He Doesn't Waste Anything...

Grace…amazing…incredible…all-encompassing…grace.

“So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.”   John 6:12

One thing about the Lord Jesus. He doesn’t waste…anything.

Eleven years ago, when absolute freedom…not just learning to cope…not just battling constant temptation in this one addiction (not to mention other addictions and strongholds the Spirit had already broken in my life)…but absolute freedom took place for me. I experienced overwhelming joy and and happiness, however, in the midst of this release I sometimes felt deep, heart-rending…regret.

Oh…the wasted years. Precious…years. Yes, I had much regret and remorse. Yet…

The Lord doesn’t waste a minute of our lives. Not…one…fragment. When we place ourselves squarely in His hands…He makes everything, even the dark and ugly pieces of our life’s puzzle…have new meaning…and new purpose. And yes, even new power…to help break the holds that our adversary has on other’s lives.

So. If you are experiencing regret, put it fully in the basket of the One and Only. Nothing will be wasted with His touch. And…nothing can’t be used to bring Him glory.

photo: Luisa Brimble via Flickr

Worship...is Often Warfare

I am reminded this week…that worship…is often warfare…

“Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, 
And a two-edged sword in their hand,”
Psalm 149:6

When we worship…things breakthrough in the heavenly realm that can miraculously change things in our physical realm…yes…worship can do this. There are just too many Bible stories that record this…and too many life experiences to discount it.

No…we don’t worship to “get.” However, when we DO genuinely worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords…whether in a corporate church gathering, with a small group somewhere, or even the bathroom stall at work (yes…even there!)…things break loose…we break loose…

Genuine worship…causes fear(s) to cease…it can calm our hearts in a “storm” because we are setting our minds on WHO HE IS and declaring with our lips that Jesus is LORD. And…worship can calm life’s storms themselves. We are entering the throne room and bringing heaven’s rule to bear in ours and other’s situations.

This is why we need to be worshipers…why we need (as Paul often writes) to live grateful lives…especially when life looks dark. 

Yes…worship is warfare…so whatever you are facing right now…instead of texting, facebooking, and emailing…someone else…go to the throne room, first. Stay until you have touched heaven, ask for a scripture to strengthen you…then see what HE does next. 

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photo: Coffee Press

Abba, Daddy...

A couple of years ago I had the privilege to share at women's retreat in Wisconsin. Many wonderful things took place at the retreat by God's gracious hand and power, but one sweet memory comes back to me today...

I met a lovely, sweetheart of a young woman, maybe nineteen years of age and she had a sad, but ultimately heartwarming story that she generously shared with me.

Long story, short...her parents had passed away into the Lord's presence; one parent at an early age, and another at around her age of seventeen. Though she was now past the age of eighteen, the Christian family she had been living with legally adopted her as her own, even though she was grown and they themselves still had growing children. This beautiful young adult positively glowed with happiness that she had been "chosen"... that...she belonged to someone...

"For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God"
Romans 8:15-16

I had just been reading these verses and felt led of the Lord to share them with her...she drank in the words slowly...her heart filling with His presence...as she realized how miraculous and marvelous the Lord Jesus is to have...also adopted...her...because of love alone.

Abba Daddy...

The sight of her opening her Bible, propping it up on her knees as she poured over these words in the then empty auditorium...moved my heart. She lingered in these beloved verses from Romans which proceed to proclaim that we are joint-heirs with Christ as we partake of His sufferings and His glory...

She understood the cost and the choice of adoption. She understood the sacrifice of the benevolent, love beyond reason decision to make us His own... and, that warms my heart in this moment, once again. I hope it does yours...

photo: Bret Cole Photography

Daniel...With a Purpose

You just gotta love Daniel…

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies…”
Daniel 1:8

Purposed to do what? Exactly what Jesus invites us to do…live in the world…but not be “of” the world. Sometimes, that is pretty hard stuff.

About four years ago our adult son went through a crisis of faith. Quite literally, he rejected Christ. He was on a quest for…truth…that involved separating from his beautiful wife. He was SURE the truth wasn't Jesus. Tough stuff for parents who have loved and served the Lord as pastors our whole adult lives.

We went to battle for his soul. Using the authority given to us by King Jesus in Luke 10:17-20, Jeremy’s sisters, my hubby, and I went to battle against the lying, deceiving spirits that were blinding our son’s eyes. Isaiah 35 was our God-given battle plan in prayer.

I bring this up…because it was one time when I purposed…with my heart and mind…to not let anything distract me from hearing from the Lord…to save our son. Honestly. Like Daniel. (I hope the comparison doesn't sound to presumptuous). Except I didn't forsake wine or delicacies (just not on my list of things I like!) No…for me it was media distraction, what I read, listened to, or watched. And...wasting time with stuff that...really...didn't...matter.

The adversary’s defeat took place about three months later when Jer had a near Damascus Road experience out in the desert. That means he met Jesus. God is good…so very good.

Is the Holy Spirit calling you to a time…to be purposeful about your life? Something that is going on? Do not neglect His voice…He has something in store for you. And then...you will want to live this way forever.

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At the Start of This Week....

At the start of this week...

Should you feel alone, abandoned, or confused...remember that the Lord Jesus desires to hold you close. Turn to Him now...He is a gentleman and won't force His way into your life unless you extend an open hand and surrender your plans for His. James 4:8, Romans 12:1-2

Should find yourself up against overwhelming circumstances...place them into the One who is greater than anything you can face. Next...wait quietly for what He might have you do or not do in your situation. He holds you close and you don't have to walk this way alone. Hebrews 13:5

Should you find yourself feeling irritated, impatient, or agitated with someone...Truly! Take a minute to laugh at yourself! Talk to the Lord and shake it off! The irritation you are facing is nothing in the light of God's unfailing love and joy for you. LOL! Get over yourself and let the Lord's joy overflow your soul to the person who may seem difficult. He holds you close. Galatians 5:22-23

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: Lauren Conrad

His Eye is on the Sparrow...

Well…I had a good chance to observe…people…while sitting in LAX this afternoon.

Today, I realized…I have a “thing” for airports. Amazing. All the people…all the different kinds of people. Young, and old; trim and not so trim; every color of the rainbow; every nation probably represented.

What are their stories? Where are they going…and why? Is it for happy causes? Tragic causes? Are they excited to see loved ones…or bearing a heartache so great, they can barely breath?

Yet…He knows…yes…He knows…each one. Even if they don’t know Him yet…

"Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? 
And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will.
"But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
"Do not fear therefore; 
you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Matthew 10:29-31

Someone needs to remember…God cares...about you. He…sees…what you are going through. Won’t you turn and look Him in the face…now?

I used to not be so fond of large groups of people…but…ahhh…freedom in Jesus. And that...is another story. All that matters now is...

His eye is on the sparrow and…
I know He watches over me…
And you.

Love this rendition of this beautiful song...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H74FBgOZTDw

Frozen...not as cute as the movie...

Lot’s wife…do you remember her from Genesis 19:26? 

While reading this account today, I was reminded of my husband’s words when he has taught on this passage…Lot’s wife, commanded to not look back over her shoulder…yet, she can’t resist…and because of this looking back…to her past…she cannot grasp her future.  She becomes a pillar of salt…forever frozen between what once was and the amazing life God was propelling her toward for her future.

Sounds like a lot of us…sounds like me some years back.

Looking back to our past, even if it has been painful…well…it sure can be comfortable.  Much more comfortable sometimes than trusting Jesus that He knows what is best for our future.  As my friend, Wendy Nolasco, likes to say… “At least we KNOW the street signs in hell (the “maybe” hell of our past…)”

Possibly our past tempts us to look back because it seemed so wonderful…you know… “The good ole days…”  That was me.  Afraid for the future, not being sure how to live in the present…my past was easy to look back to…I became frozen in time…just like Randy teaches.  I was missing ALL of the crazy great miracles that the Lord wanted to do in my “today” and not fearlessly trusting that in Jesus...like when He kept the best wine for the end of the wedding…life in Him only gets more exciting, fulfilling, and rewarding (notice…I didn’t say easier!)

“But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

Luke 9:62

His words are enough for me…I’m not looking over my shoulder anymore…how about you?

photo: Ana Rosa

Yes...I believe...

One of the Bible verses that the Holy Spirit has repeatedly…I mean…repeatedly…spoken over my life...speaks to me now...

"Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord."
Luke 1:45

Not that I have lived up to these words…no…not by a long shot…nevertheless they embody the great truth that “faith” is…everything…to the Lord Jesus.

We can sing His praise, we can dance in worship, we can shout in jubilation in the midst of His presence…we…we…we can go to church every Sunday, read our Bibles daily, and share the gospel…but…gosh darn…without “faith”…it impossible to please Him. (Heb.11:6)

And yes…we can actually do all the aforementioned stuff…and not have…faith.

I know…we walk timidly around this…not wanting to offend or hurt anyone. So…I am not looking at others as I write. I am talking to myself and reminding myself…of the power of the angel’s words to Mary.

Whatever is coming to your mind right now where you are struggling…choose…to believe His Word…in spite of what you are…feeling. Emotions will follow your choice (usually!). Ask for His help with your unbelief, but start somewhere…because His fulfillment of much of what He wants to give, do, and take place in your life hinges on it. No not “works,” but the Lord loves it when we trust Him.

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photo: Clutter & Chaos

Are We...Giving Place...to Something?

Are you ready for a short, little verse...(with a big punch)?

"nor give place to the devil."
Ephesians 4:27

The original Greek word used for “place” here is “topos.” You know…my Big Fat Greek Wedding...a lot of our English words are derived from Greek. It is the same root word that means topography, geography, or location. Paul is advising here not to give ground to our adversary. Paul is telling us, don’t give the devil an inch, because he wants and will take a mile…if we let him.

Where is this “place?” Usually it is the realm of our soul: our hearts and minds; our thoughts and emotions. When we allow the enemy entry to places we shouldn’t…well…it is a bummer. He loves to take ground and set up a stronghold. In other words, this darkness can get a strong hold on us in the form of our thoughts, our actions, addictions, and behaviors we can’t seem to break no matter how hard we try.

But…enough talk about the evil one and let’s talk about the overwhelming love and power of the One and Only. He came to destroy every…EVERY…work of the devil (1 John 3:8). Jesus came to literally untie every knot the enemy has worked into our lives. And, best of all Jesus REALLY wants us to be free…AND…it is never …too late.

So…don’t give up. Keep looking up. Seek Spirit-filled help. Seek the Lord and let His Word bring healing (Psalm 107:20). Freedom may come in an instant or you may gain ground back one inch at a time over a period of time. Yet…Deliverance is yours in Jesus’ Name.

I am living proof.

His Joy...My Strength

If the Christian’s strength is the joy of the Lord…it is not rocket science to realize…that our adversary will attack our joy. (Nehemiah 8:10)

“You will show me the path of life;

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Psalm 16:11

I have been a Christian a long time. I for sure don’t know it all or have it all together…however…I have found that joy…Holy Spirit overflow, buckets-full, drenching to and through the skin joy…takes place when I make room for time in God’s presence. Often.

So…any time…any amount of time…whether short or lengthy…that we set aside to spend basking in the Lord’s presence and feasting on His Word will ALWAYS be opposed. If the enemy of your soul can separate you…from time spent…with the Almighty…the battle for other areas of your life is almost surely going to fall in the devil’s direction.

So…this isn’t a call to spend time with the Lord out of duty or guilt…no…this is call to keep your joy in Him brimming. Your strength…in Him.  When hard things hit…your joy and assured walk in His presence and Word will be more than enough to sustain you. And…when life is rich and sweet…His joy will certainly bring even greater enhancement.

So…I’ve gotta run…I have date in His presence and Word planned!

photo: Joaquin Villanueva

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this new week...

Should someone…try…your patience…at some point along the way. Step back. Give it to the Lord. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you up to over-flowing and ask Him to see the person who is causing you to struggle through HIS eyes.

Should circumstances not go the way you had planned…take a prayer “breather.” Ask the Lord Jesus for His guidance. Is this His moving in your life? Is it the enemy’s? Hmmm…could it be your own doing? Don’t do anything till you sense the Lord’s direction and then move forward with His leading.

If a temptation overtakes you that you can’t seem to find “victory” over…you may be dealing with a stronghold in your life…in other words, somehow the adversary has taken some ground in an area of your soul (heart and/or mind). Seek someone to confess to, to be accountable to, and don’t give up. Where the Spirit of the Lord is…there is freedom! ** 2 Cor. 3:17

Should a situation in your life: financial, relational, physical… seem greater than what you can handle...He already knows. His strength is made perfect in your weakness!
2 Cor. 12:9

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, no matter what you face, because Who is in you is greater than anything! 
1 John 4:4

photo: Trish Papadakos via Flickr

A Light for My Path

I cannot exactly remember who I received this teaching from…so please forgive. However, I am prompted to bring a reminder from this well-worn and beloved Bible passage:

“Your word is a lamp to my feet, 
And a light to my path.”
Psalm 119:105

If you ask me, we are always in need of…His touch…His guidance…His light. Don’t you agree?

The great promise from His Word, is that He promises all the guidance we need…one foot fall at a time and the great treasure of knowing that…each foot fall we purpose to take in Him (we do have a choice not to!) is one step in front of the other on the long-range path of our lives.

Jesus’ light is right here, right now for what we face in this moment and yet, He gives glimpses of our destiny in Him. Trouble is…we want to jump from Point A…to…let’s say…Point Q (let alone Point Z!) missing out on all of the light-guided steps in between! We may try to hurry the path, jump the path, skip the path…to what avail? Missing the glory of the power of the Holy Spirit and hearing His voice…every single day or our lives!

All this to say…it may be time to turn “the light on.” Spend some time in His presence today, drinking up His living, written Word and basking in His presence. And, though I’m not perfect by a long shot in this…let me tell you…the mundane will become extraordinary, the routine will become wonder-filled, and His light will dazzle your eyes...and illuminate your steps.

photo: Mid Western Darling

Unending Joy!

What an interesting and intriguing verse...

"Then the whole assembly agreed to keep the feast another seven days, and they kept it another seven days with gladness."
2 Chronicles 30:23

In ancient Israel...away from God, Israel...King Hezekiah turns the wayward nation back to the Lord. In the context where this wonder-filled, over-the-top joy passage is found, he has just re-introduced the Passover Feast to the people.

They go berserk...
They go bananas...
They rejoice in such a way that had not been seen in this lost nation for years and years...
They don't want to stop the celebration...they just don't want it to end...And neither should we...

They are celebrating God and His delivering power.

JOY is at the heart of the gospel..."for the joy set before Him (Jesus), He endured...the...cross...for us." Joy is at the heart of His message...that abiding in His love enables us to walk in obedience to His commands and experience HIS fullness of joy..not the world's shallow, fleeting attempts at happiness.

We all need to live in the exceeding joy of the Jesus.

I have known despair and depression...and I have known exceeding bliss. The latter is better...much better.....so...where are you on the joy gauge today?

It might be time to turn back to the Lord and let Him show you where and when you left His path of joy. Then...beat it back asap to where you took the detour. The Holy Spirit will help you...and...He will cause your weary heart to rejoice...think of it...rejoice = re-joy...to rejoice in the Lord means to have joy, over and over, and over again...just like Israel did...

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