Into His Basket...

One thing about the Lord Jesus. He doesn’t waste…anything.

“So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.”
John 6:12

Eleven years ago, I experienced overwhelming joy and happiness when King Jesus broke a lifelong stronghold in my soul. Nevertheless, in the midst of this release...I sometimes felt deep, heart-rending…regret.

Oh…the wasted years, the precious…years. Yes, I had much regret and remorse. Yet…

The Lord doesn’t waste a minute of our lives. Not…one…fragment. When we place ourselves squarely in His hands…He makes everything, even the dark and ugly pieces of our life’s puzzle…have new meaning…and new purpose. And yes, even new power…to help break the holds that our adversary has on other’s lives. So....

If you experiencing regret, put it fully in the basket of the One and Only. Nothing will be wasted with His touch. And…everything CAN be turned...to bring Him glory.

Holy Ground....

Sometimes...I shake my head in wonder...

“Who should I say is sending me?” is the question Moses asks of God. The reply? “I AM is sending you…” Ex.3:14

This amazing passage takes place as Moses…receives his assignment…and he takes off his sandals on…holy ground.

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 establishes His divinity. Co-equal, co-divine, co-eternal, and co-existent with the Father and the Holy Spirit…and so...I reflect

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.

Feel free to share...

(photo: Barefoot Blonde)

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

Should you feel discouraged about something, and well...you just can’t seem to shake it off your heart...it is time to seek the face of the Heart Healer. Really. Go to a private place...and pour your heart out to Him. Take a look Psalm 102. Don’t leave His presence until you sense the Holy Spirit lifting your burden.

Should you be weary of a continuing behavior that you just can’t seem to break...don’t give up. Let Psalm 18 minister to you. Talk to your pastor or seek some gifted prayer warriors to go to battle for you. Jesus wants you FREE. Truly...it is one of the reasons He went to the cross!

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...

New Beginnings...

I love new beginnings...

I love second chances, third opportunities, fourth starting fresh experiences...the list goes on.

Jesus loves new things, too. That is what grace is all about...and mercy. He is all about doing...new things...especially in His lamb’s lives.

“Do not remember the former things, 
Nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do a new thing, 
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:18-19

Let the Magnificent Creator create something new in you today, this week, this year (it's never too late). Now is time to let some things go and extend your hands to receive His fresh gifts in, to, and through your life.

However...let HIM do it. No help needed on your part...just surrender.

Feel free to share...

At His Feet...

You know...When our lives feel heavy...our prayers powerless...our time in the Word lackluster...the sense of His presence only a memory. We have taken a detour somewhere. Usually a detour from His grace. And His love.

Been there. Done that.

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.
And His commandments are not burdensome.”
1 John 5:3

It’s hard to imagine the words “grace” and “commandments” in the same sentence. Nevertheless they belong together. Jesus' commandments? He tells us to love Him first...and everybody else the way we want to be loved (Mark 12:30-31). And when that is difficult...or a burden...we are trying to live in Him...in our own strength. Pure and simple.

So if you came to read this feeling...guilt, heaviness, shame, discouragement, less-than...well...just knock it off. Really. Don’t receive these lies from the pit. Because...

“For if our heart condemns us,
God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.”
1 John 3:20

Time to take a load off at the feet of King Jesus.

Feel free to share...
_________________________________
(photo: Brie Williams)

Whom have I in Heaven but you?

I just sense...someone needs to hear this...

“Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.”
Psalm 73:25

This is the heart’s cry of the psalmist who has tasted all of what life on this planet has to offer, but knows...I mean really knows...there is only One worth pursuing. Oh yes. I can agree with these words.

However...I sense the Lord Jesus saying...to someone who needs to hear it...

“Whom have I in heaven but you, dear child?
And there is none upon earth that I desire more than you.”

No matter what you have done
No matter what you haven’t done
No matter how you have lived or allowed death into your life
Your mistakes and stumbles, your flaws and failures.

Yes...He desires you alone...and held nothing back to bring you to Himself. How about stopping the struggle to do life in your own strength and run into His embrace. Now.

Don't forget to share on Facebook...if this ministered to your heart...Love, Sue Bee

Run for His Cover...

“I want to do...what I want to do...”

This is one of the scariest phrases I could ever hear someone utter. Why so scary? Because I have said...or thought them...and the consequences of this phrase having a hold in my heart almost cost me everything. I shudder...when I hear them now, or sense that is the turn in the road a Christian might be taking.

“And you must always obey the LORD's commands and decrees that I am giving you today FOR YOUR OWN GOOD.”
Deuteronomy 10:13 NLT (emphasis, mine)

God’s Word...His commandments...His guidance...is not about thwarting our lives, derailing our dreams, or telling us not to have “fun.” His commands and decrees are all about how to live successfully, abundantly, and navigate prosperously in every way through this dark, evil, weary world the enemy has control of. Don’t be duped by the devil’s lies...that you know better that the Savior’s life-giving Word. Your outcome could be devastating.

So...when this thought comes your way, “I want to do...what I want to do,” run for cover in the Savior’s arms...and let Him show you how His way...is ever so much more extraordinary and better. It will be GOOD.

Feel free to share...

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)

Feel free to share… 

(If this post or any of this coming week's posts are helpful to you...please be sure to share on Facebook or forward the link from this site to your friends who might be blessed! Thanks!) 

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!)

Feel free to share...
_______________________________
(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.

Feel free to share...
______________________________
(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!

Feel free to share...

(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!
__________________________
(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.

Feel free to share...

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

Feel free to share...

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?

Feel free to share...
_______________________________
(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.

Feel free to share...

(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.

Feel free to share...

(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.

Feel free to share...
__________________________________
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:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=refresh+sue+boldt

(photo: Britta Nickel)