One Small Child

One Small Child by David Meece

One small child in a land of a thousand
One small dream of a Savior tonight
One small hand reaching out to the starlight
One small Savior of life
Ooooh.

One king bringing his gold and his riches
One king ruling an army of might
One king kneeling with incense and candlelight
One King bringing us life
Ooooh.

See Him lying, a cradle beneath Him
See Him smiling in the stall
See His mother praising His Father
See His tiny eyelids fall.

See the shepherds kneeling before Him
See the kings on bended knee
See the mother praising the Father
See the Blessed Infant sleep.

One small child in a land of a thousand
One small dream of a Savior tonight
One small hand reaching out to the starlight
One small Savior of life
Ooooh.

Wake Up

The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months, and the LORD blessed him and his entire household. 2 Samuel 6:11

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:6

Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. Mark 6:4-6

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? 1 Corinthians 6:19

You are a temple of the Holy Spirit. God dwells within you. As a result, many amazing things are happening to and through you. God wants us to become more and more aware of this. Meditate on it, pray about it, declare it. When Jesus was in his own home town he couldn't do much because of the unbelief of the people. In a way, we are like Nazareth. Jesus is in our midst and willing to do great things. He is asking us to believe in him. He is asking us to acknowledge who he is and the goodness and mercy in our lives and in the world. Read his word and declare it to be true. Choose to believe. Choose to wake up and see the goodness of the Lord. The more you do this, your faith will grow. Then he can even do greater things in and through you.

You Have Been Lifted Up

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He lifts up (cuts off) every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. John 15:1-2

He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap
Psalm 113:7

Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel. Judges 5:3

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 1 Corinthians 1:27

One time I heard a teaching on the vine and the branches. The speaker said that there was actually more than one way that John 15:2 could be translated. He said that some branches grow too low on the ground and get dirty. So the vine dresser lifts them and ties them up. Then he washes them so that they can be healthy and produce. This really spoke to me and I have utilized this translation ever since.

This morning, God showed me a picture of us as that vine that has been lifted up. I see us straining to get back in the dust because this is what we are used to. God is saying that we no longer live in the dust. It is not our identity. We are lifted up among the healthy, fruit bearing branches. We are to know our dignity.

He wants to give us a new identity. We are to have the identity of one who has been raised up. We are not the one who is diseased, fruitless and living in the dust. We are clean and lifted up. The gardener is pleased with us.

You Are Making A difference

And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you
1 John 2:27a

You are the salt of the earth. Matthew 5:13a

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Matthew 5:14

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

The other day I went to a gas station in a nearby town. When my tank was full, the attendant asked, "Kathie, do you need a receipt?" That's all. He didn't say anything amazing. He didn't do anything amazing. Yet, as I drove away, I began to cry. I don't know exactly what happened, but it was as if God said to me, "I see you and know that you are my beloved. I also see your pain and care about you. I see that you are making a difference in the world and I am pleased with you." None of these words were actually spoken and yet that is exactly the message that my heart heard from God, himself. That man was anointed by God. He is truly the light of the world. He is truly the salt of the earth. He was just going about his business, doing the menial job that was given to him. Yet, because he abides in God he is bearing great fruit. It is all very mystical, but I know it to be true. We are light and we are salt. We are making a difference.

“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” St. Francis of Assisi

Happy Birthday Jesus

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship Romans 12:1

During Christmas day service I asked God, "What do you want for Christmas?"

I heard him answer, "Give me all of your sins."

Rejoice

And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. Romans 13:11-12a

This is such a scripture of hope. It's Christmas Eve today and a day of great anticipation. Salvation is nearer. Tomorrow we celebrate the birthday of Jesus.

This is my last chance to share my favorite advent song. Enjoy this day of preparation for the birthday of our king.

Jesus, Our Most Amazing Paradox

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2

It's a time of winter when roses don't bloom and yet, Jesus, our rose is blooming. It's a time of darkness, and yet Jesus is our light. It is a time of debt and unemployment, and yet Jesus is our provider. He is the King of Kings, and yet not only was he born in a stable, he chooses to dwell in us with all our imperfections. He is a baby boy, and yet he will grow up to do amazing things for us all.

Arab Christmas Song

Last night I had a dream that I was on a bus in another part of the world. This morning, when I came across this Arab Christmas song, I just had to share it with you. It reminds us that there are Christians all over the world. The pictures are amazing and if you wait till the end, they will tell you what they are of.

Of The Father's Love Begotten

You are begotten of the Father's love. Before he created the world he planned on you. You are wanted, loved, valued and chosen. Open to his love and kindness. This is your greatest weapon against darkness. As you open to his love and kindness, the darkness must flee. You see things in proper perspective and know God's love and hope.

It is because of God's great love for you that God sent Jesus. Kneel at the manger and worship. You are welcomed in this sacred place along with the shepherds and angels. The wise men traveled a great distance to come to Christ. We remember them and are in awe. You too, have traveled a great distance. You have gone through many trials as you moved towards Jesus. Yet you have boldly continued on your journey. You haven't given up, no matter how difficult the path was. God sees and is pleased with you.

Come, Let Us Go Up To The Mountain Of The Lord

The word which Isaiah the son of Amos saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. Now it will come about that in the last days, the mountain of the house of the Lord will be established as the chief of the mountains, and will be raised above the hills; and all the nations will stream to it. And many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that He may teach us concerning His ways, and that we may walk in His paths." For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And He will judge between the nations, and will render decisions for many peoples; and they will hammer their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they learn war. Come, house of Jacob, and let us walk in the light of the Lord."
Isaiah 2:1-5

Advent is a time when we prepare for Christmas, which is the first coming of the Lord and also prepare for the second coming, when Jesus will return again. I have been focusing on Christmas, but today the focus shifted to Christ's second coming.

This morning I sensed a gathering of God's saints and angels saying to me, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord." I have got to admit that the first thing that struck me was that I was being asked to be part of a group of people that are truly dedicated to God. I sensed a respect for me that I have never known. I was so touched that I began to cry.

I get the impression that many of us are seeing ourselves like a grainy black and white photo. We are sort of staying in the background because we always feel inadequate and that we don't quite fit. We think, "I'll just stay quiet and worship God in my own way and everyone that rejects me and disagrees me will leave me alone." I think God is saying that he sees your faithfulness. He doesn't see you like you see yourself. You are in full color and vibrantly beautiful. Listen, God is calling you, yes you. In some mystical way, you are being asked to join the saints and angels to worship and prepare for the second coming of the Lord. Go forth in dignity and joy. The Lord is on your side.

God Chose Little You

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times.

Therefore Israel will be abandoned
until the time when she who is in labor bears a son,
and the rest of his brothers return
to join the Israelites.

He will stand and shepherd his flock
in the strength of the LORD,
in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.
And they will live securely, for then his greatness
will reach to the ends of the earth.

And he will be our peace
when the Assyrians invade our land
and march through our fortresses.
We will raise against them seven shepherds,
even eight commanders.
Micah 5:1-5

Joy To The World The Lord Is Come

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice in harvest.....For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing it and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord God Almighty will accomplish this.
Isaiah 9:2-3a & 6-7

"He comes to make his blessings flow, far as the curse is found."
(Joy To The World)

Several years ago, I was in Sarajevo. As I looked out the window at dawn, it was so beautiful to see the little lights all over the city coming on as people woke up. While I was remembering this today, I had a vision of a place near the center of Sarajevo where there is is a WWII memorial called Eternal Flame. Instead of the memorial, I saw the manger and baby Jesus. All around Jesus there was light. I felt like God was saying that when Jesus was born , he was born in the whole world. He had Sarajevo on his heart that day along with every place in the world. The little lights that I saw at dawn reminded me of Sarajevo waking up to know Jesus and who he is. As more and more people wake up the light increases. It all started in the heart of God. Like the above scripture says, "The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this." We, as Christians, do our best to spread the light, but God wants us to be reminded that he is the light, and he is the one that started the light shining and continues to do so. Our hope is in God. "He comes to make his blessings flow, far as the curse is found."

Ripples

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:9-11

When something really big is dropped into a pool, not only does it make a big splash, but it sends out ripples. Jesus was given to us as an amazing gift. He is the centerpiece. He is the reason for the season. There is no better gift that can be given to us than Jesus. He has landed in the pool of your life and has made a huge splash. But there is more. He is gifting you this very day in amazing ways. We weren't just gifted with Jesus and then all the rest of life we just bumble through. We weren't given Sundays just to worship and then the rest of the week we try to just make it through. We are gifted every day and in every moment. If you look up from what you are doing right now, you will see a gift from God. He is showering you constantly with gifts. They are the ripples from Jesus. Today, some of my obvious gifts are the hawk that perched in a tree across from my house and a blue heron that landed right in front of me, the delicious tea that I am drinking and the blue sky amidst the clouds. Oh please hear me out. These are not just some nice words. I feel so strongly that God wants you to wake up to his gifts for you. I know there is a place in you that is probably suffering. We want God to take the pain away. Until he does there is a tendency to just close our eyes and wait it out. He is asking you to open your eyes and see the gifts that he is showering on you. Surrender your will. His ways are not our ways. They don't always make sense. This I do know, he wants to pour out blessings on you. He has been doing this all along. Ask him to open your eyes and your heart to receive. Have a blessed day, gifted child of God.

Here is another of my favorite Christmas songs. I can still hear my seventh grade friend singing it many years ago. In this song, the gifts had to be pointed out, but they were there. God wants to point out his gifts to you.

The Right Shall Prevail

One of my favorite Christmas songs is, I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY. It is based on a poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. His wife had died and his son had been seriously injured in the Civil War when he wrote this poem.

I guess it really speaks to me because I grieve over the lack of peace on earth. There is war and suffering everywhere. One Christmas I was feeling especially sad and this song really spoke to me.

Yet pealed the bells more loud and deep,
"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth good will to men."

This morning, God has the same message. He is not dead. He lives. He is asking us to look up and see the goodness of God. It reminds me of the time I was telling God everything that I thought was wrong in my life. Then God spoke up and asked me, "What is right?" That is what he was asking me to look at.

When Jesus was born, hardly anyone even knew he existed. He was a little baby in an obscure stable. Yet he is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He doesn't want to be seen as little in this world of hatred and suffering. He is God, and his goodness and mercy endure forever. I am convinced that we as Christians need to sing this, speak it, believe it, declare it. You need to know it clear to the core of your being. Remember, praise silences the avenger and the foe. As you, who know the truth, walk in that truth, the light of Jesus will shine brighter and the world will know that "God is not dead and that the wrong shall fail and the right prevail."

Come and Worship

I just got a picture of Jesus living within me. I am the stable. The angels are singing. The shepherds are kneeling in worship. All I can think about is how dirty my barn is. I am so busy cleaning and mucking out stalls that I am hardly aware of Christ's presence.

I remember once, when I was a kid, the pastor came to visit. We weren't big on a super clean house. We lived out in the country and heated with wood, so there was the potential of lots of dust. To make matters worse, we had black, Naugahyde furniture that really showed the dust. When we saw the pastor pull into our driveway, we scurried around, hiding clutter and wiping the dust from the furniture. I was so ashamed and self conscious the whole time he was visiting, that I hardly knew he was there. I don't even remember why he came, but I can still feel the pain of shame, that he would see us in our everyday clothes and home.

I think that today, Jesus is saying that this is what some of us are doing. We are perpetually ashamed that Jesus is in such a dirty stable. We forget to even look at him because we am so worried about being clean enough. He is calling us to put down our cleaning tools and come and worship him.

Breath of Heaven

Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
Psalm 34;5

"I am waiting in a silent prayer. I am frightened by the load I bear. In a world cold as stone must I walk this path alone. Be with me now." (Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant)

Don't look at yourself and see if you measure up. God has chosen you to carry Christ. It's not because you are better than anyone else. Mary was like the forerunner. She was the first to carry Christ. Now everyone has the opportunity. God doesn't look at us and say, "You are good enough. I'll let you carry my Son, but if you mess up you're out of here." No, he is so humble. He knows we will mess up, but he's still willing. In fact our very lives are dependent on it. Those that carry his Son have true life.

There is nothing we can do to be good enough. That's why Jesus had to come in the first place. Nobody was pure enough. Now that he paid the price of our sin, we can come to him in righteousness. That is sheer gift.

The enemy seems to be shouting really loudly, "You are not good enough!"

God is begging us not to listen. He is asking us to look to him and be radiant, so our faces won't be covered with shame.

Today, I am giving you a truly beautiful song. It will truly bless you.

Red is the Color of Love

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

I am a rose of Sharon,a lily of the valleys. Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the maidens. Song of Solomon 2:1-2

This morning, my prayers began for the people that are walking in darkness, both those I know and those I don't know. Then I saw a beautiful vision. It was a string of dark red lights that covered the whole world. God seemed to be saying that he is everywhere. He is in nations that have made Christianity illegal. He is involved in lives of people that don't know him. He is so beautiful!

I have learned that red flowers represent love. I guess whenever I picture the Rose of Sharon, I picture a red rose. I also know that God so loved the world that he sent Jesus to shed his blood for us. He died for the whole world, so it makes sense that this beautiful Rose is present everywhere. It makes sense that his light that is shining is red.

God's greatest call to me today is to see and acknowledge his presence in the world. I am not to be discouraged by the darkness. I am to rejoice that a child has been born. The Rose of Sharon is here like a lily among thorns. I would encourage you to respond to this call as well. Acknowledge and savor the beauty of your Lord. See this beauty in the ashes. Receive his oil of joy for your mourning. Lift up your eyes and worship the One True God who reigns throughout the whole world.

White Christmas

>Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. Isaiah 1:18

I am dreaming of a white Christmas. I want every person to receive what Christ did for us on the cross. I want us to walk in dignity and knowing that he became our sin so that we could be righteous. So many people don't turn to God, whether they are Christian or not, because somehow they are convinced they they don't deserve to come to him and they need to get their act together first. I actually find myself doing this again and again. That's just it. We can never really get our act together while here on earth. That is why we need Jesus. Though are sins be scarlet, we shall be as white as snow. So I am praying that everyone everywhere will receive the greatest gift ever, and the whole world will be whiter than snow.

In The Bleak Mid Winter

“What can I give him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd,
I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise man,
I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give him—
Give my heart.”
(Christina Rosetti)

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3

So many times we feel thrashed by life. It can feel like mid winter right in the middle of summer. It seems as if we have absolutely nothing to give anyone. We feel destitute. These are the most painful times and yet the most glorious. We are stripped of everything and can't impress God or anyone else. Then all we have to offer God is ourselves. This is when we find out that this is what is most important to him. He is not impressed with all we have done to prove that we are worth loving. He already knows that we are worth it.

See him come to you and place the precious, vulnerable baby Jesus in your arms. Hold him close. Let his warmth and sweetness penetrate the winter of your life.

Your Heart Is A Manger

Why lies he in such mean estate, where ox and ass are feeding?...
The King of Kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone him.
( Christmas Carol- What Child is This)

You did not choose me, but I chose you.. John 15:16

He did not choose us because we are a royal palace for the King of Kings to dwell. When he came at Christmas, he chose to be born in a barn. He had a manger for his bed. He has chosen us in the same way. He hasn't chosen us because he is impressed with how good we are. We are a stable and our heart is a manger full of hay. He wants to dwell in us. He didn't choose us because we are good. He chose us because he loves us.

Remain In His Love

Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.
Luke 1:28

For many are invited, but few are chosen. Matthew 22:12

You are chosen! This is what I really want to emphasize today. It is a good thing that you have said, "yes" to God. He is pleased with this, but he wants us to know that he chose us. Last night, this is what he kept impressing on my heart. We are chosen by God. He wants us. He values us. He loves us. We tend to get so caught up in trying to please God that we forget that he is pleased with us. We forget to just be still and receive from him.

Let his love wash over you. Let it sink into those places within you that are cold and barren. Be still and know that he is God. The advice and attitude of others can really wear you down. Life itself can be very challenging. There is no condemnation in him. He is your strong tower. He is your hiding place. He is your refuge and fortress. He isn't looking for you to be strong and capable so you can do good things for him. He is looking to be your hero. He wants to be strong and capable for you. He wants to be your knight in shining armor. Let your guard down and rest in his love. Cast all your cares on him and let him care for you. You are his chosen one, his beloved. Remain in his love.

Mary's Song

My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my
savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his
servant.
From now on all generations will call
me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great
things for me-
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear
him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with
his arm;
he has scattered those who are
proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from
their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good
things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant
Israel;
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants
forever,
even as he said to our fathers.
Luke 1:46-55

Yes Lord

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered, "May it be to me as you have said."
Luke 1:38

The angel didn't just ask Mary to go tell everyone about the Messiah. In fact, as far as I can tell, Mary was pretty quiet. Jesus was in her. Then she gave birth to him and shared him with others.

Jesus is asking to be in us in the same way, to be part of us. He is asking to come and dwell in us like he did with Mary. He wants his home to be in us.

He is not just asking us to run and shout about him. He's not asking us to be good or do good works. He is asking to truly dwell in us. We will be like Mary and carry the Son of God. We can't give birth to him unless we carry him. We can't share him with others unless we have him to share.

I don't totally get it, just like Mary didn't. He is just asking us to say, "yes." It seems he wants to dwell in us in a way that we have never known. This is what we have been looking for our whole lives. This is what we were made for. If you say, "yes," you aren't saying yes to me. You are saying, "yes" to God. So let's do it. Let's grab God's hand and take the plunge. It's going to be good.

God's Tour Of The Human Race

Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.....for it is light that makes everything visible.
Romans 13:11

Over the Thanksgiving holiday season I have met up with quite a variety of people. They ranged from the most devout Christians to atheists with prison records. I pondered each group of people that I had been in contact with and was pretty impressed by the diversity. What I really became aware of was how each person had some quality that was pure gold. Then I started to get a sense of God showing them off to me like a proud Papa. I remembered that he is the Father of us all.

I know that he tells us to not judge and he tells us to think about the good things. Instead of criticizing, he has asked us to pray for others. When he says to having nothing to do with the darkness, it means nothing. He doesn't want us to focus on the darkness in others. He wants to take us on a tour and show us good qualities in people. I think that this is one of our calls as God's children, to enjoy the good in others as our Father in heaven does. In some way, it is an encouragement to them. It is even more empowering if you actually speak it to them. Regardless, they will feel it if you have a positive frame of mind about them. Remember how when you are with someone that has a good attitude, you feel free and happy. This is a gift that you can give to others. If you honestly can't find something to like about a person, ask God to show you how he sees them. You will be pleasantly surprised. In the midst of this, remember that he is proud of you. As you know his love and approval, you will be able to see it more towards others. Have fun with your new outlook on the human race. You will be such a blessing everywhere you go. Your light will shine brightly. This light will expose the darkness. This light will set others free.

Awake

Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.
Ephesians 5:12

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. Isaiah 60:1

Yesterday was the first Sunday in Advent. We are now officially preparing for Christmas. During this time we remember that Jesus came to earth and why. We also remember that Jesus will return and are reminded to stay awake and be prepared for his return.

This morning, as I pondered this, I remembered a vision that my friends and I had together. In the vision, we were standing out on the street shouting, "Wake up. Jesus is coming."

All up and down the street people opened their windows and shouted, "Shut up! We are trying to sleep!"

We are truly called to encourage others to stay awake or to wake up. This morning, I feel God challenging us to ponder our own wakefulness. That's all. We are to each go to God and ask him where we are asleep. We are to ask him to wake us up and give us the ability to stay awake. I know that through this process he will reveal himself to us in a new and beautiful way.

Gifts From Our Father

one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all .
Ephesians 4:6

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Matthew 5:45

Last night I became really aware that God is the Father of us all. That means all, not just those that know him and call on his name. He is showering us with gifts because he is so kind and generous. I had the sense that as we were sleeping, he was getting a whole bunch of gifts together to give us today. He is doing this for every one, constantly. In fact before we were even created, he started planning the gifts that he will give us. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful Father.

Give Thanks To The Lord

[1] O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures for ever.
[2] O give thanks to the God of gods,
for his steadfast love endures for ever.
[3] O give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[4] to him who alone does great wonders,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[5] to him who by understanding made the heavens,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[6] to him who spread out the earth upon the waters,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[7] to him who made the great lights,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[8] the sun to rule over the day,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[9] the moon and stars to rule over the night,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[10] to him who smote the first-born of Egypt,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[11] and brought Israel out from among them,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[12] with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[13] to him who divided the Red Sea in sunder,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[14] and made Israel pass through the midst of it,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[15] but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[16] to him who led his people through the wilderness,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[17] to him who smote great kings,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[18] and slew famous kings,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[19] Sihon, king of the Amorites,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[20] and Og, king of Bashan,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[21] and gave their land as a heritage,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[22] a heritage to Israel his servant,
for his steadfast love endures for ever.
[23] It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[24] and rescued us from our foes,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[25] he who gives food to all flesh,
for his steadfast love endures for ever.
[26] O give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his steadfast love endures for ever.
Psalm 136

Pleasing God

"I long just to please you" (Jeremy Riddle

I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. This will please the Lord more than an ox, and more than a bull with his horns and hoofs.
Psalm 69:30-31

As I sang the line from a song by Jeremy Riddle, I was aware that God loves me. He doesn't just love himself and his agenda. So part of what pleases God is to bless me and that I know his love for me.

We do not prostitute ourselves to God. He wants us as a bride; to be his friend, partner, soul mate. I know my spouse is my best friend. We do fun things together. We work together, laugh together, cry together. We talk about life and confide in each other. As time goes by, we love each other more and more deeply.

This is what God wants with us, and more. So pleasing God isn't just being good. He wants us to be his bride in every way. This would please him more than anything.

God is For You

No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame.(3) Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior, and my hope is in you all day long.(4-5)Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.(8-9)The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.(15) Psalm 25

Our hope is only in God. He did a perfect job creating us, and he has a plan that is perfect for us. We must continuously seek his face and he will guide us in the direction we should go. Others have lots of opinions of what is right for you. You may have even decided on an agenda for yourself. Lay it down and seek God's face. While you are at it lay don all of your "I shoulds." He will show you a better way. If God is for you, who can be against. I am so comforted to know that God is on my side. Even my mistakes can't ruin my life when God is on my team. He wants us to be at peace and trust in him. He wants to guide us into the amazing plan that he has for us. You were born for "such a time as this." You don't have to be the responsible one. God will do that job for you. You can rest in his love and let him carry you. It will really be exciting to see where God leads you. He will open up doors that you never even considered an option. He has a much higher and glorious plan than you can image. Hop on God's train. His train is bound for glory.

Our God Is For Us

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:28-31

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9

All of us are in a battle of some sort. Today, I am fighting for my health and God's truth. Some people I know are fighting for their marriage, their children, their finances, their health, and even their lives. The list could get pretty long.The good news is, "If God is for us, who can be against us." We are not alone in this battle. God is for us. God will give you strategies just like he did the children of Israel. "The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."As I write this, I get the impression that some of you are having trouble believing that God could actually be there for someone like you. Others look at the struggles that they are going through and can't see evidence that God is for them. I declare it. I speak it over you. God is for you. You are more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus. You will win this battle.

God Will Gather You And Bring You Back

Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the Lord your God will gather you and bring you back. Deuteronomy 30:4

This verse really touches my heart. It speaks to me of God's faithfulness to me. In this case, he was speaking to the Israelites about being banished to another country because of their disobedience. He won't just leave them there. He will bring them back. It comforts me and endears me to God because he is so good to me, even when I mess up. One of my weaknesses is to worry that I will make a bad choice and mess everything up. God says that no matter what, he will come after me and bring me back. I can't out mess up God. His love and goodness are bigger than anything I could ever do wrong.

From My Journal

God told me that, like the moon reflects the sun, I am a reflection of him. I don't have to be a reflection of what others think of me. It's so subtle when men put their expectation in a world that fits in their box of life, rather than in God. It always takes me by surprise.

I almost never fit in anyone's concept of how life should be. I voice radical ideas that they try to stomp out like a fire. I address concepts that they have decided cannot exist. They state their beliefs forcefully, as if by them speaking with aggression, it will push away what I have just spoken. They have a rulebook of who God is and what his children should be like. When I speak of God and of who I am, it generally doesn't fit their agenda for life. They say, either silently or out loud, "No, No. This cannot be. Go away. We don't want you in our lives unless you believe like us."

I walk into a room, wearing no mask and no pretenses. They do not want to be associated with me. They want their fairy tale world and pretty costumes. I want life with both the sorrow and the joy. I want the adventures God takes me on and the beautiful things he teaches me. I want this more than being embraced by mankind. I want the truth even if it doesn't fit anyone's rule book. I want God for who he really is. The God who loves me for who I really am. He calls me his delight, the apple of his eye. I want this more than the approval of man.

So I will continue to walk through life on this earth. I will look up to the God who loves me and says that I am making a difference.

Come and walk with me on this journey of life. Be free to be yourself and be loved by the one whose love matters the most.

Stand

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of the dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Ephesians 6:10-13

Yesterday morning, God kept saying to me, "After you have done everything stand." He was equipping me for an encounter that I had later in the day with a very rude woman that's comment went right to a very vulnerable spot in me. I tried everything to get rid of the yuck of it all. I forgave. I chose to not be offended I prayed blessings over her. I invited God to fill my wound with his glory light. Nothing got rid of how awful I felt. So I stopped and spent some time just standing in God's love. Then he reminded me again, "After you have done everything, stand." I sensed his love in a super powerful way. I saw a vision of attackers all around me and Jesus pushing them aside and coming to gather me in his arms. I was so aware that nothing can separate me from his love. Then the following song came to me.

Carry The Beauty In Your Heart

to comfort all who mourn and provide for those who grieve in Zion- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
Isaiah 61:3

I was just thanking God for the beautiful worship service that we attended Sunday. I heard him say, "Carry the beauty in your heart." I am understanding that God has beauty, joy and praise that he is continuously offering us. He wants us to be aware of this and to receive it. Yes, there is ugliness, despair, and disappointment out there. God does not deny that. If you are mourning, let him comfort you. Let him provide beauty and gladness and praise. You may feel like you have earned the right to focus on what is wrong in your life because it feels like there is so much that is wrong. The price is just too high! It will only lead to despair. Look up and notice the goodness that God is offering you. Receive it, savor it and carry this beauty in your heart.

Light Inoculations

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
John 1:5

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12

You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light.
2 Samuel 22:29

This morning, God showed me a new strategy to use against the darkness within and around me. He can inoculate each of these areas with his light. When Jesus came into the world, he came as light in the darkness, and the darkness couldn't overcome the light.

So my new prayer today has been for God to inoculate every place of darkness within me. Then I started asking him to do the same with the darkness around me, especially in the lives of others. I am really excited! The darkness can't intimidate or discourage me any longer.

Such A Time As This

I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none. Ezekiel 22:30-31

And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this.
Esther 4:13

God is still looking for people to stand in the gap on behalf of others. He looked for someone to intercede for the Jews, and because he found no one he had to punish them. Yes, they deserved punishment, but God didn't want to do it. He wanted someone to cry out for mercy. Remember how there were times when the Israelites deserved to be punished and Moses, an innocent man, asked to die in their place. As a result, God had mercy.

We are royalty like Esther. We have been given permission to approach the throne of God. Lets ask for mercy on those that deserve to be punished. Let's stand in the gap on their behalf. You can relate to many of them. You struggle with the same issues, either because you are guilty of them or they are being directed at you. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Jesus already took your punishment. The enemy has an agenda against you and your your fellow humans. You exist at such a time as this. Intercede and help lead the world to victory.

Time For Sowing Lessons

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Luke 6:37-38

He said to give and it will be given to you. I always thought that this just applied to finances. God is showing me that this applies to every area of our lives. If we give forgiveness, we will be forgiven. If we give mercy, we will receive mercy and so on. I hate to say it but I think that the pagans are better at this than me. They call it Karma. That's why I love hanging out with pagans, no offense all you non pagans. The fact of the matter is, I like the way they treat me. Jesus said that we reap what we sow. This could get really fun. Think of the wonderful gift that God has given us. We can go all over planting seeds of goodness.

Peace and Prosperity

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you will prosper.
Jeremiah 29:7

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11

This scripture is speaking to the Jews about being in exile in Babylon. They weren't there willingly and the city belonged to their enemies. Yet God is asking them to pray for peace and prosperity for the whole city, not just themselves. I believe that God asks the same of us today. What place are you in exile. Are you sick, in a difficult marriage, in debt, depressed, in a nasty job, unemployed, or some other hard situation? I believe that God is asking you to cry out on behalf of others in the same difficulty, whether they deserve it or not.

God wants to prosper you, but he wants you to pray big prayers so that he can prosper others too. It's actually really cool. It is so fun to watch others be blessed by God.You get to have a part in bringing that about. How fun is that!

Boldly Come To God

Therefore, since we have a high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are- yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and grace to help us in our time of needs. Hebrews 4:14-16

Some of us are in some pretty miserable situations. It is so tangled that it is difficult to tell where we messed up and where we are innocent. Of course none of us wants to mess up, but it is a fact that we do. Sometimes our tendency is to not ask God for help because we feel like we deserve where we are at. Of course, at the same time, it is pretty easy to find people that agree with this verdict.

The above scripture begs to differ. God says that we can boldly approach his throne. We have a high priest that doesn't condemn us. He sympathizes with our weaknesses. Come to him now with your problems whether they are your fault or not. Ask for forgiveness and receive his help. He wants to give you mercy and grace to help you in your time of need. Both mercy and grace have to do with receiving when we don't deserve it. Come because Jesus is asking you to. God says to ask and you will receive. I truly encourage you to call on the name of the Lord and be saved from whatever difficulty you find yourself in.

God Has A Double Portion For You

The Spirit of the Sovereign
Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to preach good news to the
poor.
He has sent me to bind up the
brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the
captives
and release from darkness for the
prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's
favor
and the day of vengeance of our
God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in
Zion-
to bestow on them a crown of
beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of
righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.

They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long
devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for
generations.
Aliens will shepherd your flocks;
foreigners will work your fields and
vineyards.
And you will be called priests of the
Lord,
you will be named ministers of our
God.
You will feed on the wealth of
nations,
and in their riches you will boast.

Instead of their shame
my people will receive a double
portion,
and instead of disgrace
they will rejoice in their
inheritance;
and so they will inherit a double
portion of their land,
and everlasting joy will be theirs.

For I, the Lord, love justice;
I hate robbery and iniquity.
In my faithfulness I will reward them
and make an everlasting covenant
with them.
Their descendants will be known
among the nations
and their offspring among the
peoples.
All who see them will acknowledge
that they are a people the Lord has
blessed.

I delight greatly in the Lord;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments
of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of
righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head
like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself
with her jewels.
For as the soil makes the sprout come
up
and a garden causes seeds to
grow,
so the Sovereign Lord will make
righteousness and praise
spring up before all nations.
Isaiah 61

God Inspires You

I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. Ezekiel 26:37

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:20

God is saying that his Spirit within us has been leading us our whole lives. He has never left us and never will. Each of us will not be like any other person. I am remembering that Jesus was perfectly led by God and yet, I can hear the crowd yelling, "Crucify him!" He wasn't what they expected. Neither are you. You are part of a peculiar people.

I have always admired the quiet, reverent appearing people. They always look so holy. This is how God made them. I am just not one of them. I am adventurous and curious. I talk, sing and tell corny jokes. I walk up to total strangers and start talking to them as if I've known them my whole life. I am not a quiet, hidden person. I am unconventional and always out of step with others. For example, Monday was a feast day; God had me fast. Go figure. Throughout my life I have shocked and horrified many people. They say to me, "It's just not done that way." Much of my life I have been shamed and taught to believe that if I am out of step with the people around me, then I am out of step with God.

God is showing me that, not only has he stood by our sides in our uniqueness, he has inspired it. He is so excited to take us beyond status quo. He has so many cool things that he wants to do with us. He wants us to trust that he is leading us. We are not left to our own devices. He will never leave us. This is going to be fun.

Self Imposed Agenda

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Psalm 22:3

I have always been unique. As I write this, I can hear my friend Randy in a puppet show saying, "Be unique like everybody else." I guess we are all unique. Anyway, my point is that I have always felt out of sync with the world. I was led to believe that this was a defect. So to compensate this, I have created a self imposed agenda. Since this isn't who I really am and it is not God's will for me, I have failed miserably. Then of course, I felt like I was a failure. God is asking me to let go of my self imposed agenda. He is doing things in the lives of his children that have never been done before. He created us each so wonderfully. We cannot listen to what man thinks we are to do, although he does speak through people. Ultimately we need to seek his face and let him guide us, even if it is in a unique direction. He is so looking forward to the wonderful things he wants to show us. There are treasures out there that have never been seen by man. He wants to show them to us. This is going to be so exciting!

Self Imposed Walls

With my God I can scale a wall. Psalm 18:29

You hem me in-behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Psalm 139:5-6

Yesterday, God showed me that he had set me free, but I chose to have self imposed walls. This freedom was just too scary to me. I wanted to be hemmed in by walls that I created so that I would feel safe. God said that these man made walls needed to be torn down. I keep remembering a movie called, The Truman Show. In it the actor thinks he is living a normal life of freedom until he realizes that he is stuck in a movie set. In the end he escapes. When I pondered escaping my self imposed walls I felt afraid. I didn't know how to be free. It's a big world out there. The above scripture is very comforting. I don't need my self imposed walls.God is surrounding me and keeping me safe. So my prayer has been, "Yes God, you can remove my self imposed walls. I want to be free"

You Are Called

His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
"Neither this man nor his parents," said Jesus, "but this happened that the work of God might be displayed in his life." John 9:2-3

Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion. Psalm 84:4-7

God gave me the beginnings of a revelation today that I hope I can put into words. Did you notice that the man was born blind. It wasn't his fault or the fault of anyone else. It wasn't a generational curse or because of wrong choices on anyone else's part. His blindness had a purpose. It was so that the work of God could be displayed in his life. I want you to also notice that when Jesus came to this earth lots of horrid things happened to him. This wasn't because he messed up. He didn't live in a mansion and have servants so that he could just play. He was poor and eventually even homeless. He went through all of that so that the work of God could be displayed. There is one more element. His life was an intercession for the world. His life was a prayer for us. He went through it so that we could have intimacy with God, be healed, delivered from sin and death.

Our lives are filled with circumstances that are not of our choosing. We have issues in our lives that we can't get rid of. If you are like me your focus has been to get well and to be set free. If you are like me you have felt guilty because you just couldn't get free. You felt like a failure. Was the blind man a failure? Was Jesus a failure? What God seems to be saying to me is that he literally calls us into these difficult things so that his name can be glorified and so that our lives can be an intercession for others in the same circumstances. He is asking us to look up and trust in him. He is wanting to do a great work in and through our lives. We are the body of Christ. He said that we will do even greater things than he did. We share in his sufferings and as a result share in the redemptive work. Quit blaming yourself or others for who you are. Put your hope in God. You will not make a difference in the world in spite of your circumstances. You will make a difference because of them. You are not a failure or disappointment to God. He is proud to call you his own. I quoted part of Psalm 84 again because it makes this exact point. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make a place of springs. If you could look behind you right now, you would see that everywhere you have been has been made better because you were there. Springs have been created so that others can drink of them and be refreshed and healed. Shine little light. You are a joy and a blessing.

You Are Righteousness

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says,
"In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you."
I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
2 Corinthians 5:21-6:2

You are the righteousness of God. There is no condemnation in Christ Jesus. Your identity is not "sinner." You are justified, remember that means "just as if I never did it." I know that you are thankful that Jesus paid the price for your sins and that he died in your place, so you can have eternal life. This is truly awesome. Now is the time of God's favor. Now is the time of God's salvation. Shame and striving to be good want to rule. Don't let them. Jesus gave you his righteousness. Receive it. Walk in it. Rest in it.

You will continue to fall short. In fact there is a scripture that says that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Jesus wants you to confess and then move on. I am only beginning to truly learn about this. So this is how I have been putting it into practice these last few days. I do a blanket confession each day for all of my sins in general. Then I look up at righteousness. At the same time I am resting in God's love and approval. They seem to go hand in hand. All I know is that this is of utmost importance. Jesus asked us to seek first his righteousness. He didn't say to seek first your own righteousness. In fact, he said that our righteousness is as filthy rags. God made a huge deposit of righteousness with your name on it in the bank of his love. Don't let it be in vain. Withdraw it and live in it. It will never run out.

You Are Giving Life

How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.
Even the sprrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young-
a place near your altar.
O Lord Almighty, my King and My God.
Blessed are those who dwell in
your house;
they are ever praising you.
Blessed are those whose strength
is in you,
who have set their hearts on
pilrimage.
As they pass through the valley of
Baca,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it
with pools.
They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in
Zion.
Hear my prayer, O Lord God
Almighty;
listen to me, O God of Jacob.
Look upon our shield, O God;
look with favor on your annointed
one.
Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper
in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the
wicked.
For the Lord God is a sun
and a shield;
the Lord bestows favor and
honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is
blameless.
O Lord Almighty,
blessed is the man whose trust is
in you.
Psalm 84

I was just going to have this scripture be my blog today, but I really became aware of the verse that says that that they turn the place of weeping into a place of springs. This happens in the life of the one who loves God. He is also the light of the world. Wherever he goes he is making a difference. His very presence is spreading life and light.

Desert To Dessert

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:19

Last night,I was attacked with a huge wave of darkness. I cried out to God, "I am in the desert again. Help me." Immediately, I remembered something that I had seen the day before. At this very moment we are in eastern Oregon, which is desert country. It is dry and barren, yet there are places that have been irrigated, and they are fertile and can grow crops or be green pastureland. God rememded me of one of these pastures that had horses feeding contentedly, right in the middle of the desert.

Then I heard God say, "I will give you streams in the desert."

I have been thanking God ever since for the streams in our desert. The darkness had no more power to intimidate me. God has me pondering deserts from a different angle. He wants us to see that he has great gifts for us right in the middle of the desert. We have seen elk, antelope, and eagles. There are red sumak leaves, sagebrush, gold, and lots of wonderful things to see. There is hiking and so many things to explore. For us the desert is actually a really fun place.

On the news we heard a man talking about having MS. He said that it is the best thing that ever happended to him because of the great good that has come into his life as a result. So God is not asking to just give us tools to cope. He wants to give us gifts that can only be had in a dessert. He wants to show us beautiful things and give us awesome experiences. He is actually really excited about the gifts he has in store for us. Most people avoid the deserts of life. God wants to lead us right into the desert. He is doing a new thing and it is going to be super cool. Drink deep of the stream that God has provided. Eat from the green pastures. Enjoy the beauty and gifts that God has for you. God will turn your desert into dessert.

Persevere

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere, so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him." But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.
Hebrews 10:35-39

God showed me a picture of perseverance. It looks like a fast train that transports you through life. In perseverance, you can get through a fire and not be burned. You can go through water and not drown. It's a place of rest, peace, and hope. I always thought that perseverance was pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps, gritting your teeth, and moving forward no matter how awful it is. I thought it had to do with how strong and capable you are as a person. This has never been my area of expertise. I am weak and sensitive, afraid and ashamed. In the past, I have gone through situations being very much aware that it is awful and grieving at the agony of it all. God has been giving me the vehicle of perseverance these last few days. It's been quite a ride. Fear, shame, and disappointment remain outside. Perseverance is a place of dignity and supernatural protection as you go through difficult situations. It is all God's work. So climb aboard, believe and be saved.

The Goodness Of The Lord

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34:8

For the past several days, God has been having me continously open to his goodness. It has become a grand adventure. Every time a negative thought or emotion comes, or even a good expectation, I open to God's goodness. In the past I closed up to protect myself. I am choosing to open instead and can almost feel a physical opening. God is showering me with gifts. I think that I must have been oblivious to them before. I would have been afraid or grieving over dissapointments. Instead, I am in awe of all the wonderful things that God is doing for me.

Surrender

Casting all your cares on him for he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

The other night I had a dream that really spoke to me. I had inherited some money and an evil guy wanted to steal it from me and my children. The enemy was so powerful and evil, that there was no way I could avoid him. No matter where I hid the inheritance, there was the fear that he would find it. So I gave it to God for safe keeping. I knew that no enemy could take it away from God.

The next day, I started handing things over to God, like; my health, finances, hopes, children, future, etc. I am depending on God to care for everything important. I am not capable of keeping the enemy away. Besides, it's really tiring to continuously try to take care of these things on my own. There is a great freedom in letting God be the responsible one.He will not only protect our inheritance, but he will restore what has been stolen. If God is for us, who can be against us. Hallelujah!

God's High Five

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

New age says to focus on the one thing that you want and it will happen. Of course, there is truth in this, but it isn't the truth. God wants us to focus on him and ask for everything that we want. Then he wants to do what is best. Instead of grieving over the fact that he is not answering our prayers the way we hoped, he wants us to join in his enthusiasm. He is doing a great work! He rewards those that earnestly seek him. As I write this, I see him wanting to give me a high five. His hand is raised because he wants me to slap it in agreement that we both want what is best. He's so excited about the work that he is accomplishing on our behalf.

Optimism Is Contagious

Listen! My lover! Look! here he comes leaping across the mountains, bounding over the hills. Song of Songs2:8

Graham Cooke says that God is the happiest person he knows. God's plan is to prosper us and not to harm us. I feel that God is asking us to see him as joyful and fun filled. He is really excited about what is being accomplished in and through us. He wants us to hand this work over to him. He has such great ideas for us and he can hardly wait to do them. He is almost begging us to believe in his optimism. Life will look different and we will have far more joy. I just heard him say, "and besides, optimism is contagious." We will catch it from him and it will spread to others.

Optimism

For he says, "In the time of my favor, I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2

This morning, I was declaring who God is. I said "You are the God of..."
I heard a tangible voice say, "optimism." I know that God spoke this, so I looked it up in the dictionary.
(1) The belief that good ultimately prevails over evil.
(2) The tendency to take the most hopeful view of matters.

When I thought of optimism, it made me think of something far more broad than the one little thing that I have been praying for. Since God is optimistic he is answering my prayers in the best way ever. He has bigger and better plans for everyone involved. The word "optimism" is so filled with hope.

We are really getting a bargain. I ask for something puny and God gives something far greater than I can even imagine.

Entrust Yourself To Him Who Judges Justly

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
1 Peter 2:23

One thing have struggled with is being with people who have given into self righteous condemnation. I find it so oppressive that I want to run the other way. So when I am thrown into a group of people that have decided that how they dress, act and believe is the one true way, I have been doomed. In some gatherings, I found it so oppressive that I could hardly function.

Yesterday, when I came up against this, God gave me the word "justice." He was saying to me that he enjoys who I am. He is pleased with me and that through Jesus I am fully acceptable. This is where God had me dwell. I was to keep my eyes on him and his opinion of me. Anytime that I started to shrink in shame or rejection, God would say to me, "justice." It was such a victorious experience. I was no longer a victim of man's attitude or the lies they believed.

Come, All You Who Are Thirsty

Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come buy wine and milk
without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me and eat what is good,
and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
Give ear and come to me;
hear me that your soul may live.
Isaiah 55:1-3a

Remember how the prodigal son went out in to the world? He spent all of his inheritance on things that didn't satisfy him. He tried everything until he ran out of money. Remember in the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon tried everything under the sun. He said it was all vanity. He and the prodigal came to the same conclusion. Return to the Father. In the Father we are satisfied. In the Father our needs are truly met. He promises that in him we can have complete joy. God is calling us to be truly dependent on him for everything. He will feed us. He will protect us. He will cause our souls to truly live. It is mystical, but true. Seek God. Declare these things to be true. He is what you have been looking for. You are truly complete in him.

God Will Meet Your Needs

Something that I felt that the Lord said to me.

Why do you torture and beat yourself up, claiming you are not good enough? Why do you claim your past as if it were your own and long for your future as if it would meet your needs? Now, now is the time I will satisfy you. I will meet your needs this day. I will satisfy your every desire. I am enough. I am your all. Don't give up hope for dissatisfaction and discontentment. Come follow me and I will give you life, true life. What the world has to offer glitters and looks beautiful. What I have to offer is truly beautiful. I am truth. I will supply all of your needs. You can choose contentment. You can choose joy and hope. I am enough. Lay down your ideas of how you think things should be and come follow me. I will show you the way of life. Come eat of my bread. It is quite tasty. As you submit to my care you will develop a taste for what is good for you. I am your true health food. I am your manna from heaven. I am your all. Come follow me, and I will give you rest, rest from your labors of dissatisfaction and all your hopeless dreams. Come follow me and I will truly give you life. My lamb, my loved one. I am the Good Shepherd. I will care for you. come follow me.

God Will Satisfy You

I got to thinking about how God gave the Israelites manna in the wilderness. It's really quite cool how he gave them this miracle food each morning. He fed them right from his hand. This must have been the true super food. It must have had all the nutrients that they needed, because God promises to supply all of our needs. To the Israelites, it wasn't enough. They griped and complained. They felt nostalgic and longed for the food that they ate when they were in slavery. They wanted something other than manna.

This got me thinking about how Jesus is our Bread of Life. He is our source. He is more than enough. His mercies are new every morning, just like the manna. God is the I Am. He is everything that we need him to be. He is calling us to come and partake. He is begging us to leave behind how things used to be. He wants us to come, receive, and be satisfied.

I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35

Here is a fun song by Keith Green about this very subject. I love this song and I love this guy that gave his all for God.

Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. John4:13

My people have committed two sins:
They have forsaken me,
the spring of living water,
and have dug their own cisterns,
broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
Jeremiah 2:13

God's love is unconditional. This is where I need to dwell. I have been dwelling in man's conditional approval. My purpose for existence is to be loved by God. This love just is, without me doing anything. I would drink of the living water that Jesus has for me. I would be rid of the cisterns that I have dug for myself. I would choose God's love. I surrender the lies that tell me I don't measure up.

"Lord, let my belief system line up with yours. If you say I am lovable and approvable, then let me believe it."

God's love is based on who he is, not how I perform, not on others' opinion of me. He is love and he is loving. This is the key.

Guidance

So many options and opportunities pull on us. They entice us and call our name. This can all be very confusing. We want to do great things for God. We want to make a difference in the world and live a productive life.
When God led the Israelites through the wilderness, it was his very presence that guided them. By day, the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. (Exodus 13:21-22) No matter what opportunities present themselves, even if they look like they would do lots of good, make sure you are not leaving God's presence to do them. Don't run off to do great things for God and leave God waiting on the actual path that you really belong on.
In the midst of this, remember that God loves you more than what you can accomplish for him. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. No matter how amazing the opportunity, God will not call you to something that doesn't have to do with you and your gifting. Paul gave Timothy instructions based on what was prophesied over him. He also wanted Timothy to fan into flames the gifting that was given to him. God had a plan for Timothy's life and he gifted him accordingly. God has a plan for you that fits you perfectly. It will enhance your dignity and bring you great joy. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world , yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? (Mark 8:36)
Go with God and be who you really are. This is how you will truly make a difference in the world.

Let Him Be Your All

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like the eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint. Isaiah 40:29-31

Because the sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, have I set my face like flint, and know I will not be put to shame. Isaiah 50:7

God continues to have me on a theme of exchanging my weakness and inability for his strength and ability. The word "renew", in the above verse, literally means exchange. We exchange our weakness for his strength. This comes about through hoping in God. Isaiah sets his face like flint. He looks to God and hopes in God. All kinds of circumstances, thoughts and emotions want to have the attention instead. We are to set our faces like flint on God. We are to seek first his kingdom. We are to look to Jesus. We are not to look to the waves or listen to the lies of the enemy. Jesus and what he teaches are the truth. He is our true north. Your strength, your ability, and your old belief systems have only brought you pain. Look up and hope in God. Let him be your strength. Let him be your all.

God Is Lonely

As I sit in God's presence, I wonder, how does the world survive without this? Life crushes me from every side, both inside and out.So in this quiet time, I remember who I am and who God is. I am refreshed and ministered to by God. I know that every single Christian needs this, not just a quick time to read the Bible, say a hasty prayer and get on with life. Just as a good multiple vitamin doesn't replace eating nutritiously, a fifteen minute devotional time doesn't replace spending a decent chunk of time in God's presence. We need to be still and know he is God.(Psalm 46:10)

We need to let him minister to us. If you take the time to sit in God's presence, he will take the time to minister to you. "Draw near to God and he will draw near to you" (James 4:8) We are spiritual beings. We are friends of God. We need this to grow and survive spiritually.

One time, I was going to a woman's retreat. I asked God, "Is there anything that you want me to share with the ladies?"

He answered, "Tell them that I am lonely."

He loves it when we hang out with him. He wants our friendship and we need his.

Look At The Capabilities Of God

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

Today, I read about this amazing man who overcame obstacles and conquered. I used to be motivated when I read stories like this. I would think, "If he can do it, so can I." Well, guess what? I am not like those people. I am pretty weak emotionally and I hate suffering. When I read the story, I started crying in discouragement. Then God spoke to me. He told me that even if I don't have an iron will and a a strong constitution, he does. I don't have to be personally like one of those people. I am not to look at them and get discouraged. I can even be aware of my weakness, but know that God is strong. I have been looking at my own capabilities and giving up. The key is to look at the capabilities of God. God is powerful. God is love. God is self disciplined. I can conquer because God is at work within me. God will be these things for me.

Obedience Opens Doors To Victory

Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. 1 Sam 15.22

Once I heard a talk about obedience to God. The speaker said that when God asks you to do something and you don't do it, it messes everything up. For one thing, it makes it harder to hear from God. The other, is that God might not tell you what he has in store for you next until you obey the first command.

This morning, I was asking God about whether I should fast and do some other spiritual exercises. I am so tired of not seeing victory in my life. I thought maybe this would help. He seemed to be saying to me, "What about the one thing that I asked you to do years ago and you still haven't obeyed? How about we start with that." Well, that one thing seemed too hard and I just kept side stepping it. So this morning, I told God that I would obey him on this thing, even if it seemed impossible. Then he lead me to a chapter in the Bible that he has been referring me to for 15 years. It seemed like he offered it to me as a word of encouragement. I am to meditate on it and believe it and walk in it. He is promising great victory. Wow, it is very obvious that to obey is better than sacrifice!

I encourage you to seek God and see if he has asked something of you that you have been avoiding. It could have been years ago, and you have even forgotten it. Then step out and obey. I promise, God has great things in store for you. Fasten your seat belt. You and God are in for the ride of your life.

Bask In God's Glory

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

I have been having some spiritual experiences that I don't know how to exactly describe or label. This scripture was the best I could come up with today. Here are some of these experiences.

I married an awesome, kind, loving husband that loves me and believes in me no matter what. For years, I have been aware that he is reflecting Jesus. Just by Pete being who he is, I am seeing God and knowing the goodness of God in a way that is life changing.

Recently I was in alone in Bosnia and was really feeling it. One day while I was at a restaurant, the owner came up to me and asked me if I came with my husband this time. I answered, "No, I am alone."
He replied, "You are not alone. You are among friends."
I was so touched. God spoke through him and truly blessed me. We, as Christians are never alone. We have God, angels, the cloud of witnesses, and the body of Christ.

Another day, while there, I was climbing a hill that is meant to be a prayer journey. Again, I felt alone. Then all of a sudden I became aware of an unseen presence. It felt as if a friend of mine that has a very deep faith was walking and praying with me. I still am in awe of how much it felt like she was really there. It turned into such a glorious time of prayer.

Right now, I have tons of work stacked up. Some of it absolutely needs to be accomplished today. I feel like another friend is here. She happens to be gifted at being a boss. She is wise and brings out the best in those that work for her. I know that God is really my boss, but this friend is reflecting what God is like.

I don't totally get this. I just know it as truth. These people are reflecting God's glory to me. It is absolutely beautiful. The scripture doesn't say to be legalistically good so that people can see what legalism done well looks like. It says that we are reflecting God's glory. It is a truth about God's children. As our lives go on, we are getting more and more glorious. I am so happy to have people like you around. You are truly showing me who God is just by being his child. Bask in God's glory, my beautiful friend

Create In Me A Pure Heart

Create in me a pure heart,O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalm 51:10-12

This portion of scripture has been going through my mind all morning. It started with a dream where I was sorting through boxes of stuff that had been given to me. In the dream, I was keeping some of it because I thought I should and getting rid of things that other people thought were valuable and should be kept. When I woke up, I realized that none of it had to do with who I am as a person. All of it should go. Our lives are full of what others have given us and value but aren't really us. We get so confused as we try to live someone else's agenda for us that has nothing to do with who we truly are. In many cases, we don't even know who we really are. God wants to be the one in charge of cleaning us up. Then he wants to fill us with a joy that is foundational, based on us being children of God. Surrender to his work, knowing that he truly values you as a person.

Be Who You Are

I heard God say this to me the other day.

"Be who you are, Beloved. I made you this way on purpose. They (the world) need you, even if they can't see it. I need you. Be who you are. You are mine. I have put my mark on your forehead. I have claimed you as my own. I am the leader that loves and understands you. I am the power from on high that lifts you from the dirt of misunderstanding. Rise up in dignity, Little One, and know my love for you. Run this race that I have set before you and don't give up hope. I am your Lord and I will see you through."

Seasons

For everything there is a season, and a time for ever matter under heaven;
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

I heard this scripture read this morning. It really encouraged me because there is a season for everything. There is so much teaching these days that if you just think the right thoughts you can live a utopia here on earth. I know that that is coming in heaven. In the meantime, we live in the seasons here. The good news is that God will give us the grace for every season.

Pray Big Prayers

I urge then, first for all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4

Pray big prayers. I got this line from a friend. I am reminded that God wants everyone to be saved. Pray big prayers for the world and everyone in it. Have fun agreeing with Jesus as he intercedes for us. When you are praying about someone in your life, just expand your prayer and offer it up for everyone with a similar need. When someone offends you, forgive as quickly as possible and use the opportunity to pray for them and their families. When I pray the Lord's prayer, I meditate on it and use it for a big prayer. It comes alive. Be encouraged. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)

Your Love

Arise, come my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.
Song of Songs 2:13

Jesus wants you to come with him. He is calling like a lover calls his beloved. I am remembering when it was time to choose a disciple to replace Judas, it had to be someone that knew Jesus personally. He wants you to know him in that way. He is not what you expect. He is far more wonderful, and he loves you more than you can even imagine. He wants you to be still and know that he is God. He wants to hold you close and to speak the truth to you. He is better than the Daddy that you always wanted. He is better than any friend can be. Come away from what keeps you busy and preoccupied. Many of your activities that you think are for God are not important to him. He wants you. You are what is important to him.

Yesterday, I heard this brand new song on the radio. It is so beautiful and I am sure that many of you can relate to it. I wanted to put the lyrics, but it is so new, that they aren't available yet. It's called YOUR LOVE, and it is by Brandon Heath.

You Are Beautiful

Arise, come, my darling;
my beautiful one, come with me.
My dove in the cleft of the rock,
in the hiding place,
on the mountainside,
show me your face-
let me hear your sweet voice;
for your voice is sweet,
and your face is lovely.
Song of Solomon 2:13-14

I can still hear my friend say to me. "God loves you. He loves all of you, even the dimple on your bottom." God wants to spend time with you. He truly enjoys you. Let him take you to the cleft in the rock and let him enjoy you. Spend time just soaking up his love.

Show Me Your Glory

Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory."" Exodus 33:18

Fear has been a real issue for me lately. I am about to embark on an adventure that I find very intimidating. This morning, I was led to meditate on past experiences that challenged me and how God got me through them. I am so aware of how the children of Israel were shown miracle after miracle, but when faced with a new challenge, they always freaked out. God was so frustrated because they had already forgotten the great miracles that he had done on their behalf. God wants us to spend time remembering his help in the past. This will help us to face the future.

There is one other important thing that God showed me today. Remember when Moses asked God to show him his glory? This is what God wants to do in each of our lives. If Daniel wasn't in the lion's den, he wouldn't have seen God's glory as God rescued him. If David hadn't faced Goliath, he wouldn't have seen how God is bigger than his enemies. God has shown me his glory over and over as he led me through and around difficulties. He wants me to remember this and then to proceed with enthusiasm, expecting that God will keep showing me his glory.

Kingdom Living

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. Matthew 16:25

Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many? John 6:9

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Luke 12:32-34

Over and over there are examples in the Bible of God asking a person to sacrifice what they have or are capable of so that he can become their source. When the little boy gave his little bit of food to Jesus, he had no idea what would come about. God multiplied it so that it was enough to feed five thousand and still have lots of left overs. When Jesus sent out the disciples, he asked them to give up their own way of providing for themselves and to let God provide for them.

For the past few days, God has really been emphasizing this theme to me. The little we have to offer , our strength, our knowledge, our abilities, our understanding, our courage, are all very limited. We use it and it is gone. He wants us to give up what we are capable of and rely on him. This is kingdom living.

Yesterday, I had to do something that really scared me. I had a puny amount of courage, but definitely not enough to get the job done. So I gave my courage to God. Next thing I knew, he had multiplied it and turned my scary project into something much more significant than I had ever imagined.

God is calling us to kingdom living. It is far better than we can even imagine. Why limit ourselves to what we and the world have to offer? Hop aboard, God has great things in store for you.