The Introverted Evangelist

   Giving thanks at all time. All times. Good time. Hard times. Trying times. Tiring times. All times. Giving thanks requires a shift in focus. A turning of eyes away from the circumstances and onto the Creator. He creates joyfulness and abundant peacefulness.    "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ( Philippians 4:7 )    It's the shield of faith in who He is that never lets up on our outlook. This shield protects our minds and attitudes. It refreshes our eyes to view things in a new way. A God-centric mindset covers over all the hurt.    His peace transcends  all else. It gives hope, courage, and clarity to the hurt, scared, and confused. He is a caring Father after all. He only wants what is best  for His children, and what's best is looking to Him. In all situations and at all times, look up.    Thanks be to the One that saves. He saves our souls, our joy, and our peace. He w

   Today, and everyday, I'll remind my soul to whom I belong. I belong to Jesus. I'll write His name on my heart, my hand, and across every land. Jesus. I'll trace those beautiful letters everywhere I can. In a journal, in the sand, in the fog, or in the snow. I don't know where it'll go, but I'll keep on telling self that I'm His and He's mine.    No matter the day's difficulties, I'll find hope and peace and rest at the mention of His name. The day can completely turn around with one five letter word - Jesus.    I know I'll fall short throughout the day, and I'll find myself in many dead ends, but with the help of my Savior, Jesus, I'll come out victorious. There's nothing at all that can ruin me, because I have Jesus . All I need is... Jesus.    It's so simple. Fear is not needed, and surely  not welcomed, for I have the God of all comfort on my team. Sometimes it's easy to become consumed with earthly things

   All this time I've been trying to earn  and honest relationship. I seem to have forgotten that His Word seems to have a trend for weary souls.    I'm not supposed to work  for peace or work  for love. Farm from it! I'm called to rest  in my Father's loving arms. All that working can earn for me is a heavy, burden-laden heart. Does God really want that for me? Does God want His child to feel the need to restlessly try and earn  His love? How could I possibly earn something that's already been freely given as a gift ? Why do I so linger with this difficult realization? Why is this love  so hard to grasp?    Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." ( 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 )    The God of all comfort . Embrace this today. He is the One

   "Now have come the salvation  (σωτηρία) and the power and the kingdom  (βασιλεία) of our God, and the authority  (ἐξουσία) of his Christ  (Χριστός). For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses  (κατηγορέω) them before our God day and night, has been hurled down  (βάλλω)." ( Revelation 12:10 )    βασιλεία/basileia : This word basileia  depicts a kingdom , but it is also  royal dominion .  Basileia , in this verse, is the kingdom of God . It also expresses the rule within our hearts as Christians , and the way we are lead by Him. This word used in Revelation 12:10 reveals to us that the day is coming when the eternal kingdom of Christ  and all of His awesome glory shall reign.     σωτηρία/sōtēria : Sōtēria  comes from the word sōtēr , which means a savior , deliverer , and one who rescues another from destruction or danger and places that other into a shelter of safety . This root is so incredible to me, because of how the word sōtēria  is used in this verse.    The w

   "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices  (ἀγαλλιάω) in God my Savior  (σωτήρ), for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed  (μακαρίζω), for the Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is his name." ( Luke 1:46-49 )    Mary describes her spirit as rejoicing . This word rejoicing  is the Greek word agalliaō /ἀγαλλιάω and it's a verb. It is the word that means rejoicing , exulting , as well as possessing exuberance .    This word  agalliaō  comes from the words agan  (which means very much ) and the word hallomai  (which means to leap ).    Therefore, when these two words are glued together, you get a verb that pictures much leaping and bounding . Now it must come without surprise that the word  agalliaō  also means to show joy with skipping, dancing, and excessive delight .    I find it quite significant that the Virgin Mary chose this word to tell of how her spirit celebrates  the

   "And we know that in all things God works for the good  (ἀγαθός) of those who love  (ἀγάπη) him, who have been called  (κλητός) according to his purpose  (πρόθεσις). ( Romans 8:28 )    πρόθεσις/prothesis: noun. a purpose or design set forth for a plan. The Lord uses this as the heart of His calling specific people to salvation. You see, all along God knows who He is going to use for His great plan/will/prothesis. He calls certain people for certain reasons. Those whom God chooses are called for His own good pleasure and design, not because they've earned it or deserve it. It's all for His ultimate purpose.    "For those God foreknew  (προγινώσκω) he also predestined  (προορίζω) to be conformed  (σύμμορϕος) to the likeness  (εἰκών) of his Son  (υἱός), that he might be the firstborn  (πρωτότοκος) among many brothers  (ἀδελϕός)." ( Romans 8:29 )    Let me focus on the word conformed . This word is the word σύμμορϕος or symmorphos . This word is comprised of