Tag: encouragement

Barefoot Devotions

Judas: The Unexpected Side

Hannah B.

The last few days I have been pondering the life of Judas and how sin grew in his life to the point of turning Jesus over to be crucified. The weight of his actions were enough to drive him mad with shame and guilt to commit suicide.

But I don’t want to talk about that. That’s not what has blown my mind. This is what has blown my mind:

Jesus loved him. Jesus still taught him. Jesus still treated him like a disciple. Jesus washed his feet at The Last Supper. Even though He knew Judas would betray Him.

Perhaps Judas’ life is not just a testament of what not to do in life but a grand picture of God’s unexplainable and never ending love and grace for us – no matter what we have done.

We have all fallen short and have sinned against God but I know at some point we might be thinking, “at least I’m not Judas.”

Your consequences may not have led to the death of our Risen Savior but the reality is this: We are all Judas and we all have the potential to do great harm to those around us if we have unconfessed sins and a rotten heart.

I believe that our Sovereign God allowed this to happen to show that no matter what we do in our life, there is always another way. His grace and love awaits us through it all. He never leaves us and even though He knows we will betray Him at some point in our life, His love is still unexplainable and never ending.

After all, He was still willing to wash the feet of the one who betrayed Him.

We can learn a lot from the life of Judas especially what not to do but we can also learn how deep the love of God is for us regardless of what we have done.

Not only does this lesson lead into the greatest historical moment known to humanity, but this betrayal led to Jesus dying in the cross for us so that we might have everlasting life with Him.

Personal Reflection:

1. In your own ways, how are you like Judas?

2. Is there something that prevents you from feeling worthy enough to surrender your life wholeheartedly to Jesus?

3. After doing a heart check, will you confess any sin to God and turn from it? This will prevent a rotten heart and allow for change in you life.

With all of my love and encouragement,

Hannah B.

Barefoot Devotions

Brokenness to Lioness

Hannah B.

The battles in life that you fight, the circumstances that you experience, and the overwhelming emotions you try to drown out can leave you crippled. You may be exhausted from carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders or you are discouraged because something didn’t work out the way you thought it should. Maybe you are on the verge of losing your faith for a breakthrough that you have so desperately been seeking Jesus for.

Maybe it’s the plaguing, deep, dark, and dreaded thoughts you have but can’t seem to get rid of them. Perhaps, it’s the overwhelming emotions that seem to suck the life out of you.

Utterly Broken. Shattered. Hopeless. Doubtful.

But there is hope in Jesus Christ.

John 10:10 NIV | The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

His sacrifice on the cross was far too great for us to be overcome with the things of this world. We are free to choose a life apart from the emotions and bondage that comes from our circumstances. When we are washed in the blood of Jesus, we have the same power that raised Him from the dead in us.

But we have to start in The Roar Room.

Just as the devil prowls around like a lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8), you must be ready to face him with our own powerful roar that has been cultivated in us in The Roar Room. When you meet with Jesus here, He prepares your spirit, mind, and heart with the strength, wisdom, guidance you may need. As you read God’s word and spend time in prayer, you fill your spirit with God’s truth instead of the enemy’s lies. He will give you the power to roar louder than your circumstances and louder than the chains that hold you down. Yes, His word is that powerful!

1 Peter 5:8 NIV | Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

You may be weak entering in your private room with God but when you come out you will be a Roaring Lioness. Your broken bones will be turned into bones on fire. A new sense of renewing will fill your spirit, a new joy will spring in your step, and hope will once again be alive. Doubt will begin to fade away as you learn the truth about how the Father really feels about you. Your purpose and your calling will be cultivated as you seek Jesus.

When life gets overwhelming according to the world’s standards, you will not be moved because your hope and your trust will be deeply rooted in the truth found in God’s word and the relationship you have built with Him.

Utterly Complete. Hopeful. Confident. Loved.

All from The Roar Room. And if life outside of the Roar Room starts to allow the things you are fighting to overcome to creep back into your mind, put a Praise Roar on it and praise your way through it!

Heavenly Father,

I come before you thanking you for the great plan you have created for life. Though I am struggling at the moment, I know that my strength is from you and from nothing else. I trust the plan you have for life and I know you such a good, good plan to prosper and not harm me. You are such a good, good Father! Teach me Your ways, LORD and draw me close to You. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen!

With all of my love and encouragement,

Hannah B.

Barefoot Devotions

Even Faith As Small As A Mustard Seed

Hannah B.

Faith.

The word either scares you for having to use it or the word excites you because you know just how powerful the smallest amount of faith can be.

My faith is something I cherish because I have experienced the power of the smallest amount of faith throughout my entire existence.  Faith can be powerful enough to change lives, wash sins as white as snow, empower you to believe in yourself, and chase your dreams.

Faith is scary enough to second guess the call God has given you for your NOW season.  In the moment of making a decision or living through each day during less than desirable circumstances,  faith can be paralyzing.  It can cause you to run, swim, or even catch a boat like Jonah.

I have been pondering Matthew 17:20 and just how much faith we really need if even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains.  As I hold this tiny mustard seed in my hand, it almost disappears.   It is the tiniest seed but yet so powerful.   Powerful enough to break chains,  move mountains, and open the door to freedom.  

If this tiny seed has the power to move mountains, then how much faith do we need?  I have come to the conclusion that God accepts our faith that is the size of a mustard seed.  He knows that in our human flesh, we will have doubts, questions, and our minds will race with fear.  All of these emotions are normal and okay.  However, what isn’t normal is allowing ourselves to stay in this state of mind and allowing these negative emotions that are not from God to dictate our actions, thoughts, and decisions. 

We have to make a conscious decision to walk out of our emotions and into the calling God has on our life – even if it’s going to our Ninevah.  One thing that God has revealed to me is that I was created for my Ninevah.  My life experiences and who God created me to be are who my Ninevah needs.  It is apart of my calling that holds greater purpose far beyond my mind could comprehend.

Faith.  It’s like the trust fall except for this time you are guaranteed to have the absolute best outcome that was created for you by the creator of the universe.  Once you step out in obedience to Jesus and His will for your life, it’s freeing and it’s liberating.  It will set you on the path to continue to discover your calling in each of your seasons. Won’t you step out in faith and see where the journey takes you? After all, fully submitted and surrendered to God guarantees a life worth living.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for accepting my mustard seed of faith and doing more with it than I could ever comprehend. I praise you for the great things You are doing in my life. Help me to always step out in faith and trust You even when I can not see past my circumstances. You are a good, good Father and I trust You with my life. I surrender my will to You and give my life as a sacrifice to You.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Reflection

  1. How can you step out in faith in what God is calling you today in this season of your life?
  2. In what area in your life is God calling you to step out in faith and walk into your calling?

With all my love & encouragement,

Hannah B.

Barefoot Devotions

Wandering In The Darkness

Hannah B.

I was driving home last night from Bible study and I was spending time talking to God about this current season I am in. The night time in Eastern Kentucky is a different kind of dark compared to the the city night I am used to. As this thought came to my mind, I realized that this season I am isn’t any different.

God showed me that even though this season isn’t ideal to me, it’s necessary. He is still here and when He answers me, it’s like a huge bright light shining on my path.

Often times in our journey, we find ourselves wandering in the dark. Seeking and searching for any kind of sign from God that will bring comfort, peace, or an answer as we continue to walk out the call God has for our life.

During this season of trials and tribulations, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s eye is on us. If we stay focused on Him, He won’t let us aimlessly walk in the dark without a purpose. He is there and we can trust that He is purposefully guiding us. He is allowing us to get to know Him intimately and is building our trust in Him. Though He may seem far away, the next time He speaks to you, answers a prayer, or gives you what your spirit is needing – it will be the brightest and purest light bulb moment that can’t be missed.

Though I have been in the dark and have felt like I have been aimlessly kicking up dirt down here on Earth, it’s the clearest I have ever heard from God in any season. For me, these moments have been pivotal and defining.

I pray you are having them too as we need to always be growing, stretching, and planting seeds. Too many people given up the fight in the darkness. Suit up and even if you feel like your just kicking up dirt, fight.

I leave you with God’s truth that is sure to get you ready for battle!

Ephesians 6:10-18

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

With all of my love and encouragement,

Hannah B.

Barefoot Devotions

A Christmas Miracle

Hannah B.

As I am sitting here reflecting by the tree, I am reminded of a time of my very own Christmas miracle I experienced as a little girl.

Many years ago I was in a church Christmas play but I just didn’t have my lines completely memorized. I don’t remember much about this Christmas play, the part I played, or even the year. This part I am about to tell you, I remember well.

My mom, sister, and I were on our way to the Christmas play but as we reached the top of our long drive way, my dad was parked at the top with his truck. From the back seat, I heard him tell my mom that I didn’t need to see this. Immediately, I knew something was wrong as my dad neared the window of the car. He told me the absolute worst news I ever thought I’d receive. My dog Daisy had been run over and did not survive.

The pain was heart wrenching and I didn’t understand why this had happened. During the complete hysterical meltdown and out of no where, I knew every word to my part of the play. My crying immediately ceased and my mournful cry turned to joyful cry. For a little girl, it was truly a Christmas miracle despite the devastation that was experienced just minutes before.

As life has passed me by, I’ve often wondered if Christmas miracles really happen anymore. This past holiday season, I have witnessed a beautiful Christmas miracle. It started with a chance encounter with one man that changed my life. With my brief encounters with this man, I have learned the true meaning of Christmas and I have learned that Christmas miracles do happen.

This kind hearted man has been living in a tent under a bridge. He is the most genuine and selfless person you will ever meet and when you are in his presence, you can feel his goodness. He volunteers at the local shelter and gives what he can. Our local hotel has given him a place to stay until his housing is official. Although he has experienced a rough time, he has shown me that love, kindness, and giving are free and it doesn’t take much to make a difference.

For the first time in my life, I truly understand the meaning of Christmas. I thank God for placing a stranger in my life as I have witnessed the pureness, sweetness, peace, and joy of the Christmas spirit and the possibility of Christmas miracles.

When the body of Christ works together in unity, amazing God miracles can happen. This my friends, is why it is important to drench every fiber of your being with God’s word so that you may walk in spirit and truth because you never know what miracle you are missing!

Have a Merry Christmas, my beautiful friends!

With all of my love,

Hannah Boyd