Less Drama, Please....

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.

More Than Enough...

Guilt. Do you ever experience guilt?

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, 
the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
which He made to abound toward us..." 
Ephesians 1:7-8

I used to live in chronic guilt. For years. For decades. I loved Lord Jesus with all my heart, I served Him in full-time ministry. Nevertheless, I lived in tormenting guilt. I am not talking about Holy Spirit conviction that brings hope and release; I am talking about the dark weight of guilt that robs one of joy. That robs one of abundant life.

So, I ask: do you live with chronic guilt?

You don’t have to. In fact, this guilt that you experience comes straight from the pit. The serpent of old, whom the Bible calls the Accuser, well, His number is up. And yet we play straight into his scheming lies. Truthfully, we let – and I once let guilt – rule my life. And by doing so, I was basically saying: Jesus shed blood on that horrific cross wasn’t enough; that His Word was not the truth.

There is no match for the precious blood of Jesus. And to let guilt rule my life reveals that I think my sin is greater than His sacrifice. Guilt declares that it is all about me, not what Jesus did. And that is pride in its purest form. Think about it. I mean, really think about this.

Heavy words indeed. But oh so freeing. We can’t even let the Holy Spirit bring freedom into lives until our guilt issue is laid to rest and we receive His full forgiveness. Yes, we must still wholeheartedly respond to Holy Spirit conviction, but guilt? It should have no place in a believer’s life. The Lord Jesus’ absolute forgiveness is the platform we stand on.

So, when waves of guilt come knocking, sent it packing. Don’t dally with it. Don’t live under it anymore. Because forgiveness has been lavished upon you and His once for all sacrifice is more, way more, than enough.

Prisoner of Hope...

Are you a prisoner…to something?

“Return to the stronghold, 
You prisoners of hope. 
Even today I declare
That I will restore double to you.”
Zechariah 9:12

Let’s make the prophet’s words personal. We can do this because Paul tells us in the New Testament that we who have surrendered our lives to King Jesus can declare God’s promises over our own lives.*

So now, back to the original question. Are you a prisoner to something?

I think I am a prisoner of hope. I mean that without pretension. At one time in our lives, my husband and I lost almost everything through some foolish, self-willed decisions, but God in His boundless love brought us to repentance. We turned back to Him with our hearts in our hands and He turned our lives around completely. No, no overnight, but in such a way that only He could have done it. When a person goes through something like that, their faith is built for a lifetime.

So yes, I am a prisoner of hope. Fear has little to no place in my life. He has restored double to us. No make that about ten-fold over, at the least.

So, I ask again what are you a prisoner of? Completely surrender your expectations for His. Like us, you may need to learn a few not-so-good-things about yourself, but it will be worth it. Then exchange that bondage for His hope.

* Galatians 3:14-16

Real-Real...and Still He Loves Us...

{Thoughts from Dayspring...I didn't see she had sent me this in the midst of December! However, it is so good and so real, I mean real-real, I wanted to pass it on...}

While reading my Bible this morning, I thought to myself, “I haven’t really confessed any sin lately, maybe it’s time.” So I did and then I ended with, “…and I wish so-n-so would die. And that’s got to be a sin, so add that to list!”

Perhaps this doesn’t shock you because you tell God everything. Or maybe you are appalled by my honest and raw confession to Him, but here’s the thing: He already knows!

As I contemplated how cool it is that I am free to come before God with the worst of me I am also reminded of the times I’ve been too angry at Him to talk, too ashamed of my sin to talk, and even too independent to talk to Him. And I thought of my dear friend Hannah in the Bible who had no problem going to God.

“And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the LORD and wept in anguish.” 1 Samuel 1:10

See, Hannah was carrying on and on to God so that only her lips were moving as her heart cried out, and the priest accused her of being drunk. To which she said: “No, my lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.” 1 Samuel 1:15b

So in this gift-giving season, I pour out to God the worst of me. I wish it was perfectly wrapped in beautiful paper, with neat and crisp corners and a beautifully tied bow, but it’s not. It’s just me. In all my junk. I can’t hide it from Him and neither can you; He already knows. Just bring your bitterness of soul and give Him the real you. That’s what’s on His Christmas list.

Feel free to share...

Belong...

We all want to feel like we belong to someone...

"...to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved."
Ephesians 1:6

For years I personally thought I had those longings because I was an only child. Later, Jesus brought me the most amazing man to spend my life with. Still, longing remained. Next came three wonderful children and three churches we had the privilege to pastor. Why was I still searching?

Somehow the Holy Spirit got through to the very core of my soul: I was accepted in the Beloved. My longings found total fulfillment.

A funny thing happened. Realizing I was accepted by my Beloved freed me from the need to be accepted by anyone else. My expectations were lifted from my husband, my family, and the church to meet my needs. Joy began to overwhelm my life and my loved ones sensed my freedom as well. They became happier campers!

Do you still long to belong? Soak, meditate, and marinate in the verse above. Ask the Holy Spirit to make it real to you. His acceptance will overwhelm and fill your being.

Details to Follow...

Has the Lord given you a glimpse of your future, but not many details of how to get there?

"Now it happened, on a certain day, 
that He got into a boat with His disciples. 
And He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side of the lake." 
And they launched out."
Luke 8:22

I have come to realize that this is usually Lord Jesus’ MO – His modus operandi. We often question His will for our lives because we only receive a glimpse, but the how-to’s and success rate aren’t often something He clues us in on. You too?

Nevertheless, how often do we let those very things keep us from all that He has for us? Often, I am afraid.

For King Jesus, it is all about the journey and not so much the destination. He wants us to cling closely to Him for the where’s and what’s of His adventure – to use the word “plan” here is too tame – so He keeps the details we long for close to His heart. He simply wants us to launch out and trust Him for the rest. Yes, really.

Inevitably, when the disciples drew closer to the other side of the lake, everything started coming into focus. One row of their oars at a time, their vision became clearer. But first, they had to step foot in the boat with the Lord and trust Him completely. They DID make it to the other side and oh what an amazing time they had! 

What keeps you from launching out? Don’t let it any longer. Jesus is waiting for you to set sail with Him and you won’t be disappointed. Details to follow...

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Rain Down...

Does your life seem like a wilderness or desert right now?

Seems like I spent several years in one or the other. Though the Lord moved much during those times, I seemed that I was more often dry in the Spirit rather than drenched in Him...

"The poor and needy seek water, but there is none,
Their tongues fail for thirst. I, the LORD, will hear them;
I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them..
I will make the wilderness a pool of water,
And the dry land springs of water."
Isaiah 41:17-18

Whatever state you are in, God will meet you there. Your circumstances may be dry or barren, but your soul and spirit don’t have to be. Really. This is where Christianity meets the highway of real life.

Don’t try to make your own way out of the seeming barrenness. Listen carefully for the Lord’s direction. Spend time in His presence alone and with His Word. Then see begin to hear and feel the raindrops of His Spirit start to quench your heart right where you are.

At the Start of This Week and New Year...

At the start of this week and the New Year...

Should you be concerned about your future or you have many regrets about your past, simply remember. There is ONE who knows the number of hairs on your head. He knows you inside-out and loves you beyond reason and His love never fails! Take EVERY concern and care and lay it at His feet. He not only holds the answer to your dilemmas, He IS the answer to your life's issues. Make this a banner year by pressing into His ever-welcoming presence and the power of His unchanging Word.
1 Corinthians 13:8

If money seems tight because the Christmas wish lists were – ohhh sooo long – let’s remember life’s true priorities: Him, Him, and only Him. Honestly. If we put Jesus first for all of the details, He will guide and provide for us what is most needed.
Matthew 6:33

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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God's Favorite...

Did you know? I am God’s favorite...

“His favor is for life...”
Psalm 30:5

I mean really. Yes, truly, I am His favorite. I believe that with all of my heart.

But you know what? You are, too.

I mean that really and truly. I am beyond convinced of His favor upon each of our lives, yet do we really grasp this?

I think the muck and mire of our stuff, the dreaded load of guilt we bear, and our own feelings of unworthiness pretty much wreck us for walking in God’s favor. And yet the whole of the Bible tells us that the Lord Almighty is ever so willing to open the floodgates of heaven on our behalf. He is crazy in love with His creation and nothing can change that, except our unbelief can sure hinder our realizing and experiencing His favor in our daily lives.

Unbelief, continuing strongholds I couldn’t break, and the torrents of guilt I felt for years sure hindered His felt favor in my life. What changed for me? Taking the Bible at its word over how I felt in the moment and not getting up from my quiet times with the Lord until I experienced His presence through the Holy Spirit. Strongholds broke, guilt stopped, and unbelief couldn’t stand before His Word and presence.

So, come join me if this is new to you. Because you ARE God’s favorite...and He wants you to know it too.

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Perfect Timing...

Here’s a good thing to remember for this coming year...

"This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 
So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth...
to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem...”
Luke 2:2-4

God is more than able to position us where we need to be.

Yes. Lord Jesus is more than able to place us at the right place at the right time. Just as Joseph needed to move his burgeoning family from Nazareth to Bethlehem, God saw to it that they reached this oh so important location. He can and will do the same for you and me.

Can we miss His timing, place, and position? Yes, I truly think we can. Our own stubborn, strong, and often faithless decisions can off-put His best for us. I have experienced this first-hand. A major detour my husband I made in ministry clearly knocked us off track for a few years. Yet, when we repented of our rebellion – for that is what it was – and humbly sought only HIS plans for our lives, His grace so lavishly blessed us ten-fold over.

So, don’t fret decisions to be made, whether large or small. Simply stay completely surrendered. Stay poured out before His throne. Drink in His Word. Be filled with His Holy Spirit. And then see what how He easily places you exactly where you are meant to be.

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Pursuit...

In time for Christmas, we heard wonderful news yesterday!

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?”
Luke 15:4

Our American missionary friends, serving the Lord with Youth With a Mission in Taiwan, just found out their adopted Taiwanese son is now an American citizen. This amazing couple with three darling, biological children adopted their little boy some time ago, yet the much-needed citizenship for his travel with their entire family had eluded them for over a year. Heather and Rich prayed, battled in the Spirit, worked with the governing authorities, never losing hope that their child would truly be an integral part of their family...

How much more is God’s pursuit of us? Do we doubt that today? Do we doubt that He really cares? The Christmas story is the account of God Almighty pursuing the one – pursuing you. Pursuing me. Never giving up, unrelenting, undeterred, He comes after us every moment of every day. Nevertheless, do we allow the enemy’s lies to meticulously defeat our faith that this is so?

It is time to stop these audacious lies this minute. It will take a deep drenching of verse above in our souls and a willful choice of our thoughts and the authority of Jesus’ name, but His words are truth. They are the heart of Christmas.

Let’s let His words rule each of our hearts and minds this wondrous season.

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Just As You Say...

Ready for some dream surrendering?

“And Mary said,
Yes, I see it all now:
I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve.
Let it be with me
just as you say.”
Luke 1:38 MSG

Nope, I’m not saying to give up on your God-given dreams – I will leave self-ambitious dreams for another devotional – I am simply saying: we could learn a few things from Mary.

Well, at the least there is one thing we should truly consider – the surrender of how our dreams will come true. A surrender of our plans, purposes, the how-to’s, the timing of our hopes and goals in exchange for God’s plans, purposes, how-to’s and timing. Just like Mary we need to say to King Jesus: I see the vision, but I surrender the details to you.

I am fairly certain that long, arduous travel, no place to lay her head, cows, donkeys, and sheep were not on Mary’s radar. Also add taxes, can’t forget those pesky taxes! However, I doubt whether radiant stars, angels singing, Shekinah glory, and wise men with gifts were in her thoughts either...

So, what are our Jesus-driven dreams for our lives? How about letting Him do the details? How about a hands-off surrender with abandon approach to how He accomplishes our deepest desires? I know from Mary’s story, it will be glorious when we do.

Oh, Holy Night...

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.
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At the Start of This Week...

In the midst of this Christmas season...

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

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At the Start of the Week...

At the start of this week...

Should your Christmas tree fall over, your pocketbook is beyond empty, and your heart feels ambushed, take a minute alone. Breathe deeply of the Holy Spirit within you. He can unfurl new strength into your weary soul, your over-scheduled life, and the to-do lists that are out of control. Spend some time with the One and Only who alone can restore and refresh you. Ponder His words. What is He saying to you? Now listen and respond.

Should your spouse be unresponsive, your kids uncooperative, and your dog just downright unruly, maybe they are picking up on your stress. Yes, really. Draw close your Heavenly Father who will caress you in His embrace, calm your raging storms, and speak peace into your situations. Stop and look for His wonder during this special season...you don’t want to miss His kisses to you.

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

New Beginnings and Other Such Gifts...

Would you like a fresh start?

“Through the tender mercy of our God, 
With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;”
Luke 1:78

You know, this is what Christmas is all about. Fresh starts, new beginnings, and changes in direction.

I am referring to our lives here. Even Jesus’ name given in this verse as Dayspring, means light rising, first light, morning star...all these definitions speaking to our hearts that in Him, we can have a fresh beginning. My husband and I loved this word so much, Dayspring, that we gave our oldest daughter this name.

Just one caveat. We can’t keep doing life the same old way and expect fresh results from our Lord.

Nope, I don’t mean work harder, try more, be someone you aren’t. However, we can’t keep making our own plans and asking God to bless them. We can’t keep putting activities, relationships, and goals as our first priority and not spend time daily with the Master and breathing in His presence and His Word.

If we make this one change of laying down our will and making time to be with Him, we will be changed. Make His pleasure the driving force in Your life and the addictions and behaviors you have been working so hard to distance yourself from will literally lose their hold. But you have to make this one change to experience dayspring in your own life...

So come. Now. Daily. Forever.

Be Still...

Right now, I am taking a dose of my own medicine! Rather, I am taking a dose of the powerful word of God. Really...

"Be still and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10

It is going to be a crazy day and my minutes to Christmas are nearly all spoken for. By my count, I am already a million minutes over my time budget and I still have a million or more things to do. Can you relate?

But I’m going to go and be still for a bit and know that He is God!

I have already spent quiet time with Him this morning, but this season calls for an extra portion of His presence and His purpose in my life. It is late in the evening, other activities beckon, but they can wait because I need to wait – on Him.

Do you want to join me and savor His presence?? I know He will take care of everything else.

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At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this busy, crazy, 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.  Luke 2:5

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!  Luke 2:8-15

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

Silent 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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Rabbit Trail Thinking...

Are you an obsessive thinker?

"You will keep him in perfect peace, 
Whose mind is stayed on You, 
Because he trusts in You."
Isaiah 26:3

I once was an obsessive thinker, or as a friend stated I was an OCD – obsessive compulsive thinker. I have read that those who are obsessive thinkers are more prone to depression, apprehension, anxiety, and all sorts of physical ailments. Yes really. It is a pretty serious matter.

Here, I can’t even begin to scratch the surface of this tormenting behavior, but I do know the place to start and that is King Jesus. Read the verse above again. There is hope, there is healing in Him. The phrase “perfect peace” is the Hebrew word shalom, repeated twice here in the verse. Shalom, shalom, perfect wholeness, wellness, prosperity of soul, goodness, peace, and tranquility. A double portion of these amazing words is the inheritance of every believer.

If you need medical attention, get it. If you need counseling, find a Bible-based, Spirit-filled counselor. In my opinion we ALL need counseling – I sure did and now I am a pastoral counselor and have seen countless folks set free from the oppression of unhealthy thinking.

So, with the Holy Spirit’s help, practice training your thoughts upon Him and not the nearest rabbit trail that will lead you spiraling downward. Jesus can heal your thoughts, your fears, and your concerns. Make the exchange of your thoughts for thoughts bound to Him. Start to TRUST Him and see your life transformed one step at a time.