Desert and Wilderness (nope!)

Anyone in a…wilderness time in your life? Or, a desert season?

Seems like I spent several years in one or the other. No…not totally barren, dry, or drought-ridden in my soul. The Lord moved much during those times. Nevertheless, I seemed more often to be dry in the Spirit…rather than…drenched in Him.

Know what I am talking about?

“The poor and needy seek water, but there is none,

Their tongues fail for thirst. I, the LORD, will hear them;

I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.

I will open rivers in desolate heights,

And fountains in the midst of the valleys;

I will make the wilderness a pool of water,

And the dry land springs of water.”

Isaiah 41:17-18

Really…we don’t have to live in the desert or the wilderness. It really isn’t to be found in God’s Word, especially in the prophet Isaiah’s book and all of Paul’s letter (let alone the four Gospels!).

Whatever state you are in…God will meet you their. Your circumstances may be dry or barren, but your soul and spirit don’t have to be. Really. This is where Christianity meets the highway of real life.

So…go back to full, total surrender…of everything. Literally. Everything. Don’t try to make your own way and listen carefully for the Lord’s direction. Spend time in His presence alone and with His Word. And see…if you don’t hear and feel the raindrops of His Spirit start to quench your heart, right where you are at.

photo: Shop Style

Apple of His Eye...

The apple of His eye…

I have long claimed Psalm 18 as my “life” Scripture. However, these past ten years, Psalm 16 has become my anthem. Nestled directly in between…Psalm 17…well…it is becoming special to me, too.

“Keep me as the apple of Your eye;

Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,”

Psalm 17:8

Did you know…did you realize…that God Almighty only…ever…thinks about YOU? His Word tells us that He only thinks loving, kind, respectful, cherishing, exquisitely lovely, good, purposeful thoughts…about…you.

You are the “apple” of His eye. That quite literally means that you are the “pupil” of His eye.  You…know…the black dot in the middle (so scientifically stated!!). In other words…He only…sees…you. As a lover only sees the object of His affection.

If you have cause to doubt that in this moment. Well. It’s time to get back to His Word…His unfailing, Truth-filled Word. It is time to spend time…with King Jesus…the Living Word. He has a lot He wants to remind you about…about how He thinks about you. Because you, dear one, are all that He sees.

Ouch!

Ouch!

Oh my…at the start of this new year…I heard some hard words from the Lord’s gentle, but firm voice…

“No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening--it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.”
Hebrews 12:11

Yes…He was saying some difficult things to me…about me…because He loves me. If you read the context of the passage above, the writer of the Book of Hebrews explains this further…

Still, it was hard to hear at the time…these words from His lips…yet…my joy in Jesus returned like floodgates opening. You know, the kind of happiness not based on sweet circumstances (of which I had been overwhelmed with), but the joy of freedom from some junk that had been starting to take over my life. I’d wondered where my joy in the river of the Holy Spirit had gone for a few days prior. So…

Don’t be afraid to hear and face some stuff…it is the release of self-ishness, self-centeredness, self-will, self-righteousness…all the “self” stuff. At least that is what it was (and is!) for me…but He promises to replace these broken, rebellious parts, with the best “self” of all…Himself

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week…

If we get our feelings hurt…or we hurt someone else’s heart…let’s be quick to make amends, right wrongs, talk to the person(s)…in other words, do what Jesus told us to do: get things out in the open with mercy and grace so that the enemy doesn’t get the opp to ensnare us in anyway.

If money seems tight, and our “need” and “want” lists seem…ohhh…soooo….long, let’s remember life’s true priorities: Him, Him, and only Him. Honest…if we put Jesus first for ALL the details, He will guide and provide for us what is most needed.

It we become over-scheduled, overwhelmed, or over-the-top nuts with stuff to do and no time to do it…take a breath…breathe a prayer…stop and be grateful for the One who came to give His all…that we might live. For He alone is worthy…

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes that will be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus because Who is in you is greater than anything! 
(1 John 4:4)

photo: Theresa

It's the Little Things

It’s the little things…

Yep…it is often the little things that trip us up.

This morning, I sent a message to a dear friend. I felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to tell her that it’s the little things…you know…the little distractions that can really get in the way of our walk with the Lord Jesus. Little did I know…that “word” was probably more for me. (Funny how He does that!)

“Catch us the foxes, 
The little foxes that spoil the vines, 
For our vines have tender grapes.”
Song of Songs 2:15

I’m pretty good at trusting God for the big things in life. The past ten years have been full of big things…some HUGE things. However, the Lord has doe great, marvelous, and mighty works in each of these. Yet…today…when a little distraction came up…I found my heart and mind frantically trying to…you know…help Him out. Ever done that?

I wanted to help the Lord out…because I could. I could manipulate things to my advantage, my desires, my wants…but really…do I really want that?

A resounding, “NO!”

It was good…rich…right…and joyful…to put this small matter back where it belonged…hidden in Him. What a relief! Because truly…the little things DO matter. And, I for one, don’t want to live “less than” because…I want His life…more.

Do you have a little thing to hand over?

Photo: Dinja Donut

Releasing the Debt

This is one of those times I am writing for someone in particular…no…I don’t know who it is, but someone needs to hear this:

It is time to take care of some unforgiveness in your life. In other words…it is time to let go and forgive…yes, truly forgive everyone that you need to. It is harming you far more than you could possibly imagine.

Right now…as you read this…some name(s) are going through your mind (and heart).

Some of these persons have done some horrendous hurts to you either mentally, emotionally, and/or physically. It seems impossible to forgive them. However, in the power of the Holy Spirit, the Lord will help you to release their “debt” to you in layers. One peel back of unforgiveness at a time. It will take time…but Jesus has all the time in the world. You have to start somewhere.

“And forgive us our debts, 
As we forgive our debtors.”
Matthew 6:12

The Lord continues His message a few verses later (vs.14-15)…saying you won’t be able to truly experience the Lord’s forgiveness for you…as long as you hold onto these hurts. Of course, there is too much to say here in this short message…however…if you have been around Jesus for a while…you know this is the heart of the gospel…forgiveness is HIS heart…always.

So…take some time…now…not later. Start laying some names before the Lord and asking for His help. He will not fail you (nor the perpetrators)…He will bring release, healing, and redemption. But it starts with you saying…a simple… “Yes, I am ready Lord.”

photo: Valitova

Worrier...or Warrior?

Are you a worrier...or a warrior?

Recently…our CrossPointe group at work met and praised God for His mighty hand of bringing one of our posse through breast cancer. At the end of our time together we did a prayer walk around our building, speaking Jesus’ health, healing, and salvation to those who pass through our doors…yeah…pretty cool stuff.

However, getting back to our workmate, who just came through monumental surgery with clean margins and no need for radiation or chemo…

The day before her surgery a bunch of us gathered to pray for her. This beautiful lady had encouraged us so much with her radiant peace and joy…as she expressed…that had only come from giving her life to Jesus just a couple of years ago. Then, she said the funniest thing…

“I come from a long line of worriers. No…not warriors…but worriers.”

We all laughed…nevertheless…the Spirit was speaking…

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD…
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes… And will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8

So…I’m simply asking…as you read this, which camp do you fall into? A worrier? Or, are you a warrior? Need to jump ship and swim to the other side? What are you waiting for…

(Read all of Jeremiah 17:5-18…it will knock your socks off!)

photo: Summer Watkins

I am sharing at a women’s conference this coming Saturday and one of the leading up verses…you know…it is not the main subject, but it will get us there…is this…

“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” Colossians 1:9

Paul tells us here that we can be “filled” with knowing His will… The original Greek word here (pleroo) means: complete, to the brim, to cause to abound, and full measure. If this was the only time Paul wrote this…well…it isn’t…so…God must want us to know His will for our lives.

So…here is short summation of knowing His will for you…

It is never brought about by fear. If you are doing something because of fear and not faith, it probably isn't His will. Likewise…if you feel backed into a corner with no other options…that probably isn't His will either. If you are pursuing a course of action without talking to those godly, safe, who love you to the moon and back people Jesus has brought into your life…red flags should be going off. If you are doing something that contradicts His Word…well FOR SURE you are not on the right course. Now for some more positive clues…

If you are having some really good quality (I didn't say quantity…though the minutes will scurry by while in His presence!) time with the Lord…alone…with Him…you will get familiar with His voice. If you are feasting daily…getting your spiritual meal…in His written Word…you will find yourself more and more on the right path…filled with more faith (His Word does that, you know!). Next start taking some steps in the direction you are feeling led to go…talk to your godly peeps…pray with your godly peeps. And, trust Jesus for the next step…not being so concerned about a few years from now.

That’s it. Let’s get filled with the knowledge of His will for lives. It will be good, it will be rich, and it will bear fruit for His glory alone.

photo: Crush Cul de Sac

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week…

Should you feel perplexed, confused, or stymied about a situation in your life…CHOOSE to be unshaken in trusting the Lord. He’s got your dilemma figured out and will show you what to do or not do in due time.

Should you need guidance about which direction to take about something…don’t try to figure it out on your own! Follow close behind the Lord…let Him lead the way. He won’t steer you wrong.
Psalm 63:8

Should you feel hemmed in by your circumstances, walls on every side…Look up! Let God scoop you up in His everlasting arms and give you all that you need in your life right now. He may have you hemmed for a strategic purpose so don’t try to wrangle out of what you are going through. Let Him carry you safely to your next destination in Him.
Psalm 139:5

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes that will be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus because Who is in you is greater than anything!
1 John 4:4

Lavish Love...His

How massively, lavishly, intensely, intentionally, wonderfully He loves us!

"I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice In lovingkindness (unfailing love) and mercy; I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, And you shall know the LORD."
Hosea 2:19-20

I am reminded that Jesus is forever and foremost after my heart and affections. He is not that interested in what I "do" for Him or how much I accomplish for His Kingdom. Those things are of much lesser value to Him and will naturally fall into my place when I am walking with Him in "first love."

What matters most to Jesus is a heart like King David, "I will seek your beauty..." (Ps. 27), and Mary, of Mary and Martha fame, "She has desired the one thing..." as she merely sat at His feet to hear His voice.

How grateful I am for....Jesus heart towards me...His wayward beloved!

Lord, I give you my heart this moment...all of it. I love you with all that is in me. I make You alone the object of all of my affection and delight...Amen

photo: Ginger Ricks

His Peace...No Matter What

A young friend recently asked me my "take" on all of the developments in the Middle East...and around the world...

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 14:27

Truthfully, I don't think we have seen anything yet...however, I think the more important matter is how we, His church and bride, are responding to the daily news...

Yes, I am praying and "battling" in prayer for the regions around the globe that are in such tremendous turmoil. This is the hour for His loved ones to pray heaven down, just as He taught us (Matthew 6:10). When I don't know how to pray...I let prayer in the Spirit take over. I believe in the power of prayer, as I know you do, too.

Nevertheless, what I feel compelled to write about is our propensity to come under...fear.

From Jesus' words above and MANY other places in the Word, fear and anxiety are not our portion. If fear arises in us, I think we then have to ask the Holy Spirit...what is it that we are really afraid of? What is the lie we are believing...because the Lord tells us that real peace, the peace that passes understanding is found ONLY in Him...as we are rooted and grounded in His love. This promise is given to us over and over, and over again from Genesis to Revelation...

As the world grows darker, we...His Body...filled with the Light of the World...the One and Only...grows brighter. Let us pray hard, love everyone tenaciously, look for the miraculous, and lead souls to Christ...the Prince of Peace.

photo: Rylee Hitchner Photography

In the Volume of the Book

I have read this passage many times through the years…however…I am not sure these words from the Old Testament, now quoted in the New…have ever touched me so greatly before.

“Then I said, 'Behold, I have come - 
In the volume of the book it is written of Me - 
To do Your will, O God.' "
Hebrews 10:7

The whole of Hebrews 10 is one of the “classics.” (Aren’t all the chapters of the Bible “classic?” Every word of this living, God breathed book?). In this chapter…the writer settles…forever…the absolute, unfailing, and incomprehensible depth and power of Jesus’ sacrifice for us to eradicate our sin and clothe us with His righteousness…instead of our filthy rags.

However…what speaks to me in this moment…is Jesus’ personal sacrifice to become man and bear our sin and the unimaginable agony of separation from the Father and the Holy Spirit he endured, as He bore our sin…to save…really…a worthless, unholy, particle of dust…me.

Jesus, fully God, co-eternal, co-divine, co-existent, co-equal with the Father and Holy Spirit…well…He…CHOSE to do the Father’s will. Choosing to leave perfect harmony, love, union, and fellowship within the Godhead…He fulfilled the Father’s request to bring us home so that we might share in their love relationship (John 15:9-17).

Well…that just does something for me.

I pray it speaks to you too. And…that we wouldn't disappoint Him…let’s revel and rejoice in God’s presence and fellowship in the Spirit…every day of our lives. It was paid for with the Highest Price.

photo: Cheryl Sternman

Refreshing Showers

There truly is a God-given law of…sowing and reaping. So…What is that we are planting in our lives?

I (The LORD) said, 'Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.'
Hos 10:12 NLT

For years…I mean years…I planted the world’s way of thinking into my soul: my heart and my mind. Yes, most certainly I loved the Lord Jesus, but the stuff of the world…you know…self-seeking, appearance, possessions, the enemy’s definition of success, and just plain…stuff of life…well you know. I allowed the lies the world spoke to me through media, my brokenness, even the church at times, to fly in the face of the truth that Jesus IS all that I need. His presence and His Word are the only fountain of life filled with significance and purpose, His power and love…for His glory alone.

Yes, lies are so much easier to believe (read about them a few verses further in Hosea). It takes faith to fully trust God…but oh…when we do…we harvest a crop of the purest, richest, and unfailing love. His love.

As the verse above states, “NOW is the time to seek the LORD.” It is never too late for His Holy Spirit rain to reign in our lives and soak the hard ground of untruths that have maybe hardened our hearts…about ourselves…and…about Him.

Do you have some “stoney ground” is your heart and mind? Open up and let Him pour in.

Photo: Serendipitous Romance

Knowing When To Quit

My husband loves to tell our church staff one of his favorite phrases from another pastor: “I love to STOP stuff!” In other words…know when it is time to “drop” something.

“Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich. 
Be wise enough to know when to quit.”
Proverbs 23:4 NLT

Solomon most definitely has a point. Though he is speaking to us through the millennia in regard to gaining wealth above all else in life, the principal applies to many other aspects of our journey in Jesus.

No…I am not giving license to quit your marriage or give up on your family members! I am talking about those business, ministry, shoot…even a kitchen remodel type endeavor…you fill in the blank…whatever it is that is just plan running you ragged, because He is not in it. It may be time to examine your heart, your motives, and what the real reason is you are wearing yourself for something that feels dry as a bone.

Yes. So much of the Scripture tells us to persevere, endure, and be steadfast. Nevertheless, there are times when the Holy Spirit is just trying to get through to us that enough is enough. I am SO grateful for His brakes on my life through the years. I've already wasted a lot of time leaving skid marks on the road because I wasn't willing to hear Him say, “It is time to stop this child, I don’t have this ______ in mind for you, at least not now.”

So. If this is for you…go to prayer. Wait for Him. Hear Him. If this doesn't speak to you currently, I’ll bet you know someone it does. Maybe it’s time to have a loving heart to heart and go to Him prayer together. Stopping is hard…but the new, open doors He brings are oh…so…delightful.

photo: Latte Art

In the secret place

I don’t know about you, but I came to know the Lord Jesus because of great need in my life…

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty (Whose power no foe can withstand).” 
Psalm 91:1 AMP

You know what? That is okay…yes, for a great while that is okay…our need is fulfilled in His ability to turn our “mountains” into level plains, to heal our sickness (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual), and our need for His love to fill our lives…however…somewhere…

…The Holy Spirit nudges us to love the Lord Jesus…simply for Who He is…not what we can get from Him. That “somewhere” happened for my not so many years ago…and I never want to go back. I want to live, dwell, abide, and linger for eternity in the “secret place” of the Most High. 

Yes, life gets in the way, I get distracted…but when my heart, mind, and spirit are in His presence, whether at work, home, church, or at play…the big stuff…the overwhelming stuff that comes my way (and believe me, there has been plenty!), just doesn’t have the ability to bowl me over like it once did…

Yes, all of Psalm 91 is awesome…and its promises are for everyone…but the condition is a daily, deeply abiding in-love relationship with the Creator…what could be more glorious or wonder-filled?

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With your heart

Okay...I am adding an addendum to a post earlier today...about...

Trusting the Lord with all of our emotions...when choosing to trust Him with our thoughts and actions (our understanding of the situation, person, thing, and or event we are laying before the Lord.) Well...

Just one step further...

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;”
Proverbs 3:5

This is the verse...yet what the Lord seems to be whispering to me now...is trusting Him WITH my heart. (Please notice the emphasis...it is most important!)

This is for all of my single friends out there...and...those struggling in marriages right now. And...everyone else.

Trust the Lord WITH all of YOUR heart. Trust Him to take care of your heart. Trust that His love IS enough...more than enough...for your heart. Trust that He is worthy of all your affections. All of your desires. All of your dreams. Find yourself lost in Him...it will take the pressure off of others...who alone cannot satisfy your...heart. Only HE can.

Yes...trust Him WITH your heart. Your whole heart.

At the start of this week...

At the start of this week…

If you should be bearing a load of guilt…and you have confessed your sin or failing to the Lord…yet you still seem overcome. Remember! His sacrifice was given once for all! You are forgiven! Don’t let the enemy lie to you! 1 John 1:9 and a multitude of other passages are the truth and go…and sin no more in HIS power.

Should you be confused about a situation you are finding yourself in. Well…God is not the author of any confusion. Take some time with the Lord Jesus, quiet your heart and mind, and open His written Word. Your God will guide you out of your confusion into HIS peace.

Should the coming week seem daunting…at work, school, or family…Jesus tells us to take one day at a time. Listen to this instruction! HIS daily grace and power will be more than enough to meet your daily demands as you lean wholly into Him.

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes that will be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus because Who is in you is greater than anything! 
1 John 4:4

In His Time

Someone reading this has been praying about something for a long time, too. You need to know TODAY that your prayer HAS been heard. God has not forgotten you.

"...for your prayer is heard... which will be fulfilled in their own time."
Luke 1:13, 20

These phrases from the Scriptures are taken from the story of the angel's announcement to Zechariah regarding the birth of John the Baptist. Zech and his wife had prayed their whole married lives to be able to bear a child...and now...old... and well beyond child bearing years...their miracle was to take place. The Lord has heard you, too...

And, yet...

Notice the second phrase...the Lord has His timing. He is never early, He is never late. He works outside of time, He understands time, He created time, and He holds time in His hands. Often, His timing is not our timing...

Just know that there are other factors and aspects of your prayer that He is working on...other pieces of the puzzle that you don't see. There are other people involved that need His touch before they can be moved into place to be a part of your answered prayer.

Many times...He is waiting for us to take our stance against the enemy in His name...the answer to our prayers lies in our taking authority over Satan, as Jesus has told us to do (Luke 10:17-20).

...Often...WE are not ready to have these prayers answered. He still has much to do to rid us of ourselves and replace our brokenness with His healing to bring us into His image.

Regardless...know TODAY, that your prayer has been heard. Unlike Zechariah, BELIEVE that this is true. Give Jesus praise, adoration and be filled with His joy. For in HIS timing, you WILL receive your miracle!

photo: Well and Good NYC

New Wineskins

The Lord recently spoke something to my heart. Okay. It was just a few minutes ago while out for a jog/walk/run/walk/pant/let’s-sit-down kind of event.

"But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
Luke 5:38

Jesus was speaking to me about becoming a new wineskin. Letting some old patterns of doing and thinking about my life in Him…well…He was whispering that I can’t allow myself to get in a rut in this journey in Him that He has called me to.

I think He wants someone who reads this to hear this as well…

New wine is ALL about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. For new wine to completely saturate, satiate, and fill us to over-flowing…we just can’t rely on old patterns that have worked in the past. Because…we do just that. We start to “rely” on our efforts...often missing the voice of the Holy Spirit when He is wanting to do something extraordinary. And…I truly want to live…

…an extraordinary…significant life for my Lord…IN my Lord.

So…I am gonna pray on this some and hope that you will, too. I desire to be a continually new wineskin who is continually filled with His presence. Settling for less…well…I just don’t want to do that. How about you?

Abide in His love

I spent most of my adult life living for the future...

I kept looking to the future when I wouldn’t feel so insignificant and unfruitful. I looked forward to the time when I had my act together and all of my ducks were in a row.

Life was slipping by…I could only look forward and hope…

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.NOW remain in my love.”
John 15:9 NIV (emphasis mine)

I always say the Lord must been tired of my internal drama and He finally said one day about ten years ago, “Enough!”

Somehow, I heard Him. I started to live in the NOW. 

These have been the ten most fantastic, rich, significant and fruitful years of my life...despite cancer, death, miscarriage, finances, people drama at work, church, and family...The Holy Spirit is helping me to live in His love NOW. 

And no…I still don’t have my act totally together.

This is the invitation in the verse above. He is inviting you NOW to join the party. He doesn’t want any of us to wait any longer. NOW is the time to come and remain and never let go of His presence.

Now is the time to abide in His love.

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