Barefoot Devotions

Blooming In Off Seasons

This winter season has been unusual to say the least.  I have heard stories of flowers blooming this month because of the much warmer temperatures that are not expected in a cold January.   It’s supposed to be snowing, frigid cold, and signs of plant life are supposed to be anything but blooming.  Expectations for winter seasons are already set for us.  When things happen out of season, we tend to get confused, scratch our head, and ask, “why?” We often get stuck on thinking it’s not supposed to be this way.

Perhaps there is a lesson we can learn from the blooming flower in the off season.  Naturally, we think the flowers are confused because this is happening against the season.  The flowers did not question the season they were in, but they bloomed as they were created to.  They know the conditions needed to produce blooms and they spring forth into action.

Like the flower blooming in the off season, we may find ourselves in seasons we do not understand but we must find a way to spring forth into action.

The Word of Truth is needed in a believer’s life to produce fruitfulness, steadfastness, and new life.   When we are in relationship with God by engaging in His word, prayer, fasting, and worship we are then in right balance with the creator.  When the word is implanted in us, it is deeply woven in every part of us.   We won’t be able to stop the growth and we will want to live a life pure and undefiled.  This kind of life leads us to be doers and hearers of The Word as James instructs Christians to be. 

James teaches us that every believer will experience trials in life, but trials are a blessing.  They are opportunities for growth and to see the Father of Lights who created the light that rule the days and seasons.  His nature is unchanging, and His promises are secure.  Through creation, we can see exactly how faithful and unchanging God is.   Therefore, it is so important as believers to be deeply rooted in Christ so that when these off seasons do come, we will not be swayed but we will spring into action as we were created to.  Off seasons are opportunities to truly learn where our faith stands when resources have dried up, time is against us, and there isn’t any light at the end of the tunnel.   These seasons are where we meet opposition, lack, frustration, and maybe even wonder if we had faith at all?

But we were created for this.

It’s the place where we find out who we truly are, what our character is made of, and the condition of our heart.  In this place, we see God, place our trust in Him, and surrender. 

We must find a way to stay focused on God and our relationship with Him in every season of our journey so that when these off seasons do come, we will not find ourselves stuck or wavering.

 God is at work in all of our seasons, spiritual growth is a process and growth happens most in the seasons that seem out of balance. 

He is there and we can trust that He has a great purpose.

Qualities Needed In Off Seasons

Be swift to hear

Slow to speak

Slow to wrath

Be a doer of The Word

Read James 1 here:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1&version=NIV

With all of my love and encouragement,

Hannah B.

Barefoot Devotions

What’s Brewing In Your Heart? Lesson Seven | Envy

What is envy and how does it affect your life?

Definition of Envy:
1: painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage
2: an object of envious notice or feeling

Similar Words: envious, grudge, begrudge, jealous

Examples of Envy:
• Having a want for a job, house, car, or other processions that someone else has
• Being envious of someone else’s life in general
• Be envious of someone else’s spouse or significant other
• Feeling discontent with what you have and desiring a different life, job, or materials
• Wanting something that you do not have access to or resources for

What The Bible Says About The Sin of Envy:

Proverbs 14:30

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.

James 3:14-15
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.

James 3:16
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

James 4:2-3
You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

1 Corinthians 3:3
For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?

Hebrews 13:5
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.

James 1:14
But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.

Proverbs 4:23
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

Take Away

1 John 2:15:17 tells us to not love anything in the world and that if anyone loves the world then the love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life comes not from the Father but from the world. Just like Eve lusted after the fruit on the tree God told her not to touch, this problem continues for us today. It’s so easy of us to lust after the next meal that we will temporarily enjoy, the new shiny car, iPhone, and materials that twinkle to our eyes. Envy begins with a desire for something we do not have, and it is so important that we be aware of our surroundings so that when our eyes notice these things, we can quickly squash these desires. If we let these desires take root, the consequences can be catastrophic! Each day we must be aware of what is happening around us and be on guard so that we can be vigilant about the things of this world we are seeing. Seek God daily and walk in the Spirit as you overcome these lustful desires. God is faithful to provide for us daily. When we start thanking Him for the things we have in life – our health, family, a place over our head, a bed, and all the things that we take for granted something in our heart begins to change and we see things in light of who God is and what He has done for us.

Heavenly Father,
I confess the sins of envy in my heart and I pray that you will cleanse me from my sinful desires, wants, and pride. I invite you into my heart to invade my life and free me from these desires. It’s my heart to serve you wholly and fully. Thank you for what the life you have given me and teach me to serve you with what you trusted me with. Teach me to walk in the spirit and not by the flesh.
Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen!

Questions to Ponder and Life Application Thoughts:

  1. In what areas of your life are you currently envious after? Confess these to God, repent, and surrender this to Him.
  2. Acknowledge any area in your life that you may abhor any discontentment and diligently make a mindful decision to turn from this daily.
  3. Ask God if there is any area in your life that you need to fully surrender to Him.
  4. Ask God to teach you to walk in the Spirit so that you can overcome the flesh by His strength.
Barefoot Devotions

What’s Brewing In Your Heart? Lesson Six | Lust

What’s brewing in your heart?

Lust – Lesson Six

What is lust and how does it affect your life?

Definition of Lust:  Very strong and passionate desire for something or someone.

Similar Words: Desire, Passion, Relish, Craving, Sexuality, Concupiscence

Examples of Lust:

What The Bible Says About The Sin Of Lust:

  • Lust can be known as a strong insatiable desire for sex, pornography, and other sexual vices.
  • Lust can be an intense longing for something we cannot control.
  • Your mind is continuously on this one thing and you will do anything to get this fix.  
  • You have a strong desire for power, fame, or knowledge.
  • You have an uncontrollable desire for drugs or alcohol.
  • You can even lust after materials – clothes, homes, and cars are just a few things.

Verses About Lust:

Matthew 5:28

but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

James 1:13-15

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.

1 John 2:16

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

Romans 7:5

For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.

Encouragement Verses For Overcoming Lust:

1 Corinthians 6:18

 “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”

Colossians 3:5

 “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”

2 Timothy 2:22

“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”

Take Away

Lust can be found in a variety of situations and it’s easy to give our minds over to these desires we are yearning for.   When we give our minds over to perusing these fleshly desires, we become engrossed with ourselves and will do anything to obtain the fix our vice gives us.  When our focus becomes obtaining this fix, we will stop at nothing regardless of the negative consequences this sin may have.  Lust takes our minds captive and we become a slave to this one thing.  If you truly ask yourself, I think we would all be surprised at what we have compromised as far as our relationship, time, and commitment to working for God’s kingdom.   Taking our mind and desires back starts with confessing our sin to God and giving Him the situation that His yoke is powerful enough to break.  Without Him, our flesh is too weak.  Once we take these steps, it’s important to renew our mind every day with God’s word and in prayer.   When we take those moments of weakness to God, He gives us strength to fight the urge we may be feeling.  Each passing day does get easier, but it is hard to get started and to stay seeking God during the beginning.   Once the chains break, we will be free from this sin but it’s a lifetime of embracing a relationship with Jesus every day.

Heavenly Father,

I come before you seeking your wisdom and strength in this area of my life that is overtaken by lust.   I commit this area to you and ask that you invade my heart and change me from the inside out.  Give me the strength and courage I will need in the days ahead as I continue to live for you fully surrendered.

Questions to Ponder and Life Application Thoughts:

  1. What are fixations is your mind is set on and continuously thinking about?
  2. What can you do to cultivate your relationship with Jesus?
  3. Find someone you trust to confide in and to be a support system, it’s always good to find someone to hold us accountable.   Ask God to show you who this person might be.
Barefoot Devotions

What’s Brewing In Your Heart? Lesson Five | Greed


What is lust and how does it affect your life?


Definition of Lust: A very strong and passionate desire for something or someone.


Similar Words: Desire, Passion, Relish, Craving, Sexuality, Concupiscence


Examples of Lust:
What The Bible Says About The Sin Of Lust:• Lust can be known as a strong insatiable desire for sex, pornography, and other sexual vices. • Lust can be an intense longing for something we cannot control.• Your mind is continuously on this one thing and you will do anything to get this fix. • You have a strong desire for power, fame, or knowledge.• You have an uncontrollable desire for drugs or alcohol. • You can even lust after materials – clothes, homes, and cars are just a few things.


Verses About Lust:


Matthew 5:28 – but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.


James 1:13-15 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.


1 John 2:16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life is not from the Father, but is from the world.
Romans 7:5For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.


Encouragement Verses For Overcoming Lust:
1 Corinthians 6:18 “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”


Colossians 3:5 “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”


2 Timothy 2:22 “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”

Take Away


Lust can be found in a variety of situations and it’s easy to give our minds over to these desires we are yearning for. When we give our minds over to perusing these fleshly desires, we become engrossed with ourselves and will do anything to obtain the fix our vice gives us. When our focus becomes obtaining this fix, we will stop at nothing regardless of the negative consequences this sin may have. Lust takes our minds captive and we become a slave to this one thing. If you truly ask yourself, I think we would all be surprised at what we have compromised as far as our relationship, time, and commitment to working for God’s kingdom. Taking our mind and desires back starts with confessing our sin to God and giving Him the situation that His yoke is powerful enough to break. Without Him, our flesh is too weak. Once we take these steps, it’s important to renew our mind every day with God’s word and in prayer. When we take those moments of weakness to God, He gives us the strength to fight the urge we may be feeling. Each passing day does get easier, but it is hard to get started and to stay seeking God during the beginning. Once the chains break, we will be free from this sin but it’s a lifetime of embracing a relationship with Jesus every day.


Heavenly Father,
I come before you seeking your wisdom and strength in this area of my life that is overtaken by lust. I commit this area to you and ask that you invade my heart and change me from the inside out. Give me the strength and courage I will need in the days ahead as I continue to live for you fully surrendered.


Questions to Ponder and Life Application Thoughts:
1. What are fixations is your mind is set on and continuously thinking about? 2. What can you do to cultivate your relationship with Jesus?3. Find someone you trust to confide in and to be a support system, it’s always good to find someone to hold us accountable. Ask God to show you who this person might be.

Barefoot Devotions

What’s Brewing In Your Heart? Lesson Four | Gluttony

What is gluttony and how does it affect your life?

Definition of gluttony:

1: excess in eating or drinking
2: greedy or excessive indulgence
Similar Words: Greed, Overeating, Overconsumption, Binge Eating, Gourmandizing

Examples of Gluttony:


• Over consuming foods beyond your body’s need for food.
• Over consuming drinks beyond your bodies need or not being able to control how much you drink.
• Over consuming materialism that you cannot control. For example: buying things you do not need like the latest fashion trends.
• Keeping up with the Jones’ lifestyle and living more than the resources God has trusted you with.
• YOLO – You only live once, why not live and indulge in the fleshly desires?
• This can be any addiction – food, drugs, alcohol, gambling, shopping, and sexual addictions.

What The Bible Says About The Sin Of Gluttony:

Proverbs 23:20-21
Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.

Psalm 78:18
They tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.

Proverbs 25:16
If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.

Philippians 3:18-19
For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

Proverbs 23: 1-3
When you sit down to eat with a ruler, observe carefully what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food.

Amos 6: 4-7
“Woe to those who lie on beds of ivory and stretch themselves out on their couches, and eat lambs from the flock and calves from the midst of the stall, who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp and like David invent for themselves instruments of music, who drink wine in bowls and anoint themselves with the finest oils, but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph! Therefore, they shall now be the first of those who go into exile, and the revelry of those who stretch themselves out shall pass away.”

1 Corinthians 10:7
Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.”

Encouragement Verses For Overcoming Gluttony:

2 Timothy 1:7
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.

Galatians 5:16-26
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 13:14
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Take Away


Gluttony is a perversion of natural and normal Godly desires that we are yearning for. Our bodies were created to glorify God and not fall to fleshly desires. Through His power, He has given us the ability to exercise self-control.
Gluttony is defined as the over-indulgence of anything we have a lack of self-control over. When we partake in overindulging food, for example, it becomes an idol in our lives. We plan our indulgence, our treats, and when we will get our next fleshly satisfaction. This can be our next shopping trip, the trip to the casino, or to the restaurant our belly leads us to. That quickly fades away and we become dissatisfied once again. Before we know it, we have entered a quicksand of gluttony that sinks us deep into bondage. God has a plan of escape and to take hold of His plan of escape, we must acknowledge and admit the areas we are overindulging and sinning. When we turn away with a repentant and contrite heart and ask God to forgive us and help us by His strength, He will. The Holy Spirit gives us self-control and we must start exercising it as we deny our fleshly desires. When we make these decisions over and over the bondage lifts and we can begin walking free in Christ. When we are overindulging and focused on our self instead of the needs of others, we cannot live the life God called us to life and we won’t be the set apart witnesses that we should be. Matthew 16:24-26 tells us that we must deny ourselves and pick up our cross.

Heavenly Father,
I come before You admitting that I have overindulged and this is too big for me to overcome without You. I am inviting you into my mess and my weakness. I trust that Your power and strength will guide me as I overcome these fleshly areas in my life. Reveal any hidden areas of my heart so that I may die to self and live for You alone. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen!

Questions to Ponder and Life Application Thoughts:

1. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you are dissatisfied in life and acknowledge those areas.
2. Think about what you think about – ask God to confirm if the area is gluttonous.
3. When you think about getting your next treat, where does your heart lead you?
a. Does this activity bring honor and glory to God?
b. Is this something you overindulge in?
c. If you don’t have access to this fix, does your heart tell you to do anything possible to get it?
d. Does this neglect the needs of those around you?
4. How can you make changes in your life to replace your overindulgent behaviors in your life? Replace that time and energy spent into those activities and pray and read God’s word.