By Paula Williamson, guest writer David and Karen Mains wrote the book "A Girl Named Dirty," which tells the story of a young girl who lives among pigs and loves being dirty, but eventually recognizes her poor state and longs to be clean and accepted by the King. It’s a lovely story about our human state without knowledge of the King of Kings and of the life He offers us. It Is Written ISAIAH 61:10 I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels. Clean Clothes What Jesus did for us we cannot do for ourselves. He offers us a fresh start, a new life, a clean heart, and a new spirit. David experienced this forgiveness after Nathan the prophet pointed out his grave sin. ISAIAH 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together,” saith the Lord. “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. What a gift! Prayer Lord, thank You for sending Jesus to live a sinless, perfect, and selfless life in our place. Thank You that when we surrender our lives to You, His robe of righteousness covers us with a garment of salvation. Thank You that He did what we could not do. We surrender our lives to You. Takeaway No stain is too deep for His grace.

By Paula WiIlliamson, guest writer I once heard a story that has stayed with me my entire life. An old missionary saw a man carrying a huge load on his shoulders and stopped to give him a ride. The man accepted and sat in the back seat. As they traveled, the missionary glanced in the rearview mirror in surprise to see the man breathing hard and still holding the load on his shoulders. He asked why. The man replied, “You were so generous to give me a ride. I can’t ask you to carry my load as well. As foolish as this seems, we do the same thing with the baggage of shame. Jesus paid for our forgiveness and shame. We need no longer carry it. Let it go!” It Is Written ISAIAH 61:7 Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours. Easier Said Than Done This story is a powerful reminder of how absurd it is to continue carrying our shame after Jesus paid for it with His life. He left nothing undone. His last words were, “It is finished.” It is time to lay all our burdens at the feet of Jesus and receive the gift of forgiveness He paid for with His life. For the joy set before Him, He endured the shame. It would be an insult not to receive such an extravagant gift and to live in the freedom He purchased. Takeaway He promises me everlasting joy and a double portion of honor rather than shame.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer Invictus, an 1875 short poem by the English poet William Ernest Henley, says, “I am the master of my fate, the captain of my soul.” These words were written during a time when he was very sick and had to have his leg amputated. Invictus is a Latin word meaning unconquered or undefeated. He meant that we are the ones in charge of our minds and choices. Even if life is hard, we decide how to act and feel. Through that lens, we see the incredible gift God gave to humanity: the power of choice. God is sovereign, but we have a choice in how we live. It Is Written EXODUS 20:3 You shall have no other gods before me. The Course of Our Lives Each of us has a choice about who is behind the wheel of our lives. We can do what seems right in our own eyes, or we can submit to God and His Word. The choice is ours. We can allow our minds to run amock because of our insecurities, circumstances, fear-driven news media, or conspiracy theories, or we can guard our minds with God’s Word. Whatever source we allow to determine the course of our lives becomes our God, whether it is self, others, things, or God Himself. Prayer Lord, when life is said and done, it is You we stand before, not our friends, platform, beliefs, heroes, or family. It is You alone to whom we will give an account of our lives. May we all come to peace with our Maker. May we all recognize that You are good. May we all experience Your grace, mercy, and forgiveness. May we all submit our lives to the Lord Jesus, who gave Himself for us so that we might have forgivness and peace with You, covered by His robe of righteousness rather than by our faults and failures. Takeaway We have a choice.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer The Lens of Love In Bible days, the Pharisees reduced God’s word and laws to a list of rules and regulations. They even added some. JAMES 2:10 For whoever keeps the whole Law, yet stumbles in one point, has become guilty of all. There are so many rules and regulations in the Bible that it is easy to be confused. Someone asked Jesus which was the greatest command. His answeer summed up the law and the prophets. It Is Written GALATIANS 5:14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” MATTHEW 22:40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” Motivated By Love Motives are hard to identify until you ask yourself why you are doing what you are doing. Left to ourselves, motives are extremely self-serving. Love is not. If the Bible seems complicated, doing all things in love is a great starting point. Love is not a mushy feeling. It means doing what is in others' best interests. Prayer Lord, help us do all things with great love. Help us discern what is in others' best interests. Help us have the courage to do so, even when it is hard. We can be extremely short-sighted and self-serving without even realizing it. We need Your wisdom and Your heart to guide us. Put Your love within us and help us do all things through that lens. Takeaway Love, the eternal lens.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer That statement is true, depending on how you define fun. Often, our definition of fun comes from the people around us. Depending on who those people are, their ideas of fun can differ drastically. Where do you get your definition of fun? It Is Written GALATIANS 5:19 -21 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior,20idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Define Fun GALATIANS 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. I don’t know about you, but I have been around both groups of people described in these verses, and my personal experience quickly led me to decide which crowd my definition comes from. What the world offers as fun is shallow, short-lived, and empty in comparison. Prayer Lord, there is no one and nothing that compares with You. At the end of the day, nothing compares to the beauty of Your presence, Your unconditional love, Your mercy, Your grace, Your favor, and the memories of Your interventions, words, deeds, and generosity. Nothing compares to the God moments when heaven meets earth and You show Yourself real and active in our lives today. May we live in such a way that, at the end, we hear You say, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.” May every soul taste and see Your goodness. Takeaway There is an eternal happiness that does not fade.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer There are so many opinions freely expressed on Social Media today that it can make your head spin! Without the Word of God as our guardian, everyone decides what is right based on their own upbringing, experience, and opinions. Scripture has been around for over 3,000 years and has not been proven wrong. Who else or what else can boast of that? Yet we turn to all kinds of ideas under the guise of being progressive. I know people who think it is fun to go to a medium and harmless to dabble in the occult. They believe there is no harm in it. It Is Written LEVITICUS 20:6 ‘I will set my face against anyone who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute themselves by following them, and I will cut them off from their people. Clear Boundaries Every good parent sets clear boundaries and consequences at home for their children. These boundaries are for the children's good, safety, and success. Scripture is no different, except that it is God-breathed and written for our instruction. It is filled with wisdom for a successful life. Prayer Lord, in a world full of opinions, options, and ideas not grounded in Your Word, help us read Your Word and shape our worldview from it. Help us return to the safe boundaries of Your Word so that we pass on blessings, not curses, to our family line and to future generations. Help us return to Your God-breathed Word and teach it to our children and loved ones so that the tide turns and we become a nation and a people who walk in the blessing and favor of the Most High God. Takeaway God’s Word is a trustworthy guardian.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer Once, I had the pleasure of playing UNO with a room full of boys ages 8 to 11. During a lunch break, one of the boys pulled all the wildcards out of the deck and planned to use them on his friends. I said, “It looks like you are going to have some fun when the boys return.” He laughed. I told him that God put a conscience within each of us to help us know right from wrong. I also told him that if we ignore it and do what is wrong, it becomes hardened and we can no longer hear God. His eyes widened, and he returned the cards to the deck faster than a blink. It Is Written MATTHEW 13:15-17 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. HEBREWS 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. His Part and Our Part God has written His law on our minds and hearts. It’s our choice whether to obey it. Deuteronomy 28 contains promises of extravagant blessings for obedience to Him and His word, along with a list of consequences for disobedience. We do not have to look very closely at our world to see the consequences of our choices unfolding. Prayer Lord, just as Daniel prayed in chapter 9, “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 5 we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. 6 We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land.” “Therefore the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you. 13 Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come on us, yet we have not sought the favor of the Lord our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth. 14 The Lord did not hesitate to bring the disaster on us, for the Lord our God is righteous in everything he does; yet we have not obeyed him. 17 “Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. 18 Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. 19 Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.” Takeaway He blesses those who are obedient to His Word.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer Healing begins when we stop blaming everyone else, look in the mirror, and accept responsibility for who and where we are. The responsibility falls to us. Our family of origin, circumstances, and other people do impact our lives, but we hold the power to choose how we respond. Maybe we were not raised in a home where God was honored or taught, but that is no excuse for our behavior. It Is Written ROMANS 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse. Say No to Victim Mentality If we stop long enough to be quiet, look at a flower, smell a rose, take a deep breath after a rain shower, gaze at the twinkling stars and the night sky, or listen to the stillness of the night, quiet our own thoughts and ask Him to reveal Himself, He will. He has! Prayer Lord, help us stop blaming everything on everyone else, be quiet, and assume personal responsibility for who we are, where we are, and what we will do next. The past is behind us and unchangeable, but we hold the power to shape our future through our beliefs, choices, actions, and words. Help us be wise and to ask for wisdom from You, the one who put the galaxies into place, created gravity and the seasons, and watches over Your word to perform. Takeaway Listen to the messages of creation.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer Rarely is there a day when our mouths do not say something we wish we had not said. I have put my foot in my mouth more times than I care to admit. On Social Media, careless words become headlines and spread faster than a pandemic. We only need to look in the mirror to know that we all need wisdom beyond ourselves. It Is Written PROVERBS 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 1 JOHN 2:27 And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him remains in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you remain in Him. SOS Who doesn’t need wisdom? Seeking God’s help and guidance before any task is always a good idea. He is far wiser than we are. I am thankful that God sometimes interrupts me between thoughts and words. We could all use a guard over our mouths. Prayer Lord, we all need wisdom and are fully capable of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. Guide our mouths and be the rudder of our tongues. Fill our mouths with worthwhile stuff and shut them when we’ve said enough. Takeaway God gives wisdom to those who ask.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer There will always be someone greater or lesser, smarter or less smart, thinner or larger, prettier or less pretty, depending on the lens through which we compare. Our flesh tends to measure, to look up to or look down on others. Thank God that Jesus made the ground at the foot of the cross level. He removed all comparisons. We are all sinners in need of a Savior. It Is Written GALATIANS 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Grace None of us deserve grace. Without God, we will spend our lives serving ourselves and our deepest desires and motivations. Jesus made grace available to all, to those who think they deserve it and to those who don’t. When we lay aside our garments of pride, recognize that we are all sinners in need of a Savior, and ask Him to reveal His heart for others, we too can see through the lens of grace. Prayer Lord, show us the pitfalls of comparing, demeaning, exalting, and feeling superior or inferior. Life is so much more than comparing and measuring ourselves and others. You look at the heart. Help us view ourselves and others through the lens of grace and of what You have done for us. Even if we never receive another thing from You, Your grace is enough. Takeaway Grace is beyond measure.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer We spend a lot of money and time on hair, nails, skin, clothing, and dressing ourselves. 1 Peter 3:3-4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.My grandma used to say, “Pretty is as pretty does.” It Is Written EPHESIANS 4:24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Presence Inward beauty matters more than outward appearance. No amount of external effort can hide a discontented heart. Those of us raised in dysfunction must fight for inner contentment and let go of the past to embrace what has been done for us through Jesus Christ. In Him, we find peace, unconditional love, joy, acceptance, patience, kindness, mercy, grace, and rest. Abiding in Him clothes us in His likeness. Nothing compares. Prayer Lord, You are the one who pursues us. Revelation 3:20 says, "You stand at the door and knock." All we need to do is open the door and let You come and dwell in our hearts. It is in and through You that transformation begins. In You, our souls find rest, contentment, and home. You stand at the end of the road, awaiting Your prodigals, and run to us as we journey home. Thank You for not giving up on us. Dress us in the beauty of Your holiness and change us from glory to glory that does not fade. Help us to preach Your gospel wherever we go, and, if necessary, use words. Takeaway Internal beauty speaks an eternal message.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer Sometimes we are our own worst critics. It’s easy to believe that who we are, what we do, and what we say doesn't matter. It’s easy to compare ourselves with everyone else on Facebook or our circle of influence and feel we come up short, don’t measure up, and are less than. It’s easy to count our mistakes and trials rather than our blessings. Left to our own thoughts, it’s a wonder any of us can have a good, productive day. But the Word of God paints a different picture! It Is Written PROVERBS 28:18 The righteous are bold as a lion. Who We Are Where do we get our beliefs, and how’s your method working for you? Scripture says that in Christ I am a child of God (Romans 8:16), redeemed from the hand of the enemy (Psalm 107:2), forgiven (Colossians 1:13-14), saved by Grace through Faith (Ephesians 2:8), righteous and holy (Ephesians 4:24), justified (just as if I never sinned) (Romans 5:1), sanctified (1 Corinthians 6:11), a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17), a partaker of His Divine Nature (2 Peter 1:4), delivered from the powers of darkness (Colossians 1:13), led by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14), hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3), the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13), the light of the and I can do all things through Him (Philippians 4:13). That is a far different view from the physical image in the mirror. Prayer Lord, I do not want to live believing demeaning things about myself or others rather than what You say about us. Forgive us. Jesus paid the ultimate price for our freedom and salvation. Help us to live for what He died for. Help us renew our mind with Your life-giving words. Help us recognize our worth to You and our place in this world. Help us to be thermostats that set the atmosphere around us, not a thermometer that merely responds to life and circumstances. We are children of the Most High God, given Your power and authority. Help us walk in a manner worthy of You. Takeaway We choose what I believe.