Drink Deeply...

There is something about watching a river that is mesmerizing, refreshing, calming, yet exhilarating, all at the same time...

... And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.
Psalms 36:8

God calls us to drink deeply from His River, the third Person of the Trinity – the Holy Spirit John 7:39. And what a river He is. Ever in motion, removing obstacles, surmounting circumstances, and quenching thirsty souls. He is the beverage of life, pure delight, and extreme pleasure. His healing waters extend to anyone who will ask.

The Holy Spirit never stops moving on our behalf. Even when we sleep, turn away, or leave the River altogether, He never stops his forward motion. The Spirit of the Living God never stops, no matter what our state of mind or heart. He is there.

Needing some refreshment just now? Simply ask for His presence and His help. He promises to come, Luke 11:13. He will refresh, renew, and quench your thirst. So dive in and drink deeply.

Shelter in Place...

I think we should think of ‘Safer at Home’ and ‘Shelter in Place’ a little differently…

He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
Psalm 91:4

What the Bible talks about is a life-time experience, not just in a blue-moon when calamity strikes.

For years I would kind of coast along in my walk with Jesus. Yes, doing all the Christian stuff-for heaven’s sake, I was married to a pastor. However, when junky stuff happened, I would then really pursue the Lord’s presence. What a miss that was. What a mistake that was.

Some years ago, the Holy Spirit must have become pretty fed up with my mediocre life. He called me in the middle of the fray of family, work, and church life to shelter in place with Jesus. To come deeper and not wait for an event, or the high of a retreat, or any other outside thing that is all well and good, but it is not really being desperate for Jesus, just for Jesus.

My life changed on a dime. All for the better.

I still had family, work, and church, but my family was healing up because Jesus was healing me. My workplace became a mission field, and I recognized my call to pastor and to help set captives free with my husband. Fear didn’t have my address anymore, and ordinary became extraordinary. Go, Holy Spirit!

I still don’t have it all together, but I am not too worried about it. He has my back because I am learning daily to shelter in place with Jesus. And there is no safer or exciting place to be.

Feel free to share...

Waiting Game...

Does it seem like we are in a waiting game period right now?

But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint
Isaiah 40:31

Yes, we are all waiting for the throes of this horrible health pandemic to be over. However, let’s not waste our waiting. Instead, let’s cause our waiting to count for something more

The old Hebrew word for “wait” in the verse above, qavah, means to wait for, to look eagerly for, to expect and hope. It also means to be bound up with something or someone, or to be collected.

What if every time we met with the Lord, we came with this goal in mind? As we wait on Him, let’s ask the Holy Spirit to draw us into deeper communion with the One Who Loves Us Beyond Reason. As we choose to become still and genuinely know that He is God, let’s bask in His presence and Word to satisfy and complete us. Yes, He really can do this. And from the overflow of His presence, our thoughts will be collected with His thoughts and His heart. Our waiting on Him will be good for us and those around us, guaranteed.

I want to do this kind of waiting. Jesus invites each of us to come have a meal with Him, a banquet that promises to over-satisfy us with His goodness, kindness, mercy, courage, Holy Spirit fire, compassion, and His love. Everything else will fall into place when we come. We will know what to do next and for when our staying at home time is finally over. We will have a fresh vision for our lives and how to accomplish His purposes. Many of life’s questions answered when we wait and are held tightly by Jesus.

Yes, let’s make this type of waiting become a way of life.

Psalm 46:10, Revelation 3:20, Psalm 23:5-6

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It. Is. Finished.

His finished work on the cross was our beginning...

So when Jesus had received the sour wine,
He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
John 19:30

On the platform of this simple phrase – It is finished! – we stand in the power of God’s Word that our sin is forgiven; our spiritual, emotional, and physical healing purchased; freedom is our portion; the enemy has been completely vanquished, and heaven has been secured for us.

I am ALL about feeling, sensing, and experiencing the presence and power of God in our lives. Nevertheless, there are times when we have to ruthlessly stand on the truth of God’s Word, which proclaims that Jesus’ death and resurrection finished all the unfinished business in our lives. No matter what we are feeling.

Whatever is causing you anguish, anxiety, fear, or possibly guilt, Jesus has already finished it; whatever it is you need. Stand on this truth, not your feelings. Take your hands completely off the predicament you currently face and give it to the One and Only who purchased your full redemption and healing. Wait to see what He does. Because, it is finished!

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

When each minute brings news of uncertainty, sickness, and death, it is time to lean hard into the One who holds us in His all-powerful grip. When our joy level is challenged, our fears arise, or we just plain want things to go back to normal, it is time to recognize the call to greater prayer in His felt presence. You, me, we have an assignment. Let’s rise to the occasion of Holy Spirit intercession for the sick, the sorrowing, our nation’s health-care workers, and our hospitals.

During this trying time, when our bank accounts look dismal, our job status appears bleak, or the future seems iffy, it’s time to get real with God. Have a simple, genuine heart-to-heart with Him. Get all your concerns out and into His hands until you experience His peace that passes understanding. He knows, He cares, He will provide, He will come through, and He is able to meet your every need. These are difficult days, but Jesus said it would be so. He also said He has overcome (John 16:33)

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 significant in Jesus because He Who is in you is greater than anything!
1 John 4:4

I Will...

As we press through this incredible season of upheaval due to the current health crisis, perhaps it is time to drink the “I will” passages of God’s Word.

"…I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10b

Are you tempted to be fearful, anxious, or discouraged, may I suggest that you turn to these passages and let the Holy Spirit breathe fresh faith into your soul. Take a look at Exodus 6:6-8 or Isaiah 41:10-20. Underline in your Bible or Bible app how many times the Lord Almighty promises that He will come through for you. Meditate and yes, soak in His Word and presence until His peace restores your heart.

Certainly, we must and can encourage one another through these waves of uncertainty. Nevertheless, it is only the Lord Jesus’ voice that can cut to the chase and reach our hearts with His comfort and promises by the Holy Spirit. His Word and His report are the only ones that matter. Really.

He is waiting for you to come to Him, and He is more than willing to grant His promises.

Join Me for a Northern California Equip Conference!

Last summer, the Lord gave me a dream for a women’s conference where women would not only hear compelling speakers but also experience Him personally in a more profound way to receive release from the past, encouragement for today, and a word for tomorrow. Equip Conferences was born, and we are having our first two conferences in northern California:

March 13 -14, Home Church, Fairfield, CA

May 1-2, The Rock Church, Danville, CA

I would love for you to prayerfully consider joining me at one of these events or consider having your church host a future Equip Conference. For more info and to register: Click Here

I promise not to bombard you with emails about this (for real!). And please forgive if you received more than one of these emails today if you subscribe to more than one of my regular posts.I am so excited for what God has in store of women of all ages and backgrounds.

Register early for a chance to win a $50 Ulta Gift Card!

Adopted...

A few years ago, I met a lovely, sweetheart of a young woman, maybe nineteen years of age. She generously shared her story with me... 

Her parents had both passed into the Lord’s presence; one parent when she was a mere toddler and the other when she was seventeen. Though she was now an adult, the Christian family she lived with legally adopted her as their own, even though they still had growing children. This beautiful princess positively glowed with happiness because she had been chosen; she belonged to someone.

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.
Romans 8:15-16

I felt led to share this passage with her. She drank in its words slowly. She realized how miraculous and marvelous the Lord Jesus was to also adopt her because of love alone. Abba Daddy.

I watched her linger in these beloved verses, which proceed to proclaim that we are joint-heirs with Christ. I knew she understood the cost and the choice of adoption. She understood the sacrifice of the benevolent, love-beyond-reason decision to make us His own. And that warms my heart at this moment. I hope it warms your heart, too.

A New Thing...

I am the first one to admit that I do not like change very much...

"But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved." Luke 5:38

God is all about change. He is all about creativity. He is the One who flung the stars into the heavens like so much loose glitter, birthed each of us, no two alike, and orchestrates the individual movement of each ocean wave. Yes, the Lord is always up to something new.

I cannot take for granted how He will mastermind His work in my life. And, I cannot assume or presume that if He worked one way at one time, He would do the same thing the next time.

New wine is the power of Pentecost, the power of the Holy Spirit. If I am going to be a new wineskin that the Holy Spirit can use to minister His love and healing to people, I have to be open to His creativity at all times. Yes, I can and should stand on God’s Word, but I must always remember that His Living Word, the Lord Jesus John 1:14, usually does not do the same thing twice.

In other words, be open for the Lord Jesus to surprise you!

Accepted...

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 thought I had these yearnings because I was an only child. Yet I had loads of friends and a pretty fantastic marriage. Still, longing remained. Next came three beautiful 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 am accepted in the Beloved. My longings found total fulfillment.

A funny thing happened. Realizing I was fully embraced by Lord Jesus freed me from the need to be accepted by anyone else. Those around me experienced release from the task of meeting my insatiable need to feel like I belonged. Joy overwhelmed my life and splashed onto others who were then captivated by the beyond reason love of God.

Do you still long to belong? Soak, meditate, and marinate in the truth of God’s Word. You are accepted by the only One who truly matters. Ask the Holy Spirit to make this real to you. His acceptance will overtake and fill your being.

At the Start of this Week...

At the start of this week…

As we sorrow, lament, and mourn so much death, loss, and suffering, remember, our Lord Jesus is greater still. He never promised we wouldn’t experience pain in this life, but He promised His felt presence and power to walk us through it, over it, and out of it. Remember, the Lord tenderly holds our every tear in His nail-scarred hand, and He knows a thing or two about suffering. He is the only One who can provide us with peace.

As we face tasks, duties, and deadlines, let’s keep our hearts and minds saturated with God’s Word and faithfulness. As we encounter obstacles, red lights, speed bumps, and yes, ornery people, let’s invite the Holy Spirit’s fullness to invade our being and splash over to the weary hearts we encounter. Let’s let Him fill us up, pour us out, and come back to the well His presence that will never run dry.

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 astounding in Jesus because He Who is in you is greater than anything! 1 John 4:4

But God...

But God.

Really. Honestly. These are two Bible words that can transform your life...

“And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him.” Acts 7:9

Have you guessed? The words are: ‘But God...’

These words can change everything for you. In the context of this passage, Stephen is retelling Joseph’s horrific abuse story that was turned on a dime into glory, honor, position, and healing. This means, no one else can ruin your life. No matter what someone has done to you, no matter how appalling and painful –‘But God’ – can change everything. But God...is with you.

My dear friend, Alicen, kept repeating to me, “But God...” when incurable cancer had come back into my body for the third time. This time my oncologists and surgeons were telling me, “This is the end, Sue.” However, Alicen kept saying to me, “It doesn’t matter what the diagnosis is... ‘But God’ changes everything.” It did. I was operated upon, partial segments of several organs were taken. No cancer could be found anywhere. But God...

Where in your life do you need a ‘But God’ moment? It is time to believe He IS with you and He desires for you to know Him intimately in this season of trial. Yes. Anything is possible when we answer tragedy, tears, or terror with the words, “But God is with me.”

Kingdom Come...

The simple blueprint for spiritual warfare is found in the Lord’s prayer...

“So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.”
Luke 11:2

Over and over in the gospels of the New Testament, we hear Jesus talk about His kingdom. And yes, of course, we all look forward to that day when we experience His kingdom when we pass into His presence.

However, kingdom living is for now. Jesus came to this planet ruled by our adversary, the devil, to establish His reign in those who would believe in Him. In other words, the Lord is telling us that in every dark and desperate situation we face, we can pray; we can declare, “Your kingdom come into this situation!” And we speak with the authority He has given us to use, “In Jesus’ Name!”

No, this side of heaven, we might not see every victory, but we won’t see much at all if we don’t start praying and declaring His Word of truth. This is not passively praying, this is bringing the power of Almighty God into everyday life. Let’s start now.

Everyone...

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.

He Came for Me...

There is a line from a Christmas carol that wrecks me every time...

Til He appeared...and the soul felt its worth.

I, for one, spent many years feeling worthless. Never mind my adoring parents and joyful childhood. My self-loathing was a product of simply being born into a broken, fallen world which the enemy of my soul rules. I masked this self-loathing in a cloak of pride, but that is another story. The wonder of it is – Jesus set me free from the tyranny of this lie regarding my worth and continues to release me from its grip.

Jesus came for the sick...the sick at heart.  Mark 2:17

I have met people – many people – who think their self-sufficiency is all they need. They really do seem to have it all together. I am afraid for these people. I am afraid they will miss what He has for them. I am afraid they will never learn that He can carry the load and they don’t have to prove anything anymore. Is this you?

What a relief to know He is everything. And what joy it is for me to know: this messed up girl is now the most valuable thing in His heart. And, you are too.

The Story of Christmas...

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.

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.

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

Should you be feeling forlorn, forgotten, or you are in a fog of confusion – it is time to break free and have a breakthrough with Jesus. Your portion in Christ is fullness of joy, hope, life, and a future. Spend some time with the Savior in fresh surrender, lay down your plans for His, and get a brand new word from His Word. Jesus is faithful.
Romans 14:17

Should you be exhausted, edgy, eating too much, spending too much, or you are just plainly in a downward spiral, it is time to look up! Your Redeemer is closer than your next breath. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill your tank to overflowing and remember His gifts found in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. Don’t leave home without them.

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

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

Should life seem daunting at work, in school, or with family, Jesus tells us to take one day at a time. Listen to this instruction! His constant grace and power will be more than enough to meet your daily demands as you lean wholly into Him. Matthew 6:34

Should you find yourself feeling weak, about to cave, and you can’t take another step forward, let Him carry you. Find Jesus beside the still waters of time spent with Him. Think of all the things you have to be grateful for and let Jesus’ joy flood your soul and spirit. The joy of the Lord is your strength, not your bank account, your friends, or your good looks. Okay, I had to throw that in there for fun! Psalm 23:2

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

{Greetings from Taiwan!! We enter our second week of ministry here and the Lord is up to wonderful things. I am praying for you. Have an amazing week in our God! Also, it is not too late to join Online Bible Study on Facebook as we explore a month of Thanksgiving through the Scriptures. Here is the link to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1617984088500686/ or go to Instagram @crosspointe_biblestudy}

Walk Softly...

I will never forget the wisest words I ever heard outside of God’s Word…

“Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.” Acts 16:10

Many years ago, Randy and I, and the school of ministry where we were students, took a “field trip” to the South American country of Columbia. We sat for about ten days under the wise tutelage of an older, married couple who were missionaries there. John and Jean Firth had labored several years there without seeing much fruit in their ministry. And then, they received the overflow or baptism of the Holy Spirit. All heaven broke loose.

In the remaining decades of their lives, the Firth’s ministry produced at least 800 other churches. Many with congregations in the thousands. Together, they saw the blind see, the lame walk, demons cast out, and the dead raised to life and almost all of these miracles are documented. Jean herself had been miraculously healed of tuberculosis.

When one of our fellow students asked what their secret to seeing these amazing miracles in the Name of Jesus, she paused and quietly stated, “I’ve learned to walk softly with God.”

I think Paul knew how to walk softly with God, too. And I believe He is extending the invitation to us. I am saying, “Yes,” to Him. I want to learn to grow in this as well. You, too? Why don’t we bow our heads in prayer right now? Because the world is waiting to see Him through us.