At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

Know that God is on YOUR side...He will fight for you..
.
No...that doesn't mean that you get to be...well...mean, impatient, frustrated, bored, or insensitive. It means that when you are struggling with someone or something...the Holy Spirit inside you will fight for you to be able to overcome any challenge with His beyond-reason love. Romans 5:5

No...it doesn't mean that you will always get your way. God will fight for you to experience trusting Him that HE may have a better plan, a sweeter idea, or something not even on your radar yet. Heb. 3:5-6

It DOES mean...that the Lord won't let you fight your battles (relationships, circumstances, past, and future) on your own. And, there will be times when He asks you to recuse yourself from the battle altogether and let Him do the heavy lifting. Hearing His voice in this means you need to draw near to hear His whisper...for surely He will speak to you. 
Is. 43:1-2

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

Feel free to share!

 

In the Hollow of His Hand...

I am marveling in our wondrous, Almighty God...  

"Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His HAND, or with the breadth of His HAND marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?" Isaiah 40:12  

The opening question is what is speaking to my heart right now....Who has measured the oceans...in the hollow of HIS hand? Who has used the length of HIS mighty fingers to measure the untold galaxies, immeasurable light years in distance? The galaxies that know no end?

 And yet...I am reminded of the prophet's words a few chapters later...  "And He has made My mouth like a sharp sword; In the shadow of His HAND He has hidden Me, And made Me a polished shaft; In His quiver He has hidden Me." Isaiah 49:2  

This amazing, unfathomable God not only holds all of the oceans and stars in His single palm...HE HOLDS ME!!!

 In the shadow of His Hand He has hidden me...my heart, my mind...my life. Someone needs to hear this today...our God holds YOU..tenderly, carefully, purposefully, and powerfully in the cup of His eternal hand.

Feel free to share...

A Fragrant Outpouring...

There is an event that has been talked, taught, and...sung about…

“Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.”
John 12:3

Can anything more be said? And yet...

We have to know…that Mary’s gift…was not only monetarily of great cost…but the oil had to have been…the treasure of her heart. We women…(guys, don’t check out, here!)…we have deep emotional attachments to…things. Right or wrong…we…do.

Possibly this was a treasured gift from Mary’s father…or mother. Maybe the aromatic oil was paid for with pennies Mary had saved since she was but a wee one…for her wedding consummation day. A treasure hidden and tucked away. Something Mary would steal glimpses at…waiting…for the special time when her heart would be released to dab a little…behind her ears. Possibly this oil…was meant to last a…lifetime.

Whatever it was to Mary…it was hidden deep in her emotions. Its outpouring, an act of greatest love…adoration…and sacrifice. Because if Mary was going to give something for the Savior’s benefit…it would be given with all that she had…in her…heart. And pour it out…she did.

And the gift back? An inescapable fragrance that filled…the room…the atmosphere…that lingered long with those it came in contact with.

That is what a surrendered life is…and does…it leaves an indelible impression on the lives it touches. I want that to be me…Lord.
2 Corinthians 2:14-15

 

Feel free to share via Facebook! Buttons below! (I think...lol)

Our Bridegroom...

I love that My Bridegroom rejoices over…me…

“For the LORD delights in you, And your land shall be married…
And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
So shall your God rejoice over you.”
Isaiah 62:4b-5b

In this beautiful passage of Scripture we are told that the God of Angel Armies…rejoices over His church…we His bride…think of it… 

I have just been to too many weddings were the groom looked as if he was going to bust his buttons to get the ceremony over with and…run down the aisle with the woman of his dreams…

Our God…is like that with us…even with our stains, our pettiness, our...our…our stuff…He is crazy about us. The Scriptures tell us that He even dances over us...

Some of us reading…who are married…or divorced…have known what it is like to have ‘first love’ of our spouse lose its luster….But no…our God for us…He is as passionate and fervent about each us as He was the moment of our inception…His unfailing love has not failed toward…you…toward me. (No wonder angel’s rejoicing abounds so when a lamb returns home! How glad the Father is!)

How about stopping for a moment now and quieting yourself. Exchange some genuine heartfelt words with the One who loves you with such abandon. He is crazy about you…you know…but it might be time to remind yourself of this truth.

Feel free to share...

 

photo: Nicole Franzen

His...Poem...

Here is...some crazy...wonderful news....

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”    Ephesians 2:10

Paul’s use of the word “workmanship” – the Greek word “poiema”…yes…where we derive our English word “poem,” tells us that the Master Artisan has created something of exquisite, delightful beauty…and that is...you and me

Yet, without Him, our lives are without measure or meter, without rhyme or reason…however…as we are hidden in His love…ohhh…how much potential we hold.

Honestly, in the past, I loved taking “tests” and classes, dabbling here and there, trying to figure "who I was." I despaired of ever knowing and I always...repeat ALWAYS...wanted to be someone else. Are you trackin' with me here?

However, it wasn’t until I made living in His presence just about my only priority (I say "just about" because I am not perfect in this!) and believing His Word my daily strength (not always perfect in that, either), did I know and start to fulfill my “destiny” in Him.

Yep, that’s the truth. And…yep…you and I are the Master Artisan’s favorite poem. Let’s let Jesus write each word and phrase of our lives.

Can you even begin to imagine the possibilities?

 

(Blessed by this in any way? Please consider sharing onto your Facebook page! You can reach others with His encouragement, that I never would be able to!)

photo: The Wedding Chicks

Radiance....

Here is a beautiful…powerful…amazing…promise…from Him who loves us beyond reason…

“They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed.”
Psalm 34:5

I am so convinced that shame and pride…walk hand in hand. And…most of us deal with both (truth be told, I think everyone has both!)…you see…

The fall that Adam and Eve took in the garden…well…it was marked with pride, but ended in shame. Pride…that they knew better than the Father who adored them…created them…breathed life into them. Then…shame…for their grave mistake.

Shame…well it just makes us feel…oh…so…unworthy. We want cover…we want to run…want to hide. Shame’s sister…pride…then comes along and causes us to try to rise above our shame and say, “We can do it! We are better than shame!” Pride tells us we deserve more, causes us to self-promote, be dissatisfied…not content…work hard to prove…we are not shame-full. We are not comfortable in our own skin...what sadness.

Only looking to King Jesus…for our worth…for acceptance…for love…breaks the cycle of shame and pride…and oh! The promise! Freedom…radiant lives…wholeness in Him alone.

What are we waiting for?

(If this little message spoke to your heart today...please take a moment to click on its title above...go to the site...and click on the heart at the bottom! Watch the hearts dance...ok...they just come out, not necessarily dance!)

photo: United by Love

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week…

If you are facing major, or not so major decisions…rely on the Holy Spirit to lead you. He will. However…be willing to do what He is speaking to you. That willingness is called…surrender! Don’t miss God’s best for you by settling for what seems quick or easy. His best…is outrageously the BEST!

If you need to forgive someone, no matter how slight or large the offense. Get to it pronto!! Ask for Jesus’ help! He has completely forgiven you…He WILL give you the strength to forgive others.

If you need sleep, rest, or refreshment for your body, soul, or spirit…take it! Make finding time from your crazy schedule to 1.) Be in His presence and Word. 2.) Get good sleep 3.) Get outside and take a technology break. Fill your mind and heart with His beauty that surrounds.

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: Classy in the City

Psalm 63...

“Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,”

Sit on that phrase for a while. What has been ruling your life? My life? Robbing us of His lovingkindness…His unfailing…love? Because whatever it is…that thing, person, passion of ours can’t compete with God’s promise to satisfy our souls. Quite literally, our hearts and minds…our very being. Yes…marrow and fatness He promises

And…our thoughts?

“I meditate on You in the night watches.”

Are our thoughts consumed with Him? His beauty? His power and glory? And if they are not…we have a choice…I choose…Him. Over the chatter of empty mind patterns that distract. Tracking with me? Again “why” are we so enthralled with His beauty? Because…

“You have been my help, 
Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice."

Yes…this is the place to be. Tucked in close…to His heart. And when my soul…yes, my heart…everything my heart cherishes and yearns for. And…my mind (my thoughts and choices) follow close behind Him…the great promise of Psalm 63 that we have been reading is fulfilled:

His very right Hand…will uphold…me...

Ahhhh…yes!

 

photo: Bojon Gourmet
 

Decisions....

Decisions are sometimes…hard to make.

In an hour of this day alone, my 96-year old dad made the decision to…give up driving after eighty years on the road. And… a twenty-five year old son of a close friend…made a decision to go with chemo…instead of a “wait-and-see” approach. Maybe two ends of a long spectrum…but potentially life-altering decisions, nonetheless.

My decisions today were more tame…where to eat, what to wear, what task to complete first…yes…decisions…decisions. A day doesn’t pass without a million decisions…

 

“Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.”

Isaiah 30:21

We need help making decisions…wouldn’t you agree? Someone with more perspective. Someone who knows what’s ahead…you know…Who knows what could happen. Someone who is always…looking out for us.

Jesus is that Someone. However, He is a gentleman. He won’t force His way…where He is not invited. He won’t necessarily speak…when we have already made our choice. He won’t compete with the chatter of the world. It is time to give Him full reign…over the reign of our lives…and then, in full surrender (even if we are trembling and tentative in giving it to Him)…He will speak that word and say, “This the way…walk in it.”

What comfort…

 

photo: Armella Habib via Flickr

Arghhhhh.....

A little word association here…here is the word…

Journaling.....It can bring various responses:

“Argghhhhh”….I hate it, it takes time, why bother, who cares, I don’t write well, I can't even read my own handwriting…etc.

“Guilt”…I want to do it but it takes time, I always give up after I miss a few days, I have ten million journals laying around the house that I have started, I can’t find a user friendly app…etc.

“Bliss”…(yes, bliss)….yes it is messy, it takes time, but it keeps me accountable, helps me remember what God has spoken to me, done for me, and what He has promised me…

Yes…you can tell I fall in the latter category of thought…and I’m praying that this will give you a gentle, but firm kick in the rear (can I say that on a Devotional Page?)…to record by whatever you choose: handwritten, word processed, graffiti on your garage door, sidewalk chalk…

"Thus speaks the LORD God of Israel, saying: 'Write in a book for yourself all the words that I have spoken to you.”
Jeremiah 30:2

That is the point…remember, processing your thoughts with His, staying focused, looking back and looking forward…

I hope you will consider journaling as part of your walk with the Jesus. You will get the hang of it…you will be blessed.

 

 

photo: Digs Digs

 

Eagles' Wings...

I am…pooped out.

Anybody trackin’ with me here? However…it is a rich, good, joyous…pooped out.

I had the amazing privilege of sharing at a Women’s Camp this past weekend (Thousand Pines Christian Camp). It was thrilling…it was exhilarating…it was crazy fun…to watch the Lord at work. I could have talked about…baking chocolate chip cookies (I didn't…but could have!) and He would have moved…transforming lives…His vast love for so many…going deep…yes…going deep. He didn't need me…He only desired the hungry hearts that every woman had presented to Him there.

“But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; 
They shall mount up with wings like eagles, 
They shall run and not be weary, 
They shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31

I have lived too many years in the other kind of…pooped out…you know…burned out…exhausted, depleted, hope dimmed, weary of life…kind of pooped out. It is not…riding on eagles' wings. And…I don’t want to live that way anymore. And…the promise of soaring with Him is wrapped up in one word… “wait”…

A Mary way of waiting…at His feet…drinking in His presence and His Word. That simple.*

Yes…I am pooped out…but I am flying high…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5S-YZxz1NM

photo: Hemingway & Hepburn

*Luke 10:38-42

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week…

Should you feel…well…kinda blue, bored, or broke…possibly you haven’t been spending some “soaking” time with the Lord? Quieting ALL the noise in your life and hearing only His voice? Filling you to overflow with the Holy Spirit? He has been waiting for you…

Should you think your life has been turned upside down? One, check to make sure you are on HIS path. Two, you may be in the midst of the enemy’s “attack,” get your armor on (Eph. 6). Three, it may be the Lord shaking up some things to get you out of your comfort zone. Lean hard into Him and let Him take you on a thrill ride.

Should old habits start to return…you know…impatience, irritability, may not so great language or tone to your voice? Step back, drink in His word. Remember how much Jesus loves you and gives you His love to give others. Now start over facing folks that were causing your “flesh” to resurface.

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: Anchored by Love

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