A Very "Mary" Christmas

BY JESSICA LANDMON

The Christmas rush is nearing its end. Hopefully, your presents are bought and wrapped, the grocery shopping is done, and the cooking preparation is underway. I know it’s been a lot of work, but you are almost at the finish line.

But before you rush away the next few days, I encourage you to stop and remember why you are doing all this in the first place—to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior with those who are most precious to you. And as much as all the pressing details have taken priority, this year I encourage you to try something different and have a “Mary” Christmas.

I’m not talking about Jesus’s mother—although that could be a blog for another time. I’m referring to Mary, Martha’s sister. Many of us are familiar with the story of these two sisters. Jesus and His disciples were coming to their home for dinner, and Martha was running around frantically trying to pull the event together. Martha was so focused on the details that come along with entertaining that she missed Jesus altogether. Sound familiar?

The only time she broke away from her preparation to see Jesus was to complain to Him that Mary wasn’t helping her out in the kitchen. To be completely honest, I would be annoyed too. But Mary wasn’t just being lazy and refusing to help. Unlike Martha, Mary realized that this time with Jesus was too valuable to pass up. She sat at Jesus’s feet, intently listening to His stories and His teachings. Mary chose what was better.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” –Luke 10:41-42 

Now Christmas dinner isn’t going to cook itself, and those presents won’t wrap themselves either. But, before you dive into the final Christmas rush, stop for a moment, take a deep breath, and sit at the feet of Jesus just like Mary did. Pray this with me now.

Dear Jesus,

I lay down all my plans and efforts and put them at your feet. Help me to remember why I’m celebrating in the first place. Let me enjoy time in your presence, rest in your care, and hear your heart. Forgive me for not putting you at the center of my Christmas plans, and let me bring honor to you in all that I do. In Jesus’s name. Amen

Sweet friend, you’ve got this. I assure you that if you spend time with Jesus first, the rest of your to-do list will be much easier to tackle. Let’s not forget that it’s been about Him the whole time. And may I be the first of many to wish you a very “Mary” Christmas!

You Have a Choice in How the Rest of Your Story Goes

BY JESSICA LANDMON

So many of you have walked through seasons of trial and tribulation. In fact, many of you might be in one of those seasons right now. Perhaps you have been the victim of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Maybe you’ve been betrayed in your marriage due to infidelity and secrets from the past. Or you have battled cancer or other illnesses where the odds were not in your favor, but you made it through to the other side. Your resilience is remarkable.

Now that you have overcome these trials, you are at a crossroads. How you respond to the circumstances that life has presented is up to you. Simply put, you have a choice in how the rest of your story goes.

I am by no means trying to downplay the horrible season that you may have just walked through, but sweet friend, this is just one chapter of your life. Our Heavenly Father isn’t finished with you yet. He is writing a beautiful story of all your days on this earth, and this hardship is just a small piece of a bigger picture. The choices you make from here will determine how the remainder of your days play out.

I understand that it is very easy to get a jaded view of life after you have been through a storm. You can choose bitterness and unforgiveness to manifest in your heart, preventing you from trusting people and having meaningful relationships. Living in fear, waiting for the next shoe to fall, is another response to trial, which only holds you back from experiencing the joy of each new day. Negativity is also a choice. Rather than seeing the good all around you, you choose to focus on all the bad and ugly things in this world.

Alternatively, you can choose to concentrate on the goodness of God and how He held you during your worst days. The Lord doesn’t waste anything. He will use each hardship and trial for His good. Your stories of strength, hope, and determination are exactly what other women walking through what you’ve just walked through need to hear. Let Jesus use your testimony of victory for His glory. 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

Ladies, I encourage you to invite the Lord into your wounds, and let Him heal you. Only He can! Surrender all that hurt. When you choose to be set free from your past, you allow Jesus to write the rest of your story.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Fear is a Weapon

BY JESSICA LANDMON

The greatest weapon that the devil uses to stop you from walking into your destiny is fear – fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear or people’s opinions, fear of being harmed, or simply the fear of the unknown. The enemy is so cunning. He knows that he can’t directly tell you not to follow God’s direction for your life. You are too smart for that. Instead, he uses fear and deception as a tool to manipulate you. When you allow fear to manifest into your thought life, you can easily justify and rationalize the decision to not step out in faith.

Although staying complacent and refusing to take a risk seem safe, it is quite the contrary. The Lord has made us on purpose with a purpose. And when we allow fear to hold us back, it’s disobedience, plain and simple. The Lord is looking for women who will say yes to Him – who have completely surrendered their lives to Him. God wants women who aren’t scared of the unknown because they are known by Him, and that is enough. They trust their future in His hands.

Further, I would argue that the safest pace to be is right in the center of God’s plan for your life. When you step out in faith, you are not alone. The Holy Spirit will lead you and guide you each step of the way. He will give you wisdom and discernment, all while covering you with His protection.

If the Lord says make the move, then make the move. If He says walk away from that relationship, then walk away. If He says to share your testimony, then do it. If He says go pray for that co-worker, then go pray for that co-worker.

Speaking from experience, I can assure you that if the Lord asks you to take a leap of faith then He will always provide you with a place to land. It may seem scary, but I encourage you to do it anyway. He will always meet you on the other side of your obedience.

Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you. – Jeremiah 7:23

I encourage you to search your heart. What is holding you back? Really do some personal inventory. Take authority of all fear present in your life, and ask the Holy Spirit to allow you to walk boldly into your future. The devil wins each time you allow fear to take over. Stop his tactics by taking a faith step today.

“Satan has no legitimate weapons to use against us. His only trick is deception.” – Tony Evans

Lies Satan Wants You to Believe

BY JESSICA LANDMON

As a woman who has been a Christian most of her life and in ministry for nearly half of it, one thing I can be sure of is that Satan is a liar. Scripture clearly says that “there is no truth in him” and that he is “the father of lies.” With that said, we can often fall prey to his lies if we aren’t careful. It is not enough to simply know Satan’s agenda, we must fight him with the truth found only in scripture.

It’s also important to recognize that although he is timely and crafty, Satan is not at all original. The same lies that he is spewing at you, he is also speaking into other women’s lives. So, let’s fight those lies together by disputing his most favorite falsehoods.

1. God can’t use you because of your past!

The enemy would love for you to believe that you are damaged goods – that your past precludes you from being anything of influence in God’s Kingdom. This is such a lie. All your past mistakes and trauma, no matter how shameful, when surrendered into the hands of our Heavenly Father, can be used for His glory! God doesn’t waste anything. He has a purpose and a plan for your life, and it is never too late to return to His perfect path and pursue it. 

Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story – those he redeemed from the hand of the foe. – Psalm 107:2

2. You are not enough!

Ladies, none of us are enough. Apart from Jesus, we all fall short. We’re too ordinary, insecure, anxious, emotional, selfish – the list goes on. None of us measure up to the awesomeness of our Heavenly Father. But He equips us for the life He wants us to live. We must rely on Holy Spirit power, wisdom, and faith to become all that He desires. Remember, if God has called you to it, He will equip you!

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10

3. The Christian life is paved with comfort.

This is one of the biggest misconceptions that Christians believe. We think that as soon as we become Christians, life is going to become easy. Life gets simpler, but certainly not easier. In fact, we are to expect trials and persecutions. But, by placing our hope and confidence in Jesus Christ, He will get us through any hardship life sends our way.

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. – 1 Peter 4:12-13

4. We will no longer struggle with sin once we commit our lives to the Lord.

It takes a moment to become a Christian, but a lifetime to become like Christ. None of us are without sin, but His grace is enough to cover it all. That is why Jesus’s death on the cross is so powerful. It sets us free and gives us the power to overcome the temptation of sin. Being tempted in and of itself is not a sin, but allowing it to manifest in action is. God always gives you a way out. Take it!

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

5. Your sin is too big for God to forgive!

This is the biggest lie of the enemy spoken to both Christians and non-Christians alike. The last thing that Satan wants us to do is submit our lives to the Lord. So, the enemy tells us that we are not worthy or good enough to draw near to God. He spews lies that we’ve passed the threshold of forgiveness, that our deeds are just too despicable, or that God is too angry with us to have a relationship with Him.

If this sounds like something you are struggling with, silence these lies now in the name of Jesus! Jesus longs for a relationship with all of us – no matter what our sin is. His death on the cross covers it all. Come to the Father today and receive His free gift of salvation.

 Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. – Romans 10:13

Such a Time As This

BY JESSICA LANDMON

In honor of International Women’s Day, I felt it would be a great time to highlight an amazing woman in the Bible who has demonstrated strength, courage, and faith. Today, I would like to talk about Queen Esther who was placed in her position of royalty for “such a time as this.”

It all sounds so glamorous – crowns, jewels, attendants, title – but Esther was placed into a very trying set of circumstances. Her life and the life of her people were on the line as a royal decree was made to annihilate all the Jews. Her cousin Mordecai, being a great man of faith and wisdom, sent word to Esther and asked her to “go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people.”

Esther is initially overcome with fear and knows that in the law of the land she could be put to death for approaching the king unsolicited. When she refuses, Mordecai responds back with a startling warning.  

“Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? –Esther 4:12-14 

I really want you to get a hold of this. Esther was placed here in this moment in time for this very thing. For her entire life, God had been preparing her for this. If she refused to fulfill her assignment because of fear or any other reason for that matter, God would send another. We are all replaceable in that sense. Her safety, however, would not be guaranteed. When you are outside of God’s will and plan for your life, you are extremely vulnerable because you are outside of His protection. The safest place to be is right in the path God puts you on – even if it is the most frightening place to be in the natural!

So, what does Esther choose to do?  She chooses to FIGHT for her destiny. She resists all fear and makes a bold decree, “and if I perish, I perish.” Fear of death didn’t stop this woman of faith from fulfilling her calling.

Ladies, I know that God has positioned each of you for specific assignments. Will you follow Esther’s example and lay aside fear to accomplish the very thing God created you for, or will you let fear win? My prayer for each of you today is that you choose to take hold of all that God has in store for you and fight for your destiny.

Obedience May Be the Key To Your Breakthrough

BY JESSICA LANDMON

Jesus certainly doesn’t need our help when it comes to answering our prayers, but He does, however, expect our obedience to do our part in the process. Every single prayer that proceeds from our mouth, every tear shed in desperation for a miracle, and every heart’s desire are all heard by our Heavenly Father. In fact, He knows all our needs before a word is uttered from our mouth.   

But, ladies, there are some of you who are sitting around wondering why God hasn’t answered your prayers, and interestingly, it may be your lack of obedience that is holding back the breakthrough. We cannot ask God to do what we want him to do but then refuse to move when he asks us to move. Let me explain.

When Jesus healed the ten lepers, He easily could have touched them right there and then and healed them all. He often operates that way. But instead, Jesus told them to go show themselves to the priest. As they headed there in obedience, they were all cleansed and healed. What would have happened if they refused to go? I imagine that the healing would not have occurred. Faith and obedience are often tied together.

When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. – Luke 17:14 

What instructions has the Lord given to you? Have you been obedient? Personally, I have experienced breakthrough in various areas in my life because I have acted in faith and simply obeyed His instructions. Sometimes it has been for me to sow into a ministry, other times it has been for me to fast and pray, and often it has been for me to offer a simple gesture of kindness to an individual who needs it. For years I had prayed for a healing touch in my body, but it wasn’t until I changed my diet completely that I received the healing touch that I desired. All glory still goes back to Jesus!

We cannot for one minute dismiss our active participation in the Lord’s plans. Jesus is looking for our trust. He may ask us to do things outside of our comfort zone. That’s ok, do it anyways. Maybe He is asking you to take a step of faith financially. He will provide. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what He is asking of you. It is your obedience that He is after.

To obey is better than sacrifice. – 1 Samuel 15:22

I’m not sure what you are believing God for in this season, but I encourage you to examine your own actions to see if it is your lack of obedience that is causing the delay. Jesus wants to bless you richly, but you are going to have to move when He says move.

Learn to Live Untethered

BY JESSICA LANDMON

The Holy Spirit has given me a specific word for 2023 – one that I believe is for many of you. I hear the Holy Spirit say that this is the year to become “untethered” – a year to be released from the things that hold you captive and prevent you from walking into your destiny. To become untethered, however, you must be willing to let go of the past. God wants to free you, but you must lay some things down.

Those things might look different for each of us. For some, it might be letting go of an unhealthy relationship, one that you know in your spirit doesn’t honor God or isn’t God’s perfect will for your life. For others, you might need to let go of failures that cripple you from moving forward and trying again. Some of you may need to untether yourselves from negative thought patterns – patterns of thinking that lie, deceive, and manipulate you into believing all the untruths that the enemy whispers in your ear. Even further, some of you may simply have to let go of old ways of doing things or postures of thinking. 

Untethering oneself is a healthy and necessary step to move forward. A boat can’t get to its destination if it is still tied to the dock. Why would we expect to have a different result?

For those of you who don’t know, I have an 11-pound Goldendoodle, and one of her favorite things to do, like many dogs, is play fetch. She gets so excited when I throw her ball out in the yard. Those little legs of hers just move so fast as she can’t wait to retrieve the ball. She’s fantastic at getting it and bringing it back. But, letting go of it is always a huge ordeal. She clenches it in her teeth so tightly, yet at the same time, she looks at me like why am I not throwing it again. I try to pull it out of her mouth, and we end up in a tug-of-war. After a few minutes of this charade, she finally drops it only to quickly pick it back up. At this point, she is getting angry at me because I haven’t thrown the ball again.

Do you see where I am going with this? Ladies, I’m sorry to tell you, but some of you behave just like my dog. God is trying His hardest to propel you into your future, but you refuse to let go of some things currently in your life.

God has big plans for His people this year, but we can’t allow the things of the past to hold us back. We must untether ourselves and launch forward into 2023, full of faith and with great expectancy. Ladies, 2022 and all its failures are behind us. It’s time to let go. It’s time to learn to live untethered. 

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:12-14

No Weapon Shall Prosper

BY JESSICA LANDMON

I am a firm believer in learning scripture, memorizing it, and declaring it over my life. One of my favorites is found in Isaiah, and I have spoken it over myself and my family for many years.

No weapon formed against you shall prosper. – Isaiah 54:17

This scripture has power. I sleep well knowing that Satan’s plans to harm me will not succeed. My God is bigger and stronger, and He will defend me against the strategies of the enemy. However, it is so important to note that although these strategies will not prosper, we can with certainty expect that weapons will indeed be formed against us. In fact, this scripture clearly says so.

I think many of us focus on this scripture providing a shield around us – that nothing harmful will ever come our way. Some would go further to suggest that the Christian life should be smooth sailing. That, my friend, is dangerous thinking. Assuming the enemy won’t try his hardest to discourage, devour, and destroy you can rock your faith if you aren’t anticipating these kinds of attacks. With that said, we need to be alert, knowing that the enemy is coming after us.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. – 1 Peter 5:8 

Even though the devil is prowling around, we have assurance that his plans will not succeed. When we make Jesus Lord of our lives, and proclaim His promises over us, we should have peace. There is no reason to be fearful. Our Lord will fight for us.

·  An attack on your health may be formed against you, but no sickness will prosper!

·  An assault on your reputation may be formed against you, but no false testimony will prosper!

·  Poverty and financial insecurity may be formed against you, but lack in your life will not prosper!

·  Relational heartbreak may be formed against you, but disunity and loneliness will not prosper!

·  Anxious and depressing thoughts may be formed against you, but fear will not prosper!

·  Shame may be formed against you, but unworthiness will not prosper!

·  Temptation and sinful desires may be formed against you, but compromise will not prosper!

The Word of God has power! Most of us are just familiar with the first part of the scripture, but it is important to read it in its entirety. This assurance is our heritage as children of God. But we must navigate with wisdom completely aware of the enemy’s schemes in our lives. Start declaring God’s word over your life, claiming His promises, walking in step with the Lord’s will and way, and see the vindication only He can provide. And remember sweet friend, the enemy is coming for you, but He will not prosper!

 “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord. – Isaiah 54:17 

The God of More Than Enough

BY JESSICA LANDMON

I think we can agree that we all have been in a place of lack at one time or another. Whether it is lack of finances, lack of relationship, lack of peace, or even lack of joy, we have all walked through these seasons. But what’s interesting to me is that God never intended for His children to live in lack of anything, and yet many of us never know how to move out of this place. God is our sustainer and provider and freely gives to us what we need. In fact, He gives us more than what we need.

In John 6, we read the account of Jesus feeding the five thousand. There is so much teaching just in this one account in the Bible. What struck me most in my latest readthrough was not the miracle itself, not how He performed it, or even the response from the onlookers. What leaped off the pages to me was the fact that after feeding over 5,000 people with only five loaves of bread and two fish, there was 12 baskets of leftovers. Why?

When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. – John 6:12-13

Why were there 12 baskets of leftovers? Quite frankly, why was there anything left at all? The miracle of feeding that many people was impressive enough. Why was it necessary to have anything at all remain? There was no need for leftovers, unless, that is, the Lord was trying to tell us something. When we read through scripture and something sticks out like this, it is always important to examine the why because there is intentionality in everything that the God does.

So, as I prayed into this passage, I felt like God is sending us a very important message. Listen to me sweet friend, God does not just want to meet your needs. He wants to bless you above and beyond those needs. He doesn’t want you to live in lack any longer. He wants to give you more than you could ever ask or imagine. Jesus didn’t just feed the multitudes, but He sent the disciples home with doggy bags to remind them that He is the God of more than enough!

My mother has this great saying, “When you ask God for an apple, He will give you the whole orchard.” Isn’t that a beautiful depiction of God’s love for us? He doesn’t want us lacking any good thing. He doesn’t want His children begging for provisions. He wants to bless us with more than we ask for, but we need to position ourselves to receive. We need to expect God to move in our circumstances no matter what it looks like in the natural. Through faith, we must rely on the very nature of our God to step in and provide for us like the generous father that He is.

Ladies, I am not sure what you are standing in the gap for, but know one thing for sure, God will provide. He will show up. He is able and willing because He is the God of more than enough.

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:19

Why the Pro-Choice Movement is Killing the Younger Generation (And It’s Not Just through Abortion)

BY JESSICA LANDMON

I inevitably know that this blog will be somewhat controversial, but hear my heart. To be honest, I feel like if you hold a conservative position on this matter, it is assumed that you are either a male trying to control a woman’s body or you are some out-of-touch individual hanging on to old fashion ideals. Well, I assure you, I am neither one of these. I firmly believe that promoting the idea that life is a choice is destroying our younger generation.

You see, I believe that every life has purpose. Period. God has a master plan, and each of us has a part in that plan and a destiny to fulfill. Some will be the masterminds to help cure cancer, some will paint masterpieces for people for generations to enjoy, and others will make their mark by simply sharing a kind word of encouragement to a person who so desperately needs to hear one. The list obviously goes on, but one thing we need to realize is that each person’s contribution to society is what makes this world a beautiful place. 

When we start making decisions about a human being’s value –even in the womb – or are fighting for the right to end life because the pregnancy is inconvenient, unplanned, or even the result of a horrendous crime, we are proclaiming to the younger generation that all lives don’t matter. That’s right, our youth are intently listening to a disturbing message that society would be better off without some. 

No wonder the suicide rate is at the highest it’s ever been, especially in the younger demographics. They have consistently been fed a message that some lives are mistakes and that the world could be better off without those individuals. When people fight for Pro-Choice legislation, it tells the younger audience that their own parents may be better off without the burden of raising a child. We need to examine the effects of what this could have on a confused 15-year-old young woman who doesn’t think her life has purpose. She begins to question her worth, and decides that if her life adds no value, she might as well end it. 

“For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” – Psalm 139:13

Despite the circumstances of conception, each of us has been fearfully and wonderfully made by God. However, as a society, we have devalued life and reduced it to mere happenstance. We must stop communicating a message that some lives have no purpose if they are filled with struggle, hardship, or failure. This generation needs hope and to be reassured that even if their life does not shape out how they planned, God has a plan. And it is good! 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Slaying Giants

BY JESSICA LANDMON

So often in life, we come across what appears to be an impossible situation. We look at these obstacles in the natural and are simply unable to see a feasible solution. In fact, many of you might be walking through one of those seasons right now. You are feeling desperate and hopeless, wondering how in the world you will get through it. You are focusing on the enormity of your obstacle, rather than the enormity of your God.

Let’s take a look at the life of David. I think most of us are quite familiar with the story of David and Goliath. So often, we dismiss it as a child’s story rather than studying the scriptures and applying the spiritual truths to our own lives.

Goliath stood at over nine and a half feet tall. He donned a bronze helmet, a coat of scale armor also made of bronze, bronze greaves on the legs, and carried, you guessed it, a bronze javelin. All in all, his armor weighed over 140 pounds. This dude was big, and if that wasn’t intimidating enough, Goliath taunted the Israelite army – mocking them, belittling them, and tearing down their confidence. Looking at the situation in the natural, Goliath was unbeatable. 

But David did not see it that way. Actually, he did not seem phased by the mighty giant at all. Why? Because David didn’t focus on Goliath’s strengths, but rather his weakness. What we choose to focus on determines whether or not we will see the victory in our lives. We can see the impossibility of a situation, or we can see how God can overcome it. 

In addition to Goliath’s size and stature, David also had to overcome the questions and ridicule from people in his own camp, namely his brothers. They questioned his motives for being there, called him conceited for thinking he could take on such a mighty warrior, and told him he had a wicked heart. But the naysayers didn’t stop David either. 

David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” – 1 Samuel 17:45

David took a smooth stone and hauled it directly at Goliath’s forehead. You see, all that armor on Goliath still left him vulnerable in one area. The Israelite army could only see an unbeatable Philistine giant covered with impenetrable armor. But David, with Godly eyes and wisdom, saw Goliath’s weakness – an unprotected forehead. And with a simple sling and stone, down Goliath went, and David took the victory.

Ladies, it’s time to re-examine the giants in your life. They may seem big. They may be intimidating. Others may even mock you for thinking you can defeat them. But what does God have to say about it? It’s time to stop looking at your situation with your natural eyes and start looking at it with spiritual ones. If a teenage boy can take down a giant with a stone, just imagine what you can do to the giants in your life.

You Are Redeemed

BY JENNA LANDMON

Paul is one of the most notable figures in the Bible after Jesus. Paul wrote 13 out of the 27 books of the New Testament, went on four missionary journeys, and visited nearly 50 cities preaching the truth of Jesus Christ. As one of the most influential spiritual figures, this impact would not have been able to take place without a divine transformation in his life. 

Paul did not always walk with Jesus, rather he had a dark history. He was formerly known as Saul, a man whose primary goal was to gather, arrest, and kill Christians. In the same way as every person who walks the face of the Earth, Paul was once a sinner. Unlike many sins that have become normalized by society, Paul was a murderer, something deemed horrific by almost everyone. To make matters worse, he was specifically persecuting the followers of Jesus.

But, this past was not enough to define his future. God gave Paul a second chance, bringing him redemption. When he was on the road to Damascus, God appeared to him, giving him the opportunity to turn his life around and live a life that followed Jesus, bringing others to Christ as well.

I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me. - Acts 26:16-18

Paul decided to take this opportunity to walk in his God-given destiny. If God was able to make this mighty transformation in the life of Paul, why do many forget to acknowledge the changes God can make in their own lives? Many have histories that do not reflect a Godly lifestyle. Many have done some things that seem irreparable. But God can redeem your life and give you a new purpose. 

 Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. - Isaiah 43:1

As we move into 2022, stop letting your past limit the impact that God wants to make through you. You have the chance to be born again, and God hopes to reclaim your life. Walk into this year with Godly confidence, proclaiming His truth in all that you do. Seek Him and ask what it is that He has called you to do. It’s time to walk into your calling!  

Countdown to Christmas

BY JESSICA LANDMON

I don’t want to alarm anyone but there are only 12 days left until Christmas. The countdown is officially on! With that said, I want to encourage you to be intentional about how you spend these days. As you are consumed with finding the perfect gift for all the special people in your life, I challenge you to stress less and give more – not more material items, but more. With that said, I am kicking off the Twelve Days of Giving Challenge.

Money doesn’t buy happiness, right? So why do we go in debt trying to buy gifts for our family members to show them that we are thinking of them? Remember, the best things we give as gifts aren’t things at all. Won’t you join me in giving more of you this Christmas season? Here are twelve “free” gifts that you can generously give this season.

Day 1: Give Thanks

I think we all can agree that feeling appreciated is a fantastic gift to receive. Today, focus on the people in your life that have made an impact in it. Take a moment and send a text, write a thank you note, or make a quick phone call to thank the people in your life that have supported and loved you this past year. And don’t forget to thank your Heavenly Father for all the blessings and provisions that you take for granted each and every day.

Day 2: Give Hope

We are just about to enter year three of a worldwide pandemic. Many have lost loved ones, are struggling with health issues, have lost jobs or are dealing with depression and isolation. As a Christian, you can give somebody struggling a precious gift by simply giving them hope. Sharing your hope in Jesus is just the perfect gift this season.

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:6 

Day 3: Give Love

The word love is so overused these days. You love your husband, but you also love tacos, leggings, and Target trips. See my point? And as loosely as it is used, many people neglect to tell the people they really love, “I love you.” Stop being stingy and let the “I love yous” flow today. Make sure every person you love in your life actually knows it.

Day 4: Give Time

Time is money, and there is no better gift than to gift your time. Giving your time lets people know that they mean something to you. I encourage you to turn off your phone, block off some uninterrupted time, and invest it in someone you love. Talk, laugh, share, reminisce. I promise you this gift will not only bless them, but you as well.

Day 5: Give Praise

We are all too quick to point out the flaws and mistakes in other people’s lives. Today, I challenge you to focus on the positive. We are called to build one another up, so let’s do just that. Share the good you see in another person. Let them know that you admire their kind hearts, their sense of humor, or their fashion sense. A kind word can change the trajectory of someone’s day. How awesome it is to possess that power to do that for someone else.

Day 6: Give Patience

Nobody’s perfect. And some, more than others, try that adage. But today, focus on being patient with people, realizing that we are all a work in progress. Extend the same grace to those stretching your patience as you would like God to extend to you.

Day 7: Give Forgiveness

I know many of you have been the victims of a lot of hurt. But harboring unforgiveness in your heart only blocks God’s freedom to move in your life. On day seven, I encourage you to forgive those who have wronged you and release it into God’s hands.

Day 8: Give Prayer

Some of the best texts that I have ever received are from friends who randomly let me know that they are praying for me. Wow! What a tremendous gift that is to be part of a fellowship where people don’t just pray for you when things are going badly, but just remember you in their prayers because God put you on their hearts. Carve out some time in your day today to give the gift of prayer to the special people in your life (and let them know you are doing so).

We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers. – 1 Thessalonians 1:2

Day 9: Give Wisdom

Sometimes we walk through trials and seasons of hardship not only so that we can learn something, but so that we can pass on what we’ve learned to those who may walk a similar path. Don’t withhold your Godly wisdom from those who might benefit from it. Find someone to pass it on to today.

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver! – Proverbs 16:16

Day 10: Give Talent

I know many of you ladies are super talented. You make Martha Stewart look like a novice in the kitchen or Joanna Gaines’s decorating seem like child’s play. On day ten, ask the Lord what ways you can use the talent that He has deposited inside of you to bless another person. Maybe you could bake cookies for a neighbor, or entertain your friend’s kids for an hour so that she can get some wrapping done. You might use your incredible organizational skills to help sort and organize food at the local food bank. All talent is God-given. Look for a way to gift it this Christmas.

Day 11: Give Honor

This one can be a tough one for many. Giving honor means that you must esteem, value, or respect others. The Bible clearly instructs you to honor your parents, the elderly, and those placed in authority. How do you show honor – through obedience and respect. You need to remember that everyone that is placed in authority has been placed there by God, and you are ultimately honoring God by honoring them.

Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. – 1 Peter 2:17

Day 12: Give Life

Hopefully, you have made it to day 12 with me because this day is the most important. In fact, it is life changing. God gifted us with the greatest gift of all, the birth of His son Jesus. That’s why we celebrate Christmas in the first place. Jesus’s birth, life, and death were all done for us so that we could be reconciled with God and have eternal life. So yes, today is about giving – giving your life to Jesus – but it’s more about receiving salvation and forgiveness for your sins. If you have not had the opportunity or the willingness to lay your life down for the Lord, today is your day. Won’t you join me in giving your life to Him? 

Repeat after me:

Dear Heavenly Father, 

I come to you today with a repentant heart. Thank you for the gift of Jesus. I believe He is the son of God, died on the cross, and rose again. I confess with my mouth that He is Lord and receive the forgiveness of my sins. Lord Jesus, I lay down my life today in faith and ask you to be my personal Lord and Savior. Please send the Holy Spirit to guide me and do your will. In your precious name I pray. Amen. 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16 

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. – Romans 10:9

**Make sure you follow along on Women Get Real’s social media stories each day and share how your Twelve Days of Giving is going.**

Better Together

BY JESSICA LANDMON

One thing that life has taught me over and over again is that we are better together. The Lord never intended for us to walk our Christian walk alone. When Jesus walked this earth, He most definitely spent time in solitude praying and listening to the will of His father, but He also spent a great deal of time building relationships with His disciples. They ate together, they travelled together, they learned together, they ministered together, and they even laughed together. They formed incredible bonds of trust and love. 

So why aren’t we following Jesus’s model and doing likewise? Why do women find it so difficult to help other women find and walk out their calling? I think that deep down inside we are afraid that if we help another woman walk in her destiny that it somehow will keep us from walking into ours. Stop and think about that statement for a minute as we reflect on this passage of scripture. 

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. – Psalm 139:13-16

Before we were born, God assigned a destiny specific to each of our lives. Hear my heart in this, helping another woman find her role in the Kingdom does not take your spot away from you, it only helps that woman find hers. This kind of support and loyalty only pleases the Lord. 

Let’s take a look at Ruth and Naomi’s relationship. Ruth could have easily returned to her family after her husband died, but instead resolved in her heart to stand by Naomi. Ruth understood that there was strength in numbers. She knew that she could do it alone, but there was value in sisterhood. She knew that she and Naomi were better together. 

 Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. – Ruth 1:16

In return for Ruth’s loyalty, Naomi deposited wisdom and strategy into Ruth’s life that set her up to be an integral part of the lineage of Jesus Christ. Naomi wasn’t looking out for herself, worrying that if she helped Ruth that it might somehow take something away from her. But rather, she recognized what her role was in Kingdom purposes and gladly helped Ruth find her role too. 

Ruth had Naomi. Who do you have? Is there a woman in your life giving you Godly wisdom? Is there someone helping you navigate the uncertainties of life? Is there a woman who loves you unconditionally and only wants you to succeed? I hope so. But if not, you need to find that woman, because ladies, we are better together.

Do You Love Me More Than These?

BY JESSICA LANDMON

Anyone who reads my blogs or has heard me preach knows that I have a fascination with Peter – and not for the reasons you would think. Sure, he walked on water and led 3,000 people to Jesus on Pentecost. But, my interest in Peter is more than in his successes. It is about his journey in becoming the man of God that he was destined to be, which includes all his failures and missteps along the way.

John chapter 21 records a conversation between Peter and Jesus that I believe we all must have at some point in our Christian walk. Peter was still coming to terms with his denial of Christ. He ditches all prospects of actually becoming the man Jesus appointed him to be and returns to his life as a fisherman. Fishing may not have always been easy, but it was comfortable, familiar, and required less active faith. But Jesus doesn’t accept Peter’s rejection of his destiny and calls him out.

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” – John 21:15

What exactly is Jesus asking Peter? Do you love me more than the other disciples love me? No. Jesus never played the comparison game. Do you love me more than fish? I don’t think it was that simple either. Jesus implores Peter to examine his heart to see if there was anything in his life that was taking priority over his love and commitment to Jesus.

Peter, do you love me more than your job? Do you love me more than this comfortable and safe life? Do you love me more than your own dreams and ideas of what you thought your life would look like? Peter, will you lay everything down at my feet right now and fulfill the calling that has been placed on you? If the answer is yes, then stop hiding behind that fishing net and go walk in your destiny – feed my sheep!  

Jesus knew that Peter was ready. He spent the past three years preparing him. Jesus was only interested in the issue of his heart. The Holy Spirit would provide the power, the wisdom, and the positioning to walk it out. Jesus just needed to make sure that Peter’s heart was in the right place. 

Ladies, if this passage of scripture doesn’t cause pause in your heart, then you need to go back and read it again. We so badly want to know what God’s plans are for our lives. We chase after prophecy to hear all that is in store. We want direction. We pray earnestly for vision. But when it comes right down to it, Jesus is only interested in one thing – our hearts.

Do you love me more than these? Do you love me more than your dreams and ambitions? Do you love me more than what people think of you? Do you love me more than the world’s idea of success? Will you lay it all down to passionately pursue what I have in store for you?

These are hard questions. Understanding the implication of them, I quickly want to respond with an indignant yes, but my heart aches a little as I begin to reflect on all the things that I have placed value in over Him. What things are getting my attention when it should be placed on Him? What areas in my life have I elevated over time in His presence?

Asked straight out, nothing takes priority over my relationship with Jesus. But what do my actions show? What do your actions show? I truly believe that we are entering a season of decision. There is a lot of Kingdom work that needs to be done, and we have been positioned for such a time as this. Are you ready to walk in your destiny? Are you at a place of full surrender? I encourage you to ask yourself today, do you love Jesus more than these?

Don't Become Comfortable in the Darkness

BY JENNA LANDMON

We have all been there before. We walked from a bright room to a dark room and immediately felt blind. This quick change in brightness makes it hard to make out what is around us. But, after a short time of being in the darkness, our eyes adjust to the surroundings. We become comfortable. We can see again. 

If you think about it, this situation is very similar to our Christian walk. When we spend time in the light, we can easily recognize the darkness; we can easily recognize sin as sin. However, when we spend too much time around sin, we can become desensitized to evil. Things that grieve the Holy Spirit should grieve us as well. Instead, this sin often becomes normalized by what society dictates as right and wrong. 

What does this desensitization look like? Maybe you watch shows that have a lot of bad language. Beforehand, you would cringe anytime you heard this language. But, after hearing these types of words so often, you may brush off the sin and no longer flinch when you hear it. Or maybe, you hang out with a group of people who are prone to gossip. At first, you may try to convince them to talk about something else. Eventually, however, the influence from those around you may cause you to join in and talk about others. This gradual change may not seem apparent to you, yet it is a problem. Thankfully, when you lean in close to God, there is a solution.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. - Romans 12:2

So, how do you prevent yourself from becoming blind to sin? You must guard your spirit. Don’t allow things of the world to convince you to alter your perspectives and Christian walk. Be mindful of what you watch, who you spend time with, and anything that feeds your spirit. Obviously, it is impossible to completely shield yourself from the sins of this world. But, make sure that your relationship with God rubs off on those around you rather than other’s lifestyles rubbing off on you. Do not waver in your Christian beliefs to please others. And, always make sure to be the light.  

While I am in the world, I am the light of the world. - John 9:5

What Do You Reflect?

BY JENNA LANDMON

What do you reflect? Take a few seconds to think about this question. When people see you, can they see Jesus in you? Do you show love the way Jesus does? Have your actions changed since you became a Christian? Does what you do and say show others that you love Jesus?

Many people get caught up in what we are called to do. We know that God has big plans for our lives, and we strive to get to that point when we are walking in that plan. But, we often forget that God first called all of us to live like Jesus.

"For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps." — 1 Peter 2:21

No matter what stage of your life you are in, remember to live your life as a reflection of Jesus. Even in seasons of rest, your purpose is still found in Him. Use your life as a testimony to others. Show them that God radically saved your life and wants to save them too. Make them want to hear about what makes you different from others. Many people will never pick up a Bible or head to church, but your actions may make all the difference. Live each day as a reflection of Christ.

Can I Please Go Back to Quarantine?

BY SHILA ANDERON

You may read that title and think I’m totally crazy, but the truth is, I’m just tired. I welcomed the “new normal” with open arms. I was so excited to see people, hug them, and walk into a store without wearing a mask. But, the new normal brought back some of the old normal that I wish I could have left there – the demanding schedules, the running here and there and everywhere, and saying yes to everything that comes my way so I can be my busy, busy, busy self. Have I not learned anything from quarantine?

The Bible story of Martha and Mary always comes to mind when I find myself getting “too busy.” Jesus told Martha that she was anxious about many things. Martha was running around, preparing dinner, and making sure the house was guest-worthy. And yet, Mary was the one doing the right thing by simply sitting at the feet of Jesus. 

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” - Luke 10:41-42

What did I learn from quarantine that I must carry with me today? I learned that rest is important. I know it was a forced rest, and it made us unplug from everyone and everything, but to be honest, I really liked it (at first anyway). Being home with the family was nice. I was able to work on projects that I had put off for a long time. I took time to really be in God’s presence and truly rest. Sometimes we need to remember to be still and just be with God.

Be still, and know that I am God. - Psalm 46:10

I might not be able to go back into quarantine, at least without my family thinking I’m crazy, but I am able to make some schedule adjustments – to say no to things, to tackle those projects that are important to me, to plan family days (and actually stick to them), and to pencil in “God time” each and every day. I learned that if I put God first, He will make everything else fall into place. I just need to remember to go to Him first.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. - Matthew 11:28-30

I guess I actually don’t want to go back into quarantine. I really do like being out in the world again, and the hugs – I really like the hugs. I just need to remember what I learned during quarantine – to take the time to be still and rest, even if I have to schedule it. Then and only then will I be able to continue to embrace this new normal with open arms. 

Finding Your Way Back

BY JESSICA LANDMON

I have a love-hate relationship with my GPS. It gets me where I need to go when I need to go in the fastest method possible. It keeps me from getting lost. It keeps me out of neighborhoods that aren’t safe. And, it lets me know when there is an accident or traffic ahead. I honestly don’t know how I survived my early days of driving without it. 

With that said, I still sometimes think I know better than it does. I try to take short cuts, choose a route slightly different than the one it suggests, and often take wrong turns. That’s when it gets annoyed with me. At first, it suggests that I simply turn around and return to the designated route. But usually I am too stubborn for that. When I commit, I commit. And that’s when the recalculating feature starts happening. Fortunately for me, the ultimate goal of the GPS is to get me to my destination no matter how off course I get. It will continually readjust its navigational path until I get back on track. 

Does this process sound a little familiar? Our Heavenly Father has a purpose and plan for each of our lives. He also has a specific route that He has designed for each of us to achieve it. He so wants us to follow His perfect path. However, we often deviate from it. 

When that happens, the Holy Spirit will often give us a nudge or a warning to turn around and return to His designated route. But unfortunately, we often ignore His prompt and proceed on the path that we think is best. When this happens, we may find ourselves in a dangerous area that we have no business being in. You see, God’s path is best not simply because it is His, but because His path is always marked with safety, spiritual growth, and opportunities to do His work.

There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. – Psalm 14:12

Thankfully, our God is so gracious. He always wants us to return to the path He designed for us, and He will provide alternative paths to get us back on track. The only question that remains is will we listen? Will we heed His warning? Will we decide in our hearts that His ways are better that our ways even if we don’t understand or agree with Him at the time.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9

Ladies, take a moment and look at the path that you are on right now? Is it God’s path or yours? No matter how painful or uncomfortable it is at the time, your course may need a little readjusting. Remember, with God it’s never too late to find your way back. 

Stop Doing and Just Be

BY JESSICA LANDMON

So often we think that we need to do more to earn God’s love – more Bible studies, more Bible chapters read each day, more prayer groups, more volunteer time, more productivity. If we just do more, He will love us more, right? Not at all! 

Ladies, we need to walk away from the mentality of always doing, and sometimes, just be. Be still in His presence. Be sensitive to His prompting and His nudges. Be aware of the atmosphere that you are in. Be lost in the moment as you spend sweet time alone with Jesus. 

So why is it that we think the only way to go deeper with Jesus is by doing more? Scripture says, “Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you,” not do more for Him, and He will draw near to you. I talk to so many women who have exhausted themselves trying do all the “right” things so that they can have a deeper relationship with the Lord. But in this pursuit, they have missed the very thing that He so desires to have with us – intimacy!

Please don’t misunderstand, these efforts are all great things and very much necessary, but they should never replace time at the feet of Jesus. We see this play out in the account of two sisters, Mary and Martha. Martha was so busy doing things for Jesus that she missed out on the moments with Him. Mary chose what was better, sat at His feet, and basked in His presence.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:41-42

Doing work for the Kingdom of God is noble and honorable. However, if you pour yourself out without allowing the Lord to refresh and rejuvenate your spirit, you will be ineffective and lose your vision. Stop doing and be. 

Attending Bible studies and church events are beneficial for your Christian walk. But attending to the point of burnout will leave you exhausted and resentful. Stop doing and be. 

Daily prayer time is essential, but doing all the talking and never allowing the Lord to respond will often leave you feeling lonely and distant from Him. Stop doing and be. 

Reading the Bible is crucial for your spiritual development. The Word of God is alive and active, but reading for quantity not quality will only leave you empty and unsatisfied. Take time to meditate on the Word, and allow it to transform your mind and spirit. Stop doing and be. 

God desires for you to know Him in a personal way. He wants to confide in you, reveal His heart, share secrets of the Kingdom, and impart revelation. God wants a relationship! Stop doing and just be.