Author: Allison Bramlett

I am a blessed wife, mother and pastor (Covenant Church Douglas, GA). My goal is to change the world with God's amazing love! Remembering that people are the purpose. Don't let past, pain, pride or pettiness stop you from your purpose! Love God & Love People! follow me on periscope @allibram. www.oneconnection.org

Blurry Vision

Posted on by Allison Bramlett

When You’re Hurting, Your Vision Gets Blurry. Let Jesus Lead the Way

When you’re hurting, fearful, or frustrated, your view of reality becomes distorted. Like looking through a cracked lens or driving through foggy glass, everything seems off—even if it’s really not. Hurt warps interpretation. Fear clouds judgment. Frustration filters facts.

You begin hearing through the filter of your pain and speaking from the reservoir of your wounds. What you think someone said or meant is twisted by your internal turmoil. It’s not because you’re weak; it’s because you’re human. But this is the very moment when your soul needs clarity, not confirmation.

When pain rises, we tend to run. We run to distractions, to comfort food, to numbing behaviors, or to people who will agree with us rather than challenge us. But what if the escape isn’t out there? What if healing begins in stillness?

“Be still, and know that I am God…” – Psalm 46:10

It’s in the stillness that the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit can be heard. He whispers truth when everything else is shouting lies. But we have to want to hear Him. We have to invite Him in.

When you’re in pain, you can’t always trust your own interpretations. That’s when you must lean harder into the Word of God and the people of God—the ones who will lovingly speak truth, not just validate your emotions.

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” – Jeremiah 17:9
“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” – Proverbs 12:15

The truth is: most of the time, we don’t want Jesus until we feel like we need Him. We want Him to fix things, but not necessarily lead everything. But friend, we need Him for everything. And more than anything, He wants to be with us—invited, welcomed, central, and not just an emergency contact.

Let Jesus be your:

  • Peace in panic
  • Wisdom in confusion
  • Counselor in chaos
  • Voice when your emotions want to text or post something you’ll regret

Even when you’re self-sabotaging, He’s there saying, “Follow Me. Turn around. Be still. Get up.”

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” – Isaiah 30:21

He is always present, but He permeates our lives when we give Him permission.

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in…” – Revelation 3:20
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20

So if your vision is blurry today, if your heart is hurting or your mind is fearful—don’t trust your own interpretation. Don’t run to what numbs you. Run to the One who heals.

Jesus is near. Invite Him in. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak louder than the noise. And let the Word of God—not your wounds—determine what you believe, what you say, what you text, and what you do.

He’s not mad at you. He’s madly in love with you. And He’s with you—even in this.

Speak Truth In Love

Posted on by Allison Bramlett

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue…”
– Proverbs 18:21

From my heart to yours. Words carry weight. They can build a life or break a spirit. They can carry the breath of heaven—or the sting of hell. My mother and I shared this in our June women’s Bible study at Covenant Church. We challenged each other to pause, reflect, and ask ourselves: Are my words speaking truth in love—or just noise in the name of righteousness?

Let’s be honest—our world is loud. But as children of God, we are not called to just add to the noise. We are called to speak truth with love, power with humility, and correction with compassion. That’s the heart of spiritual maturity.

1. What Language Are You Speaking?

James 3:9-10 (NIV)
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings… My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”

Our words should reflect the Kingdom we represent. Praise and cursing can’t flow from the same mouth. Tone, timing, and truth all matter. If the Holy Spirit had a mic to your mouth, what would He hear?

🟡 Reflection: Is your language full of faith or fear? Grace or gossip? Fire or frustration?

2. Let the Fruit Show in Your Speech

Galatians 5:22–23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

You can’t claim to be Spirit-filled if your mouth is always tearing others down. Fire gives power, but fruit reveals character. We need both. When you speak, does your tone bring peace or stir up strife?

🍇 Challenge: Let your words carry the fruit you claim to walk in.

3. You Don’t Get to Be Mean Just Because You’re Right

James 1:26
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves…”

Truth must always be spoken in love. It’s not just about being right—it’s about being righteous. You may be quoting Scripture, but is your spirit right while you’re saying it?

🗣️ Heart Check: Would Jesus say it the way you’re saying it?

4. Live the Word—Don’t Just Quote It

James 1:22
“Do not merely listen to the word… Do what it says.”

The world doesn’t need more people reciting Scripture—they need women reflecting it. Your life is the loudest sermon your family, coworkers, and followers will hear.

📖 Conviction: Does my life live louder than my posts?

5. Social Media is Not Your Diary

Galatians 6:7-8
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”

Posting isn’t always testifying. Oversharing personal conflict online doesn’t make you “real”—it may just be reckless. Let’s guard our witness and protect our testimony.

📱 Guideline: If Jesus wouldn’t post it, neither should we.

6. If You Can’t Say Something Nice…

Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up…”

Not every opinion needs to be spoken. Sometimes the most Spirit-filled response is silence. Maturity is choosing when to stay quiet.

🔕 Discipline: Use your words to lift, not to lash.

7. Fire and Fruit: We Need Both

Acts 2:3–4 + Galatians 5:22–23

On Pentecost, the fire of the Spirit gave boldness. But Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:1—without love, we’re just noise.

🔥 Fire without fruit is chaos.
🍇 Fruit without fire is complacency.

We need both to represent Jesus well. We need the courage to speak truth—and the character to speak it in love.

Closing Questions to Consider:

  • How do my words sound to others—and to heaven?
  • Am I posting in a way that reflects maturity and honors Christ?
  • Do I carry both fruit (character) and fire (power) in my conversations?

Let’s be women who don’t just quote the Word—we live it. Let’s speak with clarity and compassion. Let our homes, our friendships, and even our social media shine with heaven’s tone. And when in doubt, let’s ask:

Is this truth—and am I saying it with love? Remember we are better together.

Filled for More: Fire, Fruit, and the Mission of Pentecost

Posted on by Allison Bramlett

We just celebrated Pentecost Sunday a few weeks ago and this has been on my heart to share. Pentecost was the day everything changed.

It wasn’t just a holy moment—it was a holy takeover. Heaven didn’t merely brush against earth; it took up residence inside of us. God’s power didn’t stay locked in the upper room or reserved for a select few—it was poured out on all flesh. The church wasn’t simply born—it was empowered. And for the first time in history, the presence of God didn’t just visit—it filled. And stayed.

That’s the miracle of Pentecost:
God in us. Power upon us. A mission before us.

But somewhere along the way, many of us settled for a moment instead of embracing the mission. We’ve confused being Spirit-filled with having a spiritual experience. We shout, we dance, we feel the fire—but the Holy Spirit came to change us, not just move us.

🔥 More Than a Tongue—A Transformed Life

Yes, the gift of tongues is biblical. But Pentecost was never just about what came out of their mouths—it was about what got planted in their hearts. Being filled with the Spirit means bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23):
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

We say we’re Spirit-filled—but do we still:

  • Lash out or shut down?
  • Get easily offended?
  • Gossip or blame others?
  • Lack self-control?
  • Excuse sin instead of confess it?

Paul didn’t pull punches when he said,

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” – 1 Corinthians 13:1

In other words—don’t just make noise. Be the voice of Heaven.

🔥 Stay On Fire—Live Transformed

Romans 12:2 commands us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Pentecost wasn’t meant to be a one-time flame—it’s supposed to ignite a lifelong fire.

So, keep your first love. Stay on fire. Don’t make excuses for your sin—or your excuses. Let there be fire on your head and fruit in your life.

🔥 Spirit-Filled = Spirit-Formed

The Holy Spirit doesn’t bulldoze—He guides.

He doesn’t just give you power—He produces character.
He helps you:

  • Forgive when you’d rather stay mad
  • Speak Heaven when criticism is easier
  • Walk in holiness, not hype
  • Align your life with Heaven’s version of your story

Remember, the disciples didn’t just feel something—they spoke something. And not their own words—but God’s.

Let’s speak Heaven too. Not complaints. Not control. Not criticism.
Your tone is your testimony.

If your family fears your tone more than they feel your love—something’s off.
If your words stir fear instead of faith—it’s time to reset.

Ask yourself:

  • Are my words building or breaking?
  • Am I stirring love or stirring strife?
  • Am I sounding like Heaven or sounding like my flesh?

🔥 Filled for More Than a Moment

Paul urged Timothy to stir up the gift (2 Timothy 1:6).
Don’t live off yesterday’s fire. Keep yourself stirred. You weren’t filled for a moment—you were filled for a mission:

To change your home.
To change your marriage.
To shape your children.
To impact your community.
To be the Church, not just attend it or ignore it.

🔥 Ask for Fire AND Fruit

Don’t settle for either/or. Ask for both.Ask for fire that ignites your passion.
Ask for fruit that sustains your witness.

Let the Spirit of God:

  • Fill you with power
  • Guide you in truth
  • Form you in character
  • Finish the good work He started in you (Philippians 1:6)

Because Pentecost is not just a day on the calendar—it’s the fuel for your everyday life.

So today, stir up the gift.
Speak with Heaven’s voice.
Live with Heaven’s character.
Let fire fall—and let fruit grow.

You were filled for more. Let the mission begin.

Being a Safe Place and a sTrong Mother

Posted on by Allison Bramlett

On Mother’s Day this year I had the great honor of preaching with my mom. She has truly been a great example of a woman of God. I wanted to share some of my notes from that service plus things we did not talk about. She has taught me to be Word led and Spirit fed.

Proverbs 31:25-28 (NLT)

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. Her children stand and bless her.”

I. Mothers as a Safe Place

Scripture: Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Are you more concerned with being right or being safe? Kindness and thankfulness are the keys to success and peace. Learning to lead by faith. If we try to be controlling today it will cause chaos in the future.

• Just as God is a refuge, mothers often serve as the first safe place a child knows.

• A godly mother is not perfect, but she is present—offering comfort, wisdom, and grace.

• Her arms become a haven where scraped knees and broken hearts are mended.

II. Mothers as a Strong Foundation

Scripture: Isaiah 40:31 – “…those who trust in the Lord will find new strength…”

• A mother’s strength isn’t just physical—it’s spiritual and emotional.

• Her strength comes from her trust in God. She leans into Him so others can lean on her.

• A mother holds it all together, even when she feels like she’s falling apart.

Strength is not the absence of struggle—it’s the presence of God in the midst of it.

III. Mothers as Faithful Supporters

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:5 – “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice…”

• Timothy’s faith legacy began with his mother and grandmother.

• A mother doesn’t just raise a child—she sows a destiny.

• Her prayers go before her children, building a future they haven’t even walked into yet.

Moms, never underestimate your quiet faithfulness. Every prayer whispered, every hug given, every Scripture taught is kingdom work.

Numbers 6:24-26 – “The Lord bless you and keep you…”

Scripture: Exodus 2:1–10

Jochebed, the mother of Moses, is a beautiful example of a mother who was both strong and courageous in the face of danger. Pharaoh had issued a brutal order: every Hebrew baby boy was to be thrown into the Nile. But Jochebed chose faith over fear.

• She hid her baby for three months, knowing the risk to her own life.

• When she could no longer hide him, she crafted a basket, waterproofed it, and laid her child in the very river meant for his destruction.

• She entrusted her baby to the hands of God—and God gave Moses back to her through Pharaoh’s daughter.

Jochebed teaches us that strength doesn’t always look loud or dramatic. Sometimes strength looks like silent, strategic faith. She didn’t know what the future held, but she trusted the One who held it.

Like Jochebed, your decisions today—your prayers, your courage, your obedience—are shaping generations. When you let go in faith, God steps in with favor

IV. Mothers as a powerful sound

Scripture: Proverbs 18:21 – “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

Mothers carry a sacred influence with their words. A mother’s voice is often the first voice a child hears, and it becomes the internal voice they carry for a lifetime. Your words can become the soundtrack to their self-worth, faith, and courage. You can also determine the cycle that your children are use to living in by your words- Critics or Cheerleaders? Are you speaking the Word or your feelings, labels, opinions, etc…?

• When you say, “I believe in you,” you’re planting seeds of confidence.

• When you say, “God has a purpose for your life,” you’re shaping their destiny.

• But harsh, angry, or careless words can wound deeper than we realize—and those wounds can echo into adulthood. Critical words don’t create strong positive connections.

Think about Timothy in the New Testament—he became a young pastor, but the roots of his faith were watered by his mother and grandmother’s sincere, faithful instruction. Their words formed the foundation of his calling.

Speak life. Speak promise. Speak the Word of God over your children, even when they’re not acting like it. Your words have the power to call out the best in them and remind them of who they are—and Whose they are.

“Your words are not just heard—they are absorbed. Every word and sentence you speak has the power to shape a soul.”

To all the mothers—biological, spiritual, adoptive, and mentor moms—thank you. You reflect God’s heart. You are the hands of grace, the voice of wisdom, the strength in storms, and the arms of comfort.

Developing forgiveness

Posted on by Allison Bramlett

My greatest dream is to have children that have children that will serve Jesus whole heartedly! And that dream is becoming a reality. I believe forgiveness is a key to that!

The enemy doesn’t care about your convictions as long as you leave the character of Christ to defend it. Your opinion will tell you that you have a right to your wrong beliefs. (If it ain’t what the Word says it is a lie) Father God doesn’t have opinions or suggestions- He is right and has commandments. 🔥 Ephesians 4:28-32!

“So then, brace up and reinvigorate and set right your slackened and weakened and drooping hands and strengthen your feeble and palsied and tottering knees, [Isa. 35:3.] And cut through and make firm and plain and smooth, straight paths for your feet [yes, make them safe and upright and happy paths that go in the right direction], so that the lame and halting [limbs] may not be put out of joint, but rather may be cured. Strive to live in peace with everybody and pursue that consecration and holiness without which no one will [ever] see the Lord. Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God’s grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it–”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭12‬-‭15‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

Bitterness is undeveloped murder… it is murder in diapers. Bitterness defiles me and everyone under my influence. I don’t think there would be a bitter resentful judgmental person in the universe if we saw how undeserving we are.

I believe God hates whatever interferes with unconditional love. If you eat the meal of judgement, offense, criticism and accusation you will become defiled because of the bitterness. There is no liberty for us outside of forgiving! Philippians 4:8- when I struggle with bad thoughts or accusations or offense I have to proactively attack that by replacing every one of those thoughts with Christ thoughts. I can’t afford of thinking about things that can set up roots inside of me. Bitter thoughts are never okay- they imprison you. Let’s walk in forgiveness! Let’s carry restoration! We cannot afford to be influenced by offense. We are a redemptive army- overcomers. Believing for us to be people that know how to forgive and love unconditionally! If we truly took the time to wash someone’s feet and understand why they walk like they do then we would not be offended but would be moved with compassion. Washing someone else’s feet washes the offense off of you. I am praying for grace that helps us be ministers of restoration- serving and loving others well. Holy Spirit help us in every environment and situation to be an instrument of forgiveness in Jesus name.

Stay thankful!

My granddaughter and me
My son, daughter in love, and granddaughter
My hubby, son in love, daughter, grandsons, and soul sister
My big love with the little grand loves!

It’s Time

Posted on by Allison Bramlett

I believe that God wants to accomplish His work supernaturally on the earth today- heaven touching earth! He wants your life transformed in every area- no gray spots- He wants you living the full blessed and free life! Just like in the beginning at His Word He brings chaos into cosmos! My question to you is when God speaks do you obey? Do you let Holy Spirit move in you bringing freedom, identity and direction to your heart from God’s Word. In my own life I have come to know the thrill of having His Word be my final authority and Holy Spirit my teacher, helper and guide. John 16:13 letting Him guide me in all Truth. He wants to reveal to you who He is and who you are in Him. I believe many of us have Jesus as Savior but Holy Spirit reveals King Jesus too! He equips you to walk out a Spirit led life and not one led by your flesh, feelings, opinions, culture or others! When Peter preached His message in Acts 2 he said repent and be baptized every one of you in Jesus name and receive the gift of Holy Spirit! The call of God is the call of repentance and the promise is feeling you with Holy Spirit! When you live a Spirit led life – you have a Love for God’s Word- you have agreement with it not an argument for it!!!! You become a steward of yourself and all that you have influence over. You  deal with sin and confess it and walk away from it- you come out of it! You have compassion with great conviction! You have joy that gives you strength!!! The list goes on and on. His gifts are meant for battle so that you can win- they are dangerous and dynamic to the enemy and your flesh. They are weapons for your warfare. Jesus came so you could be free and gave you a comforter for when you are uncomfortable. Holy Spirit will help you stop lying to God, yourself and others- He brings Truth to you and through you! Ephesians 5:27. Father God wants a Holy church- a Holy People- a Holy You! ❤️🔥

Living a Spirit led life will help you supernaturally achieve what is impossible humanly. You realize that you are able to be like Jesus! Others get to observe the miracle of faith from just your obedience. When you live by faith you can be placed in the lions den like Daniel but immediately become master of it not master to it. You can radiate a force that does not destroy but brings peace to the situation. Faith functions in confidence and peace! God is your source- you don’t have a what am I going to do- you have a I know God is going to do something… 

What Father God says in His Word is exactly what He means, but Holy Spirit will never force you to do anything. You have to want to live right. You will never see anywhere in the Bible where Father God forces anyone to live right. Jesus came to redeem us from sin. He came to conquer and there is total victory in Christ! You are part of the great things God wants to do on earth. It is time to change the world to look like heaven instead of letting the world change you to look like hell. 

Holy Spirit took a backsliding Peter into a world changing witness for Jesus! He wants to do the same for you and me. 

When you have a Word fed and Spirit led life you possess great Truth. Paul shows us this- in his writings to Timothy and Thessalonians- he shares the signs of the times. 1 Timothy 4:1, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the Faith, giving heed to seducing spirit, and doctrines of devils.” Don’t be seduced by culture. It is time to stop being satisfied with being taught the Word- but time to possess and live out the Word! You have to go after it- seek it- be zealous over it. If you dabble in destruction you will not know real Truth but only deception. Above all, Father God wants us to live in truth. Be careful with your mind and motives, make sure to give it only to Jesus! When we stand on Truth, God’s Word, we will have victory and no devil, no lie will stop you. 

I read one time where someone said there are different deception. Moral deception, like where the enemy deceived Eve in the garden and tries to deceive Jesus. He is still doing this today. There will be cultural deception- let’s follow a person, ourselves or group and not the Word. We are living in unique times where people would rather hold on to a lie. We want the benefit and blessings without walking in obedience and Truth. I think of the guy at the pool of Bethesda, “ behold, thou art made whole; sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee..” It is time to walk in wholeness and stop the cycles of chaos. Even though we live in a world that is conditioned for a lie it is time to change the conditions! 

My security is in Christ Jesus not others opinions. One thing I know is that I may not achieve greatness with humans but I will achieve greatness in the heavenlys! Don’t be afraid of the future. Let’s get ready for it. Let’s impact it. It’s Time to bring heaven to earth.

Habit of Thanksgiving

Posted on by Allison Bramlett

Here is a thought: What if we really gave thanks in all circumstances? Just like it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. For the last few years, I have been working on being thankful every single day. It keeps me in the right perspective.

It is not possible to be negative and thankful at the same time. Science has even proven this. When you begin to be thankful, anxiety has to leave. When we choose to give thanks to God for the blessings, we make room for more of His presence. 

It is like Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace (shall be yours, that tranquil state of a should assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace) which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

When I choose to be thankful, anxiety has to go. When I choose to be thankful I have seen hard days become holy days. Yes, life has storms but this is when we should be more thankful! I have to make a decision to focus on God’s faithfulness and goodness. His joy will give you strength, His Word will refresh and direct you, and His love with sustain you.

Here are just a few things I am thankful for:

God’s unconditional love, my family, my church, the honor of sharing His Good News, health, running water, bathrooms, A/C and the list goes on and on….

Start looking around and out loud saying what you are thankful for. Take a few moments right now to thank God for His goodness, love and faithfulness. Then thank Him for a couple things in your life that you’re grateful for—whether it’s your family, your career, or even your cup of coffee in the morning. You can make a habit of being thankful!

HIS Desires

Posted on by Allison Bramlett

One of the meanings of desire is a strong want. I ask myself what do I really desire? There is one thing that I know for sure is I want God’s desires for my life. His will and His way over mine. What is beautiful is that Father God intimately knows you and the desires of your heart. Choosing to live by faith and let God have my deepest desires and asking Him for what He desires for me. The hard part is being okay with whatever answer He has.

Over the last few years I have worked on my attitude of gratitude, choosing to be thankful and joyful in all situations. Realizing that Father God has blessed me with so many wonderful things. Yet, there always seems to be something that I desire. “3 Trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) in the Lord and do good; so shall you dwell in the land and feed surely on His faithfulness, and truly you shall be fed.4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.5 Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.6 And He will make your uprightness and right standing with God go forth as the light, and your justice and right as [the shining sun of] the noonday.” (Psalms 37:3-6)

This scripture makes my heart smile. It starts of with TRUST in the Lord and do good. It does not say trust in my plans or desires. That means even when I do not understand everything in the chapter or paragraph of my life that I still TRUST the author for my and His story to be good. It also says to delight in the Lord. When I delight in Him, I care more about what He wants than what I want. My desires start to be His desires. I find His presence and His love and His joy and His peace… in all the moments and situations. In all the things. Then I have to commit to doing my life with Him, in a real relationship with my First Love. My yes to Jesus means that my life is not my own anymore. I am no longer the main character in my story- HE is. His joy shines in the darkness. His peace is present in the chaos and pain. His love is never failing.

As Holy Spirit leads our lives, His desires become our desires. Today Love God and allow Him to transform your heart and mind. Let His Word be your foundation. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 says, “the Word of God… also performs its work in you who believe.” Let His Word do a work in your heart and transform your mind. Romans 12 too! The life God has for me centers around Him, not me. I must fill my mind and heart with scriptures, His Word to live the life God desires for me. Choosing to daily walk by His Spirit! The God Adventure life is lived in and through the power of Holy Spirit with the Word as the lamp to our path.

My love and our kiddos!

Just a Little Bit

Posted on by Allison Bramlett

Legacy is what you leave behind when you are gone. It is what others will remember about you after you are no longer here. I think about the legacy that my grandparents left behind. The little bit they thought they left was actually so much. They showed me how to impact eternity! They showed me faith, hope, love, endurance, and servant leadership. They taught me to be treasure hunters!

One thing my family has taught me over the years is to catch the little foxes that spoil things. We are called to obey the Lord and be like Jesus even in the small things. We have obstacles every day which can be opportunities. These circumstances show our true character. We get to take integrity test. We think I can tell a little lie, no one will care if it is not the exact truth. They will give grace knowing my situation. These little moments are the small foxes that spoil the vine. We live in a culture that actually believes these small lies are acceptable and even necessary.

What is necessary and acceptable is to live in the Truth of God’ Word in all circumstances. When the officer ask how fast you are going and you say “no I don’t know”. That sounds like an innocent mistake but it is not. The small appeasement or indulgence that helps you fit in with culture or be relevant. In Song of Solomon 2:15 it says, “the little foxes that spoil the vineyards”. The small areas of our life that feel so unimportant or irrelevant. Jesus said in Luke 16:10, “one who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much”. This means that our Yes to Father God’s command is not based on being a little or big thing. We can not compare sin size. As we obey in the small things it is easier to be obedient in the bigger. Sin is small in comparison to the greatness of our Savior, Jesus.

Every time we say “Yes” to God’s Will and Way it is an opportunity to grow. When we obey in the small things it brings great joy. There is no limits on Joy! I encourage you to read Matthew 25, the parable of the talents. Ask yourself what can of attitude do I have? Do you really obey God? Do you really trust Him?

One day I want to hear my good and faithful servant. Choosing to not just manage what the Lord has given us but to grow it for Him. It is important in today’s culture to understand that we can do things without the rest of the world seeing or acknowledging it. We do things unto the Lord. Most everyone in the Bible started out being insignificant but went on to be legends with great legacies. The key was obedience. Ask the Lord to show you what you can be doing right now for Him from where you are with what you have! Let Him show you how a small yes can make a great impact in eternity!

Hanging out with some of our Covenant VBS crew and thankful for their Yes to Jesus! Impacting Eternity!

rebuilding

Posted on by Allison Bramlett

Here is a little secret- knowing how to forgive past hurts and let them go is a critical tool to live out your divine destiny. Forgiving and letting go is one of the main keys in growing strong relationships and being emotionally and physically healthy.

Yes, there are some wrong-doings (sins) that are so harmful that the relationships can not survive, forgiveness can still survive and cause you to thrive in life. Forgiveness helps you move forward. When we are unforgiving it takes a physical and emotional toll on us. Here are some nuggets to help you forgive.

You have to be unlocked and receptive to forgiveness. It is a choice and one you must do by faith and with the help of Holy Spirit. This means you make a decision to walk in forgiveness. The thoughts that you have must be filtered through God’s Word so that you can live in Truth. Self-Control has to be put into play so that you can refrain from wrong thoughts, emotions, and actions. Accepting that your why doesn’t have to be answered for the reason of the hurtful and harmful behaviors. This does not mean you are approving or accepting the behavior but you are accepting forgiveness.

Close relationships need forgiveness to flourish. Everyone makes mistakes, and we all need to forgive and be forgiven. It is true that no healthy relationship can endure for a long period of time without forgiveness. (marriages, family relationships, friendships, partnerships… all need forgiveness) Colossians 3:12-13 says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.“

I know personally that when I see God’s love for me, and my brokenness apart from Him, I can truly love and forgive others. Many times we are good at taking the gift of forgiveness but not as good as giving it. Forgiveness moves us into a place of enduring love. Love that is planted in God and not just our emotions. Love and Forgiveness go together. Father God’s love can never be exhausted. Forgiveness is a part of love that strengthens, builds, and restores.