Engraved or Enslaved.... Thoughts from Dayspring

The question was asked at Bible study, “Are you feeling engraved or are you feeling enslaved?”

“See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me.” Isaiah 49:16

I thought about it and realized at that moment I was feeling a tad enslaved. It wasn’t the answer I wanted. In fact, my first reaction was to raise my hand up and down in enthusiasm while saying “Engraved, engraved!”

So why do I sometimes live my life as if I am enslaved? Jesus clearly states that He has engraved me on the palms of His hands. ME! YOU TOO! We are right there. Not our names but us: who we are, what we do, all that makes us who we are. Our identity, as my Bible study leader would say. And yet, we live our lives in the complete opposite way of someone who has been engraved on the hands of their Savior.

I keep coming back to the line in that old Eagles song that says, “Well, I know it wasn't you who held me down. Heaven knows it wasn't you who set me free.So oftentimes it happens that we live our lives in chains that we never even know we have the key.”

Read that again.

How true is that? We DO have the key. The Bible says so over and over and over again. Jesus came to free those bound in chains. Those in captivity. Those enslaved to whatever it might be: Other people, money, hurt, sickness, anger, and a million other things that keep us bound.

So ask yourself honestly today: Are you living today as engraved or enslaved?

Whatever your answer, Jesus is the key.

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by: Dayspring Boldt Broxton
photo: Chelsea Martinez

Born Again...

Hmmmmm....

"Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."  John 3:3

To be 'born again' means receiving spiritual CPR.

I think we sometimes forget that before we took the initial step of faith to receive Jesus into our lives -- our spirit -- that deep place within us, was not alive. I mean...really.

Without Christ, our spirit was kaput, nada, zilch, just not living. Dead in our trespasses - passed on from the first Adam - who blew it big time in the Garden. Honestly, this is all in the Bible.

But when we took that little step of faith -- to believe in the One and Only Perfect One -- even if our faith was faltering, the Holy Spirit breathed His life-breath into our spirit. Yes, His very life-breath that caused dust to become a living, breathing man and woman, breathes His life into us. We are born again. A chance to start new -- everyday of our lives.

If you have yet to experience this wonder of God's grace through Jesus, stop and consider, then pray. He is waiting to give you new life.

Feel free to share...

(John 1:12, Eph. 2:4-9, Romans 8)

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At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

If the sun has stopped shining, the car won't start, your kids won't cooperate, and kitchen sink is stopped up, look to Him! He is in the midst of the blood, tears, sweat, and grime of life. He sees every detail and loves you beyond reason. Take every care to Him because He really does care and will walk you through the storms in your life.

If you should lose a friend, lose your job, or you are in jeopardy of losing your housing, get on your face before Jesus. Don't get up until you have handed Him these major life issues and you sense His peace that passes all understanding. HE WILL work on your behalf, but you first have to get out of the way.

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 Story of Grace...

The story of Jesus feeding the multitudes is a picture of grace...

"There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish,
But what are they among so many?"
John 6:9

First, Jesus takes the little to nothing of our lives that we bring to Him and He multiplies it exponentially because of His thanks to the Father that we have come. Really. That seems like it should be the other way around. We need to be the ones who continually give thanksgiving.

Next, He increases our lives beyond the scope of our imagination. Yes, we can miss this part by trying to take back control of our own destiny. I sidelined myself for years. My advice: don’t take back control. Total surrender is the way to go.

Finally, Jesus even uses the waste of our lives to bring Himself glory. So don’t discount anything as disqualifying you from His purposes. You know what I think happened to those leftovers on that miraculous feast day? I think people took them home to feed their friends and families the miracle they had experienced.

Yes. this is a story of God’s amazing grace.

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Experiencing His Word...

There is a world of difference between simply reading the Bible and experiencing its power...

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32

My dear friend, Marjorie, shared with me yesterday...

Although she dearly and deeply loved God’s Word for years, she once was riddled and held captive by every fear imaginable. Guilt and shame were weaved into her daily life, as well. It wasn’t until she asked the Holy Spirit to breathe His inspired Word into her heart while she read, did she experience the transforming work of the Word. She began to encounter the power of Jesus, Living Word. Lies that she had once believed – that had caused so much fearful torment – began to be broken by God’s truth. So...

Read the Bible to learn, learn, learn, but also ask the Spirit to cause life, deliverance, healing, and restoration be your daily experience, too.

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

Should your dog have fleas, you spilt your coffee this morning, the politics in your country are crazy, or you just plain ole don’t want to go to work tomorrow, look to our Sovereign, Almighty God! Jesus is still on the throne, He plans are greater, His ways are wiser, and He is the fount of all joy no matter what your circumstances may dictate.

Should you feel left out, your insecurities are rising to the top, or you have had an argument with your spouse, best friend, or the neighbor with all the cars next door, look to the One and Only. Get your heart right with Him. Let Jesus fill your loneliness, heal you of all insecurity – He can do that you know – and let Him show you if you have something to correct in your own life first regarding the disagreement.

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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www.sueboldt.com Instagram: sue_boldt
photo: Lauren and Chris Ametrano

He Will Complete...

My oldest daughter, well, her dad and I had some sleepless nights...

"...being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."  Philippians 1:6

The drama of youthful angst, messy bedrooms, goofy girlfriends, some not so desirable boyfriends, and a dash of attitude kept us on our knees in prayer for her. Yet, did we ever give up on Dayspring Melissa? No, never. Did we want to throw in the towel, move away, and not leave a forwarding address for her? Jesus never gives up on us, either.

This confidence is based upon Jesus Himself. Jesus, who began this excellent work in us is the basis of this overwhelming hope. His plans do not rely upon our frailty and failings, but upon the His Holy Spirit working in and through us. We only need to have open and ready hearts to receive His touch to complete what He has started.

You know, my daughter’s name is written in my Bible at this verse. Written during one of those sleepless nights. And, as I witness the amazing, beautiful Jesus-follower she is today, God isn’t failing us or her. The same will be true for you and me as well.

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At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

Should your boss be micro-managing, your spouse preoccupied, and your kids not eating their broccoli, remember the One Who alone can meet your every need and expectation. Jesus has all the answers, simply because He IS the answer to all your heart's longings.

Should you hear tragic news, your circumstances seem overwhelming, and stress is starting to take its toll. Remember His perfect peace - shalom, shalom - in the Hebrew. His complete soundness, health, calm, strength, prosperity, and fulfillment. Yet the verse also states that to receive this perfect peace, our minds have to be thinking only of Jesus AND we need to put our full trust in His love and power for us. Isaiah 26:3

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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On My Face.... Thoughts from Dayspring.

I am in the process of moving which means that I am living between two places right now. I sleep at one place and wake up and drive over to the other place to get ready for work. I can’t wait to get all moved in and have everything at one place!

The other morning I wanted to spend some time in my Bible and pray, but of course, my Bible was at the other house. My first thought was, “Oh well…I guess I can’t do that,” and I started thinking about the next project. But immediately after that I heard in my spirit, “You can get on your face anywhere.”

I stopped what I was doing and thought about that, nodded my headed, and got right on my face to pray.

Those words have stuck with me.

I love my Bible and God speaks most often to me through it. However, it isn't the only way I encounter and interact with Him. All those people in the Bible, who didn’t have a leather bound Bible with their names engraved on the cover, still encountered and interacted with Him. Some were fishing, some were in prison, some were running errands, and some were outright running away. But their common denominator was that they were all just doing life. Just like we are.

I’ve knelt on many a bathroom floor in desperation for Him. I’ve fallen to my knees in the middle of the street while out on my nighttime walk. I can get on my face anywhere. So can you. Let those words stay with you today.

As Samuel once said while he was half asleep, “Speak, GOD. I’m your servant, ready to listen.” 1 Samuel 3:9 MSG

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by: Dayspring Boldt Broxton

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

https://youtu.be/Ml1KUd-wFuA

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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:

https://refocusapp.org/share/plan/579f8982fcdf4c281d8573b5

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