Untie the Knots...
"...For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil."
1 John 3:8
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I AM... Thoughts from Yvonne...
Last week I had a conversation with the Lord after a friend and I discussed why God allows troublesome things to keep happening.
God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM’ has sent me to you.” Exodus 3:14 NIV
A memory surfaced of something another friend said to me back before I knew what I was seeking was God. I kept dealing with fear in my riding – and she told me she thought maybe things kept happening because we hadn’t yet taken the life lesson from the event.
I told this to the friend I was with now, then said, “Perhaps the better question to ask is what God wants for us in the lesson – what is He delivering us from?”
I was sitting out in my pasture later that evening as the horses grazed, thinking on that – thinking about my fear.
I asked: Lord, when will you strike this fear from me?
Him: I won’t. But I will walk with you through it. And you will be stronger for it.
Me: OK. (frown, sigh) But when will I get through the fear?
Him: When you have learned to trust.
Me: Oh! (tears) I want to trust, Lord. I want to learn to trust. Will you teach me?
Him: I am.
Tears flowed as Truth poured over me. I inhaled it deep in my heart. Everything is in that statement, isn’t it? I AM. And He is.
by: Yvonne Quirk
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 have difficulties in a relationship, His love is greater in you. Seek His love first because His love is more than enough for both of you! Remember His complete forgiveness towards you then freely extend this gift to the person(s) you need to. 1 John 4:19
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
But I’m a Martha! Thoughts from Dayspring...
You know that story in the Bible about Jesus, and Mary and Martha?
It goes like this: these two sisters have Jesus over and the one sister, Mary, is just sitting at His feet listening to Him while the other, Martha, is running around like her head is cut off, doing everything to prepare for Him. I imagine that she’s cleaning, cooking, and in general just freaking out that the Son of God is in her home and she hasn’t put the laundry away yet!
Do you know what Jesus says? “Mary! Mary! Why are you so lazy? Can’t you see your good sister is working so hard to prepare for My stay here, yet you just sit here at My feet. Get up and get busy!” (real story found at Luke 10:38-42)
Nah. That’s not how it goes. However, sometimes I wish it did! When I read that story I want to yell, “But I’m a Martha!!” And I am.
I’m always busy, always running around, never sitting. And yes, often I’m too busy for God.
Don’t get me wrong, I want to be this great Mary who “has chosen what is better” and just sits at His feet, even if it’s only for a few minutes. I really do. Sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t. I don’t always get it right and make God my priority. But guess what? Even in my busyness, even in my lack of remembering to just be still with Him, He doesn’t forget me. He balances an unlimited amount of things and yet counts every tear that falls from my wandering eyes and numbers the hair on my bleach, dried-out hair.
So I write today not to talk about how being a Mary would add amazing benefits to your life (as it would), but rather to leave you with one little treasure of a verse that I love.
“ Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister…” Luke 11:5
I can’t help but feel sweet victory that Mary is only called “sister” here. I know, I know…I’m slightly vindictive.
But here’s what I want you to do if you are a Martha too: write next to this verse in your Bible, “Even when she was too busy.”
Because He still loves Martha and He still loves me and He still loves you. Even if.
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Today's One-Minute Bible Study
His Throne of Grace...
"For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize
with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Hebrews 4:15-16
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iPhone Users! For the full-series of few minute videos on the subject "Grace in the Dark," or "Healing Life's Hurts," check out the FREE "Refocus" App:
Complete in Him...
Do you ever feel less than, not enough, or lacking talent, brains, brawn, or beauty?
“...and you are complete in Him,” Colossians 1:10
Take a look at the definition of the original Greek New Testament word (Pleroo) used for “complete” here: to make full, to fill up, to cram, to cause to abound, furnish, supply liberally, to fill to the top so that nothing is lacking and nothing more can be added. Full measure, to accomplish...and so much more!
Honestly. Sit in Colossians, Chapters 1-3, and have your world rocked. Genuinely ask for the Holy Spirit’s revelation of what is being said here. It will take a lifetime’s learning and a complete paradigm shift in our way of thinking about – everything. Yet, it will be oh-so worth it. Even at our final breath, we will only have scratched the surface of all Who Jesus is, and Who He is IN us.
But know this truth, you are complete in Him! And in Him alone!
At the Start of This Week...
At the start of this week…
If your kids are whining, your workmates are irritating, and the neighbors won't mow their lawn, it is probably a sign your soul is running on empty! It is time to get filled up, saturated, and doused in the Holy Spirit. Get alone with the Lord and His Word, rest in His presence, and get fueled up to greet the week ahead.
If you feel burnt out, stressed out, or wiped out – again, it is time to return to the living waters of the Holy Spirit. Are you unsure about His work in you? It is time to spend some time getting to know Who He is. Take a look at the Gospel of John, Chapters 14, 15, and 16. Don’t remain a desert when you can become an oasis.
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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Yes, You Are...
Really. Every one of us is a leader...
From the clan of Hebron came Hashabiah. He and his relatives—1,700 capable men—were put in charge of the Israelite lands west of the Jordan River. They were responsible for all matters related to the things of the LORD and the service of the king in that area.
1 Chronicles 26:30
We are all called and all Christ followers have the Holy Spirit residing in them. All of us can pass on what we know and love about Jesus and His Word to another. You have something that someone else needs. You have Someone someone else needs, too. Don’t let others have all the fun and excitement. Really.
Starbuck’s is just waiting for you to reach out to your co-worker, neighbor, or friend and show up for an informal time of studying God's Word together. You might try using the simple CrossPointe Bible Study tools that can be found online at Amazon.com. Or simply meet to talk about life together in Him. There is someone waiting for you.
And, you are a leader.
Thoughts from Dayspring...
Mommmmm!!
“Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted.” Ephesians 4:30 MSG
The hot water swirls around me as I lean my back against the cool porcelain. My hands slowly push the bubbles around causing their sweet floral scent to fill this small space. I close my eyes and let it envelope me. Finally! Some peace. Some quiet. Some much needed “me time.” I reach out and grab my book whose fiction will take me away from my cares of the day. I, once again, lean back and stretch out to the sounds of the rushing water filling the tub, a good book in my hand and…
“MOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!”
I sit up abruptly, toss the book to the floor, shut off the water, and put my ears on high alert as my heart races.
And just like that I’m interrupted.
This is what I thought of as my pastor said these words, “Holy Spirit, interrupt us!”
The Bible is full of such interruptions. Think about Mary and Joseph, the shepherds in the fields, the fishermen casting their nets, David, Saul, the woman at the well, and so many others who were just minding their business when they were divinely interrupted.
And yet here we are, too often preoccupied with our own agendas to be interrupted by God.
My pastor went on to say that we find ourselves too busy for church yet we make time to watch a two-hour mind-numbing movie. We are too busy to read the Bible but we find time to read the books we enjoy. We are too busy for God, yet we find time to hit snooze over and over again.
Oh Holy Spirit! Interrupt us, we so need it!
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by Dayspring Boldt Broxton
Manna for the Heart... One-Minute Bible Study...
Manna for the Heart...
"Then Moses told them, "Do not keep any of it until morning." Exodus 16:19 NLT
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iPhone user? Check out short Bible Study Plans on the Refocus app
Let's Dance....Thoughts from Yvonne...
I loved to dance with my daddy as a little girl, though I never danced well.
“In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.” Exodus 15:13
My mind holds a picture of myself learning to dance – my smiling four or five-year-old self stands on my dad’s feet, my hands held firmly in his strong and gentle hands. He twirls me round and round in rhythm to a waltz. I felt safe and loved.
A few years later I got off Dad’s feet and stood on the floor across from him as I followed his steps. Like a good instructor, his hands guided rather than held. He allowed me to make decisions and take responsibility for my steps – his hands became softer or firmer as my ability to follow his lead improved.
Dancing requires trust – and although the dancers are partners, one partner MUST lead.
Jesus extended His hand in an invitation to dance. I gratefully accepted. Still, as I dance with Him I often stumble, or worse, try to lead – even though I don’t know the steps. But He does, and His strong and gentle hand always tightens just enough to catch me and guide me back into step – making me feel safe and loved – just as God did leading the Hebrews into the promised land.
I still don’t dance well – but I love to dance with Jesus. And I want Him to lead.
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by Yvonne Quirk
A Saturated Life...
I want to live life in full color...
...He who is coming after me is mightier than I...He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matthew 3:11
Photography is a new hobby of mine. I use it to create Christian memes with inspirational quotes and Bible verses. I love for the photo’s colors to be “saturated.” In other words, to be deep, rich, and with full color. I want to live a saturated life – walking in the miraculous and glorifying Jesus. Only the Holy Spirit can cause a meat-and-potatoes, made-of-dust life to live this way.
The original Greek New Testament word for baptize in the verse above is: Baptizo – meaning to baptize, to dip, dye, immerse, plunge, submerge, inundate, flood, swamp, soak, douse, drench, and saturate.
Ponder each one of these words in the definition. Which one pings your heartstrings? Now, for me, it is saturate. To be so full I can’t absorb any more, except to be squeezed and poured out to make more room – for more.
Yeah. I want to live in the continual baptism of the Spirit – Book of Acts style – in full color for Jesus.
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At the Start of This Week...
At the start of this week...
Should your dog eat your slippers, your favorite team bite the dust, or you just plain feel like the stuff of your life is insurmountable, look to the One who holds all the answers. He never promised life would be easy in this broken, evil world, but He did promise: you are more than a conqueror when you abide in Him. He delivers on His promises.
Should your relationships be frayed and worn, and impatience and frustration are tempting you, look at yourself first. Don’t place blame. It takes two-to-tango, as the saying goes, and Jesus always tells us to take the splinter out of our own eye first before even attempting to point out the log in another’s eye. Let Jesus deal with your issues. That’s what He is asking of you in this moment.
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: Ryan Boldt - my nephew serving with Youth With a Mission, Australia
An Uneven Exchange...
An uneven exchange…
“When He had called the people to Himself…He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Mark 8:34
We are often mistaken about what Jesus is communicating about picking up our cross. It is NOT pain, disease, suffering, torment, or loss of relationships. The cross is NOT about the hardships of living in a broken, sick, evil, and weary world. Jesus came on a rescue mission. If we fully trust Him – that is the caveat here – He has made every believer more than a conqueror. His love, joy, healing, restoration, and deliverance are ours, no matter what our circumstances may be.
No, the cross is explained in the following verse. When we lay down our plans, dreams, and hopes for His plans, dreams, and hopes. Our lives for His cause alone. His will be done, not ours; just as Jesus spoke to the Father as He was about to pick up His cross – for us.
When we take up His cross, however, it is an uneven exchange. Our rags for His riches. Our nothingness for His extraordinary. Our lack for His abundance. Our sin for His grace. Think about it. Yes, it is an even exchange indeed. What are we waiting for?
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{WEDNESDAY ONE-MINUTE BIBLE STUDY}
Your Treasure...
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."
Matthew 13:44 NKJV
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iPhone Users! For more daily devotional videos, short & sweet, download the "Refocus" app on from your Play Store. I have two teachings there: "Healing for Life's Hurts" and "Grace in the Dark." Many more, way-better teachers, on the app, too! Android coming soon!
Work in Progress...Thoughts from Jaime...
As I sat there, listening to a woman pouring her heart out, I heard bits and pieces of my own story...
“I am sure that the good work God began in you will continue until he completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again.” Philippians 1:6 ERV
I could identify with her pain. Not just sympathize, but empathize—with genuine compassion and tears of solidarity.
When she finished, I let the Holy Spirit guide my words. I reassured her that God wasn’t finished writing her story and He would be faithful to put her heart back together. I could promise her that in every battle against her ugly emotions and destructive thoughts, there was victory.
It is in these times I am reminded that my pain and suffering have been transformed into a beautiful bridge of hope—a viaduct for someone else to encounter the reality of our Redeemer. He lets nothing go to waste, and often our most powerful weapons are the very things the enemy has previously tried to destroy us with.
Yes, we have victory in Christ and yes He fights for us—but we still have to show up to the battle. We may have to go into uncomfortable territory and confront things we’d rather avoid, but triumph can only come if there’s a struggle. We must identify our enemy in order to defeat him.
God’s nowhere close to being finished with me, but I do marvel when I look back at all He’s done.
To take the most horrid seasons of our time here and resurrect hope, joy and purpose— that’s the heart of God. He truly is at work in the life of every believer. And as the saying goes, I’m not where I want to be, but thank God I’m not where I used to be.
by: Jaime Betters
For more of Jaime's writing please see www.remadecommunity.org
Level Ground...
A woman became really upset with me a couple of years ago…
"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,"
2 Corinthians 3:5
The woman was peeved when I told her that her own ability to be self-sufficient was probably her biggest hindrance in following Christ. She didn’t like that and she was very proud of her accomplishments, except for the fact she was losing her family.
Some of us facing trials truly believe we can pull ourselves through in our own strength. We have a bounty of God-given natural ability, just like the woman above. Others of us, know we can’t do anything to help ourselves, but rely on anyone else, rather than the All Sufficient One.
No matter what camp you fall into: self-reliant or others- reliant, it is time to walk onto level ground found at the foot of His cross.
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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. Philippians 4:19
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! Galatians 5:22-23
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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Reign in Life...
Reign in life. Really??
"For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one,
much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ."
Romans 5:17
For years I thought about:
Getting by in life
Surviving life
Making it through another day in life
But never, reigning in life.
Only Jesus. Only His abundant, powerful, lavish grace and the free gift of His righteousness can cause a lost and weary soul to reign in life. Even those of us who feel neither lost or weary have to admit: life could be better.
It can be. Invite Him in. Surrender everything to Him. Stand Back. Stand in His grace. Let His righteousness cover you. And see what He does in and through you. Yes, you too, can reign in life through the One and Only.
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His Present Presence...
His presence is always present.
"God our refuge and strength.
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we shall not fear…"
Psalm 46:1-2a
Some years ago I decided I wouldn’t live another day without His presence. Come hell or high water, I was choosing to nurture, not only a devotional time with Jesus – praying requests, reading the Word, journaling – but a frequent waiting and basking in the Holy Spirit who reveals the Savior within us and to us John 16.
Believe me, my family and the church we pastor have experienced some crazy stuff during these years, yet His presence has always been present. I can tell you story after ridiculously loving story of Jesus in our midst.
Now, what used to be mere theory has become reality. He is the real deal and He wants you to draw close and really know Him not just know about Him. His present presence is all you need.
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