Jesus challenged the rich man Mark 10:17-31 by pointing out the idol he had made of wealth in his heart. Today, most banks will do the math for us and show us a pie chart of what ranks highest in our hearts according to our monthly spending report. Sometimes, not always, the highest ranked items can easily become idols to us if we’re not mindful of it. I believe God gives us good gifts, including money, and that He will give us even more as we steward those gifts well…
Read MoreGod is a creator. We see this attribute throughout the Bible, all the way from the book of Genesis to Revelation. He spoke everything into existence with a single word—He speaks light into darkness and forms beautiful things from dust. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light…”
Read MoreCaroline Joy Kunkel is a Dallas-based photographer pursuing a life of passion, travel, and capturing memories for others through her work. She loves people and people love her. "I am discovering more and more, how much God cares about the details. He really does care about our desires—after all, He created them! This past year I really took a leap into the purpose He has for my business. I have found that asking Him every step of the way and trusting Him is the only way to live. It's a conversation that begins and never ends.”
Read MoreSometimes, when we are faced with big decisions in our lives, we can become paralyzed because we are afraid of making the wrong choice. This only causes unnecessary stress and anxiety, because God promises us in His Word that He determines our steps. ”We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." (Proverbs 16:9) When we put our faith in God, we are giving Him complete control, trusting that He knows what is best for us and our families…
Read MoreDo you feel like you’re waiting on God for something today? There’s no doubt throughout the scriptures that Jesus proves He is the God of "right now" kinds of miracles. He healed the blind with a touch, the dead rose with a word, and a woman was made whole by only brushing the hem of His robe with her fingertips. God can, and will miraculously move in our lives in a moment–but sometimes, God requires us to wait…
Read MoreVeronica serves as the Experience Director for VisitDallas, the creator of the Healthy Latina Lifestyle and Hey Chica!, and a certified yoga instructor at her own studio in Dallas, V12 Yoga. Veronica has been honored by the Dallas Business Journal 40 under 40 and D CEO Magazine Latino Business Awards 2016 for Latino Advocate Nominee, but above everything—she is a loving mom, wife, and grandmother with BOLD life experiences. Her life started as a teen mom at the young age of 15. She was married at 18 and divorced at 23. Losing her father at the age of 22 was life changing for her and transformed her fear to determination and faith. Veronica later remarried and has two little girls at home. Her spiritual journey has led her to a deeper meaning and purpose—a beautiful story of surrender and hope.
Read MoreIn times of grief and in seasons of loss, I am so grateful for the strength of God to lean on. He holds us up when we can’t stand. He bears the weight when we have no strength to carry anything on our own. None of us know how much time we have to live, but what we do know is that He promises to wipe every tear from our eyes. Our hope is in heaven, where there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. God loves us and has the power to keep hope alive in us and to strengthen our faith! Our part is to make the most of our time–today and always…
Read MoreWhat are your goals for your spiritual life? In order to grow, we need to be consistent in our daily walk with God. Small groups are a great way to keep you consistent in the Word by holding you accountable to your spiritual goals. I believe if you put a plan in place, you will see incredible growth, change, and blessing in your heart and life! Just like you have a daily plan to work out and keep yourself in shape physically, you need to have a consistent faith-driven plan to keep yourself growing spiritually…
Read MoreDani Rios is more than just a talented, beautiful health and beauty influencer. She strives to inspire women to pursue their unique beauty from within by discovering their own gifts, talents, and passions—and we are all about it! "I love that when I had just moved back to Dallas I was able to find community and great friends with EBF. I see most of these ladies as sisters and I love that, together, we are able to be the light in this world in our individual career paths." - Dani Rios.
Read MoreI’ve started to view and experience the high, high mountain top moments and the low, low valley moments exactly the same. I’ve come to realize that God is with me in both places—and that somehow, He uses both the good and the seemly bad, for my good. I have even learned to anticipate blessing when everything starts to fall apart around me because, in the past, the enemy has always attacked what God is preparing to bless! Now, attacks only prompt me to pray harder and remind me to claim victory in Christ before I see anything change…
Read MoreWhen God asks us to go to a higher level on our faith journey, we need to expect some discomfort because of the added strength required to go up to where He is calling us. If you’re asking God to bless and expand your business—are you prepared to take on the extra clients? If you’re praying and asking God to bring you a spouse—are you preparing yourself to be the best life partner you can be? If you’re asking God to give you more—are you taking care of what God has already entrusted to you?
Read MoreMeshali is an Arkansas native, a Texas resident, and a frequent world traveler. She is a portrait artist, lover of people, and a storyteller. Every piece of her work is known to be immersed in heart and soul. Meshali believes that everyone has a story worth hearing and a story worth telling and her goal is to be a conduit for people to do just that.
Read MoreSuccess is something we all want, especially around this time of year. Whether we pursue success through a career, starting a family, launching a new business, or searching for significance by following our passions and dreams—we all strive for success in one way or another. But I’ve found, the only way to attain “success” in any area of my life, is to set goals and stay committed to keeping them…
Read MoreYou might have heard of Revelation because of the popular "Left Behind” book series written in the late 90’s to early 2000’s by Tim LaHaye. Or maybe by the many predictions and prophesies made about the end of the world at Y2K. Maybe you’re hesitant of growing technology, computer chips, wars in the Middle East, or accusations of “the beast.” But before we start getting sidetracked—let’s take a look into what Revelation really is…
Read MoreThe book of Jude reminds us to “show mercy to those whose faith is wavering.” (Jude 1:22) We stand on truth not only for ourselves, but for others too. This is why Equipped by Faith exists. We are a community of faith, dedicated to equip and inspire one another with the truth of God’s Word, the power of our testimonies, and the strength of His love. Simply put—we need one another to stand firm in our faith.
Read More"I often struggle with my purpose and significance. Equipped by Faith encourages me to walk in my giftedness for God’s kingdom. This month, in the EBF daily readings, a verse stuck out to me so I printed it and keep it at my desk: 1 Peter 2: 9-10, ‘But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.’ EBF reminds of God’s blessing on my life and how important it is to gather with other women who believe the same. As soon as I walk out of EBF, I feel filled up by the Holy Spirit, motivated to spend time with the Lord, and love His people.” - Katie Rodriguez.
Read MoreThese three books are known as the letters of love. John understood something that a lot of people miss out on and he wrote about it in these books. He understood the importance of having a deep, authentic relationship with Christ. And he understood the power of living in God’s LOVE. No other book in the Bible so clearly describes this truth: God is love!
Read MoreThese letters really remind us that when we decide we are going to be followers of Christ, our lives should reflect that. When you truly experience God’s love, mercy, and grace through salvation in Jesus—you will never be the same. Your life will look different, you won’t act like you used to act, and you will have a desire to please and obey God. So these are the things we need to pursue: faith, moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, patient endurance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love for ALL people.
Read MoreHilary Kennedy is beautiful and talented—but above all, she has a heart of gold. She is an Emmy Award winning TV host on Eye Opener and the Four Minute Buzz as well as being a contributing host to The Country Network. She has appeared on Access Hollywood, Extra, The Rachel Ray Show, and has even published her own book, Career Diary of a TV Host: 30 Days on the Job. Outside the TV studio, she is a style blogger, a big UFC fan, a wife, and a new mother to an adorable baby boy.
Read MoreIt can be so easy to compare ourselves to others these days—especially as women. We compare the way we look, the way we dress, where we live, where we work, what we drive… the options to be envious of others are truly endless. But comparison leads to jealousy…and James Ch. 3:13-16 says, “For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthy, unspiritual and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.” Yikes!
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