The Story of Moses

Have you heard of the story of Moses?

A long time ago, all children of a certain age were ordered to be killed by the Pharaoh, but Moses’ mother hid her son & eventually placed him on the river, in a basket (sealed to keep out the water) as a last effort to keep her son alive. (Starting in Exodus 1-Exodus 15, you can find the story of Moses & the Passover.)

As the basket floated down the river, followed by the watching eyes of Moses’ older sister, Pharaoh’s daughter found him, & having compassion for the small child, took him in as her own.

Moses’ sister boldly stepped out of hiding & offered their mother as a potential nurse maid for him, allowing him to stay near to his birth mother in his early years.

But Moses grew up in the palace, surrounded by wealth, watching his own people enslaved by his adopted grandfather.

Some Context to the Story

But Moses’ native people, the Israelites, were not always enslaved to Egypt… they had once been invited in amicably & given lush farmland to call their new home. They were welcomed in because of their ancestor Joseph’s good works, led by God’s plan. (Starting in Genesis 37, with the offering of the land in Genesis 47)

In a time of great famine, Joseph (with God’s help & guidance) helped to allocate resources to keep the Egyptians & neighboring lands from a harsh death & as a reward of gratitude, the pharaoh at that time welcomed Moses’ people (before Moses’ time) & much farmland became their new homes.

But, when that pharaoh passed away, a newer pharaoh began to feel threatened by their growing numbers, & in order to prevent an eventual perceived takeover (ie paranoia & fear), he enslaved the people of Israel (Moses’ people).

A Torn Heart

And so, Moses grew up in luxury watching his people being harshly mistreated, whom he no doubt knew about because of his mother who had helped serve as his nursemaid.

He loathed the situation & his heart undoubtedly felt in constant battle between his comfort & their turmoil.

But he eventually ran away from home, after killing a guard that he witnessed mistreating one of his fellow people… he could no longer ignore their pain.

And while on the run, God got a hold of his heart, directing him not to run away, but to head right back to the Pharaoh & tell Him to “let my people go!”

After Moses expressed insecurity of his weakness in speech, God offered Aaron to accompany him.

So That God May be Glorified

This began the dance of Moses presenting to the Pharaoh his plea to “let his people go!” only to be met with a firm, “NO” from the Pharaoh.

Following each “NO,” from the Pharaoh, God would present a plague of some sort, from grasshoppers that ate the crops, to locusts that invaded even the palace, to frogs, to rivers & water turned to blood. But still, the Pharaoh’s heart was hardened & although he seemed to waiver in his resolve occasionally, he always went back on his word & ended with another firm, “NO.”

Until the final response from God: the angel of death who would kill off every firstborn male among man & beast… Otherwise known as “the Passover,” because God added a way out with this one.

God Provided a Way Out

Whoever killed a lamb & placed its blood on their doorposts, everyone within its walls would be spared… aka Passed Over.

It didn’t matter their merit. The angel didn’t go in each house to see the people prove something first.

The blood of the lamb was all-sufficient.

God Doesn’t Look at the Merit within Us—With Jesus

But what I want to focus on right here & now is the blood of the lamb, symbolic of the blood shed by Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, on our behalf.

We will all face judgement before God at our death.

… In other words, the angel of death is coming.

… But the blood of this Lamb of God (AKA Jesus Christ) is also ALL-sufficient.

And if we ACCEPT His blood offered on OUR behalf, covering our life with His sacrifice, then the same goes for us that there is no “looking inside us to see if there is merit” or “checking for proof that we’re deserving.”

His shed blood is sufficient.

His innocence covers our guilt.

… If we accept His blood to cover us.

We All Deserve Hell… But JESUS

The consequences we will face upon death, as we face the judgement of God, is no respecter of persons… in other words, it doesn’t look at whether we’re a good person or whether we’re well-liked by our peers… whether we’ve “done a lot of good” or whether we haven’t even bothered to try… whether we’re a success or perceived failure.

We all deserve the guilty verdict.

We all deserve to face the angel of death.

We all deserve Hell.

But.

But, JESUS CHRIST, the LAMB of GOD died on our behalf so that HIS blood could cover us, telling that judgement & deserved punishment to PASS OVER us.

Don’t Wait… Don’t Be Fooled… Don’t Forget the Blood of Jesus

So, the question is not whether you feel you have done “enough”, but whether you have been obedient in taking seriously God’s “way out” as He offered during the Passover in Moses’ time. AKA, the blood of the Lamb to cover YOU.

Don’t wait until tomorrow, for you to sin “one more time,” as you may not be offered a tomorrow to do so.

Don’t let Satan continue to lure you in with sin that seems shiny, appealing, & fun, but is littered with fine print consequences that keep you trapped & imprisoned by lusts of your heart.

Don’t let your deceitful heart fool you into thinking it knows better than God Almighty.

Don’t give room for missing out on a chance to have Jesus’ blood cover your life, because I promise you that the judgement day will come whether you wait or not.

Be prepared.

Let His Blood Cover You

Accept Jesus as Lord of your life.

Ask Him to forgive you & make you whole.

Turn from you sins (even the “not-so-bad” ones that are easy for you to justify or excuse).

Be set free.

Be PASSED OVER when judgement day arrives.

And be welcomed into Heaven, where there is no more sorrow or pain, no more tears… only rejoicing & wholeness & complete, pure contentment & peace.

This earth is our temporary home. Where will your permanent home be?

Shine HOPE by accepting the blood of Jesus & telling others about this “way out” that God offers to EVERY single person who will accept it!

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 almost THREE 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!!

Silver Medallion Necklace

This textured silver-tone chain from India can be worn separately or layered with other necklaces from our One World Collection. The uniquely textured pendant adds the perfect artistic touch. Three length options allow you to choose your comfort & style. Every purchase provides fair-trade jobs in areas of extreme poverty in India.

In India, poverty often leads to exploitation of vulnerable Artisans in sweatshops. Every purchase provides these Artisans with fair wages, access to healthcare, education for their children, & care for elderly family members. 

Purchase this necklace & empower an Artisan in India!

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!

Our Preset

Have you ever stopped to realize that we are all dying? And there’s only one cure?

Because of our sin, without this cure, the preset destination for every one of us is hell.

And there’s only one cure to what ails us.

And whether or not you believe you need the cure, you do.

And whether or not your neighbor or co-worker or friend or family member believes they need the cure… they do, too.

There’s Only One Cure

I term it this way, as a cure, because we can often go through this life, poisoned by our wrong choices, destined to eventually be called to pay a price we can’t pay, clueless to this fact that our sin has written our death sentence for us… It has written our destiny in Hell.

You can deny it, reject it, or ignore it… but it won’t change the fact that you desperately need the cure.

And Jesus is the cure. He paid our debts for us already… but we have to take the cure aka ACCEPT Jesus’ payment… or eventually we will be called to pay a price we could never fully pay.

So, there’s only One cure that will actually save us… JESUS.

Set My People Free

I was listening to a song this morning by Dara Maclean, called “Set My People Free” where the singer talks about how Jesus pursued her heart & set her free, paying her debts & in exchange, she says, “I will be your hands & feet, follow where You lead, as You say, “Set My people free.”

While it’s not us setting His people free, but the grace of God, through Jesus Christ… the message in the song urges us to recognize the reality of how many others are trapped in their sins, destined to pay the price they could never pay, chained & lost in living the lies Satan feeds them throughout life.

And maybe we’ve taken the cure of Jesus that God offers us… but they still need it.

Go & Make Disciples of Every Nation

The Great Commission, in Matthew 28, urges the same determined battle cry to go set His people free, by proclaiming the Truth that can break their chains & pay their debts… & SET THEM FREE.

It’s not just a recommendation… it’s a command.

It’s not just for pastors or missionaries… it’s for us.

It’s not just on missions trips or service projects… but AS we go.

God’s love sets us free. He paid our price through the sacrifice & victory or our risen-again JESUS. And people need to KNOW about it!

It’s Not a Suggestion, But a Necessity!

That’s why we NEED to pray without ceasing, learning to lean on God for every decision, every attitude adjustment, every time emotions threaten to call the shots… to love a relentless, STUBBORN type of love that refuses NOT to love others, even if we have to lay down what we think we deserve to trust Jesus to fill in where we’re lacking & to LET HIM LOVE THROUGH US.

We NEED to know His Word, to have Truth flowing through our veins, pushing out the lies we’re spoon-fed from all around us.

We NEED to obey Him! Don’t deceive yourself by just knowing what God says… it won’t do anyone any good unless you DO what it says.

We NEED Him.

There Are People Out There Who Still Need the Cure

Picture that everyone is dying of a venom that flows through their bodies. They don’t know it’s killing them, but it still is all the same.

And you know the cure… the ONLY cure… the anti-venom that will allow them LIFE.

They may not know they need it, but they DO. DESPERATELY.

The world may deny, until they are blue in the face, their need for hope, but they need it all the same.

They NEED JESUS.

We Need Jesus

We each owe a debt we could never pay & it’s killing us.

But Jesus paid that debt & offers us LIFE.

He’s the cure. He’s the ONLY cure. And we ALL need Him.

So, share your faith. Pray for the boldness to love when it’s hard. Determine to know His Word & to talk to Him through every life situation or feeling or rejection or loss or insecurity or insufficiency.

He. Is. Enough.

So, Share Hope by Sharing JESUS.

If You Don’t Know Jesus

If you don’t know Jesus & you’re reading this, then you know you need the cure, too.

And the Gospel, meaning news-so-good-can-it-possibly-be-real, is that even though we have wronged God (every one of us), God loved us so much that He made a plan to pay our price, through Jesus dying on the cross & taking our payment upon Himself & then rising again after death (Easter) having victory over both sin & death.

And to accept His payment on your behalf, all you have to do is recognize your sin for what it is–SIN… confess it to God, ask for forgiveness & ask Him to take over as LORD over your life… letting His GOD-wisdom call the shots from now on (even though you will mess up because we all do) & letting His love & mercy & GRACE wash away every wrong, giving you a clean slate & fulfilling LOVE in its place.

That’s all there is to it. It won’t make you perfect, but God will begin to work on you from the inside out as you begin to submit more of your heart, past, & future to His perfect love, wisdom, & care.

So, what are you waiting for? Take the cure & accept Jesus as your Savior & LORD!

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 almost THREE years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to hear 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!!

Luminous Studs (Asia)

These 14k gold-plated mask-friendly studs are mesmerizing, as they sparkle in the light, creating iridescent shades that change with your every move.

Every purchase helps support a sex trafficking survivor in North Asia with safe housing, health care, trauma counseling, job skills training, & dignified income.

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!

Have You Ever Felt Alone?

Have you ever felt alone?

Sometimes it’s a misunderstanding or someone saying something hurtful when emotions are high, making you question whether they ever loved you.

Sometimes it’s trauma from your childhood, of someone saying you’re unlovable & too much trouble, destined to be alone.

Sometimes it’s feeling different from everyone around you, misunderstood & isolated.

Sometimes it’s just your brain playing tricks on you, Satan using your compromised emotional state of depression or otherwise to twist it into a web of lies that screams you’re in this alone.

And sometimes it’s your sin, the guilt that gnaws at you on the inside, yelling at you to maintain a distance from others to protect your indulgence in temptations.

Believable Lies Versus an Unbelievable TRUTH

Satan likes to isolate us. He likes to convince us that nobody will get it, that nobody will get us, that we’re too different, that nobody really cares or likes us… that we’re simply a burden to those we love.

But those are LIES.

Somebody DOES care.

A Call to Come Home

I have heard so many lessons on the prodigal son, in Luke 15, but it never dawned on me until recently that this story is not just encouraging those who don’t know Jesus to come to Him… it’s a call to the straying, wandering, dejected Christian.

It’s a call to come home.

Satan wants us to believe we’re beyond repair, that nobody will ever understand, that we’re beyond forgiveness… that we’re a burden better gone.

But God beckons. He whispers His love over us. He calls us home.

The Wayward Child

If you haven’t read the story, it’s a parable in the Bible that tells of a son who had wealth, but his greed & selfishness urged him to demand his inheritance given early so he could live how HE wanted on HIS terms.

And the father obliged. He gave the inheritance. And the son left, never to return, determined to finally live the way he wanted.

He squandered all of his money on foolish & shameful things. He lived it up, partied, & was probably riding high on popularity because of his flowing cash.

But then the money ran out…

And eventually, he was alone. No longer surrounded by the “friends” drawn in by his money… No longer understood or cared about by anyone nearby.

Facing the Pain

He wasn’t embraced by others to help him through his depravity. He was alone.

No longer cushioned by his money, he had no one to give handouts. He went from a life of luxury to feeding pigs, tempted by the slop that he fed them.

Alone, dejected, destitute, abandoned by friends, bridges all burned… he had nothing.

He was alone.

And in his pain, he began to realize that the servants of his father had more than he even had. So, he determined to return to his father, to beg to be his servant so that he could at least eat.

The Way Home

In his returning, I can only imagine his thoughts… probably rehearsing in his head how he would convince his father to let him serve him… to cover his tracks of all he had messed up & wasted… how he had rejected his father & taken advantage of his generosity… playing it over in his head, waiting in the journey to face his father again.

And when he arrived home, he saw it. His father’s face from afar, a look of recognition washing over him.

And what was that? Not anger or rage? Not hurt & rejection? Not a shaking of the head, as if to say, “What are you doing here? What do you want?”

No… it was joy. Pure, unmasked joy… & LOVE… relief.

An Unexpected Welcome

His father was running toward him then… arms wide… almost tripping over himself as if he couldn’t run nearly as fast as he wanted to.

And then the embrace… the tears of joy.

The forgiveness.

No questions… no answering for what he had wasted… just forgiveness & joy & LOVE.

The father draped his robe over his wandering son’s shoulders & placed his family ring on his finger & called the servants to prepare a feast… a party to welcome home his son…

Because he was lost, but now is found.

He was welcomed home… after all he had done… deserving none of it… he was welcomed home.

An Unimaginable LOVE

This story is a parable, told to point to a specific Truth about God… & it seems obvious here that He, as our heavenly Father, is often taken advantage of & recklessly abandoned by us as His dear children… but that His love & faithfulness toward us remains unaltered.

And that’s God’s love for you, too.

He sees you. He knows what you’ve done. He understands your traumas & scars & hurts & anger & wrongs.

He sees you. Not sugar-coated you, but the REAL you. He understands you.

And He’s there, never to leave you or forsake you… faithful to the end, even when you’re not.

He loves you.

He is there for you.

He never will leave you.

He gets you like no one ever will.

You’re not alone. EVER. (No matter what Satan lies say to you.)

Because your Father in Heaven LOVES you. Always. No matter what.

Our Awesome God

THAT is the God that we serve. Our Father. Our Redeemer. Our LOVE.

If you feel alone, come home. He made you, knit you together in your mother’s womb. You are His workmanship, designed with a plan just for you, & redeemed by Jesus, who died on your behalf before you even accepted Him.

So, shine HOPE. Shine for Him… & invite others home again, too.

Because–oh how great His love is for YOU!

You are NEVER alone.

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 over TWO years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to hear 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!!

Silver Medallion Necklace (India)

This textured silver-tone chain from India can be worn separately or layered with other necklaces from our One World Collection. The uniquely textured pendant adds the perfect artistic touch. Three length options allow you to choose your comfort and style. Every necklace has variations as a part of the Artisan-made charm! Every purchase provides fair-trade jobs in areas of extreme poverty in India.

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!

Forgiveness Is Important to God

Forgiveness is a pretty big deal to God. So much so that He set the ultimate example in that “while we were still sinners, Jesus Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

But it’s something that is very challenging for me.

It’s not that I hold grudges or get pouty, but if someone is intentionally spiteful or if I see a Christian, who represents Jesus Christ, misrepresenting Him, I can feel an immediate wall go up between me & that person.

I understand that we can sharpen one another as iron sharpen iron (Proverbs 27:17) & that certain circumstances require loving confrontation to correct the wrong (2 Timothy 4:1-5) (Ephesians 4:15), but in the case of someone who is unrepentant or uncaring, we are called to forgive anyway. (Matthew 18:21-22)

Not Understanding

Learning to forgive is something I have been praying over for the last couple of years or so.

… Not that I mean to be unforgiving, but I struggle even understanding what it means TO forgive.

Some people describe forgiveness as a “forgive & forget,” while others say “forgive but be smart & never forget.” Still others act like forgiveness means completely excusing the wrongs committed.

Apologies Go a LONG WAY

In my past, I have often had people say very hurtful things to me that caused a lot of emotional scarring on my heart, only to have that person brush it off after their emotions calmed down, implying to me that their hot emotions justified their hurtful words.

This sort of behavior can be quite harmful, as it makes the victim feel to blame.

That is why it is so important, if you emotionally lash out at someone, whether they be your child, spouse, parent, friend, or stranger—to apologize—to take responsibility for it & express remorse to the person wronged.

Taking the Burden on Myself

On my end, I cultivated an even more dangerous habit in response… I began holding on to their wrongs myself, as if me deciding to let them go justified those wrongs somehow. In my opinion, those wrongs needed to be seen as wrong & if the person wouldn’t acknowledge it, my heart wouldn’t let it go.

I wanted that wrong to be treated as a wrong versus being swept away as if justified.

But that’s not my job. I don’t need to bear that burden or responsibility.

Jesus paid for those wrongs. God is the Judge.

Not me.

My Journey with Forgiveness

And that’s what God has been teaching me in my quest to understand the meaning & practical application of forgiveness.

I don’t have to hold on to those wrongs.

God knows those wrongs are wrong. God is the Righteous & Perfect Judge. HE can & will handle it, even if that means it being covered on the cross when Jesus paid our debt before God.

And then the Holy Spirit brought a passage in Matthew 18 to mind. (In other words, God brought in “the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:17) aka RHEMA, where He seems to highlight a section of Scripture meant to deal directly with what you have been seeking God for help with.)

The Unforgiving Servant

This passage in Matthew 18 contains a parable (story told in the Bible to illustrate a specific Truth from God) about the Unforgiving Servant. Read about him below:

“Then Peter came to Him [Jesus] & said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, & I forgive him? Up to seven times?”

Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife & children & all that he had, & that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, & I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, & forgave him the debt.

“But that servant went out & found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; & he laid hands on him & took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So, his fellow servant fell down at his feet & begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, & I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went & threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. So, when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, & came & told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, & delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.

“So, My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” (Matthew 18:21-35)

A Truth from the Parable

As you can see from this parable, unforgiveness is no joking matter to God. He takes it very seriously.

And in His seemingly harsh reaction to it, we can be tempted to forget that the punishment threatened here is exactly what we deserve.

Actually, we deserve Hell because of our “infractions” aka SIN against God, but instead of demanding we suffer or pay, He covered our debt through His compassion for us.

But then for us, having been forgiven SO MUCH by HIM, to go & NOT forgive so much LESS from others… well, in God’s eyes, it is deserving of the wrath we had been spared.

We need to be careful not to hold what others owe us over their heads.

Because God surely doesn’t do that to us, & if He did, we would surely be crushed under the weight of all we would owe Him.

Forgiveness Even When Found Guilty

In that story, the fellow servant owed the original servant. It’s not that the servant was innocent & “deserving” of forgiveness. The servant owed money & deserved repercussions for not paying what was owed.

But that first servant was called to forgive anyway… because he had been forgiven a debt far greater.

Dealing with Unforgiveness

Forgiveness seems impossible when I am only looking at what others owe me or at the wrongs they have done against me… when I see their lack of innocence as glaringly obvious….

… But then, when I compare their debt to myself & my forgiven debt to God….

… And ask God to help me let go & let Him take His seat as Redeemer & Judge…

… Then it’s a lot harder for me to keep holding on to that unforgiveness against their wrongs.

Because I deserve GOD’s wrath, but He forgave me & covered my debt when I asked Him to cover me. He had compassion on me.

Let Go, Let God, Pray & Forgive

I need to remember that when I am wronged. I need to pray for them who persecute me & love those who make themselves my enemy (Matthew 5:44) & consider their payment as also coverable by Jesus’ blood, just as mine was covered.

And I need to forgive, let go, & let God.

Shine Hope by letting God sit in the Judge’s seat & by trusting Him to handle it… because that’s not your burden to bear anymore or ever.

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 over TWO years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to hear 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!!

Long Chain Necklace-Silver (India)

This silver-tone link-chain design is handcrafted in India & is totally on-trend! Wear alone, double up, or layer together with other chain necklaces from our One World Collection, like our Long Chain Necklace – Gold. Every purchase provides fair trade jobs in areas of extreme poverty in India.

Artisan Story

Vishnu’s Story of Hope:

“When I was 19 years old my friend introduced me to this work. Then I started work with a factory. When I was in the first factory, the boss & working environment were not friendly. I also faced issues with my colleagues. I was not liking the work much.

But now, I enjoy my work. I like making & setting stones with the silver & brass jewelry, mostly setting earrings & rings. I’m educating my children & my work is helping me to achieve my family goals. I’m still facing hardships in my life, but I like being an Artisan. I hope to earn more for my family & fulfill their dreams, so they can enjoy a good life in the future.”

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!

A Shocking Realization

I was recently convicted by the Holy Spirit in an area I hadn’t really considered previously. Those moments are always great, aren’t they? We get lulled into thinking we’re doing pretty well as a human being & then BAM, you realize you haven’t been doing quite as well as you previously imagined.

Now, this isn’t something He does to push us down with guilt & shame, but to lift us up, putting away the old me & replacing that with better habits that honor & love both God & others better & more intentionally.

So, I had one of those moments when I came across Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Emphasis mine.)

Only What Is Edifying

Now, because I had seen improvement on the first half of that command, watching my mouth to not accidentally slander or gossip, & cleaning up my vocabulary from the unwholesome talk of my youth, I thought I was doing pretty well here.

But when I read that verse this time, the second half seemed to lift off the page & present itself upon my heart, “… only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” ONLY what is edifying to others.

Wow, now THAT is a tall order.

Much Improvement Needed

I have much improved, with God’s help through the Holy Spirit, on the “what NOT to do” in that verse’s first half, but often I wildly neglect the responsibility given for me TO DO in the second half.

ONLY what helps build others up according to their needs… ONLY what edifies them.

I promise you that is not something I live up to currently.

Social Anxiety Wins Too Often

You may see my blog’s (hopeful) encouragement & my social media presence of mostly (hopeful) encouragement, but in person? Social awkwardness & social anxiety of just trying to get through the conversation without looking &/or feeling like an idiot is my main & usually ONLY focus.

Now, I try to be kind & caring & all that… but I don’t intentionally pray for God to help me find words that will build them up… that will leave them encouraged… that will do lasting good in their hearts.

I just get in & get out, hoping to not look a fool.

And then that little verse.

Be His Light in the World

I realized I have been more concerned with being liked (or at least accepted) instead of being a LIGHT of hope & encouragement… intentional in building others up whom God places in my path.

I have been looking out for ME, instead of trusting GOD to do that, while looking out for those around me.

How convicting.

How selfish I am & how untrusting of God that reveals my heart to be.

A Prayer of Repentance & for Growth

“LORD, I see this reminder… this Truth. I see the call in it to trust You with my image or worth while seeking how I can be intentionally blessing others with my words… building them up… encouraging them… nourishing them with Your call of hope, Your LOVE, & Your Truth. I have been an unwilling messenger. Please forgive me. Help me to be bold in speaking Your Truth in love, in shining hope into the lives of those I interact with every day. Help me to stop trying to save face or to stop fading into the background, & help me to realize people are worth it. You DIED for them. Your Truth is for them & WILL help them whether they get that or not. Your ways are good. Help me be a voice for that Goodness & HOPE. Help me not self-protect, but to SHINE FOR YOU. Your glory, their blessing. Your glory, not mine. Help me grow here. Please help me. They’re worth it. You’re worth it. You’ve got me. They’re worth it to You, God, so they should be worth it to me. Help me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN.”

Not Easy, But God’s Got You

I get that it’s not easy. I feel you. (Or maybe this is an area you thrive in already?) But God can help you improve. He can bolster your confidence & give you the words. He can be your ENOUGH.

Every person is seen by God & known intimately by God. He sees their hurts & their struggles & their hearts. And He may be sending you as His messenger to show them He sees & cares for them. Shine for Him, through Him–for them.

Shine hope by determining to ONLY speak what is helpful in building others up according to their needs, willing yourself to lean into God for help when you want to freeze up or flee the scene.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for a new blog post with 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 over TWO years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to hear 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!!

Zoya Earrings (India)

Zoya means “shining, life” in Hindi. These stylishly stunning gold-toned earrings are handcrafted in India, featuring genuine freshwater pearls on a delicate linked-chain design.

Artisan Story (Dulal)

“When I was 19 years old, I wasn’t interested in further studies. My life was just sad. I was not aware of my abilities & was just in search of some work. I was depressed due to economic conditions. Then my friend introduced me to this work. My previous boss used to treat me very badly.

Now, I enjoy my work! It’s helping my family & me. I’m capable enough to fulfill my needs, & I’m making all types of handmade jewelry. So overall, it’s a big achievement for me! I’m happy to be an Artisan. I have hope for a good life in the future!”

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!

I Wanted to be Cool

I don’t know about you, but growing up, I had the driving force of wanting desperately to fit in as my motivation for most areas of my life.

Growing up homeschooled for six of my schooling years, I always saw public-school kids as the standard for cool.

Being stereotyped as under-socialized (even though we had a lot of activities with other homeschool groups) & also teased as having my mom as my only/best friend (now, not as much of an insult, but back then… phew!), I wanted to fit in with what those public-school kids deemed as “COOL.”

And since I got a late start, I felt I was scrambling to catch up.

It Didn’t Stop There

But it didn’t end in those early years. No, I kept feeling I was behind & that if I just adjusted one more part of myself, I would finally achieve this standard of cool that I chased after so awkwardly.

Now, I have mentioned before that I became a Christian (AKA recognized I was a sinner & couldn’t save myself from my wrongs & that I needed Jesus’ payment on my behalf to cover it) when I was around 5 years old, but I thought that meant, “Now I am saved from Hell & I should try to be a good person until I go to Heaven.”

And while that is partially true, it was definitely lacking. I didn’t understand that accepting Jesus doesn’t end with “just” going to Heaven… NO, it is SO much more!

God Calls for Obedience… & He Offers His Help

I didn’t understand that He interacted with me on earth through the Holy Spirit & that I could realize so many more blessings in my life if I aligned my actions with God’s way of doing things.

In my hunger for acceptance & popularity, I neglected the only true thing that would breathe life into my very existence… obedience to God.

In trying to find my life, I was losing it. (Matthew 10:39 & Luke 17:33)

In my quest to fit in, I was compromising what God tells me is true & living by my very limited understanding vs. referring to His infinite understanding.

A Life Defined by Compromising Truth for Popularity

My life was defined by compromise… carefully constructed compromise… compromise that you could easily mistake for living right by God.

So much of life my life was often dictated by popular opinion.

I looked around to see what everyone else seemed to deem as the right normal or the “right level” of being a “good person.”

But God makes it easy for us. Obey HIM.

Look to HIM & NOT to the shifting cultures & shifting ideas of “AHA!” moments where others feel they have finally figured out the trick to life.

God’s Truth is Timeless

God is unchanging. His Truth is timeless. It always works, 100% of the time, based on the infinite, perfect wisdom, knowledge, & understanding of the One who made it all!

Don’t compromise on obedience. Don’t look to what others define as a “pretty good life,” because if it doesn’t line up with God’s Word & what He says, it’s automatically wrong, by default.

I used to read God’s Word, cross something that didn’t line up with my understanding of “real life” or “life nowadays,” & I thought His Word was outdated or that “times have changed.”

More recently, I am learning to read God’s Word & when I come across something like that, I stop & think, “Hmm… that doesn’t line up with my experience of it… God, You say this is true or that it’s what I need to do in this situation, but it doesn’t seem to work, so what am I missing? I know You’re right, obviously, because You literally know EVERYTHING, so help me understand & help correct my view to Yours. I am wrong here & I need help learning the right way, Your way. AMEN.”

God Is the Standard

Not based on culture… but based on God.

Not based on popular opinion… but based on God’s Word.

Not based on what you grew up hearing & believing… but based on what God says is true.

Not based on your experiences… but based on God’s TRUTH.

I don’t want to compromise anymore. I don’t want to strive to fit in with the shifting, unstable standard of culture… I want to stand on what God says & trust/obey HIM above anything anyone else says.

Because they are fallible… I am fallible…

But GOD is Infallible.

Being Popular vs Being Obedient

Seeking to fit in with culture will leave you tired & exhausted & empty & unfulfilled, like something is always missing… like something is never quite right.

But seeking to live by God’s Word, in obedience to it, will cultivate & blossom that LIFE you have been craving… EVERY time, 100%.

So, shine HOPE into this world by determining to live GOD’S way & leave that fruitless popularity contest in the past where it belongs.

Only then will you find LIFE.

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 over TWO years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to hear 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!!

Crystal Spring Earrings (India)

Made from genuine sterling silver & chalcedony stone, these 1″ drop earrings are an easy addition to elevate your outfit.

Artisan Information:

The women we partner with in India do so much more than just create beautiful products. With every purchase, another woman is empowered out of poverty to be self-reliant! Women have the opportunity to earn an income, attend financial management classes, & receive education & healthcare. These women are now able to give their family a promising future because of your purchase!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!

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!

We Learn Right Behaviors

If you’re anything like a lot of America, maybe you grew up learning & believing in morality.

As children, considering that most of us don’t like discipline, we can sometimes learn quickly how to say the right things & do the right things, all in efforts of avoiding discipline.

Now, discipline is not a bad thing—far from it! God even says that He disciplines those He loves, because He knows that a lack of discipline can lead to unsatisfying & even harmful consequences.

BUT, morality is not the end all, be all in life.

Right Behaviors Aren’t Enough

Morality can’t save us, first of all, from what is owed because of our sin.

Only the payment made by Jesus Christ, on the cross, once for all mankind who believe in Him… only HE can save us from the punishment we rightly deserve for rejecting & rebelling against our Creator God.

BUT, there’s more… Morality alone doesn’t please God.

God cares about the intentions. God cares about the motivations. God cares about having a right heart, too.

“First Clean the Inside” -Jesus

Matthew 23:25-28 illustrates this very point, by calling out the Pharisees on being clean on the inside, but filthy on the inside… reminding them also that God sees their hearts for what they are… sinful.

This is tricky business for me because I grew up as a people pleaser. (I am NOT saying I didn’t get into trouble as a kid… but I AM saying I REALLY cared about looking like a good kid, even when I messed up.)

Because of this, I cared DEEPLY about at least seeming to get it right. I wanted to know what made something wrong so I would know when to not do it. I wanted to know where the lines were so I wouldn’t cross them.

And as Priscilla Shirer puts it, in her Armor of God study of Ephesians 6, “… we sometimes obey God on the outside, while simmering in disobedience on the inside.” (p. 84)

This defined my growing up years.

I Was Deceived

Did I accept Jesus to save me & to cover my sins before God at a young age? Yes.

Did I have the maturity to distinguish then the difference between doing right & having a right heart in God’s eyes? No.

So, my life was defined by moments of tirelessly trying to look like a good person & “technically” doing right on the outside (going to church, listening to Christian music sometimes, & talking about God), but on the inside, I was too often compromising on my flimsy hold to God’s Truth.

In other words, I was those Pharisees Jesus was talking to in Matthew 23. I worked to seem so perfect on the outside, while my inside was teeming with ways to ALMOST obey aka obey just enough to seem good, while still living how I thought was best & thought made me happiest, versus relentlessly choosing to reject everything else (aka my way) in exchange for HIS way in EVERYTHING.

God Cares About the Inside, Too

We can go to church, serve in church, help the homeless, give generously, pray before meals, talk about Jesus, & say/quote Scripture… but until we choose to receive God’s Word as TRUTH & be willing to turn EVERY area of our life to reflect & live that Truth by opening our hearts to be changed from the inside out (by the Holy Spirit working in us)… until then, we’re just living out Matthew 23:25-28.

We can look great on the outside, but reek of a sin-torn, self-led heart on the inside.

And don’t get me wrong, those deeds are good, but they need to come with a changed heart & a renewed mind… a consistent drawing near to God & a willingness to let Him grow you from the inside out.

Because God cares about the inside, too.

Perfect Makes Practice

We can also swing the pendulum the other damaging way & try to be perfect in & of ourselves. What it really requires, in order to work properly, is a surrendered heart. A heart that is willing to say, “Okay God. Your will over mine.”

This week, in this Priscilla Shirer’s Armor of God Study that I am working through, she is talking about the breastplate piece of the armor… RIGHTEOUSNESS… & she points out this beautiful Truth of “Perfect Makes Practice”… That GOD’S Perfection works out righteousness in us, which allows us to practice living righteously.

And a beautiful thing she echoes throughout this week of the study is the fact that we are ONLY made righteous by accepting for ourselves, personally, what Jesus Christ did by paying our debt on the cross.

That trusting in Him is accounted to us as righteousness.

And that because of that trust in HIS work FOR us, it allows us to put on this breastplate that protects our most vulnerable organs for sustaining our life.

And through that, we can submit areas of our life, as we grow closer to Him in prayer & studying the Bible, to let the Holy Spirit grow us closer to God’s way & further away from our own way.

Determine to Draw Close to God & Let Him Clean Up Your Life from the Inside Out

Don’t be content to just look “Christiany.” Determine to surrender.

Faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26!) because if we really believed that God ALONE really knows what He is talking about, as LORD, then we need to adjust & seek Him & His way above our own… in EVERY area of life. And to seek Him to help you have the attitude of, “& if not” (like in Daniel 3).

That, if you pray & don’t feel immediate ease in following Him, that you seek to trust Him so much that you ABSOLUTELY REFUSE to bow to your own way! That you say, “& if He, for whatever reason, doesn’t seem to be making this easier for me, I will choose to obey anyway, because if He says it, it must be true, & if it’s true, I MUST obey & do it His way.”

WHEN It’s Hard… Pray for His Help

“God, I am so weak. I quit so easily. One jab from Satan, one THREAT of a jab from Satan, & I cave. Help this not be so. Help me to DETERMINE to live Your way, NO MATTER WHAT. Anything else is a lie… a trap… that leads to joyless, empty life. Help me to stop fighting You. Help me surrender. Soften my heart to trust You above EVERYTHING ELSE that I convince myself I know better. How can I compare to YOU? GOD Almighty… LORD… Creator? HOW? I cannot. And yet, I still fight You. How fruitless & frustrating & harmful! Help me to be a doer of Your Word, as in James 1:21-24 & not just a hearer only, deceiving myself. Help me not just tirelessly work to be a perfect Christian either, fooling myself again with good works to replace a renewed heart. Help me surrender to You… to submit to You in everything. You are the only source of true LIFE. You even warn us that in seeking LIFE, we lose it… but in giving up that quest to trust & obey You instead, we FIND it. So, help me stop trying to live my way & help me exchange every “my way” area for Your way. I can’t do it without Your help because my heart begs to rebel. I need Your strength & Truth & wisdom. Help me to submit to Your way… aka LIFE as it was always meant to be: blessed & full of abundant life! AMEN.”

Shine Hope

Shine HOPE by determining not just to live “morally” or to appear “Christian-y,” but to allow the Holy Spirit to renew Your heart & mind (notice that this verse says BE transformed… NOT transform–it’s the work of the Holy Spirit, but you have to be willing to do life His way & allow Him transform you from the inside out) as you determine to die to yourself & finally find what it means to LIVE… in HIM.

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 over TWO years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to hear 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!!

Truth Earrings

These incredibly light earrings are made with genuine local capiz shell.

Artisan Information:

In the Philippines, finding employment as a woman in poverty can be extremely difficult. Poor working conditions, lack of job security, & unfair pay are often the realities. Through your purchase, these women are receiving an income, health care, & social development programs. This allows these women to realize their potential & pursue their dreams in a safe environment. You have the opportunity to change lives!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in the Philippines!

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 Starts with Truth for a Reason

Lately, I have been learning more deeply about the armor of God, as mentioned in Ephesians 6.

And with this armor, comes a call to remember the importance of Truth.

Not “my truth” or “your truth”, but THE Truth.

Makes Sense

In today’s culture, this idea of a steady & sure Truth is often rejected & mocked.

Well, if you consider how much importance the Bible expresses that Truth really has in our lives, while also considering that the devil’s main goal is to discredit God & destroy us, it makes sense that this idea of a firm TRUTH that we can count on & stand firm upon is so greatly attacked.

The Bible Is the Standard for ALL Truth

I grew up being taught the Bible is true, but never really grasped that it is THE standard of ALL Truth.

That God’s Word is TRUE, for both believers AND unbelievers in Jesus &/or God’s Word. Its validity is not dependent on the reader’s understanding of it or belief in it. It just IS.

The more I read through God’s Word, the Bible, the more I see its truth coming to light, shining reality over what I grew up believing was reality based on what I understood to be true.

God’s Word is a filter by which we can determine if anything else is true.

He Is the Only Reasonable Determinant of What Constitutes as Actual Truth

Because God made us. He made this world. He knows how it works.

So, it stands to reason that He would be the only real determinant of what constitutes as actual Truth.

He is also eternal & unchanging. He existed before time & will exist after it. He sees all & knows all.

So, again, it stands to reason that He alone would be the only real determinant of what constitutes as actual, real TRUTH.

And yet, too often, based on my childhood & upbringing, formed through the eyes of a child’s immaturity & inexperience, I think I could determine for myself what Truth could be & have it hold up to every circumstance in life.

No. Only God.

God Made Sure We Had It & Having It Offers Us SO MUCH

And in His infinite richness of blessings to us, He made sure we had His Word given to us, inspired by Him & written by humans.

2 Timothy 3:16 concisely sums it up with, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God & is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

I heard it described this way, “God’s Word is good then for teaching us what is right, what is wrong, how to correct what is wrong, & how to do what is right.”

What an amazing description!

But I Want It MY Way… I Think I’M Right…

My selfish, self-centered heart wants everything to be about me: my understanding, my determining of what should be right or wrong based on what I want or how I feel about something, my wisdom, my desires, etc….

But there is only one Truth & that is God’s Word.

Truth Stays Truth Over Time

Truth does not fluctuate based on our feelings… it stands strong & firm.

Truth does not deteriorate because we discover something new… it stands firm & strong throughout history.

Truth is not dependent on us believing it… it stands firm & strong.

God’s Truth just IS.

And THANK GOD for THAT!

Truth Is Our Defense & Steady Footing

When we lean into & stand on God’s Word for Truth, we are no longer as susceptible to believing the devil’s deception…

We’re no longer so easily offended or hurt…

We’re no longer so easily distracted into giving in to our evil desires…

We’re no longer as gullible or easily controlled…

We’re able to stand firm & when all is said & done, to stand.

God’s Word…

God’s Word gives us steady footing that doesn’t shake when culture shifts.

God’s Word gives us a firm foundation when our world seems to crumble around us.

God’s Word gives us ammunition against our struggle with anxiety & depression.

God’s Word helps us know what pleases God & what doesn’t.

God’s Word tells us our purpose & our calling in life.

God’s Word POINTS US TO THE ONLY SOURCE OF TRUE HOPE—JESUS CHRIST.

Information We Can Count on & Live By

It tells us we’re made by Him, loved by Him, rescued by Him, & blessed by Him.

It warns us of the Enemy & tells us how to combat & defeat Him.

It brings healing, counsel, comfort, confidence, courage, & strength.

It applies to every area of life.

Read It for Yourself!

THIS is why I URGE you… DON’T rely on a pastor’s teaching… DON’T rely on what a devotional or book says… DON’T look to the ideologies, philosophies, & beliefs of your culture.

MEDITATE ON GOD’S WORD DAY & NIGHT.

Know it. Read it. Study it. Do it. And PRAY OVER IT.

He didn’t make a point to have many people carefully record His Truth to pass down through the generations, to reach you… so it could sit in the drawer of your nightstand.

This is not a Christian ACCESSORY; it is a Christian NECESSITY.

God’s Word/TRUTH Is Helpful & Life-Giving to Us in Every Area of Life

God’s Word is helpful in every area of life… & the more & more you pour over it by reading it or studying it or memorizing it, the more it will come into focus for you.

But reading it is not enough for it to change your life.

You have to DO WHAT IT SAYS.

Hearing the Truth & not doing what it says is true is worthless, like looking in a mirror & then walking away & forgetting what you look like (James 1:23-24).

And if you don’t know how… good news… the Holy Spirit is ready & able to help illuminate the Truth in your heart as you ask Him to help you live His way.

It All Starts with JESUS

But it all starts with Jesus. You have to be willing to accept you’re a sinner, you’ve messed up, you’ve rebelled against God, you’ve sinned… ask God to forgive you of those sins, trust Jesus as Your LORD & trust that He has paid your debt in full… & turn away from that sin & rebellion with God’s help as you live for Him.

And when you do that, you are gifted with everything you need to live for Him, His way, with His help. (2 Peter 1:3; Ephesians 1:3)

Trade It All In

And that is when you begin to bow your ideals & ideas & emotions & beliefs & understanding & passions to trade your shadows for God’s LIGHT.

Trade deception for Truth.

Trade darkness for Light.

Trade despair for HOPE.

God’s Word is a necessity. Ask Him to help you be diligent.

Allow God Room to Help You in the Struggle… Determine to LET HIM HELP YOU

If you struggle against it, know that Satan will have made it his mission to do whatever it takes to convince you to put that Bible back down & disregard it, because he TOO knows just HOW POWERFUL GOD’S WORD really is!

So, when you feel the resistance, that headache, that tiredness, that distraction, that whatever-it-is… PRAY & READ ANYWAY.

Say a similar prayer to the one I have said to God SO MANY times in the past, “God, I know I should do this, but [I really don’t want to… I really don’t feel like it… I feel too tired, though… I am so busy… I am so distracted… I can’t concentrate…], please HELP ME obey because I know it HONORS You AND it BLESSES me! Help me fight back!”

And then… START READING & trust that God will help you fight back as you determine to read the Truth you need to steady your life… to know what is right & what is wrong & how to correct what is wrong & how to do what is right.

The Importance of Truth

I hope, by now, you see even just a GLIMPSE of the importance of Truth.

***Again, your Bible is not a Christian accessory; your Bible is a Christian NECESSITY.***

Shine Hope by learning God’s Word, doing God’s Word, & sharing God’s Word (in LOVE) & don’t let Satan consider you as “gullible & easy to control” anymore!

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 over TWO years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to hear 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!!

Truth Earrings

These incredibly light earrings are made with genuine local capiz shell.

Artisan Information:

In the Philippines, finding employment as a woman in poverty can be extremely difficult. Poor working conditions, lack of job security, & unfair pay are often the realities. Through your purchase, these women are receiving an income, health care, & social development programs. This allows these women to realize their potential & pursue their dreams in a safe environment. You have the opportunity to change lives!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in the Philippines!

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!

JESUS.

What power is contained in His name; I cannot begin to imagine.

It seems silly to me, in my human perspective & understanding, that a mere name can have power in & of itself, but this name is no ordinary name. (Proverbs 18:10)

This is the name of God’s only Son, who came to earth as wholly man AND wholly God. (Colossians 2:8-9)

He humbled Himself from His heavenly throne to be born to us on earth… to teach & to love by example… to die on our behalf. (John 3:16)

Jesus IS.

There is power in that name because He IS power. He is I AM. (Exodus 3:14)

His existence, His power, His wisdom, His TRUTH… does not depend on us believing it.

He. Just. IS.

His Truth. Just. Is.

Demons tremble at His name because they know that in just His name alone lies more power than all of their power combined. (Luke 10:17)

Jesus Is LOVE.

Jesus, GOD OF ALL, came to humble Himself in flesh… to demonstrate His pure & inexhaustible love to us not only in His life of teaching & healing… but in offering His life for us. (John 3:17)

On earth, He displayed love because He IS love. (1 John 4:8)

He is patient.

He is kind.

He does not envy or boast.

He is not haughty.

He does not dishonor others.

He is not self-seeking.

He is not easily angered.

He keeps no record of wrongs.

He does not delight in evil.

He rejoices with Truth.

He always protects.

He always hopes.

He always perseveres.

He never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4-9)

Jesus Is Lord

When others pushed Him to stone a woman, He replied, “He who is without sin may cast the first stone.” (John 8:7)

He is pure & kind. He is wholly righteous & wholly wise.

He created all & is above all. (Colossians 1:16)

He is King of kings & Lord of lords. (Psalm 95:3)

Jesus Is Our Willing Redeemer

When the people assumed He came to conquer their human oppressors, He instead came to conquer something much more threatening… their sin… our sin. (Romans 6:23)

He came to give us life… & to give it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

He could have called a thousand angels to rescue Him from the cross. (Matthew 26:53)

He could have just THOUGHT to be removed from the cross. (Genesis 1:3)

But instead, He hung there humiliated, naked, beaten, mocked, spit on, rejected, & betrayed by the very people He came to rescue (Isaiah 53:3-6) & while hanging there, lifted up to God, “Lord forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

Jesus Is Our Victory!

And with His last breath, He spoke “It is finished” because He knew His death meant victory for us. (John 19:30)

Because after death, taking our punishment upon Himself, He also rose victorious… resurrected & conqueror of both our sin AND death. (Matthew 28:6)

No longer did we carry the wrath of God for our wrongs against Him. No longer was it up to us to pay the price we owed. Jesus, as our Master, died in our place so that “whoever calls upon the name of the Lord [Jesus]” may LIVE as FORGIVEN before God. (Romans 10:13)

Who Jesus Is To Me

How lightly I take that name. How little credit I tend to give it.

How often I think I might know better than He this time or that. (Proverbs 21:2)

How often I question Him & want to go my own way. (Romans 7:19-25)

How little I deserve His offer of mercy.

And yet… Jesus.

I think, if I understood just how much power was in that name alone, I would just be getting the tiny first glimpse of the great power He possesses. (Philippians 2:9-11)

What confidence that understanding would instill in me to stand up for Him & to live for Him with unashamed devotion. Because even in my weaknesses & inadequacies, I know HE can fill in where I lack. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

Jesus Is Near

“Thank You, Jesus. You are the Christ. You are the Savior to the world You love. Help us lower the veils from our eyes. Remove our blindness so that we can see with full clarity just how wide & deep Your great love for us really is. Thank You for paying our debt. Thank You for offering us MERCY. We deserve Your wrath… it can be easy to sugarcoat my sin, but I do… I DESERVE Your wrath… & yet, You have mercy & give grace. Thank You, Lord. THANK YOU. Help embolden me to share Your love letter to the world… the Gospel aka the Good News aka how YOU came to SAVE us. Help me be bold for the greatest love story known to man. Amen.”

Shining Hope starts with believing in the saving work of Jesus Christ… & sharing that HOPE with this hurting, bleeding world.

Because in Him we find HOPE.

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 over TWO years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to hear 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!!

Moonstone Hoops (from India)

Artisans from India cut & frame moonstones on these gold-toned elliptical hoops. Moonstones are prized in India for the unique way they reflect light.

Artisan Information:

Women in India still face widespread discrimination that often leads to poverty & exploitation. Your purchase provides opportunities for women to earn sustainable income through creative expression as fair-trade Artisans.

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!

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 this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win win!

Favorite Ornament

My favorite ornament on our tree every year is a cross. We are always careful to place it near the top, at eye level, front & center….

The Ending That Stuck with Me

Over a decade ago, my family (parents & siblings) went to see the Christmas Nativity Sight & Sound production in Pennsylvania. (If you have not had the enormous pleasure of seeing one of their shows, put it on your bucket list for sure! Live animals, wrap-around stage, & wonderful re-enactments of the true stories of Scripture. Both Inspiring & Beautiful.)

Not only was the entirety of that Christmas Nativity performance moving & spectacular, the ending is what stuck with me all these many years later.

As the performance came to a close, the lights dimmed… & shown in the backdrop, illuminated, was a CROSS.

I will never forget it.

Reflections This Christmas

In the production’s retelling of Jesus’ birth: the virgin Mary, visited by the angel & told of the child she would carry, placed in her by God Almighty… her fiancé Joseph who honorably chose to put Mary away quietly rather than have her stoned for “infidelity” & who was then also visited by an angel of God & told that the child Mary carried was the Son of the Most High God & would someday save the world from their sins… the traveling to fulfill the king’s command… the inn where there was no room… the stable-like cave they were placed in as Mary gave birth to our Savior… the angels who sang & announced to the lowly shepherds the arrival of God-come-as-man for all mankind… the wise men who travelled far, offering gifts of honor….

And for them to end the whole re-telling of the first Christmas with an illuminated cross as the backdrop sent me sobbing to myself in my seat.

Christmas Grace, Christmas Mercy, Christmas LOVE

This precious, sweet infant Jesus… God in flesh… He came willingly to earth so He could love us in person & display His truth & mercy & grace & LOVE… knowing He ALSO came to die… for us

And this was God’s plan all along.

… Not just since the first Christmas, but since BEFORE TIME. God ALWAYS knew that Jesus would come as man & live as Emmanuel “God with us” to eventually die in our place to make us right with God.

What mercy! What grace! What wonderful LOVE!

The Struggle Is REAL

There are so many things struggling for our attention during this season:  Christmas cards (our close friends & family are getting ‘New Year cards’ this year, haha), cookie-baking, caroling, shopping, wrapping, decorating, cooking, cleaning, planning, parties, church services, driving to see the lights, & all the hustle & bustle of the holidays.

But one must take the time to quiet their heart & remember…

The Most Wonderful Gift Can’t be Bought

Remember the beautiful gift of Jesus Who willingly came to pay for our sins on the cross.

He was God-with-us. He was the most impactful, life-changing, life-sacrificing, LOVING gift we will ever receive on any Christmas for all time. He topped the charts… ALL the charts.

So, take a moment right now to close your eyes & take a few deep, slow breaths… quiet your heart & mind from all the crazy going on around you… & thank Him. Let your heart feel the blessing that is JESUS.

My Christmas Prayer

“Lord, we don’t deserve You. I mean, we are sometimes SO BUSY that it’s hard to even remember that You’re still with us. Thank You for coming… for giving us a JOYFUL & beautiful reason to celebrate this season. You are such a loving gift to us. We can get so wrapped up in everything this season has become & miss the most beautiful, life-changing part. Help our hearts to take some time to reflect on You & to express our gratitude & to somehow point to You & give You the glory You so rightly deserve during this holiday season. THANK YOU. Thank You that Your immense love for us demanded that You rescue us. You couldn’t bear to leave us to ourselves because Your love for us is so complete & all-consuming. You ARE love. Thank You that despite how often we disregard or disrespect You, whether stubbornly intentional or naively unaware… You still love us so fiercely & Your love for us cannot be drowned out by anything. How deep, how wide, & how GREAT Your love for us is. Thank You for this Christmas & all it means to me & to all of us. THANK YOU. Amen.”

Merry Christmas!

These are my reflections this Christmas as I seek to remember the reason we all have to celebrate Christmas this year & every year to come! Amen!

Merry Christmas Beautiful! I pray that you realize just how much He loves you & is always with you, no matter what. He loves you so much!

Shine HOPE this Christmas by pointing to Him as your hope & joy this holiday. <3

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

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 over TWO years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to hear 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!!

Northern Lights Studs (India)

These studs hold labradorite stone, displaying multiple captivating colors that vary in different exposures to light, just like the Northern Lights themselves. (Flash-plated posts.)

Artisan Information:

The women we partner with in India do so much more than just create beautiful products. With every purchase, another woman is empowered out of poverty to be self-reliant! Women have the opportunity to earn an income, attend financial management classes, & receive education & healthcare. These women are now able to give their family a promising future because of your purchase!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!

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 allow me to continue this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win win!