So put all evil things out of your life: sexual sinning, doing evil, letting evil thoughts control you, wanting things that are evil, and greed. This is really serving a false god. These things make God angry. In your past, evil life you also did these things. Colossians 3:5-7 NCV

When you go to get dressed for the day, how long does it take? Do you have trouble deciding what to wear? Does it depend on what is easiest to put together? Are you like me and you choose what is most slimming, lol? We want to look good, don’t we? We dress ourselves spiritually too. Colossians 3 opened my eyes to that fact.

As I read Colossians 3 this morning, I was struck by the way Paul describes our coming to Christ. He describes our ‘dying’ to self and getting rid of sinful things that represent who we are and then reaching for the righteous things that represent Christ’s character. That makes sense!

Some examples Paul mentions, that we need to die to, are sexual sins, evil passions and desires, and covetousness. That is not unlike getting undressed and re-dressing, is it? So now, as Christians, we want to figuratively dress ourselves to project a new, righteous image of Christ. This begs the questions…

What exactly do we want to clothe ourselves with, spiritually-speaking? and How do we do that?

Paul tells us!

But now also put these things out of your life: anger, bad temper, doing or saying things to hurt others, and using evil words when you talk. Do not lie to each other. You have left your old sinful life and the things you did before. Colossians 3:8-9 NCV

Paul reminds us to put off these things and then he tells us what to put ON! (Thanks, Paul!)

 God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So you should always clothe yourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other, and forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, forgive that person because the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:12-13 NCV

Colossians 3 is chock-full of amazing advice, so I have to show you one more verse, perhaps the most important one yet…

Colossians 3:14 says: Even more than all this, clothe yourself in love. Love is what holds you all together in perfect unity.

I have found this verse to so especially true and helpful in the past year. God has taught me to love unconditionally. The Holy Spirit nudged me the other day when I started to complain about someone. In my heart, I instantly said, “Thank You, Holy Spirit, because I do not want to be like that.” We get to CHOOSE what we want to look like and be like. If we want to look like Christ, we must do the things He did and love like He did. We must put on spiritual qualities and desires after shedding our sinful clothes.

Just a note…dressing in righteousness is an ongoing process. If we dress in the wrong thing, the Holy Spirit will let us know! Just remember…it matters what you say and do every day. We are God’s ambassadors to a needy world. Love all you can today!

Have a great Monday! Sorry this is late. Migraine came to visit and stayed awhile,lol! Love and appreciate you all!…Tina

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt.  Luke 9:1-3

I am the worst suitcase packer in the world! Focusing what I might need, my bag ends up being over-filled and hard to close. Of course, I never use all I take, but I want to be prepared for every situation. All that is in my suitcase gives me confidence that I am well- equipped for my journey. I feel ready.

In Luke 9:3, the disciples were going away too, but Jesus told them not to take ANYTHING with them! How could they survive with NOTHING? Didn’t they feel unprepared? How could they feel ready?

If we look back at verse 1, we get our answer. Jesus had filled them with power already, HIS power! Now I am re-thinking this verse this morning…How could they NOT feel ready? Wow…This was a pivotal moment in their lives, the beginning of the most important mission in the world, for the world! They were full of the power of Jesus.

Remember Monday’s and yesterday’s devotion about having our faith refreshed by spending daily time with God? It amazes me that God showed me again today that He fills us with Him. He is in us! Whenever we meet God, He gives us what we need, doesn’t He? Whether it is peace or strength or wisdom, He gives us what we need for our journey to do His will and glorify Him. Isn’t He awesome?!

That’s life-changing! I love how the Lord is teaching me this week and month about trusting Him more. My husband and I have taken some leaps of faith, but how much more can we do if we go with ‘nothing’ but ALL of the Lord? Food for thought and prayer… 🙂

Please have a wonderful day in the Lord and don’t forget to ask the Lord for what you need as you head out today. Tell or message someone how cool He is, too! I will do the same! We all need more of Him…Tina

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

On a regular basis, we all need a healthy dose of hope, so thanks for joining me today at Hope’s Harbor, a weekly post devoted to encourage you in your daily walk… Tina

Here is a bit of encouragement for whatever situation you are in. God knows and He cares! With faith in that, we please Him. Here is a short analogy that helps me to understand the glorious light that comes from faith in Him:

Faith in God is like a lantern with fresh and full batteries. The batteries will shine light on our path for hours and days as we carry our lantern with us. When we go to God daily, He refreshes and refills the batteries, making us to see hope, even in the dark!

The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Have a wonderful day and don’t forget to carry your lantern of faith:)…Tina

 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Theses are trying times aren’t they? It feels like one bad thing after another in the news, right? There does not seem to be enough positive news or answers to balance out the bad. At least that is what I had been thinking, until God corrected me. He showed me what I already knew, but desperately needed a refresher course on. We can still feel hopeful, despite our circumstances!

How can we do this? By going to the author of hope! Jesus knows what it is to feel the pangs of darkness, pain and even death, yet even HE resolved to trust His Father, our Father, and obey Him through His trial. Jesus, who knew much sorrow, understands our fears and emotions. He knows we are not immune to doubts and fears. Even as Christians, it is normal to be brought down a bit when surprisingly evil things are going on in the world.

But…can I tell you a secret? THIS is not our forever. We are here for a short time until our heavenly future starts! Jesus went to prepare a home for us! Just as Jesus endured the cross for a heavenly future, so can we bear our ‘crosses’ (trials) with hope.

As Christians, we KNOW our future. That calms my soul when I get stressed. I hope it helps you, too! Have a great Monday. May the Lord bless you with peace and light…Tina

 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Hey all:) I thought a note might be in order. Not to get too personal, but I wanted to put it out there that the reason I haven’t posted super consistently lately is I was dealing with life/health stuff. I am sure you have that stuff too, that makes you want to dive in, handle it and let everything else go on the back burner for awhile? My problem was, and is, I am independent and a planner, so when my plans go awry and life stuff happens, it throws me a bit. Well, honestly a lot!

Does that happen to you? I should not be surprised because, well, it’s a fact of life. Not all plans work out. Unfortunately, when they don’t it is a great time for the enemy to tell you to give up and give in to the stress. He LOVES it when we worry ourselves into inactivity. (He made me worry myself into not writing because I was so stressed. Grr…)

What he won’t tell you…is to praise God and have hope! Accept the changes, delays and winding path as an adventure. If our plans do not work out, I am convinced there is a reason for it. I will not begin to tell you what reason that is, because every situation is different and sometimes we never know the reason, right? That is sometime a hard pill to swallow for me. We have to accept that whatever God allows, He will take us through. That’s what I DO know for sure.

Dear Father God, Thank you for being my hope. When I get “sidetracked” into thinking that worrying will help me handle a trial, please nudge me to look up and see hope from you. It’s still hard for me to process that you are God and you love me, but I know you do! Thank you for your plans for me, whatever they may be. I love you! Amen.

Have a wonderful day. I am praying for you all to have peace in your trials and joy in your heart:)…Tina

Today’s Verse:  But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.  Psalm 3:3-4 NIV

My husband and I love to explore small towns. As we drove down Main Street in a small town recently, I absorbed the beauty of old houses made of brick and stone and logs.  These smallish homes were squeezed together, side by side down the narrow street. There was a small park at the end of the street, with a little bridge over a creek. Young kids were playing there. Everything was just so small, simple and pleasant. It was a nice change of pace from the big city where we lived.

Then, I glanced up and was struck by the beauty of a huge mountain right behind the row of houses! I hadn’t noticed it. That mountain probably kept many storms at bay, so the little town stayed safe. Instantly, I thought of how big God is and how He surrounds us little humans with His protection. I also thought of how I missed seeing Him when I needed help.

Like the mountain I almost missed, how many times has God been there for us and we didn’t see Him? How much He must love us, to stand and guard us from harm. We are small but He is big enough to handle any storm in life that we may face. How comforting to know that we are surrounded, much like a mountain of rock, by His love and care!

Today’s Takeaway: God is always there. He is our shield of protection!

Dear God, Thank You for Your mountainous love and protection. I feel surrounded and safe when I consider how big and strong and good you are. You truly are my solid rock. Please nudge me to look at you when I forget how close you are. Amen.

Have a wonderful day and don’t forget to look up today!…..Tina

God has a plan. He gets to choose
how flowers dress in rainbow hues.
One flower to the other said.
“How come I’m purple and you’re red?”
Red then replied,”I have no clue.”

They both decided, since confused,
to ask how colors were infused.
The robin heard and shook his head.
“God has a plan.”

He then explained and gave this news:
“God chose to make us diff’rent, use
the gifts and talents that He bred,
to help each other walk life’s tread.
Though we peruse,
God has a plan.

copyright2022christinacrute

May you have a great day, knowing God has a plan for you!…Tina

If truth be told, my trophies gold glimmer in glory of self.
So highly praised are accolades
attracting dust on a shelf.

True, for a time, wins are sublime;
 it’s nice collecting awards.
Real treasures, though, our Lord bestows;
pure faith in Him He rewards.

Light for each day, joy all the way,
God takes good care of His own.
Faith’s a treasure, shines forever.
No need to go it alone.

Trophies are best, seen in context.

The Golden reason is this:

God’s only Son, forgiveness won;

So all of the glory is His.

copyright2021christinacrute

I had lots of trouble with the format so please excuse the inconsistent spacing:) Have a great day giving lots of glory to God for all He has done!….Tina

I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws. Psalm 119:30 NIV

Growing up with three siblings and not much money, us kids did not always get choices when it came to food or clothing. My parents both worked hard to buy whatever food or clothes were on sale and my siblings and I were happy to have them. Friends from church secretly left other needs in our car.

When I graduated high school, my mom’s friend asked me what I wanted for my gift. I was speechless. I got to choose! I chose pretty purple sheets for my bed. That was what I had my heart set on. It may seem silly now, but it was something that meant so much to me, that I both wanted and needed.

David, in the Bible, chose what he needed most, God. David, for a long period, was being pursued by enemies, so his choices were often about his own survival. He chose right. He knew who He needed. He chose whom his heart loved, God.

He could have doubted God because his life was in danger, but instead he chose to trust Him. God protected him, so David praised Him even more. He had his whole heart set on God’s laws.

Dear God, Sometimes I try to decide things for myself. When it comes to important decisions, like when I get frustrated or scared in a trial, my heart will always choose you. Thank you for being my best solution. Thank you for all you’ve done for me. Amen

Today’s Takeaway…God is faithful and always there for the choosing!

With love from the Father to you, I hope you feel God’s love and faithfulness in your life…..Tina