Tour Buses...and Other Things...

People are messed up, no matter where they live...

“I will also tear off your veils and deliver My people out of your hand...
Because with lies you have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad...”
Ezekiel 13:21-22

I live in a pretty rough city. In the state of California, my town is not on the Top Ten best places to live. You don’t see tour buses stopping here to see the sights. You get my drift.

Nevertheless, when I have been asked to share and minister at events just down the road, where the cost of living soars, the lawns are manicured to perfection, and the cars are worth...well, a whole lot more than I will make in a lifetime, people are just the same as where I live. They just dress better. I even go to Asia twice a year and the folks there are the same, too. Go figure.

Bottom line: The devil’s lies are just that: lies. And, these lies we believe about ourselves and God rob us of true, satisfying happiness. Only the Jesus, the Truth can rip these veils made of lies from our hearts and minds.

Lord, I’m ready...

Feel free to share...

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

Should the car not start, the kids or co-workers won’t stop whining, the wallet seem empty, the to-do list is overwhelming. Look up. Remember the Holy Spirit is with you in everything…from the mundane to the life-altering. Hand everything to His care for He can handle…everything.

Should you be experiencing on a low note, a bland hope, a disabled joy...cultivate your time alone with the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Let His Word speak to your heart and heal your expectations…by letting Him…be your only expectation. He won’t disappoint!

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

Pigpen...

(Another straight-to-the-heart from Dayspring...)

“You’re acting like Pigpen!!” My mom’s words cut through my cell phone, stopping me in my tracks.

But…she was right (sigh). I was acting like him. And thus began a life-changing journey all because of that little fellow.

You can picture him, right? The friend of Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the gang. Always surrounded by a cloud of dirt and dust.

Our minds get so consumed with our “stuff” that it just swirls around us all day long and affects everything we do. We might not even realize how our unhealthy preoccupation makes us feel (tired, anxious, overwhelmed, depressed) or how we may appear to others (rude, selfish, uncaring, uninterested). We don’t mean to but when the dust and dirt of life is like a tornado circling around you, it makes it hard to see anything else.

I came up with a cycle that helps me recognize, and then stop, my Pigpenning before it starts. It goes like this: mental noise leads to doubt which in turn leads to Pigpenning.

The noise is anything negative in our minds (playing the “what-if game” is one example of this). If the noise isn’t stopped, it turns to doubt; we begin doubting that God is who He says He is or that he can do as He has promised. And if the doubt isn’t stopped, you’ll find yourself walking around like Pigpen in no time.

The best way to stop the noise?

“I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.” Philippians 4:8 (MSG)

Pigpen may be cute…but he ain’t cute on you. Don’t become him!

Feel free to share...

An Invitation to Know Him...

These wonderful words...

“Be still, and know that I am God; 
I will be exalted among the nations, 
I will be exalted in the earth!”
Psalm 46:10

For us to really know our Creator intimately...we have to have moments of complete and utter...stillness. This is one of the most difficult things for us to do! Really. Even when we do calm our bodies, our hearts and minds generally keep racing. Correct?

Yes, a cultivated and most necessary joy.

God is telling us we will genuinely begin to know Him when we are still. Quiet. Not with our laundry list of prayers or questions. Not with a crowd of others that may distract. But alone with Him; our minds silent, hearts hushed, and the expectancy that He has been already waiting for us to come and enjoy His company, His joy, His peace, His healing, His comfort...

This is more than a wonderful quote, this is an invitation to come and know the Lover of our souls.

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

Should your bank account go down, your blood pressure go up, or a loved goes sideways on you…place your heart in His amazing Word. He has the final report. Enough said!  Psalm 119:114

Should you become over-scheduled, overwhelmed, or over-the-top nuts with stuff to do and no time to do it…take a breath…breathe a prayer…stop and be grateful for the One who came to give His all…that we might live. For He alone is worthy…  Matthew 6:25-26

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

Scandal! (From Dayspring)

What are the headlines from gossip magazines screaming today? Another celebrity break-up, meltdown, or fashion faux pas? But where’s the cover story about the scandal of grace?

In the only book we should bet our life on, the entire Bible tells of such a scandal.

“But sin didn’t, and doesn’t, have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace. When it’s sin versus grace, grace wins hands down. All sin can do is threaten us with death, and that’s the end of it. Grace, because God is putting everything together again through the Messiah, invites us into life—a life that goes on and on and on…” Romans 5:21 (MSG)

When my daughter was young and would disobey, I would punish her according to her wrongdoing. Sometimes I would relinquish the punishment and tell her that grace was getting something she didn’t deserve. She was guilty and deserved to be punished for her disobedience but grace released her, just like God’s grace does for us.

And that’s the simplest way to describe the grace we have received in Christ!

It’s free. It’s generous. It’s undeserved.

It’s a scandal.

In this “dog eat dog,” “every man for himself,” “you better watch your back” world, the idea of unearned grace and forgiveness is unimaginable. Scandalous really. But it’s God’s truth. And that’s the kind of headline our very lives should be shouting out to a world in need of such.

Oh the scandal of grace!

Feel free to share...

___________________________

written by: Dayspring Boldt Broxton

Unfailing Love...

His unfailing love...

“The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy.”
Psalm 145:8 NKJV

“The LORD is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.”
Psalm 145:8 NLT

I love to read various Bible translations. Like the many of facets of a diamond, each version bringing nuances and fresh revelation of God’s Word. In this moment, I am captivated by the wording used by the New Living Translation (NLT) which uses the phrase unfailing love for the word mercy that most other Bible translations use. Both renderings of the Hebrew word hesed or chesed used are accurate:

Hesed (Hebrew): Mercy, kindness, lovingkindness, unfailing love; tenderness, faithfulness.

Bottom line: when we fail…God’s love towards us doesn’t

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

Should you become over-scheduled, overwhelmed, or over-the-top nuts with stuff to do and no time to do it…take a breath…breathe a prayer…stop and be grateful for the One who came to give His all…that we might live. For He alone is worthy…

Should your finances be in disarray? No guilt here…but just a thought….have you been faithful to tithe? Really. No joke. Putting God first in your finances…is a step of faith…and it paves the way for Him to cause the rest of your resources to fall into place…and have the right priority in your heart. Watch and see what HE does!

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes to 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...
__________________
photo: Alaina Agudelo w.Kinsey w.permission

Time for an Umbrella...

(From my daughter...be blessed!)

Why do bad things happen to good people? Why does that person who doesn’t even believe in God seem to flourish and succeed while nothing in my life seems to go right? And how come when it rains it pours? Age old questions answered by the Only One who can.

“He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:45

So what’s the difference between me, as the righteous in Christ, than the unrighteous if we all get rained on anyway? Well…It’s all about what kind of umbrella you use. With God as our umbrella we are covered. Literally. It rains, it gets ugly, things fall apart, nothing goes as it should, and we sometimes reach our breaking point…but we don’t. We can cry out to God at any time, as many times as we need to, and find shelter from our storm. Even when it’s chaos around us, under His protection, we just don’t get as wet.

I’ve seen those who don’t know Him scramble for safety under all sorts of false coverings when the first raindrops fall. Then I’ve watched them crumble into bitterness, anger, defeat, and depression as they drown under the weight of their broken coverings.

I’ve also seen those who, under His protective umbrella, go through the hardest things and still have joy and peace. Getting wet but not drowning. That’s the difference!

Maybe you’ve never thought about God as an Umbrella? It’s time to start!

Try Him…He’s so capable.

“The LORD is your shade at your right hand.” Psalm 121:5

Feel free to share...
_________________________
by: Dayspring Boldt Broxton

Pulled Apart...

Are you…worried…or anxious about something?

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life…”  Matthew 6:25a

The original Greek word for worry here is so interesting. The word literally means to divide in parts, suggesting a distraction, a preoccupation with things causing anxiety, stress, and pressure. It means to be pulled in so many directions trying to figure out the resolution to a troubling situation. A sense of feeling scattered, torn apart or undone.

Sometimes we think to worry is the responsible thing to do, excusing our preoccupation with it. However, in Christ, to worry is to say He is not big enough, smart enough, wise enough or He lacks the resources to help us in our need. Really? And yet…this is what our worry reveals.

How about we do a preemptive strike against worry? Let’s soak in all of Jesus words concerning our life found in Matthew 6:19-34.Then, let's choose to believe what Jesus says is true. Finally, let’s rest in His arms and obey implicitly when He gives us direction.

We need not be torn apart...He is worthy of our trust.

Feel free to share...

His Presents....

Secretly, I love presents…

“For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift [heaped] upon gift.
John 1:16 AMP

I know it is more blessed to give than to receive, nevertheless, I honestly love receiving gift after gift after gift on my birthday or holidays. Yet I struggle when Jesus is the One giving them to me.

I often leave His gifts wrapped in their boxes with the pretty ribbons left untied. So beautiful to gaze upon, but I’m not sure I am worthy, ready, or willing…to open His gifts. Yet, He pursues me and never gives up on me; to someday open these gifts and make them mine and then pass them onto others. He wants me to tear into these presents with abandon like a toddler on their birthday.

He paid the highest price for these prizes and for us. I don’t want to let these wonder-filled treasures go unopened any longer. How about you?

Feel free to share...

Calm the Storms...(in your life!)

(From my daughter...you will be encouraged!)

I love Bible stories! They are so big, in your face and full of miracles! Like the one where the disciples on the boat are freaking out in the storm and Jesus is sleeping. And they wake Him up all panicked and…

“He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.” Luke 8:24

That’s awesome! Can you even imagine?!?

So why is it that when stuff happens in my life I forget that He is the same God of yesterday? Why do I put Him in a box of cool Bible stories and give Him no power in my present?

Just a few weeks ago I was facing something I was so scared of. My heart was racing, I was sick with stress, and I just wanted it to be over with. Then I heard these words:

“The waves and wind STILL know His name.”

Read that again. Out loud.

Those same nasty waves and that same stinkin’ wind that Jesus rebuked back then are the same kind of waves and wind we face today in our lives. And He STILL has power over them. He hasn’t changed from the God of cool Bible stories and miracles so let’s stop acting like He has!

You know what I did that day I was so afraid? I wrote those words I heard on the sides of two of my fingers and I looked at them all day through my situation. I had a peace and a calm that was unbelievable and amazing.

Why? It’s simple.

“He calms the storm.” Psalm 107:29

Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.

___________________________

by: Dayspring Boldt Broxton

Spring Cleaning...

Hmmmm...A recent magazine cover intrigued me...

“Let us search out and examine our ways, And turn back to the LORD;         Let us lift our hearts and hands To God in heaven.”                       Lamentations 3:40-41

Yes, I could use some spring cleaning.

You know, some heart cleaning. Some heart examination. Some spring cleaning for my soul. Knocking down some cobwebs of complacency and dusting off some stuff the Lord wants to revive and refresh in me. Possibly cleaning out some closets where I have allowed things of the world to start piling up and I have grown sloppy about their priority in my life. It is time to let the Holy Spirit breathe His fresh wind and blow away any filters or conditions I have placed upon His working in and through me.

Yes, it is time for some spring cleaning. A daily, few minutes of self-examination at the end of each day to see where Jesus has been able to shine or where I may have allowed my own shadows to dim His light through the windows of my life.

Hmmmm...want to join me?

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...(remember Easter just happened!)

Should you be tempted to be discouraged about an aspect of your life...the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, resides in you! Take time to drink deeply from His limitless well and be refreshed.

Should you face challenges in your school, work, or home life, keep your eyes on the Savior and give Him thanks for all of the wonderful things He is doing. Look up! Look only to Him! Your gratefulness will cause challenges to lose their ability to distract you from His mighty power working on your behalf.

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes to 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...

(From my daughter...be challenged!)

Have you ever seen a pig in pearls? No? Well I have. Too many times to admit.

“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” Matthew 7:6

I’ve befriended and dated a few dogs and a few pigs in my lifetime. And because of my choices, my heart has been torn into pieces.

God is teaching me that unless they surrender to Him, you really can’t teach an old dog new tricks or keep a pig clean. I can’t be accountable for their choices, only mine. I can be hurt, I can be angry, and I can do a lot of blaming. However…it was MY choice to allow them into my life. I have to take the responsibility for giving my “pearls” away.

Even if I feel like they deceived me I can look back and see all the signs I chose to ignore. What are you ignoring?

Is it any wonder the story of the prodigal son takes a turn when he finds himself jealous of the swine? He immediately gets up and runs home! So take stock of who you alone have allowed in your life, and if a relationship needs to be cut off…do it! If you find yourself torn into pieces by choices you made, own up to it and run home! The Bible clearly states that Jesus will bind up the pieces and restore us. Just as the prodigal son was, we too can be restored.

So…Save your pearls by guarding your heart! 
__________________________
by: Dayspring Boldt Broxton

Jury Duty...

The weight of the cross hit me today...while serving on jury duty...

“But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, 
sat down at the right hand of God, - Hebrews 10:12”

Being in this situation, at a courthouse, soon to be sitting in the front of the judge’s desk brings home the reality of Jesus’ horrific and unimaginable sacrifice...for me. I was found guilty. I stood before the righteous Judge of the Universe...and I was found wanting. Treason against the Holy One. My crime? Rebellion. The sentence was pronounced: Death.

Yet, on Good Friday so long ago, the Judge Who had every right to pass sentence on me, took off His robes, stepped down from His raised and most high and holy platform, stood in front of me, then took the death penalty...for me.

So I could go free. Pardoned completely. Forgiven absolutely.

This is the story of the cross. I will never earn this freedom and pardon, nor is there anything in me which could have brought it about. It was...and is...God’s love alone.

I never want to forget this.

At the Start of this Week...

At the start of this week...

Should you find yourself discouraged about an area of your life, a circumstance, a relationship…you name it…don’t let the enemy dis-mantle your courage by dis-couraging you. Jesus is bigger, stronger, tougher, smarter, and owns the cattle on a thousand hills. Let Him rebuild your confidence in His abilities...not your ability.

Should find yourself timid, fearful, or anxious…this is the time to run to the LORD and not away from Him. He has not given you a spirit of fear…but a spirit of power, love, and sound, safe thinking.

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes to 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...

Forgiveness...from my Derby lovin' daughter...be blessed...

The rules of roller derby clearly state reasons for expulsion from gameplay: “Fighting… A Skater who only defends blows and does not engage in the fight will not be penalized.”

I don’t know if Jesus laced up His skates and hit the track like I do, but He says the same thing:

“If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” Matthew 5:39

I’ve never been physically assaulted on or off the derby track, but I sure have been hurt and assaulted emotionally by others. In Bible times a slap was culturally known to mean a deep insult to someone. Jesus isn’t saying not to fight against a physical attack. If someone is beating you with a bat I don’t think you just lie down and say “Go ahead!” Turning the cheek doesn’t mean you allow yourself to be physically assaulted, or that you become a victim or a doormat.

Turning the cheek simply means: we don’t fight back. We don’t do evil for evil, we don’t hold a grudge, and we don’t avenge ourselves. It’s not a “fight” until the second blow. Think about that. It isn’t a fight without two parties involved.

When we are emotionally injured we have an opportunity to not strike back. To not fight, to not inflict injury, rather we show God’s love through forgiveness. The forgiveness of one injury may prevent another injury from them. But if we avenge ourselves we will no doubt draw another injury to ourselves. It goes like this: They strike, we strike, they strike, we strike…it can turn into an endless cycle.

Break the cycle.

Feel free to share...
__________________________
Written by: Dayspring Boldt Broxton

We Are Known...

Everyone wants to be...known...

“For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. 
O LORD, You have searched me and known me.”
Psalm 139:1 

I spent an hour today with a new believer. There is nothing quite like seeing the lights turn on in someone’s life when the truth of God’s Word begins to transform, heal, and breathe new life into them.What a privilege to read Psalm 139 with someone...who has never read it before. 

The very first verse sums up the entirety of this beloved psalm...we are known.

Whether we want to be known or not...Jesus knows...all of our deepest hopes, insecurities, dreams, loves, fears, feelings, thoughts, passions...the list goes on. No one knows us like He does...not even ourselves. 

So rest in this knowledge. Do not hide. Let Him search your heart and uncover and restore the real person you are in Him...His precious and cherished child...to bring Him glory...

And make Him known to the world.

Feel free to share...

Your Own Lane...

“Stay in your own lane!” is a phrase we often hear.

He said: "I am 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Make straight the way of the LORD,"' as the prophet Isaiah said." John 1:23

John the Baptist knew who he was, what he was about, what he was called to do, and he stuck with it. He stayed in his lane and we love him for it…locusts, honey, and all.

I lived too many years wanting be someone else. Wanting to look like someone else, act like someone else, and have the God assignment that someone…anyone...else had. I wanted to be in any lane but my own. Jesus changed all that.

One of the greatest gifts He has given me is to be comfortable in my own skin. To really enjoy who has made me to be, even as the goofball I am. I know what I am supposed to do…and I LOVE it. I know very few people who can say that about themselves. Only in Jesus…in His presence…can the layers of stuff be driven away and the real you will come forth. What are you waiting for?

Feel free to share...