What it means to Rise Up as a Christian

“Arise, (rise up) Jerusalem. Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you.”

Isaiah 59 describes a time of thick and desperate darkness for the Israelites. But, Isaiah 60 is about the future glory for Jerusalem - a future Kingdom. It’s the promise coming. It’s God’s redeeming message and rescue. He is calling the Israelites out of the darkness and to respond to His wondrous light. He not only is the light to the nation but he gives them this same light to reflect his glory.

In life we will have moments of darkness. But God in his perfect timing is in control weaving his perfect story. We will be called into the light and asked to Rise Up. Will we?

Be Reminded as we wear this sweatshirt that God gives us a call to action. He asks us to reflect his glory that he has placed within us and be a beacon to the nations. We are to shine his light wherever we go and dispel the darkness and chaos that controls this world. He is the only one who can bring true glory.

Rise up and shine for all to see his goodness.

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Isaiah 43:19 explained - I Will Make A Way

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert - Isaiah 43:19

Isaiah foreshadows that the Lord will judge Babylon and promises His exiled people new life. The Israelites are in desperate circumstances in Babylon. Life looks bleak and they are stuck in a pit of despair as they look back in life. But God is saying when you remember the past, look at the great work He has done for them not the discouragement and defeat. For He is a God if miracles and He will make a way just has He has done before for them before. He creates roads in the wilderness. He forms rivers in the desert. He will make a new way.

Staying stuck in the past can often keep is from the new God wants for our life or we worry about all the obstacles in the way. God continually reminds His people and us that it’s His will and way and He alone accomplishes it.

This verse reminds us of His provision and power. He is a God who cares. He will bring you home even when your wilderness is filled with discouragement and defeat he makes a road. Even when your desert dries up your will, His river replenishes your soul. Trust in Him and His way.

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Book List: Favorite Christian Fiction

Christian Fiction or Biblical Fiction have been such a game changer for me.  My free time to read is almost non-existant and I often get burnt out from in-depth Bible studies. Reading one of these books allows me to still keep Christ focused while reading for pleasure. 

I want to start sharing my favorite books with you over the next few months.  I've read a lot of Christian or Biblical Fiction books.  I've found a few gems and want to share my favorite authors with you.  But first I want to share the book that  was the game changer for me.  I've read the series multiple times and could read it again.  It challenged me to be bold in my faith and helped me find an interest in what it looked like to be a Christian in Roman times.  

I have yet to find a person who doesn't love this book - The Mark of the Lion Series.

image from Life and Lit blog

Mark of the Lion takes place in 70 A.D. during the fall of Jerusalem and is about a young Jewish/Christian girl, Haddasah, who is sold into slavery to a wealthy Roman family. Haddassah has a gentle quiet spirit as she serves those around her impacting this family in beautiful ways. There are love scenes, twists, gladiators, harsh realities and bold stances in faith.

The key to this book is to get past the first 100 pages.  Say what?!  I know.  100 pages is a lot.  You meet a ton of characters and the story line is set for the next two books after this.  But be warned... once you get to page 101, clear your schedule.  You're going to want to read right to the end.  Maybe even end of book 3.

I might have to start reading this book again.

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Genuine faith quote

What is Genuine Faith? This quote is inspired from the book of James. James was the half brother of Jesus and the devoted leader to the Jerusalem church after the disciples scattered. Blue Letter Bible says this about him;

”When he (James) did follow Jesus, he followed with great devotion. An early history of the church says that James was such a man of prayer that his knees had large and thick calluses, making them look like the knees of a camel. It also says that James was martyred in Jerusalem by being pushed from a high point of the temple. Yet the fall did not kill him, and on the ground he was beaten to death, even as he prayed for his attackers.”

When ever I want to be inspired to live out my faith… I turn to James. Whenever I need the challenge to put faith into action… I turn to this quote.

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photo by Joanna Klapperick

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Prayer for a strong-willed child

When I was going through a parenting class 10 years ago, I heard Andy Stanley say, “later is longer” meaning disciplining your child in the first five years of life will pay off when you get to the teaching, coaching and even friendship stages in life.  I’ve never forgotten that phrase and use it in so many parts of my life.  I use it to encourage a friend at work, a marriage struggling, sports and of course parenting.  Especially parenting. And especially parenting our #4.

I even have a prayer that I often will read in the morning to remind and encourage.

Lord, in my weary, help me remember

Later is Longer.

The constant battle, the constant struggle,

the persistence needed, will be rewarded.

The constant diligence, the constant parenting,

a life of patience, will pay of tomorrow.

This moment is not easy,

this now is wearing,

Lord, keep pushing me forward,

hopeful in hardship,

because later is longer.

The now is temporary. A moment in passing.

Help me build for the long haul,

putting in the work,

the exhausting, numbing and weary work,

because our  life in the later awaits.

And I pray that the life that awaits is rewarded by the work that was put in now.

Help me see the strong-will as a gift that needs to be honored.

Yet one that needs to be honed in your love. In your will.

Lord help me in my now,

give me the strength to endure,

the actions to evolve

and the words to ensure.

Guide me in this journey in raising your own.

You’re beautifully, stubborn, strong willed yours.

A child who will learn to live a later with you.

Amen.

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photo by Joanna Klapperick

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