You are His Poem...

I have been making necklaces again…Mind you… I have no clue what I am doing…however…has that ever stopped me?

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:10

The Lord Almighty, the One and Only Creator…created us...to create. There is just something so fulfilling as getting an idea for…anything really, then making it happen. Truly…we were made in His image.

My dear friend Cory Curry relates it took God only six days to speak all that we know as this constantly enlarging and changing universe into existence. However…it took Him...nine months...to carefully knit YOU together. No matter how you feel about yourself…to Him you are a masterpiece. His finest workmanship...His poem (the original Greek wording).

If you are a little blue today…remember what you experience when you create something…anything…and how much pleasure it brings you. This is what He is feeling about you…this very minute

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A Lamp to My Feet....

What a wonderfully well-worn and beloved Bible passage:

“Your word is a lamp to my feet, 
And a light to my path.”
Psalm 119:105

In these words we find His promise to give all the guidance we need…one foot fall at a time and the great treasure of knowing that…each foot fall we purpose to take in Him is one step in front of the other on the long-range path of our lives.

Jesus’ light is right here…right now…for what we face in this moment and yet…He gives glimpses of our destiny in Him. The trouble is…we want to jump from Point A…to…let’s say…Point Q, missing out on all of the light-guided steps in between! We may try to hurry the path, jump the path, skip the path…to what avail? Missing the glory and power of the Holy Spirit and hearing His voice…every single day or our lives.

All this to say…it may be time to turn the light on. Let’s spend some time in His presence today, drinking up His living written Word and basking in His presence.

And…His gracious gift to us?…the mundane will become extraordinary, the routine will become wonder-filled, and His light will dazzle your eyes...and illuminate your steps.

Will and Way...

You have heard, “Where there is a will...there’s a way...”

Been there done that.

“So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart,
To walk in their own counsels.”
Psalm 81:12

My strong, often self-centered will...can make my own way. Yes. Been there done that. And...I don’t want to ever walk that path again. These words that cheer our human determination and strength...can be the heart of so much wreckage and ruin, when what we are pursuing so ardently isn’t His best. Truly. So...

If you are pressing the Lord for something that just has to go the way you want it...how you want it...and when you want it (whatever it is), try reading the remainder of Psalm 81. There you will find amazing promises...defeat of the enemy...joy...satisfaction...His finest...for you...

When...you surrender your stubborn will...for His.

Himself...

Ouch!

Recently…I have been hearing some hard words from the Lord’s gentle, but firm voice…

“No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening--it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.”
Hebrews 12:11

Yes…He is saying some difficult things to me…about me…because He loves...me. If you read the context of the passage above, the writer of the Book of Hebrews explains this further…

Still, it is hard to hear…these words from His lips…yet…my joy in Jesus is returning. You know, the kind of happiness not based on sweet circumstances, but the joy of freedom from some junk that was starting to take over my life. I’d wondered where my joy in the river of the Holy Spirit had gone. So…

Don’t be afraid to hear and face some stuff…it is the release of selfishness, self-centeredness, self-will, self-righteousness…all the self stuff. At least that is what it is for me…but He promises to replace these broken, rebellious parts, with the
best self of all…Himself.

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At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

Should you feel confused, distraught...or...caught in quandary...look to Him who is the Alpha and Omega. He is the only one who knows the beginning, middle, and best outcome. Let HIM direct your steps and lean fully into His arms. Rev. 1:8

Should you be exhausted, weary, and...just plain pooped out...come sit beside the still waters. That means stopping “stuff” as soon as possible...heading to a quiet place (the bathroom if you have small children), and let His Word refresh you. Turn to some of your favorite passages and let the Holy Spirit who wrote them breath reviving wind into your heart and mind. Ps. 23:2

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes that will be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus because Who is in you is greater than anything!
1 John 4:4

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(photo: Yogi Approved) 

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.

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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

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(photo: The Perfect Palette)

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.

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(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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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