Tent Pegs...

Some years back, we sent our then nineteen year old daughter, Dayspring, on a camping trip with some of her friends...

We packed her car with all the family camping gear…however…when the fledgling adventurers reached their destination…ahem… they realized that they didn't have the tent poles. You know…those poles you stake into the ground, that keep the whole enchilada up?

"Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.” 
Isaiah 54:2

This verse is at the start of some beautiful promises from God to the nation Israel…to us, who in Christ...inherit the Promised Land’s promises as our own.

The context of this verse declares the great expansion of God’s Kingdom…and it applies so richly to our lives in Him…nevertheless…to expand tent stakes…they first have to planted firmly in the area they were originally intended.

In others words…before Jesus can expand His life and ministry in us…well…we may need to accept, rejoice, and find the effervescent power of the Holy Spirit in our everyday…where…He has us…now. He won’t give us the “more” we want, if we haven’t discovered His presence in our “present.” No matter what our situation or circumstances are…

Yes, He is in your “now.” If you are struggling with your life’s circumstances…you may be missing Him standing right next to you (indeed…inside of you!). Stop…take some time to seek…listen to what the Lord Jesus says in your immediate situation and start hammering those stakes in the ground He has given you.

Next...enjoy the view...

photo: Herschel Supply

His Feast...

Just a few short words…that express so much…

I’ve just come from a “secret place” time with the Lord…you know…just Him and me.

“A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah. 
O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. 
Psalm 63:1

I am not in a wilderness…at this moment…and…it wasn’t early…yet, I was thirsty for His presence. However…stuff was pressing on my mind. You know…the stuff of life. Laundry to fold, work deadlines to meet…magazines to read…and Pinterest…ohhhh Pinterest!

A friend once likened our hunger and thirst for God like going grocery shopping. (Hang with me here…) It is dangerous to enter a market hungry. We tend to settle for the unhealthy stuff. That bag of chips looks more appetizing than the piece of fruit. Candy bars tantalize instead of whole grains…you get the drift. We settle for junk to satisfy…instead of a luscious feast that would not only satisfy…but nourish us…and…give us strength.

“Because Your lovingkindness is better than life…
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, 
And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.”
Psalm 63:3-5

I have wasted too much time on the empty calories of the world’s so-called delights. I want a meal. The meal with Jesus that He continually invites me to…yes…I want to feast in His presence.

Feel free to share...

photo: Julia Trotti

 

 

I Shall Not be Moved...

A very dear friend received some…very…difficult news today…

We all…have received difficult, life-altering news at one time or another. And…the trend for living in this broken, sin-scarred world, is that there may be a good chance (no, I am not inviting this…but it is true), that we…at some time…may face difficulty…again…

Now…for the good news…

“I have set the LORD always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.”
Psalm 16:8

When I set my sights…all the time…only on King Jesus...it changes everything. Yes. Everything.

When He is all that I see…that I choose to see…from the first morning alarm, to the final good-night kiss…life is different.

Oh…so different.

When I cause Him to be all that fills me and satisfies me, His presence encompasses my being just as Psalm 139 talks about. (Yes, He always covers me…it is whether I am aware of it or not…correct?). When I invite His Spirit to saturate my soul…and I feast on His Word...well…trials just don’t have the effect they used to…I am no longer overcome, overwhelmed, undone, or shaken.

This is just not the theory of Christianity…but the living, tangible reality of it…the irresistible truth of it. That when I set the steady gaze of my heart and affections, ever and only upon Him...He is all that I need. I am changed...He will take care of the rest.

I want to live this way…what is your heart of hearts telling you?


photo: Verity Hope on Etsy

Holy Ground...

I tell ya…sometimes…God’s Word knocks me off my feet…

And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.' "   Exodus 3:14

This amazing passage takes place as Moses…tending sheep on the back side of the mountain…encounters the burning bush…that is not consumed by its flames. There…the God of All speaks to Moses…gives him assignment…and Moses takes off his sandals on…such holy ground.

“Who should I say is sending me?” is the question Moses asks of God. The reply? “I AM is sending you…”

I AM.  God’s Name meaning simply “TO BE.” Think of it! Our God is eternal…no beginning, no end. Not created…HE IS. Outside of time…outside of human understanding…out of the box. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit…have always been…and always will be. The “Uncaused Cause” my Bible notes tell me. And then…I read…

Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM."   John 8:58

In this simple, short statement…Jesus established His divinity. Co-equal, co-divine, co-eternal, and co-existent with the Father and the Holy Spirit…and so

Sometimes, it behooves me to remember…

Yes…Jesus is my dearest friend…but yes…HE IS GOD. He is the great I AM. I can’t…ever…forget this…because sometimes…I am…too casual, too cocky…too something.  And…when He invites me come dine with Him (Rev. 3:20)…I need to remember to come humbly…and remember that I, like Moses, stand on holy ground.

 

photo: Style Me Pretty

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week…

Should you wake up one morning tired, crabby, cranky…you name it! Fall to your knees asap! He is waiting to restore and refresh you. He has assignments for you that you don’t want to miss. He has a loving word to whisper in your ear that you need to hear! And see…if the His Spirit doesn’t lift you on eagle’s wings!

Should your scale look high, your bank account low, and your relationship with your bff, spouse, kids, co-workers, or school-mates be sagging in the middle somewhere…look to the Lord for HIS wisdom. What you have been doing may not be working. He will give you new direction and vision.

Should need a way…where there seems to be no-way. This is God’s specialty! However, you have to place it firmly in HIS hands and…Keep your hands OFF. See what He does.

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: Beth Kirby via Flickr

Willing...and Obedient...

Obedience....The truth of the matter for me...and a smile comes to my face... is that I am usually willing...but not obedient. Or....I am obedient...but, without a willing heart! Think about that for a moment!

"If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land;"  Isaiah 1:19

My heart's cry lately comes from James 3:17, where one of the attributes of the Lord that He wants to impart to my life is the ability to be "willing to yield." Something about that phrase speaks to the depths of my soul...to yield...everything...yes, everything to Jesus and His plans, His work, His desires...without a moment's hesitation on my part.

Often, obedience sounds like such a harsh word...until you become a parent. Then, it is a rhapsody to your ears! The word...indeed the action...means to watchfully and carefully listen and follow through with matching behavior to instructions given by someone.

Now...think Someone...who knows better, best, greater, kinder, with unfailing love, and purposeful benevolence...yes, I am learning increasingly as the days, months, and years pass, that Lord Jesus knows what is best for me. My own way...well...is hollow, not fulfilling...often destructive...much like a handful of ashes.

Then the promise...yet, isn't His presence promise enough?? Still... God gives a lavish promise to willingness and obedience: we will eat the good (translation from Hebrew - goodness, prosperity, joy, and peace) of the land...the land of our lives.

Yes...this is the truth...and what a lavish truth it is....

photo: Haircut Economics

Unfailing Love...

Okay…just now I was reading my year-through-the-Bible plan, that I am already about a month or so behind in…no worries…I will make it through…

This time though…I am reading in the New Living Translation which uses the phrase “unfailing love” for the word that most Bible translations use “mercy.”

Both renderings of the Hebrew word “hesed” or “chesed” used here are accurate:

Hesed (Hebrew): Mercy, kindness, lovingkindness, unfailing love; tenderness, faithfulness. This word occurs about 250 times in the Old Testament.

“The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy.
Psalm 145:8 NKJV

“The LORD is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.”
Psalm 145:8 NLT

All this to say…when we fail…God’s love towards us doesn't. What a comfort to know and experience this. Drink this in and be blessed. That's all and that is enough.


photo: The Vintage Housewife Emporium

Hmmmm....Some Thoughts on Sowing...

I spent many years sabotaging my walk with Jesus. I mean…really. I really did that.

I would start a day with time with Him in the morning…then spend the next 23.5 hours (when not sleeping) thinking about what the world thinks about. Reading what the world reads. Viewing what the world views. Add…doing what the world does…or, responding the way the world does to situations…even with three little kids in tow and a husband who was the pastor of a thriving church. Yes…really. I did a lot of sabotaging of the Holy Spirit’s work in my life.

This morning’s quote that was posted earlier (CrossPointe with Sue Boldt on Facebook)…truly spoke to me…

“For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”
Galatians 6:8

I think this is on my mind because of two events that took place in the past few days:

• I again received clean bill of health in a terminal cancer saga
• My daughter, Shiloh, birthed her third child

Can I just say this plain and simple?

We don’t have a lot of time here to waste on stupid stuff. I remember when my daughter was a newborn…seems like yesterday. The fact that I have another day to draw breath here is miraculous. In other words…our days are short…

This isn't a guilt trip, or an urging to try harder, or anything like that…however…it is call to pay attention to what…we are paying attention to. Again, that simple. Because what we are pursuing either leads to a dead end…or life in the power of the Holy Spirit.

And…I….…be wanting me some of that power in the Spirit stuff!

photo: Icing Design Online

A Double Portion...

I am always amazed at the wonder and beauty of our Lord in His ability to turn the enemy of our souls upon his head...in our lives…

“Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.”
Isaiah 61:7

Where the devil has sown fear into a person’s life…crippling them for years on end…when that same person exposes the enemy’s schemes to King Jesus…how often the Lord then turns that person into a mighty and courageous warrior.

When a person has known great shame…even from the womb…when Jesus is allowed to break these lies of worthlessness…He then transforms that person into someone who knows their standing in heavenly places.

On and on this goes…no matter the adversary’s scenario…

Jesus is the Great I Am... and He gives double back to the oppressed…to you and me…when we let Him go deep and do the work in our lives that only He can do.  Whatever troubles or torments you (let’s get real here) Jesus wants to give you double of that which has been stolen…so…

Let Him. Give up control. Don’t be afraid to be healed and delivered. Jesus will be gentle with you...but ruthless to satan. You are in the One and Only's in good hands and He will not fail you.

photo: Vogue Australia

A Plan for Each Day...

Several years ago, when I was seeking the Lord to break areas of addiction in my life, this verse became my theme song. 

"Blessed be the Lord my Rock,
Who trains my hands for war,
And my fingers for battle..."
Psalm 144:1

Jesus was calling me to meet with Him every morning and get that day's "battle plan." HE was the One training me to break the enemy's grip on my life and He would never tell me to do something that His Spirit wouldn't enable me to do. 

Many days when I came to the Lord to get that special directive, I'd get the same nudge of the Spirit to do the same thing He had told me to do the day before. The quicker I was to obey and respond...He would move me onto the next step. Little did I know that I was learning to hear His voice daily. Little did I know that the devil was being defeated...by my every advance. It also taught me how to maintain my freedom when absolute freedom came.

Did I not come some mornings? Sure. Did I come and then not listen? Sure. But, did I stop coming even when I bombed out? He never revoked His invitation to meet with Him.

What do you need freedom from? Pornography, gossip, anger, gambling, substance abuse....the list could go on and on. Surely there are many facets to experiencing true freedom in Christ, but getting a daily battle plan from the Lord's heart to yours is probably... the sweetest.

photo: kvtes

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week…Launching from this special Easter Day...

Should you be tempted to be discouraged about an aspect of your life...the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, resides in you! (Eph. 1:19-20) Take time to drink deeply from His limitless well...and...be refreshed.

Should you have difficulties in a relationship, His love is greater...in...you. Seek His love first..because... His love is more than enough for both of you! Remember His complete forgiveness...towards you...then freely extend this gift to the person(s) you need to.

Should you need to know God's will for your life...remember that the One and Only, who rose from the dead...wants to make His plans known to you. Yes...He does really want to tell you...probably one step at a time however...and not...the whole enchilada! Remember? He gave His followers specific instructions to go back to Jerusalem...they obeyed...and through the power of meeting the Holy Spirit there...the world was changed forever!

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: Tuckernuck

He is Risen!!

He is Risen!! Happy Easter Sunday!!  And yet…I want to write…

This past Good Friday was a poignant and powerful day for me…

I felt a tad emotional by the overwhelming sense of the Holy Spirit in the little bit of time I had with the Lord before heading off to work. I sensed His nearness all day…while…of all things…doing payroll for a busy medical office (just goes to show how available Jesus is, no matter where we are!)…then a CTscan in the late afternoon…

Yes…a scan to determine if the Stage 4, incurable cancer had come back. I won’t go into the whole story here…nevertheless…I am six years past my diagnosed expiration date. I love physicians (I work for one that I adore)!!  However…no one has the final say over a life surrendered to Jesus (and probably not perfectly surrendered…that is still happening in layers)…but Jesus.

I found out later that evening…the scan was clear…I am still…stable.

If Good Friday is about atonement, forgiveness, restoration, and redemption…the resurrection is about…power…God Almighty’s power…

“…the eyes of your understanding being enlightened…what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,”      Ephesians 1:18-20

All that Jesus sacrifice purchased (at the most anguishing, horrific price possible)…the resurrection secures it. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead…that same Holy Spirit…now resides in those who believe. That is just one of the things that Easter is about…So…

Whatever…and I mean whatever you are facing this Easter Sunday, small or large, little or daunting, could be easily handled or is way above your pay-grade…let the King of Glory, the King of life…the King of Power have it. Give the Holy Spirit the reins of your life and let Him…reign.  Easter is for…you

He is Risen…He is Risen Indeed!

photo: Dave and Deborah Vanderlaan - Fine Art America

This...the Day...Good Friday

This the day…that we can hardly bear to think about…and yet…

“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2

For the joy...of bringing the Father’s wayward children home...

King Jesus…fully God…co-equal, co-divine, co-eternal, and co-existent…endured the cross, so many years ago…for us. And yet…

King Jesus was fully man…simply google the physical attributes of being crucified to somewhat realize what He went through…for us. And yet…

It was the separation from the Father…as Abba, Daddy had turn His gaze from the One so laden with our iniquity. That rending of the very fabric of Pure Love between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit…that was the greatest torture of all that He experienced…for us. And yet…

He did it all for joy…the joy of bringing us back home.

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:”
John 1:12

So this day…take time to remember…take time to lower your head and bow your knees to the One and Only. Yes, remember what He did for us…And yet…

Raise your head…lift your hands…through the tears…smile. For Easter is coming…

For us.

photo: A Well Traveled Woman

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.


https://www.facebook.com/CrossPointewithSueBoldt
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