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
Feel free to share...
When We Worship...
I am reminded, worship is often warfare…
"Let the high praises of God be in their mouth,
And a two-edged sword in their hand,"
Psalm 149:6
When we worship, things break through in the heavenly realm that can miraculously change circumstances in our physical realm. Yes, worship can do this. There are just too many Bible stories which record this and too many life experiences to discount it.
No, we don’t worship to get. Nevertheless, when we do genuinely worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, fears cease, the enemy falters, Jesus is glorified, and we are transformed by His presence.
So whatever you are facing right now, instead of contacting someone else, first go to the throne room. Stay until you have touched heaven. Ask for a scripture to strengthen you, then see what He does next.
At the Start of This Week...
At the start of this week...
If you already feel ambushed by life, circumstances, or possibly you may even feel ambushed by the people around you, look to the Lord Jesus! Take as much time as you need in His presence to restore your weary soul. Nothing else will do. Ask Him for a specific Scripture for your situation that you can hang onto. He will give it to you. Ephesians 6:17
If your gas tank is empty, your bank account down the tubes, and your joy level scraping the bottom, turn to the One who loves and knows you best. Ask for His direction – then do it. Enough said. James 1:5
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
Enter His Courts...
Do you desire to live in more of His presence?
“Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”
Psalm 100:2,4
These words reveal the gateway to experiencing the continual presence of God in our lives. No, not just in theory, but the actual, felt, presence of the Creator Who loves us and gave His life for us.
“The avenue of sustained inflow of divine power to man was to be kept open by the sustained outflow of joyous and humble praise to his Maker,” Pastor Jack Hayford writes. The simple act of continual gratefulness positions our hearts to receive from Jesus and serves to annihilate the workings of our adversary, the devil.
Thankfulness binds self-pity and self-absorption that would cause us to keep our eyes and hearts fixed on our circumstances instead of the Almighty who can alter the dilemmas in which we find ourselves. Genuine, authentic praise from our lips opens heavens realms to pour down the reign of the Holy Spirit. Truly, God inhabits the praises of His people.
Yet, we don’t praise to get. We worship because He is worthy. He alone must be the focus of all our adoration. Let’s begin His acclaim right now and come into His courts with joyful hearts.
Feel free to share...
Giving and Receiving - by Yvonne Quirk
It is better to give than to receive. We hear this often – and it is true.
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
The Lord has been speaking to me since the beginning of the year about giving and receiving – telling me, “You have learned to love well, now learn to be loved well.” This leads me to believe we take this verse to an extreme, completely forsaking the “receive” part of the words. Truly, it is more blessed to give…. But I also believe it is harder to receive than it is to give.
Consider – what is your first response when a friend or family member grabs the check at a restaurant and says, “I got this.” My first response is usually, “you don’t have to do that.” How many times have you seen the check laid on the table and several men grab for it, intending to pay for everyone, and arguing over who will pay? What is your first response when a friend gives you a surprise gift on no special occasion? Think about it. Does your mind’s eye see your initial reaction? I think it is sometimes a matter of pride, while other times – we just do not feel worthy or deserving (though we would be hard-pressed to see or acknowledge this without a lot of soul searching).
I speak for myself when I say we are terrible at receiving while being stellar at giving. I want to pay my own way. I do not want others to think I cannot afford things. I do not want others to know I struggle with certain skills. I want others to think I am strong and independent.
Never is this difficulty and reluctance in receiving more evident than when we talk about Grace – God’s grace and unconditional love. But consider this: when we doubt grace, when we deny His love, or when we think works will affect the grace we have been given – we are saying, in effect, “No, Jesus, no way are you paying for me.”
That is our stumbling block, not Jesus’ – for He has already paid our full debt and justified our admission.
What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you did not? 1 Corinthians 4:7
The practical application of this is that we cannot give what we have not received.
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Matthew 10:8
Notice, Matthew first mentions that we have received! God gave to us first. And only that which He gave us can we then freely give.
So, I will continue along this journey of learning to receive well: love, grace, mercy, kindness, patience, etc. I will not receive because something I did makes me deserving (though Jesus has made me worthy), but because another wants to bless me with their love – and because I am lovable. After all, didn’t God send Jesus to die for me just because He loves me? And when I have learned – truly learned – to receive His Grace, then perhaps, I can truly give always and only from love.
At the start of this week...
If your goldfish is belly up, your investments are in a nose dive, or your kid is going sideways on you, turn to the One who has all the answers. In other words, turn to Jesus Who is the only answer to your need.
Should you receive disheartening news, your relationship with your spouse is strained, or you are just plain fed-up with your life, it is time to get back to basics. Basically, it is time to surrender your plans for His. It is time to quit being the boss in control and let God have everything that concerns you. It is time to listen and obey intently to what He speaks to you. Really.
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
Feel free to share...
For Mother's Day...
For all the Moms on this Mother’s Day...
Should your strength be waning, your pocketbook near empty, and you are just a little bit discouraged about this whole parenting thing, look to the One who holds you tenderly in His Hand. Jesus sees your every moment. Each laundry room visit, each dish you rinse off, and the multitudes of demands upon your mommy’s heart. Yes, He sees and stands with you at every moment. Run to Him now and be refreshed in His Holy Spirit.
Should your joy be full, but the hours be few, God knows how lavishly wonder-filled it is to raise children, yet how taxing raising children can be. Find a quiet place: your closet, your garage, your bathroom even (!) and say a quick prayer of thanks to Your Father who loves you beyond reason. He will meet you there in the quiet...okay...semi-quiet!
Should you be parenting alone, parenting while maintaining two or three jobs to help make ends meet, or parenting in the pain of heartache, find strength in Christ who holds Your breath in His hands. He wants to restore your hope, heal your weary body, and remind you of this greatest wonder that you get to be a part of: being a mom.
Enjoy the day, rest in hope, and find renewed and fresh purpose in Him. You are celebrated and loved.
At the Start of This Week...
At the start of this week...
Should your car not start, your list of things-to-do won’t stop, or a child, spouse, boss, or even the hamster is going sideways on you, it is time to truly hand your cares over to Jesus. And now get this – you will need to leave those cares there in His almighty, capable care. No taking them back!
1 Peter 5:7
Should you feel like complaining about all of the difficulties of your life, choose instead to celebrate that you have life at all! No matter what you are facing, the King of Glory has gone before you. Now, take His hand, speak praise, and dive into His Word. He is more than enough for whatever you need.
James 5:13
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
Feel free to share...
His Pursuit...
{A WALL WORD...A Nugget from the Message.}
For most of us, we cannot truly believe that the God of the Universe pursues us. He chases us down. Yes, He is the Hound of Heaven.
We just can’t imagine why He would bother with us.
I still don’t get it. But, I believe it.
You see, Jesus loves me. He is absolutely, crazy in love with me. And you. He doesn’t look at you or I the way the world does. He doesn’t see the mess, the failings, the not so good stuff. Well yes, He does see it, but He loves us beyond reason even still. It is His relentless love that reaches deep and heals those places that only He can see.
He wants to do it. He will do it. And He does do it.
He only asks that we stop trying so hard and fall limp into His wonderful arms.
Stand Fast...
These words recently made a giant leap off the pages of my Bible and landed directly into my heart...
"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love." 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
The Holy Spirit is whispering for me to watch and guard my heart from the world’s ensnarement. I am also to watch for what He is doing and partner with Him to bring Jesus to those in need of Him.
He is calling me to ruthlessly believe His Word. To believe Him with no more Plan B’s. And because I want the Holy Spirit to super-naturally enable me for what He has put before me, I need His bravery and His strength, not mine. Lastly, I yearn for everything I do to be done in His agape love. This is a tall order that only He can fulfill. I believe He will.
Do you need some verses to be your personal mission statement for the next few days, few months, or maybe the rest of your life? These words would be a great place to start.
Radiant...
How about making the passage below become your verse for this week?
"They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed."
Psalm 34:5
Almost all of us have some degree of shame in our lives. Even the seemingly most proud person is usually over-compensating for because of sense of shame somewhere in their soul.
In Christ alone, the spirit of shame can be broken. Certainly, the affirmation and encouragement of others goes a long way to bring restoration. And yes, some self-bolstering and our accomplishments, small or large, help us greatly, but only the Lord Jesus can truly, genuinely, and thoroughly heal shame.
So, if this is your struggle today, or on occasion, seek the Lord’s face. Let His words sink in and heal your heart and mind; freeing you from the torment of shame and its lies. This may be a process of deliverance from this tyrant, but let the radiance of His life begin in you today.
Feel free to share...
Now Your Turn...
For much of my life, I lived in the nagging insecurity of feeling unseen...
"Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees..." Genesis 16:13
The enemy of my soul told me otherwise from this verse. He spoke subtle lies to me and I gave him a toehold; I gave him the time of day and he made it a stronghold. It is unfortunately so much easier to believe what the devil says, what the world says, and what my own insecurities say instead of ruthlessly trusting Jesus’ Words. For you too?
My desperate decision to live in the Lord’s presence on a minute-by-minute basis broke up those lies. I am seen by the One and Only Who is worth being seen by. Instead of torment, His truth set me free. I am seen by the God of the Universe Who is absolutely crazy about me. And this is all I live for.
Now, your turn...
This is Living...
Honestly. We can be in His Word daily, but still miss Him entirely...
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." James 1:19
The Scriptures come alive in me when they are ignited, activated, and empowered by a fresh daily walk with Jesus up-close and personal. Not merely words on a page, the Bible contains the very breath of the Holy Spirit. We need to ask His help to overwhelm our souls with His presence, as well as ask His help to do what He speaks to us through His Word, such as:
Don't worry. Somehow, I think He means it.
Abide, remain, drink deeply in Me. This is an invitation to share in His peace, joy, happiness, and love beyond compare.
Take up your cross daily. Not just when it is convenient.
I am worthy of your trust. At all times. Period.
Let’s read and apply His Word, be wrecked by His Holy Spirit, and walk in tight, daily communion with the God of the Universe. Now this is living!
For Him Alone...
I came to know the Lord Jesus because of great need in my life…
"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty (Whose power no foe can withstand)." Psalm 91:1 AMP
You know what? Coming to Him out of our need is okay. Our need is fulfilled in His ability to turn our mountains into level plains, to heal our sickness – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual – and our need for His love to fill our lives.
Nevertheless, at some point, the Holy Spirit nudges us to love the Lord Jesus simply for Who He is, not what we can get from Him. This nudge happened for me not so many years ago and I never want to go back. Yes, life gets in the way and I get distracted. Yet, in His presence, overwhelming stuff that comes my way just doesn’t have the ability to bowl me over like it once did.
Yes, all of Psalm 91 is awesome and its promises are for everyone, but the condition is a daily, deeply abiding in-love relationship with the Creator. What could be more wonder-filled?
Choose Life...
It all comes down to a choice…
"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;"
Deuteronomy 30:19
Choose life. My. What an amazing statement. What an astounding directive. This is God talking here, so it must be true. This must pertain to our lives here and now.
Because if we don't choose life, then there appears to be a default choice that we unwillingly surrender to: less than life, cursing, and death. Eeeek….
Jesus tells us clearly that this world and its way of doing things is under the enemy's curse; the enemy's rule. The audacious thing about the gospel is the new-found ability we have in the Holy Spirit to live in the Kingdom of Love*. The Kingdom of Life. Yet it will always be a choice. A daily choice, not just a one-time decision based upon emotion – though there is nothing wrong with that.
All this to say. Day in and day out, I want to choose life. I want to choose Jesus in every decision I make. I want to live in His blessing with every step. Yes, the path is clear to me now and I choose life.
At the Start of This Week...
At the start of this week...
Should the car be out of gas, your wallet be out of mula, and your joy-level hovering around nada, zilch, or nothing, it’s time to get refreshed in Jesus’ presence. Only time alone with Him will do. Shut off your phone, television, and your washer and dryer, if you have to, and turn to the One who pours out the Holy Spirit without reservation.
Should you need direction, guidance, or vision for your future, open the Book of the One who holds your future in His mighty hands. Don’t look to anyone or anything else. Looking to others for your life is pretty much a dead-end venture so look to the Lord instead. He knows how He created you and He is the only one who can fulfill your dreams and nurture His giftings in Your life.
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
Drama Queen...
Mama, gimme less drama!
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Honestly, I had to laugh out loud.
A woman that attends the Bible Study I have the joy of leading in my healthcare setting workplace had rededicated her heart to King Jesus when we first started meeting. When enjoying a family celebration with her large family, one of her adult children commented sincerely, “Mom, I am SO glad you aren’t crazy anymore!”
Not that my friend was an off the rails drama queen, but stuff that once caused her angst, anxiety, and unrest was no long able to hold her captive. She was -- and continually is -- still increasing in her trust in the One Who holds her breath in His hands. She now lives in Holy Spirit power and the truth of God's Word.Drama is over and overwhelming joy, peace, love, and freedom in our soul now reigns.
Is drama your identity? Make a change for a much prettier outfit. The one you are wearing just isn’t that cute. Really. That old way of living is just that – old. Receive a brand-new outfit of no more drama and whole lotta trust in the One Who makes can make all things new. Including you.
Feel free to share...
Good Friday...A Day Late...
I have a difficult time thinking about Good Friday…
"And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is translated, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"
Mark 15:34
What wrecks my heart most is not only the physical torture King Jesus suffered – though clearly the Scriptures tell us He was beaten and scourged beyond human recognition – certainly to the very brink of death before being impaled upon the cross. No, this isn't what weakens my heart. It is His yearning in the verse above.
This is the part that pierces me. I don't fully grasp the very rending apart of the Godhead: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, torn in two. Jesus, bearing my guilt, shame, and sin – the Holy Father having to turn away and forsake this Beloved Son because of this. I can't comprehend this kind of love. Pure love. Unrelenting love. Eternal love ripped in shreds. For me. For You.
My heart now cries out, Thank You!
Certain Disciple...
I want to be that…certain disciple…
"Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord."" Acts 9:10
I have shared before how I sensed the Holy Spirit leading me to read the Book Acts over and over through 2017. This is not at the neglect of the rest of the Scriptures, but something I felt called to do. Some days, I may linger over one phrase or verse, another day it may be two or three chapters. I so desire to minister in all Jesus has called His followers to participate into reach a lost and oh so weary world: salvation, healing, and deliverance.
I digress.
In the passage above I love that Jesus knows who we are. He knew Ananias. By name. Jesus knew that He could count on Ananias to listen to His voice and follow through with His directives. In this instance, it was to find a known murderer and lead that Christ-hater to Himself. And what about the once murderer turned Christian? This was the apostle Paul, who God used to write much of the New Testament and turn the world right-side up.
Ananias heard. Ananias obeyed. Ananias was a world-changer – one person at a time. Yes. I want to be a "certain disciple," too.
Heart in Egypt...No More...
Where's your heart at? I mean, really?
"Whom our fathers would not obey, but rejected. And in their hearts they turned back to Egypt," - Acts 7:39
I lived a lot of years trying to get to the Lord's promised land of extraordinary, effusive living – John 10:10 – but honestly? My heart was still in Egypt.
What I mean is, I wanted to live in Holy Spirit fullness, you know, Book of Acts living and blessing, but my heart was still pretty darned attached at the hip to the things of this world. A person can still do all the Christian stuff and be nowhere close to Jesus. For real. And Jesus loves us so much, He won't bless our futile aspirations that will ultimately leave us empty handed and destitute.
It wasn't until the Lord finally said, "Enough of this nonsense, beloved Sue Bee!" that I heard the call to turn my heart's affection to Him alone. His presence became my priority, His living Word my daily bread. THEN, abounding, overflowing, and profuse living became my ever-increasing reality.
Do you have worry, anxiety, or chronic sadness, need, or loneliness? This is not your portion. The Lord has more for you. And certainly, there is much to say about the adversary of our souls messing with us. But as gently and tenderly as I can write this, and without judgment, I must ask. Where is your heart?
Feel free to share...