Only He Can Deliver...

{A WALL WORD...a nugget from the Amplified Bible}

Honestly, these are crazy powerful words from the King of Kings. Yet, only He can make these promises. And only He can deliver.

Several years ago, when I made a desperate decision to follow Jesus ardently, my life changed drastically. I started my venture having already experienced His healing and deliverance in many areas, but I still -- ahem -- was very messed up. I was moody, often unhappy, I didn't like myself, I couldn't control my thoughts, and any difficult situation knocked the wind out of my sails. I was oh so far from having my act together.

However, simply pursuing time alone with Him and not leaving until I sensed the presence of the Holy Spirit changed all that. Getting a fresh daily word from His Word, brought healing mentally, emotionally, and physically. I still don't get life right sometimes, but He has graciously lavished me with the reality of each of these promises He gives here.

So read this Wall Word again slowly. What do you have need of? What do you need to surrender to the One Who always comes through on His promises when we give up our control and let Him? I encourage you -- beat it to some alone time with Jesus and let Him shower you with these gifts, even before December 25th.

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Ever So Foolish...

The Christmas story can sound ever so foolish to some...

But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty.   1 Corinthians 1:27

God became man and was born among cows and chickens and pigs – well, maybe not pigs if the owners of the stall were practicing Hebrews – and dogs and cats and yes, lambs?

Just wondering. Quite possibly, the things going on in our lives right now may seem downright foolish or weak: our failings, falters, or circumstances. But, isn’t this the opportunity for the power of the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit to take the very things that have overcome, plagued, and harassed us, and turn them on their heads to God’s glory?

This Christmas season let’s give the Lord Jesus our foolishness – which has possibly brought us past shame – and let Him transform those areas and situations in our lives into the light of His glory. He can do it.

This is the power of Christmas.

Silent Night, Holy Night...

Silent Night. Holy Night...

When our Savior entered the world as a wee babe – fully God and fully man – He was entering enemy territory.

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12

Jesus’ walk upon earth was a rescue mission and things haven’t changed since He first came. In this passage, we hear the urgency in the Apostle Paul’s voice for the church to wake up. To put on the armor of God and do battle against the enemy. Not against people.

How quickly I get my eyes on stuff, situations, and yes, others, when the real conflict is against demon hordes and the enemy himself? Yet, Jesus has called us to be an army that battles – on our knees.

What are you facing? Who are you directing your anger, anguish, or irritation towards? It might be time to let the Holy Spirit reveal what is really going on and who the real culprit is. Then and only then, real victory can be secured in Jesus’ Name.

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At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

Should the stores be too frantic, the lines too long, and the wallet too thin, stop and hear the Lord’s still small voice. Let His words of hope and joy fill you.  Romans 5:5

Should you already feel defeated before you have even stepped out the door, remember Paul’s words of truth: you are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you! Lean wholly into His amazing love until it drips from your life to others. Too busy? Cool your jets! Everyone around you will sense His peace when you let His peace reign in your heart.  Romans 8:37

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

Radiance...

{A WALL WORD...a nugget from the Amplified Bible}

Honestly. Jesus is all you need.

Yes, Jesus is all you need, His Word is your stronghold, and His power can bring the all of the healing your soul could ever long for.

This amazing, Truth-filled passage of Scripture declares His delight in setting us, His children -- His often wayward, stubborn, and willful children -- free from the fears that invade our lives and rob us of His life in us.

So please hear me...

I am ALL for counseling. Are you seeing a counselor or therapist? Don't quit. Pursue wholeness. However, never forget -- that only Jesus can heal. And, heal our hearts (and bodies) He can. And, He wants to. So inquire and require the Lord Jesus. Look to Him this Christmas season and receive healing in His presence based upon the authority of His Word. You will experience His radiance of joy, dispelling all fears and confusion, to last a lifetime.

What a Christmas gift He has in store for you...

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Messiness...

Do you have messy stuff in your life right now? I do...

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”  Luke 2:7

I love that the story of Christmas is God coming down into the midst of messiness. Our messiness. Manger, stable, cows, sheep, and goat’s kind of messiness. The stuff that trips us up so much, but when He is invited in, these situations and surroundings of ours encounter holiness, healthiness, soundness, and unspeakable joy.

The divine encountering our real-life issues and changing them from the ragged, torn, worn, and weary to robes of glory.

What situation in your soul or life do you need to invite Him to invade? I just spent some time with Him and He lifted my burden and replaced it with His presence and promise. Let Jesus do this for you, too, don’t waste another minute carrying a messy load that only He can transform.

All That We Need...

This passage that heralds the Savior’s birth speaks volumes into our lives...

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6

Which of His names do you need the Lord Jesus to be in your life? Really and truly think about each of these names as you read this verse again ever so slowly.

We are known by our names. Say someone’s name and usually a perception, either good or not so good, comes immediately to our minds of what they are like. Nevertheless, with the Lord Jesus, every one of names brings truth – Who He truly is.

So whatever name or hat, as it were, that you need for Him to be in this Christmas season, embrace His working in that title for your life completely. Run into the soft, yet powerful embrace found in the shadow of His wings. Leave the details in His care, and empty your hands to grab hold of all Jesus truly is – for He is all you will ever need.

At the Start of this Week...

At the start of this wonder-filled Christmas-time week…

Should you grow weary, tired, impatient, or just plain done – remember Mary. She was having a rough go about this time too. Nevertheless, her trust was in the One who loved her beyond reason.

Should you feel like you aren’t enough, have enough, or do enough – consider the shepherds. Their job was pretty much out-of-site, out-of-the-limelight, and out-of-reach from the nearest paparazzi. Yet, God chose them to be the bearers and witnesses of the Savior’s birth. He sees you, too!

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

Unanswered Prayers... Thoughts from Dayspring...

{Thoughts from Dayspring...}

I flipped open my Bible to this verse this morning and it caught my eye. At some point, I had highlighted it and written under it, “I don’t ever want that!”

"He gave them exactly what they asked for—
but along with it they got an empty heart."
Psalm 106:15 MSG

And I don’t. This got me thinking. Thinking about a Garth Brooks’ song that says, “Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers.”

Even though there is often much that I don’t understand, when lives are lost, diseases win, and good people suffer as the bad flourish. Yet, I know this world is sick and my God is good and I make the choice to trust Him even if His ways are not my ways.

But…Sometimes I need to thank God for unanswered prayers.

So think back over your life about those things you once had begged God for. That job you wanted, that person you wanted, that thing you had to have -- but you didn’t get. Focus on those prayers you prayed, that now when looking back, you are so grateful He didn’t give you your heart’s desire. Then thank Him.

Because like the verse above, I know many of the desires I had once prayed for desperately would have resulted in complete wreckage in my life, had Jesus granted my requests. I can almost laugh at how ridiculous these hopes were just a few short years ago. And I thank Him for unanswered prayers.

Join me today in that gratefulness.

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Fill in the Blanks...

Savor the passage below by filling in the blanks with your name...

“But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O ________ ...
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you ________; I have called you by your name; ________ are Mine.”
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you ________; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you ________. When you walk through the fire, you ________ shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you ________.” 
“For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of _______l, your Savior...”
Isaiah 43:1-3

We can legitimately insert our names wherever Israel or any Bible personage is mentioned, because of our spiritual heritage.*

However, as with many of God’s promises, there is a condition for us to fulfill to know splendor through such agony: The Lord Jesus must be Lord. In other words, we need to give Him complete control of our situations – good, bad, and ugly. If you are in control, Who isn’t?

Make this passage your own. Hold it tightly. And, above all, surrender your situation to the One Who loves you, _______, beyond belief.

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*Galatians 3:14

Times of Refreshing...

Peter’s words give us the recipe for Spirit-filled, extraordinary, and effervescent living. And, first on the list is repentance...

"Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." Acts 3:19

I was truly amazed a few years ago when I studied this word, repentance:

Metanoeo Greek, meaning: From Meta a change of place or condition; and Noeo to exercise the mind, think, comprehend.  To think differently.  To undergo a moral change of direction. 

Repentance is a paradigm shift in the way I think and not so much about what I do. Trying to break my own sin-bondages – the stuff that messes me up – by trying to change my actions, is pointless. Has it ever worked for you? When my mind is transformed – seeking God’s viewpoint first, not the world’s way or my own skewed thinking – then and only then, am I transformed. Hmm...didn’t Paul say this in Romans 12:1-2?

To know His thoughts, I need to know His Word and His vocabulary: love, mercy, grace, freedom, abundance, goodness, truth, life – the list goes on and on. When I let the Spirit do a total thought over-haul in me, then the rivers of living water from God’s presence flood in; refreshing, restoring, rejuvenating, and revealing His life in me. Ahhh, yes!

At the Start of This Week...and Crazy-Wonderful Christmas Season...

At the start of this week and crazy-wonderful Christmas season...

Should Black Friday have been a bust, your wallet tapped out, and your weight on the bathroom scale is soaring, take heart!! Look to the One who is the source of all joy, all peace, all goodness, and all power. Lean hard into Jesus' embrace and draw your strength from His presence and His Word alone.

Should you already be feeling overwhelmed by the holidays, feeling underwhelmed by a lack of Christmas spirit, or you simply dread facing a new day. There is ALWAYS hope. His Name is King Jesus. He came to give you fresh daily vision and purpose for your life, effervescent joy, and peace that passes all understanding. Just one caveat: you need to surrender your life to Him completely. An uneven trade if there ever was one. Don't hesitate, just DO IT! Jesus is LORD.

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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Thanksgiving Eve....

I have so much to be thankful for...

"Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!"
Psalm 150:6

This week of Thanksgiving, let’s praise Him ‘til the cows come home. Let’s wake up thankful. Let’s go through the day blessing Jesus with our love and gratitude. Let’s get on our knees before bed tonight and have a praise fest.

I had a trying day. You too? Not horrible, just stuff. But you know what? God is worthy to be praised. And when I get my thankfulness on...the doors of heaven open wide and the Holy Spirit causes me to soar.

The enemy loves nothing more than for us to get our eyes on ourselves and our circumstances and off the One and Only. So join me these next few days, months, and years. Let’s look up and lift up our hands because there is overflowing joy and power in an actively grateful heart.

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Uptight... Thoughts from Dayspring...

{Thoughts from Dayspring...}

I don’t know about you but there are times in church when I’m just not paying attention to the pastor. I start thinking about all sorts of things and am easily distracted. So here I was on a recent Sunday morning all prepared to pay attention, opening my bulletin to read along with the ten verses that were on the page, when it happened. It started at verse one.

“I will extol the Lord with all me heart in the council of the UPTIGHT and in the assembly.” Psalm 111:1

The uptight?!? I read it about four times before I realized it actually said “upright”. But for some reason I could not move on. I spent the next 20 minutes trying to follow along with the pastor but instead I kept reading that verse over and over.

In my life, I’ve learned enough to know that if I get stuck on something, there is a reason. So I did what I usually do in those cases and I researched the definition of “uptight.”

“Anxious or angry in a tense and overly controlled way.”

So I re-read the verse with that in mind: I will enthusiastically praise the Lord with all my heart even when I’m anxious, angry, and tense.

As soon as I thought that through, I could move forward and pay attention to the pastor.

That is my simple message today. I know it’s not really what the verse says but it’s a biblical principle that God led me to remember. The next time I get angry and uptight I need to take a few moments and list all the ways I am blessed. I need to praise God for the good in my life when I feel at my angriest. I have a feeling if I did that I wouldn’t feel quite so uptight after all.

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At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

Should you feel alone, abandoned, or confused, remember the Lord Jesus desires to hold you close. Turn to Him now. He is a gentleman and won’t force His way into your life unless you extend an open hand and surrender your plans for His.

Should you find yourself feeling irritated, impatient, or agitated with someone, take a minute to laugh at yourself! Honestly talk to the Lord and shake it off! The irritation you are facing is nothing in the light of God’s unfailing love and joy for you. Get over yourself and let the Lord’s joy overflow your soul toward the person who may seem difficult. He holds you close.

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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James 4:8, Romans 12:1-2,Galatians 5:22-23

In Memory...

I am not one usually for "blasts from the past." However, this photo was taken four years ago, while Randy and I were in Taiwan, serving with Youth With a Mission. When we flew home from Taipei, Don Gillman, was also flying to San Francisco from sharing at the Kona YWAM base. Our planes must have crossed each other. Four years ago today, Don landed in SF, dropped his suitcase off at his mom's and went for his usual jog....where he literally ran into the arms of Jesus.

Don's life impacted thousands for the gospel. He didn't hold anything back from laying it all down for the One he knew and loved so very well. He was never interested in his own comfort or safety, so he never played it safe. Wherever Jesus said to go, he went. What an example! What stories! What a life, well and richly lived!

A few days later, I was told I was dying, the cancer had returned, and it was incurable and terminal. Don's passing gave me such courage, that if it was my time (and I was ready!), I should go out in a blaze of glory for my Lord who had given me such an incredibly blessed life and Who had delivered me from so much.

So....Don and Denise Gillman, both of you leave a legacy that serving Jesus is the only thing that really matters and the only life worth living. Thank you so much for what you have given to Randy and I to emulate.

Much love to you today, Denise and family.

Secret Place...

{WHITE WALL WORD}

This week's White Wall Word is from the online Bible study group we have here on Facebook.

Well, actually...it is Paul's heart. My heart. At least I want it to be -- more and more and more and more.

I want to know Lord Jesus intimately, well, and deeply. I want eternity and eternal things to be my norm. I want to continually walk in the miraculous: the fruit and gifts of the Holy Spirit. That only comes by living in the secret place (Mt. 6:6, Ps. 91:1).

Everything in our lives battles against and for our alone time with Him. Yet, nothing but this treasured, precious time could be more important, more life-giving, or soul-saving and restoring. It is time to be in His presence. It is time to live in the River. It is time to drink deeply from His well. Here I come.

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I encourage you to read the entirety of this verse in the AMPC!

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.

Feel free to share....
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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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