Humility...Wise Words from Dayspring...

I have a relationship I have to maintain. My Ex.

And that first year was rough. He was mad and angry and did a lot of yelling. Now nearly 4 years later we could both tell you that we’re friends. It wasn’t easy to get where we are but if anyone asks me how we do it so well I always tell them this: I had to humble myself.

I spent that first year doing things for him that the world said I no longer owed him. I offered to help him any way I could whenever he needed it. I tried (though sometimes failed!) keeping my mouth shut when he was upset with me. I continued to humble myself to him while the world screamed at me to demand what was mine, fight for my rights, be selfish, and treat him as any good ex should be treated. But I wanted to do it different and it made all the difference.

“Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” Matthew 21:5

In my Bible it goes on to say this in the notes: “The Zealots were looking for a warlike Messiah who would use force. Jesus showed a greater power than armed might, the power of humble wisdom and penetrating love. Meekness is not weakness, but power under perfect control.”

I know firsthand the validity of that statement in my everyday life. 
In a world that entitles us to be strong, and “hear me roar” is what is expected, humility is frowned upon. But if you want to change a relationship in your life it’s the only way. I dare you to try it and just see what happens.

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by: Dayspring Boldt Broxton

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

Should your country seems overwhelmed, in turmoil, full of restlessness and unrest, look to the King of Kings. He is still on His throne and He is not overwhelmed, in turmoil, or unrest. In Him is no shadow of turning and His love is unabated by world events. He knows the beginning to the end and He is at work drawing many to Himself and giving healing and comfort to those who invite Him to come into their lives.

Should YOU be overwhelmed, in turmoil, full of restlessness and unrest, look to the Prince of Peace. If you have received Him, He is Your Rock, Your Shelter, Your Tower of Refuge. Find genuine comfort, direction, healing, deliverance, and strength in the power of the Holy Spirit. What are you waiting for? Run to Him and don't get up until you sense His presence and receive a fresh word from His Word.

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 He Who is in you is greater than anything!
1 John 4:4

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A Foul Mood....Thoughts from Dayspring...

I am feeling super judgmental today: like everyone around me can’t do anything right and their sinful choices and actions are causing me to be in a foul mood. How dare they praise the name of God and claim to know Him, and yet act like THAT?!?

But Jesus said, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7

And in my ugly little tantrum of their abominations, I find myself looking at my own life. Sinning in my judgment upon them. Wondering when I might ever really be worthy to praise the name of God and claim to know Him? Because I won’t ever be worthy. There might have been a three -minute period once when I was a kid where I could be found totally blameless, but otherwise I’m just a big, fat sinner.

Who the heck am I to judge anyone? Why does my ugly heart take it so personally? And how do I love those close to me whose sins are rubbing me the wrong way?

Perhaps I am the only one who ever feels this way.

But if ever you find yourself seated up here on this throne of judgment next to me, remind yourself of Jesus’ words about such behavior. In fact, I could easily rattle off a bunch of verses that put me in my place. I’m also reminding myself about the grace that I am shown hourly for the sins that I constantly do and sure enough, my ugly throne crumbles and my heart is grateful for a grace that is given to not just me but everyone.

And I find myself back on my face right where I belong.

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written by: Dayspring Boldt Broxton

Check-Up Time...

It might be time again to have a little forgiveness check-up…

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:14-15

These are pretty heavy words from the mouth of our Savior. To completely forgive every person who has wounded, hurt or abused us. However here, I want to direct your attention to a different area of not being able to forgive.

Is there someone reading this who needs to forgive the Lord?

This happens, you know. Years ago it happened to me. But He met me in my need, hurt, and anger. He wasn’t afraid to hear me out. It was when I tried to withhold my feelings from Him that I suffered. And when I was ready to invite Him in to deal with my heart, He came,

Don’t stomp off and be mad, sulk, or give up your faith. Would good will that do? Run into His arms and talk to Jesus honestly and listen genuinely. Rely upon His unfailing Word and find comfort in His presence. Take it from one who knows.

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At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

Should you be concerned about your family, your friends, your country, now is the time to pray and not give up hope. Determine in your heart to draw closer to Jesus this week and let the Holy Spirit guide your prayers. He will give you insight how to pray effectively and on point, so be sure to quiet your heart and listen!

Should circumstances not go the way you hadplanned, take a prayer breather for yourself. Ask the Lord Jesus for His guidance. Is this His moving in your life? Is it the enemy’s? Hmmm. Could it be your own doing? Don’t do anything till you sense the Lord’s direction and then move forward with His leading.

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, no matter what you face, because He Who is in you is greater than anything! 
1 John 4:4

Living...Now. (Thoughts from Dayspring)

Heaven is real. So is hell. These are things I totally believe. Without a doubt in my mind.

“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” Psalm 84:10

But I have a secret to tell you…

I don’t care.

Hold on, hold on! Hear me out! What I mean is that even if Heaven wasn’t real, I would still love God. Even if I wasn’t promised an eternity with Him in a place with no sin, sorrow, or tears I would still follow Him. Even if all I received was this one go-around in this heartbreaking, very difficult, dark world I would STILL praise Him. Still.

To me it’s not about the end game. It isn’t. It’s about my life today. And what He alone has done for me today. I know who I was and the life I had. I know who He has made me be and the life I have now. I know freedom like I’ve never known, I’ve seen grace like I’ve never been shown, and I am loved as unconditionally as you can bring yourself to imagine. And what God has done for me NOW is worth it all.

So even if this life was the only one I have and a hole in the ground was the only promise awaiting me, I wouldn’t quit Him. Because He has never quit me. I’m a screw-up still. I fight Him still. And sometimes I leave Him behind, still. Even after all He has done for me, but I know that my self-induced-crazy walk with Him is better any day than taking even one step without Him.

What about you? Are you in it for the solely for the security of heaven versus hell? Or are you taking full advantage of His life-changing, life-giving power today?

He is Speaking to Us...

You know? It really is important to do what the Lord is saying...

“...Then they began to cleanse the Temple of the LORD, just as the king had commanded. They were careful to follow all the LORD's instructions in their work.”
2 Chronicles 29:15 NLT

Duh. We all know we need to listen to the Lord’s voice. But honestly, so often I get a directive or a sense of what the He is leading me to, then I try to come up with the best way to get there – without following His instructions. You too?

When King Hezekiah was restoring the temple from all the abuse his father had done to it, the Scriptures tell us here that King H was careful to follow all the Lord’s instructions. How often I try to take matters into my own hands, when a huge part of our Journey in Jesus is drawing close to Him daily, for His daily instructions to us.

Trying to clean up your life, just like that old Temple we read about? Don’t even attempt it on your own. Follow Jesus. Hear His daily heart for you. Not what you are thinking; not what the world is saying. Follow carefully HIS instructions. Walk in His abundance.

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week…

Should life - aka: the world, the flesh, and our enemy - throw you a curve ball, well, you are already on the winning team in Christ! Let Him be your catcher. In other words, don’t noodle, worry, be distracted, or become anxious about your situation. Place your concerns completely in His capable hands and let Him coach you as to what to do next.
Romans 8:37

Should you grow impatient, weary, or wary, keep your eyes on King Jesus. Head to His throne room on your knees. Let the Holy Spirit fill you up and overwhelm you. His strength is all that you need.
Hebrews 4:16

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 He Who is in you is greater than anything!
1 John 4:4

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Aging.... from Dayspring will make you smile...

My grandma is turning 80 soon and then a few days after that I’ll be turning the BIG FOUR-OHHHHhhhhh-how-did-I-get-so-old (and how old must my mom be feeling?!? ;) ). Thirty-five was nearly the death of me; my mid-life crisis and all. However, I’m hoping that this one will pass by without too many tears, fears, and face-lift dreams. I am, however, left to take stock.

My grandma is beautiful, youthful, hip, stylish, and one very cool woman. No one would ever think she’s anywhere near 80. I truly hope that when that day comes for me I’ll be as young and lovely as her. Though I know without a doubt that I’ll be fighting it to the death. Some age old gracefully and some fight time. I’ll be the one without a gray hair hidden by color, with a face full of botox and fillers, and working hard to stay in shape.

Yet even as my body changes, my face sags, my eyes dim, and as my hair turns gray and, God-forbid, falls out…yet one things stays the same.

God.

He never changes. Only we do.

Do me a favor. Go to Biblegateway.com and look up Isaiah 46:4 in the NIV at the top search panel. Then when you get to that page, under the verse hit “Isaiah 46:4 in all English translations” and just read through them. I promise they’ll make you smile; wrinkles, crow’s feet and all!

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4

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Written by: Dayspring Turning-40 Boldt Broxton

He Will Not...

Hang with me here.

Say a quick prayer asking the Holy Spirit to speak from His Heart to yours. Now, read this passage slowly...

"...For He, God Himself has said, "I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support.

I will not,

I will not,

I will not

in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let you down relax My hold on you! Assuredly not!"   Hebrews 13:5b AMP

Ponder what He is speaking directly to your heart. Maybe write this verse out and underline what He is saying.

Please take the time to read Hebrews 13:5 in its entirety, for the context of it tells us clearly: Jesus is all we need. He is all sufficient and all satisfying. Come to Him now and surrender more of yourself to Him (I will too!). Yes, He is all we need in whatever we are facing. He WILL NOT let go of us.

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Yes, Lord...

Do you want to become well?

“When Jesus noticed him lying there helpless, knowing that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, “Do you want to become well: Are you really in earnest about getting well?”    John 5:6 AMP

Sure, I want to get well! Jesus seems to ask a rhetorical question here, but maybe, He isn’t. As the Amplified Bible quotes here, are we truly earnest about His healing touch.

Honestly, I went years where I truly don’t think I wanted to be well. I liked my stuff, my issues more than I liked the thought of being free. Would the Holy Spirit be enough to satisfy?  Laughable and tragic all at the same time. Yet, I was destroying myself, my walk with the Lord, and hurting my family.

Self-pity. That can be the culprit of us not letting the Holy Spirit dig deep in us to set us free. We are comfortable in this zip code even if it looks and feels like hell. Nevertheless, freedom is oh-so worth whatever we may have to face to get there. Jesus will walk us through it all to real living.

Yes, Lord. I want to become well.

Dayspring's Thursday Thoughts...

I was one of just a few people to receive a suicide note that day. By the time I actually found it the event had already passed...unsuccessfully. 

He had lost all hope. Had lost all will to carry on. He does not know my life-changing, hope-giving, unconditionally-loving God. 

But I do. 

He wouldn't let me come see him at the facility. He wasn't willing to talk to me. And I had only one place I could go to be heard...on my face. 

So I did. 

"I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one." Ezekiel 22:30

FOUND NO ONE?? FOUND NO ONE!!

Right under that verse in my Bible I wrote "see me!" because I didn't want God looking around and seeing no one standing in the gap for my friend. 

I was called to be his gap-filler. 

I begged God to save his life and I fought spiritual wars on his behalf. It was during this time that my friend felt God's hand for the first time as he attempted to kill himself again a few days after the last incident. He told me later about a "spiritual presence" that saved him. (It a truly miraculous story I don't have the space to share here.)

But did that supernatural, hand-of-God, moment change his life? 

Nope. 

He wasn't ready and he may never be, but I can know I did my part.  

What about you? What kind of gap filler can you be? Who should you stand in that gap for? 

 

Ask God. Then do your part to be seen so He doesn't have to say He found no one! 

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written by: Dayspring Boldt Broxon

Stolen Moments...

Stolen moments...

“And when He had sent the multitudes away,

He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray.

Now when evening came, He was alone there.”
Matthew 14:23

Jesus knew the unrelenting press of thousands day after day, yet He found time to steal a few minutes alone in the Father’s presence. He, being fully God, yet laying aside His godly prerogatives to walk earth as a man, knew the joy of stolen moments to be refreshed in the Holy Spirit.

One time, Randy and I were waiting in a restaurant to be seated. A young man walked in with a single, red rose. He waited silently next to me until a cute, young waitress momentarily left her duties to greet him with a quick kiss. The red rose was for her. It brought light to her face, sparkle to her eyes, and I’m sure made the rest of her long evening special.

We need those red rose, stolen kiss moments with the Lord, too. Next time you are impatient, frustrated, or weary, find a minute...somewhere. Call out to the Lord, crack open the Word, pray in the Spirit. Be revived in His presence. Stolen moments with the Lord can be just the ticket we need.

At the Start of This Week...Orlando...

At the start of this week...

Should the events of the day in our nation and around the world rock us to our core, this is when the Comfort of the Holy Spirit surrounds us. Ask for a fresh infilling of His presence to drive fear and anxiety from your soul. He is our peace in any storm.

Should the world seem darker and more desperate, we are seeing exactly what King Jesus told us would happen. It is time for us to be sold-out for His Kingdom; standing completely upon His Word, knowing it for ourselves; and be comfortable walking in all nine gifts of the Holy Spirit which are necessary for this day. And most of all, we need to be walking in Jesus' love for everyone.

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 He Who is in you is greater than anything!
1 John 4:4

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Hmmm...Money Matters...

How much money do you have right now? How much is in your savings account? Perhaps you just never have enough. Well, you aren’t alone.

Old Testament law describes how after a woman gives birth she must bring a lamb offering to God. It goes on to say, “and if she in not able to bring a lamb, then she may bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons…” Lev. 12:8.

Flash forward to the New Testament to one of my favorite verses. I am so deeply touched by something that can be easily missed. After Jesus’ birth, His parents go to make their offering. Want to guess what they took?

Two turtledoves and two pigeons! Luke 2:24

That’s right. The Son of God, the same God with cattle on a thousand hills, was poor. Flat broke. His family had nothing to offer but a poverty sacrifice.

I find such comfort knowing that I’m not alone when it comes to money matters. I mean, who hasn’t been stressed out about money, or stayed up all night worrying about how to get more, or figuring out the best way to “rob Peter to pay Paul” at least once in their life? I can find safety in taking all my financial concerns to the Lord because HE understands, He cares and He loves me. He is my safety in my insecure financial world.

And He is yours too. Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed to pray about money issues just because it’s a material thing. He so gets it!

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by: Dayspring Boldt Broxton

The Narrow Gate and the Broad Place...

The narrow gate and the broad place.

"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.”  Matthew 7:13

“He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me.” Psalm 18:19

Think about a spacious place where a rich and sumptuous party is being given in your honor. You are the prized guest and no expense has been spared. To enter this lifelong blessing can only be accomplished by entering through a very narrow, tiny gate. No backpacks, luggage, or carry-ons can be squeezed through the its opening.

This broad place of abundant, superfluous living is Jesus’ grace. The narrow gate is Jesus Himself and the only article easing us through is faith in His finished work on the cross. No worry, no fear, no having to be control, no I-can-do-it mentality, or effort on our part is allowed. Only a mustard seed of faith (if we even have that sometimes!) can fit through the gate. Faith in Jesus and Jesus alone, is the only thing we can carry through.

It’s time to stop thinking this Christian walk is up to us; it is time to lean fully into His grace, knowing He will complete what He has started in each of us. What’s our part? Believing ruthlessly what He has already done.

Get Crackin'....

I am plowing through the Book of Proverbs right now. Really.

These Proverbs. Well. They are just too cool. Just too something. Hmmmm, I know. They are very, very real and they are very, very practical. No-brainers, really, except the Lord knows we need all the help we can get.

Simple words to help us live life less chaotic, with less conflict, with good choices, and outstanding outcomes. Simple words to save us from such heartache, torment, rabbit trails, and chasing the wind.

“Keep your heart with all diligence,  For out of it spring the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23

Guarding our hearts for the Lord Jesus alone. Not looking to another - such as a husband, wife, friend - to fulfill something in our hearts that only God Himself can give. This has brought immeasurable happiness to my marriage and all of my relationships! This is just one…proverb.

So, get crackin’. There are thirty-one chapters filled with these nuggets. One each day for the next thirty-one days. Start finding treasures to add to your life’s gems. You will be glad you did.

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

Should your yard be overgrown, your jeans too tight, or your wallet a little too empty, look up! King Jesus is the All-Sufficient One. Get your eyes on Him alone and let Him do the heavy lifting for your cares.

Should a loved one go sideways, a neighbor go ballistic, or a co-worker become annoying, well, remember you have issues, too! Jesus has all the patience in the world to bring you into freedom, now grab hold of His patience in you for others, by the power of the Holy Spirit!

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 He Who is in you is greater than anything!
1 John 4:4

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Photo: I took this of Maria Elliot, a short-term Missionary serving with Youth With a Mission (YWAM). She leaves for Nepal/Mongolia this week. Please pray for her and her team as they preach the gospel...thanks!

Mad at God... Another gem from Dayspring

I don’t like to take the Lord’s name in vain, but… “OH MY GOD! I am so mad at You!” seems totally appropriate when I direct it to Him. Because I do.

I yell at God a lot.

I’m not the best Christian by the world’s standards. I have my own quirks, rebellions and sins, but here is the one thing I know I do right: I get mad at God. Often. Well…that’s not really the thing I do right. It’s more about what I do with my anger.

See, we can do like so many others and get mad at God and turn a cold bitter heart away from Him. We stop talking to Him, we stop listening for Him, and we get so locked up in our anger about our situations that we go through the “Christian” motions but push Him aside. Usually without even knowing it or admitting it. Because it can’t be “good” to get mad at God. Right?

Wrong.

I’ve learned to take it to Him because I’ve seen those in the Bible do it before me.

God has seen and heard me at my worst. I’ve cussed Him out. I’ve told Him off. I’ve laid on my face and screamed at Him. I have blamed Him and we’ve wrestled until I’m emotionally limping (Genesis 32). But here’s the thing: HE IS BIG ENOUGH.

And you know what happens every time I bring my anger to Him? He lets me throw my fit, and then He lovingly restores me. EVERY SINGLE TIME. I will be on my red, puffy, tear stained, scowled face before Him and when I’m spent I reach for His Word and it washes over me. Even if we do that thirty times a day. He never fails to listen and restore.

So take it to Him because He can take it.

Even His own Son knew this: “Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’” Matthew 27:46