Windstorms...and other such things...

Have you ever been convinced of the Lord’s leading...then have your life...hit a...storm of adversity?

“Now it happened... that He got into a boat with His disciples. 
And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out.”
Luke 8:22

You are familiar with this story in Luke 8: Jesus tells the disciples to head to the other side of the Sea of Galilee and He promptly goes to sleep. As they cross the body of water...as He instructed...a severe windstorm whips up and their boat takes on water...they are perishing.

Or so they think. Just like we sometimes think when moving forward with His plans and a windstorm of circumstances threatens to drown us.

Yet, HIS word never changed...they did make it to the other side.
The disciples thought He didn’t care...He never left them.
Their faith was shaken...Jesus...was not.
They would have preferred calm waters...yet...what a story!

If you are going through something similar...take a look at Luke 8. Let Him encourage your heart. You WILL make to His destination for you...continue...to launch out...

Don't forget to share...if you are encouraged by His Word...blessings, Sue!

Comfort...

Where do you find comfort when hurting, lonely, or discouraged?

"In the multitude of my anxieties within me, 
Your comforts delight my soul."
Psalms 94:19

Yes...we may turn to friends for help...but really...if all they can offer is sympathy or empathy, well, that won't cut it. They may console...but are they discerning enough to bring real counsel and healing?

Do we turn to familiar behaviors to find solace? You know, the behaviors we are not so proud of, but they bring a momentary relief. We turn to them because they are quick, easily attainable, and....well, oh so familiar. Have these "friends" ever really helped? Or, just delayed the inevitable pain for a few minutes?

So...quit looking to past comforts or seeking new ones. Whatever it is you are going through, HE is all-sufficient to care for you and your situation...Jesus' comfort will not only bring relief, peace, and strength beyond measure...it will be a balm of healing oil to your aching heart.

Feel free to share...

Stuff...

I just love it that Jesus has no problem getting down into our stuff.

“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”
Matthew 9:36

My elderly father had a medical emergency this past weekend. There was a lot of stuff...you know...medical...and emotional. Add also...practical and physical. Yes...just a lot of stuff.

Nevertheless, as stressful and difficult as these past few days have been, Jesus has been oh-so-present. I saw His mighty had at every turn and gazed upon His perfect timing. He delights to be in the midst of our stuff...I think especially...family stuff. The dirt, the sweat, the blood...the tears.

So what is going on in your family? What is theirs or your...stuff? No matter how ugly, difficult, seemingly hopeless it is...King Jesus is in the thick of it. Stop...let Him speak to your heart and let the Holy Spirit overwhelm you to walk through this stuff. Crack open His Word and let Him into the midst of what is going on...

Oops...gotta run...my dad’s washer just overflowed...

All He Sees...

You are...the apple of His eye…

“Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,”
Psalm 17:8

Did you know…did you realize…that God Almighty only…ever…thinks about YOU? His Word tells us that He only thinks loving, kind, respectful, cherishing, exquisitely lovely, good, purposeful thoughts…about…you.

You are the “apple” of His eye. That quite literally means that you are the “pupil” of His eye. You…know…the black dot in the middle (so scientifically stated!!). In other words…He only…sees…you. As a lover only sees the object of His affection.

If you have cause to doubt that in this moment. Well. It’s time to get back to His Word…His unfailing, Truth-filled Word. It is time to spend time…with King Jesus…the Living Word. He has a lot He wants to remind you about…about how He thinks about you.

Because you...dear one...are all He sees.

Sweet Fragrance...

Some time ago at my workplace...I was given 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

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 (Oh my...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? Will those who don't know Jesus yet, want to know where they can find Him...because of what they see and sense about me?

Hmmm...this is my new prayer...

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

(Dear Friend...if you like this post...please be sure to click on the title above...it will direct you to the site where you can share on Facebook and/or click on the heart to watch it dance! Blessings!)

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week…

If you are tempted…to go back to an old habit, a harmful relationship, or say “why bother?” about something or someone? Truly…these thoughts are from the pit! Recognize how far your God has brought you and look forward to what He has next…you don’t want to miss it by looking back over your shoulder. Luke 9:62

If you aren’t sensing His presence in your life…the old saying goes: “Guess who has moved!!” Beat it back to His warm embrace…Jesus has been waiting for you all this time. Revelation 3:20

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...

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(photo: The Perfect Palette)

One of my Favorites...

The Book of Job wasn’t always one of my favorite Bible passages.

I mean…who wants to read doom and gloom, heartache and despair, death and loss…and more…loss? Really now. What was God thinking when He included Job in the canon of Scripture? (My shallow thoughts.)

The Job for Dummies is this: Satan accuses the Lord of protecting Job and gains the Lord’s permission to test this man. Job loses children, possessions, the respect of his wife and friends. Finally, he has catastrophic health issues. Think worst case scenario on steroids.

There are literally thirty-seven (yes! thirty-seven!) chapters of anger, arguing, accusing, defending, whining, denial, and self-righteousness.

Then the LORD shows up.

That’s it…God Himself shows up…He asks a few questions…and Job comes to the one only conclusion that a person can come to: God is the only thing that matters…He is …the bottom line…to everything.

“I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, 
But now my eye sees You.”
Job 42:5

We just desperately need to…see Him…too. I don’t know what you are facing, but He is the answer…no, not so much what He can do for you or I, but…HE…alone…is all that we need. Enough said.

Feel free to share...

(photo: Vanessa Jackman)

What is Your Heart...Set On?

What is your heart…set on?

“Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, 
Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.”
Psalm 84:5

Our hearts can be set upon…so many things: a new home, a job, a good education, finding the right person…a baby. So many good and wonderful things. Nevertheless…we need our hearts to be set on the One and Only…first.

The author of this passage knows that having our hearts set on God…is a journey, not a one-time event. Trusting Jesus is a process of one step in front of the other…every minute of every day. A pilgrimage…a continual…looking up…lifting and setting our eyes and heart on Him alone. And…

As the next verse will tell us, when we travel through the Valley of Baca, the valley of barrenness or weeping, we will find springs of living water, the rain and reign of the Holy Spirit creating pools of refreshment. We will journey from strength…to strength. What promises!

So what is your heart set on…make it only Him.

*  Remember! Should a post ever touch your heart in a special way by the Lord, be sure to share someone else might be encouraged or challenged by Him!  Love to all...I am back from vacation!

(photo: Serendipitous Romance)

(photo: Serendipitous Romance)  

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...
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(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...
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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.

Feel free to share...
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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!

Feel free to share...

(photo: Mega Silvita)