Legacy | Fuel For The Weekend

God told me to share my faith on Fridays and call it Fuel For The Weekend. It's my desire that the posts I put up on Fridays will give you something to think about, ponder, consider, and reflect on throughout the weekend.

Happy New Year! It is the year 2021. God has blessed us to see another year begin. We have no idea what all this year will bring, but we can trust in God to order our steps and help us through whatever comes our way. Amen?

I want to share something with you. It's two verses in the Old Testament and yet it is powerful. It would be easy to overlook the incredible account, because it's sandwiched in the middle of verses about kings and disobedience and so forth, but there is something I think we need to take from these verses and apply it to our lives in 2021.

Without sharing too much, God has spoken to me about specific deaths that will happen in 2021. I do not want to go into detail and I have not been released by God to talk about it, other than to say, none of us are promised to live beyond this moment. Sure, we live like we will never die. We plan ahead and save money and book the trips, plan the events, do the things because we do not anticipate dying any time soon, if we are honest. Tragedy strikes and for a brief time we talk about how short life is and we may even become intentional about living life on purpose but when enough times has passed we simply go back to living for tomorrow.

I don't want to talk about death, but I do want to talk about legacy. What impact will your life have on those who are left behind long after you have gone on? My grandfather instilled God's Word deep in my heart. I am ashamed to say it, but I tried to run from it. I didn't fully understand it. I didn't think it was for me, necessarily. I needed to find God on my terms. I am so thankful He is a loving and merciful God that will allow us to explore who He is. My grandfather died when I was 17 years old, in the middle of my senior year. My grandfather was my hero. I highly esteemed him and now that I am 42 years old I can promise you those lessons were not lost on me. His legacy still impacts me today.

Do you think it's possible to live your life so devoted to God that you can have a direct impact on others even after you are dead and buried? I am here to tell you that it's not only possible, it happens! And in today's text we see the resurrecting power at work long after the prophet has been dead and buried!

2 KINGS 13:20-21 (20)And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year. (21)And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet.

Can you believe that is all that it says about this incident? It was like this huge miracle takes place and someone adds it in the middle of this chapter and I'm like, "WAIT! I want to hear more! What did the man do when he came back to life?" This is phenomenal! I knew from reading about Elisha that he was a man of God. God gave him great power and might to do many exploits for Him but this seems like it needs it's own chapter, right?

So Elisha died and they buried him. That's good. I would expect that. And then the Moabites come along to carry on the annual tradition each spring of invading the land. Unfortunately another man has died and is being buried and just as they are lowering him into the ground, they see the raiders coming at full speed. They know how awful the Moabites are and so they basically throw him on top of Elisha! There is still so much power on that man of God that this corpse comes back to life, and stands on his own two feet, and walks right out of the grave! Wow!!

Do you know the things Elisha has done? Have you read the stories of how God gave him a double portion of Elijah's anointing? He was a brave, courageous man of valor. He had times of being scared and fearing for his life... but he was human after all. He was an incredible prophet! God used him mightily! There was so much anointing on his physical body that even after his spirit went back to God who gave it, there was resurrection power all over him that he caused a dead man to live again!

Wouldn't that be an awesome legacy? I hope that when my time comes to be with Jesus, that my life will be remembered as one devoted to God. I know I stumble. God says, Go! and I ask for specific details. But my heart is absolutely His! I want to serve Him. I want to run well. I want to win the crown of life He has laid up for me. I want to see His face and hug Him so tight! I want to kiss His nail-scarred hands and nail-scarred feet. I want to touch the side that was wounded for Me. I want to bow before my King and honor Him. I want to thank Him for everything He brought me through, every trial, every moment of fear, every time I was tormented.

I want others that knew me to be touched by the Master through me. I want to live my life so that it would please Him and bring Him honor. I want to glorify Him in the words I speak and the thoughts I think and the way I behave. I hope when it's all said and done that I lived a life that would please Him. I don't want anyone to remember the trips I took, the things I bought, the stuff I had. I don't want them to think about the clothes I wore, the vehicle I drove, or the career I had. I want them to look at my life and only see one thing: JESUS! I want them to see His hands that sustained me, His love that kept me, His blood that redeemed me, His grace that was sufficient. I want them to know that He is there for them too and that they don't have to wait to get to Heaven to experience His love, His mercy, His grace, His healing, and His forgiveness now. I want my legacy to be one of faithfulness to my Jesus!

God bless you all!

~Bridgett Owens

The Past | Thankful Thursday

The LORD impressed on my heart to carve out a section of my blog to share what I am thankful for. I started it on a Thursday and decided to call it "Thankful Thursday." Each week I share what I am thankful for. Come back each week so we can count our blessings together.

As I sit here in the final few hours of 2020, I am reflecting on how much our lives have changed in just two years! In many ways we are right back where we started. January 2021 will be two years since our family went on a 21 day fast and then God called me to a solitary fast for the final ten days of the month. He allowed me only water those last ten days and the clarity in the instructions was crystal clear! We were to sell most of everything we owned, uproot our lives, including our children's lives, leave family and friends, to move to a part of the country we never even knew existed before. God called us to Mobile, Alabama. He showed us the great need and we were able to help a lot of kids and impact a lot of lives, but we were forever changed. The real transformation was in our family unit.

In Indiana we fought a lot. We argued, we distanced ourselves (before that was a good thing), and we were drifting apart. I hated it and I just didn't know how to fix it. We would try to get back on track as a family, make each other a priority, but before we knew it, our busy schedules and hurried lives caused us to get back into the ruts of just existing with one another.

About a month ago God put in my husband's heart that He wanted us to move back to Indiana. Paul hesitated to tell me because he knew how much I loved living in Alabama. I didn't want to move back. The one person who drug their heels, cried a river of tears, went to the altar nearly every church service, and was reluctant to move to Alabama...was me! I didn't want to go. All my life I had said, "Send me Lord. I'll go!" And then when He said, "Go!" I was like, "You mean now? You mean us? To where, LORD? Are You sure? Did I hear right? You mean move...or like do a mission trip?" But finally my heart and will aligned with God's and I was so thankful for the opportunity. I loved Alabama. I loved the ocean and the sunshine and the climate.

The big transformation happened when we only had each other. We knew no one. We had no friends, no family, no jobs, no home, nothing! Well, we had God and we had one another. So we did things together. Paul and I were not working so we had a lot of time to work on our marriage. While the kids were in school, Paul and I would drive around Mobile and discover neat places to take the kids, fun things to do, and just did a lot of talking and driving. We connected in such a special way that we knew it was God. He literally breathed life back into our marriage. The joy was back. The peace was back. The true, deep love was welling up inside both of us. We smiled more. We looked at each other in the eyes more. We held each other more. It was wonderful! Nothing else was fighting for our attention. No jobs. No schedules. No deadlines. No other commitments. We were given the gift of time and we absolutely do not take that for granted. It was so incredible that our marriage changed and our family dynamics changed.

The kids grew a lot closer. They have always adored each other and I have always thanked God for that, but like any siblings they would argue and fuss and get on each other's nerves and then say or do things to hurt each other. In Alabama, they needed each other. They were different than the kids in their school. They did not grow up in the south and the culture was a big adjustment for these two. The food, the language, the communication, the atmosphere was just different than anything they experienced before. Yet, they learned so much more than lessons in school. They had opportunities to do and see things they never could have in Indiana. Kadesia excelled in school. She was in leadership roles, advanced in those, made friends, was respected by peers and faculty, and did not let the fact that she was different than anyone else in her class prevent her from putting her best foot forward.

We started out going to one church and then over the course of time we started going to a different church. It was wonderful. We loved it and we were so welcomed there. We were blessed and quickly began volunteering and using our gifts and callings for God. What a blessing to serve! Javan loves his youth leader. They remain in touch and he has made a lasting impact on Javan...and I believe the same is true in reverse. We said our sad goodbyes and hugged our friends from our church with sadness in our hearts...tears were shed but we know that God put us together for a reason and it was so clear why we needed to be there for each other.

I know Covid-19 played a part in many people's lives. I actually had Covid and it was absolutely awful but my case was not nearly as bad as others. God healed me and He continues to strengthen me. Even though I did get it, for the most part our lives didn't change much because of Covid. Thankfully we were not in a state that was heavily impacted and so our way of life didn't change that drastically. We were still able to do a lot of things we enjoyed. We could still go to the ocean, have cook outs, go to the park, take walks in the neighborhood. We enjoyed our time together and it strengthened us. It also gave us more time to connect with God and draw closer to Him.

So when God placed it on Paul's heart to move back to Indiana, he was a little reluctant to tell me. He sat down on the edge of the bed, facing away from me, and gave me the news. I think he was surprised because I agreed! God had been placing the same nudge in my heart. I didn't want to move again...get rid of more stuff, pack everything back up, have no home to go to, no jobs, no idea what we were doing but we prayed and prayed and prayed and God continued to reassure us that we had heard right. Every provision we needed fell into place. We had someone come and haul our stuff in one trip. Friends and family gave us money for fuel and food as we traveled. God even allowed our beloved Lola to find a home where she is spoiled rotten and loved on every single day!

We sure left a large part of our hearts in Alabama, but we know we are where we are supposed to be. I am thankful this Thursday for new beginnings, fresh starts, and for the past! I am thankful for the time to reflect on God's goodness and mercy through the years and I am so excited about the things He has put in our hearts to do for 2021. I can hardly wait to see where He takes Blue's Blessings. I am looking forward to when He helps me get my book published. I am eager to do the podcast, to sing the songs, to teach the lessons, to make the things, to write the curriculum, to be consistent with my blogs, to make the videos, and to grow closer and closer to Him as I journey closer and closer towards Home!

Sometimes the past can paralyze us. We get stuck. We don't want to stop reminiscing how good things used to be. We think of the relationship, the experience, the situation, the job, the success we have had and we don't move forward. It's fine to glance back to thank God for bringing us so far, but we can't camp there! We have a work to do in 2021 and we must keep going!

PHILIPPIANS 3:13-15 (13)Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, (14)I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (15)Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

I am thankful for this blog so I can share my faith with others. I have had so many text messages, notes, and emails telling me how something I have shared has been a blessing to them and that is such an honor. It humbles me. I hope to always obey Christ and share what He wants me to here on this platform. Let me wish you all a safe and happy New Year! Welcome 2021 with prayer and obedience! If you choose to fast over the next 21 days I pray for strength and help to make it through and may you reap all the benefits of crucifying the flesh to strengthen the inner man! May God bless you and keep you! Hope you'll check back next year to see what I share tomorrow!

God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens

Compassion | Wednesday Bible Study

Merriam-Webster defines compassion as, "sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it." Have you ever watched a commercial featuring starving children in a third-world country with flies swarming their bony bodies and bloated bellies? Or have you watched a commercial showing animals who have been abused and tortured, missing limbs or eyes? It's heart-breaking. If you thought it was awful and went on about your day, you were not moved by compassion. It doesn't mean you aren't a caring person. But for those who scribbled down the phone number and grabbed their debit card to make a donation to help save the children or the animals, they were moved by compassion. They saw the distress of others and it motivated them to fix the problem, or meet the need. It's a great trait to have.

My grandmother taught me to pray for compassion. I have done so since I was a young girl, long before I fully understood the concept. Throughout my life I have felt bad about situations for others, but when I was an adult I was moved with compassion. I wanted to fix the problems or meet the needs in whatever way I could. 

Starvation, poverty, abuse, neglect, addiction don't go away regardless of the prayers that go up, the money raised, or the things we do. Some say why even bother, but we might make a difference in at least one person's life. We must have compassion! In Mark 14:7, Jesus said, "For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but Me ye have not always." He said this to Judas that later betrayed Him. Judas was angry the expensive perfume was used for Jesus. Judas said it should have been sold and the money given to the poor. He was actually greedy and held the purse, so he was thinking of all the money that could have made him wealthy. Jesus said there will always be those in need and we can help them whenever we have the means to do so, but this was a special anointing for His upcoming death.

We can read the Bible from the Old Testament to the New Testament and find many passages on compassion. The Psalmist wrote many times of the compassion and mercy of God. He had made mistakes in his life, committed adultery, had her husband killed, numbered the people out of pride, and yet he would repent to God and was always pardoned. That compassion and mercy God showed David was so appreciated David proclaimed it over and over throughout the Psalms.

PSALMS 86:15 But Thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

In  Lamentations we are reminded that we are not consumed in our wickedness because of God's mercy. His compassion does not fail. He looks at us in this sinful state and moved with compassion He sent His Son Jesus to come to this old, cruel world and die for our sins. He wanted us to be in His family that much!

LAMENTATIONS 3:32 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.

Jesus healed a lot of people while He walked the earth. He saw people in great need and He didn't think, "Gosh, that's too bad. I hate that for them." He was moved with compassion to feed them, heal them, restore their sight, and to save them!

MATTHEW 9:36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Peter speaks of compassion in his letter. He tells everyone to get into agreement, have compassion for each other, love as brothers, be pitiful and courteous. What kind of world would it be if all did that? What if each person on the planet came together in agreement, having the mind of Christ, feeling compassion for their brothers and sisters, and were courteous? Wow! I can only imagine it would be a wonderful place to live! 

1 PETER 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

We are supposed to have compassion. The question John asks in this passage is how can we say we have God in our hearts but we do nothing about the needs around us even though we have the ability to help. Can you mail a card to someone in the nursing home? What about getting groceries for your elderly loved one? Would you be able to make a donation to the homeless shelter or humane society? What needs are there in your home, your neighborhood, your family, your community that you can meet or help with? Show how much love of God you have by giving.

1 JOHN 3:17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

We just left one of the busiest giving seasons of the year, but as a Christian we are called to have compassion every single day of the year. Beyond the physical, mental, and emotional needs of others we are called to have compassion who are in spiritual need as well. The tiny book in the Bible just before the grand finale of Revelation is Jude. It instructs us to build ourselves up on our most Holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. We are told to not only have the love of God but to keep ourselves in that love. We are to look for the mercy of Jesus unto eternal life and as we see those who stumble along the way, walking in the darkness, unaware of the saving grace of Jesus, we are to have compassion, making a difference in their eternal future. And others we have to save with fear by telling them hell is real and there's a real devil who hates them and wants them to burn forever because he wants to deceive the world. When we tell them, the Bible says we are pulling them out of the fire because we hate even the evidence of sin.

JUDE 1:20-23 (20)But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most Holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, (21)Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (22)And of some have compassion, making a difference: (23)And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Do you have compassion? If not, pray and ask God to give you compassion. If we open our hearts to others and meet their needs or offer some help along the way, we are doing the same to Jesus. What are some ways you can have compassion in 2021? Make a list of things to help others. Give someone a compliment. Let someone go ahead of you in line. Hold the door for someone. Do the nice things, but don't forget the spiritual needs. Who can you share a scripture with? Did you read a Bible study or devotional lately that touched you? Why not share it with someone else? My friends and I have a weekly Zoom Bible study and it's such a blessing. Do all you can where you can when you can and watch God bless it and make it grow!

God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens

Our Gift | Thankful Thursday

The LORD impressed on my heart to carve out a section of my blog to share what I am thankful for. I started it on a Thursday and decided to call it "Thankful Thursday." Each week I share what I am thankful for. Come back each week so we can count our blessings together.

Merry Christmas Eve!

I have no shortage of things to thank God for. He has given us so much to enjoy. We are in a busy season of our lives... no, not the Christmas season, moving season. As we transition from one home to another, one state to another, one climate to another it is not easy. We have a limited time to finalize packing the remainder of our belongings and then next week we will not be living here in Alabama. Yet, we know that moving is not our idea, not in our plans, but God is ordering our steps and we humbly say, "Yes, Lord."

MATTHEW 2:10-11 (10)When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. (11)And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

I am not endorsing December 25 as the day the Lord Jesus was born. He was sent from God and He was born of a virgin, and there were wise men who sought Him to worship Him. So I am sharing this story in this season to be thankful that God so loved the world, (that is you and me), that He gave His only begotten Son, (that is Jesus), to be born, live, love, heal, forgive, and set free and die on an old rugged cross for our sins and to give us life everlasting. He is not dead. He was dead. He is not a baby. He was a baby. He is not physically on the earth, he was physically on the earth. He is alive! He is seated at the right hand of the Father! I am thankful for that!

The wise men looked for Him and found Him. If we look for Him the Scriptures says we will find Him. Jeremiah 29:12-13 Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart. Wise men still seek Him and still find Him.

The wise men gave Him gifts. What gifts can we give our King? What talents, skills, abilities, or callings on our lives can we offer back to Him? What can we do? How can we serve? Let's give the best gifts to our risen Savior. He is worthy and He honors us when we serve Him. 

What gifts did the wise men give Jesus? They gave gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The gold was given to symbolize royalty. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Revelation 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful. The gold paid for travel costs to Egypt when Jesus had to be hidden. They gave Him frankincense which served multiple purposes. He was anointed with it just as any king's son would be. It also has healing properties, which Mary could use to keep Jesus healthy, and again is symbolic in that Jesus was able to heal the sick. Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. The myrrh is an ointment used for one who would die. Myrrh means bitter. This gift symbolized the bitter cup that Jesus had to drink to save the world! Remember when Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane just before He was crucified? Matthew 26:39 And He went a little further, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.

I am thankful for Jesus! He is my King. He is my Passover Lamb. He is my supreme sacrifice! I am thankful for salvation, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life. He is my Great Physician. He is my Healer. He heals me of all my diseases! He restores my soul! He renews my mind. He purchased my healing with the stripes on His precious back! I am thankful that He died for me and yet I hate that I caused Him to die. It was my sins, my attitudes of unforgiveness, my pride, my selfish desires, and my wayward heart that caused Jesus to die on that old tree. He took the thorns for me! He took the nails in His hands and feet for me! It was my punishment and He took it. I am so thankful and humbled. I don't know why He thought enough of me to do that but I am so thankful that He did.

What are you thankful for today? It doesn't matter if you have presents or not, a tree or not, celebrate or not. The Lord Jesus came to this earth, lived and served, then died in a sacrificial gift to free the world from the slavery of sin and bondage and offer us eternal life. If you have not received that free gift today, please do! Ask God to forgive you of your sins and be the Lord of your life! Psalms 145:18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth. Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 

God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens

 

What Nation Are You In? | Wednesday Bible Study

God told me there are two nations: PROCRASTINATION and DETERMINATION. He asked me which nation I am in.

PSALMS 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord: and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance.

Procrastination is delaying or putting off something that must be done. Sometimes God tells us to do something but we don't want to do it. Maybe it's hard, or we risk rejection, or we're concerned what others will say about us, or it could be time-consuming or unpleasant. God tells us to do things out of our comfort zone so we can stretch and grow our spiritual muscle of faith. When we put things off and delay our obedience it is the same as disobedience to God.

God told the prophet Samuel to tell king Saul to attack Amalek and completely destroy all they had. He further instructed him to kill men, women, infants, nursing babies, sheep, oxen, camels, and donkeys. Nothing was to survive because God remembered what Amalek did to Israel: the secret ambush of Israel as they came up out of Egypt. God said the task was total destruction!

Saul organized 210,000 troops to complete this mission. Ten thousand men were from Judah. They fought and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.... EXCEPT king Agag, the best of the sheep, the best oxen, the fattened calves and lambs, and all that appeared to be "good," but anything they decided was worthless they destroyed. He failed to follow the instructions of the LORD God. Yet Saul thinks he has done a great thing. Let's read:

1 SAMUEL 15:13-23 (13)And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD. (14)And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? (15)And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed. (16)Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on. (17)And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel? (18)And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed. (19)Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD? (20)And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. (21)But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal. (22)And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. (23)For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, He hath also rejected thee from being king.

Samuel had the hard task of telling Saul God rejected him as king. Samuel wept all night for Saul. He cried out to God to change His mind but God was angry with Saul for his disobedience. Samuel told Saul where he messed up and he became like Aaron when Moses asked him why he made the people a golden calf. Remember that? Saul blamed the people. He said they took the best things but it was to sacrifice to God. Samuel asks the question that is more of a statement: God would rather have obedience than sacrifice!

What things has God specifically put on your heart to do? Write the book, start a podcast, host a Bible study, share your faith with a family member or friend? Maybe he is calling you into the ministry and you're afraid. Friends, do not be in disobedience. Remember the scripture that says "When I am afraid I will trust You?" (Psalms 56:3) Don't be a part of procrastiNATION! Do not delay to do the thing God is telling you to do. Saul said they were going to kill the oxen and things but not until later...for a sacrifice. God wanted the job taken care of that day! Do not put off what God is telling you to do. It is so important to obey quickly. I am searching my heart today for things I have delayed to do so I can do it now!

God wants us to inhabit determiNATION. Determination is using will power and resolve to get something done. God likes when we get the job done once He tells us to work. Jesus said in Luke 9:62, "No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God."

One who plows must have the discipline to look ahead. The rows need to be straight and that is not easy to create straight rows if we are always looking back. We cannot reminisce about how good it used to be. We have to focus on the straight and narrow in front of us. 

If we have the plow in front of us but we look back it affects the depth of the row. If the blade is not deep enough the rows are too shallow for the seed to take root. A heavy rain can wash it away. If we are not committed to what God is calling us to do, the enemy will come in like a flood and drown us. We have to hold on because God said when the enemy comes in like a flood He will raise up a standard. We don't have to be destroyed when the floods come.

Conversely if we are looking behind us we may have the plow too deep in the ground and it can damage or destroy the blade. If we break the tool in our hand then we have nothing to work with. We lose time and resources fixing something that should not have been mishandled in the first place. We must pay attention to what we are doing and focus our energy on the task at hand. We cannot afford to get sidetracked.

Lastly, if we look back it can hurt those who are trying to help us. A plow that is not in the ground properly could potentially damage the legs of the animals pulling the plow. If we are not centered where we need to be in God, and we keep looking to what others are doing, then when God sends provision and resources in the form of helpers we could potentially hurt them. We have to make sure we are lined up.

There is another king in the Old Testament that did the right thing in God's eyes. His name is Jotham and he patterned his behavior after his father Uzziah. 2 Chronicles chapter 27 tells us that Jotham was 25 years old when he took the throne and he reigned 16 years in Jerusalem. King Jotham did a lot of construction work in his reign. He rebuilt the upper gate of the temple of God, did extensive work on the wall at Ophel. He built towns in the hill country of Judah and forts and towers in the forests. He conquered the Ammonites and that year they paid him 7,500 pounds of silver, 60,000 bushels of wheat and 60,000 bushels of barley. Then they did the same thing two more years in a row.

2 CHRONICLES 27:6 Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the LORD his God.

You don't have to be a king to enjoy the benefits of serving God. Jotham grew mightily because He did things that pleased God. He made sure to do what needed to be done to further the Kingdom. Someone in great need is waiting right now on the other side of your obedience. Will you do the thing He has put in your heart? Will you sing the song, teach the class, invite the friend, speak to the neighbor, call that man or that woman? What has He been asking you to do? We all have something to do for the Kingdom.

God told me that if we move our tent out of the valley of procrastiNATION and choose to build upon the solid foundation of the Rock of Jesus in the high country of determiNATION that we will have an amazing destiNATION in heaven waiting on us: paradise like we have never seen! Do we trust Him? Are we willing to do the harder right than the easier wrong? Can we push our feelings and insecurities to the side and step out in faith? If we start moving He will help us. He will guide our feet along the paths of righteousness for His name's sake! He will lead and guide us into all truth. He will be the voice telling us, "This is the way, walk in it."

What nation are you in? I am doing some heart-searching too. If you don't like your address, the good news is that you can move! Get a new residence in a better neighborhood. God is calling you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Let's be children of the light.

I hope something has encouraged you, helped you, given you a sense of direction. My prayer is that something I shared today has been strength for your journey and light for your way. God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens

What Gift Is For God? | Fuel For The Weekend

God told me to share my faith on Fridays and call it Fuel For The Weekend. It's my desire that the posts I put up on Fridays will give you something to think about, ponder, consider, and reflect on throughout the weekend.

This time of year people are rushing to finish their Christmas shopping. Due to the pandemic many are ordering online and having packages delivered to their homes or the homes of their loved ones. Often gifts are exchanged and many times these items are not what is needed and sometimes it is not even what the other person wants. I know of someone who refused to buy their grandchild a toy they wanted because it was expensive. They chose to buy the child a bunch of poor quality items but they were cheap and so the gift giver thought it was better to give a lot of items than one item. The child's mother told me later their child never played with any of it and it left the burden of the mother to deal with these items. Why are we truly giving someone a gift? What is our real motivation?

There's a trendy movement towards minimalism. If one is not careful that can lead to consumerism as well. It doesn't sound like it at first, because the idea is to get rid of the things you have too much of so you can enjoy the things you keep. Some people feel stuck and do not know how to get started so they hire someone to help them. They buy books and worksheets and downloads. Special cleaning supplies are purchased at the advice of "experts" and sometimes items purged impulsively have to be replaced so there is that extra cost. They spend a lot of time and energy working on it. That's not to say it's not worth the effort but we must be careful that we aren't trading in one method of consumerism for another. 

Jesus is the reason for the season. He wants us to enjoy fellowship with friends and family. It's a time of togetherness. During the pandemic it might look different. We can get creative with ways to stay connected that doesn't involve spending a lot of money we don't have. We should pay our bills before buying big ticket items for others. Planning ahead for Christmas gifts takes a little thought and consistent practice to save money each month so no one has to scramble to find funds at the end of the year. Remember that experiences and connections are great gifts that cost little. Spend time helping someone. Pick up the elderly neighbors groceries so they don't have to get out. Call your relative or friend that you haven't spoken to in a while just to see how they are doing. Thank the workers at the fast food place you frequent for their hard work during these trying times. Those gifts honor our King and mean even more than anything you can buy at the store.

What do we treasure here on earth? Money, careers, power, influence, time, food, relationships, reputation? Do we treasure God's Word and hold it dear to our hearts? How is our relationship with Jesus? If we pray to Him does He recognize our voice? Are we that familiar to Him? Do you hear Him speak to you? Can you recognize His voice? Is He familiar to you that you recognize His presence? The Bible tells us treasures are great but where we keep them is important!

MATTHEW 6:19-21 (19)Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where rust and moth doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: (20)But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither rust nor moth doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal: (21)For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Some like silver but it will tarnish. Some like gold and we know God used that for pavement. Some like precious metals but it can rust. Your favorite outfit will fade, can tear or become ruined. Your big screen television or expensive electronics can be stolen. Jesus is telling us the earth is not a safe place for our prized possessions. The earth will pass away but God's word will never pass away. What should we treasure and how can we keep these things in heaven?

We must treasure wisdom above silver and gold. We must wear the garment of praise before we pick something from our closet. We must treasure the free gift of salvation which cost God's only Son his very life. We should hold tight to healing and freedom and liberty. We should highly esteem love, joy, peace, kindness, patience, and meekness because they are fruits of the Spirit. Let's be kind to someone and that deed goes before us into heaven. Let's show forgiveness to others and our Heavenly Father will forgive us. When we give the homeless a meal we do that for God. When we take our time to help a relative in need we are taking that time for God. When we help someone sick get better, we are nursing God back to health.

You may argue God does not need food, our time, or healing but the Bible clearly states that what we do for the least of these, we do to God. And it goes on to tell us that what we don't do for others, is the same thing we are choosing not to do for God.

MATTHEW 25:31-46 (31)When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: (32)And before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth His sheep from the goats: (33)And He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. (34)Then shall the King say to them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: (35)For I was an hungered, and ye gave Me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Me in: (36)Naked, and ye clothed Me: I was sick, and ye visited Me: I was in prison, and ye came unto Me. (37)Then shall the righteous answer Him, saying, Lord, when saw we Thee an hungered, and fed Thee? or thirsty, and gave Thee drink? (38)When saw we Thee a stranger, and took Thee in? or naked, and clothed Thee? (39)Or when saw we Thee sick, or in prison, and came unto Thee? (40) And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me. (41)Then shall He also say unto them on the left hand, Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: (42)For I was an hungered, and ye gave Me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me no drink: (43)I was a stranger and ye took Me not in: naked, and ye clothed Me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited Me not. (44)Then shall they also answer Him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto Thee? (45)Then shall He answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to Me. (46)And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

God wants us to have gifts. He gave us gifts of the Spirit. He gave us the gift of His Son, which is the gift of salvation. We have the opportunity to use our faith, our time, our resources to bless and help those around us. Instead of worrying and stressing over the holidays and what to give whom, why not stop for a moment and think about what we can do for God this year? Let's count our blessings and then do something for those less fortunate. Let's remember the homeless, those incarcerated and away from family or friends, and let's pray for those sick in the hospital battling for their life with Covid or Cancer or a host of other conditions. Let's truly keep Jesus at the center of holiday.

How much money do we spend on gifts? Now compare that to how much money we tithe and give to our church, our local food pantry, the homeless shelters, and organizations that minister to the needs of the least of these. What can we do to give to those places? It's fun to exchange a gift with friends and family but imagine being the person who has nothing to give and nothing to receive. Let's bring joy to the world by sharing the reason for the season: JESUS with everyone we can!

As we enter the weekend, let's store up our treasures in heaven. I hope something I have shared today has been strength for your journey and light for your way. God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens

Battles and Spoils | Thankful Thursday

The LORD impressed on my heart to carve out a section of my blog to share what I am thankful for. I started it on a Thursday and decided to call it "Thankful Thursday." Each week I share what I am thankful for. Come back each week so we can count our blessings together.

I am thankful that God is faithful. I am thankful that I serve a God is who is able to deliver. I am so glad that I can call upon the name of the LORD and be saved from all of my troubles and afflictions. The Bible clearly tells us we WILL have hard times in this life. (Psalms 34:19) We do not get a free pass because we are children of the Most High God. That would be nice, sometimes, wouldn't it? But God loves us too much to leave us in our pain and suffering. Jehoshaphat knew exactly what to do when He was outnumbered by the enemy.

In 2 Chronicles chapter 20 we read that an army in Moab, an army in Ammon, and a multitude of others from beyond the sea across from Syria were marching in unison to wage war on Jehoshaphat. When he heard the news he was scared and he went to God for help! He declared a fast for everyone in Judah. Everyone in all the cities of Judah came together and asked God for help. Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem in the house of the LORD, before the new court and this is what he said.

2 CHRONICLES 20:6-13 (6)And said, O LORD God of our fathers, art not Thou God in heaven? and rulest not Thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in Thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand Thee? (7)Art not Thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before Thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham Thy friend for ever? (8)And they dwelt therein, and have built Thee a sanctuary therein for Thy name, saying, (9)If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in Thy presence, (for Thy name is in this house,) and cry unto Thee in our affliction, then Thou wilt hear and help. (10)And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom Thou wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not; (11)Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of Thy possession, which Thou hast given us to inherit. (12)O our God, wilt Thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon Thee. (13)And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children.

I wasn't there for this great gathering. I did not hear the speech myself, but I can almost see it in my mind. A terrified king gathered with the people of Jerusalem and Judah and king Jehoshaphat starts praying but he is really reminding the people of God's faithfulness. Are You not the God in heaven? Of course He is! Don't You rule over all the kingdoms, even those who don't acknowledge You? Of course He does! And in Your hand is there not power and might so that no one is able to defeat You? Yes!!!

He prays on asking, Aren't You the God who drove out the people that lived in the land in front of Your people Israel? You gave the land to the seed of Your friend Abraham! They lived here and built a sanctuary for Your name's sake, God. They said when evil happened to us we could stand in this house in Your presence because Your name is here, and we can cry to You in our affliction and You will hear and help!

That's a powerful reminder! Sometimes we need to pray back to God all that we remember He did. It isn't to remind God. He didn't forget. It's to encourage ourselves as we look back and see the hand of God all over our lives. 

King Jehoshaphat says to God, just look at the armies coming against us now, the very ones You told Israel not to destroy and they obeyed You. Now they pay us back by coming to run us out of our inheritance that You gave us! Please do something God because this problem is bigger than us! This obstacle is too difficult for us. We do not even know what to do but... and I love this part.... but our eyes are upon You!!!

When we get down to the nitty gritty with our circumstances, when the bills are due or late and the money isn't coming in... when we get the bad diagnosis and the time we thought we had now looks a lot shorter... when the job we love gets downsized and we find ourselves out of work... when the move comes at what feels like the worst time... when the sickness comes but does not go.... when our kids do everything we told them not to do or try and it looks like there is no hope.... when we think we have a future with our spouse and death or divorce changes that picture forever...are we still looking at the overwhelming, terrifying enemy marching at us, or do we put our eyes on Jesus? The very God who brought us through time and time again is still in power, still in control, still capable of fighting the enemy and winning!

Oh, yeah, that's easy for you to say, Bridgett! No it isn't! I have shared story after story of the times God came through when all hope seemed gone. I have a million more that I never shared and that is no exaggeration! It is hard to trust when it seems like the odds are stacked against us, but God is bigger and stronger and better than the enemy! God is mighty to save and able to heal and capable to deliver! He is God all by Himself and He needs NOBODY else! He has got things under control. Do we trust Him?

Here's the incredible part, the Spirit of the LORD came in the middle of the congregation and said, Everyone listen! Everyone who lives in Judah and Jerusalem and you, too, king Jehoshaphat. Don't be afraid and don't be distressed because of this great multitude because the battle is not yours it is God's! Do you hear Him saying that to you right now? I know I needed this message and Lord I am listening! Thank You for fighting my battles. God says we don't need to know how we are going to fight this battle because we are not going to fight. He will fight for us! Remember Exodus 14:14!

He instructs them what to do for the next day. He tells them to stand still and see the salvation of the LORD with them. Again He says don't be afraid or in distress, tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD will be with you! You're not going alone. He isn't up in heaven saying, "Oh that's a lot of people. Well, you're on your own. Wish you the best!" No!! He is telling them and He is telling us today, keep going and I am with you! 

They all fell on their faces to the LORD and worshiped Him. This week I was so lost in God's presence, I literally felt like I was bowing at His feet and I never wanted to leave. The Spirit of God was so tangible that I felt completely enveloped in His love and His light. We need to get serious about seeking God's face more than His hands, but when we do need His hands, we need to worship and magnify how great He is! He is worthy of all honor and glory and praise!

The next day king Jehoshaphat told the people, "Believe in the LORD your God and you will be established. Believe His prophets and you will prosper." Then he appoints singers to praise the beauty of Holiness as they went before the army. They were to say, "Praise the LORD; for His mercy endures forever." They began to sing and praise and God started sending ambushments against the armies of the people in Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir and they were struck down. None survived. That vast army of armies was slain every single one! And when the king and his people came to take the treasures that was found there were so many riches it took them THREE DAYS to get all the precious jewels and treasures.

When you get to the other side of this storm you're facing, when you've watched God fight your battles and you have cleaned up the treasures awaiting you, there's something more for you to do. On the fourth day they assembled themselves together and blessed the LORD. They even named the valley they celebrated in to reflect what God had done. It's time to rename some areas of our lives to declare what God has done. They went back to their lives and their routines with JOY because the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies. There is joy and celebration on the other side of this battle. Keep your eyes on the LORD!

I love what verse 30 says, "So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave Him rest round about. The whole kingdom was at peace. God gave them rest on every side. I am thankful for the times God saw me through, fought my battles, and helped me overcome obstacles I never could have done on my own. I am thankful for the times He provided food, paid the bills with money we did not expect, got me safely home when I was out of gas, healed my body, helped us out of situations and circumstances we got ourselves into but He fought the battles. I am thankful for the victories and I am thankful for the peace that follows the victory.

What are you thankful for this Thursday? This world is in the middle of a pandemic, we see empty chairs around our table as loved ones are not here for one reason or another, danger is on every side, the earth is full of wicked deeds, but God is in control. He is in charge and He is victorious. He has never lost a battle and I know that He never will! I am thankful for the victorious King I serve and I am thankful for every battle He has won for me!

God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens