8 Verses for When You Need to Remember Who You Are

Some days are long and filled with enough struggles to wear us down.

Maybe it’s the negative opinions of others and the comments they make sure we hear. Or perhaps it’s mistakes we’re trying to make up for and things we wish we’d done differently.

When this discouragement is on auto-repeat, it takes its toll on us.

It’s enough to make us forget that who we are is not found in what others say or think. Our identities are not found in what we’ve done or neglected to do.

Your identity, and mine, is who God says we are—chosen, loved, and redeemed.

Who we are is found in Whose we are.

Especially on these long, negative-filled days, we need to remind ourselves of who we are in Jesus—His chosen children—loved and redeemed. {Tweet this}

Here are 8 Scripture verses to turn to when you need to remember how much Jesus loves you.

Ephesians 1:4-5 NLT {Chosen and Loved}

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

Isaiah 43:1 NLT {Called by Name}

But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.

Ephesians 2:19 NLT {Part of God’s Family}

So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.

Jeremiah 29:11 NLT {Created for a Purpose}

For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."   

Ephesians 1:13 NLT {Identified as God’s Own}

And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.

Galatians 3:26 NLT {Child of God}

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 103:3-4 NLT {Forgiven and Redeemed}

He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.

1 John 4:9-10 NLT {Loved}

God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

What verses do you turn to when you need to remember who you are in Jesus?

In Christ,

Laura 

[Photo credit: Unsplash.com]

Linking up with: Moments of Hope, #glimpsesofhisbeauty, #DreamTogether, Purposeful Faith, From Messes to Messages, #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, #HeartEncouragement, Writer Wednesday, #GraceMoments, #ChasingCommunity, #FreshMarketFriday, Grace & Truth, Faith 'n Friends

What You Do Is Important

I struggle sometimes with feeling as if I'm not doing anything important—or that what I do doesn't matter.

When reading these verses from Isaiah, "But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose," I think: Me too! That's how I feel!

I wonder what my work amounts to and question my purpose. I see the accomplishments of other women, and it leads to feelings of discouragement...even wanting to give up.

I'm super excited to be a new contributor at Christian Devotions with my first devotion published today! I hope you'll join me there to continue reading: What You Do Is Important!

In Christ,
Laura

Linking up with: #DreamTogether, Moments of Hope, Faith 'n Friends, Faith Filled Friday, Spiritual Sundays

Life is a Journey

I’m joining the Five Minute Friday community with Kate Motaung…5 minutes, no rewriting, and a one-word prompt…

Journey

When my daughter was young, we debated when to start her in kindergarten. Because of her birthday, we had the option of starting when she was five years old, or waiting until she turned six. Although the kindergarten teachers did not know us or our daughter, I decided to ask for their opinions, and I’ve never forgotten what one teacher told me.

Life is a journey, not a race.

I don’t remember the rest of her email, but I still think about that one sentence. Do I see life as a journey or a race?

A journey takes time. A race needs speed.

A journey means there will be waiting, but it also gives time to breathe. It allows for time to enjoy the days we are given, the good ones and even the bad.

A race requires me to rush through life, always aiming for the next goal. It means I might neglect what’s around me now, only to look back at what I missed.

A journey means there will be seasons I would like to avoid, but there is purpose in every season, even when I can’t figure out what that purpose is. Those same seasons exist in a race—they are inevitable.

A journey gives time to feel…and time to rest. A race might help me ignore the emotions, but there is different pain to be felt and little time to relax.

A journey or a race?

I choose the journey.

How about you?

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Five Minute Friday, Recommendation Saturday, #LifeGivingLinkup, #DreamTogether Linkup, Moments of Hope

There is Only One You

When my daughter was little, she loved VeggieTales. The was the last line of almost every movie was…

“God made you special, and He loves you very much.” 

~ VeggieTales

I heard it over and over and over. The other day, it came to mind, not because we were watching it (although, I still enjoy a good VeggieTales now and again), but because I’ve been thinking a lot about how we compare ourselves to others.

God made each of us unique in our own way—how we look, how we think, our talents, what our passions are—and though we’re different, each one of us is special. Because that’s how God made us.

But the temptation to look at someone else and compare myself to her is so great. You know what I’m talking about, right? We compare our looks, accomplishments, how our kids act, our past, our strengths and failures, and so many other things, and it makes what we have look like less. It makes us think of ourselves as less than.

My friends, God does not compare His children to one another. And He doesn’t want us to do so either. {Tweet this}

If He wanted us all alike, He would have made us that way…little cookie-cutter people with the same looks and interests, the same talents and accomplishments. But He didn’t because He loves each of us the way we are—the person He made us to be.

God made you special, and He loves you very much.

Each of us has a place in this world and a purpose. But when we start comparing and trying to be someone we’re not, we end up in the wrong place, and our purpose gets muddled.

So, what do we do when we’re tempted to compare ourselves to someone else, wishing we were like them?

Instead of comparing, what if we looked at how we complement each other? You have talents I don’t have, just as I have interests that aren’t your cup of tea. Sizing ourselves up against each other takes something away from each of us—we start to judge each other and think less of ourselves.

Instead of comparing, what if we cheer each other on? Encouraging those close to us in what they have to offer, and making the decision not to judge those we don’t know. And not thinking less of ourselves because someone is able to do something that we aren’t, or has something that we don’t.

Comparing can bring out the worst in us—jealousy, envy, spite—none of which God intended for us to be consumed with. But we live in a fallen world…and we will fight this temptation.

  

But the truth will always be the same—God made you special, and He loves you very much.

There is only one you and if you try to be someone else, we don’t get to see the one special you God created. And the world misses out. {Tweet this}

In Christ,

Laura 

[Photo credit: Unsplash.com]

Linking up with: Grace & Truth, #FreshMarketFriday, Give Me Grace, #DreamTogether Linkup, Moments of Hope, #LifeGivingLinkup, Intentional Tuesday, #RaRaLinkup, #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, Thought Provoking Thursday

For the Caregivers

Many days you wonder. You wonder if anyone sees all you do in caring for someone else.

The days that seem endless. The tasks that feel monotonous.

Let me remind you...God sees. He sees it all. What you do for someone else, you do for Him.

That someone else sees it too. It may not be acknowledged. It may seem unappreciated. But it is felt.

And that matters.

Some days you feel the blessing. Other days you feel exhausted. It is okay to care for yourself too. No, it's more than okay—it's necessary. Feeling drained leaves little to offer to others.

You may never hear a thank you—but how wonderful it is when you do. To know your work matters inspires you to keep giving.

But know this...caring for another is some of the most important work there is.

You are making a difference in someone else's life.

An impact that won't be forgotten.

A lasting impression that will have a ripple effect.

The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 NIV

In Christ,

Laura

[Photo credit: Freeimages.com]

Linking up with: Give Me Grace, #RaRaLinkup, Sharing His Beauty, #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Faith Filled Friday, Faith 'n Friends

Every Little Thing {Book Review}

Over the years, there have been times when I wondered if there was something more. More than what I was currently doing…because whatever I was doing at the time seemed insignificant.

Other times, I just felt lost in what I was doing…I knew it was important, but still there had to be more. There had to be something I was missing.

But just in the last few years, God has been showing me that there is more…and it’s found in Him.

Importance and significance are not supposed to be about me. (Although we all struggle with wanting that, don’t we?) It’s about Him, and through Him, whatever we do does make a difference.

No matter how big or small, public or private, what we do matters. Every. Little. Thing matters.

I didn’t see it when I felt lost as a stay-at-home mom, but I see it now. I see it in my daughter and the time we spend together, even when we aren’t really doing anything.

My friend, Deidra Riggs, has written the book, Every Little Thing: Making a World of Difference Right Where You Are. Oh, this book! It’s encouraging and inspiring.

It reminded me that…well, every little thing matters. Right here. Right now. Wherever you may be today.

“Celebrating the significance of this one, ordinary, average life shifts our perspective and starts us on the road to God’s adventure for our lifetime. This book invites you to the celebration of every little thing that makes your life spectacularly breathtaking and of the fulfillment of all God has in store.” –Deidra Riggs, Every Little Thing (pg. 25)

What seems like an ordinary day to me, is not just same old same old to God. When we follow Him, God adds the “extra,” making the ordinary extraordinary. {Tweet this}

I wish I’d had this book all those days I felt like what I did didn’t matter. Those days I thought no one would notice what I did or didn’t do anyway. God notices. He sees. He cares. Nothing is too little to be seen by Him.

“God sees things differently. With God, the small things matter for bigness too.” –Deidra Riggs, Every Little Thing (pg. 149)

Every. Little. Thing. It’s a message we all need to hear…and be reminded of again and again.

Don't miss this! Every Little Thing is available now, both in paperback and on Kindle. And maybe
grab an extra copy for a friend too.

In Christ,
Laura

[Image credit: Deidra Riggs, #EveryLittleThing]

Linking up with Sharing His Beauty, #RaRaLinkup, #TellHisStory, Everyday Jesus, Faith Filled Friday

Playing Fetch

Our new kitten plays fetch. Yes. Really.

This morning, as I repeatedly tossed her favorite stuffed mouse across the room and she brought it back to me, ready to run again, I had a few thoughts.

1 – She’s so cute!

2 – She has a lot of energy for 5:15 a.m. (She woke me up to play, so it’s a good thing she’s so cute and loveable.)

3 – It doesn’t matter to her that she’s a cat playing fetch.

She doesn’t know that the game of fetch makes me think of dogs in the park. Nor would she care because, you know, she’s a cat. Cats aren’t known for conforming. They march to their own beat. They don’t care what others think.

Wouldn’t that be nice? To not get caught up in what others think. To not be told we can’t do something because we don’t fit the mold. To not wear the label someone tries to pin on us.

It’s not a bad thing to be an individual and not care what others think.

It’s good—very good—to be who God made us to be. To value the skills and talents He has gifted us with. To not let others stop us from trying new things, no matter whether we fail or succeed.

If we stop trying, how will we know what we’re good at or what we love to do?

If she hadn’t brought that little brown mouse back to me, how would we know that fetch isn’t just for dogs?

In Christ,

Laura  

Linking up with Everyday Jesus, Thought Provoking Thursday, Blessing Counters, Grace & Truth, #DancewithJesus, Weekend Whispers, Faith Filled Friday, #SmallWonder

If God Asked...Would You?

A few years ago, my friend, co-worker, and pastor returned from a conference talking about the topic of this question...if God asked, would you?

Would you follow where God wanted to lead you, even if it meant being uncomfortable?

This week, we say goodbye as he and his family move out of state to follow where God is leading. It will be far from comfortable or easy. Staying would be safe. Going involves risk.

Jesus never said following Him would be safe. Following Jesus involves risk. It means stepping out in faith, even when you can't see where the road leads.

Following Jesus isn't easy, but walking in obedience is worth the risk.

God asked, and my friend said yes.

God has been preparing the way for him, and maybe, as we watch his example of obedience, He's preparing the way for someone else.

What I do know is how thankful I am that God orchestrated our paths to cross and run parallel for six years. I don't know what God has planned for the future, but it's in looking back where I see how I've grown, and the lasting effects of our working together and friendship.

As I told my friend, I'm happy for him. I've had the privilege to watch God equip him with the passion and ability to love and serve others. And now it's time to share that somewhere else.

But, I won't pretend I'm not sad to say goodbye. And that's okay, because maybe the depth of sadness is equal to the impact made in my life.

Now I can't help but wonder...if God asks, will I?

In Christ,

Laura 

Photo credit: FreeImages.com

Linking up with Faith Filled Friday, Grace & Truth, Blessing Counters, The Weekend Brew, Give Me Grace, Sunday Stillness, Inspire Me Monday, #RaRaLinkup, Sharing His Beauty, #SmallWonder, Playdates with God, #TellHisStory, Everyday Jesus, Thought Provoking Thursday, Blessing Counters, Faith Filled Friday

For Such a Time as This

“…And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” 

(Esther 4:14 NIV)

Like Esther, sometimes God leads us to a place we don’t want to be in and we can't help but wonder why. Join me in the conversation over at LifeNotes.

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with: Mondays @ Soul Survival, #RaRaLinkup, Testimony Tuesday, Playdates with God

I Want to Be Like Mary

Are you familiar with the story in John 11 when Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead?

I used to summarize it this way: Jesus receives word that his friend Lazarus is very sick. Lazarus’ sisters want Jesus to come to see him, but Jesus waits two more days before heading their way. When He finally arrives, Lazarus has been dead for days and his sisters are distraught. But Jesus, knowing the plan all along, brings Lazarus back to life…all for the glory of God.

Obviously, that’s a crude, in-a-nutshell, summary of the foreshadowing of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

But yesterday morning, I realized there’s so much more to the story.

So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days. Finally, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.” John 11:5-7 NLT

Although Jesus loved them, He allowed them to walk through this time of grief and loss.

Not because He wanted to be mean, but because there was a purpose.

Although Jesus loves us, He allows us to walk through particular storms in life.

“Because there’s a purpose” is hard to swallow much of the time, especially if you are the one living in pain, sorrow, depression, loneliness, or some other trial. Believe me, I know.

Martha and Mary wouldn’t fully see the purpose until they saw Lazarus walk out of the tomb.

Like them, whatever the purpose may be in our trials often can’t be seen until we’ve made it to the other side. And sometimes, we may never see it if God was working it to reach someone else.

______

I particularly wonder about Mary and what she was thinking and feeling. Jesus was a close friend. She was drawn to Him and had sat at His feet listening and learning from Him when women weren’t encouraged to do that. (Luke 10:38-42) In her grief and deep loss at her brother’s death, I wonder if she might also have felt abandoned, not knowing why Jesus hadn’t come.

Perhaps she even asked the same question I’ve asked before…Where are you, Jesus?!? Why aren’t you here with me?

…she [Martha] went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:28-29, 32 ESV

Mary was distraught and desperate to see Jesus. I can relate—I’ve been there. You too?

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept. John 11:33-35 ESV

Jesus wept.

Jesus, who allowed Lazarus’ family to go through the grief of his death, was greatly troubled. Having compassion for His friends and the pain they felt, feeling angry at the state of sin in the world, and knowing the joy that was to come…Jesus was deeply moved—to the point of tears. Jesus wept.

Jesus never left Mary in her sorrow. He was right there with her—just as He is with us in our sorrow and struggles.

The sin in the world today, compassion for our suffering, and knowing the joy to come…Jesus is moved and troubled, maybe still to the point of tears.

Mary and Martha had to walk through the grief before they could they see the resurrection of Lazarus.

They had to walk through the storm to see the miracle.

And we do too. We can’t get to the mountaintop without walking through the valley.

______

The Book of John doesn’t describe the reactions when Lazarus walked out of the tomb after being dead for four days. We can only imagine the overwhelming awe and emotion they must have felt.

For Mary, who had sat at the feet of Jesus, her faith in Him had to have grown to level deeper than she could have dreamed—to a level deeper than she could explain to anyone else.

I want to be like Mary.

I want to sit at the feet of Jesus studying His Word.

I want unshakable trust in Him, even when I can’t see or hear Him, because I know He’s always with me. 

I want to know that as I walk through the hardest times of my life, He walks with me…and at the other side He’ll show me the miracle.

I want to be like Mary.

In Christ,

Laura 

Thank you Holly!

[Photo credit 1: Stock photo: Dolmen / Photo credit 2: Stock photo: rain / Photo credit 3: Stock photo: Sad & Lonely]

Linking up with Everyday Jesus, Thought Provoking Thursday, Faith ‘N Friends, Blessing Counters, Grace & Truth, The Weekend Brew, Faith Filled Friday, Give Me Grace, Playdates with God, Sharing His Beauty, #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart