At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

Should world news seem daunting, confusing, frightening, or out of control...remember. God is on His throne. He is at work...He is Almighty...and He is our refuge, our solid rock, and He holds this tiny sphere called earth in the palm of His hand. This is the time to know His Word inside-out and backwards, and to know Him personally in the secret place of Matthew 6:6.

Should your personal world seem daunting, confusing, frightening, or out of control...all of the above holds true for YOU, as well. Re-read it slowly, take it to heart...and make a decision to act on it.

Jesus is worthy of your trust.

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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We're Invited to a Party...

We have been invited to a party...

“He brought me to the banqueting house,
And His banner over me was love.”
Song of Solomon 2:3-4

God is presenting us with a feast ...a party...everyday of our lives. It is when we DO NOT accept His invitation that we miss out. Simply read Luke 15:31 to sear that truth to your soul.

He calls us to the satisfying and joy-filled wonder of the feast of His Word and the presence of the Holy Spirit no matter what we are facing in THIS moment…difficult or fun-filled, tragic or deliriously happy. His feast awaits, free of charge (Isaiah 55:1-2).

It is the only party where you can find...fulfillment ...satisfaction...true happiness...and beyond reason love.

Maybe you have been going to less-than kind of parties?

I can write this because I have known terminal cancer and exhilarating life, the death of dreams and the rebirth of new, extremely better ones....and, every other challenge and blessing that life has to offer.

His banquet is ALWAYS set and a place with our name on it is always reserved...And…as we accept His invitation…we enter His courts with the banner of His love flying high over our heads.

What could be sweeter?

True Confessions...

True confessions...

I have spent about the last six weeks in a quandary of my own flesh and the devil’s making. I let the joy of the Lord be stolen from me...in my workplace.

“Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10b

You see...throughout most of the spring, I was privileged to speak at a few retreats and conferences. No thanks to me, but all glory to King Jesus...He showed up at these times. And...I got a little too big for my breeches. (I hope you can hear the whiney tin to my voice here).

I struggled working forty hours a week in the secular marketplace...'cause, well...I was thinking God needed me out...there...you know...Christendom as a whole...needed me. (I hope you are laughing and shaking your head at me by now.) I lost my joy for what I was truly created for...praying with people one-on-one. Mostly with those who don’t know Him yet.

I don’t know what you are letting rob you of joy today...but whatever it is...give it to Jesus. Let HIM call the shots. Break the agreements you have been making with the enemy. Repent. Let the Holy Spirit flood you with fresh joy. Jesus’ joy.

Oh! It is so good to be back in the deep waters of His effervescent presence...and joy! (Work has been a blast!)

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(photo: Jamie Jones Photography)

Setting Free...

Fairly often, I am part of a team that prays for “inner-healing” for folks.

What I mean by that phrase…inner healing…is that we invite the Holy Spirit, the Great Comforter and Counselor, to do His work in  those who have been wounded in their souls…that place in all of us where our hearts and emotions reside, and where our mind, thoughts, will, and personality are found…so…

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

What I have come to realize is…that…almost all of us have some degree of shame. Even the seemingly most proud person…well…is usually over-compensating for a sense…of shame…somewhere in their soul.

All that to say, in Christ alone, can the spirit of shame be broken. Certainly, the affirmation and encouragement of others goes a long way to bring restoration. And yes, some self-bolstering and accomplishments foster help…however…only the Lord Jesus can truly, genuinely, and thoroughly heal…shame.

So if this is your struggle today…or at times…seek His face. Let His word sink in…Let Him heal your heart and mind…for there is freedom from shame to be found in Him alone.

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(photo: Julie Besh)  

Your Prayer...Has Been Heard...

Someone needs to know...your prayer has been heard...

"...for your prayer is heard... which will be fulfilled in their own time."
Luke 1:13, 20

Just like Zechariah and Elizabeth, who had prayed for...years...YOUR prayer is heard, too. And, yet...

Notice the second phrase...the Lord has His timing. He is never early, He is never late. He works outside of time, He understands time, He created time, and He holds time in His hands. His timing is ALWAYS perfect.

Just know that there are other factors and aspects of your prayer that He is working on...other pieces of the puzzle you don't see. There are other people involved who need His touch before they can be moved into place to be a part of your answered prayer. 

Possibly...He is waiting for us to take our stance against the enemy in His name...the answer to our prayers lies in our taking authority over Satan, as Jesus has told us to do. (Luke 10:17-20)

Often...WE are not ready to have these prayers answered. He still has much to do to rid us of ourselves and replace our brokenness with His healing.

Regardless...know TODAY, that your prayer has been heard. BELIEVE this is true. GIVE Jesus praise...For in HIS timing, you WILL receive your miracle!

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(photo: Mega Silvita)

I Love a Good Poem...

I love a good poem...

“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,” speaks of the Master Artisan creating something of such exquisite beauty. Yes we...each of us…individually....are His poem.

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 aptitude tests and classes, dabbling here and there, but it wasn’t until I made living in His presence my first priority and believing His Word my daily strength, 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.

Don't forget to share on Facebook if this touched your heart or hit the Title of this blog that takes you to the site and click on the "like" heart to watch it dance!
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(photo: Indulgy)    

The Everlasting Arms...

There are just sometimes when we need to know…God is near…He holds us…and that He is all powerful.

“The eternal God is your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, And will say, 'Destroy!'”
Deuteronomy 33:27

Here are three truths we can always count on…however…

Jesus is ALWAYS our refuge…but we need to make the choice to find our only hope in Him, and not others. We need to hide ourselves in Him…fully surrendered.

His arms are always holding us…but we have to trust that truth, whether we feel it or not. I am all about feeling and experiencing God…yet the truth of His Word is the only rock we can put our full weight upon. The feelings will follow.

The Lord God is ALMIGHTY. Satan is under HIS feet. Yet…we can’t be aligning ourselves with the adversary’s ways…giving place to his ways and the whims of the world and still have freedom. The enemy will be destroyed in our lives only when we allow Jesus to be Lord of our lives.

Let’s make the needed adjustments in our hearts and not waste another minute.

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At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

If your stocks have dropped, your smile has drooped, you’ve locked your keys in the car, and your dog isn’t sure she likes you anymore...look up! There is ONE...who knows the number of hairs on your head, Who knows you inside-out, and loves you beyond reason. His love never fails!

Should you have a disagreement with a loved one, co-worker, class-mate, house-mate...in-law or out-law. Forgive quickly! Check your own heart first before you decide to...check-out of the situation. Make amends. Jesus has forgiven you...everything...let His grace in you...spill onto someone else.

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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The Good News...

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

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 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. 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?

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(photo: Bright, Bold, Beautiful)  

No Guilt Allowed...

We may feel unqualified, ill equipped, not worthy, barely knowledgeable…however…

We are all…called…to share the gospel. Really. And…no guilt allowed.

“and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,”   Ephesians 6:19

As we come to the conclusion of our journey about putting on God’s Armor (see previous days’ posts regarding Ephesians 6:10-20), we too, like Paul…need the words to speak boldly the mystery of the gospel: “For God so loved...”

What do we speak?

Quite simply…our testimony. What Jesus has done…in…through…and for…us. People can argue Scripture, they can debate theology…they can reject our words…however, no one can deny a transformed life.

Where do we share?  Wherever we are at any given moment…just like Paul in prison prayed…

“…for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." - Ephesians 6:20

Holy Spirit…please give me eyes to see who needs to hear of His love wherever I am and please fill me with your life-giving boldness to extend Your salvation invitation…to all who cross my path.

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(photo: Four Seasons)

On Our Knees...

Somehow…in the fiercest of life’s battles…prayer is often our last resort…

“…praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints”
Ephesians 6:18

We have been meandering our way through Ephesians 6:10-20 (see previous days’ posts). As we come to the end of learning about our spiritual armor…how not to leave home without it…we come to…prayer.

I can think of no better way to say it than to quote Dick Eastman from the “New Spirit Filled Life Bible.” I can’t tell you how often I have referred to his words here:

“To put on the armor of God is to prepare for battle. However, prayer is not so much a weapon, or even a part of the armor, as it is the means by which we engage in the battle itself and the purpose for which we are armed. Prayer is the battle itself, with God’s Word (see yesterday’s post) being our chief weapon employed against Satan during our struggle.”

Enough said.

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(Be sure to check out this amazing movie trailer from the "War Room." Coming to theaters across the U.S. this week!    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIl-XY9t_Lw )

Let's Hold it Tightly...

Our sword in battle...

“And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;”
Ephesians 6:17

As we have been journeying through Ephesians 6:10-20 (see previous posts)...ever so briefly learning about the battle around us, we now come now to our offensive weapons. The first being the sword of His Word. Yes...it is this God breathed Word that brings healing to us...and this God breathed word that annihilates our adversary the devil.

This...sword...well...we gotta have a death grip on it. I mean...we have to have our hands, heads, and hearts so wrapped around it, that no weapon of hell could ever pry it loose from us. It is HIS word that has AUTHORITY...not our words. And, HIS WORD on our lips that wreaks havoc on demon strongholds over people, situations, families...and nations.

Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a passage of scripture for what you’re are burdened about. He will give it to you...you know. Then speak it over what troubles you. Pray it and speak it in the name of Jesus. Keep declaring and praying as the Spirit leads you. Let God ignite this weapon you wield...it is your ammunition. Your only ammunition.

It is time to grab this sword...and not let go.

Messin' with My "Do"...

I am not one for hats, caps, or bonnets. And, helmets…definitely mess with my do…

“And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;”
Ephesians 6:17

We have been walking through the armor of God passages these past several days (see previous posts) and we have reached this point…Paul the Apostle is telling us in no uncertain terms…to…

Guard our thoughts. Yep. The helmet of salvation.

My thoughts almost ruined my life. Like an addict who can’t control their own behavior, for decades…I couldn’t control my thoughts. I lived in a fantasy world to the neglect of my husband, my children…my God. Yet, the very thing the enemy tried to use against me…is the very thing King Jesus has used to help bring freedom to many others in His Name alone.

The original Greek word for salvation is “sozo” meaning: deliverance, preservation, soundness, prosperity, happiness, rescue, general well-being.

Which of these do you need in this moment? Jesus has purchased…complete…salvation…for you. Have you received Him and you still struggle? Come to His throne of grace in fresh surrender…ask for the Spirit’s help…to place again on your head…

The helmet of His all-encompassing salvation.

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Should it be helpful to hear my story...and how Jesus rescued my thoughts...rescued me? Please check out "Refresh" on  this site or Amazon:

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(photo: Britta Nickel)

Lifting Our Shield High...

There is one aspect of the Christian journey that can only be done solo…Nobody can do it for us…we have to carry our own shield.

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”
Ephesians 6:16

How does one grow in...faith? How do we truly lean our whole life’s weight upon the One and Only? It is a growing process for sure, but there are two ways the Scriptures speak of…

One: Know His Word inside-out-and-backward. His Holy Spirit breathed Word…ignites the flame of faith in our soul and spirit…like nothing else can. Not a Sunday morning spoon-feeding of the Word…that is helpful and much needed. Yet…it will never be enough. Not enough to lift our shield. We need to endeavor to be soaked, drenched, and saturated…in the Word…for ourselves. Without guilt…and with a new translation!

Two: Know the Author of the Bible inside-out-and backward. It’s hard to trust someone you don’t know personally. Being in His presence…alone…under the shadow of His wings. As often as possible. We have to fight for this time…so many other things…distract us constantly. Wouldn’t you agree?

At the end of the day, as we travel verse by verse through Ephesians 6:10-20 (see previous days’ posts), let this piece of our Armor…the shield of faith in Him…be the one we lift high and... effortlessly.

The devil’s darts...will drop to the ground.

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Where My Feet Fall...

I, for one…would like my every footstep to count.

I know…I wrote about this recently, nevertheless, it bears repeating as we arm ourselves as believers…with God’s Armor…(see previous posts for this journey through Eph. 6:10-20).

“…and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;”
Ephesians 6:15

It’s hard to believe…but each of who believe and have staked our lives upon the reality of the Lord Jesus…we have the potential to bring heaven down wherever our feet trod.

Most of the time…I don’t even pay attention to where I am going…and nor am I aware of this heavenly assignment…yet…things are changing for me. Even if I live on earth many more years…time is running out for those around me. I don’t have a footstep to waste…

With my every stride…may the good news of Jesus’ gospel be proclaimed through my life…and…let heaven’s riches reign upon the lost and weary lambs He places in my path.

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Shaky Ground...(starting to put on God's Armor)...

Shaky ground is the….pits. Wouldn’t you agree?

There is not much worse than standing on shaky ground. You know…trying to do life when our very foundations are unstable, ever changing, or insecure.

“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,”
Ephesians 6:14

As we journey through Ephesians 6:10-20…one verse at a time (see last week’s posts) and begin to “put on” His armor...We see truth and righteousness…well…we need ‘em a bunch.

Lies hurt…lies harm…lies deceive…I think we all pretty much get that. How much greater the pain when our adversary the devil lies to us…and we believe him over what Jesus would tell us…truly, we have nothing to stand on. The belt of truth keeps the whole armor on us. Jesus not only speaks truth…He is Truth speaking. Think on that. His Word IS truth John 17:17. It is imperative for us to drink it in…let it transform us…and help us stand…no matter what we go through.

And righteousness…you know…we just don’t got any on our own. Just being real, here. Jesus alone is our righteousness. His breastplate…that covers our heart, will shield us from the darts of the enemy. Darts called: guilt, shame, worthless, inadequate. We HAVE to understand who we are in Christ.

Yep…I need to be putting on the armor…every single day I have breath.

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(photo: Kelsee Irby)

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week…

Should the weather be hot…or the weather be cold; your heart is warmed…or it feels like it has been frozen in pain…run to the One who holds the stars in His hands and holds your heart as well. The Holy Spirit is the Great Comforter…and Healer.

Should you be irritated, agitated, annoyed…and you haven’t even begun your day yet, it might be time to do the old fire drill: stop…drop…and roll. So…

Stop what you are doing…
Drop to your knees…
Roll your frustrations and burdens onto the Lord!

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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photo: Tiffany Gray

Let's Roll...

It’s time to just…get real. We are in a battle, whether we like it or not…

Oh my! Not the greatest news…but the truth nonetheless. And yet…it explains so much of what we go through. Life is difficult enough…but add an adversary who hates our very existence, simply because we bear God’s image. Well. We ARE in a battle zone.

There is no sticking our heads in the sand anymore and hoping the war will go away. It is time to engage… to get ourselves set free from the strongholds the adversary has in our own lives…and the lives of our loved ones. It is time to see the ravages of hell on earth be diminished and for us to fulfill Jesus’ personal destiny for each of us. Wouldn’t you agree?

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
Ephesians 6:13

As we journey through Ephesians 6:10-20 (please see the previous days’ posts), Paul tells us what to do. And…it’s all Jesus all the time…

His Armor – we need to know it and wear it well 24-7-365
His strength to withstand – know the ammo of His Word
His power to stand – in the authority of His Name and the might of the Holy Spirit.

Let’s roll…

photo: Jared Flood via Flickr

Silent Night...Holy Night...

Silent Night…Holy Night...(yes, I realize it's still summer!)

When our Savior entered the world as a wee babe…fully God…fully man…He was entering enemy territory. 

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6:12

Jesus’ walk upon earth was a rescue mission…and things haven’t changed. As we take a brief look at Ephesians 6:10-20 (see the previous two day’s posts) we hear the Apostle Paul’s urgency in His voice for the church to wake up…put on the armor of God…and do battle against the enemy…not against other people.

How quickly I get my eyes on stuff, situations, and yes, others…when the real conflict is against demon hordes and the enemy himself? Yet, Jesus has called us…to be an army that battles…on our knees. 

What are you facing? Who are you directing your anger, anguish, or irritation towards? It might be time to let the Holy Spirit reveal what is really going on…who the real culprit is. Then…and only then, real victory can be secured in Jesus’ Name.

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(photo: Modcloth)

Fully Clothed...

You know…I rarely leave my home…without my clothes on.

How about you?

Yet…how many times do we leave home…without our armor on? Me? Often. Again…how about you?

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11

As we make our way through Ephesians 6:10-20 (see yesterday’s post for vs.10)…I think the apostle Paul is trying to impress upon us two things:

1. We are in a battle…living on a battle field called Planet Earth.
2. We need to be fully prepared…we need the full extent of God’s battle wardrobe for us…His armor, to be completely covering us.

Yes…our adversary is mighty. However, our GOD is ALMIGHTY. Still, our Father has entrusted us with His Spirit and given us the Name of His Son to defeat the enemy. He has placed in our hands this great commission to rescue souls, lay hands on the sick, defeat the devil’s torment in lives, and bring justice to wrongs. We need to be fully surrendered…

We need to be fully clothed.

Have you put His armor on today?

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(photo: Her New Tribe)