So Much from So Little...

One of my favorite photographs from all four Gospels...

"So they all ate and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of fragments and of the fish."

Mark 6:42-43

Wow. Jesus took so little and made so much. This speaks to every area of our lives. Where do you feel small and insufficient? Is it your life, your resources, your future, your hopes – yourself? Place it in His hands and stand back to watch the wonder. Just like the bread, He may need to break up a few things in your life to bring growth, but do not fear His tender touch.

Everyone was filled. I spent much of my Christian life unsatisfied and frustrated. Ministry was more chore than overflow. The lack of knowing God’s will for my life was the norm, and I struggled with habitual, destructive behaviors until Jesus cornered me. In Him alone am I satisfied, significant, and complete.

Finally, He doesn’t waste a thing. Only Jesus can take the junk of our past and turn it into gold. He turns our waste into our miraculous story in Him. So, take a few moments and talk to the Lord Jesus about all of this. He’s ready to begin a miracle in you.

A Door of Hope...

In this dark valley the world is passing through, there is hope…

Therefore, behold, I will allure her,
Will bring her into the wilderness,
And speak comfort to her.
I will give her her vineyards from there
And the Valley of Achor as a door of hope.
Hosea 2:14-15

When the prophet, Hosea, declares these words, Israel was already in the hot-mess of doing life her own way. The nation was already in the wilderness, having traveled far from the heart of God. However, the Lord calls her deeper so she will seek Him, and from there, He opens a door of Hope.

Most of us recognize that pandemics, destructive weather patterns, illness, and even death itself were never God’s original plan. But man goofed-up in a big way. That seemingly little mistake in the Garden of Eden had huge implications. We hear, “Why doesn’t God do something???” Well, He did. He came Himself in the form of a servant. By going to the cross, He tore the veil of separation between God and man in two. And by Jesus rising again, as we just celebrated, He opened wide the door of Hope.

The name Achor means trouble. And in our Valley of Trouble right now, Jesus is the door of Hope. All we need to do is open the door of our heart and invite to come in, and He will do just that. Where we have experienced loss and death, He comes with felt comfort. Where there are deep grieving and sorrow, He will bring fresh joy. Where we have lost our way, it is never too late with Him to start brand new.

And no matter what valleys we might face when this pandemic is over, He will still hold the door of Hope wide open for anyone who asks.

Need Encouragement? Cancer Healing Miracle...

Dear One,

I am only "running" this ad this weekend. I try not to have this website become a sales pitch place!

However, I finally felt led by the Lord to write the story of His healing me from Stage 4 incurable cancer. It is priced to give away to friends and loved ones.

"Held in His Hands: A Miracle Story and Encouragement for Your Healing."

This short book, for both men and women, is written with the prayer that whoever reads it will find encouragement for ANY difficult and seemingly impossible situation they may face or for those in their life who need an extra dose of hope.

Should you buy it, I would REALLY love an Amazon review, good or bad! I pray that you will consider getting it.

Priced just above my cost to print at $4.95 for paperback; $2.99 for Kindle. Here is the Amazon link:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=sue+boldt&i=stripbooks&rh=n%3A283155&ref=nb_sb_noss

His Battle Plan is Best...

His battle plan is best...

"Blessed be the Lord my Rock,
Who trains my hands for war,
And my fingers for battle..."
Psalm 144:1

Years ago, when I sought the Lord to break areas of addiction in my life, I heard Him calling me to meet with Him every morning and get that day’s battle plan. He was training me to break the enemy’s grip on my life and how to maintain His freedom when it was secured.

Many days when I came to get His special directive, I would get the same nudge to do the same thing He had spoken to me the day before. The more quickly I obeyed and responded, He would move me to the next step. Little did I know that I was learning to hear His voice daily. Little did I know my every advance was defeating the devil. Jesus never told me anything that His Spirit wouldn’t enable me to do.

Did I not come some mornings? Sure. Did I go and then not listen? Certainly! Yet through all this failure on my part, He never revoked His invitation to meet with me. He never failed to come.

What area of your life do you need His freedom? Surely there are many facets to experiencing full freedom in Christ, but getting a daily battle plan from the Lord’s heart to yours is probably the sweetest.

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

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.
Matthew 11:28-30

If your birthday seems forgotten, your boss gives a promotion to someone else, or you feel generally unseen, 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.
Hebrews 13:5-6

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

We Could Learn a Thing or Two...

Children always get it right...

But when the chief priests and scribes saw
the wonderful things that He did,
and the children crying out in the temple and saying,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
. . . and said to Him, “Do You hear what these are saying?”
And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read,
‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
You have perfected praise’?”
Matthew 21:15-16

Children always get it right. You know. No filter, no sophistication, ultra-spontaneous, no presumption – simply speaking what they see and hear literally. What they know to be true.

As Jesus entered the temple, where the priests and Sanhedrin were lying in wait for His capture, all sorts of bedlam was taking place. In righteous anger, Jesus began overturning the temple tables, coins of currency were scattered, and fur from the sacrificial animals was flying. Everyone was in an uproar. And in the middle of it all, the children began to sing.

Yes, there is something about excellence in the church that has profound meaning. We should do our best and give our all to any endeavor for His Kingdom. Yesterday, I encouraged a young, anointed worship pastor to head back to school to perfect her ability to worship and better mentor those under her tutelage. Nevertheless, when our pursuit of perfect becomes more about the pursuit of performance, we have crossed a line somewhere.

So, let’s never forget the way children worship Him. Oh, if we could just take their cue in praise and thanksgiving. Unfiltered, unsophisticated, spontaneous, and not always perfectly pitched, because it is our hearts, He longs for most.

Yes, out of the mouths of babes – we could learn a thing or two...

A Heart Check....

As the US prepares for the Presidential Inauguration Day, January 20th…

How beautiful upon the mountains
Are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things,
Who proclaims salvation,
Who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!
Isaiah 52:7

No matter who we voted for, fear and anxiety have no place in our lives if our hearts and minds are fixed upon King Jesus completely, we are abiding in His living Word, and we are accessing the power of the Holy Spirit. Nothing topples His throne or rule. There is no higher name than the Name of the Lord Almighty.

I have Christian friends on both sides of politics, and I see the value in both opinions. Yes, really, I do. However, we must recognize our true allegiance belongs ONLY to the Kingdom that is not of this world, just as Jesus Himself told us (John 18:36).

And the greatest characteristic of His Kingdom? Well, He told us.

Love.
Love your neighbor.
Love your enemies.
Love your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
Anything less than exhibiting His love to all people is not worthy of His Kingdom.

So, may the church walk in unity around the One who holds the Universe in His hands. And may we walk in peace, proclaiming the healing and saving power of the Gospel as millions, who haven’t ever experienced political freedom and liberty, have been doing for generations, even at the expense of their own lives. Because…

Our God reigns!

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another;
as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
By this all will know that you are My disciples,
if you have love for one another.
John 13:34-35

New Beginnings...

I love new beginnings...

 I love second chances, third opportunities, and fourth starting-fresh experiences. The list goes on.

 Jesus loves new things, too. That is what grace is all about. And mercy. He is all about doing new things, especially in His lambs’ lives.

 Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:18-19

Let the Magnificent Creator fashion something new in you today, this week, this new year. It is time to let some old things go and extend your hands to receive His fresh gifts in, to, and through your life.

However, let Him do it. No help needed on your part; just surrender.

You won’t be disappointed.

Just Like Mary and Joseph...

Just wondering. During this crazy year, did anyone experience some closed doors in their life this past year? You know – something you really wanted to have happen – that didn’t?

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

Well, Mary and Joseph knew all about closed doors. However, they also knew God had a bigger plan – an eternal plan. An amazing story would be told because they trusted Him, even when they were out of their comfort zone, literally.

How about your closed doors this past year? Just know that God is doing something greater. My husband and I know all about these impenetrable doors. Nevertheless, Jesus’ ideas for our lives have exceeded our own wildest dreams. By His closing doors that we so desperately desired, we dodged bullets and, in return, the stories He wrote for us have been incredible. Get my drift?

Someone needs to hear this. Someone needs to trust – Him.

Nothing is Impossible...

“For with God nothing will be impossible.”

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord!
Let it be to me according to your word.”
Luke 1:37-38

 For with God nothing will be impossible.These are words we cling to when our life situations seem beyond repair, rescue, or restoration. All hope is lost, and there can be no good outcome. But with God, nothing is impossible! This is the joy of a life of faith in Him who holds the universe, the galaxies, and you and me intimately and handily in His Almighty hands (Isaiah 49:2). He makes all the difference.

 Honestly, the Christian need not ever despair. We may have seasons of lament and have sorrow, but despair or hopelessness? Really, never. Certainly, there are valid and varied factors surrounding depression. Yet, when we are tempted to go to a dark place, we must recognize that something might be amiss in the spiritual realm. Have we left our vital and intimate walk with Jesus and taken a detour somewhere? Have we opened a door for our adversary, the devil? Honest and true. Maybe this is difficult to hear, but those who abide, reside, dwell in, and soak in Holy Spirit presence and His Word cultivate the fertile soil for powerful faith to be planted and grow (Luke 8:4-15). Just like Mary.

 Mary, like us at times, doesn’t fully comprehend what is happening to her. What in the world is God thinking? She knows all the implications of her single-parent pregnancy messing with her future. Yet, she trusts the God of her forefathers, knowing that big plans call for big faith. Mary might not understand, but she knows there is a much larger picture, and the One who loves her wildly holds all the details and puzzle pieces (Rom. 8:28).

 What are you facing today that has you questioning or takes your breath away in fear? Don’t do another thing until you draw close to Him. Quiet your heart. Wait for His presence. Open His Word. Listen for His voice.  Then respond knowing that with God, nothing is impossible.

Meeting Up with an Angel...Yes, for Real...

No joke. I am 99.9% sure I encountered a real angel just a few years ago at Christmas at my workplace...

 Do not forget to entertain strangers, f
or by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.
Hebrews 13:2

 Last Christmas Eve, I was alone in the office when a scraggly man appeared at my door. Oh my, now what? This older, rag-tag man with the most piercing blue eyes told me how he was caring for his elderly mom and needed my help THAT DAY. Now, you have to understand, a friend had told me of an encounter with an angel the evening her mother passed and this angel had piercing blue eyes, too (not that they all do, but I took NOTICE!). The verse above immediately came to my mind. I knew the Holy Spirit was speaking to me to shape up because someone special was in front of me. Yes, really.

I was cranky. I wanted to get home. I had a houseful of family waiting. Yet, I tried to help him. The situation kept getting worse with more hoops for me to jump through to get him the aid he was requiring. Then, it became laughable. I just knew this was the real deal. The Lord has a sense of humor – for sure. When everything finally came to a close, the man took my hand, looked me straight in the eye, and said to me – You are a real angel.

 So this Christmas, and every other day of the year, slow down and take notice. You never know. You may be entertaining an angel sent from heaven, or you may be their God-sent angel.

At the Start of This 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.

If it seems like the daily news is daunting, your kids at home are occasionally driving you, well, a little cray-cray, and the kitchen sink keeps plugging up, look to Him! He 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 this current health storm.

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…

If the last thing you feel like doing this Thanksgiving week, is well, give thanks – consider the One we gave thanks to? I mean really. Isn’t Jesus nearer, dearer, and more powerful to work in whatever situation you find yourself? And if He doesn’t seem that way to you, could you possibly consider that you need to rely upon Him completely, surrender unconditionally, and take the time to draw closer to Him and let Him do the talking and not you? I am pretty sure God’s presence and WORD are more than enough. Yes, really.
Jeremiah 32:27

Should life still a bit unsafe, the news a little crazy, and you feel distant from those you love, let the Lord settle all the dust of any fear, anxiety, or loneliness. Remember, His joy and happiness in your life are not dependent upon Your circumstances. Come, join King David by the still waters, and be refreshed in the One Who loves you beyond reason.
Psalm 23

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

NOTE: Hey there! Come join me for online Bible Study the month of December looking at the Christmas Story through Luke’s eyes. Men and Women can join me on Instagram @crosspointe_biblestudy. Women only can join me on the Facebook Group: Crosspointe Online Bible Study. Just Click Here to join the Facebook Group.

Your Prayer is Heard...

Your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you...
...for yo

ur prayer is heard... which will be fulfilled in their own time.
Luke 1:13, 20

Zacharias and his wife had prayed for their whole married lives to have a child. Now old and well beyond childbearing years, the angel declares their miracle would take place. The Lord has heard your prayer too. 

And yet, notice the second phrase. The Lord has His timing. He is never early; He is never late. He works outside of time, He understands time, He created time, and He holds time in His hands. Often, His timing is not our timing. Still, His timing is always perfect.

 Also, there are other aspects of your prayer God is working on; other pieces of the puzzle you can’t see. Other people are involved who need His touch before they can be moved into place to be a part of your answered prayer. Many times, Jesus is waiting for us to take our stance against the enemy in His name – as He told us in Luke 10:17-20. Often, we are not ready to have these prayers answered. He still has much to do to rid us of ourselves and heal our brokenness. 

Regardless, your Father has heard Your prayer. Believe this. Your miracle is in the works, and God has not stopped working on your behalf.

The Broken Hearted...

I just heard about someone’s great loss.

 The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Psalm 34:18

In this life, on this broken planet, we will all suffer loss: a miscarriage, a child, a dear sister or brother, parents, maybe a most beloved spouse, or a dear friend. As you read this, I am sure a name or two has entered your mind.

In these times we have to cling to the One and Only. We have to bury our snotty nose in His robes and not let go. He doesn’t mind. His arms are open, and they close around us. Nevertheless, we have to come to Him and not run away. 

The Hebrew word used for contrite in the verse above literally means someone crushed to dust. Some of us stay in that crushed place, but we don’t have to. We need to take all the dust and ashes of loss and let Him sort it out. It will take time, but time is in His hands. He will walk you out of the valley of the shadow of death and sadness.

Let the great Healer of Hearts begin to heal your broken heart – today.

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week…

If it seems like the daily news is daunting, your kids at home are occasionally driving you, well, a little cray-cray, and the kitchen sink keeps plugging up, look to Him! He 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 this current health storm.

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.

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

I Shall Not Be Moved...

When Jesus is all that I see – that I choose to see – from the first morning alarm to the final good-night kiss, life is different...

We all have received difficult, life-altering news at one time or another. And the trend for living in this broken, sin-scarred world is - there may be a good chance we will, at some time, face difficulty again. Now for the good news…

"I have set the LORD always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved."
Psalm 16:8

When I cause Him to be all that fills and satisfies me, His presence encompasses my being just as Psalm 139 shares. When I invite His Spirit to saturate my soul, and I feast on His Word, trials just don’t have the effect they used to. I am no longer overcome, overwhelmed, undone, or shaken.

This is not the theory of Christianity, but the living, tangible reality of it and the irresistible truth of it. When I set the steady gaze of my heart and affections ever and only upon Him, He is all that I need. I am changed, and He will take care of the rest.

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

If the world has gone cray-cray and it seems each day opens a new page of the Book of Revelation, don't lose heart. This could be His church's greatest hour if we don't give into selfishness, anger, or frustration. It is time to get serious about fasting and praying. It's time to get filled with His Spirit, operating in His gifts, and cultivating His fruit. The world needs us--needs HIM more than ever.
Acts 2

Should the car not start, the kids or your spouse won’t stop whining, the wallet seems empty, and the to-do list is overwhelming, look up! Remember, the Holy Spirit is with you in everything from the mundane to the life-altering. Hand everything over to His care for He can handle everything.
Ephesians 1:19-20

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

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.

_________

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Fruitfulness...

There has been a huge light at the end of the long dark tunnel of calamity the world has been going through…

And the name of the second he called Ephraim:
‘For God has caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.’
Genesis 41:52

Joseph went through much. I mean, really. His brothers sell him off to nomads. Joseph ends up in Egypt and is wronged again. Next, he is innocent of a crime but thrown in jail. People told about him, and promises were broken. Nevertheless, God was with Him through it all. Eventually, the Lord promotes Joseph to second in command of the country, and with his wife, two sons are born to him.

Joseph names one of his sons Ephraim, ‘For God has caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.’

Now, think about all that we all have been going through. In the midst of the devastation, death, unrest, and strife, Jesus has been with us. For me, this time at home has become a season of greater freedom. The Lord went deep in my soul to get at some things to bring greater fruitfulness to my life and ministry. My sincere hope is that you have experienced this as well these past several months.

If not, it is time to milk this season for all its worth. Because God never stopped moving, although the world came to a grinding halt. And He never stops moving on our behalf. We just need to be still and let Him bring us into fruitfulness in the land of our affliction.