What More Can Be Said...

We are in the midst of Holy Week…

As we read the Gospel of John from chapters 12 to 18, we find Jesus’ parting words to His followers as He heads to the unimaginable cross…He speaks volumes to us, His children…

Though as always, actions speak louder than words….(read this slowwwly)…

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, 
And that He had come from God 
And was going to God,
Rose from supper and laid aside His garments, 
Took a towel and girded Himself.
After that, He poured water into a basin and 
Began to wash the disciples' feet,
And to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.
John 13:3-5

What more can be said?

The King of Universe
Stooped to wash filthy, worldly feet
The Pure…cleansing the unclean
The Master…showing us a servant’s heart
His robes of righteousness for our rags of sin
His stripes…for our healing
The Perfect Lamb slain…for our offenses
The Lion of the Tribe of Judah…who lives to give us life.

Thank you Lord Jesus for all that You have done.

​
photo: Creator . We Work

His Poem...

I have been making necklaces again…

Mind you… I have no clue what I am doing…however…has that ever stopped me?

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:10

The Lord Almighty, the One and Only Creator…created us to…create. There is just something so fulfilling as getting an idea for…anything really, then making it happen. Truly…we were made in His image.

So. I have been working on these little necklaces for an upcoming launch of a website and a time of sharing at a women’s conference. I LOVE sitting in a little guest bedroom, winding wires, gluing pretty pictures, picking pearly beads, and putting the whole mess together. I think about who will wear the necklace…will she be blessed and yes…will she feel pretty and oh so special?

My good friend Cory Curry likes to say that it took God only six days to speak all that we know as this constantly enlarging and changing universe into existence. However…it took Him nine months, give or take, to carefully knit us together…yes, no matter how we feel about ourselves…to Him we are a masterpiece. His poem (as in the original Greek wording Paul uses above).

If you are feeling a little blue today…think on this. Look up the original wording in the verse above. Remember how you feel when you create something…anything…and how much pleasure it brings you. That is what He is thinking about you…this very minute.


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photo: Macademia

He Calls Them All by Name...

I took a walk at late dusk this evening…when the stars were just starting to frame themselves against the deepening blue sky.

“Lift up your eyes on high, And see who has created these things, Who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, By the greatness of His might And the strength of His power; Not one is missing.”
Isaiah 40:26

These words from the old prophet were a promise to me from the Lord Jesus many years ago…that each of our three children…would come safely home to the Father’s embrace…not one of them would be “missing” from His presence.

Yes! This was my prayer for each of our precious, funny, beautiful, talented, generous, and smart-beyond-years kids. I was desperate in prayer (even when I was a “hot mess,” needing more prayer than they ever did!) contending for their lives…that they would fall in love with the Lord Jesus…and love Him more than life itself. If that took place…and it did…I wouldn’t have to “worry” about anything else.

I felt led by the Holy Spirit to post this…who do you hold dear that is “missing” from the Lord’s embrace at this moment? Who is needing His saving, amazing grace to intersect their lives and bring rescue? Don’t give up. Wait on the Lord for direction to pray. Come after the enemy on your knees and with the Word of God…your heart’s cry will not be in vain.

Grab hold of your faith in Him. The Lord is calling their names as you read this.

 

photo: Utmost Creative via Folk Lifestyle

When Jesus walked the earth…He was making an invasion into enemy territory...really.*

“… For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”
1 John 3:8b

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not just about “life insurance” in eternity…it is also very much…the power of God displayed to snatch us from the miry pits we often find ourselves in due to:

• Our own selfish and destructive choices
• The fallout from the bad choices, habits, and addictions of our families
• The tragedy of living in a fallen, broken, and often evil world that our adversary rules…

The list goes on…

So…in what area of your life do you need Jesus’ rescue? Ask yourself honestly. Then, ask Him honestly…to deliver you. We often don’t want to be free…Really…when push comes to shove…we may wonder what He will bring that will replace our bondages…in other words…will our Rescuer be enough?

Yes…the Lord Jesus is enough…more than enough. His rescue is your destiny…and His abundance is your portion because of His glorious grace….and you will know life beyond your wildest dreams. 

* 1 John 5:19

photo: How Sweet Eats

Comfort...

Where do you go to find comfort when hurting, lonely, or discouraged?

"In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul."  Psalms 94:19

I am so often amazed that when I'm in need of comfort....over any type of situation...I will turn everywhere, but to the Lord. I sense there is a reader who is doing that very thing.

Yes...we may turn to Christian friends for help and prayer, but really, if all they can offer is sympathy or empathy, well, that won't cut it. They may console...but are they discerning enough to bring real counsel and healing?

Do we turn to familiar behaviors to find solace? You know, the behaviors we are not so proud of, but they bring a momentary relief. We turn to them because they are quick, easily attainable, and....well, oh so familiar. Have these "friends" ever really helped? Or, just delayed the inevitable pain for a few minutes?

Finding comfort only in Jesus takes a step of faith on our part. Will He really come through? Can we experience true relief, peace, and strength only in Him? Will He be enough?

Dear one, you won't know until you get alone with Him and not leave until you feel (yes, I said "feel") something from the great Comforter, the Holy Spirit. Don't leave until you get a gold nugget from His written Word, the Bible. That you can stand on....no matter HOW you feel.

So...quit tossing and turning to the right and the left, to past comforts or seeking new comforts. Whatever it is you are going through, HE is all-sufficient to take care of you and your situation...Jesus' comfort will not only bring relief, peace, and strength beyond measure...it will be a balm of healing oil to your aching heart.

photo: Mark Lane Coffee

Sizzle and Pop!

It seems to me…that most of the world is looking for…the secret “recipe” for success…

How about you? Even as a Christian…a few years and tears back, I was surely looking for the “formula” to a deeply satisfying, significant life. In the words of a talented writer and my new friend, Natalie…I longed for a life with “sizzle and pop!”

Well…

Everything about our Journey in Jesus is relational…no formulas here. Day in, day out conversations with the Most High God. Intentionally leaning hard into Him and cultivating His presence in the glory of His tenderness and power. Feeling His very breath pour into our souls as we savor and feast upon His living written word. And yet…

His Word is where we find the priceless recipe and all of the awe-inspiring ingredients…all that we need to navigate life…

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, 
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, 
And He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6

I’ll conclude here. What more can be said?

Yes…this is THE recipe for a life with sizzle and pop!

photo: Deux via Flickr

 

 

 

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. 

Feel free to share...

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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...