Redeeming Your Time
Revolutionize the way you live your life with Jordan Raynor's latest release, Redeeming Your Time, an incredible time management book!
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
We all need a boost of encouragement, and the Scriptures are the perfect place to get revived and inspired! Click Here
BOOK REVIEWS
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BLOG
Dive into the Word of God and read what the Father is revealing to me! It’s inspiring to watch the Bible come to life! Click Here
ADVENTURES IN ISRAEL
Is the Holy Land on your bucket list? Join me on my adventures as I explore, experience, and enjoy the land of Israel! Click Here
I’m going to be completely honest, this has been a rough week, and I’ve struggled to feel positive as discouragement has weighed me down. From the enemy's lies telling me that I’m not worth anything and that my efforts will all be in vain to watching my friends explore and build community, it's been tough to see the good in my circumstances. Nevertheless, as I pressed into the Word and poured my heart before the Father, I was reminded that each of us are on separate journeys and will experience different seasons of prosperity and change. I might not understand why God has brought me to where I am, but that doesn’t mean I’m stuck where no joy or hope can be found!
God listens to your prayers, and when you desire something, if it is acceptable to Him, He will make a way and provide for your needs! The enemy can tell you all the lies he wants, but they will NEVER discount the truth. So, don’t listen to the whispers in your ear telling you that you’re not enough. Don’t believe the doubt that says your work is useless. Don’t listen to the fear that creeps into your mind when you’re lonely and makes you think you’ll never find a partner to spend your life with!
Instead, listen to what the Word of God says. You are CHOSEN. You are LOVED. You are CALLED. (Ephesians 1:4-6; 1 Corinthians 15:58)
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” Ephesians 1:4-6
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
Take heart; you are in the right place and are not alone! In fact, be of good cheer because you were brought here for such time as this! God is with you and there is a reason for these trials, so don’t give up! There is work to be done, and God has chosen you to do it!
What are you waiting for? Dedicate this day to seeking the Father and stepping out of your comfort zone. Your perspective will never change if you keep sitting at home wishing for more without actually doing something to make it happen!
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
Stand in the Gap - Prayer
In a time where so many people are going through trials, battling illnesses, or mourning the loss of loved ones, it’s our duty as believers to stand in the gap. Though our instinct can be to race to the frontlines and fight beside those struggling to find strength, sometimes God calls us to stay in the back and intercede on their behalf. Whether you’re on the frontlines or praying in the back, God hears your requests and is doing mighty things! We might not understand why everything is happening the way it is, but by pressing into the Spirit and meditating on the Word, we will find the strength to get through another day and take that step closer to breakthrough!
James 5:16, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Who in your circle is having a hard time right now? Dedicate this week to pray for them and send words of encouragement as they seek strength, wisdom, peace, and comfort from our Commander in Chief, Yeshua Ha’Mashiach (Jesus Christ)
Stand in the Gap - Prayer
In a time where so many people are going through trials, battling illnesses, or mourning the loss of loved ones, it’s our duty as believers to stand in the gap. Though our instinct can be to race to the frontlines and fight beside those struggling to find strength, sometimes God calls us to stay in the back and intercede on their behalf. Whether you’re on the frontlines or praying in the back, God hears your requests and is doing mighty things! We might not understand why everything is happening the way it is, but by pressing into the Spirit and meditating on the Word, we will find the strength to get through another day and take that step closer to breakthrough!
James 5:16, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Who in your circle is having a hard time right now? Dedicate this week to pray for them and send words of encouragement as they seek strength, wisdom, peace, and comfort from our Commander in Chief, Yeshua Ha’Mashiach (Jesus Christ)
Dissent from the Kingdom of Noise
How often do you take the time to sit in silence and listen to God?
I’ve recently been reading Jordan Raynor’s upcoming book, Redeeming Your Time — a fabulous tool that I highly recommend to anyone looking to make the most out of each day (Click here to pre-order) — and was struck by his explanation of how noise is limiting our ability to be productive and serve the Lord.
Jordan writes, “This final way that noise impacts our ability to redeem our time is the most important. John Mark Comer said it best: ‘The noise of the modern world makes us deaf to the voice of God, drowning out the one input we most need.’ By filling our lives with noise, we are becoming the ‘wicked man’ of Psalm 10:4 who ‘in all his thoughts’ has ‘no room for God.’ We are inflicting ourselves with what Tim Keller calls ‘the torture of divine absence.’”
Is your mind overflowing with so many thoughts that you’re struggling to hear the voice of God? Our minds were not created to be fed information 24/7, so it’s no wonder we feel so overwhelmed and have to strain to hear God through all of the noise. While the world is teaching us to consume more, I’d like to encourage you to consume less and be proactive with how you spend your time; don’t be like the wicked man who had no room for God, make it a habit to sit in silence and be still before the Father each day!
Dissent from the Kingdom of Noise
How often do you take the time to sit in silence and listen to God?
I’ve recently been reading Jordan Raynor’s upcoming book, Redeeming Your Time — a fabulous tool that I highly recommend to anyone looking to make the most out of each day (Click here to pre-order) — and was struck by his explanation of how noise is limiting our ability to be productive and serve the Lord.
Jordan writes, “This final way that noise impacts our ability to redeem our time is the most important. John Mark Comer said it best: ‘The noise of the modern world makes us deaf to the voice of God, drowning out the one input we most need.’ By filling our lives with noise, we are becoming the ‘wicked man’ of Psalm 10:4 who ‘in all his thoughts’ has ‘no room for God.’ We are inflicting ourselves with what Tim Keller calls ‘the torture of divine absence.’”
Is your mind overflowing with so many thoughts that you’re struggling to hear the voice of God? Our minds were not created to be fed information 24/7, so it’s no wonder we feel so overwhelmed and have to strain to hear God through all of the noise. While the world is teaching us to consume more, I’d like to encourage you to consume less and be proactive with how you spend your time; don’t be like the wicked man who had no room for God, make it a habit to sit in silence and be still before the Father each day!
We have all been told that we should love others and be a light to the world, but more often than not, we fall into the trap of loving on condition. When we meet new people, we tend think, “What can this person give me?” Rather than, “What can I give this person?”
There are so many people who need a doctor, but they don’t know how to reach the True Healer. As children of God, we know the way, but are we too busy to give directions? I want to challenge you this week, lift your nose out of your busyness and open your eyes to the people around you. How can you serve others and shine a light toward Yeshua/Jesus today?
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what it means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” ~ Matthew 9:12-13
We have all been told that we should love others and be a light to the world, but more often than not, we fall into the trap of loving on condition. When we meet new people, we tend think, “What can this person give me?” Rather than, “What can I give this person?”
There are so many people who need a doctor, but they don’t know how to reach the True Healer. As children of God, we know the way, but are we too busy to give directions? I want to challenge you this week, lift your nose out of your busyness and open your eyes to the people around you. How can you serve others and shine a light toward Yeshua/Jesus today?
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what it means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” ~ Matthew 9:12-13
Have you ever cried out to God, “This was not the plan! This is not what I thought you told me”?
We can plan ahead all we want, but in the end, the Lord’s plans will prevail! I can think of many instances in my life where I fought God about the direction He wanted me to go, only to crawl there with my last bit of strength when my plans didn’t succeed. Yet, despite my disobedience and stubbornness, God didn’t want me to miss what He had in store; it didn’t matter if I went there kicking and screaming, He would have His way and open my eyes to His plans (which were usually the best).
Are you struggling to plan your next steps? Has God given you a direction to walk in, but you’re stumbling to figure out the small details?
My advice - stop fighting for control. The more you fight and try to do things in your own strength, the harder the transition will be. Also, don’t overthink everything. All of the details do not need to be laid out and finalized as soon as you feel the Lord sending you in a specific direction. The destination might not be clear either, but if you trust the Father and allow Him to open the doors, praying through every step, you’ll wind up in the right place! Our lives are not meant to look conventional. Other people won’t understand the why’s or how’s of our lives, but it’s not for them to know; it’s between you and God. And, sometimes, only God knows the reason He sends us to places, and it’s not until we look back that we see the intricate weaving of His hand throughout the journey.
Have you ever cried out to God, “This was not the plan! This is not what I thought you told me”?
We can plan ahead all we want, but in the end, the Lord’s plans will prevail! I can think of many instances in my life where I fought God about the direction He wanted me to go, only to crawl there with my last bit of strength when my plans didn’t succeed. Yet, despite my disobedience and stubbornness, God didn’t want me to miss what He had in store; it didn’t matter if I went there kicking and screaming, He would have His way and open my eyes to His plans (which were usually the best).
Are you struggling to plan your next steps? Has God given you a direction to walk in, but you’re stumbling to figure out the small details?
My advice - stop fighting for control. The more you fight and try to do things in your own strength, the harder the transition will be. Also, don’t overthink everything. All of the details do not need to be laid out and finalized as soon as you feel the Lord sending you in a specific direction. The destination might not be clear either, but if you trust the Father and allow Him to open the doors, praying through every step, you’ll wind up in the right place! Our lives are not meant to look conventional. Other people won’t understand the why’s or how’s of our lives, but it’s not for them to know; it’s between you and God. And, sometimes, only God knows the reason He sends us to places, and it’s not until we look back that we see the intricate weaving of His hand throughout the journey.
Messy Truth
We are all searching for a place of belonging. Caleb Kaltenbach addresses & more in his explosive, thought-provoking release, Messy Truth!
100 Days of Sunlight
Abbie Emmons is a breath of fresh air! Full of hope, love, and perseverance, 100 Days of Sunlight shines as bright as its cover.
She Wouldn't Change a Thing
A mix between Inception and The Midnight Library, Sarah Adlakha tackles life, choice, love, and eternity in her dazzling debut novel.
LIFE Devotional
Sharing personal stories, life lessons, & encouragement, Lisa Harper's writing will resonate with readers in this 100-day devotional.
The Librarian of Saint-Malo
Bringing history to life, The Librarian of Saint-Malo combines fiction and non-fiction into an elegant yet devastating tale.
Love and the Silver Lining (State of Grace: Book 2)
Love and the Silver Lining is one of those books most of us will relate to. Get ready for your heart to melt and your soul to soar!
The Relentless Courage of a Scared Child
In an incredibly open and honest account of her life, Tana lays herself bare in her memoir, The Relentless Courage of a Scared Child.
Between the Wild Branches - The Covenant House #2 (Includes Exclusive Interview with the Author)
Connilyn Cossette once again showcases why she is one of the best Biblical Fiction authors with the release of Between the Wild Branches!
Plot Twist
Have you ever been so infuriated with a book, yet you couldn't stop reading because the writing was so good?!
Stumbling Blocks into Stepping Stones: Doubt
One of the most dangerous stumbling blocks of our faith is doubt. No one is exempt from its attack, we will all question God's existence.
The Story I’ll Tell - Bring on 2021!
We made it!!! Who would've thought that 2020 would actually come to an end? This has been one of the most challenging years I have ever known!
Stumbling Blocks into Stepping Stones: Wisdom
Throughout the Bible, we are told to ask for wisdom and understanding, and we shall receive it; but, what happens when our prayers are answered?
Finding Joy in a Sea of Pain
Being in pain sucks. Finding joy in tribulation might feel like a feat, but it's easier than you think. When we put our hope in God, we will find comfort!
Stumbling Blocks into Stepping Stones: Pride
"Pride comes before destruction," so what do you do when Satan's whispers become louder than the voice of Truth? Whose voice are you going to believe?
Free From the Status Quo
People love giving their opinions, but should believers meddle in God's plans for another? What is the status quo and does the Bible have anything to say?
Journeying Through the Wilderness
Do you feel like you are in the desert, surrounded by emptiness with no sign of God’s presence? May this week's blog be an encouragement.
I Don't Care
Do your words and actions represent the fruits of the Spirit or are you unconcerned about the effect they have? That used to be me, but not anymore!
Growing in Faith - Matthew 13
Where are the disciples who will minister the truth to these new believers, sowing them into good, fruitful, soil?
Dita Kraus, The Librarian of Auschwitz speaks about her Delayed Life
What really happened in the children’s block of Hitler’s death camp? Did books really save Dita? Dita Kraus shares the truth in an exclusive interview!
Adventures in Israel: Yemenite Henna Ceremony
We were invited to attend a traditional Yemenite henna ceremony — a pre-wedding gathering that celebrates the bride leaving her family..
Adventures in Israel: The Facial Shocker
Getting a facial should be a revitalizing experience, right? At least, that’s what it seems like when influencers post about facials.
Adventures in Israel: Driver’s License Edition
I recently discovered that to renew your license after driving for five years, I was required by Israeli law to take a “refreshers” course.
Adventures in Israel: Picnic in the Snow
Most people go to the beach or forest for a joyful picnic, not the Russells; we go to the snow, where our butts freeze, and we're layered up!
Adventures In Israel: X-Ray Edition
When someone breaks a bone, it's important to get follow up x-rays to determine the healing process. These visits to the clinic tend to be straightforward; you walk in, give the front desk your doctor's note, get the x-ray, and leave. However, at my six-week check-up, it was anything but a walk in the park…
Adventures in Israel: Let's Go Ice Skating!
Since the beginning of this year, I’ve been craving the true essence of winter; but what can you do to get the feeling of winter in a country that can’t seem to make up its mind? Well, the expensive solution would be to fly to a place where there is snow, and the temperature is …
Adventures in Israel: Massage Edition
The event you’re about to read, in the coming paragraphs, is just a sneak peek into what life can be like in Israel. It’s not always like this, but it sure does make my day better when it is!
Poem: Into Space (I Am Found Series)
Then everything stops... Floating in the space of her thoughts, Joy Lucia Hunneyball compares the May 30th launch to her own achievements. With skills in a multitude of things, but mastery of none, she wonders how she can make a difference and what landmark she will leave behind.
Poem: For Your Glory (I Am Found Series)
Joy Lucia Hunneyball stands in awe of God, breathing in His goodness and declaring, "To Him be the glory!" This inspiring poem will encourage readers to look at the gifts God has given them and offer up a shout of praise, even when the fight seems hopeless!
Poem: Overcomer (I Am Found Series)
In a moment of reverence, Joy Lucia Hunneyball goes into her room to intercede, cry, and worship before the Father. With a heavy heart, she shares a special prayer to encourage those feeling lost. We are all overcomers through Him, and we are not alone!
Poem: From the Inside Out (I Am Found Series)
Joy Lucia Hunneyball shares an intimate conversation with God about growth, guidance, spiritual battles, and admiration, in this original poem!
Poem: A Speck Within the Cosmos (I Am Found Series)
An original poem by Joy Lucia Hunneyball. In a moment of awe and wonder, Joy expresses her admiration of God's care and faithfulness. We are warriors and vessels to by Him!