Sneak Peek into eBook in the works!

I am in the process of writing my first book and thought I would share a sneak peek on this page. It is a 31 day reading plan based on Proverbs that will cover a chapter, a key scripture study, an action item, and a prayer each day.

I am hoping to have this released by Christmas!

Here is a tiny piece of the work in progress. This has not been edited and is still raw but I wanted to share with you all regardless!

Daily Study

Proverbs 1:7 (NLT) “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”

What does it mean to fear the Lord? Aren’t we taught as Christians not to have fear but instead to have faith in the Lord? Yes we are; but this is a different type of fear. This fear is not one of terror but of love, respect, appreciation and reverence towards God. It is absolutely necessary to have this fear if we are going to grow in wisdom and understanding. This reverent fear of our Lord is the very foundation of the ability to understand spiritual principles and divine revelation. A spiritual principle may be something as simple as understanding how a parable that Jesus taught relates to us as a Christian. For instance, when Jesus is sharing about the parable of the sower in Matthew 13, to the unsaved this would seem foolish and they would likely miss the point or derive from it something other than what Jesus intended. The word of God tells us that unless you have the Spirit of God in you it is not possible to understand the truths that are revealed through the word of God (1 Cor. 2:14). These truths are necessary to move from knowledge to wisdom.

Miranda Embry

Devotional on Showing Love to Others:

As I was getting my boys ready for school this morning my oldest son reminded me that we needed to pray. We pray every morning before the boys get on the school bus.

One of the things we always ask for is for others to see Jesus in us. My younger son asked me today why I always pray for that.   And I thought for a brief moment “God give me the words to explain this.” The bible commands us to live a godly life.

I quickly grabbed my bible and read Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

I explained to my boys that for them, that could mean simply being nice to fellow student that is not in the “in” crowd, helping out a teacher or peer, or just simply just letting someone know that you care about what’s going on in their life. As the boys were leaving I gave them a challenge. Start a conversation with someone that you have never spoken to… and let them know you care.

Let that be our challenge not only today, but every day.   Go speak to that co- worker that is typically rude and seems always in a bad mood.   Let them know you care. You may be the only bright light in their life.   Love others that seem unlovable.   Jesus loves everyone… even though we don’t deserve His love.

My prayer for you today is let others see Jesus in everything you do.   You never know whose life you just might change.

Celena Keel

Bible Study: Shine Bright

I found this awesome site yesterday when I did not have my paper bible handy, that every time you refresh the page it gives you a random bible verse; the techy “pray and flip” method (dailyverses.net/random-bible-verse)! Today my verse was Luke 8:16- No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house; what an awesome way to start the day!

As soon as I read this verse I was inspired by it as a topic for today. That precious light of God that comes from having a relationship with Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit is in each of us on the day of salvation. It is our duty as Christians to let that light shine bright! Matthew 5:16 says-“ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”; these words were spoken by Jesus Himself!

So just what does it mean to let your light shine bright? This light we are referencing is Jesus and Jesus is life. John 8:12- Then spoke Jesus again to them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. Walking in the light is walking in the life that Jesus died for us to have, it is the shining of our faith to a hurt and dying world, and it is our witness to righteousness. Our light is the new life of a Christian. Ephesians 5:8-10 is the perfect example of what it means to have the light of Christ: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light— for the fruit of the light results in all goodness, righteousness, and truth—discerning what is pleasing to the Lord.” You will know when your light is shining bright because the fruits of a life lived in the Spirit will be evident in your life. Refer back to verse 9 of Ephesians 5: “goodness, righteousness and truth”; these are a product of being children of light. To take it further let’s read Galatians 5:22-23- “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”

Our understanding of spiritual truth comes from continued perseverance in our faith and the more we grow the more will be revealed. We will all struggle (Romans 8:23- For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard) but our struggles do not hide this light. Our light is hidden when we are not seeking the Lord, growing in our faith, reading-praying-praising. If we are actively seeking Him there is no way that our light can be hidden!

This light, this life that is pleasing to the Lord and reflects His ways are critically important as a Christian. We may be the only bible some people see and our lives are to reflect Jesus. We are called to be Christ-like. We are called to a Great Commission (Matthew 28:19a- Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations…) and part of this process is allowing the light of Jesus shine bright.

Miranda Embry

This Little Light Of Mine Hymn

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Won’t let Satan blow it out.

I’m gonna let it shine.

Won’t let Satan blow it out.

I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Let it shine til Jesus comes.

I’m gonna let it shine.

Let it shine til Jesus comes.

I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel – NO!

I’m gonna let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel – NO!

I’m gonna let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Let it shine over the whole wide world,

I’m gonna let it shine.

Let it shine over the whole wide world,

I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

NOTE: This is a mini-study on basic principles, more in-depth studies geared to mature Christians are available upon request

Devontional on the Mind of Christ

In 1 Corinthians 2:16 we are told that we have the mind of Christ, so what does it mean for us?

In the passage 1 Corinthians chapter 2, the reference is the ability to translate and apply spiritual principles as a spiritual being, which is what we are upon salvation. We are given the Holy Spirit to guide us in this life and to help us live the way that Jesus has called us to. So how do we know we have the mind of Christ? More and more as we read the word and pray principles and truths will be revealed to us. We will be able to take a parable of the farmer who sows and reaps and reference this in our daily living to situations; we can gain insight into what running the race from scripture means in our own life and what race this is really speaking about. Our eyes are opened and we can see…

As we go about our day-to-day we will begin to respond to situations differently, view circumstances in a different light, essentially we will begin thinking like Jesus. I am reminded of the phrase “WWJD” when I think about what it means to have the mind of Christ. To me that is it in a nutshell; what would Jesus do? Marital problems- let me turn to the mind of Christ in me and ask what would Jesus do. Financial problems- what would Jesus do? The more I grow in my walk with Him, the easier it is for me to answer that question and more often than not I don’t even have to ask, since the mind of Christ is being used on a daily basis my actions line up with His ways automatically.

So my challenge to you today: in each situation you may face ask yourself “what would Jesus do?” Think about your responses, actions, words, reactions and ask if they line up with the mind of Christ. The Holy Spirit will guide and direct us if we will allow Him to.

Miranda Embry

A Devotional on THE ATTACK!

It is an amazing thing when I am drowning…

Problem after problem, emotion after emotion, day after day; the more junk I have on my shoulders the closer I am to actualizing a vision that God has purposed in my life! Of course, I do not see it as such in the midst. I see my depression, my failures, and my flaws. I see my weakness and my struggles; I see every area that I am lacking in. When these areas are the forefront it is because I have stopped seeing what God is doing, has done, and what He wants to do.

I have been overwhelmed with I-SELF-MEisms lately. Walking in the viewpoint of my lack has been the focal point of my day to day. Why? Because I am not doing enough of what God is calling me to do in order to keep my viewpoint on what He wants to do. Are you struggling? Are you battling depression or emotional turmoil? Have worry, stress, and apathy set in where joy and zealousness used to be? The answer is so simple to clear away the wreckage- pray, read, do.

The word of God tells us that all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13). Call to Him, tell Him what battles are raging, acknowledge that you have fallen short, and turn away. We are told that the devil comes to steal, kill and destroy, but that with Jesus we have abundant life (John 10:10). When dealing with this junk, is this the abundant life Jesus came to give us? NO! So what do we do? Submit to God, rebuke the devil and he must flee (James 4:7)! Submit through prayer, submit through praise, submit through the study of His word- in doing these simple things, he will flee.

It has to be an intentional choice to submit to God and to, in essence, get over ourselves… It’s not all about me, it’s about Him. When I can get honest enough to ask forgiveness for letting it become about me to the point of going off track into the I-SELF-MEisms I can then learn from it and move on to where God wants me to be.

Don’t get stuck in a rut today, chances are if you feel like life is dumping on you there is a greater purpose in the works and we just have to stand firm in the word of God to see us through it as victors versus victims.

Miranda Embry

Prayer for Being Used for His Purposes

Father You know how long I have struggled to let go of things that do not belong in me.

I pray that You would empty me that I may be filled with You.

Lord purify me from the inside out that I may overflow with the righteousness that comes only by a relationship with You.

I worship You Jesus and I thank You for Your sacrifice, I thank You that You died that I might live; and live abundantly.

Lord help me to always turn to You in times of need and not to try and control matters on my own.

I am not strong enough, capable enough, or knowledgeable enough to be the driver of a route You have chosen.

Lord help me to realize that of my own I am nothing but with You I am made whole.

Holy Spirit I welcome You now and I ask that You cleanse me of all rebellion and areas where I may have gone contrary to Your will for my life.

May I be purified and sanctified, justified for the working of the Great Commission that is commanded of me.

May I be used to minister to a hurt and dying world remembering that it is only by grace that I have been saved and it is by grace all others will be as well.

May I approach my brothers and sisters with care and humility, being viewed only as a vessel for You.

I offer myself to You as a living sacrifice holy and pleasing in Your sight, use me as You will.

In the name of Jesus I pray, AMEN!

Derived from Matthew 28:16-20, John 5:30, John 10:10, Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 6:11,

Philippians 2:3

 

Miranda Embry

Devotional on Routine: The Good and the Bad

I have noticed something recently that has caused some deep and prayerful thought… Routine or the lack there of, can be a problem for me.

A Routine Example:

My kids make a mess; my kitchen is less than par, laundry- well… Saturday morning is when I like to set aside time for the full cleaning, outside of the normal daily attempt to pick up. By the time I get home from work in the evenings, the house is generally last on the to-do list. My issue here is if I don’t get that Saturday morning cleaning in, I feel out of sorts, frustrated, and in some ways defeated. You may be thinking this is a silly example, but this applies to my spiritual life and relationship with God as well. Routine for me is more than my just Saturday morning cleanings, it is being able to get to my life groups/bible study groups/church services, it is my 8-5 job, then dinner and family time, it is following the activities a plan for the kids, getting a bath, etc.

The thing I have noticed is that my fervor and dedication in my walk is also impacted with routine and the lack there of. When I am in my routine, in control, I read and study the word more, pray more, DO MORE FOR JESUS! When I am out of the comfort of routine, I read less, pray less, DO LESS FOR JESUS! I recently went on vacation for a few days in a week, came home, and then had a business trip the following week. I have missed two Sundays at church, two Saturdays of cleaning, time with my family, and am home to realize I have a lot of catching up to do! Aside from the to-do list at home, I am behind on my devotionals, notably drained from less prayer, and pent up from not doing more for the Lord as I am accustomed to.

The point of this is that my stability and strength in God cannot rely on routine; it has to be a daily commitment. Routine or not my relationship with God cannot be based on my level of comfort and control; it has to be a continual walk of progression. So today, I choose to focus on the Lord regardless of what is going on around me, no matter how big OR small! If I can’t focus on Him during the small things, how can I truly expect to focus on Him in the big things?

Prayer: Lord, help me to seek and follow You at all times. Whether I am in the path daily living or life is turned upside down with change, if I am not living for You I am living for nothing. Father, show me where I am weak that I may rely on You to make me strong. Holy Spirit, help me to recognize my errors and guide me in the right direction. With Your word in my heart and prayer on my tongue, let my life reflect one lived for You to the world. In Jesus name, AMEN!

Scriptural references:

Luke 16:10 (NLT)- If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.

1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT)- So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Colossians 3:17 (NLT)- And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

 

Miranda Embry