pride and say nothing else matters except my relationship with God and His kingdom being built? Am I willing to be uncomfortable and live a certain way just because my Creator said that how it is?

Now I don’t know what everything in this passage is saying (especially the last part), but I do see in myself something that might need to change when I read it. Pride has always been a struggle for me, as well as desire of being viewed as strong, so I read this and question those things even more.

I’m curious what other woman think about this so please share in comments! Or if there are men who have some thoughts, I would love to hear those as well.

Thoughts on Idols and the Church – Daily Devotion 4.24.20

3 “‘If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, 4 I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees their fruit. 5 Your threshing will continue until grape harvest and the grape harvest will continue until planting, and you will eat all the food you want and live in safety in your land.

Leviticus 26:3-5

17 They keep saying to those who despise me,

    ‘The Lord says: You will have peace.’

And to all who follow the stubbornness of their hearts

    they say, ‘No harm will come to you.’

Jeremiah 23:17

As my mother and I took a walk today, we talked about what is happening in the world and what prophets have said concerning this time. Many think this moment is a result of idolatry. The Lord is removing and taking away things that we as a nation hold dear and important; that we have put above Him.

While I don’t know how much of what I hear is true or false when it comes to what religious leaders are saying and prophesying, I was struck by these verses as I read my bible today. There is truth in the fact that the nation, as well as the Church, is being lead by wealth, success, reputation, and other idols.

Those who obey God will be rewarded (here or in heaven), but those who disobey are promised consequences. The verses in Jeremiah really hit home because it’s something I’m seeing more and more in our society. We like to please people; but, more than that, we like to make people feel they’re in the right. I see sins throughout the church being accepted in hopes of not angering people. I see people being told as long as you’re a “christian”, you will succeed, but they’re doing something that God isn’t even calling them to do.

This is the same as taking the Lord’s name in vain and putting idols in front of Him, and we can be assured that if the Church keeps doing it; God will take action.

God is Good! – Daily Devotion 4.23.20

I’m writing a little bit later than normal today because today has been filled with so much. So much goodness and blessings that my heart is bursting.

I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works. Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, and I will declare Your greatness. They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, and shall sing of Your righteousness.

Psalm 145:5-7

God is so good! I just want to shout it out right now for the world to hear, and I write this now so that I can look back and remember what He did.

Run down of my day: woke up like normal, drank some coffee, did an assessment for an interview, got surprised by a video interview two hours earlier than expected (luckily I was prepared!), spent a while interviewing, ended interview to a message that my Grandma was going to be released from the hospital, drove around picking up flowers and dropping them at her house to arrive to, came home to get a call saying I got the job that I had just interviewed for! Never would I thought this is how this day would go!

My grandma has had several battles with cancer and strokes, being in and out of the hospital. She keeps persevering and recovering through the grace of God. With everything going on in the world though, she been alone in the hospital with no one able to visit so it’s a huge blessing that her stay wasn’t too long.

Now for the job search, I’ve been struggling and interviewing for months, with no luck. It’s been such a difficult time for me facing rejection after rejection, questing God’s will for my life. I have prayed over and over, and today was the answer to those prayers. I couldn’t not be more grateful to my Lord for closing doors to things I would not have been content doing and opening the door to something that I can see myself being very passionate about.

For those of you praying to God earnestly right now, keep praying! He does answer, even if it’s not in our timing.

Psalm 138 – Daily Devotion 4.22.20

1 I thank you, Lord, and with all the passion of my heart

I worship you in the presence of angels![a]

Heaven’s mighty ones will hear my voice

as I sing my loving praise to you.

2 I bow down before your divine presence

and bring you my deepest worship

as I experience your tender love and your living truth.

7 By your mighty power I can walk through any devastation

and you will keep me alive, reviving me.

Your power set me free from the hatred of my enemies.

8 You keep every promise you’ve ever made to me!

Since your love for me is constant and endless,

I ask you, Lord, to finish every good thing that you’ve begun in me!

Psalm 138:1-2,7-8

Remind yourself of these truths today ❤

Be in a constant state of worship, praise, and thankfulness to our Creator. Even in the midst of trials.

Thoughts on Singleness – Daily Devotion 4.21.20

I’ve went back and forth about writing something on this topic, but I feel like God is highlighting this because it’s such a central thought in so many people’s minds and hearts. I don’t know about others, but I feel like I only hear about this topic from married people saying enjoy your singleness, don’t rush into marriage. And all I think is, easy for you to say! I know there is probably truth to what they say (watch me say it to others when I’m married); but, in the moment of singleness, that’s not what you want to hear! As someone whose been single for 22 years, these are my thoughts on singleness and steps to deal with singleness for those who strongly desire to be in a relationship (because if most single people are being honest, it’s something that a lot of us crave).

1) It’s okay to want to be in a relationship!

It’s kind of a silly thing to say, I know. However, I think most people are being shamed for wanting to be in a relationship. If people in relationships are so keen on telling us to be content, then why are they all “stuck” in relationships. There’s obviously (hopefully) something greater to going through life with a partner if so many people make it through dating to get married.

Genesis tells us this:

18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals. But for Adam[f] no suitable helper was found. 21 So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs[g] and then closed up the place with flesh. 22 Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib[h] he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

Genesis 2:18,20-22

Not only does God tell us it’s not good to be alone, He also made it clear that other things cannot take the place of a helper. I truly believe that, while some are called to singleness, God is calling most individuals to someone well suited to themselves. This is so that, together, a couple can bring greater glory to God than they could have alone.

2) You will not be content in a relationship if you were not content before!

Complete love only comes from knowing the perfect love of God for us as His children. If you don’t know that love, you’ll be searching for that love in every relationship, but you’ll never find it.

For myself, whenever I crave that love that I see in other couples, I start praying. I pray to God that He shows me in some way His love for. I pray about and for my future husband and marriage. I pray that God works in me to make me the woman I’ll want to be in a relationship. I just pray and pour my heart to God because He know how you’re feeling and the desires on your heart.

The key, I believe, is finding contentment through God and His purpose for your life, with having hopeful excitement for the journey that will begin with having a future spouse to pursue His purpose for the both of you together.

3) Don’t wait for that person to come into your life to start living your life.

I think this is such an important thing to remember and something I struggled with a lot. I have my life that God is calling me to live now. I have a purpose where I am right now. My calling doesn’t begin in 5 years when I’ve got my stuff together and I’m married with a kid on the way (that’s actually probably when it’s going to be the hardest to evangelize and serve).

I remember when I graduated college I thought,”Wait, what? I’m not in a relationship heading towards marriage?”. I mean, that’s what’s supposed to happen for women when they go to a Christian college and all that right? But no, after spending 4 year in college, I left as single as I was when I got there. But, I couldn’t help feeling a little grateful. The world was open after that, I was free to travel and serve without thinking about another person’s decision.

So don’t be discouraged if a relationship doesn’t happen when you think it “should”. God could be taking your time of singleness to use you in ways you wouldn’t be able to if you were in a relationship.

4) Let God write your love story.

When you get impatient, remember to let God write your love story because it will be greater than anything you could imagine. Hold on to the hope that He has something incredible waiting for you.

I actually really started thinking about this topic when I was randomly watching videos on YouTube (which I never do really). On my suggested, a video titled “When God Writes Your Love Story” popped up and I got intrigued, which then led to hours of clinking on different videos. Anyways, I got so encouraged by seeing these Godly examples of relationships that came to be miraculously it seemed.

I pray that I have a story to tell like that, something that only comes through Him.

That’s it for now on my thoughts on singleness. Who knows, in ten years I may read this and think .” I was really stupid then”…but right now, it brings me hope. If you have any questions or thoughts on singleness, leave them in the comments below!

Humiliate Yourself – Daily Devotion 4.20.20

Step one of breaking the chains of society…post a picture that you’ve been cringing at.

As much as I hate to admit it, I care a lot about how people view me or what they think of me. It dictates many of my actions and prevents me from doing certain things. I always want to fit in and be “normal”, but I was challenged by this passage:


13 When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. 14 Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, 15 while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets. 16 As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart.

20 When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!” 21 David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the Lord. 22 I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.”

2 Samuel 213-16, 20-22

I was ashamed to realize how much I related to Michal. I am willing to worship and speak of God in the right setting, but am I willing to go up to someone I don’t know to pray for them and evangelize? Would I humiliate myself in worship and to bring glory to God? I know the answer to that in my heart, and it makes me sad.

The ability to humiliate yourself comes from a loving God much more deeply than the world and what it thinks. I pray today that God deepens my love for Him and breaks the chain that society has on me.

What if I’m wrong? – Daily Devotion 4.19.20

I’m very much the type of person who believes and accepts things as truth without really knowing the why or the facts. I follow rules that I’m told religiously and without question. So, growing up in a Christian household, believing the things I was told at home and at church came easily. I know that’s not how it is for everyone though. People like evidence and proof that they can see before they believe and devote themselves to something. Every now and again I do ask that big question that most people who have fully invested themselves into a faith or ideology ask themselves: What if I’m wrong? What if the way I view the world isn’t how it actually is?

Now for my self, I can easily dismiss it and say there is no way that God doesn’t exist. I have seen Him move so much in my life and have had people say things to me that match too much (word for word) what was going through my head to be able to deny His presence. But for some people, like new believers and even some lifetime believers, that’s not the case. Not everyone has been able to see how He’s working in there life, watched miracles occur, or seen Him do unfathomable things. So this is for you guys.

I imagine what my life would be like without the knowledge of God and my Savior, and I think: even if I found out I’m wrong, I’d still believe.

Now to some, that may seem ridiculous and that’s fine. For me though, I really could not imagine living a life that didn’t have God. My faith gives me purpose in life, fulfillment in the mundane, unconditional love, someone to lay my burden’s down on, hope that everything won’t just fall apart, and trust that there is someone providing and watching out for me. If giving up my faith means giving up all those things, why in the world would I, even if I’m wrong. There is no human who can fulfill those things for you because humans are flawed. Having a savior who was willing to be crucified for only you in order to save you and give you eternal life shows you the true meaning of unconditional love. It gives you an example of how to love others in a sacrificial manner that is not seen anywhere else.

I truly couldn’t imagine my life without my faith, and the opposite is not worth living.