Alignment Checkup (Alignment) Day 1 of 5

Alignment Checkup (Alignment) Day 1 of 5

When What You Believe and How You Live Don’t Match From Aligned: Living What You Believe by Angie Murenga on YouVersion I think God has such an amazing sense of humor. Honestly, He is hilarious. So one random day, I’m seated doing my daily Bible reading. I’m in Romans, just minding my business… and then I land on this: “…for whatever is not from faith is sin.” — Romans 14:23b That hit me like a ton of bricks. And in that moment, I heard the Lord clearly: If the way you live is inconsistent with what you believe, then you are living in error. Identity Is Everything Identity sits at the core of who we are — it shapes how we see ourselves, how we view God, and how we show up every day. It matters so much that before Jesus ever performed a miracle or stepped into ministry, God the Father declared publicly: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” — Matthew 3:17 Before the miracles. Before the ministry. Identity came first. The Danger of a Divided Heart As I sat with Romans 14:23, God began to show me something uncomfortable. There was inconsistency between what I said I believed and how I was actually living. There was hypocrisy. Misalignment. And there was no hiding it from Him. Then He took me to this: “He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a loyal heart.” — 2 Chronicles 25:2 It is possible to do all the right things and still have a heart that isn’t aligned. That’s the difference between action and intention. Between behaviour and belief. So the question became simple and confronting: Is the way I live actually flowing from what I believe? Reflection * What do I say I believe about God? * What do my daily choices say I believe? * Where is there a gap between the two? Prayer Lord, You are gently pointing out areas in my life that are out of alignment, and I don’t want to ignore them. I don’t want to perform or pretend. I want to be whole. Help me see clearly where my actions and beliefs don’t match. Give me the courage to be honest with myself and with You. I trust that You are restoring me, not condemning me. Align my heart, my mind, and my life with Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Salvation Is Only The Beginning (Left It In The River)

“What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord.” Acts 22:16 (NLT) Giving my life to Jesus was the best thing I’ve ever done. When I repented of my sin and asked Him to save me, that was only the beginning. Salvation isn’t the final destination; it’s the key that unlocks an exciting, life-long adventure of faith. My baptism became a marker for that moment. Baptism doesn’t secure your salvation. It’s simply a beautiful picture of a changed life before Jesus (going into the water) and after Jesus (coming out of the water). I experienced tremendous joy the day I was baptized, not only because of the change that was already happening inside of me, but my journey was just starting when I was 21. Along the way, I’ve developed some good habits that have helped me walk in freedom — ones that I’ve shared with you, like journaling, reading Scripture, and cultivating community. But I’ve learned that following Jesus isn’t a one-time decision. It’s a daily decision. Every day, I wake up and commit to following Him. Some days, I do a better job of following Him than others. Salvation doesn’t mean we’re suddenly perfect. It simply means we’re committed to looking more like Jesus every day. I’ve found walking with Jesus is truly the best way to live, but it all starts with that first step. Have you taken that step? Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins? Have you asked Him to be the Lord of your life? If you haven’t, I’d invite you to do just that. Your prayer doesn’t have to be polished or poetic. It just has to be genuine and heartfelt. Once you’ve prayed that prayer, get ready for the greatest adventure of your life. Find a church where you can study God’s Word with people who are further along in their journey of faith. Carve out space to spend time with God through prayer and Scripture every day. Intentionally build a Christian community with other believers who will encourage you and hold you accountable. Above all, believe that you don’t have to carry the guilt and shame you’ve shouldered for so long. God wants to take that weight from you. Give your heart to Him today. You’ll never be the same.

Never Meant To Be Alone (Left It In The River)

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help…” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT) In the past, I’ve really struggled with isolation. Ever since my parents divorced and my dad left, I’ve had a hard time trusting anyone. When I was a teenager, I tended to find myself in the wrong crowds. For the longest time, after finding Jesus, I didn’t even trust myself to make friends, afraid that if I chose the wrong crew again, I’d end up back in the old life I so desperately wanted to leave behind. Thankfully, despite my own trust issues and all of life’s unexpected detours, the Lord sent me some incredible friends when I moved to Nashville. Friends who love Jesus and consistently point me to Him. Friends who are kind and thoughtful. Friends who love to laugh and don’t take themselves too seriously. Friends who bring encouragement and truth. Friends who are loyal and true. I never even knew friendship could be this life-giving. A few of these friends are featured in my music video for “Left It In The River.” It was the first music video I had ever filmed, and I was nervous about being on camera. Having my friends there immediately put me at ease. In fact, there were times I forgot a camera crew was even in the room. These girls have been such a blessing to me. I think I’ve pursued Jesus even more, thanks to their example and encouragement. I hope you have people around you who make you feel that way. A strong Christian community is a game-changer for growth and identity and has made all the difference for me. I’ve found friends at church, friends through other friends, and friends who are also making music just like me. If you don’t have a circle of friends supporting you, encouraging you, and doing life with you, I’d challenge you to pray and ask God to bring just one or two like-minded friends into your life. I think you’ll be amazed at how He answers your prayer.

God’s Word Will Direct Your Steps (Left It In The River)

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NLT) Journaling isn’t the only practice that’s helped me chart a new course for my life after my transformative encounter with the Lord. Honestly, writing out your feelings might be momentarily therapeutic, but the process of journaling alone won’t get you through your darkest night. I never pick up my journal without picking up my Bible first. And here’s why: My feelings can ride along, but I can’t ever let them drive. Emotions are great indicators of where we might need help or what areas of our character need immediate attention, but emotions do not make good leaders. They will derail us pretty quickly. That’s why it’s important to allow God’s Word to guide us, because God’s Word points us to truth. Feelings often lie, but Scripture will always tell the truth — even if it’s the truth we don’t want to hear. There’s something so powerful about speaking the truth. That’s why I’ve developed a habit of reading Scripture out loud over myself. There’s always a Scripture verse to combat the lies you believe and the confusing emotions you might be feeling. When I’m anxious about the future, I read Jeremiah 29:11: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” When I’m struggling to love who God made me to be, I read Psalm 139:14: “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” When I’m battling shame from my past mistakes, I read 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” When I’m waiting for a breakthrough, I read 1 John 5:14-15: “And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him. And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for.” Working through my feelings on paper helps me untangle my emotions, but God’s Word is the compass that directs my path. I’d encourage you to allow Scripture to illuminate the next step of your journey.

God Writes The Best Stories (Left It In The River)

“And then God answered: ‘Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what’s coming…’” Habakkuk 2:2-3 (MSG) Lately I’ve been flipping back through some old pages…the ones that held me together when nothing else could. The scribbles, the prayers, the messy words that carried me through so much. Journaling has become such a cathartic ritual for me. Writing out my honest feelings keeps me from bottling them up. Maybe it’s the songwriter in me, but physically putting pen to paper helps me process life and faith in a very tangible way. Sometimes I write out my prayers. Other times, I simply attempt to put words to my emotions or my questions. Many times, I’ll write out Scripture verses that combat the lies in my head. As the ink dries, the lies get a little quieter, and God’s voice gets a little louder. The best part of journaling, however, isn’t even the act of writing. It’s the fringe benefit of preserving my story with God — the one He’s writing in my life. When I revisit my old journals, I see the Lord’s kindness to me, over and over again. I can easily spot bad patterns and unhealthy cycles that need breaking. Most importantly, I’m reminded of the countless prayers He’s answered and all the times He’s shown up. Since I gave my life to Jesus, journaling has become a lifeline for me. And you know what I’ve found to be true? God writes the best stories. My journals are proof that the Lord has a perfect track record of faithfulness. Those handwritten, tear-stained pages remind me that He’s been so good to me in the past, and that’s why I can trust He’ll be good in the future. Maybe you’ve recently started your journey with Jesus, and you’ve tasted the grace He provides. Still, you can’t quite shake the guilt and shame you feel from your past mistakes. Can I make a suggestion? Pour yourself a warm drink. Grab a pen, an empty notebook, and your favorite chair. And watch what He will do — the wisdom He’ll reveal to you, the truth that will set you free. The freedom you’ve been longing for might just be unlocked one word at a time. And what God gives to you, no one can take away.