Worship with Lilla

Walking Through Trials ~ Let's start by debunking a myth: Nowhere in Scripture does God promise us a perfect life, free from troubles. In fact, many times in the Bible, Christ-followers find themselves persecuted, under attack, or facing trouble of all kinds.

In a letter from James to first-century believers, James informs them about the various trials that they will experience in life:

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
James 1:12 NIV

When we see trials as a means of becoming more like Jesus, then we’ll be blessed by them.

Maybe you can think back to a difficult season of life. Looking back, you might be able to point out how God refined you coming out of it. God is often at work behind the scenes deepening our character and enlarging our capacity, even when we don't see it.

Maybe you're going through one of those difficult seasons right now. Take this passage to heart! You can stand firm and persevere—knowing there is a promised reward in heaven. While rewards on this side of heaven are not promised, looking towards our final destination with Jesus gives us hope to endure the trials in the present.

If you’re walking through a difficult season of life, spend some time meditating on the promises of God. He promises to never abandon you or leave you, but to walk alongside you through trials. And at the end of the trial, you’ll be more like Christ.

Take a moment to thank God for His faithfulness and love in your life.

- YouVersion Bible App Verse of the Day

4 months ago | [YT] | 16

Worship with Lilla

God made you. God put you here, at this specific time in history. God has a plan and purpose for your life.

Not only that, but He gave you a brain that thinks, a heart that beats, and lungs that breathe. He gave you talents and abilities, hopes and desires. He gave you ears and eyes, muscles and ligaments. And He positioned you on this planet that happens to be in the ideal position in our solar system for life to thrive.

>>You are a part of God’s plan.<<

A mysteriously beautiful part of God’s plan is that He chooses to work through His people…

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Everything starts with God and comes from God. But we get to choose if we’ll listen to His Spirit and FOLLOW where He leads, or ignore Him.

We get to decide if we’ll submit to His nudges and act on His promptings, or try to do it on our own.

It’s all God, but it’s also Him working in and through His people—just as He intended.

For those of us who belong to Christ, we are filled with His Spirit. We’re no longer slaves to sin or to this world. We’re no longer incapable of FOLLOWING God.

Instead, He gives us new dreams and desires, thoughts and power, and a heart of compassion instead of selfishness. 

So if an idea pops into your mind about blessing or encouraging someone else, don’t dismiss it.

If you suddenly have a burning desire to share His message, to serve others, to give generously, or to shine His love, pay attention.

It’s likely the Spirit of God, giving you the desire and power to do what pleases Him.

It’s Him—In Us @youversion #Bible #Verse #Christ #Christian #devotional #Jesus #JesusLovesYou #JesusSaves #God #Godlovesyou #truth

6 months ago | [YT] | 16

Worship with Lilla

The Presence of God ~ The writer of Psalm 27 is intentionally focusing on one of the most important aspects of our spiritual life. Throughout Scripture, we learn about the importance of the presence of God. 

It is in the presence of God that we find strength and hope (Psalm 27:1). It’s also in God’s presence that our enemies lose their power over us (Psalm 27:2-3).

In Psalm 27:4 the writer of the Psalm expresses his desire to dwell within the house of the Lord, to gaze upon God’s beauty and be in His presence in the temple. In the Old Testament, the presence of God was primarily within the temple. But through spending time with God, the Psalmist found hope and restoration for his soul.

Thanks to Jesus, God’s presence is no longer confined to the temple. His presence is now available to us through the Holy Spirit who dwells within believers. We now have access to God’s presence at any time.

Just like the writer of the Psalm desired to dwell within God’s presence, we also should desire to be with God as much as possible. It is in God’s presence that we find hope, joy, beauty, and the restoration of our weary souls.

It is important that we spend time with God each and every day. We can do this through regularly reading Scripture and reflecting on what we read. We can also spend time in prayer, talking to God about what is happening in our life.

Another way to spend time in God’s presence is to simply be aware that He is with you through your daily tasks each day.

6 months ago | [YT] | 8

Worship with Lilla

Finding Your Purpose ⛑️ The story of Esther is a powerful testimony within the Scriptures. It tells about Esther who risked her life in order to save the people of God from danger. Esther faced the decision between what was easy and what was difficult, and she chose the more difficult way because it was the right thing to do.

Esther 4:14 points out that Esther’s purpose in life was tied to this very moment. She was crafted and shaped by God in order to fulfill His purposes in her generation. She was placed in this unique situation by God.

While most of us might not be servants in the house of a king or queen, we all have difficult decisions to make in life. Every day we are faced with situations that have easy answers, and some that are difficult.

The story of Esther teaches us that God has gifted each of us for a specific purpose. Even though the journey isn’t always easy, God promises to be with us as we follow the path He’s called us to.

Additionally, Esther did not accomplish her purpose alone. She had the support of her community fasting and praying for her. Similarly, we cannot make it through life alone. We need the support of our community praying for us. And they need us in their lives as well.

Take some time today to think about your own story. How is it similar to Esther’s? Consider the unique purpose that God has created you for. Pray to Him for strength to make the right decision in life, and to persevere in following where He leads.

6 months ago | [YT] | 8

Worship with Lilla

Don’t Be Surprised ~ There are some things that shouldn’t surprise us: 

Winter blooming to life each spring. 
The sun rising every morning.
Our ongoing need for food, water, air, and rest. 
Change being an essential part of life.

Likewise, there’s no escaping the fact that life is messy and full of trouble. This beautiful world is fractured. But, despite this, Jesus offers us hope:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

What “things” had Jesus just told His disciples?

He was honest about the grief and pain they’d endure but also about the future joy they’d experience. He was preparing their hearts for His death and their persecution but also for His resurrection and their salvation. Jesus’ encouragement to His disciples is also an encouragement to us…

We shouldn’t be surprised that this world is full of challenges—but Jesus is bigger than it all.

Following God doesn’t automatically erase the pain of the world—at least not yet. We still have injustice and evil to fight. But God has not left us to our own devices. We have not been abandoned to ourselves. We can trust in Him wholeheartedly as we wait for His return. 

So, as you think about the trouble in your life—whether it’s your health, relationships, finances, or other difficulties—remember:
You can still have peace, you can still take heart, and you can still be comforted because Jesus Christ has already overcome the world!

7 months ago | [YT] | 9

Worship with Lilla

With You in the Storm ⛈️ The Sea of Galilee in Israel is known for violent, sudden storms. Strong winds can create huge waves that threaten seafarers, like we see in the book of Mark.

The night the disciples and Jesus crossed the Sea of Galilee, a storm set in. Violent. Sudden. Terrifying. And while the disciples frantically worked to keep the vessel afloat, there was Jesus, asleep in the boat. The disciples woke him and asked: “Teacher, do you not care if we drown?” (Mark 4:38 NIV)

That question might read a little differently for you today:

“Jesus, do you not care that my health is falling apart?” 
“Jesus, do you not care that my finances are draining out?” 
“Jesus, do you not care that my relationship is in tatters?” 

But there is more to the story.

“Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.” 
Mark 4:39 NIV

Jesus didn’t join them in their fear. Instead, He looked right at the storm and brought calm. Then, He asked His disciples why they were so afraid: “Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40).

Have you ever faced a challenge so massive, it threatened to overwhelm you? It can be disorienting, terrifying, heartbreaking, even, when the storm sets in and everything suddenly feels bleak in the face of such a strong force against us.

But God went with the disciples because He cared about them. He goes with you because He cares about you.

What storm are you facing today? Take a moment to close your eyes and imagine Jesus, unafraid of the storm, bringing everything to a calm. He is with you. You are not alone in this storm.

- YouVersion Bible App Verse of the Day

10 months ago | [YT] | 10

Worship with Lilla

Do you realize that you were purposefully, lovingly, and carefully designed by God?

King David said it like this:
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭139‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Your eyes, brain, heart, muscles, nerves, fingernails, eyelashes, smile, everything.

Not only are you wonderfully complex, but you were also planned before life as we know it existed by your Heavenly Father.

Even as you read these words, your body is doing some incredible things—without your conscious consent. Your fingers are scrolling, your eyes are capturing, your brain is processing …

All the while, your heart is pumping blood, your lungs are managing breath, your eyelids are blinking away dryness, your blood cells are multiplying by the second, your brain is directing your body while simultaneously storing memory—and so much more.

David also points out in other portions of Psalm 139 that God knows everything about us, His presence is inescapable, and He thinks about us so much that such thoughts cannot be numbered.

The point? You are uniquely and intentionally created by God to love Him and the people around you—to know Him, and make Him known.

So, be encouraged. You were made for this.

YouVersion Daily Bible Verse

11 months ago | [YT] | 12

Worship with Lilla

Closer Than You Think: In one unsuspecting moment, everything can change.

A relationship can shatter, a dream can suddenly end. Your heart can break for a million different reasons: grief, rejection, loneliness, uncertainty, tragedy, betrayal.

When something terrible happens and the world makes zero sense…

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. 
Psalm 34:18 NLT

David, the writer of Psalm 34, preached what he lived. He experienced some intense highs and fierce lows, but he recognized God’s presence in the midst of his circumstances. He knew that God was near, and God could change any situation in an instant.

Is your heart broken? Is your spirit crushed?

God is near.
He hasn’t left you to fight for yourself.
He sees you in your heartbreak.
He meets you where you are.
He has not forgotten you.
He has not abandoned you.

This doesn’t mean you won’t face hard things. But even when your mind races and your heart doubts, God offers a peace and an intimacy that cannot be fully explained.

Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we now have constant access to God’s presence through His Holy Spirit. There are many places in the Bible where the Holy Spirit is described as the Comforter—ready to soothe, guide, counsel, and encourage. 

The comfort we receive from God is a gift from His Spirit who is always with us. So if your heart is breaking and your spirit is crushed, know that you are in good hands. God is near, and He will not abandon you.

Today, take a few moments to name anything that has crushed your spirit. Then, give yourself permission to just sit in God’s presence for a few moments. When you’re ready, consider memorizing today’s verse and meditate on it throughout your day.

- YouVersion Bible App Verse of the Day

11 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 19

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A Refuge to Run To: We live in unpredictable times. The things we value, the people we care about, the lives we lead—all of it feels uncertain and unstable.  

King David could relate. After years of faithful service to King Saul, the king plotted to murder David. Desperate, David fled to Gath—the home of the giant David killed in battle. After being recognized by the people of Gath, David was so overwhelmed by fear that he pretended to go insane. The king of Gath was repulsed by his “insanity” and so he threw David out of the city. 

By this time, David had escaped death multiple times. He was surrounded by people who hated him, and he had every reason to be anxious and fearful. But in the midst of his uncertain circumstances, he creates a Psalm to praise God for His greatness.   

I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.
Psalm 34:1 NLT

Worshiping God put David’s problems into perspective. Situations could shift, but God wouldn’t. He was still powerful, constant, and ever-present. He didn’t always remove David from hard situations, but He saw David through every difficult moment.   

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 
Psalm 34:4 NIV

God was the one who rescued David from his enemies. God was the one who repeatedly provided for His people in the midst of hard times. 

And if He did it before, He can do it again.  

Right now, reflect on the ways God has been faithful to you. In what ways has He protected, provided, strengthened, and encouraged you?  

If you’re struggling to think of examples, that’s okay. If praise doesn’t come easy to you right now, just read through Psalm 34 and let its words become your personal prayer. 

The same God that David talks about is still doing great things in our world. He still listens to the cries of His people. God is still present in our pain, He is still at work in our uncertainty, and He is still all-powerful—even when we feel powerless. 

When nothing in life makes sense—you can still run to Him and find refuge.

- YouVersion Bible App Verse of the Day

11 months ago | [YT] | 17

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1 year ago | [YT] | 13