For Such a Time...

When I was younger, I wished that I could have lived in the Wild West of the 1800’s... 

All those beautiful horses, wide open land, and big Montana skies that went on forever. Never mind that there were no microwaves, cell phones, malls, or Amazon…nope I would not have lasted a week.

Then, when raising my kids, I looked back over my shoulder to the 1950’s…sort of the age of innocence…the Wonder Years.

"For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
Esther 4:14

No…I was born for this time, in this place, in this moment of history…for such a time as this…and you were placed, born, and set, where you are at this moment…for His bidding, His purposes, His designs, as well. Just like Queen Esther. 

And if we remain silent…about the healing, delivering, life-giving, life-changing gospel in our circle of influence…Jesus will bring someone else…to do what He specifically called each one of us to do. And, someone else will experience the overwhelming fulfillment and the "high" of exquisite joy when partnering with Jesus to touch lives.

If you read my posts, you know that I am all about a love relationship with Jesus and not “works.”

However, ministry takes place from the overflow of time spent with the Lord Jesus, cultivating hearing the Holy Spirit’s leading, and knowing the power and authority of God’s Written Word, the Bible, inside-out and backwards…

So…this is just a gentle reminder to you (and myself) that each day has purpose in Him, and we live in a desperate world, in the midst of desperate times. A world that needs the love and healing of the Lord Jesus in this moment…for such a time as this…

photo: Schoengeist

(Dear Reader...I may not be able to post the next few days due to sharing at a Women's Retreat. I will post as soon as possible!!)

 

 

Do Not Worry...

Are you…worried…upset…concerned…or anxious about something?

 
"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life…”
Matthew 6:25a

The original New Testament Greek word for “worry” is so interesting…

Merimnao: “To divide in parts.” The word suggests a distraction, a preoccupation with things causing anxiety, stress, and pressure.

Gosh, that sounds like “worry” to me…to be pulled in so many directions trying to figure out the resolution to a troubling situation of problem. “Scattered” and feeling torn apart or undone by worry, hmmmmm…that is not a very satisfying…or rewarding way to live.

Sometimes we think that worry is the responsible thing to do, excusing our preoccupation with it. However, in Christ, to worry is to say that He is not big enough, smart enough, wise enough, or He lacks the resources to help us in our need…Really? And yet…that is what our worry is stating.

How about we do a preemptive strike against the enemy? Let’s soak in all of Jesus words concerning our life found in Matthew 6:19-34…I mean really soak. Then, let’s invite the Holy Spirit to fill us with His faith as we choose to believe what Jesus says is true. Next…we will rest in His arms, and finally, we will obey implicitly when He gives us direction. 

He is more than enough to meet our every concern….

photo: Back Home Again Vintage

It is Finished...

Below are three of some of the most powerful words ever spoken...

"So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit."
John 19:30 

When Jesus cried out these words, His finishing work on the cross was...OUR...beginning. 

On the platform of this simple phrase..."It is finished!"...we stand in the power of God's Word to us that our debt of sin has been paid, our spiritual, emotions, and physical healing purchased, freedom is our portion, our enemy has been completely vanquished, and heaven has been secured for us.

However...let me change gears for a moment...

I am ALL about feeling, sensing, and experiencing the presence and power of God in our lives. I truly believe that we NEED to know what God's love and presence FEELS like. We need to cultivate sensing when the Spirit is moving in and among us...and when He is not. What we experience in the Him makes our Christianity a reality...not just theory.

Nevertheless...there are times where we have to just ruthlessly stand on the truth of God's Word that proclaims Jesus' death and resurrection finished all the seemingly unfinished business in our lives...

No matter what we are feeling.

Whatever you face today that is causing you anguish, anxiety, fear, or possibly guilt...Jesus has already...finished it...whatever IT is you need. Stand on that fact and not the barrage of your feelings. Take your hands completely off the predicament you find yourself in and give it to the One and Only who purchased your full redemption and healing. In His hands...every situation is already finished...just wait to see how marvelously it all ends up. 

It...is...finished!

photo: D. Levin via Flickr

Praying His Word...

I need Jesus to show up in a big way. 

You know what I mean?
Do you need for Him to show up in a big way in a situation currently in your life?

Today I went to prayer for all the women who will be attending upcoming events that I have the opp to share at over the next several weeks…I sensed the Holy Spirit leading me to pray Paul’s prayer for them from Ephesians 1:15-23. And…that brings me to this short point…

“And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…”
Ephesians 6:17-18

Please read these verses in their complete context…but the crux of this portion of the Armor of God is…His Word…is our one and only weapon against our adversary. And…His Word prayed and proclaimed over people, situations, nations, you name it…has far greater effect than anything we could ever come up with.

So…whatever you are facing…go to Him, open your Bible, and let the Spirit highlight what He wants you to see and how to pray. You might even start by praying Ephesians 1:15-23.

I double-dare you to do this before the day is over…believe me…rather believe His Word…pray these passages over your life…it will rock your world.

(Hi Dear One! If any of the devotionals speak to your heart...I would love it if you would click on the title of this blog...it will take you to the site where you can leave a short comment and you can click the heart button to see the little hearts come pouring out! Blessings, Sue Bee)

photo: kvtes

Let's Prepare...

If you are reading this…it is most likely a Saturday evening or a Sunday morning…

“Go through, Go through the gates!
Prepare the way for the people;
Build up, Build up the highway!
Take out the stones,
Lift up a banner for the peoples!”
Isaiah 62:10

It kinda goes with the territory that I fellowship with a local church…quite regularly. It kinda helps that I am married to a pastor. And…

Like most church gatherers (for we don’t “go” to church…we ARE the church…right?), well…those church participants of the female persuasion, I clean up: I wash my hair, put on make-up, find some clean jeans and a not too goofy t-shirt to wear.

I prepare my English muffin with almond butter and a good cup of coffee. I find my Bible, my purse, my phone. I prepare…almost everything…but do I prepare my heart?

Am I prepared to welcome a move of the Holy Spirit during worship? Am I prepared to be good soil so that His Word spoken and taught will go deep in me…and bear fruit? Am I prepared to pray for the sick, the broken, the lost? Have I invited the Lord to work through me with His gifts?

Just food for thought…let’s go…and take a few moments…to truly prepare…what’s important…

 

photo: Made From Scratch

Honey from the Rock...

I always seem to get a "Verse for the Year" from the Lord...

You know...it is just one of those times ...when you know...the Lord is speaking something directly to you. Psalm 81 is one of those kinds of passages for me in 2015....because...I tend to be...quite rebellious...

The first part of the psalm recounts God’s major work in freeing the nation of Israel from cruel bondage…I can sure relate…my own strongholds of the enemy…were cruel, unkind, hard to bear…and nearly cost me my life…

Then..the passage then takes a turn...and this is what He has been speaking gently...but firmly...to me...this year...

“If only you would have listened to Me…”

“If only…”

“He would have fed them also with the finest of wheat; And with honey from the rock I would have satisfied you."Psalm 81:16

Face it…most of the time we want Jesus to do…what WE want to do. Like Israel “we walk in our own stubborn counsel.” 

Oh…oh, oh, oh…but we miss out…....on so much. We miss out on the enemy’s defeat in our life, satisfaction, joy, peace, purpose, destiny, vision, and power. No more…

I want the honey from the rock that only He gives…so I ask…
Want to join me right now in fresh and complete surrender to Him?

(p.s. Be sure to take a look at Psalm 81 for yourself!)


photo: Brie Williams

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