What Life as a Christian Ought to Look Like?

I get it. I grew up going to church, but really, I didn’t understand what it meant to have God be “Lord of my life” or to let Him lead or how to live for Him.

I thought it meant: “go to church, read your Bible when you can, pray before meals or when you’re struggling, don’t do the bad stuff God says not to do… & do good stuff that pleases God, like treating people well & serving in church, etc.”

But is it more than that? Yes, & thank God for that!

Who Runs Things?

Imagine with me for a second the reality of the situation here:

1. God existed eternity past… before the world even existed.

2. God created the world & everything in it… including knitting us in our mother’s womb.

3. God sees & knows everything, eternally past & future… to include every person’s every thought.

So, considering those 3 things alone… who should get to determine why it is we’re here & what our life ought to be about?

But who most often determines why it is you’re here & what your life ought to be about?

How Much of My Life Is Determined by ME?

Me. For my life—ME. I take what I learned growing up… how I learned to survive hard situations… how to fit in… what others consider to be right or appropriate…. I observe, I learn, I determine a path based on all of it, to the best of my understanding.

Habits, routines, responsibilities, expectations, needs, desires. I shape my life based on it all.

But who am I living for in all of that? Who is leading? Who do I allow to lead? Culture? Expectations of others? Family? Ambitions?

What Lasts After You’re Gone?

If you were to die today… would your input or contribution or life patterns impact anything about tomorrow?

If someone in your life were to die today… would your input or contribution or life patterns have impacted anything that will matter in their life now that they’re dead & gone?

And I’m not just saying this AT you, as if it’s not also a struggle for me. I think, if we’re really honest with ourselves, this is a struggle for every single person who had ever existed, at least to some degree.

Not many of us live eternity-minded through EVERYTHING we do.

What Can God Do If We Let Him Have Our Every Moment?

How little credit we can tend to find ourselves giving to God. As if He didn’t make the world ex nihilo (from nothing). As if, He being KING, didn’t also give His all so that we could be forgiven of our sins against Him & be redeemed from those sins through the death of His Son Jesus Christ on the cross.

God could make a plant just sprout up out of nowhere & then have it whither the next day.

He can make the aim so perfect for a child to hit a stone into a man’s temple to kill him against all odds.

He can shut hungry lions’ mouths.

He can start plagues & end them.

He can open the ground to swallow people whole.

He can multiply fish & loaves of bread miraculously.

He can make it so that shoes & clothing never wear out.

He can multiply pests & send them away.

He can draw 2 of every animal to a specific place at will.

He can flood the earth.

He can control the wind & the waves.

He can make barren & open the womb again.

He can make scorching fire completely avoid skin & clothes, to the point of not even leaving the smell of smoke behind.

He can heal what no doctor can figure out.

He can cause an animal to speak.

He can predict the actions of others.

He can protect when those who should won’t.

He can make Himself clear to those who ask.

He can cause the lame to walk, the blind to see, the dumb to speak.

He is GOD. He is KING of kings & LORD of lords. Alpha & omega, beginning & end, Father to the fatherless, infinite in power, infinite in resources.

How Much of Your Life Is His?

Who are we letting determine our days? Our moments? Who is running our life? Ourselves with a dash of Jesus for good measure? Or maybe He’s just the backup?

Who is in charge?

Who do you live for?

But me, I didn’t get it. I just lived my life. Went to church, prayed before meals, went to Bible studies, tried to be a good person to be pleasing to God.

But I didn’t get it. I didn’t get why I am here. That He MADE me. He made me to point to Him & to give Him glory. He made me to live for HIM, for HIS kingdom.

He made me to live in light of eternity, not this short breath of a life here on earth.

To impact for eternity! To live for things that will last beyond my life & my death! To live with a surrendered, prayerful focus of letting Him love & serve others through my life. To share JESUS & HOPE that can actually change lives for ETERNITY!

Am I doing that? What parts if my life am I holding back from Him?

How Much of My Life Ought to be for God?

Do I realize a flat tire could be a God-appointed gospel opportunity for a tow truck driver seeking hope?

Do I realize purchasing groceries as an opportunity to be a light in the life of a bagger or cashier?

Do I pray over everything & talk to God throughout my day, asking for His guidance & wisdom & courage & words, or do I just avoid it all for the comfort zones of ineffectiveness? Trusting my limits more? Or His limitlessness?

Who or what am I living for that will matter after I die?

Who am I Living For?

When I am someday on my deathbed, looking back… will I see God’s hand working through my life? Will I feel I did all I could to be a light, to leave behind hope through Jesus? Will I feel I left it better than when I came into the world?

Was I a good steward of the time God allowed me to have on this earth for His kingdom?

Or did I live for the routine & world’s expectations? Did I fall into the world’s rhythms? Did I live for me? Or Him?

Shine HOPE by recognizing Whose life yours is… & when you don’t know what to do with that information, ASKING Him to show you what that should look like & letting Him grow you TOWARD that!

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for SEVEN years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Reverie Earrings (INDIA)

Purchase these gorgeous, beaded earrings that are handcrafted in a workshop in India that’s committed to fighting child marriage and helping women become financially independent as fair-trade Artisans. Each Reverie Earring features burgundy, gold, and dazzling CZ beads to create a stunning statement earring. These earrings are not only beautiful, but create necessary jobs for women in areas of extreme poverty in India.

***Purchase these beautiful, handcrafted earrings, using the “Shop Here” link below, to both empower women out of poverty & support my website ministry!***

How You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!

Which Soil Describes Your Heart?

Wayside, trampled, birds—distracted, devil takes it “lest they be saved.”

Rocks, withered, lacked moisture—received with joy, no root, in temptation, it’s gone.

Thorns, choked—cares, riches, pleasures push it out.

Good ground, sprang up, multiplied—keep it, bear fruit with patience.

Anyone Can Hear God’s Word & Not Let It Permeate

I know that Jesus’ parable (fictional story told to make a point more clear) of the sower of seeds & types of ground it lands on, in Luke 8:4-15, is often talked about with relation to those who don’t accept Jesus, but I think it can be applied to anyone.

If you think about it, the seeds are the Word of God (truth from the Bible), not directly the Gospel (the beyond belief amazingly good news—aka Jesus dying & rising again to pay for OUR sins before God).

So, if we look at this chapter of the Bible from the POV of a Christian, what can we learn from it? What can it teach us about how we take in God’s Word?

The 4 Types of Soil

There are 4 types of ground Jesus mentions in this story: wayside, rocky, thorny, & good.

But He doesn’t leave it there. He elaborates in an explanation to His disciples of the meaning behind the different types of soil in this parable.

Jesus wants us to see a word picture of the different ways we receive His truth when we hear or read His Word. He wants us to be aware, to take notice of it. Why? Because He wants us to pay attention. He knows His Word nourishes our souls more than what makes sense to us logically. We need it more than we know.

When Seeds End Up on the Wayside–Distracted/Half-Hearted, Doesn’t Sink In

The wayside He describes, where the seeds are trampled & birds come & gobble up the seed tossed there (or, where the Word of God is heard/read), is Satan coming & snatching that truth right out of your head so that it can do you no good.

Now, to me, this sounds like reading the Bible half-heartedly… maybe because you feel you HAVE to…. Not necessarily because you WANT to. Maybe other things are on your mind, maybe you’re tired or distracted or just not into it that much. It kind of goes in one ear & out the other.

Why I Didn’t Read the Bible Regularly, Consistently

Well, this was a lot of my growing up. I assumed I just wasn’t any good at reading my Bible. I had tried SO MANY TIMES to be consistent, to “read the Bible in a year,” (funny how that’s not ever mentioned as a requirement in the Bible… aka, just start somewhere, just READ) etc. & always fell off to not reading anymore. Now, I went to church, Sunday school before church, attended Bible Studies, did devotionals, read edifying books… but as far as sitting down & just straight up reading through the Bible? Meh, didn’t feel I had the concentration for that.

I was wrong, of course. I had believed the Satan-fed lie that it was all up to me. That I had to “willpower my way through it, or else.” I thought that proved I believed God “enough” to please Him, if I could manage to force myself to do it.

And, as I said… I was wrong. So very completely wrong. No willpower needed, actually. None at all. NONE.

How God Helped Me Overcome My MANY Obstacles

All it took, my friend, was a willingness to LET GOD HELP ME DO IT. To say EVERY time, if needed, “God, why do I keep getting so distracted & off course? I am SO bad at this. Please forgive me. Will You help me stay on track right in this moment as I read? I trust that IF this pleases & honors You (which I know it does), THEN I can ALSO trust You to be MORE THAN sufficient in helping me accomplish it. So… please… help me. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!”

And then… immediately… I would just START reading, & trust that God would carry me through it in His power, not mine. (He DID. Every time. Even when it didn’t feel “easy.”)

Satan is crafty. He knows how to discourage you best. Headaches? You’ll get a lot of them. Distractions? You’ll get a lot of them. Hard time concentrating? It will forever be hard to concentrate.

Whatever gets you to put that Bible down… Satan knows. He will use it.

God is stronger.

When the Seeds End Up on the Rocks–And Temptations Come a Knockin’

The second type of soil is the rocky kind. This type, Jesus says, is like the Word of God that you receive & accept so willingly, with joy… but the second that temptation hits you, you immediately forget & toss out everything you deep down knew to be true when you heard it.

Listen, I am going to say this as gently as possible… because I am speaking to myself on this as well… author Jerry Bridges hit me over the head with this truth bomb, in his book “The Pursuit of Holiness” (go read this right now—SO GOOD): “There is no such thing as victory & defeat for a Christian in regards to sin, only obedience & disobedience, because once we trust on Jesus for our sin, God empowers the victory… if we’re willing to trust it & obey.” (paraphrased)

Jerry Bridges with Regard to Victory & Defeat VS Obedience & Disobedience

“Too often, we say we are defeated by this or that sin. No, we are not defeated. We are simply disobedient. It might be good if we stop using the terms victory and defeat to describe our progress in holiness. Rather, we should use the terms obedience and disobedience. When I say I am defeated by some sin, I am unconsciously slipping out from under my responsibility. I am saying something outside of me has defeated me. But when I say I am disobedient, that places the responsibility for my sin squarely on me. We may in fact be defeated, but the reason we are defeated is because we have chosen to disobey.

We need to brace ourselves up and to realize that we are responsible for thoughts, attitudes, and actions. We need to reckon on the fact that we died to sin’s reign, that it no longer has any dominion over us, that God has united us with the risen Christ in all His power and has given us the Holy Spirit to work in us. Only as we accept our responsibility and appropriate God’s provisions will we make any progress in our pursuit of holiness.” (Jerry Bridges, Pursuit of Holiness)

Do Not LET Sin Win–Surrender It to God for HELP

God GIVES US POWER TO OVERCOME! We HAVE to be WILLING to accept it, though. It takes surrender. It takes dying to self. It takes trusting God is God & knows what He is saying more so than the lies of your temptations.

But we have a choice. Once we have accepted the blood of Jesus to atone for our sin, we have a CHOICE. To sin or not to sin. It doesn’t rule us anymore.

But sometimes we let it, don’t we? Sometimes we feel out of control because we want to not stop it. We want to make excuses for it. To feel okay with it. That it isn’t really “that” bad.

But, when we do that… we are shriveling up the truth that gave life to us… that we knew in our heart was truth. Don’t allow your flesh to lie you out from under the blessings of TRUTH.

When the Seeds End Up in the Thorns/Snares–Don’t Let It Get Drowned Out

The third is the thorny ground. This ground hears God’s Word, but is so overcome by all things around that you don’t take it in.

Jesus mentions “cares, riches, pleasures.” This sounds to me like “responsibilities, routines, habits, pursuit of more, pursuit of above & beyond, pursuit of success, love of MORE, comforts, happiness, having what we’ve always wanted. Pursuit of SELF.”

I fall into all 3 of these aforementioned types of soil sometimes, or have at least in different times in my life. This one is no different. I forget sometimes that I can trust the Blessing-Giver more than I can the blessings He provides me.

I hold on to what makes me comfortable, feel secure, feel happy. I CLING.

And the truth gets choked out of me sometimes. I get numb to it. I lose sight of it. I lose sight of my trust in Him... of living for HIM more than I live for myself. I forget.

Assessing the Soil–Are You Taking in What You Read?

I’ve been distracted. I’ve wrestled with excuses. I’ve been fooled by temptations. I’ve chosen sin. I’ve trusted comforts more than the One Who supplied them to me.

But what can we do to change that for ourselves? What can we do to cultivate a type of soil that is described by Jesus as the “good” ground?

Having a noble & good heart, keeping that truth with patience, trusting God’s work & word & ways more than my own. Watching Him multiply His Word that I take into my heart, mind, & soul into a harvest of blessings both for myself & those around me… seeing the peace it provides, the joy, the security, the surety, the steadiness. Trusting God to be GOD. Letting God be God.

Where do you need to start? Which soil describes you most right now? What do you need to work on surrendering, apologizing, turning? Where do you need to ask for God’s help?

Shine HOPE by working to have a noble & good heart who trusts God through distractions, trusts God’s help (& TAKES it) through temptation lies, & trusts God is more sufficient & good than ANYTHING else you could be striving after—that He alone is where TRUE satisfaction, joy, & HOPE resides.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for 7 years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Cygnus Savings Set (EAST ASIA & INDIA)

This week only save when you purchase the Cygnus Savings Set!

Purchase this set to save on Artisan-made designs! The stunning Cygnus Mini Pouch has a detailed, hand embroidered white swan. Each Mini Pouch is handmade by women in India earning a dignified wage for their work. Also included in the Cygnus Savings Set is the Elva Rose Bracelet handcrafted by women escaping brothels in East Asia. The multicolored, jasper stone beaded bracelet includes square 18k gold-plated accent beads and one round gold bead for a gorgeous look!

***Purchase this set, using the “Shop Here” link below! Each design is created by women who are earning a dignified wage for their work, in an area of great need.***

How You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!

I Don’t Know???

We all have something, even the most seasoned of Christians. We’re all a work in progress & forever will be until Heaven.

What are you holding back from Him?

Now, the problem with this question is that oftentimes, we just frankly don’t know.

We try to check all the right boxes & do all the right things… but there is always something, as subtle as it may be to us… that we are holding back from God.

What Is Influencing You?

Influences over us come in countless shapes & sizes. Sometimes it’s so deeply ingrained in our subconscious, that we have never even stopped to consider that it doesn’t line up with the way GOD says it ought to be.

And everything we think, believe, say, do, etc. should necessarily be run through that filter ultimately, should it not?

Sometimes it’s even the culture of your church, things the people generally seem okay with or don’t approve of or let slide or whatever else. And because it’s our church, we can tend to trust it blindly, allowing it to influence our understanding of God & His Word. (*Not that church influences should be something we fear, but rather that we intentionally make sure we check EVERYTHING against the Word of God, which requires us getting to know what the Word of God says. *I had a pastor in years past that would frequently encourage his congregation to question him by searching out the truth against whatever he preaches by reading about it in the Bible themselves. WISE WORDS.)

Everything we do, say, believe, etc. is a reflection of something we believe about God.

What Are You Hoping to Get Out of Your Time in the Bible?

I think it’s good to study your Bible—necessary even, but sometimes we can look at it all wrong, getting so caught up in the wrong things.

I have realized in my 36 years of learning about God through the Bible, since I was a child, that the most important thing we can gain from reading the Bible is not as a guideline rulebook for life, but rather a rich understanding of Who God is… what He cares about, what He hates, how He handles sin, what honors Him, how great & all-powerful & all-knowing He is, how eternal He is, how outside our understanding He is.

God is so far above anything we can comprehend, & yet our humanness screams to put Him in an understandable, relatable box. Something that makes us comfortable.

Something that allows us to feel some sort of control. What are you hoping to get out of your time in the Bible?

Know Him As He Is

Truth is, God made this world, in its entirety, before we were also made—He didn’t need our help then & He doesn’t need it now.

Truth is, God holds power beyond our wildest imaginings: making from nothing, controlling the winds & waves, making completely possible the completely impossible, working outside of time itself, bringing back from the dead, etc. etc. etc..

Truth is, God ABHORS sin & its inately destructive nature, which is why Jesus had to die.

Truth is, God sees everything (even what is hidden), including all thoughts & actions all around the world, in every hidden heart, throughout all time RIGHT NOW.

God Is Worthy to be Praised!

Truth is, God cannot be exhausted in ANY capacity. His power, His strength, His resources, His time, His presence, His faithfulness… NOTHING. He does not run out.

Truth is, God deserves to smite us ALL for falling short of His glory, for being ANY fraction less than what His glory deserves… & YET, He sent His own Son to die to pay our price.

Truth is, God doesn’t need us to get it right. (*He desires it, but He doesn’t NEED it.) He doesn’t need us to know what to do. He doesn’t need us to make the right choice or have the right attitude or the right response. God even hardens hearts just to show how even if we put up the worst of fight against Him, He WILL prevail.

Truth is, God will not be defeated. He isn’t scared. He isn’t planning. He isn’t frantic or worried. He is SEATED. He holds supreme sovereignty & absolutely nothing can even stand against Him—so He doesn’t have anything He needs to ever fear or worry about.

Truth is, God is worthy to be praised indeed! A God (THE God) with that much power & glory & authority & power… caring about US? Wanting US to be a part of HIS beautiful plan throughout all time? WHAT MERCY! WHAT GRACE! WHAT LOVE!

What Are You Holding Back from Him?

Do you treat Him like He has that kind of authority? Because He DOES.

Do you praise Him like He deserves it? Because He DOES.

Do you submit & surrender the whole of your being for His workings? Because He MADE you.

What are you holding back from Him?

What ideal? What belief? What understanding about Him or His desires for your life?

What are you holding back?

Trust Him to Rewrite What You Believe & What You Think about Him

Are you willing to say, “God, if I believe amiss, no matter how ingrained that thought of you may be… please change it in me. Help me to know You as You ARE… NOT how I believe You to be or WANT you to be.” Are you willing?

What are you deciding FOR God? What limitations are you placing on Him? What are you clinging to for security in your life over Him? What might you believe amiss?

Shine HOPE by allowing God to be LORD in your thoughts about Him, in your ideals, in your beliefs, in your presuppositions, in your subtle subconscious ideas, in your desires, in your hopes, in your fears, in your worry… in your everything.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

Share with friends & Subscribe by Joining My Tribe, so you never miss a week.

A Note from Michelle:

This blog/website has been running for SEVEN years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

July 2025 HOPE Mail (INDIA)

FOR A LIMITED TIME – Only available during the month of July! Enjoy free shipping and 10% off on your Hope Mail package when you subscribe to receive the monthly selection every month!

Your purchase of July Hope Mail provides one day of school for a girl in an area of extreme poverty.           

Wake up to change the world with the Daybreak Necklace! The Daybreak Necklace is featured in this month’s exclusive hope mail. Create dignified jobs for women in India when you purchase this month’s hope mail that includes the Daybreak Necklace. This gold-tone necklace includes a sun charm and a faceted labradorite bead charm to complete the look. 

Each Hope Mail comes packaged in a handmade Sari Pouch, to create a thoughtfully curated look.  

***Purchase this month’s Hope Mail, using the “Shop Here” link below, to create safe jobs with fair wages for women in areas of extreme poverty in India where vulnerable women are often exploited by sweatshops and human traffickers.***

How You Can Help:

SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me to continue supporting them as well as continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win win!

God Made Us All Different for a Reason

One of the reasons I have grown to love reading the Bible is seeing over & over again how great God is. Seeing through the whole expanse of time, how He displays His limitlessness, His power, & His ability even when we have so little to offer Him.

The patience He showed with Jonah. The miracles He worked through Moses. The might He showed through Gideon. The gentle care He showed to former prostitutes. The sovereignty He showed through Job. The faithfulness He showed through the Israelites.

I could go on & on & on. And yet, through all of these examples (& more!) something amazing stands out to me. People in the Bible were not all the same in willingness, in faith, in making right choices, in personality… & yet, God used them all in such mighty ways that we still talk about them today!

We all have different backgrounds. Different upbringings. We have all lived different experiences. We all have different traumas, (even those subtle ones where we would claim with vehemence that it is not trauma, but are revealed in our unhealthy gut responses to things we have learned hurt us in the past). We all have grown up with different ways to protect ourselves or feel strong or avoid showing weakness. We all are made different by our personal circumstances & life experiences.

So, when I see God discussing the call for us to have unity in the body of Christ, I cannot fathom the thought that He intends for us all to look & sound the same, dress the same, handle things the same way, have the same strengths or the same weaknesses. To all be carbon copies. God is way more creative than that.

God Is Creative + God Is Sovereign

Diversity + unity seems to be the perfect blend.

We are called to have one mind—to be on the same mission: to know & love God more… all on the same team: seeking to serve & love others to the glory of God. Living as Jesus Christ’s ambassadors.

He calls us to obedience, to honor Him with our choices, our thoughts, our words. In the matter of following God’s law, in the matter of showing respect & honor where it is DUE… we are called to be the same.

But that doesn’t mean WE are all the same…. But in all of our differences, unity.

Avoid Only Being Around People Who Think Just Like You—Allow Room to Grow

The tendency of humanity is as the age old saying goes: birds of a feather flock together. While the fellowship & community with other believers is vital, it is so easy to hang out ONLY with other believers that make us feel comfortable in what we already think & believe.

I think one of the beautiful aspects of being part of the body of Christ is the concept of iron sharpening iron. We all have different growth needs. We all have different areas of strengths & weaknesses. And we can all help each other toward the goal of better representing Jesus to the world… toward striving for holiness. We will all be a forever work in progress & we NEED each other through it!

But we also need to live with grace toward one another.

The Struggle Spots in Some Friends Can Spurn Greater Growth in YOU, Too

Don’t avoid discomfort! We need it!

I have had friends in the last 10 years in every place I have lived in whom I could see some sort of trauma at work in their heart, trumping the truth of God’s Word. And they were unwilling to see it. That is very uncomfortable for me (even though I can also exhibit the very same stubbornness in certain seasons of my own life).

My temptation was to not spend time with them anymore because their ruts made me so unbelievably uncomfortable in some circumstances, even though I respected their faith & understanding of the Bible in areas where I was weak. But God challenged me that even through their weaknesses, it was challenging me to pray & study to solidify in my heart whatever truth of God’s Word their situation represented, challenging me to grow & grow myself!

I needed to be challenged versus just taking what I knew for granted… versus only talking about something that comes easily to me. It was good for me that they didn’t think like me because it challenged me to grow in my thinking more like Jesus & in better knowing God’s Word.

Don’t Kick Others While They’re Down… Even If It’s Behind Their Backs

It hurts my heart when I hear Christians talk ill of other Christians. And I see it A LOT. I probably have been guilty of it as well when frustrated & caught up in a conversation about said frustration.

But shame on me. Shame on us. What are we doing? Don’t we get that we’re all family under God because of Jesus?

We can shake our heads at Jonah, but which of us would see outright murder of young children to false “gods” & not feel like they ought to get what’s coming to them?

We can look at Abraham & be like, “DUDE, why are you putting your wife in a compromising-to-her-safety situation to protect yourself AGAIN,” but which of us would not also feel panic rise up when up against a royal army & possibly moody king with the power to kill you on a mere whim?

We can be absolutely disgusted by David’s infidelity (& basically murder), but which of us has not allowed the temptation of sin to deceive us at one point (or many times over a lifetime)?

(But how easy it is to relate to Job in his laments, right? Because his pain “makes sense” to us.)

Shame on us for holding up the judgment stick against another believer. Are their choices always good ones? No. Is hindsight always 20/20? Yes. Can we know God knows all & still end up doubting Him, fearing, or hesitating? Also yes.

How Easy It Is to See the Weaknesses of Others

I heard somewhere how we tend to look at our own misbehaviors or weaknesses or failures through a telescope, but for others, a microscope. Isn’t that the truth?

We know our intentions. We MEANT well. We didn’t MEAN to screw up so badly.

And yet… did you see how badly THEY screwed up? How poorly THEY are handling this? How long THEIR season of weakness is lasting?

Shame on us. Shame on me.

I think we can all agree that we have all had our own lapses in judgment, when flesh won out over spirit, even if “only” in our own heads. If that were broadcast about us as the subtitle to our life, wouldn’t that be embarrassing? Wouldn’t that HURT?! So why even consider doing that to someone else?

Give grace upon grace!

Be the One Who Edifies the Body… Versus Tearing It Down When It’s Weak

We are meant to build up one another toward Christ. We are meant to be the strength in another’s weaknesses. We are meant to comfort the fainthearted. We are meant to live in LOVING-as-an-action UNITY, even with our many differences.

Some of us are just a finger. Some are a whole foot. Some are the spine. Some are the eyeballs.

And you know what, I think our part to play changes through different seasons of our lives. But we are ALL meant to work alongside each other toward the same goal—honoring God with our lives & giving Him glory through the way we live & treat others.

Using your gifts. Using your resources. Using your time. Using whatever you have to offer Him in either your strengths or weaknesses.

He Is Worth It! Proclaim It!

Proclaiming to the world that whether you’re strong or weak… He is worth it.
Whether you fail or succeed… He is worth it.
Whether you get it right or have to try again… He is worth it.
Whether people “get you” or talk poorly about you… He is worth it.
Whether everyone loves you or everyone hates you… He is worth it.
Whether everything goes right or everything falls apart… He is worth it.
Whether you win it all or lose it all… He is worth it.
Whether you’re surrounded by loving family & friends or feel all alone… He is worth it.
Whether you’re strong or weak… He is worth it.
Whether you have everything to give or nothing at all… He is worth it.

It is never an “US” vs “THEM” situation. Only US.

Grace Upon Grace

We are ALL a work in progress. None of us have “arrived” & none of us ever will. Strong in a lot of areas? I guarantee you are not strong in EVERY area… & if you truly believe that you are… you are greatly blinded by deception my dear friend. Pray for God to show you your blind spots if you dare. (And you should dare… because He is gentle, faithful, already knows them, & Jesus already died for them—they don’t own you.)

And you should treat others with the same grace. If you see something, don’t be afraid to speak up IN LOVE, not to tear them down, not to feel self-righteous, not to look like “it’s a good thing they have me because BOY do they have a lot they need to work on,” but IN LOVE, to HELP them.

Yes, strive for holiness! Yes, obey God’s Word & encourage others to do so! But also, show grace in the failings. Support & encourage versus tear down. Pray for versus talk about. We’re all at different stages of growth in different areas. We need each other.

Don’t expect others to have it all figured out & pruned & perfected. Walk alongside them & encourage them as the Holy Spirit does that work in them throughout their lifetime of seeking to know, love, & obey God better. Fail forward.

God Doesn’t Need You… He WANTS You

GOD DOES NOT NEED THEM (OR YOU) TO BE PERFECT. Jesus died & paid IN FULL. PERIOD. God is infinite. He doesn’t need ANYTHING from us. But it’s because we trust Him to know best & we obey Him because He deserves it most, even when we don’t always understand. He CHOOSES to ALLOW us to participate in HIS work…. Don’t forget that.

We don’t need to talk down about others, stick our noses up at them, look down on them, feel shame paralyze us, worry what other people think of us, or put ourselves down.

JESUS. PAID. IN. FULL. ALREADY. FOR. THAT.

Obey Him As Lord, Trust Him As Your Savior

If you really love someone, if you really TRUST someone… the proof is in the pudding, as the saying goes. You will SEE it.

If others saw your life… would they see your love for God? Would they know?

God Can Use Even Just a Willing Heart…

We don’t all have to be on the same level in every area of growth for God to use us.
We don’t have to all look or act the same way for God to use us.

We don’t have to have the same upbringing or church background/knowledge for God to use us.
We don’t even have to respond rightly every time or get it right every time for God to use us.

We don’t have to have all the right answers for God to use us.

We don’t have to be capable at all for God to use us.

Because He is GOD. He doesn’t need our contribution. He is sovereign. He is good. He is far more gentle than we often are with each other. And He wants to use HIS power THROUGH us to love others & offer them a lighthouse home… to hope found only in the arms of their Savior Jesus Christ.

Diversity + Unity = The Perfect Blend

Diversity + Unity. All on the same team. All have different strengths & different weaknesses. All of us will have different seasons of victory or failure. All supporting one another & working together with one mind & one goal: to better love, honor, & obey God tomorrow than we did today, no matter where you’re starting from.

But we all serve the same great God. And Jesus died for ALL of it.

Let others be weak. Let them not have it all figured out. Let them make mistakes.

Because you are too, you don’t either, & you do too.

But God is strong when we are weak.
God knows all.
God is sovereign over even our mistakes, failures, & weaknesses.

ONE TEAM. FOR JESUS. THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT & THE POWER OF GOD ALMIGHTY.

Shine Hope by not looking at how differences make you uncomfortable or different, but how God uses all sorts of people in all states in every circumstance. Knowing God is more than capable of filling in the gaps. Not arguing. Not talking about. But loving, supporting, encouraging toward honoring God in every circumstance & weakness & struggle, come what may—Diversity + Unity = The Perfect Blend.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

Share with friends & Subscribe by Joining My Tribe, so you never miss a week.

A Note from Michelle:

This blog/website has been running for SEVEN years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Mother of Pearl Earrings (INDIA)

Make a fair-trade fashion statement with these genuine mother of pearl earrings! These gorgeous earrings feature a gold-tone, organic-shaped stud with a mother of pearl circle. These unique artisanal earrings are handcrafted in a workshop in India that’s committed to fighting child marriage and helping women become financially independent as fair-trade Artisans.

***Purchase these beautiful earrings, handcrafted in India, by using the “Shop Here” link below, to empower women in India out of poverty!***

How You Can Help:

SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me to continue supporting them as well as continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win win!

It’s not about the music you listen to

It’s not about your church attendance record

It’s not about the clothes you wear

It’s not about the places you go

It’s not about the books you read

It’s not about your future or past

It’s not about how much you serve

It’s not about how much you give

We all need a whole lot more of Jesus

You can’t earn God’s favor

You can’t earn your way to heaven

You can’t impress God by doing more & more

You can’t manipulate or one-up God

You can’t even the scales

You can’t control your fate

You don’t make the rules—no matter how badly you may wish to

We all need a whole lot more of Jesus

You can have raised hands & a closed off heart

You can attend every service & think only of how good it felt

You can dress modestly & feel a step above the rest

You can go to bars & be a witness

You can go to community outreaches & think of how good you seem

You can read good books & do it to try to feel self-sufficient

You can have a hard future ahead & God can use it for good

You can have a hard past & know God can redeem it

You can serve & give merely to calm a guilty conscience

We all need a whole lot more of Jesus.

We need to sing to Him & not just about Him

We need to bow our hearts & not just our heads

We need to dress in a way we feel pleases Him & not just the trends

We need to live the gospel wherever we go & not just at church

We need to read to learn more about how to please & honor Him with our lives & not just for entertainment

We need to trust Him with our future & bow to Him our past & not just see things as they seem to us

We need to serve as an extension of our love for Him 1st & others 2nd & not love in our own strength, but His through prayer

We all need a whole lot more of Jesus.

Shine HOPE by bowing all your efforts, all your beliefs, all your ideals, all your understanding, all your plans, all your heart, mind, soul, & strength… to the God Who deserves your all & gave His all through His Son… Jesus.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

Share with friends & Subscribe by Joining My Tribe, so you never miss a week.

A Note from Michelle:

This blog/website has been running for SEVEN years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Jasper Breeze Bracelet (DOMINICAN REPUBLIC)

Every Jasper Breeze Bracelet supports a safe house in the Dominican Republic that provides housing, education, legal services, and trauma counseling for survivors of human trafficking. The stretch-to-fit bracelet features beautiful jasper beads varying in color and a rare genuine Larimar stone that can only be found in the volcanic regions of the Dominican Republic.

***Purchase the Jasper Breeze Bracelet, using the “Shop Here” link below, to support & empower women in the Dominican Republic toward brighter futures.***

How You Can Help:

SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me to continue supporting them as well as continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win win!

Attendance… But Heart Change? Worship?

Have you noticed the growing trend? Getting dressed, plastering on a smile, & walking into church… getting in some good Jesus feels… feeling encouraged & blessed… doing what good Christians ought to do….

But take a step back. Yelling at the kids in the car… haven’t prayed all morning… feeling frazzled… worried about a million things… don’t remember the last time you sat down to read your Bible… not involved in serving anywhere in the church….

Why do you go to church? What’s the point, really?

Why Are We Here?

Does it make you feel good about yourself? Does it check off the “good Christian” box? You’ve always grown up going so it feels like you’re supposed to? Spiritual high? To get encouraged? As your only dose of the Scripture for the week?

If you really take a moment to evaluate yourself… what would you say? Why do you go to church?

If I am honest? It has definitely included a lot of the above. (I also really enjoy singing, so sometimes I am not even hearing the words because I am focusing on trying to harmonize or whatever—I’m no pro. That’s an outlet that uplifts me as well.)

Have you ever sat in church thinking the sermon was a bit dry, the decorations were a little tacky… or lame, the music seemed too loud… or too outdated, they didn’t offer enough programs, you don’t feel you have enough friends, people aren’t friendly enough or they’re too friendly… basically everything you see they’re “just not doing right,” Etc.?

Do you church hop “for a better fit”?

If your church changes pastors after one retires… do you move on “because you don’t like that pastor as much”?

What is the purpose of church?

I will tell you one thing… it is not about us, that’s for sure.

Wake Up, Church!

Church is about 2 things & 2 things only—the greatest commandment of God & the one like it. Love God with all of your thoughts, all of your feelings, all of your efforts, & all of your being. Everything, all for Him… & the 2nd like it? Love others.

The church is meant to be a body. If you were a body part, would it be limp & unused? Or would it be strong & contributing to the strength of the body as a whole? (Note: there are indeed seasons where we feel useless, struggling in life & hurting, needing the comfort of others… it’s okay to not be okay. But we ought not use that as an excuse to remain detached. We NEED each other.) (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

Do you go to be served? Or, like Jesus, LORD of heaven & earth… to serve others? (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; John 13:13-17)

Do you go to be encouraged? Or to encourage others?

Do you go as your only time of worship/Bible-reading for your week? Or as a chance to come & worship before Him together as one body?

Do you go because it’s the right thing to do… or because God is deserving of our bowed hearts… our praise… our everything?

Why do you go to church?

The Church, as a Whole, Needs to Wake Up!

The world NEEDS what WE have to share! The better-than-seems-ever-possible GOOD News!

People can have different opinions, believe whatever they want to believe. But when they die, they will everyone of them face the same God Who made them. The day of reckoning will come for each of us…. They will offer all of their efforts & beliefs & ideals & will come up grossly short for what ONLY Jesus can pay for them. They NEED Jesus!

Do we love people enough to live like we believe that?

Do we care so little about the world moving around us that we don’t care what happens to them? It’s not our problem?

Church isn’t a Christian country club! Bow your hearts to Almighty God. Ask forgiveness for making your life about the wrong things. Ask for His help in making a change… & bow to His help in living a life that shines Hope EVERYWHERE.

Just like Moses, it’s not about what you have to offer or how brave you are of how good you are or how insecure you are but how GOOD GOD IS & WHAT HE CAN DO THROUGH YOU. Wake up!

What Is Your WHY?

God doesn’t give you brownie points for going to church. You don’t get extra favor from Him for it. He’s not impressed by your going through the motions.

God wants your devotion, your obedience, your love & your worship. God alone DESERVES it. He wants you to work as a body with other believers, with Him as the Head.

When you sing, is it because it uplifts you? Because it sounds nice? Or because you know He is worthy to be praised, worthy of your all?

You know, I grew up always thinking ministry was for all those “other people” who were better equipped than me, but guess what… Moses felt that very exact same way! And look how God used HIM all because he was willing to let God lead him in his own lacking & insecurities.

Are you willing to trust God beyond what you like… what you feel comfortable with… what you feel you have time for… what you feel you’re not “gifted” enough for? Will you trust like Moses did?

Why do you go to church? Why?!?!

Where Is Your Focus?

Do you bow your heart low? Do you lift Him up in your heart in praise for all His deserving? Do you ask forgiveness when you get tense & yell at your kids on the way to church (forgiveness from them & from God)? Do you dress to impress or to honor Him with your best? Who do you do life for? Do you sing out because you sound nice or because He deserves your praise? Do you serve or come to be served? Do you judge decoration choices more than you focus on worship?

Where is your focus?

(An aside here: Parents—APOLOGIZE TO YOUR CHILDREN OFTEN. You can say, “It was not right how you were acting/disobeying, & it did hurt me when you made that choice, but it was not okay for mommy to react that way toward you either, so for that, please forgive me.” DO NOT say, “I’m sorry I did that, BUT you __________.” Instead, “I didn’t like when you _______, but that still does not give me the right to respond wrongly. Will you please forgive me for my wrong choice?” Rebuild bridges! Display humility. Demonstrate asking for forgiveness & owning wrong behavior with grace & humility. Kids will define themselves based on your sinful, flesh-led responses to them in a heated moment—don’t allow that to happen just because your pride got in the way.)

Their Doing It “Wrong” Should Not Prevent Your Doing It RIGHT

Are you distracted by how everyone could be “doing it better”? More engaging. Less flashy. More interesting. Less noisy. More up-to-date. Less boring. Less modern. More interesting decor. Weaknesses galore.

On this side of heaven, guess what? You will be led by imperfect people. You will encounter fellow PEOPLE. They won’t always get it right. They WILL have room to grow. They will get it wrong sometimes. They will still be learning. They will be a work-in-progress JUST LIKE YOU. Don’t let that distract you from bowing your heart & lifting God up in the praise He deserves from you.

Unless they’re preaching counter to the Truth found in God’s Word or teaching ANYTHING other than Jesus as the way of salvation before God… don’t turn away from your church family just because it’s not a “good fit.” Siblings don’t always get along, but siblings we remain. Learn to work toward unity & togetherness in the body regardless.

Worship Regardless

I have mentioned this many a time, but it seems to aptly fit this topic: when I was a youth leader for youth group in my twenties, the worship music, led by a teen band, felt more like their moment to shine & be admired & cheered on by their peers than having anything to do with bowing your soul before Almighty God in reverence & respect & awe & praise. It grated my nerves & was all I could focus on every week because it seemed so blatantly obvious that they were more focused on themselves than on true worship. I prayed REGULARLY about it because it just annoyed me so much what they were making worship out to be for likes. What was God’s answer one night during the worship music? …

“Whether or not THEY are truly worshipping me should not determine whether or not YOU are truly worshipping Me.” OUCH.

Do You Love the Lord Your God with… Your Everything?

Are you looking AROUND? Judging? Nitpicking? Annoyed? Bored? Coming for yourself? Coming because you ought to? … Or are you too busy bowing down your heart & looking UP?

Why do you go to church? For WHOM do you go to church?

“Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’This is the first and great commandment.And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:35-40)

Shine HOPE by serving others as part of the church BODY, not coming to BE served, but to SERVE… & most of all, come to bow your heart before an Almighty God Who MADE you & Who gave you His only begotten Son to pay your unpayable debt.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

Share with friends & Subscribe by Joining My Tribe, so you never miss a week.

A Note from Michelle:

This blog/website has been running for SEVEN years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Cherry Handbag Charm (INDIA)

How adorable is this Cherry Handbag Charm?! Using red and green leather, women earn a dignified wage crafting this Cherry Handbag Charm. Add to any handbag to instantly change the look! The ethically made Cherry Handbag Charm is handcrafted with care in India. Every purchase provides safe jobs with fair wages for women in areas of extreme poverty in India!

***Purchase this adorable Cherry Handbag Charm, using the “Shop Here” link below to help empower women in INDIA out of poverty!***

How You Can Help:

SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me to continue supporting them as well as continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win win!

“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” (1 John 1:5-6)

Do You Call Yourself a Christian?

Do you call yourself a Christian?

Do you know what it means to call yourself a Christian? It is like calling yourself “little Christ” or “Christ follower.” Would you say you live like those descriptions were true?

Calling yourself a Christian is not an automatic “get out of hell free card.” There is no power in giving yourself the title.

The power is in Christ, not you.

Just Because Jesus Paid for [It]… Doesn’t Mean We Should Live Excusing [It]…

But then… knowing it is not of myself, knowing I need & rely on Jesus Christ paying my debts before God… one can be tempted to think we’re free to live how we want… because Jesus paid for it.

But, if you walk/live according to your own rules & your own ideals, can you really say you’re a “Christ follower”?

If we live counter to God’s ways because “Jesus paid for it,” aren’t we just making a mockery of the sacrifice Jesus paid for us? (Hint: in that case, we are.)

Don’t Make Excuses for Your Sin

I find it surprisingly & shockingly common to see people who would label themselves as a Christian also blatantly live completely opposite to what God’s Word says.

Whether it’s sex outside of marriage, getting drunk with friends, pursuing same-sex romantic relationships, regularly using foul language, gossiping & painting someone else in a negative light to others, harboring bitterness, regularly screaming at your kids (guys, I GET it—overstimulation is so very much real—but still, we must learn to PRAY & bow down before God with it to replace the knee-jerk outbursts that dishonor God & hurt the children—I don’t have kids, but I have been one), cutting off people on the road & driving aggressively…. The list goes on.

If you live with these attitudes, behaviors, or actions, while actively excusing them away or thinking nothing of them… well, be careful. Don’t make excuses for your sin.

Imagine having a Jesus bumper sticker on your car while driving recklessly & being a jerk on the road. Not a great representation of the Name that bumper sticker represents, huh?

Same goes when we call ourselves a Christian while also living counter to how God asks us to live.

We Are ALL a Work in Progress, Though

I get it. We are ALL a work in progress. I am NOT talking about little bad habits that spike up from time to time & that which we have to keep bowing down to God for His help in changing us from the inside out. That will be a LIFELONG process for ALL of us.

I am instead talking about perpetual sins that we excuse away as “not that bad” or for which we have decided we know better than God already in that area & we’re okay living exactly the way WE want, as if that were actually true… WHILE calling ourselves a “Christ-follower.” Uh-oh.

It’s better for you to just not call yourself a Christian at all… taking off the bumper sticker, so to speak… so as not to misrepresent the Word of God or Jesus Christ to the world.

God’s Word is TRUTH, whether we have “decided it is” or not. Fact is, we didn’t make the world… HE did. He alone gets to determine what defines TRUTH. NOT us, whom He made.

Do People See Christ When They See You?

How do you represent Him?

What would the world assume incorrectly about God by viewing your attitudes, behaviors, or actions?

Would they see grace? Would they see Truth? Would they see accurately the mind & heart of God?

God doesn’t need your PR efforts. He doesn’t need His Word fluffed or prettied up. He doesn’t need help making His Word more palatable.

He calls us to obedience–even when it doesn’t make any sense to us: His creation. He calls us as His holy priesthood, His ambassadors. We represent Him, whether we’re good at it or not so much.

How do you represent Him?

Be a Light for Him to the World, Even in Your Imperfections

Don’t make excuses for your sin. Don’t sugarcoat it. Call it out for what it is. Repent of it. Ask God to change your heart. Bow your ideals & your ideas to Him to be changed how HE wills it.

Who do you make to be LORD in your life? HIM? Or you?

Shine HOPE by laying down your excused habitual sin habits, turning from them, asking God’s forgiveness for it, bowing it before the King of kings & LORD of lords, Creator of heaven & earth. And by living your life as a truer representation of being called “little Christ” to this hurting world that needs hope only He can provide. POINT to HIM with your whole self & whole life. Not your will, but HIS be done. Amen & amen.

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for 6.5 years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Adventure Bundle (USA & DOMINICAN REPUBLIC)

The Adventure Bundle combines style, purpose, and impact in one thoughtful package.

It includes our ethically crafted olive-green t-shirt with a classic fit featuring the message “Adventure with Purpose” and is ethically made in Nicaragua using 100% U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol Standards. Designed with care for both people and the planet, this piece is as ethical as it is stylish!  

Paired with the tee is the Kairo Bracelet made by human trafficking survivors in the DR. Each stretch-to-fit Kairo Bracelet features a striking combination of grounding black lava beads, warm brown wooden beads, and a dainty gold accent bead at its center. The natural textures and earthy tones make it a versatile piece for any style.

*** Purchase this bundle, using the “Shop Here” link below, to support a safe house in the Dominican Republic, providing education, legal services, safe housing, & trauma counseling for survivors of human trafficking. ***

How You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!

God Breathed

God created us to worship Him… & not in a selfish, arrogant way, either, but simply because He IS. He is our whole existence. He is the reason we are. He created us & gives us life & made all the resources we need to survive.

Thinking back to the Garden of Eden, life for us was meant to be simply tending to what He already had made. Enjoying His beautiful & bountiful creation. Walking alongside Him in the garden. Trusting Him while we carry no worry or fear.

Life was meant to be simple, carefree, peaceful, FILLED with beauty everywhere we looked. No shame or awkwardness. No insecurity. No stress or worry or anxiety.

Just peace. Just beauty. Just love & trust in the God Who formed us.

But… sin.

Self-Asserting over God

Sin is a breaking away from God’s way for our own. Sin is thinking we know better. Sin is distrust & self-seeking. Sin hurts.

God gave us His Word with His commands, not to control us, but because He designed the world & everything in it & He knows how it all best fits together, even when it doesn’t seem to make logical sense to us in our limitedness. That’s why He made sure to tell us, because He knew it wouldn’t be something we could perfectly piece together.

But… sin.

Sin doesn’t trust God. Sin wants to figure it out. Sin wants to make sure we’re covered & cared for our way. Sin wants to double check God. Sin wants to see for itself. Sin wants to take care of self. Sin wants to trust self over the God Who made us.

Sin wants to believe: “my life is about me.”

This Is His Story

I am not the main character in my story, in my life. I am a supporting character. So are you, I’m afraid.

This story is about GOD, not you or me.

The whole Bible, with all of the flawed humans written about in it… they’re to constantly & consistently point back to GOD, not the people. GOD’s faithfulness, GOD’s power, GOD’s grace, GOD’s love toward us who don’t deserve it.

They fail… He perseveres.

They are weak… He proves strong.

They can’t… He can.

They mess up… His faithfulness stands true.

They lack… He sustains.

They sin… He forgives.

They get in trouble… He rescues.

They get it wrong… He is sovereign.

They are limited… He is Almighty.

They are fearful… He is capable.

They die… He remains from generation to generation.

They sin… He redeems.

They are human… He is GOD.

Every story in the Bible… & in our life… is actually all about HIM, not us.

Living Your Life for ____________________

You get up, get ready, go to work, care for the kids, study, shop, run errands, do chores, do vacations, go to church, relax, enjoy hobbies, etc. etc. etc. & it feels very deceptively like this life is about YOU. YOUR world. YOUR activities. YOUR hobbies. YOUR responsibilities. YOUR family. YOUR job. YOUR skills. YOUR money. YOUR LIFE.

But it is NOT.

We are FOOLED into thinking our life is about us.

We are lulled. We are deceived. We are short-sighted.

All of this is going to pass away! Years from now, no one will even likely remember you existed! This life is NOT ABOUT YOU.

This is all temporal, fleeting, inconsequential.

Your job won’t matter after you die. Your hobbies won’t matter. Your cares & anxieties… Your responsibilities… None of it will matter anymore.

We’re fooled into thinking our life is about us.

God Is Eternal…

We need to WAKE UP.

The ONLY thing that will last beyond our lifetime is God, His glory & His grace & His power & His sovereignty & His LOVE.

He is ETERNAL. He has no beginning & no end. He knew your great great great grandparents that you probably don’t ever give a thought about. He KNEW them.

He will know your kids’ kids’ kids, long after you’re dead & gone. Your existence may never even cross their minds… But God knows them, too.

What in your life will matter after you are gone? Decades later even?

What Will Matter When You’re Gone?

When on your death bed, will you be able to look back & say that you lived your true & only real purpose? To give God glory? To make Him known? To live in worship of Him?

What matters to God should matter to us.

Who does God put in your path each day? A spouse… kids… coworkers… boss… cashier… passerbys… beggars… family… friends… neighbors…?

Do we care enough about our neighbor we may only occasionally see in the driveway? Knowing they spent however long living next door to someone who knew THE way to forgiveness from God? Because they will have to answer to Him, too, even if they don’t believe in Him. (We don’t get a free pass for our sin against God because we claim not to know better. God reveals Himself to us in so many ways, so we are without excuse.) (Romans 1:20) Have you told them?

What about the cashier at your grocery store? Do you seek to strike up conversations with them, to show them they matter more than just as a means to an end? To grow opportunities to share hope with them? To see them as a person with a NEED?

*If you died tomorrow, would you regret not telling someone you had the chance to warn of their need for repentance & hope through Jesus alone?*

We are God’s AMBASSADORS. Do we live like we are? Or are we fooled into thinking our temporal, fleeting life is all about US?

We’re Fooled into Thinking Our Life Is About Us

Our life is about HIM. Do you live like that? Do you live with an eternal focus? Of what matters beyond your lifespan? Or are you consumed with the NOW?

How are you living? Who are you living for? Who does your lifestyle imply you’re living for?

I don’t mean to say you can’t ever have fun or enjoy shopping or enjoy your job. God gives us good things to enjoy, doesn’t He? We can see that in all the extravagantly creative beauty of nature, as well as in His sending Jesus to die for OUR sins.

But do you recognize yourself back in the Garden of Eden? Enjoying all of the good gifts from the Lord, but also trusting Him in all things & letting Him guide the steps of your days, trusting Him fully & peacefully? Letting HIM be God in your life?

Where Is Your Focus? What Is Your Priority?

Do you praise Him for all of His faithfulness, grace, & care? Worship Him? Lean into Him for peace when your world swirls out of control? Bow your heart before Him? Go to Him first in troubles or anxieties? Ask for His leading in decisions? Trust He knows more than you when you can’t decide on something? Know He will empower you as you seek to obey Him? Repent & trust Jesus’ payment for a forever clean slate with no shame hanging over you? Love others sacrificially, knowing it all comes from Him & He will supply? Call out to Him for rescue? Use your job or errand interactions as platforms to be an ambassador for Christ, as if God was pleading through your life for them to be saved? (2 Corinthians 5:20) Talk about God’s work & growing in your life with friends to encourage them as they also seek to live for Him? Lead children to trust & obey God? Obey God even when it doesn’t seem to make sense to you?

Who are you living for?

Who is your life about?

Are you fooled into thinking your life is about you?

Shine HOPE by bowing your all, your life & everything in it, to the very One Who made you & gave you all things. PRAISE GOD, through the saving work of JESUS CHRIST!

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for 6.5 years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Hope Bracelet (DOMINICAN REPUBLIC)

Create hope for human trafficking survivors in the Dominican Republic when you wear your Hope bracelet! This adorable friendship-styled bracelet beautifully represents our partnership with these young women, who were once trafficked themselves, and who now earn a dignified income in a safe working environment by creating this Hope Bracelet. Each stretch-to-fit bracelet features blue-grey, faceted crystal beads and silver-tone letter beads that spell out “Hope”.

***Purchase this handmade bracelet, using the “Shop Here” link below, to support a safe house in the Dominican Republic that provides rescue, housing, education, legal services, and trauma counseling for survivors of human trafficking.***

How You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!

No Really, I Am

Well, this is a fun topic to talk about, isn’t it?

It’s true that I run this blog/website, volunteer at church, etc. but at my very core, I really am a self-seeking brat.

How can the two realities coexist? Because I understand that what I feel like on any given day should not usually determine my actions.

I like ease, comfort, status quo.

I thrive on my routines & measuring my time so that I don’t ever get overwhelmed or overstimulated.

I like & prefer living for ME, in all honesty.

But God did not create me to live for myself, as much as I often crave to do so.

I have to be willing to SURRENDER—there’s that word again—all my selfish, self-seeking desires & wants, to be willing to lay those down in order to bring God glory & to serve & love others as He calls me to do.

I’m a Self-Seeking Brat

Some days it comes easier than others. Other days, I am a lot more whiney about it. Sort of an inner stomping of my feet with crossed arms. “I WANT to go back to sleep, NOT wake up early to help out with that.” “I WANT to go straight home after work to relax, NOT go back out to serve when I’m already tired.” “I WANT to save face, NOT share all of my inadequacies & shortcomings & failures with all the internet to judge me.” “I WANT to binge tv, NOT spend hours editing.” “I WANT to eat whatever I want, NOT steward the body God knit together.” I want, I want, I want.

I’m a selfish person at heart. I’m a self-seeking brat. Sometimes I wake up feeling so groggy & so wishing I could have gotten a couple hours more of sleep & I just want to scrap it all for the comfort of slipping back into bed, pulling up the covers, & relaxing back into sleep (that sounds REALLY good to me right about now, actually). NOT making choices that honor God over self.

But, God.

When I Want __________________… I Need to Trust Him to be More Than Sufficient

I want to serve Him. I want others to know Him. I have to trust Him to be what I need when I crave serving my desires my way.

When I want rest, I want to trust He can provide & be that rest FOR me.

When I want comfort, I want to trust He can provide & BE my comfort.

I don’t want to live for what I want so badly. I want to learn to trust that He is BETTER.

I don’t want to be trapped by my bad attitude. I want to point the world to Him.

I don’t want to be limited by my own limitations. I want to trust He can provide where I lack.

He is worth showing up for, even when I am just not in the mood… even when my fleshly selfishness seems to be winning. He’s worth laying down my life for Him to be known.

A Prayer from a Bratty Me to the Forgiving, Faithful God

“God, forgive me for my self-seeking, bratty heart. Forgive me for being so drawn to satisfy myself over You. Forgive me for my longing to look out for myself first. Please help me to continue to shift my perspective, to continue to lay myself down. Please help me always to remember that You are MORE THAN worth it every single time, & that You are MORE THAN capable to fill in the gaps for me, even on the days when I really am just a self-seeking brat. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

*Self-Check*

Where are you denying God your all because it’s just too much? Too hard? Too much time? Too exhausting?

What do you lean into in place of God? What do you desire most?

What do you need to lay down? To ask His forgiveness? To ask for His help supplementing where you lack… even if that lack is a lack of a right attitude?

What do you need to entrust to Him so the world around you may see & recognize that in all of your lack & wrong attitude & potential bratty-ness… that He is WORTH showing up for no matter WHAT?

What is it for you?

Shine HOPE by determining to lay yourself down in order to lift Him up on display in your life… even on the days where you feel like me… a self-seeking brat.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for 6.5 years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Ardent Necklace-Golden (INDIA)

Create safe jobs with fair wages in areas of extreme poverty in India when you purchase the Ardent Necklace! The design of the Ardent Necklace makes it uniquely customizable, featuring its twisted cord, elegant metal finishing and an adjustable golden bead for easy wearing. This necklace is easy to pull over your head and adjust to your perfect length. The gold-tone pendant is an organically shaped pendant with a freshwater pearl.

***Purchase this beautifully handcrafted necklace, using the “Shop Here” link below to help empower women in India out of extreme poverty!***

How You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!

How Much of Your Life Do YOU Control?

“… in all your ways, acknowledge Him, & He shall direct your steps.” (Proverbs 3:6)

Let me ask you a question, & I want you to be really honest with yourself here: Do you really acknowledge God in ALL your ways? ALL of them?

I can’t honestly say I do that. (Far from it, in fact.)

Thinking back to the fruit of the knowledge of good & evil back in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:17), I think a major reason God forbade eating from that tree is because He knew this very thing would happen to us—that we would try to become our own problem-solvers… that we would try to steer the ship of our own life… that we would try to take the place of God to BE “god” of our own lives.

Except… we’re NOT God. So, you can imagine how well that works out for us.

We Were NEVER Meant to be the One in Charge

In other words, Satan enticing Eve (Genesis 3:4-5) by telling her she would be LIKE GOD was only partially true, just as everything else he uses to try to entice us… LIKE God in taking charge of our lives… NOT like God in that ONLY God is ALL-wise, ALL-knowing, ALL-capable, ALL-powerful, outside-of-time GOD… & well, we are not ANY of those things.

We do a botch job every single time. Even when we THINK we have really hit it good this time… well, the problems in it will reveal themselves eventually, even if just in the form of those nagging little unsettled feelings we try so hard to stuff down & pretend aren’t there. But they’re there regardless of our tireless efforts to avoid, cover, numb, or excuse them away. Aren’t they?

But, God is in the business of restoration, isn’t He?

Thank GOD for that! Really… thank Him!

God Restores the Brokenness We Create

God sent JESUS, Who came WILLINGLY to die to restore us. If that isn’t love, I don’t know what is. (Romans 5:8)

So, back to it, then… in our little lives of playing “god,” how often do we stop & acknowledge HIM as sole holder of that position in our lives?

Do you live as a BONDSERVANT to God, as is a title often claimed by followers of Jesus throughout many Bible passages? (Romans 1:1; Galatians 1:10; James 1:1; 2 Timothy 2:24; 2 Corinthians 5:20) Do you see yourself that way? Really?

Or do you have YOUR routines, YOUR job, YOUR roles, YOUR hobbies, YOUR free time, YOUR habits, YOUR schedule, YOUR house, YOUR family, YOUR preferences, YOUR comforts, YOUR possessions, YOUR passions, YOUR dreams, YOUR ambitions… etc. etc. etc.? Who do you live to serve?

This isn’t to say those things are BAD! But do you give them more control in your life than you allow God?

We Need to Ask Ourselves

Now, let us get one thing straight right now. I am NOT talking about this today because I am the one who has gotten it all figured out. Nope, nope-ity, nope, NO.

I have so far to go in this it’s embarrassing really.

BUT, that doesn’t mean I don’t recognize how much this NEEDS to be the outlook in my life, regardless of how far I feel it being from my current reality.

Do I really acknowledge God in ALL my ways? Do I treat myself as a BONDSERVANT of GOD? Do I see this as HIM being the main character of HIS story, while I am just a supporting role vs the lead character in my life? Do I see HIM as the One Who RULES my life? Do I really consider Him to be & treat Him like He is GOD?

Do I?

Oh how convicting this thought is to me.

Which Is Scarier Though?

I understand how scary this sounds to some people… but honestly, how much scarier it is to consider someone running my life who only sees in part, only understands in part, only knows in part, is limited & frail… as I take control from the One Who made the world & everything in it & then, even before I screwed it up, sent His Son to die for MY sin. Which is the scarier option in this scenario for control over my life?

So why do we fight Him for control then? It’s something we really ought to consider. Why do we do that?

For me—fear. I’m afraid God will make me do something uncomfortable.

For me—doubt. I doubt God’s perfect will in my life.

For me—pride. I think I know best what I want.

How Sovereign Over All Is He Though?

But He MADE me. KNIT me together in my mother’s womb, He says. (Psalm 139:13-36)

He made the WORLD. WITHOUT my help. (Genesis 1)

And as I read through the Bible more & more times, I see just how SOVEREIGN & CAPABLE He really IS… DESPITE the many times the people in the stories completely mess it up & get it wrong… God IS. God’s perfect work prevails even still. His grace prevails even more so.

He sent JESUS. Do you really stop to consider the weightiness of that fact? The SON of GOD, ON HIS THRONE, robes FILLING the throne room, being worshipped audibly continuously day & night of His GLORY, MAJESTY, HOLINESS & WORTHINESS… willingly stepped down, was born on hot mess earth, with all of its sin & ugliness & pain… was lied about, slandered, hated by the very people He MADE & allows to live… was beaten, stripped, & murdered horrendously… to DIE FOR US… for US!

How can we doubt Him after that?! How can we STILL doubt Him?!?

And it didn’t all end when He died. He ROSE AGAIN, VICTORIOUS over sin & death.

He. Is. GOD.

How can we doubt Him?

Do You “Acknowledge God in ALL Your Ways”?

Do you acknowledge God in ALL your ways? Do you really?

Is He LORD of your WHOLE life? Or just some parts?

Is your life before Him about going to church on Sunday in your Sunday best, singing Christian-y songs, trying your best not to curse, saying a prayer before a meal, giving your 10% to support your church… do you do the bare minimum in living your life for Him?

Are you all in?

Do you count on Him when you’re in a bind? Stressed? Worried? Hurt? Need answers or healing?

Or does He have your WHOLE heart, your WHOLE mind, your WHOLE soul, & ALL your strength?

How much of your life do you hold back from Him for yourself?

For your job? For your family? For your routines? For your free time? For life your way?

Do you acknowledge God in ALL your ways?

Who Do You Primarily Live For?

Do you take time to acknowledge HE alone is in control, that He alone knows what’s best, that He alone sees your day before it begins, that He alone has a plan beyond & above your plans for yourself or your day…?

Whose agenda are you working for in your day-to-day life? Yours or His?

Do you think He doesn’t understand your responsibilities?

Do you think He doesn’t know your needs? That He can’t supply them like you can?

Let me tell you something: we can trust Him a whole heck of a lot more than we can ever trust ourselves.

Do you believe that?

Shine HOPE by LETTING God be GOD in your life–ALL of it, by acknowledging Him in ALL your ways, letting Him have the reins in every area, every moment of the life He gave you. You can always trust Him more than you can ever trust yourself… because He MADE you.

So, tell me… do you acknowledge God in ALL your ways…?

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for 6.5 years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Renew Bracelet (DOMINICAN REPUBLIC)

Every Renew Bracelet supports a safe house in the Dominican Republic that provides housing, education, legal services, and trauma counseling for survivors of human trafficking. The stretch-to-fit bracelet features beautiful peach moonstone beads varying in color and a single freshwater pearl bead in the center.

***Purchase this beautiful sandy-toned/earthy handcrafted bracelet, using the “Shop Here” link below to help empower women in the DR out of poverty!***

How You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!