An Empty Tomb for Every Empty Space

God provided an empty tomb for every empty space in our lives.

Does it ever seem like you took a crash course on how to manage current life that you never signed up for? The sinking feeling of emptiness that seems to linger on and on.

I experienced emptiness from an empty womb after I lost a baby to miscarriage, an emptiness from a broken heart when my father died, and plenty of other empty spaces throughout the years.

Whether it was the loss we experienced during the pandemic, a natural disaster, a family trauma or inner turmoil, you and I know how much empty wreaks havoc on our minds and hearts.

Because we can almost always mark a moment when empty made an entry point in our story.

Still, empty doesn’t define who we are, we were misinformed by the enemy of our souls.

Empty Tomb: Jesus Steps Into Our Empty

Those daydreams of shining knights coming to save the day and us. The people we hope will swoop in as a hero over our difficult circumstances and life’s unexpected curve balls. The ones we want to fill in our empty.

They all have cracks in their armor or holes in their capes. 

But Jesus steps in and rescues us from areas in our life marked: Empty found, Rescue needed.

These are our real needs. These are the areas where a true rescue needs to take place. Like how Jesus offers to fill our emptiness with living water and soul refreshing. Such as forgiveness, mercy, and grace for sin. And unconditional love and real peace only found in our Savior.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (ESV)

We Already Possess Power Over Fear

Has fear ever plagued your mind? Have you ever lost a battle to fear? My hand is raised. It doesn’t have to be this way for children of God. Because God is not the source of fear. And He already provided us with power over fear for the victory.

Fear stalks us. And when we least expect it, it grabs us in the darkness with a relentless grip, refusing to let go or loosen its hold. It sets in as our uninvited companion. 

Power Over Fear: What-ifs

Fear lives in the what-ifs plaguing our mind. It’s our worst nightmare, sleepless nights refuse us any rest. 

Instead, fear whispers the worst-case scenarios to our heart. Afraid of the unknown, it wrestles with our spirit pinning us in a position of panic. 

That fearful feeling sets in. I know it all too well. And I’m betting so do you. 

Fear Messes With Our Wellness

Being afraid always messes with our emotional and spiritual wellness.

It happens when we face surgery. Or, when cancer pays a visit to us or a family member. When our child is bullied or a bully in our own path lurks nearby. Or, if our child lost her way and we fear for her well-being. 

Likewise, with job loss, financial woes or fill in the blank with what makes you most afraid.

Power Over Fear: A Terrible Co-pilot

It even rides side-saddle with me when driving in inclement weather. You see, once upon a time an ice-and-snow-covered highway, on top of a mountain, spun me into circles then slid me into a ditch.

That day fear slipped into my passenger seat, buckling in for the long-haul. Ever since I battle anxiety like a dreadful enemy while driving during the least hint of snow or heavy rain.

Yet, fear is a terrible co-pilot in life. One we need to kick to the curb.

Fearless Calls Us By Name

Jesus Saves: Salvation Scriptures and Prayer

One of my favorite hashtags to use on social media is Jesus Saves (#JesusSaves).

But I realize not everyone understands what the phrase means.

Because before I understood my need for salvation and a Savior, I only knew a little about Jesus.

And I didn’t understand God’s story in sending Jesus, His Son, to die for me.

But after Jesus saved me at sixteen, my story became a God story.

First, the term saves carries the connotation of a rescue from something or someone.

Second, we need a rescuer, the one who saves, the savior.

According to the Bible, the gospel message is the foundation of these main essentials:

Jesus. The Savior who loves and takes away the sins of the world.

Salvation. Eternal life provided through the bloodshed of Jesus.

Eternity. Spiritual life after this physical life in either heaven or hell.

So let’s look at a list of scriptures from the Bible that show us our need for salvation and how Jesus saves us.

Jesus Saves Scripture

(1.) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:16-17 (ESV)

(2.) “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 (ESV)

(3.) “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 (ESV)

Marriage Lessons From the 10 Commandments

There are no easy or fast rules for marriage. No code to break. Also, no scientific formula guaranteeing 100% satisfaction. But what if we uncovered marriage lessons from God’s ten commandments?

Since God created marriage, He helps us manage and sustain our marriage as we submit to His ways.

Even more, the Lord possesses all the knowledge to lead us in our marriage. 

Yet, our job is to simply seek God’s knowledge.

Rather than producing our own marriage commandments with good advice, let’s use the truths behind God’s Ten Commandments in Deuteronomy 5:7-21.

So keeping the original truth, while reflecting on how each commandment can apply to our spouse, here are ten marriage lessons to help us build a firm foundation.

Marriage Lessons to Supercharge Our Marriage

1.) You shall have no other gods before me. After God, our spouse is our most important relationship. What “other” things or relationships do you put before God? Then, what about your marriage?

2.) You shall not make for yourself a carved image…for I am a jealous God. God is jealous for our complete loyalty and whole-hearted devotion. In the same way, our spouse desires we stay loyal and devoted. Sexual and emotional faithfulness, and being a faithful friend is important. Do you feel you love your spouse with a steadfast, deep, and sure devotion?

When I Asked God to Send Me a Friend

“I really need a friend.” 

Have you ever thought you could really use a friend? Maybe you prayed for the Lord to send you a friend in a new city, job, group or church.

Since our family spent over thirty-five years in full-time church ministry and lived in different towns and states, friendship became somewhat of a lifeline. So I usually prayed for at least one friend at each new place.

Have you ever prayed that the Lord would send you a friend?

Early in our marriage, we moved to a small farm town in a new state. Our daughter was only eighteen months old at the time.

Gracious ladies from the church brought us dinner for a few nights and I unpacked boxes while our daughter napped during the day.

Still, I’ll never forget the Sunday when a young woman approached me after a service. “Do you need anything? Let me know if you need anything.” Her sentiments seemed honest and heartfelt. 

I politely thanked her and continued with: No, we are fine.

But as I started to walk away, I felt the Lord nudging me to turn back around and tell her I needed a friend. With the Lord helping me to be brave, I walked toward her: I thought of something I need, I really need a friend.

You know what? We formed a wonderful friendship and kept in touch when my family moved again. It was a God-thing.

Created for Friendship

The enemy wants us to believe the lie that we are “fine” without friends. Or, that you and your family have each other and you don’t need friends in your community.

But it’s not true. God created us for relationship and community. First, the Lord desires that we are in relationship with him. Have you found a friend in Jesus?

5 Breakup Letters to Send for Intimacy With Christ

Have you ever received or sent a breakup letter? 

Is there anything holding you back from intimacy with Christ?

He slid the note across a neighboring student’s desk, motioning to pass to the intended recipient—me. My name visible along the top fold of paper.

Feeling as though the world came to an end that day and I would never survive breaking up. The quirkiness of seventh grade.

When did I decide boys didn’t have cooties? This should be re-evaluated.

Still, sobering breakups thundered in my young life. I made it out alive.

Yet, as with most hurting hearts, my heart lacked resilience.

Breakups are hard and heartbreaking. The larger the investment of time, the harder we fall.

A Necessary Breakup

But although painful, some breakups are in my best interest. Therefore, I composed 5 notes to send, specifying the exact reasons I want out to each intended recipient.

Dear Insecurity,

We’ve spent a lot of time together. I have grown comfortable with you these many years. You’re a loyal companion, but not a trustworthy one. Instead, you always deny the truth and believe a lie. It’s been just the two of us in this love affair. But I’m tired of the on-again, off-again charade. It’s off. We’re done.

Sincerely, Secure in Christ.

Dear Perfectionism,

How to Manifest Moments of Heaven on Earth

Heaven on earth? Really, Karen?

Is there even such a thing? Why, yes. Yes, there is!

Yet, I’m not talking about things or situations we attribute to the phrase, “It was heaven on earth.” Such as food, trips, or any experience we feel was heaven-like.

We are so limited in what we imagine for heaven. It’s much bigger and carries more awe than we realize.

A New Heaven and Earth

But the new heaven and earth will one day replace this fallen world we live in.

Look at how it’s all described in Revelation 21:

“Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes.

There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true’” (Verses 1-5, NIV).

How wonderful this is what we have to look forward to. Still, in the present, there are moments of heaven touching earth and touching our lives.

Here are some ways to manifest it.

Moments of Heaven on Earth

1) Look up. We may never know what God desires to rain down from heaven unless we remain aware, looking for it. And looking for Jesus.

You Have Mail: 6 Encouraging Letters From Hope

You have mail! Do you enjoy receiving encouraging letters by email or regular mail? My hand’s raised.

Perhaps the sender encourages our heart with a sweet note, an inspirational message, or a Scripture.

And it arrived at the perfect time.

Maybe you’ve seen the movie, “You’ve Got Mail” from the late 90’s. It’s a romantic-comedy starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan who send messages online to each other without realizing they are business rivals in the bookstore world.

But in this article, we will read encouraging letters from Hope. These are letters to encourage our heart, inspire us in our walk with Christ and remind us of God’s Word.

I pray we carefully read Hope’s words. Also, that we welcome Hope’s encouraging letters into our heart to live forever. 

And please, let Hope’s notes override every hopeless thought you may be carrying today.

Unwavering Hope: Encouraging Letters

God’s child, 

The heavenly Father gave me to you as a gift; a stable, certain, and secure hope. I never waver based on circumstances, people, or opinions. You see, in an uncertain world, I’m an undeniable hope, an unshakable anchor for your soul. 

But you possess the choice to hold fast to the confession of your hope without wavering, for God who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23). Because Christ lives in you, a glorious hope also resides in you (Colossians 1:27).

Sincerely, Unwavering Hope

Hope’s Message About Identity

Disciple of Christ,

How to Persevere in Marriage: 3 Scriptural Truths

Does the thought to persevere in anything seem exhausting to you? 

Honestly, it does to me. 

Look at this definition by Google and we kind of understand the hesitation, “continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no prospect of success.” 

See what I mean, this doesn’t sound pleasant at all.

But because the Bible portrays persevering as a spiritual aspect that’s important to help us in the rough parts of life and grow in our faith, you and I need to dig deeper in how this applies to our marriage.

First, you should know, “the face of difficulty” applies to the hard parts and difficult seasons of marriage that we all experience. It in no way means to continue in an abusive situation. 

Also, if you are single, divorced or widowed, these scriptural truths apply to any relationship and basically to our Christian walk in many areas.

Here are 3 ways the Bible calls us to persevere.

Persevere in Doing Good

(1.) Never give up in doing good.

Sometimes you may feel like you are the only one in the marriage who is giving and doing, doing and giving. You reach a point that you want to give up.

3 Ways Not to Forget God and His Works

Do you ever forget?

Like forget to call a friend, about an important meeting, to pay a bill, where you put the car keys or even details of what happened last week or last year?

My hand is raised.

On the flipside, have you ever wondered if a friend forgot about you? This friend seems to do things with others but hasn’t reached out to you in ages. Sometimes people forget about us and we forget about others.

And here’s a big question to consider.

Have you ever felt like God has forgotten you? If you’re nodding, me too. Maybe you think, God has forgotten me. He seems to work on behalf of others. Me? I continue waiting for Him to move in my life. 

Yet, regardless of how we feel, thinking God forgets us is a lie from the enemy. Even people in the Bible contemplated this very thing. “I say to God, my rock: ‘Why have you forgotten me?'” Psalm 42:9b (ESV)

The One Thing God Forgets

God never forgets us. When it comes to His children, God only forgets one thing. We find it in Isaiah 43:25:

“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” (NIV)

This girl remains forever grateful about the whole I-forget-your-sins grace from God. What redeeming and relentless love!