It's been two weeks or more of the painters trapsing in and out now.

A coat of "mud" then two days drying.
Another coat of "mud" Then two days letting it dry.
First sanding, then another day goes by.
Next day touch up spots.
Another two days sanding and clean up.
Skip a day.
First coat of primer.
A day for primer to dry.
Second coat of primer went on today.
Another day of drying primer.
...

2 Corinthians 4:8,9 - "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."

Many Believers have endured major battles the past few years, and you may have felt like things have taken a turn for the worst. Although your life may seem to be a battleground, you have actually been on a training ground, equipping you for the next chapter of your life. While it may have seemed like its...

I am like a tree firmly planted by streams of water which yields its fruit in due season; my leaf does not wither and I prosper in whatever I do; because my delight is in You Lord Jesus. (Psalm1:2,3)

How blessed am I since I take refuge in Jesus. (Psalm 2:12)

My Lord, You are a shield about me -- my glory -- and the one who lifts my head. (Psalm 4:3)

The Lord sustains me -- He delivers me from the fear of people. (Psalm 4:5)

In peace...

Present your body as a living sacrifice. Even though you may not understand, do not lean to your own understanding. Cling to the work of His Cross, and let His Cross cling to you.

Let His finished work prosper you, heal you, position you, re-instate you, draw you with loving-kindness to Himself. Let His love come upon your heart as you bask and soak in it as you go throughout your day.

Be not lonely. Seek not isolation; seek stillness to listen for His voice. Present...

"It is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." Philippians 2:13

God does not see us in ourselves - He sees us in Christ. He does not see us, He sees Christ in us. If we really believed that, we would be delivered from ourselves and would indeed be triumphant Christians.

WE ARE NOT DEFINED BY OUR PAST

We must develop the mind-set that -- we are not defined by our past, what people think of us, or our circumstances...