Tag: family

Choose To Set Your Mind

Posted on by Allison Bramlett

When you became a Christ lover and believer, everything changed. Even if your feelings and thoughts did not catch up immediately. Paul reminds us in Colossians 3, “Since you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is.”

That single statement carries the power to reframe your entire life. You are no longer bound by the world’s old patterns, priorities, and thought systems. You have been resurrected into a new way of living and with that comes a new way of thinking.

A Call to Intention

Paul gives two clear commands. We must set our hearts and set our minds on things above. These are not passive statements. The word set implies discipline, direction, and decision. Just as a thermostat does not change the temperature until someone sets it, your thoughts won’t drift toward heaven by accident.

You have to decide what fills your mind. Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This is an ongoing process not a one-time event. Every day, we get to reset our focus and renew our thinking through God’s Word.

Setting your heart and mind on things above is an act of worship — it’s saying, “Lord, You have my attention. You direct my thoughts. You lead my desires.”

The Battle for the Mind

Let us be honest it is easy to let our thoughts settle into the dust of earthly thinking: worry, comparison, materialism, fear of man, or self-preservation. The world is loud. Screens, schedules, and headlines constantly shout for our attention.

But our faith will never soar if our thoughts remain tethered to the ground. Scripture calls us upward not into escapism, but into alignment with heaven. Romans 8:6 says, “The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”

When we think from a heavenly perspective, we do not ignore our responsibilities, but we simply see them differently. Every obstacle becomes an opportunity to reflect Christ. Every conversation becomes a chance to share His love. Every challenge becomes a place for His peace to rule.

A New Way to Live

Romans 6:4 declares, “Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” That new life is not just about behavior, it is about belief.

We start seeing through God’s lens. We remember that our worth is not tied to performance or appearance but is anchored in being “hidden with Christ in God.” You are not your past, your failure, you are in Christ, and He is your life. Check out Galatians 2:20 too!

That phrase changes everything: “Christ, who is your life.” Jesus is not just part of your life, He is your life. The more that truth roots itself in your heart, the more your mind shifts. You will see yourself through His eyes forgiven, chosen, and loved. And you will begin to see others not as interruptions or irritations, but as image-bearers of God’s grace.

Anchored in the Eternal

When you set your heart and mind on things above, peace begins to settle in. You anchor yourself to what is unchanging, holy, and eternal.

Earthly things, both the blessings and the burdens, are temporary. But things above? Those are forever: Love. Grace. Truth. Holiness. God’s promises.

These are the truths that stabilize your mind and direct your heart.

A Daily Reset

So today, before the world has a chance to fill your mind, you must set it yourself.

Before the worries come, before comparison creeps in, before distractions flood your day choose to lift your thoughts higher.

Let your prayer echo Romans 12:1–2:

“Lord, I offer my body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to You. I refuse to conform to this world. Transform me by the renewing of my mind.”

Every time you set your heart and mind on Him, you are aligning with your true identity, the one raised, redeemed, and renewed in Christ.

Ask yourself What’s been setting the temperature of my thoughts lately? The world, or the Word?

Heaven is calling. Set your heart and mind there today. 💗

Walk In Truth

Posted on by Allison Bramlett

As a woman, a mother, and a grandmother, my heart aches for the next generation. Culture is pulling at the hearts and minds of our young women, telling them to search for identity in shifting feelings instead of the solid truth of God’s Word. But we were never meant to be defined by culture, but we were created to be defined by our Creator. It is time for women of every age to rise up, remember who we are in Christ, and walk boldly in His truth.

Our culture is confused about identity, redefining womanhood and erasing the beauty of God’s design. Surveys reveal that nearly one-third of Gen Z women now identify as LGBTQ. But God’s Word speaks a better truth. We are made in His image, created male and female, with divine purpose and identity.

Today’s younger women are growing up in a culture that is shaping their choices, their identity, and even their understanding of love and truth. Social media, entertainment, and peer pressure are influencing them more than the voice of God, and as a result, many are building their lives on shifting sand instead of the solid rock of His Word. This is why it is urgent for us to rise up as women of faith and show them a different way. We must model what it looks like to live rooted in Scripture, secure in Christ, and unshaken by cultural trends. If we do not, the world will continue to define them, but if we do, the Word of God will transform them. 

When God created woman, He called her “ezer kenegdo”, not a passive assistant, but a strong help, a warrior counterpart, an allie, a lifesaver. Women are not an afterthought; we are a vital part of God’s design to reflect His image and partner in advancing His Kingdom.

To rise up as women of God means:

• Rejecting culture’s confusion and embracing the unchanging truth of Scripture.

• Walking in our calling as allies and warriors, bringing strength to our families, churches, and communities.

• Living as daughters of the King, secure in our worth, fearless in our faith, and fruitful in our witness.

As Lisa Bevere often says, “God did not save you to tame you. He saved you to unleash you.” This generation does not need women who mirror culture; it needs women who mirror Christ.

Being a Godly woman is not about shrinking back, instead it is about rising up. It is about knowing who we are in Christ and helping others find their true identity in Him. When women live as God designed, marriages are strengthened, families are healed, and future generations are secured in faith.

We must step forward in faith, fearless and fruitful, carrying the light of Jesus into a dark world speaking Truth in Love.  Like Esther, who risked everything to save her people, we too are called to courage in this hour, for such a time as this. (Esther 4:14) God has placed us here, not by accident, but with assignment. We must stand for truth, to intercede for our families, and to be voices of deliverance in our generation.

Like Deborah, who judged with wisdom, led with authority, and mothered Israel in a time of war, we are called to bring both justice and nurture. God is raising up mothers in the Spirit. Women who war for their children, their homes, and their communities, and who call forth victory when others shrink back.

Like Mary, the mother of Jesus, we must be willing to say, “Let it be to me according to Your word” (Luke 1:38). When God speaks, we carry His promises and bring forth His purposes, no matter how impossible they may seem.

Like the woman at the well, who encountered Jesus and then ran to tell her town, sparking the very first revival, we too must boldly testify of the Living Water we have received. Our stories, our transformation, and our testimony of Christ can ignite whole communities.

Like Priscilla, who alongside her husband Aquila taught the Word of God with clarity and authority, women today are called to disciple, to teach, and to train others in the ways of the Lord. God is raising up women teachers, leaders, and equipers who carry His Word with accuracy and fire.

These women remind us that we are not sidelined in God’s plan, but we are central to it. The same Spirit who empowered Esther, Deborah, Mary, the Samaritan woman, and Priscilla is alive in us today. We are called to courage, to mothering, to obedience, to witness, and to teaching. And just as they shaped history, so can we, if we rise up in the power of the Word of God and the truth of who we are in Christ.

Rise up, women of God. You are image bearers, warriors, and helpmates created to stand strong, speak Truth, and shine light in the darkness.

Truth In Love

Posted on by Allison Bramlett

In the day and time we are living in, we cannot afford to water down the Gospel. More than ever, we are called to speak Truth in love. Culture celebrates tolerance, approval, and acceptance at all costs, but the Word of God calls us higher. Real love does not look the other way. Real love does not stay silent. Real love carries the courage to tell the truth, even when it’s unpopular, even when it costs us something. You can have love, or you can have acceptance, but you cannot stand for both.

When you ask someone to really love you, you’re not asking them to simply accept you or approve of everything you do. You’re inviting them into your life. You are inviting them into your story, your victories, and even your struggles. And that means real love will sometimes bring disagreement, correction, and even aggravation.

Love carries responsibility. If I see you walking toward danger, making a destructive choice, or drifting into unhealthy places, then love requires me to step up and speak truth. Speak even if it risks offending you. Silence in those moments is not love at all.

But when we ask for acceptance or approval, what we’re often asking for is an easy, conflict-free relationship. No challenge. No accountability. No pushback. And while that may feel comfortable for a time, it leaves no room for growth. Approval says, “Everything about you is fine. Do not change. Do not question it.” Acceptance says, “I’ll stay quiet no matter what.” Neither is true love.

To demand only acceptance or approval is to ask someone to stop caring. To stop investing. To step back from responsibility in the relationship. And that is not how God designed love to work.

Love, on the other hand, is deeply risky. It is willing to confront. It is willing to endure. It is willing to walk with you through the pain and mess, even when it costs something. That is why 1 Corinthians 13 tells us love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Notice it does not say love “accepts all things” or “approves of all things.” Instead, it calls love to something greater. Love is something that requires sacrifice and truth.

Acceptance leaves you stuck. Approval leaves you unchallenged. But love calls you higher.

Acceptance says, “I won’t bother you.” Approval says, “I’ll cheer you on no matter what.”

Love says, “I care too much to leave you here.”

And the greatest proof of this is Jesus. He did not simply accept or approve of us in our sin. He loved us enough to bear it, to endure it, and to redeem us out of it. That is why He declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). That’s why Scripture calls us to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

Love is always superior to acceptance or approval. And if we want to follow Jesus, we must be willing to choose the harder, riskier, truer path. The path to love enough to tell the truth. At the end of the day, the Word of God is the only truth. Culture shifts, opinions change, feelings come and go, but God’s Word never fails. It is the standard that defines love, the foundation that sustains life, and the light that guides us through every season. If we are going to love well, we must love according to the Word, because real love and real truth can never be separated.

My dad, Pastor Gregory Pope showed me this image and I hope none of us have dust on our Bibles!

Obedience Wins Battles

Posted on by Allison Bramlett

Obedience is one of those words that makes us all a little uncomfortable. It means surrender, it means trust, and it often means walking forward when the outcome doesn’t make sense. Judges 20 tells a story that is both difficult and powerful. It is one that shows us obedience isn’t always about quick victories, but about faithfulness to God no matter what.

The story in Judges 20 begins with a shocking and tragic event. A woman is abused and killed, and her body is sent in pieces to the twelve tribes of Israel. The people are outraged and unite to confront the sin within the tribe of Benjamin. Israel goes to battle, but here’s the twist: even though God told them to go, they suffer heavy losses. There were 22,000 the first day, and 18,000 the second in losses.
It wasn’t because of hidden sin this time (like Achan at Ai in Joshua 7). We must be obedient regardless of the outcomes. Obedience is about trust. There are times that obedience does not look like an immediate victory. 

It’s easy to obey when you expect things to turn out well. It’s harder when obedience looks like defeat. That’s where faith grows. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego understood this when they stood before the fiery furnace and declared, “Our God is able to deliver us, but even if He doesn’t, we will not bow” (Daniel 3:17-18). Obedience is not tied to results. It’s tied to love. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Our obedience is the proof of our love.

Disobedience clutters our souls. It hides things away, leaving us restless and weak. But obedience clears the conscience, brings peace of mind, and strengthens our hearts. That’s why Samuel told Saul, “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). Saul tried to excuse his partial obedience, but God doesn’t bless our compromises. Partial obedience is disobedience. Saul may not have lost his position but he did lose the anointing. A Clear Conscience and a Strong Heart come from walking in Obedience to God’s Word. True obedience guards our hearts and minds. It keeps us aligned with God’s Word even when circumstances scream otherwise.

Obedience is never just about us. Abraham’s obedience to offer Isaac released blessings for generations (Genesis 22:18). Jonathan’s obedience to step out with his armor-bearer inspired a whole army to rise up (1 Samuel 14). (Go listen to my full sermon on this from Wednesday, August 20th at Covenant Church it dives into Jonathan’s story and how your story helps others)

Psalm 25 promises that if we fear the Lord, our soul will prosper and our descendants will inherit the land. Your “yes” to God influences your children, your grandchildren, and even the atmosphere around you. Your obedience today becomes the inheritance of tomorrow. 

So here is the question: Will you keep obeying when the results aren’t what you wanted? Will you get back up after a loss and ask God, “Do I go again?”

That’s what Israel did after two devastating defeats. On the third day, God gave them the victory. Obedience always pays off! If it does not pay off immediately, it will eternally! 

Rebellion says, “I want control.” Faith says, “Jesus, You are Lord.” We obey not because of what God can do for us, but because of who He is. Jesus is our Lord, our King, our Savior.

Don’t withdraw from the battle until the outcome is good. God’s Word is true. His promises are sure. And He is always worth our obedience. Your “yes” is a shout that echoes through eternity.

Fight for each other and not with each other!

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.

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!

Relationship breakthroughs

Posted on by Allison Bramlett

Relationship breakthroughs normally happen at breaking points. We are given the opportunity to have a breakthrough or a breakdown. Most of this is happening when disagreements are present in our relationships. It is so important to learn to disagree without being defensive. All Covenant relationships that last are set on a foundation of commitment. A lifetime of commitment and pursuit. We may disagree on issues but must always agree to never quit. We can show support and disapproval in words and actions. It takes more than just words to show honor and respect to others. Actions must be used and words should align with them.

In a disagreement there is normally a default response which is similar to our trauma responses. People tend to fight, flight, freeze or fawn. Fight is when we have aggressive outburst that are negative and critical. Flight is when we run away from the disagreement by escaping into work, hobby, activity, and being obsessive compulsive. Freeze is when we have a brain fog, depressions, isolation, and putting off making decisions. Fawn is when we people please, are codependent, lack of boundaries, and avoid conflict. Sometimes we may demonstrate a mixture of these reactions. The point is think about what it is like to be in a disagreement with you.

The Word of God wants to help you get unstuck, set goals, cast vision, move toward your God purpose, and live out your potential. It helps you work through your trauma, pain, disagreements and process healing, resolve issues, and communicate without defense. The Word gives you emotional and physical breakthrough, get revelation of God’s Love, gain wisdom and understanding. You can SPEAK TRUTH in LOVE.

Great relationship and breakthroughs happen not just based on desire but also emotional disciplines. It is so important to learn what you are dealing with is not who you are. Your confession locks in your identity and your confession over others is how you identify them. The person with the most hope actually has the most influence. Remember IT IS NOT WHAT OTHERS CALL YOU, IT IS WHAT YOU ANSWER TO that identifies you. So negative minds, words, and conversations do not give you a positive life. Your conquering is how you answer your calling. This means your best relationships bring out the best in you. BEST FRIENDS is not just one person but it is the group of people that influence your life the BEST.

Obstacles in you relationships should not prevent connection but should make connection more powerful and purposeful. Obstacles are opportunities to prepare us for more. Be yourself. Own your zone. Be present. Have courageous communication by speaking the Truth in Love.

Covenant Connection

Posted on by Allison Bramlett

Deep connection with others doesn’t just happen. We have to do the work of being available, committed, transparent and vulnerable. We have to invest in people that are willing to walk with us into our futures. Let Holy Spirit guide and direct you. Every relationship plays a role in the story of our lives. We may think we don’t have time for connection, but the truth is we are made for it. We are all leaders and followers. But our leadership and connection doesn’t show up until we do.

If we flip the script, there is someone that wants to connect with us. He is King of kings. He is just. He is perfect. He is truth. He is love. And all His plans include connecting with you. His name is Jesus!

It is proven that connecting with others is important. Social connection lowers anxiety and depression. This connection with others helps us regulate our emotions. It also helps improve our immune systems.

If we start each day connecting with Daddy God- it supercharges you. This is a reliable connection. It is always trustworthy, safe, loving, merciful, forgiving, purposeful, faith filled, miraculous, super intelligent…. connection that never fails.

Let me just give an example of needing connection. We wake up and check our cell phone for text, emails and private messages. We take a shower and use the restroom- we check again. We drive to work or school- check it again. We live a cycle of checking. Checking for connection. We keep going back because our hearts long for connection. Yet, no matter how many times we check, we still have a craving for more.

Our first connection has to be with Daddy God. Time spent connecting with Him equips us for every other relationship/connection that we have, even the connection with ourselves. We are created for real-life connections that are way deeper than emails, text messages, Facebook comments and Snapchat. We are created for face to face and heart to heart.

<<<After coming out of this season, the realization that we need to fill that lonely place in our hearts with friends that we can share life with in person. Not just virtual lives.>>>

There is something so special about in-person, heart to heart, eye to eye connection and conversation. First, in our quiet time with Holy Spirit, then, with each other. Hebrews 10:25 instructs us to not give up on meeting together to worship and encourage one another. “Meeting together” is important to Father God. Even Jesus needed face to face connections. He surrounded himself with close friends- first with Father God, secondly with intimate friends. Friends like Peter, James and John- friends like Martha, Mary and Lazarus. People that Jesus shared meals with, had conversations with, and experienced life with.

So this week who will you connect with face to face? Who will you share Jesus with? Who will you look at eye to eye and listen to heart to heart?

<<<Connection can happen regardless of our perceptions, regardless of what potentially could separate us. Ie. Age, race, gender, economic standing, or political views. >>>

Proverbs is full of nuggets of truth on how to connect with each other on the deepest level- heart to heart. This is one of life’s most important skills. It doesn’t matter how talented or smart you are, the key is knowing how to connect to others.

One of the most important parts of connection is commitment. It is making the choice to be someone’s friend no matter what. The difference between an acquaintance and a friend is commitment. Proverbs 17:17 “a friend loveth at all times…”.

True connections take time. While on social media we can hit the like button we are called to go much deeper with each other. That means making relationships a priority. Different seasons of life and circumstances will impact our connections, but we make time for what is important to us. Just a little bit of time and encouragement goes a long way.

Being connected means choosing to stay when it is not easy. We live in a fallen world and are all fallen people. This means conflict comes, personalities clash, disappointments happen, and falls occur. But we become stronger when we stay in connection. When we decide what happens to one happens to all. We are called to share the joyful and the hard life. Connection means we win and lose together. It means we cheer each other on, hold each other up, and keep Jesus at the center of all our relationships.

Stay fully connected to the divine love and wisdom of our Heavenly Father. By praying, reading His love letter to you (the Bible), worship, and following His purpose for our lives. Loving God- Loving Ourselves- Loving People! Covenant Connections.

Healing is a now thing!

Posted on by Allison Bramlett

What does broken mean: it means having been fractured or damaged and no longer in one piece or in working order; also it means having given up all hope-despairing. I believe that we all have been broken and we have a deep fear of being inadequate. We also have a deep fear of being rejected. I do know one thing, because of Jesus, no one is irreparably broken. In fact did you know that the moment you get injured, you begin the healing process. I believe no matter how great the pain or how serious the injury, healing is here, healing is now. We were created to heal because if we believe in Jesus, His miracle working power is also at work in us. Most of us run from healing and choose to stay broken because of the energy is takes to help people when we are made whole. The most dangerous people on the earth, are those who have been broken and have now been made whole. Why you ask? Because they no longer have excuses for what happened to them, rather, they get the beautiful opportunity to share their healing with others. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy- Revelations 19:10, which sees wholeness and not brokenness. The report you believe is greater than the news you receive. The knowledge of your wound is not the healing of it. It doesn’t matter if you have every symptom on WebMD or if Dr. Google diagnosed you, there is no excuse to live wounded. Jesus came to give life and life in abundance. So many times we can’t sustain happiness, and even when we taste it for a second it doesn’t last because but we don’t live healed. We live weak not letting the joy of the Lord be our source of strength. Healing begins when we allow our wounds to become teachers instead of tyrants. There is scar tissue with deep healing but the infection and pain are gone. 

One way to enhance healing is communication. Most of us are not born knowing how to communicate well. Most of us know how to speak hurt to hurt but we have to speak heart to heart to experience wholeness. Remember hurting people hurt people and healed people heal people. Healthy people are not victims of life accidents. They also don’t try to fix heart problems with band-aids. Healing is choosing to go into open heart surgery. Open heart surgery requires repentance, processing pain, forgiveness and finding your purpose.