“On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus in the same way they are.” (Acts 15:11)

“Clean up first, then believe.” it is the same as telling someone “Go to work first, then get dressed for work.”  It does not make sense. Many today hold to the belief that we need to be cleaned up first or appear a certain way before we can have a relationship with Jesus. There is a need to feel perfect before we can be accepted and feel included. Sadly, we are far from perfect.

Often, we think that there is something that we must do to be saved. That there is some kind of work, ritual, or emotional experience we must be a part of to experience a right relationship with God. We focus on our actions as a guarantor that we are saved. None of our actions such as community service involvement, church attendance, or even how loud we sing brings us salvation.

Salvation is gained only through the belief in Jesus Christ; it is through faith in him alone. There is nothing that we can do or must do for Jesus for he is the only way that salvation can be gained. We do not deserve this grace for it is unmerited and undeserved but through it we gain acceptance, and forgiveness for the behaviors and thoughts that we have done wrong in the eyes of God.
 
Heavenly Father, thank you for your grace we never could have earned or deserved it but, you freely gave it to us through your son Jesus.
 
Walking with you,
Stacy Watkins
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“He listened as Paul spoke. After looking directly at him and seeing that he had faith to be healed.” (Acts 14:9)
 

There are so many distractions these days. Everyone is usually carrying around a phone checking emails, watching videos, or even messaging someone that they often do not see the person right in front of them. Often, we must ask someone to put away all the distractions to look at us to see if they are even listening to what we are telling them.

Even when people are looking at us, they might not see us completely. They may be looking in our direction but, a thousand and one things are on their mind keeping them from focusing on the person in front of them. When we know someone is directly looking at us and is truly seeing us our entire demeanor changes because they are fixated on us and really knowing us, we realize everything that they could be doing or thinking about has been put aside. There are several ways to feel seen through validation, recognition of thoughts and feelings, a sense of connection and acceptance.

​We feel loved when we are completely seen. We feel that we are known because someone is taking their time and investing into us. Not only did Paul see him but, God sees us directly and there are no distractions around when God sees us. He knows us completely because he sees us and loves us.
 
Heavenly Father, in a world filled with distractions we thank you that you see us completely and know us.
 
Walking with you,
Stacy Watkins

As they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:2)
 
The invention of the telephone has come a long way. It no longer needs to be connected to a wall. We can send emails, text messages, and even video messages to people. If you missed a call and get a voicemail some phones will even transcribe the message you can read the message instead of listening to it. Depending on who the caller is we might quickly pick up the phone call or let it go to voicemail.

When we remove distractions, we can focus on the person who is calling. During a fast we might set aside a distraction social media, alcohol, or even sweets to focus our attention on prayer and God. This allows us to open our hearts, minds, and souls to what God is saying and even directing us to do. We must be open and sensitive to hearing God speak into our lives and direct us.

For many we fixate on the message often forgetting about the person who called us. It is who called you that is important. The person has a role in our life our doctors, friends, and family. The most important person who calls us is God. God is calling each one of us. Trying to reach each one of us because He loves us and cares for us. There is nothing he would not do to try and get ahold of us.
 
Heavenly Father, may we be open to hear your voice when you call us.
 
Walking with you,
Stacy Watkins
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“At the end of twelve months, as he was walking on the roof of the royal palace in Babylon, the king exclaimed, “Is this not Babylon the Great that I have built to be a royal residence by my vast power and for my majestic glory?” (Daniel 4:29-30)
 
We grow up thinking “I’m Different” or even “Unique” the situation that we are in no one would truly understand. Many of us go around thinking we can handle our own situation on our own – no help is needed. This happens with little kids all the time at one point they believe that they can do everything all by their self not needing any help from someone else. Even when they make a mess, they are proud of their self because they did it on their own and did not need any help.

They forget that they did need help, and someone was with them the entire time guiding, overseeing, and assisting when needed. There was someone with them who had more strength and power who could assist them when they choose to ask for help. No one likes feeling powerless or incapable of doing something on their own, but we all need the saving power of Jesus Christ to help guide us throughout our day.

It is through Jesus that we can get where we want to be in life.  The things that we obtain in life might feel like we did it on our own but, Jesus is there the entire step of the way.
 
Heavenly Father, we do not want to admit that we need your help every hour but God it is only because of you that we make it through.
 
Walking with you,
Stacy Watkins
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“When Peter came to himself, he said, 'Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s grasp and from all that the Jewish people expected.'” (Acts 12:11)

It sounds funny to expect the unexpected because honestly, how can we expect the unexpected it is not the desired outcome it is what we would not consider happening. No one expected for someone to rewrite the alphabet song because singing the ABCs was too difficult but, it happened. No one expects to get a flat tire while driving on the road but, it happens.

When we pray often, we pray for what we expect will happen but, God is the God of the possible and can make the unexpected happen. We are not called to live predictable lives that are naturally possible. Many of us love what is predictable we know exactly what we can get, what we will find, what is there. However, we are called to an invitation to more. We are called to expect the unexpected when God is involved. When we pray to God, he can do things that we are not able to do for ourselves.

​We know what others can do for us but, underestimate what God wants to do for us. God is a God of surprises. He loves to do things we can’t predict or see coming. We cannot predict what God is going to do, and we never will be able to do so. He thinks, plans, and operates on a level all by Himself. Because of whom he is he will always do what we do not expect. God loves us and wants the best for each one of us.
 
Heavenly Father, Lord, may we not put expectations on what you can do in our lives. May we embrace the unexpected in our lives.
 
Walking with you,
Stacy Watkins