His Goodness...

Psalm 16 is one of my all-time favorite passages from the Bible. Every verse of this song of David has deep personal meaning for me...but today...verse 2...well, you'll see what I mean...

"O my soul, you have said to the LORD, "You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You."    Psalm 16:2

I have long known this be true about myself.  I have NO goodness apart from Jesus (probably my husband, kids, and close friends know this best!).  

And, yes, the Holy Spirit is working out His fruit of goodness in my life...by healing me of deep insecurities (isn't most evil driven by insecurity?). Nevertheless, when it is time for me to breath my last, there still be only ONE who is good.

 I then re-read the verse in the Amplified Version:

"I say to the Lord, You are my Lord; I have no good beside or beyond You."

The "buck" stops with God.  There is no value to looking to anything to come close to Him ("looking for good beside Him").  He stands alone in the "good" category.  Nor, is there any reason to look "beyond" Him for the inestimable, incomparable, matchless goodness of life, love, hope, joy, happiness, healing, wholeness...what else could we add to this list...And yet...

My wandering heart...will...try...to look...beyond.  What folly.

So what the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart...is simply...God is all I need, all the time, and for all of my life.  Hmmmm...no need to wander any more...

And, if I simmer in this for awhile...my portion will be walking on the path of life lived to the full, in His presence I will experience joy unspeakable and full of glory, and His satisfying pleasure will more than quench, saturate, and overwhelm my hungry soul. (verse 11)

Yes, God's goodness is enough.

 

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Sweetest and Most Loved...

One of the sweetest and most loved Bible verses….

“Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.”
Psalm 37:4

The deal is…Jesus gently draws us into this promise and draws us to Himself …KNOWING…we will fall head over heels in love with Him… And, He knows…that the things, people, positions…you know…all that we think we desire…can often be…

…so less than…His desires for us.

In our broken state, we would often never even dream His dreams for us.  He has an over-the-top, beyond-reason destiny for us to experience and fulfill. And yet…through the messed-up lens of our lives…before His transforming work…the desires of our heart are often so miserably pitiful compared to what He has in store.
 
For instance…a person has to be set free from fear and insecurity…before dreaming big dreams. Only Jesus can truly set free. A person has to become safe in His love…before they will dare to love with abandon. Someone needs liberty from the oppression of guilt…before they can raise their head to walk in all the Holy Spirit has….you get the idea…so…

Fall...for Him

His desires for are so much greater… far beyond what we could imagine or think.
Is. 64:4 

 

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photo: Smitten Studios

A Photograph....

One of my favorite "photographs" of King Jesus from all four of the Gospels…

"So they all ate and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of fragments and of the fish."
Mark 6:42-43

The fact that Jesus took so LITTLE and made so much speaks to us. Where do we feel small and insufficient? Is it our lives, our resources, our future…ourselves? Let’s put whatever it is squarely and completely in His hands, stand back and watch the wonder...yes, just like the bread, He may need to "break" somethings up in our lives to bring multiplication...but, let’s not fear His tender touch.

I love that…everyone was FILLED. I spent so much of my life unsatisfied and frustrated. Ministry was more chore than overflow; lack of knowing God's will for my life was the norm; and struggling with habitual behaviors almost destroyed me…until Jesus cornered me and I found that in HIM ALONE was I satisfied, significant, and complete.

Last of all...Jesus doesn't WASTE a thing. There is nothing in our lives…even the months and years we regret…that He won't use for His glory...His grace not only extends to our present and our future, but His grace rolls up all the waste of our past…and He causes it to become part of our glorious story. No, nothing is wasted in Him. Truly.

How does this story speak to you? Why not take a few moments and talk to Lord Jesus about it...He's ready to begin a miracle…

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photo: Felicity via Flickr

Oh My...

I have often heard in many Christian circles...shoot...I've even said it myself, "I am going through the wilderness period right now." Or, I am going through a "dry time" in my life or in my walk with the Lord...

Nevertheless, though that may genuinely be the case...it doesn't mean that what we are experiencing is from God.

I have lived most of my life in a "dry season." Dry as in not sensing the presence of the Holy Spirit. Dry as in not hearing the Lord's voice. Dry as in bored. Anyone relate to this?

"The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose...For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert.
The parched ground shall become a pool, And the thirsty land springs of water..."
Isaiah 35:1,6,7 

I've come to learn over these past ten years, that...well...the wilderness is our own choosing. This has nothing to do with circumstances...I'm a testimony of that. In the past ten years, my immediate family has faced death, stage-four cancer, divorce, separation, miscarriage, a major move, job changes, and apostasy. Still, these have been the ten most joyous, happy, exhilarating, Spirit drenched years of my life! 

What is the difference? All Jesus, all the time. Making His Presence in my life priority and hearing from His written Word daily. Did this happen overnight...well...not counting the forty years prior...the answer is yes. One simple decision to not let anything deter me from "secret place" time with the Lord (Matthew 6:6, Psalm 91:1 NKJV).

What are you going through right now? Be encouraged by reading all of Psalm 35. Underline what speaks to you and meditate on HIS words to you from the Psalm. Facing fear? Try Psalm 91. Drink it in. Ask the Holy Spirit to let His streams flow fresh again in your parched and weary soul.

He will, you know. He never disappoints...you just have to take the time...and come.

 

photo: Hemingway & Hepburn

Doing Church...

You know…sometimes “doing” church isn’t easy…because church is family. And…what family is ever perfect?  Is yours?  (LOL?)

I have a wonderful family…we laugh, we cry, we have amazing times together…but do we always agree? Do we ever have personality clashes?  Tough times and struggles?  You bet!

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:24-25

Just a word of encouragement for any who might need it.  

Yes, you may have been hurt by folks from the church. Yes, you may have been disappointed by the church.  Well…God is the only One who will never disappoint, people always will…that is why He calls us to an intimate relationship with Himself.  Still…we can’t get around it…

We need each other…desperately.

We can’t become more conformed into His image without each other’s chafing, rubbing the wrong way, and all the marvelous experiences a true family has.  Truly…the marvelous outweighs the difficult.  So…

If you are currently out of fellowship with a local church body…reconsider.  There IS a church family out there for you.  Ask the Holy Spirit to lead the way…and no…it won’t be perfect, but it WILL be family and HE will be there.

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photo: Girl's Scene

A Little Lavender...

Some time ago at my workplace...someone gave me a bouquet of dried lavender. 

How rich was the fragrance! Everyone who walked through our department commented on the beautiful perfume of these dried...not so attractive stems. I rubbed some of the pods on my wrists. People stopped me in the hallways to know what I was wearing and where they could buy it!

"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place."
2 Corinthians 2:14

Oh my! I had to stop and think. Is the fragrance of my life as appealing? Do I cause heads to turn, not because of outward beauty (LOL...I'm looking more like the dried up lavender every day!)...but because I give the Holy Spirit full permission to pour through me to bring others delight? Because of what they see and sense about me, will those who don't know Jesus yet, want to know where they can find Him? 

Hmmmm...this is my new prayer...

I want to wear the perfume named "The Triumph of His love in Me...is For You, Too!"

 

(If this encouraged your heart...possibly...would you consider sharing it on your Facebook Page? You should be able to on a link on your screen! Blessings!)


photo: The Bride's Cafe

Rest...

I am really a pretty driven person. I am basically have a “Type A” personality, however, because I am clothed in goofiness, I fool a lot of people…but not the Lord.

He wired me this way. It has its good side…and…it has its down side.

The upside has been my (almost) daily pursuit of Jesus’ presence and the power of the Holy Spirit. The down side of a driven personality is the propensity to try to make things happen. Hmmm…that’s not so hot in the Kingdom of the Son of His Love.

Last summer, while racing to write a self-published book in time for a conference, my driveness nearly sidetracked all that Jesus was trying to do in my life at that time. About mid-July a dear friend had a “picture” for me that spoke of doing God’s work…yet being far from His heart. He wanted me to rest in Him. Ouch!

About two days later, at a small prayer gathering, the leader felt the Spirit’s nudging to look up all of our names. Ironically, my first name, “Susan,” literally means “lily.” Honestly, I have lamented about having such a “boring” name. Why not “warrior,” “princess,” or “harvestor,” as some of the definitions were for people that night? Nope…my name means…Lily.

The next morning…I “accidentally” turned to…

"So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;”
Matthew 6:28

Toiling and spinning are pretty darn good definitions of a driven personality…I had to laugh…God is SO good…and SO great…and SO has my number.

Later that month, after sharing at a retreat, I was presented with a “prophetic” piece of art. Every inch of this painting confirmed what Jesus had been speaking to me all year…but what brought the biggest smile? A cluster of lilies at the top right. Ahhhh…rest…yes…rest in His arms.

Now…how about you? Are you “driven” about something? Trying to help God out and make something happen? Take if from Lily, here. Rest in Him. Let Him do the heavy lifting. Let Him work His wonders in your life…yes...rest...

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Creativity...

You know…we were formed in God’s image…and…

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
Genesis 1:1 

So…I think that means…that each and every one of us has a creative bent. You know…something we like to do…something we make…or something we form…or yeah…something we create. Something that we build, write, cook, dance, bears artistry…something that brings us pleasure.

For years, I sewed. I literally sewed our whole family’s clothing. I became pretty good at it and could even design some pretty sweet items to wear. I liked crafts…you name it…I tried it. I loved to cook…try new recipes and create new ones. With the schedule I now keep…all of those things have pretty much flown the coop. Honestly…I have no desire to pick them up again (well…maybe cooking!).

So now I write. 

I didn’t say I write well. It didn’t take long for me to figure out that I wasn’t the next Max Lucado, Francis Chan, or Beth Moore! And…I almost gave up on it because I didn’t have a large audience…why bother?? But, I get such a kick out of it…and the Lord told me He does too.

What have you given up on…or never tried…because you thought…why bother? I think our creative God created us in His image for HIS pleasure…and ours. Let the joy begin…

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photo: Design Lovefest

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week…

If you are coming into these days with a disappointment already causing your heart to be heavy…it is time to look up. The “no” you may have received is a way for God to bring a greater “yes” to your life. However, you may miss it with your eyes and heart on the ground.

If you feel burnt out, stressed out, or wiped out…it is time to return to the living waters* of the Holy Spirit. Don’t know what that looks like…or feels like? It is time to spend some time getting to know Who He is. Take a look a John 14, 15, 16. If you belong to Jesus…His Spirit lives inside of you. Don’t remain a desert when you can become an oasis.

If your health, finances, or future are in question…it is time to turn to His Word…what does HE say about your situation? He will make a way through the wilderness…but it needs to be HIS way…not yours.

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

 

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*John 7:37-39
photo: Paige Arminta / Roxanna Baker

The Lord's Report...

You know…sometimes…we gotta just believe…the Lord’s…report.

“He said to them, "Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping." And they ridiculed Him.” Matthew 9:24

My friend, Bobby Chance, likes to coin this phrase… “The Lord’s report is the only one that matters.” And you know…it is true.

I am not saying don’t trust doctors, your bank account, sound advice, or godly wisdom…but sometimes…we have to choose to believe what He has said over a situation no matter what it looks like. Just like when Jesus walked into the little girl’s room…and healed her. His report. His report alone. Was all that mattered. And…that is true today.

Trouble is…we have got KNOW what He is thinking about the situations we face. We have got to know His word in times of trial…for ourselves. And, what His written Word has to say about what we are going through. It is imperative that we each HEAR…what His report is.

What is His report for what you are going through? Have you asked Him? Personally? You and He alone? I encourage you to do so…’cause there are a lot of “reports” out there…lots of voices.

However His…is the only one that matters.

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photo: Kelsee Irby via Flickr

Quieting the Noise...

I often think how noisy the enemy of our souls is…

“For behold, Your enemies make a tumult; And those who hate You have lifted up their head."
Psalm 85:2-3

The trouble is…our lives are just plain noisy enough without his help! I hope you get my drift: we can get SO busy. Then…add the pull of social media (the irony is not lost on me here!). 

Yes…it is the stuff of living in this day and age…still, the enemy…the devil…can be right in the midst of making so much noise,…so much distraction…that we can completely miss the Lord’s voice to us altogether.


I alone hold the volume tuner to my heart and mind. I hear the Spirit best, when I am quiet, alone for a bit, and expectant. That takes practice. That takes time. It will be opposed. I have to choose what is most important (Him!) and let the rest of life’s noise fall away. 

Do you, like me, have a lot of “noise” in your life right now? It’s time to get quiet. Time for some nose-in-the-carpet time.  It’s time to let the Prince of Peace call the playbook of our lives...and quiet the tumult.

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photo: my daughter-in-love and her/our baby-in-love!

For Who He Is...

I don’t know about you, but I came to know the Lord Jesus because of great need in my life…

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty (Whose power no foe can withstand).”    Psalm 91:1 AMP

You know what?  That is okay…yes, for a great while that is okay…our need is fulfilled in His ability to turn our “mountains” into level plains, to heal our sickness (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual), and our need for His love to fill our lives…however…somewhere…

…The Holy Spirit nudges us to love the Lord Jesus…simply for Who He is…not what we can get from Him.  That “somewhere” happened for my not so many years ago…and I never want to go back.  I want to live, dwell, abide, and linger for eternity in the “secret place” of the Most High. 

Yes, life gets in the way, I get distracted…but when my heart, mind, and spirit are in His presence, whether at work, home, church, or at play…the big stuff…the overwhelming stuff that comes my way (and believe me, there has been plenty!), just doesn’t have the ability to bowl me over like it once did…

Yes, all of Psalm 91 is awesome…and its promises are for everyone…but the condition is a daily, deeply abiding in-love relationship with the Creator…what could be more glorious or wonder-filled?

 

 

photo: Ann Voskamp

His Banner....

I, for one…don’t think we get how much God loves us. Yeah…you…and me. We just don’t get it…a least I don't always....

“He brought me to the banqueting house,
And his banner over me was love.
Song of Songs 2:4

His banner…His heartbeat…His passion…is us. He never speaks anything over our lives that isn’t driven by pure, unfailing, powerful agape. All the time…unending…nothing we can do to stop it…love.

His banner over each and every one of us is…love. Not… “you loser,”…. “you worthless child”…you…you name it…these phrases that the devil would whisper in our ears and we would agree with.

Nope…not doing it anymore. Not agreeing with those lies. I just spent a wonderful day here in Taiwan, with women from all over the world. We have chosen to believe…and agree with…His Word. King Jesus’ Word. And that word is LOVE. His word also tells us that we are qualified…forgiven…living in His kingdom…of love. Just read about it in Colossians 1.

Yes. This is the truth. His truth. Bought and paid for by His precious blood. And, His sacrifice…and the power of His Holy Spirit within me…are more than enough.

I choose to walk under His banner of love…and it is beautiful.

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photo: Local Milk

(Again, as always...if you were encouraged in any way by this post, please share on your Facebook status and/or go to the title above...go to the site...and click on the heart! Blessings from Taiwan...Sue Bee)

He is Not Finished With You...

The Lord will finish…in you…what He has started…

Someone needs to hear this today.

I don’t know where you are on your Journey in Jesus…but I sense that someone feels like they have “stalled out” on His road. The victories over life, and self, and circumstances are at a standstill. Where is God?

“…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;”     Philippians 1:6

Don’t worry about trying harder, being better, or getting your act together (you haven’t been able to so far…why keep beating your head against the wall?). It is time to let Him do the heavy lifting. The stuff you can’t change about yourself or your circumstances. There is just one prerequisite:

Run to His presence…Do what you need to: confess, surrender, let go to Him, quite trying. Be willing to change any and everything, but don’t attempt this without His presence and the power of His Word to speak fresh direction to your soul and spirit. Linger. Don’t leave until the burdens start to lift (we leave…usually oh-too-early). Wait. Linger some more. Be refreshed. Isaiah 40:31. Tomorrow…repeat. Then…the next day…repeat again.  And, so on. You won’t be disappointed.

He is not finished with you yet. You can count on this truth.

I Will Worship...

Several years ago I suffered from a series of anxiety attacks. You know sweaty palms, heart palpitations, terror, overwhelming....anxiousness.

It was during a time that our family was making a HUGE transition. Moving from one city to the next with no apparent source of income, housing, or future...except that we knew we had to follow Jesus' leading. I was alone, having moved ahead of the family and looking for work.

The ONLY thing that broke those attacks, and, I mean BROKE their grip was on my knees, ruthless worship of God. Praising, thanking, speaking His worth, glorifying, exalting, lifting up His incomparable NAME, speaking His Word, and praying in the Spirit.

I wasn't even in the best place...my mind was still a battlefield (my addiction), however, Jesus met me where I was.... and praise and thanksgiving kept the enemy at bay, it increased my faith, and filled me with His peace...until the next attack when I started all over again. The Lord was drawing me close and He didn't fail me....ever. We now have an amazing story to tell about that period in our lives.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7

I came to the conclusion... If I were to live in worship, praise, and thanksgiving THROUGHOUT my day, wouldn't that keep all anxiety, worry, and stress with very little hold on me? And, you? What do you think...what do you believe?

Honestly...the past several years I have lived anxiety free. And, that is with a stage 4 terminal cancer diagnosis, still-birth, family stuff, church stuff, work stuff...just plain stuff.

It is time...to take time...to worship the One and Only...now...and always.

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photo: Disorganized 72

 

(Please forgive...posts may be a little sketchy the next few days...my husband and I are flying out to Taiwan, but I will continue to post from there as much as I can!! Blessings, Sue Bee)

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week…

Should you feel perplexed, confused, or stymied about a situation in your life…just know that the Apostle Paul felt the same way at times…however, his trust remained unshaken in the Lord Jesus. CHOOSE to be unshaken in trusting the Lord as well. He’s got your dilemma figured out and will show you what to do.
2 Cor. 4:8

Should you need guidance about which direction to take about something…don’t try to figure it out on your own! Follow close behind the Lord…let Him lead the way. He won’t steer you wrong.
Psalm 63:8

Should you feel hemmed in by your circumstances, walls on every side…Look up! Let God scoop you up in His everlasting arms and give you all that you need. He may have you hemmed for a strategic purpose so don’t try to wrangle out of what you are going through. Let Him carry you safely to your next destination in Him.
Psalm 139:5

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

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A Simple Invitation...

Oh...my…goodness...

“He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated, the Christ). 
And he brought him to Jesus.”
John 1:41-42a

Yesterday… I had a casual conversation with a nice young woman at my workplace. No…we don’t really work together much, but our paths cross now and again. One thing led to another…and I invited her to church. She is hungry…and she is seeking…I am pretty positive she is going to come.

Last night…my husband spent the evening with one of the home communities from the church body we pastor. Rachel Lobo has been one of the amazing hosts for this group and Randy, my hubby, told me the group each spoke from around the room…five to seven family units or singles where there. And…each and every one of them had come…because…Rachel had personally invited them.

No joke. People ARE seeking…seeking HIM. They are looking for the real deal…and they are waiting for an invite. They are waiting…for us... to invite them. No pressure…just natural...not forced (so...wait for the right time...but be looking for it, too)…they are waiting for someone…to bring them to the Savior.

Let’s extend…an invitation to them…we might just be pleasantly surprised when they respond.

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(If today's or any day's post touch your heart...please be sure to click on the title above...go to the site...and give the little heart a ping at the bottom of the post! And...be sure to tell your friends and loved ones! Love, Sue Bee)

photo: A Daily Something

A Severe Mercy...

Have you ever been so devastated about a life circumstance…that you were in a rolling, roiling troubled sea…with no shore in sight? 

“For He commands and raises the stormy wind,
Which lifts up the waves of the sea.
They mount up…They go down… 
Their soul melts because of trouble.”

Many years ago…my husband and I made a bad decision (regarding ministry, of all things), not based on His leading…but due to our need. In other words…we who would hope to lead folks in faith, were unwilling to live by faith. We lost just about everything…
 
“They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, 
And are at their wits' end.”

I do believe…that sometimes with God…there is that very thing…that C.S. Lewis would call…a “severe mercy.” We don’t like the sound of that…but let me tell you…His severe mercy…saved our lives.

“Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble, 
And He brings them out of their distresses.”

If what you are going through currently…is due to…your own rebellion, selfishness, or faithlessness…bury your head and your heart into Jesus. Confess. Repent. Humble yourself… He is here to save you. 

“He calms the storm, So that its waves are still…
So He guides them to their desired haven.
Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, 
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!”
Psalm 107:25-31

We are living proof.

www.sueboldt.com
https://www.facebook.com/CrossPointewithSueBoldt
photo: Kate Sloan via Flickr

He...Will do it...

Just a few years ago I kept hearing the whisper of the Holy Spirit say..."I will do it!" 

"He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it."
1 Thessalonians 5:24

I honestly had no clue at the time what He might be referring to. I just kept hearing this phrase, over and over.

About a month into this continual impression on my heart, our son took a drastic turn away from his faith and family. Oh...my....gosh.
Has anybody have their world drop out from under them?

The Lord Jesus is fantastic, amazing, awesome, and wild! He already knew what my husband and I would face and He was telling us that ...HE would do it! HE would bring full restoration. Other brothers and sisters in the faith, not knowing anything, would speak the scripture above to us...a divine echo of reassurance.

You know what? God did DO it! Within months, our son had his own Damascus Road experience (Look up Acts 9:1-22 for the story).

What are you facing today? Whatever it is...let God DO IT! Don't try to figure it out. Be absolutely obedient to what He tells you. Don't try to HELP Him out. If you are in control...He isn't.

Read the verse at the top, again. Let it sink into your soul. Look at the verse prior to it (v.23), you'll see that it pertains to everything in your life...

God will DO IT! (If...you let Him!)

 


photo: Donal Skehan