March

Faith in Action – Being a Light in Your Community

Faith isn’t meant to stay hidden in our hearts—it’s meant to shine through our actions. When we live out our faith through service, kindness, and generosity, we reflect the love of Christ to a world in need. Our actions become a powerful testimony of God’s goodness, grace, and truth.

James 2:17 says,
"Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

This week, we’re focusing on what it means to live out faith in action—to move beyond words and put love, service, and truth into motion.

Living Out Your Faith Through Service and Kindness

Putting faith into action doesn’t require grand gestures. Often, it’s the small, consistent acts of love that shine the brightest. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, encouraging a friend, or volunteering in your community, your faith comes to life when you serve others.

Matthew 5:16 reminds us:
"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Every act of love points back to Christ. When people see your kindness, your generosity, and your heart to serve, they catch a glimpse of God’s light in you.

Louisiana Traditions: Hospitality and Community

Here in Louisiana, we understand the value of community and hospitality. Whether it’s gathering for a crawfish boil, inviting someone over for Sunday dinner, or lending a hand after a storm, our culture is built on connection and care for one another.

As believers, we can use these rich traditions to reflect the heart of Christ. Welcoming others, sharing meals, and supporting those in need are simple yet powerful ways to live out the gospel in everyday life.

The Armor of God: Helmet of Salvation & Sword of the Spirit

Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:17-18 to take up two vital pieces of armor:

The Helmet of Salvation

The helmet protects our mind—our thoughts, identity, and confidence. When we wear the helmet of salvation, we are grounded in the truth that we belong to Christ.

It guards us from doubt, fear, and insecurity.
It reminds us that our worth and future are secure in Jesus.

The Sword of the Spirit (The Word of God)

God’s Word is our weapon against spiritual attack. When the enemy tries to shake our faith, we fight back with truth from scripture.

The Word corrects lies with God’s promises.
It gives us strength, courage, and direction.

We can’t pour into others if we are spiritually empty. By protecting our minds with the helmet of salvation and equipping our hearts with God’s Word, we are strengthened to serve, love, and shine boldly.

Challenge for the Week

Act on your faith – Find one way to serve someone this week—through kindness, encouragement, or generosity.
Memorize a verse – Choose a scripture that reminds you of your identity in Christ.
Reflect Christ in your community – Think about how you can use hospitality and connection to shine God’s light where you live.

Final Encouragement

Faith in action is not about being perfect—it’s about being willing. Willing to serve, willing to love, and willing to be a light in your community.

You are called to live boldly, love generously, and shine brightly for Christ. With the helmet of salvation protecting your mind and the sword of the Spirit in your hand, you are equipped to impact the world around you.

Let your faith move you. Let it shine. And let it lead others to the One who gives life and hope.

Blessings,

Liz

Walking in Boldness – Living Out Your Faith with Confidence

Fear, doubt, and uncertainty often try to hold us back from walking boldly in our faith. But God calls us to step forward with confidence, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. Bold faith isn’t about never feeling afraid it’s about trusting God enough to move forward despite our fears.

Joshua 1:9 reminds us:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

This week, we’re diving into what it means to live boldly in faith, walk confidently in our calling, and use the armor of God to stand strong against fear and discouragement.

Lessons from Creole Heritage – Boldness Rooted in Faith

In Louisiana Creole culture, boldness is a way of life. Our ancestors overcame hardships, preserved traditions, and walked forward in resilience; despite the obstacles they faced. Their faith was not just something they believed—it was something they lived.

Bold faith requires action. It’s about stepping forward when God calls, even when we don’t have all the answers. Just as our ancestors refused to let fear silence their voices, we are called to live out our faith with confidence and courage.

2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us:
"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline."

God has not given us a spirit of fear—He has equipped us with strength, love, and wisdom to step boldly into His purpose for us.

The Gospel of Peace & The Shield of Faith: Your Weapons Against Fear

Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:15-16 that two essential pieces of spiritual armor help us walk confidently:

Feet Fitted with the Gospel of Peace

A Roman soldier’s sandals were designed for battle—studded for traction and stability so they wouldn’t slip. Likewise, when we stand firm in the gospel, we gain stability, direction, and confidence.

The gospel gives us peace—we don’t have to fear the unknown because we know God is in control.
The gospel gives us purpose—we are called to share His love with the world, walking in obedience to His will.
The gospel gives us boldness—when we know the truth, we can walk forward without hesitation.

The Shield of Faith

Faith is our defense against the attacks of the enemy. Doubts, discouragement, and fear are like flaming arrows aimed at shaking our confidence. But when we lift up our shield of faith, we block those attacks and stand firm.

Faith reminds us that God’s promises are true, no matter what we see in the natural.
Faith helps us trust God even when we don’t understand His plan.
Faith empowers us to walk boldly, knowing that God is fighting for us.

How to Walk Boldly in Your Calling

Confidence in faith doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built by trusting God daily and stepping out in obedience. Here are a few ways to walk boldly in your calling:

Speak God’s Truth Over Your Life – Replace fear and doubt with God’s promises. Declare scripture over your situation and remind yourself of His faithfulness.
Take One Step Forward – Boldness starts with action. Whatever God is calling you to do, take the first step in faith.
Surround Yourself with Encouragement – Just as Creole culture values strong community, we need people who will uplift and challenge us to grow in faith.
Remember That Boldness Isn’t Perfection – You don’t have to have it all figured out. Trust that God will equip you as you go.

Challenge for the Week

Walk in Boldness – Identify one area where fear or doubt has held you back. Step forward in faith this week, trusting God’s plan.
Memorize a Verse – Choose a scripture that gives you confidence in God’s strength and repeat it throughout the week.
Encourage Someone Else – Speak life into someone who may be struggling with doubt or fear. Remind them of God’s promises.

Final Encouragement

God has not called you to live in fear—He has called you to walk in faith. No matter what challenges you face, remember this:

You are equipped with the gospel of peace.
You are protected by the shield of faith.
You are empowered by God’s Spirit to walk boldly.

This is your season to step forward in faith, leaving fear behind. God is with you—so walk in boldness, knowing He has already prepared the way.

Blessings,
Liz

Standing Strong – Faith That Can’t Be Moved

Life is filled with unexpected storms—seasons of uncertainty, trials that shake us, and moments that test our faith. Yet, in the midst of it all, God calls us to stand firm, rooted in His truth and grounded in His righteousness.

Psalm 62:6 says:
"Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken."

Faith is not just about believing when things are easy—it’s about standing strong when the winds blow hardest. This week, we are exploring what it means to build an unshakable faith, one that holds steady in the face of trials, doubts, and spiritual battles.

Lessons from Louisiana’s Mighty Oak Trees

Here in Louisiana, we know the power of a strong foundation. Our mighty oak trees, with their sprawling branches and deep roots, stand firm through hurricanes, floods, and powerful winds. These trees don’t survive because they resist the storm; they survive because they are deeply rooted.

The same is true for our faith. If our faith only rests on surface-level beliefs—if we only seek God in the good times—then the storms of life will shake us. But when we are deeply rooted in God’s truth and righteousness, no storm can pull us away from Him.

Ephesians 6:13 reminds us:
"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."

We are not meant to be easily swayed by life’s hardships. Instead, we are called to stand firm in God’s strength.

Truth & Righteousness: Standing Firm in Who God Says You Are

Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:14 to fasten the belt of truth and put on the breastplate of righteousness. These are not just symbols but essential pieces of spiritual armor that help us stand strong.

The Belt of Truth

A Roman soldier’s belt was the foundation of his armor—it held everything together. Likewise, God’s truth is what holds our faith firm.

Truth protects us from lies. When the enemy whispers doubts and discouragement, God’s Word reminds us who we are in Him.
Truth gives us clarity. The world constantly shifts its values, but God’s truth is eternal and unchanging.

The Breastplate of Righteousness

The breastplate protects the heart, one of the most vital parts of a warrior’s body. Righteousness—living in alignment with God’s will—guards our hearts from the attacks of guilt, shame, and deception.

Righteousness isn’t about perfection. It’s about being covered by the righteousness of Christ and walking in obedience to His Word.
When we live righteously, we stand confidently, knowing we belong to God.

How to Build an Unshakable Faith

Faith isn’t built in a single moment—it is cultivated over time through intentional spiritual discipline.

Root Yourself in the Word – Read and meditate on scripture daily. Let God’s truth be the foundation of your faith.
Pray Without Ceasing – Prayer strengthens our connection with God. It’s not just a request list—it’s our lifeline to stability and strength.
Worship Through the Storm – Worship reminds us that God is in control, even when life feels uncertain.
Fast for Spiritual Strength – Fasting refocuses our hearts on God and deepens our dependence on Him.
Surround Yourself with Strong Faith Builders – Just like oak trees intertwine their roots for strength, we need community to support and uplift us.

Challenge for the Week

Strengthen your foundation – Pick one spiritual discipline (prayer, Bible study, worship, or fasting) to focus on this week.
Memorize a verse – Choose a scripture that reminds you of God's strength and repeat it throughout the week.
Take a stand in faith – Identify an area where you feel shaken or uncertain and commit to trusting God completely in that area.

Final Encouragement

Storms will come, but you are not alone. God has given you everything you need to stand strong and unshaken. When life feels uncertain, remember this:

You are rooted in His truth.
You are covered in His righteousness.
You are unshakable in His strength.

Let this be the season where you plant your faith deep, trusting that no matter what comes, God will sustain you. Stand firm in Him—He is your rock, salvation, and fortress.

Blessings,

Liz

Refined by Fire – Trusting God in the Process

Faith isn’t built in comfort—it’s forged in the fire. Just like gold is refined in intense heat to remove impurities, our faith is strengthened through trials and challenges. The refining process isn’t easy, but it is necessary. God is shaping us, strengthening us, and preparing us for greater things.

Isaiah 48:10 reminds us:
"See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction."

When we walk through struggles, we often ask, Why is this happening? But instead of seeing hardships as obstacles, what if we saw them as part of God’s refining process? He isn’t punishing us—He’s purifying and strengthening us for the purpose He has prepared.

What Does It Mean to Be Refined by God?

Refinement is a process, not a one-time event. Just as fire purifies gold, God allows seasons of difficulty to:

Remove what isn’t of Him – Breaking down pride, fear, doubt, and anything that keeps us from fully trusting Him.
Strengthen our faith – Teaching us to rely on His power, not our own.
Prepare us for what’s next – Equipping us to handle greater blessings and responsibilities in His kingdom.

1 Peter 1:6-7 says:
"In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold—may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."

God’s process of refinement isn’t meant to break you; it’s meant to make you stronger, purer, and more equipped for His calling.

The Louisiana Lesson: The Power of Slow Cooking

In Louisiana, we understand patience. Whether it’s waiting for crawfish season, letting a pot of gumbo simmer, or slow-cooking red beans and rice, we know that the best flavors take time to develop.

If you rush a gumbo, the flavors won’t blend the way they should. If you pull red beans off the stove too early, they won’t be creamy and rich. The process matters.

Faith is the same way. If we rush through the struggles God is using to refine us, we miss the depth, richness, and strength He is developing in us. The fire is uncomfortable, but the outcome is worth it.

Ephesians 6:10 reminds us:
"Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power."

Strength isn’t something we wake up with—it’s something we develop by trusting God through the process.

How to Trust God Even When the Process is Uncomfortable

Surrender Your Timeline – God’s timing is always perfect, even when it doesn’t match our plans. Trust that He knows when and how to move in your life.
Stay Rooted in the Word – When trials come, lean on scripture to remind you of His promises. God has never failed you, and He won’t start now.
Remember Past Victories – Think back to moments when God carried you through difficulties. If He did it before, He will do it again.
Pray for Strength, Not Just Relief – Instead of asking God to remove the struggle, ask Him to use it to shape you and grow your faith.

Challenge for the Week

Reflect on a time when God refined you through a difficult season. What did you learn?
Take one step this week to surrender an area of your life where you’re struggling to trust God’s process.
Read Isaiah 48:10, 1 Peter 1:6-7, and Ephesians 6:10—write down what stands out to you about being refined by fire.

Final Encouragement

Refinement isn’t easy, but it is necessary. God doesn’t allow us to go through struggles to break us—He allows them to strengthen, prepare, and refine us for something greater. Keep trusting Him, keep walking in faith, and remember: you are being shaped for His purpose.

Let’s encourage each other in the journey.

Blessings,

Liz

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse