rise up — Devotionals — The Art Of A Messy House

Look to God and for Him

In the face of hurt, look to the Healer.

In the face of the hard, He is there.

Faithful every moment, cast Him every care.

While we cannot see everything, God does. In the midst of our own limited sight, we must lean onto the One who sees and knows it all. From our own blind spots to the times we are blindsided by another person, God is not. He sees. He knows and He loves us through it.

In the clutter of what we carry, we may miss the beauty in the surrender. We may simply forget to look or we may become blinded by the excuses. Still, excuses do not eliminate the true Truth; they often avoid it. However, there is a better way…

Look to God and for Him.

New Year Same God, Purpose, TRUTH SEEKING, Equipped and AbleJen KosudaOctober 16, 2024purpose, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, truth seeking, truth over lies, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, mom life, trust god, pray about it, pray-stepping, bravery, mama bear, rise up, take captive strongholds, mindset shift, christian mindset, daily devotions, love louder, daily devotionals, biblical motherhood, faith encouragement, christian motivation, morning motivation, god provides, marriage, christian relationships, change, embrace change, change is good, growth mindset, waiting season, waiting, faith, hope, changechange is good, into the unknown, love, loved, loved by god, daily encouragement, ignited, ignite, daily devotion, look to god, hardship, god heals, healing journey, blind spots, blindsidedComment

Claiming Completion or Captivity: the Choice Before Us

Sometimes, the answer we are longing for is in the change we are resisting.

Change is not easy…

While change is normal, it is often uncomfortable and challenging. Therefore, our perception matters and our focus does too. We are not meant to stay the same. Evolving and growing is a beautiful gift. That is also true with relationships too.

We must not stay in our Egypt when God calls us out. We must also not go back…

New Year Same God, Purpose, TRUTH SEEKING, Equipped and AbleJen KosudaSeptember 18, 2024purpose, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, truth seeking, truth over lies, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, mom life, trust god, pray about it, pray-stepping, bravery, mama bear, rise up, take captive strongholds, mindset shift, christian mindset, daily devotions, love louder, daily devotionals, biblical motherhood, faith encouragement, christian motivation, morning motivation, god provides, marriage, christian relationships, change, embrace change, change is good, growth mindset, waiting season, waiting, faith, hope, changechange is good, into the unknown, love, loved, loved by god, daily encouragement, ignited, ignite, dialy devotional, daily devotionComment

Running to the Fish or the Foundation

How do we take those negative ruminating thoughts and running routines and turn them into REST?

Ruminating to rest

Running to rest

It sounds contradictory and yet, it is quite the opposite. It is about that firm foundation we must sit on, stand on and walk from, remembering to always go back to it too. So let’s run back now and begin here…

Where are we running? Where are we resting? And what does that have to do with the Book of Jonah?

When we think of the Book of Jonah, we probably think of a fish. However, there is so much more to learn from these pages. We must be careful to not become so fascinated by a fish that will lose sight of the foundation, and a message for all ages. And yes, that does have to do with our focus as well as our running and resting routines and rhythms…

Barriers into Breakthrough

“Don’t wait for the blessing, be the blessing”

Those were the first words I heard on my heart as my eyes greeted 2024. It is also what prompted this message.

It is a message encouraging us all to walk in love, to be bold in prayer and to approach each day not just with a list of resolutions…

but instead with a resolute heart.

Tis’ the Season to Love Louder

Lord, please fill my cup

with what I need.

Soften my heart to hear,

to live in love, and not greed.

Can you relate?

Recently, I had a week of feeling frustrated and drained about a few things in my life. In recognizing them, I knew it was either an opportunity to sit in frustrating emotions or to use those emotions as opportunities and necessities to lean into God.

In asking Him what to do, I heard Him tell me…

“Love Louder.”

God is Love

God is good;

our Hope from above.

A hope anchored in Christ,

that knows God is love.

I grew up thinking that God was punishing me every time something bad happened. I remember clearly asking about this in my journal to Him growing up and yet I did not pause to listen much back then. My conversations were often one-sided. Venting, pleading or praising Him…

As I continue to read the Bible as an adult, I find more and more of God’s faithful and loving character and see that I had this wrong.

God is love.

TRUTH SEEKING, Purpose, Equipped and AbleJen KosudaNovember 1, 2023purpose, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, truth seeking, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, mom life, nothing is impossible, word over world, it is possible, lessons learned, anything is possible, my story, testimony, my story for god’s glory, my testimony, obedience, holy spirit, pray in spirit, trust god, god’s plans over mine, god’s will, god’s will be done, time flies, time, stretch goals, dream chaser, pray about it, pray-stepping, motivation of the heart, keep praying, keep moving, do not give up, it is a choice, healing journey, bold, bravery, mama bear, lions rise, rise up, speak truth, declare truth, take captive strongholds, mindset shift, christian mindset, new seasons, same god, daily devotion for moms, drinking testimony, god saved my life, give it to god, dear younger me, college years, set free, god is loveComment

God Made You Brave

God, what do I need to let go of?

There is so much we carry

so much we hold.

But it’s in the surrender

that we begin to live fearlessly bold.

TRUTH SEEKING, PurposeJen KosudaOctober 4, 2023purpose, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, truth seeking, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, mom life, nothing is impossible, word over world, it is possible, lessons learned, anything is possible, my story, testimony, my story for god’s glory, my testimony, obedience, holy spirit, pray in spirit, trust god, god’s plans over mine, god’s will, god’s will be done, time flies, time, stretch goals, dream chaser, pray about it, pray-stepping, motivation of the heart, keep praying, keep moving, do not give up, it is a choice, healing journey, bold, bravery, mama bear, lions rise, rise up, speak truth, declare truth, take captive strongholds, mindset shift, christian mindset, new seasons, same god, daily devotion for moms, drinking testimony, god saved my life, give it to god, dear younger me, college years, set free, drinking, god made you braveComment

CLARITY IN CHOICE

Are you like me?

I have never really liked decision making. Yet, choices need to be made all the time. So how do we ensure we are leaning into God’s wisdom and not allowing worldly fear to decide?

♡ That is the theme and topic of this week’sTruth Seeking devotional.

♡ It is about making decisions that honor God.

TRUTH SEEKING, New Year Same GodJen KosudaMarch 8, 2023women supporting women, moms supporting moms, devotionals, jesus, mom life, god's words, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, trust god, god’s plans over mine, looking back, christian bloggers, christian author, christian devotional, faith walk, walk in faith, god is on your side, trust god always, slow the hurry, dear god, heart check, new year resolutions, new year goals, planting seeds, personal growth, real not perfect, persevere, 2023 goals, new year same god, stepping out of my confort zone, in the beginning, imperfections, imperfect resolutions, living and learning, new beginnings, a fresh start, new mercies, god’s mercy and grace, every day faith, daily faith, faith every day, start off on right foot, wrong side of the bed, fasting, postpartum mom, faithful motherhood, step out of your comfort zone, limitless god, god can do all things, impossible is not a word, all things are possible, through christ, with god all things are possible, bible time, faith blog, faith mama, rise up, try again, shame, silence shame, glorious god, praise god, tests into testimonies, healing, victory, god’s promises, be encouraged, god can do it, rest, rest in god, trust in god, promises of god, renew mind, focus, happiness, choice, new month, march mindset, decision making, godly choices, godly decisionsComment

Silence the Fears with Praise

Have you ever been tempted to hold back in praising God just in case or for another reason?

Maybe it’s with thoughts like…

Let me make sure I’m not getting ahead of this… or I don’t want to speak too soon…

I remember growing up and being afraid to allow happiness for fear that it would go away. Wow! What chains to carry.

Still, I share because I pray that I use God’s Word to bring His hope to anyone who may fear that right now. Here is the thing… being happy is a feeling. Happiness is a choice. We can’t always control circumstances but we decide how we react and what we focus on. Fear can try to have such a hold on us BUT that is not the way the Lord wants us to live.

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

God has more for us! So much MORE!

♡ And that is the theme and topic of this week’sTruth Seeking devotional.

♡ It is all about fixing our FOCUS and fighting away the fears with praise!

TRUTH SEEKING, New Year Same GodJen KosudaMarch 1, 2023women supporting women, moms supporting moms, devotionals, jesus, mom life, god's words, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, trust god, god’s plans over mine, looking back, christian bloggers, christian author, christian devotional, faith walk, walk in faith, god is on your side, trust god always, slow the hurry, dear god, heart check, new year resolutions, new year goals, planting seeds, personal growth, real not perfect, persevere, 2023 goals, new year same god, stepping out of my confort zone, in the beginning, imperfections, imperfect resolutions, living and learning, new beginnings, a fresh start, new mercies, god’s mercy and grace, every day faith, daily faith, faith every day, start off on right foot, wrong side of the bed, fasting, postpartum mom, faithful motherhood, step out of your comfort zone, limitless god, god can do all things, impossible is not a word, all things are possible, through christ, with god all things are possible, bible time, faith blog, faith mama, rise up, try again, shame, silence shame, glorious god, praise god, tests into testimonies, healing, victory, god’s promises, be encouraged, god can do it, rest, rest in god, trust in god, promises of god, renew mind, focus, happiness, choice, new month, march mindsetComment

GOD BREAKS CHAINS, NOT PROMISES

When we feel unpeaceful

and unrest,

let’s remember: testimonies come

from the test.

GOD BREAKS CHAINS, NOT PROMISES. He promises peace, a peace He gives to us that is not like the world.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

♡ That is the theme and topic of this week’s Truth Seeking devotional.

♡ It is all about fixing our FOCUS and standing on God’s promises, including His perfect peace.

TRUTH SEEKING, New Year Same GodJen KosudaFebruary 22, 2023women supporting women, moms supporting moms, devotionals, jesus, mom life, god's words, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, trust god, god’s plans over mine, looking back, christian bloggers, christian author, christian devotional, faith walk, walk in faith, god is on your side, trust god always, slow the hurry, dear god, heart check, new year resolutions, new year goals, planting seeds, personal growth, real not perfect, persevere, 2023 goals, new year same god, stepping out of my confort zone, in the beginning, imperfections, imperfect resolutions, living and learning, new beginnings, a fresh start, new mercies, god’s mercy and grace, every day faith, daily faith, faith every day, start off on right foot, wrong side of the bed, fasting, postpartum mom, faithful motherhood, step out of your comfort zone, limitless god, god can do all things, impossible is not a word, all things are possible, through christ, with god all things are possible, bible time, faith blog, faith mama, rise up, try again, shame, silence shame, glorious god, praise god, tests into testimonies, healing, victory, god’s promises, be encouraged, god can do it, rest, rest in god, trust in god, promises of god, renew mind, focusComment

PRAY LIKE NEHEMIAH

Keep believing in what God can do!

Pray like Nehemiah, and carry through.

♡ That is the theme and topic of this week’s Truth Seeking devotional.

♡ It is all about looking back and rejoicing in the journey and accomplishments as well as using key principles from the Book of Nehemiah to go forward and carry through.

♡ It encourages us to not only dream big but also discusses how to focus on God’s will for us as we practice our “faith stepping”…

… pray-step, pray-step, pray-step…

I hope you’ll step with me through this week’s devotional right here right now. ♡

TRUTH SEEKING, New Year Same GodJen KosudaFebruary 8, 2023women supporting women, moms supporting moms, devotionals, jesus, mom life, god's words, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, trust god, god’s plans over mine, looking back, christian bloggers, christian author, christian devotional, faith walk, walk in faith, god is on your side, trust god always, slow the hurry, dear god, heart check, new year resolutions, new year goals, planting seeds, personal growth, real not perfect, persevere, 2023 goals, new year same god, stepping out of my confort zone, in the beginning, imperfections, imperfect resolutions, living and learning, new beginnings, a fresh start, new mercies, god’s mercy and grace, every day faith, daily faith, faith every day, start off on right foot, wrong side of the bed, fasting, postpartum mom, faithful motherhood, step out of your comfort zone, limitless god, god can do all things, impossible is not a word, all things are possible, through christ, with god all things are possible, philippians 4:10-13, bible time, faith blog, faith mama, rise up, try again, shame, silence shame, glorious god, praise god, tests into testimonies, food allergies, healing, victory, eating disorders healed, god’s promises, be encouraged, god can do it, rest, rest in god, trust in god, nehemiah, leadership, pray like nehemiahComment

TO THE PACE OF MY FATHER’S HEART

Maybe my mess is really part of His masterpiece.

This is just a friendly reminder...to myself, and anyone else who may need to hear it, that it’s okay to lay aside the mess... TO REST. There will always be more to do and more “messes” to clean up, but still God’s Word calls us to rest. It calls us to trust.

♡ That is the theme and topic of this week’s Truth Seeking devotional. It discusses how to make rest, a lifestyle. It shares a moment as mom as well as a lesson from the Bible from Exodus about availability and obedience.

For I continue to learn, God can do so much more with 6 days, than we alone can do with 7. And that every single moment has a choice: to hurry and worry, or TO REST and trust in God. ♡

TRUTH SEEKING, New Year Same GodJen KosudaFebruary 1, 2023women supporting women, moms supporting moms, devotionals, jesus, mom life, god's words, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, trust god, god’s plans over mine, looking back, christian bloggers, christian author, christian devotional, faith walk, walk in faith, god is on your side, trust god always, slow the hurry, dear god, heart check, new year resolutions, new year goals, planting seeds, personal growth, real not perfect, persevere, 2023 goals, new year same god, stepping out of my confort zone, in the beginning, imperfections, imperfect resolutions, living and learning, new beginnings, a fresh start, new mercies, god’s mercy and grace, every day faith, daily faith, faith every day, start off on right foot, wrong side of the bed, fasting, postpartum mom, faithful motherhood, step out of your comfort zone, limitless god, god can do all things, impossible is not a word, all things are possible, through christ, with god all things are possible, philippians 4:10-13, bible time, faith blog, faith mama, rise up, try again, shame, silence shame, glorious god, praise god, tests into testimonies, food allergies, healing, victory, eating disorders healed, god’s promises, be encouraged, god can do it, rest, rest in god, trust in godComment

GOD KNOWS MY NAME

I was once blinded by shame until I learned the Truth: God knew and knows my name!

♡ That is the theme and topic of this week’s Truth Seeking devotional. It discusses how to walk in God’s Truth and speak life over our lives even during those challenging times.

It shares part of my testimony as well as a powerful one from the Bible, the story of Joseph in the Book of Genesis.

For God is with us always

and He is working! ♡

TRUTH SEEKING, New Year Same GodJen KosudaJanuary 25, 2023women supporting women, moms supporting moms, devotionals, jesus, mom life, god's words, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, trust god, god’s plans over mine, looking back, christian bloggers, christian author, christian devotional, faith walk, walk in faith, god is on your side, trust god always, slow the hurry, dear god, heart check, new year resolutions, new year goals, planting seeds, personal growth, real not perfect, persevere, 2023 goals, new year same god, stepping out of my confort zone, in the beginning, imperfections, imperfect resolutions, living and learning, new beginnings, a fresh start, new mercies, god’s mercy and grace, every day faith, daily faith, faith every day, start off on right foot, wrong side of the bed, fasting, postpartum mom, faithful motherhood, step out of your comfort zone, limitless god, god can do all things, impossible is not a word, all things are possible, through christ, with god all things are possible, philippians 4:10-13, bible time, faith blog, faith mama, rise up, try again, shame, silence shame, glorious god, praise god, tests into testimonies, food allergies, healing, victory, eating disorders healed, god’s promises, be encouraged, god can do itComment