{Wall Word...a nugget from the Amplified Version}
As we face the New Year, I think we can all agree, we never exactly know what each new day will bring in our own lives, our country, and in the world around us.
However, one thing is certain. King Jesus is on His throne and for those who trust Him with their very breath, He remains faithful, loving, all powerful, and all-surpassing. He is our Rock that cannot be broken or overcome, and He is our anchor in every raging storm. So...
Let's live this coming year with Him first and foremost in everything we do, think about, live for, and be willing to die for. Let's get healed of our stuff, our sin, and our selfishness that holds back the flow of the Holy Spirit in our lives from rescuing others. Let's make this year a pivotal one, and even if we have been living full-out for the Lord, we have only scratched the surface of the depths of Who He Is -- He wants us to walk more intimately with Him.
In other words, let's run the race He has set before and watch the adventure begin!
Dirty Dishes and Grace...
I played the "beat myself up" game for years...
"...that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:7
You know -- the constant insecurity haranguing my mind: Why did I do that? Why did I say this? Why can't I ever get it right? Possibly, I am the only one who ever has done this mental warfare that does oh so much damage to one's soul. I didn't need our adversary, the devil, to accuse me -- though he is mighty good at it -- I, all by myself, was my own worse enemy.
But no more. Some years ago, the Lord Jesus gave me a glimpse of His robed arm sweeping stacks of crusted over, dirty dishes off a table. These dishes were my thoughts that constantly and consistently belittled my worth. In place of them, He set an exquisite table, set for royalty. This is a picture of His lavish, limitless grace.
And grace not only forgives, it is His power to heal and deliver us from our flesh AND our adversary. This is the power of the gospel to transform our lives. Come join me at His table of amazing grace
At the Start of This Week...
At the start of this week and this new year...
Should your wallet still be hurting, your Christmas tree drooping, and your future still a big foggy mess, remember Who holds you tightly in His hands. He has all of the answers because He is the answer. So take time, get to a quiet place, grab your Bible, and don't leave His presence till You feel the overflow of the Holy Spirit in your soul.
Should work be waiting, the kid's school bells ringing, and you would really rather sleep in than join the race of life, get a fill-up of Jesus' joy. He is ever available and there is promised strength in His joy no matter what circumstances might try to dictate. His love and power are not confined to what you are going through and He is already at work on your behalf. Just read Romans 8 before the day is through to be refreshed in this truth!
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
Online Bible Study is Starting in January...Join Us!
Kick off 2017 in a powerful way: Online Bible Study Starting Week of January 23rd!
Join us in a Bible study for greater freedom from our "stuff" with Lysa TerKeurst's "Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely."
Watch the one-minute video below and either leave a comment regarding your interest or click on the registration link below the video link.
Questions or to register...visit this link:
All Inclusive...
One thing the manger reveals to us – Jesus is inclusive...
"All that the Father gives Me will come to Me,
and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out."
John 6:37
Everyone can approach a manger. Everyone can approach Jesus. Everyone.
The only folks who can’t come – those who are excluded – are the ones who think they are too good for a stable, too superior to need help, or too proud to bow their knee. These excluded folks have trouble with Jesus. Sometimes, I am this type of folk.
Jesus simply says come – no matter your past, no matter your pay-grade, no matter your persuasion about anything. Simply come. The Holy Spirit will do the transforming and we, myself included, need to stop the judging.
So, wretched sinner that I am – yet, being transformed by His power – I come to the manger. I come to bow at the animals’ rugged food trough – now turned into His throne of blazing, sovereign glory – with humble praise. All because...at the manger, He included me.
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The Real Deal...
No joke. I am 99.9% sure I encountered a real angel last year at Christmas at my workplace...
"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels."
Hebrews 13:2
Last Christmas Eve, I was alone in the office at the hectic medical center where I am employed, when a scraggly man appeared at my door. Oh my, now what? This older, rag-tag man with the most piercing blue eyes told me how he was caring for his elderly mom and needed my help THAT DAY. The verse above immediately came to my mind. I knew the Holy Spirit was speaking to me to shape up because someone special was in front of me. Yes, really.
I was cranky. Yet, I tried to help him. The situation kept getting worse with more hoops for me to jump through to get him the aid he was requiring. Then, it became laughable. I just knew this was the real deal. The Lord has a sense of humor – for sure. When everything finally came to a close, the man took my hand, looked me straight in the eye, and said to me – "You are a real angel."
So this Christmas, and every other day of the year, slow down and take notice. You never know. You may be entertaining an angel sent from heaven, or you may be their God-sent angel.
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Christmas Gift...
I received an early Christmas present about two months ago...
"He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me." Psalm 18:19
Jesus delivered me from a lifetime bondage...
I can’t take the time to share how He accomplished this or how I was set free in layers, nevertheless. I now know that I am completely free to be seen only by Him.
I think a lot of us need this gift. We need not only to know we are seen by Him, but to know in the depths of our being that He is the only One who needs to see us. He is more than enough. I am wondering if this struggle to be known and seen is a part of the selfie craze.
Anyway, please pray about this. Let Jesus give you an extraordinary Christmas gift as well.
At the Start of This Christmas Week...
At the start of this Christmas week…
If you have 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, and stop. Be grateful for the One who came as a little babe to give His all that we might live. For He alone is worthy…
Should you have anxious thoughts, remember Joseph from the Christmas story. God told him exactly what to do and gave him the grace to do it. So, rehearse in your thoughts and prayers – GOD knows what is best, perfect, and extraordinary for my life!
This is the Eve 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 Christmas will be awesome in Jesus because He Who is in you is greater than anything!
1 John 4:4
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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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