My Secret...

My secret is simple. I pray... 

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit...
Ephesians 6:18a

No, I am not talking about our alone, quiet, secret place time with the Lord Jesus where we simply come to drink in His presence and hear His immediate and always ready voice in our lives. Nor am I referring to when we come to Him with our laundry list of prayers. Rather I am talking about when we are doing battle for loved ones and situations that need God’s hand to move.

The verse above falls in at the end of Paul’s discourse on spiritual warfare and our putting on God’s armor. However, how many of us – myself included – forget to suit up? How often do we forget that King Jesus has placed His authority in our hands to speak to mountains and watch them move in His name?

To see lives and circumstances healed, saved, and delivered we must take the time to listen to the Holy Spirit’s leading. We must be willing to put on His armor and stand in prayer battle mode against our adversary, the devil. We must now what God’s Word reveals about who we are in Christ. And we must lay down our will for the will our beloved Commander of Angel Armies.

It is time for us to bring heaven down into the hellish circumstances around us. And it all begins with us...each of us leaning hard into the Spirit’s embrace and standing in the power of His might.

Three Truths to Count On...

Here are three truths we can always count on. Nevertheless, do we need to make some heart adjustments?

The eternal God is your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, And will say, 'Destroy!'
Deuteronomy 33:27

Jesus is always our refuge. Still, we need to choose to find our only hope in Him, and not others. We need to hide in Him, wholly surrendered.

His arms are always holding us. Nevertheless, we have to trust this truth, whether we feel it or not. I am all about experiencing God, yet the truth of His Word is the only rock worthy of our faith. Feelings will follow.

The Lord God is Almighty. Satan is under His feet. We can’t be aligning ourselves with the adversary’s ways, giving place to his voice and the whims of the world, and expect to walk in Jesus’ full freedom. Believe me, I have tried this, and it doesn’t work!

So let’s be honest and real with ourselves and with our Beloved. Jesus will help us, and He will deliver us. I’m ready, are you, too?

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week…

If the days continue to be a blur, summer seems to be speeding by and it’s leaving you behind, or if you are feeling, “What’s the point?” Then, run to the One whose arms are always open wide to embrace you. Let Him. Stay. Linger. And wait in the Lord's presence until you sense His comfort, His nearness, and His still small voice reminding you that He sees you. He is the only One who matters.

Should your car break down, a relationship breaks down, or you feel on the verge of -- a breakdown. Turn to the Only One Who can genuinely heal your soul. He even cares about such details as cars and relationships, too. He is the source of Your strength, so don't give place to the temptation to have a pity party because the God of the Universe is on your side. Open His Word, drink it in, and be refreshed.

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

Do Not Worry...

Are you worried or anxious about something?

Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life…
Matthew 6:25a

The original Greek word for worry here is so interesting. The word literally means to divide into parts, suggesting a distraction, a preoccupation with things causing anxiety, stress, and pressure. It means being pulled in so many directions while trying to figure out the resolution to a troubling situation. A sense of feeling scattered, torn apart, or undone. 

Sometimes we think worry is the responsible thing to do, excusing our preoccupation with it. However, in Christ, to worry is to say He is not big enough, smart enough, wise enough, or He lacks the resources to help us in our need. Really? And yet, this is what our worry reveals.

How about a preemptive strike against worry? Let’s soak in all of Jesus’ words concerning our life found in Matthew 6:19-34. I mean, genuinely meditate on them. Then, let’s invite the Holy Spirit to fill us with faith as we choose to believe what Jesus says is true. Finally, let’s rest in His arms and obey Him implicitly when He gives us direction. 

Do not let worry tear you apart. He is worthy of our trust.

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 Columbia, South America. We sat for about ten days under the wise tutelage of an older, married couple who were missionaries. 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. What happened next can only be termed miraculous. 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.

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

I think Paul knew how to walk softly with God, too. And I believe He is extending the invitation to us this summer, and I am saying, “Yes,” to Him.

I want to learn to walk softly with Jesus, as well. You, too? Why don’t we bow our heads in prayer right now? Because our weary world is waiting to see Him through us.

Lord, Untie My Knots...

To untie the knots of my heart. My mind. My life. Yes, Lord, yes…

He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
1 John 3:8

Honestly. When I live less-than, purposeless, and for myself, the enemy of my soul ties me up in knots. When situations are overwhelming, I fall prey to fatigue, fear, or worry. For you, too? When I allow the devil to have his way, the complexity of who I am, my emotions and my thoughts are like a knotted mass of chains from a jewelry box gone awry.

But Jesus came. He comes to me now. He comes to destroy, to untie, to loosen me from the knots of my stuff, my sin, and the devil. He comes to loosen completely the grip of my past. This is what the original Greek word for "destroy" means in this passage. And, Jesus is the only One who can...Who wants to...Who has and will continue to free me. And free me for what?

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

To wait in the original language here means to be bound up in and entwined with, and be held closely by Someone. Jesus loosens my knots that I am free to be forever caught up, bound up, and knotted in His lavish love and all His heart wants to give me: His strength, His joy...His ability to soar.

Yes, Lord...yes.

At the Start of This Week...

As we all face a difficult week ahead…

If it seems like the daily news is daunting, with unrest, turmoil and injustice raging, keep your heart and mind hidden in Him. LORD JESUS is the only answer! And He said it right on the money that in the world we would have tribulation, but He also said through His Word, that the Holy Spirit is greater in us. Jesus is in the midst of the blood, tears, sweat, and grime of life. He sees every detail and loves you beyond reason. Take every care to Him because He really does care and will walk you, and all of us, through these dark hours.
John 16:33, 1 John 4:4

If you should lose a friend, lose your job, or feel like you are losing hope, get on your face before Jesus. Don't get up until you have handed Him these major life issues, and you sense His peace that passes all understanding. HE WILL work on your behalf, but your fear has become a distraction to you. Trust Him. Trust Him Trust Him. Use this time to cultivate a greater sense His Holy Spirit in your life and the power of His Word.
2 Timothy 1:7

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

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

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.”