Always

But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain.
Psalm 3:3-4

The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
Isaiah 58:11

Yesterday, I had to make a big decision. So I spent the day in prayer and worship. God is teaching me not to focus on the problem, but to look up to him instead. So each time I got bogged down in details, I looked up and worshiped. At the end of the day, I made a decision based on prayer and the advice of some wise people. I felt so at peace and was thankful for the support of people that love me and God's help in making this decision. I thought that would be the end of it.

No, it definitely wasn't. At about 1:00 AM, I woke up second guessing my decision. Oh my goodness, doubts were coming from every direction. It felt like I had foolishly given up an opportunity of a lifetime. So I cast this care on God and went back into worship. Finally, I was able to sleep again.

I woke up in the morning feeling so loved by God and my friends and went to work with confidence and excitement. That's when the problems began again. I couldn't make my key work. Customers started showing up and couldn't get in. I had to call my boss who was having her own trouble sleeping. She was kind of cranky when she arrived. As the morning progressed it seemed like several customers had taken grumpy pills. Everywhere I turned there was a disgruntled person.

Here is what I concluded. I think God gave me the decision in the first place so that I would be set free in some areas. On the other hand, I don't think the enemy was very pleased with my decision, so he decided to pick on me. One part of me struggled, but another part of me was rejoicing because the harassment of the enemy proved that I was on track. I know that he was trying to make trouble for me, but he mostly succeeded in getting me to hope in God and to be thankful for God's faithfulness and guidance.

Here is a song that I heard on the radio this morning. It really spoke to me in the midst of this whole adventure.

Through God's Eyes

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.
Psalm 25:4-5

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9

Yesterday, while dancing Zumba, I kept seeing myself as a person I know of that is overweight and clumsy. Then it occurred to me that my thinking was only making things worse. It made me feel heavy and clumsy. So I changed the picture in my mind's eye. I instead, visualized myself to be more like our instructor. I saw someone that was a healthy weight, coordinated, limber and full of energy. The transformation was amazing. All of a sudden I could raise my hands higher and dance more energetically. This morning, I am aware of the negative opinion I have of myself and life in general. I am excited to think about how life's dance is going to change as I begin to see myself and my life through God's eyes. "Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." (Psalm 86:11)

Love Never Fails

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
Psalm 63:3

I am so thankful for God's love and faithfulness. Ever since I read Proverbs 3:3 last week, God has been feeding it to me. It is a vital nutrient that I am lacking. There is no love like God's love. He doesn't love me in spite of me. He truly loves and enjoys me. There is no faithfulness like God's faithfulness. He isn't faithful and kind just because that is what a good God would do. He is faithful and kind because he is faithfulness and kindness. All around me people are saying, "Do it my way," and, "Be my expectation that I have for you." I am even saying these things to myself. The only place to escape is in God's goodness. Nothing can separate us from his love. Even if all humans failed me, he never will because his love is better than life.

Little Child

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. Matthew 18:1-5

There is a little child within each of us. This child is unsophisticated, innocent and free. The child is unencumbered by shame, sin, lies of the enemy and striving. I prayed from the place of this child today. It is a place of humility and so sweet. When I pray from this place I am at peace and know in a greater measure that I am the beloved of God. I understand that the more I welcome this little child within me, the greater influence this child will have on me. I am being set free to be truly me.

Tongues

I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.
1 Corinthians 14:18

For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 14:2

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. Romans 8:26

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven." Matthew 18:19

I have been worshiping God in tongues this morning. I feel an incredible thing happening. It's like a place in me, that is truly me, is praying. It isn't muddled by the lies of the enemy, shame or striving. On the other hand, there is a purity and holiness in this prayer. It is also as if God is holding my hand and we are praying in unison. He is agreeing with my prayer and adding prayers of his own that my spirit is in unity with. It is really beautiful and sweet and some of the most peaceful prayer that I have ever experienced.

I think there is a boldness in tongues that we don't have otherwise. I remember, once, hearing a man tell about God doing a wonderful thing in his life. When he thanked God for it, God said, "It is what you asked for."
He asked, "When did I ask for it?"
God answered, "When you were praying in tongues."

Today's Assignment

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3

I will share with you the assignment that God gave me for today. I thought you might want to do it with me. Know God's love and faithfulness towards you and others. Choose love and faithfulness towards God and those around you. Choose love and faithfulness from mankind towards God and you. Meditate on love and faithfulness from every angle and let it be the one thing that you are the most aware of today. Put it around your neck and write it on your heart. Be aware. Savor it. I guarantee a beautiful, light filled day for anyone that dares to take this assignment on.

Life

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine;" John 8:31

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”
Luke 6:46-49

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:23-24

The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble. Proverbs 19:23

Last night I felt like God was asking me to choose his word. He wants me to know him through his word. I keep trying to find life and get to know God along the way. God wants me to come to him and his word for life. I am not to try and find life and then season it with God and his word. I am to know God and his word, and out of this will come life.

Blessed

Looking at his disciples, he said:

“Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when people hate you,
when they exclude you and insult you
and reject your name as evil,
because of the Son of Man.

“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets."
(Luke 6:20-23)

Come Up

3 In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you

7 But I, by your great love,
can come into your house;
in reverence I bow down
toward your holy temple.

8 Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness
because of my enemies—
make your way straight before me.

11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

12 Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
(Psalm 5)

As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit--just as it has taught you, remain in him.
1 John 2:27

God is our only constant. He is our source of hope. We can find all kinds of little things that bring temporary happiness; like success, good food, pretty flowers, or fun with a friend. He wants us to come up above the earthly and hang out with him in the heavenly. He wants us to worship him and know his goodness. Sometimes we get too entangled with the earthly and it becomes our focus instead of his kingdom. We want to plan a strategy. We want to worry over and try to fix everything that looks off kilter. He wants us to come up above and worship. Then he will send us forth. Some of the things that we thought were important will fade away and some will be part of our "to do list." It is when we are in the heavenly with God that we get the right perspective.

Be Blessed

1 Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.....
6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
(Psalm 1:1-3 and 6b)

The other day, I was praying with a friend and God showed us that we were hanging onto doing things ourselves instead of surrendering to God. It took me until today to figure out what he meant. We both feel weak and incapable and we want to succeed at what we set our hands to, so that we can prove to ourselves and those around us that we are not duds. God is asking us to give it up.

People have many standards for success and even if we are very successful in one area, we are failing somewhere else. There will always be limitations to our humanity and there will always be many critics to tell we are doing something wrong. This is not where God wants us to hang out. He is calling us to come up above. He is asking us to read his word, believe it, meditate on it and declare it and obey it. He wants to be our center and our standard for life. We may never succeed according to man's standards. We cannot use this as our measure of success. We are to hope in God, not our earthly accomplishments or man's opinion of us. What a relief! Life is looking pretty good from up here with God. Hallelujah!

In Him All Things Hold Together

For in him we live and move and have our being. As some of your own poets have said, "We are his offspring." Acts 17:28

In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. Job 12:10

He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
Colossians 1:17

He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Matthew 5:45

Without him we all fall down (J.J. Heller)

I am very aware of the fact that God loves everyone and cares for everyone. Many aren't aware of this. In God's great humility, he continues to care for and help the world, even if they don't know him. For some reason, this really touched me today as I pondered our loving God.

Here is a song by J.J. Heller that has really blessed me this week. I especially like the line that says, "You are stronger than any terrible possible scenario today."

Ask

Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.
Isaiah 65:24

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
James 5:16

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 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 the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:11-13

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

Armor Of Light

Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. Romans 8:8-9a

Sunday morning I woke up feeling pretty cruddy. I was aware of my sinfulness and I couldn't do anything about it. Then I read the above scripture and everything changed. I saw that I was hanging out in the flesh and being very aware of my human limitations and failures. In my flesh I am doomed, but God was asking me to change locations and hang out in his Spirit. There I am safe. There, I am wearing Christ's righteousness. There, I am strong, loving , and good. This is because that is who God is. I am hiding in God and his goodness. He is wonderful and safe.

The next day, someone was rude and obnoxious to me. My tendency was to get hurt feelings. Then I remembered that I dwell in God's Spirit. I looked out of my God abode and found that I could see that woman through God's eyes. He had compassion on her, and at the same time, I was safe in God's love and approval of me.

This also brings this verse to mind. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. (Romans 13:12) God is our armor of light. Here is where we are called to dwell.

God Blesses Us When Others Curse Us

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.
1 Chronicles 4:9-10

W Jabez's mom gave him a name that sounds like pain because she was in so much pain when she gave birth to him. She basically cursed him. What really impressed me is that Jabez wasn't doomed by this. He prayed and God answered. No matter matter what was spoken over him, he prayed and God blessed him instead of cursing him. He will do the same for us. I am truly encouraged by that.

Rejoice With Those Who Rejoice

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Romans 12:15

A few weeks ago I made a decision to thank God when others have things that I wish I could have. So now I am beginning to see the good fruit of this. As I see people that are flourishing in areas where I am floundering or have failed, I bless them. I love my change in attitude. I have become excited about their success in life. I can hardly wait to get an update on how they are doing. Good-bye jealousy and self pity. Hello, loving my neighbor.

God Is Jealous For You

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

The line from a song, "He is jealous for me," really touched me just now. I am tired and vulnerable after working all week with very little sleep. God is in the process of setting me free from caring about what others think of me. A couple of days ago I came away from work deciding that if others have a bad attitude towards me that it is their problem, unless of course, I am truly sinful. The grace was there for later in the day when I was confronted in this very area.

Today has been challenging because my insecurities were so strong. I am a unique character that is fairly open minded. God speaks to me through movies, books, and situations that others boycott. As a result, I have a different perspective on many things than the average person. So some find it their responsibility to correct me. This is one reason that I hide so much. I have not dealt well with so much rejection and criticism.

So what does God do? He gives me a job where I interact with all types of people for hours at a time. When God is teaching me something, he gives me a lot of practice. So today, this stuff was coming from every angle. By the time I got off work, I was thrashed. As I began praying, God said that he is jealous for me. He seemed to be saying that I can let go of their bad attitudes and turn to his love and approval. In fact, as I wrote this I heard, "You have no answer for them." In other words, I don't have to explain myself to them. He is actually upset with the people that treat me this way. He said to me, "Bless those who wrongfully accuse you." So I pray blessings on those who accuse me, both when I am guilty and when I am innocent.

He Loves Us

Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.
Psalm 48:9

God's love is my saving grace these days. My life is being changed as I rest in his love. Today, I was trying to make a decision. It felt like God was saying not to focus on the issue but to come up above it. I am to worship and rest in his love and then the way will be made known. We are always to keep our eyes on the God who loves us and cares more about everything in our lives than we do.

Friend Of God

And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.
James 2:23

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. James 15:15

God calls us friends. I really like the concept of being a friend of God. Last night, I hung out in God's presence and meditated on his love. I let myself feel his enjoyment of me as a person. His attitude towards us is the truth. Anything that contradicts this is a lie. He wants us to choose truth.

I remember being on my way to a woman's meeting and asking God, "Is there something
that you would have me tell the ladies?"

"I am still touched by his response, "Tell them that I am lonely."

Holy Spirit, My Helper

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 14:26

The Joy of the Lord is My Strength Nehemiah 8:10

Yesterday, I wrote about finding treasures within ourselves. I wanted to continue that theme. After I wrote the blog, I still had a difficult time for a few more hours. I kept imagining myself as that excited kid, looking for treasure. After awhile, I noticed that the Holy Spirit was truly helping me. I could sense his presence. He was full of enthusiasm and joy as we explored together. His joy was contagious, and I began to get excited and happy right along with him. My rough day turned into a victorious one. I am still happy.

An Empty Lake

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

In California, on my grandparent's property, is a lake that my grandfather created by damming up a river. We have had so much fun there, swimming fishing, picnicking,and so on. There are many beautiful memories. One year the dam was opened and much of the lake was drained. It was interesting to explore the exposed lake bottom. We found lots of garbage that was hiding beneath the surface. On the other hand we found some cool treasures. Of course when you are a kid lots of things are considered treasures. I think my brother even found a pocket knife. I thought the fishing floats were cool.

Today, I am aware of how life is like that lake. There are the days when things are flowing nicely and all of life seems wonderful. Then there are the days of suffering when it feels like all the garbage of our lives is exposed. All the old issues that were hiding raise their ugly heads. I am finding today to be a bit like that. I see the picture of the drained lake over and over. My tendency is to go have coffee, chocolate or good food, anything to mask the pain. God is asking me to leave it exposed. I am to talk to him about the hard things and ask him to take care of them. I am to confess what needs to be confessed and then move on. He also wants to show me the treasures that were hiding. I am tempted to just hang out with the garbage. It is all so confrontational that all I can do is lean back in his love. I have opened my Bible and am declaring that God is who his word says he is. It really makes a difference when I do this.

On these days of exposure God does such amazing work in our lives. We are delivered from the hidden garbage and able to find wonderful treasures. Today, explore your life like an excited kid looking for treasures. Ask him to open your eyes so you can see the gifts. Don't judge these treasures like and adult. Look at them through the eyes of a child. God has a great day planned for you whether your lake is full or empty. Enjoy.

You Are Beautiful

When I was a kid, I remember my brother crying because he couldn't love God enough. Later, as an adult I heard a friend say that he didn't want to just mouth the words of praise songs. He wanted his heart to be engaged and to really believe with his heart what he was singing. I know that my heart at times feels far from God too. These two incidences have really stuck in my mind and believe it or not, I have been pondering them all these years.

I have good news for all of those that don't feel like they love God enough. "We love because he first loved us." (John 4:19) I know, we have heard this lots. Hearing is good. Now let's declare this to be true. It is in God's word, isn't it? Lean back and rest in his love. Open your heart to his love and sit quietly soaking in his love. Don't go by how you feel. Go by what God says. You are loved. I even imagine myself on his lap, in his arms or even rest in in the palm of his hand and let myself feel what it would feel like if I knew his love for me. As we receive God's love for us, we will start to love him more and more. We will literally fall in love with him. "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him." (Psalm 62:5)

Here is a song about how God views you.

Compassion

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Matthew 14:14

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Matthew 9:36

who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
2 Corinthians 1:4

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12

Years ago, I remember crying out to God and asking him to rescue me from the agony that I was going through. He said to me, "Would you have this, or would you have compassion?"

Of course, I answered in the way that I knew he wanted, "I would have compassion." So, gradually, I have been gaining compassion. I am a slow learner, but thankfully God is a good teacher. Did you notice that in 2 Corinthians it says, "all our troubles"? That means we will have troubles. It is inevitable. The good news is that God has compassion on us. He wants to comfort us. As we receive his compassion and comfort we begin to have compassion for others.

Yesterday, I started to realize that I really am getting compassionate. I told you I am a slow learner. I looked at a woman and started to criticize her in my heart. Then I remembered how painful it is to be stuck in circumstances like hers and I began to pray for her. God truly gave me compassion. I guess I did have to choose. But baby, let me tell you, when you have agonized over a trouble in your own life, it is way easier to see the agony of others and have compassion on them.

That was when I remembered my prayer long ago, "I would have compassion."

Thank you God for your compassion and comfort. Open our hearts to receive even more from you and to choose compassion for others.

Have Faith

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:10

God is asking us to partner with him and choose faith. He wants us to believe what he has said, even if we can't see any evidence of it. He has an important job to accomplish and it requires the faith of the church. We are to believe with him. This will birth on earth what God has already begun in heaven.

Read his word. Learn who he really is and who you really are in him. Declare this. Believe it. Let this become your reality. If he is speaking to you in any way, listen. Write it down. Declare it to be true. This will change your life forever. You are a winner.

We Will Win The Battle

After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes." Nehemiah 4:14

So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God. Nehemiah 6:14-15

At this time, my husband and I are reading the book of Nehemiah together. It is really speaking to us about victory in God. Nehemiah was sent by God to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. There was a lot of opposition and the enemy used lot's of tactics, especially intimidation. Nehemiah led the people to hope in God. They did have to post guards and they did have to work with weapons in their hands, but God gave them the victory.

It seems like there is always some sort of battle going on in our lives. The enemy wants us to look at him and be afraid. God is asking us to turn from the intimidation of the enemy. We are also to turn from the supposed evidence that says that we will fail. If God is for us, who can be against us. We are victorious. We will win this battle.

Fast

and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Luke 2:37

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

"Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." Esther 4:16

There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. Ezra 8:21

"This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer." Mark 9:29

When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18

So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. Daniel 9:3

Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15

give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name Psalm 100:4

I had a nice conversation with my daughter and she gave me two more ways to practice being thankful. The first is, every time you see someone that has something that you wish you had, thank God for how he has blessed them. I love this, because my natural inclination is to either be jealous or be hard on myself for not being able to do what they can do. I have found this so freeing and I am enjoying the people around me more than ever.

The other exercise is to start noticing everything that you like and then saying, "I like that, I like that." You will find yourself being more and more aware of what you do like and less and less aware of what you don't like.

I have been working on these things and spreading the word about this great idea. It is so fun to choose joy and to help others do the same. This morning at work, it was like having a little joy party.

Walk In The Light

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD. Psalm 89:5

Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD.
Isaiah 2:5

Walk in the light while you can,so the darkness will not overtake you. ... Walk while you have light so that darkness won't defeat you. ... John 12:35

Christ has risen! He has defeated the darkness. He has taken our shame and given us his righteousness. The enemy no longer has power over us, yet many Christians walk in such defeat. I am encouraging you today to choose to fix your eyes on Jesus and dwell in the light that he is providing for us. Yes, there is darkness, but we can wake up and live in the light. Declare this out loud for your own sake and for the sake of the world, "I will walk in the light of the Lord." This declaration is powerful.

Shout For Joy

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100

Strength For The Journey

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5

Do your own work well, and then you will have something to be proud of. But don't compare yourself with others. We each must carry our own load.
Galatians 6:4-5

This morning I said to God, "I don't know how to live in the circumstances that I am in."

He responded, "That's, O.K. That is what I am teaching you right now."

People around me look so strong, capable and wise. This has been intimidating me. God said to me that I don't have to prove anything to them or even myself. If I am weak, then I need to cry out to God. The journey of life is difficult. He is our strength. He is our wisdom.

You Will Not Be Burned

But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze."
Isaiah 43:1-2

I am so glad to be in the loving presence of the Majestic God. "In his presence there is fullness of joy." I flourish in God's presence. I am free to be me. I don't have to measure up to anyone's expectations. That is such a relief. If only I could not be so intimidated by man's opinion, including my own.

The scripture talks about going through the fire and not being burned. I keep getting burned. Then I have to go to God and get healed again. I want to walk through the fire of man's opinion of me and attitude towards me in God's love and approval. Here I am safe. Here I will not be burned.

We've Got The Power

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. Romans 8:11

I sat here worshiping, trying to focus, when my mind, emotions and body kept trying to run off in every direction. I chose to worship because God is worthy to be praised. I pondered the resurrection of Jesus. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is living in me. God's power is in me! I began to feel hope. So many times I feel so helpless to make my whole self have the right attitude towards God. I am thankful that resurrection power dwells in me. It is not by my own power or strength that I love God with my whole being. I am dependent on the power that God, himself, placed within me to raise me from this dead place of unbelief. Hallelujah! I surrender to your power, God.

He Will Protect You

For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. Psalm 40:12

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Psalm 23:5

Today, it feels like this is where I am. I can really feel the presence of the enemy and have been having trouble not looking at them. I realized it was because I felt that I had attracted them. I feel like a kid who put bait out for wolves, and now they are in a circle around me waiting to attack. Then I heard God say, "So what, if you attracted them? I am a good Father. I will protect you. Also, Jesus already took the punishment for your crime upon himself. Let it go. Humble yourself before God and let him bear the consequences. You cannot be perfect in and of yourself. Give it up. Come to your God and rest. I have prepared a great feast for you, here in the light. The enemy cannot come near you."

God Will Wipe Away Every Tear

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:

“Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”

All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying:

“Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!”

Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?”

I answered, “Sir, you know.”

And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore,

they are before the throne of God
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne
will shelter them with his presence.
‘Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’
nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb at the center of the throne
will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’
‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”
Revelation 7:9-17

You Can Have The Impossible

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

I have felt that God wanted me to dream big dreams and then go after them. What happened is that I dreamed the dreams, went after them and failed miserably over and over. So I have been in a place of confusion and discouragement. When I woke up this morning, fear and discouragement were reigning. I kept hearing God sing to me about giving up control. I was afraid to let go. I was concerned that if I didn't try hard, then failure would even be greater. As I prayed, I felt God encouraging me again. He said, "Why go for the possible when you can have the impossible?" Then he asked me to speak out my dreams and desires. I was encouraged to dream way beyond what is humanly possible. It was kind of fun.

The world teaches to focus on the dream and it will come to you. God asked me to speak out the dream and give it to him. He doesn't want me to give up on it, but he wants me to trust him with it. I am understanding that many of the things I am hoping for will come about, but even greater things are coming too. The key is that I am trusting in God, not the dream.

Where Will My Resting Place Be?

This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.
Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the LORD.
“These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word. Isaiah 66:1-2

I know, you have tried to be good. No matter how hard you try, you feel unsuccessful. "Sorry Charlie. StarKist doesn't want tuna with good taste, StarKist wants tuna that tastes good.” God isn't looking for you to be good. He is looking to be your God. If you read further in Isaiah, you find that God is really disgusted with those that just jump through religious hoops.

I can hear the cry of God's heart. He is not looking for us to be godly by our good actions and a little bit of God's presence in us. He wants right order. We are temples of God. He doesn't want to just dwell in us, he wants to fill us. He is the center, he is the truth, he is our all.

I Am Free

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. Luke 12:4

I was just driving home from the early shift at work and I heard a Newsboys song, I AM FREE, that has a cool video on You Tube. As I listened, I was picturing the video and chuckling. Then I got to thinking about the freedom that we have in Christ. There are many that are being intimidated by people in their lives that are against Christianity. I just got a sense of being so set free that nobody's bad attitude has power over us. I saw someone filled with joy and almost laughing because it feels so good to not be intimidated anymore. I get a sense that God wants to set us free in every way. This is so exciting!

God Is Getting Rid Of Your Old Branches

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He 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

I just pruned the dead branches off a plant. Then I heard God say,"You have to get rid of the old before the new can take over."

I asked, "What is the old in my life?"

God said, "I am getting rid of the old."

I feel like God is saying that we can be at peace and trust that he is doing a good work within us. He is pruning our dead branches. We, personally, don't know what is dead or not bearing fruit. He knows because he is the gardener. Rest and let him work. I know that we might not recognize the new us that is revealed. We may look nothing like we expected, but we will be truly wonderful.

God Takes Pity On His People

“Even now,” declares the Lord,
“return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

Rend your heart
and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
and he relents from sending calamity.
Who knows? He may turn and relent
and leave behind a blessing—
grain offerings and drink offerings
for the LORD your God.

Blow the trumpet in Zion,
declare a holy fast,
call a sacred assembly.
Gather the people,
consecrate the assembly;
bring together the elders,
gather the children,
those nursing at the breast.
Let the bridegroom leave his room
and the bride her chamber.
Let the priests, who minister before the LORD,
weep between the portico and the altar.
Let them say, “Spare your people, Lord.
Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn,
a byword among the nations.
Why should they say among the peoples,
‘Where is their God?’”
The Lord’s Answer
Then the Lord was jealous for his land
and took pity on his people.
Joel 2:12-18

God is Guiding You

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 that 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

God lead the Israelites. If he stopped and had them stay in an area for a period of time, it wasn't necessarily because they were bad. It wasn't because they were a failure at getting ahead. It was because God was having them stay in a certain place for awhile.

God is asking us to look at him. He promises to guide us continuously. He is guiding us when we are moving towards the promised land, and he is guiding us when he is having us stand still. Our hope is in God, not in what we accomplish.

More Than You Imagine

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”- the things God has prepared for those who love him- these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20

God has plans for you that are greater than you can imagine. Have a great day receiving from him.

God Will Not Give Up On You

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,

for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet,

till her righteousness shines out like the dawn,

her salvation like a blazing torch.

The nations will see your righteousness,

and all kings your glory;

you will be called by a new name

that the mouth of the Lord will bestow.

You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand,

a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

No longer will they call you Deserted,

or name your land Desolate.

But you will be called Hephzibah,

and your land Beulah;

for the Lord will take delight in you,

and your land will be married.

As a young man marries a maiden,

so will your sons marry you;

as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride,

so will your God rejoice over you.

I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;

they will never be silent day or night.

You who call on the Lord,

give yourselves no rest,

and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem

and makes her the praise of the earth.

The Lord has sworn by his right hand

and by his mighty arm:

“Never again will I give your grain

as food for your enemies,

and never again will foreigners drink the new wine

for which you have toiled;

but those who harvest it will eat it

and praise the Lord,

and those who gather the grapes will drink it

in the courts of my sanctuary.”

Pass through, pass through the gates!

Prepare the way for the people.

Build up, build up the highway!

Remove the stones.

Raise a banner for the nations.

The Lord has made proclamation

to the ends of the earth:

“Say to the Daughter of Zion,

‘See, your Savior comes!

See, his reward is with him,

and his recompense accompanies him.’”

They will be called the Holy People,

the Redeemed of the Lord;

and you will be called Sought After,

the City No Longer Deserted.
Isaiah 62

God's Shadow Of Light

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

The other night I was meditating on the 23rd Psalm. "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." I saw a picture of myself walking through a dark, cold valley. God was with me and he was really tall.As he walked with me his shadow fell over me, only it was warm and light. So I was protected by the presence of God.

There is a client where I work that is always right and is often attacking me. The day after I saw the shadow of God vision, I was at work, and she walked in the door. I remembered the picture and prayed, "O.K. God, I'm in your shadow of light." I experienced the coolest thing. There really was an invisible barrier between us. At least twice I saw her start to condemn me, but she stopped mid sentence. God, literally, did not let her attack me. "Thank you God."

God Is My Safe Harbor

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

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1

I have just been at work, a changing person amongst changing people. Now, as I worship God I am becoming very aware of how unchanging God is. This brought me great comfort. Out in public I have to work hard to be understood. It's such a relief to hang out with God. I don't offend him, even on my bad days. He always understands and sees the best in me. Hanging out with God is like coming home where you can let your guard down and just be.

For me, being out in public is like being in a storm. It has it's beauty, but it's so tiring. God is my safe harbor. The storm can't have it's way with me when I rest in God.

Joy

Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10

Grab all the joy that comes to you in any form no matter how small. A happy memory, a hope, a yummy bit of food. a smile, a song, a good book, whatever makes you smile on the inside. Others around you will be suffering, some, way more than you. I am sorry for them, truly I am, and so are you. Their sorrow cannot be the deciding factor of whether or not you are allowed to be joyful. Don't feel guilty for your joy. Revel in it. The truth is, that joy is contagious, and the more you allow yourself to be happy, the more it can spread to others. So, be a vehicle of joy instead of a receptor of other people's sorrow.

My Soul Finds Rest In God Alone

1 Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.
2 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

3 How long will you assault me?
Would all of you throw me down—
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
4 Surely they intend to topple me
from my lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse.

5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.

9 Surely the lowborn are but a breath,
the highborn are but a lie.
If weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
together they are only a breath.
10 Do not trust in extortion
or put vain hope in stolen goods;
though your riches increase,
do not set your heart on them.

11 One thing God has spoken,
two things I have heard:
“Power belongs to you, God,
12 and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”;
and, “You reward everyone
according to what they have done.”
Psalm 62

Where Do you Wear Your Halo?

Yesterday, I went outside to enjoy our fresh snow. I came across our little neighbor girl who had just made a snow angel. I thought that it was cool, so I took a picture. Then she said, "See how I used my mittens to make the halo." When I looked, I realized that I had taken the first picture upside down. I hadn't even recognized her halo. So now that I had things in proper perspective, I snapped another photo.

This morning when I got up and looked in the mirror I didn't recognize my halo either. So God had to point it out to me. It was as if he said, "See how I carefully gave you all of these amazing qualities. You are holy, my beloved, truly beautiful." At first, when I looked, I couldn't see that at all. Then I realized it was because I had my halo under my feet and the lies of the enemy over my head. So I got things in the right perspective, lies of the enemy under my feet. God's truth right up top where it belonged.

Then I got in the car to go to work, and this is the song that was on the radio.

Dreams , Visions and God's Word

And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
Joel 2:28

In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Acts 2:17

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us ... Ephesians 3:20

I have been listening to my favorite speaker, Graham Cook. He says that God wants to do more in our lives than we can imagine. He says that we should ask God to give us dreams of what he has for us. So I did ask. Ever since then, I have been having prophetic dreams. I am so excited as God shows me the awesome plans that he has for me and my family.

Yesterday, my friend and I were praying for people we love that don't know God and are living very corrupt lives. God started giving us visions of how to pray for them. He has such wonderful things in store. It was really fun to pray what God was showing us. Now, instead of being discouraged and sad, we are encouraged and filled with hope.

But wait! There is even more. I have been going through the scripture and reading about who we are as God's children and what he has promised us. I thought I would highlight the scriptures and then I can refer to them later. Oh my goodness! I almost highlighted the whole first chapter of Ephesians. God is so good, and he wants us to become really aware of who he is and who we are in him. Then he wants us to meditate on this and declare it out loud. Take on these 3 practices and you will soon find yourself flying. So cool!

A Piece Of The Puzzle

Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment."
Matthew 22:37-38

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

God gives you the desires of your heart. In other words, he is the one that gave you those desires in the first place. Then as you delight in him, he brings them about. A few years back, God said to my friend, "Could it be that your greatest desire is my will for you?" I love this. This truth has brought us great joy and hope. Today, I feel like God is revealing another piece. We are to delight in God. We cannot just delight in our desire, focus on it and hope in it. We are to delight in God. This isn't very hard because God is truly delightful. We just need to be reminded sometimes to get things back into perspective. The first commandment is to love God. Everything flows from this. Well, nearly everything. We love, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19) Actually, I guess everything flows out of God's love for us. That is why we can love God, delight in him, and receive the desire of our hearts. Have a lovely and delightful day, my friends.

Wanted: Intercessors

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

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 6:38

They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
Revelation 12:11

The other day, I was praying for someone and it was like walking through a fog that has so much substance that I had to push hard to get through it. I kept hearing a voice that said, "How dare you pray for them. You are just as guilty as they are." I had already asked for forgiveness, but the guilt and shame clung to me like super glue.

Then I remembered the scripture that said, "They triumphed over him by the blood of the lamb." I remembered that when Jesus died on the cross, he became my sin and I became his righteousness. So I looked away from my own guilt and the accusations and dwelt in the righteousness given to me when Jesus shed his blood for me. Then I boldly approached God's throne and continued to intercede for my friend.

I was surprised to understand that God seemed to be saying to me that as I prayed for my friend to be healed and rescued, I would get healed and rescued as well. This is one of God's principles, give and it shall be given to you.

So don't hold back. God is looking for people to stand in the gap on behalf of others. He wants to do good things for them and your prayers will help bring this about. Of course the enemy will throw up obstacles. That's because your prayers are really powerful. Have fun working with God and blessing those around you. You will be blessed and helped in return.

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 too will prosper. Jeremiah 29:7

True Fasting

Shout it aloud, do not hold back.
Raise your voice like a trumpet.
Declare to my people their rebellion
and to the descendants of Jacob their sins.
For day after day they seek me out;
they seem eager to know my ways,
as if they were a nation that does what is right
and has not forsaken the commands of its God.
They ask me for just decisions
and seem eager for God to come near them.
"Why have we fasted," they say,
"and you have not seen it?
Why have we humbled ourselves,
and you have not noticed?"

Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please
and exploit all your workers.
Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife,
and in striking each other with wicked fists.
You cannot fast as you do today
and expect your voice to be heard on high.
Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,
only a day for people to humble themselves?
Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed
and for lying in sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call a fast,
a day acceptable to the Lord?

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: "Here am I."

If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath
and from doing as you please on my holy day,
if you call the Sabbath a delight
and the Lord's holy day honorable,
and if you honor it by not going your own way
and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,
then you will find your joy in the Lord,
and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land
and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

Surrender

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it Matthew 10:29

Just do it. Give him your all. Let him be the one that is responsible for your life. Just say, "Yes."

Just Come

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 55:2-3a

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30

I try and fail, try and fail. I don't know how those good sons can just keep plugging along and being so darn good. They say to me, "Just do what I do, and you will succeed like me."

I answer back, that if they would just quit being so darn good, they could come on a few adventures with me.

They then reply, "You squandered your inheritance. You're a loser."

I respond, "You have never truly lived. You have such a boring existence!"

Jesus speaks, trying to be heard above the ruckus. "Hey, leave it all behind. Come and follow me. You both need me. Neither is better. Neither is worse."

We look up and ask, "What are you talking about? We are already trying to do what we thought you wanted."

"Do? You think it's about doing? I am asking you to be. Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men. Come abide in me and I will cause you to bear fruit. Come to me and I will give you rest. Leave it all behind, your shame and your good deeds. Come join my army. I am your commanding officer. I am your friend. It's time for kingdom living. I am your king. Leave all behind that makes you better or worse. I have life, true life for everyone."

"Lord, we don't understand."

"You don't have to understand. Just come."

God Levels The Playing Field

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Colossians 3:11

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23

God levels the playing field. Both the good son that stayed behind and the one that squandered his inheritance need a savior. The one caught in adultery and the one that kept all the laws, the Marthas and the Marys, the sick and the healed, the Simeons and the Herods, the poor and the rich all need a savior. No one is better than the other. No one is ahead of the other. They are all loved by God. They all need salvation.

Protected and Mighty

Then you will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. Instead of bronze I will bring you gold, and silver in place of iron. Instead of wood I will bring you bronze, and iron in place of stones. I will make peace your governor and well-being your ruler. No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise. The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set again,
and your moon will wane no more; the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. Then all your people will be righteous and they will possess the land forever. They are the shoot I have planted, the work of my hands,
for the display of my splendor. The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the LORD; in its time I will do this swiftly.
Isaiah 60:16b-22

I have been meditating on this portion of scripture for days. I guess I have always liked it, but some parts of it seem to be exactly what God is doing in the lives of his people today. We are not of this world. We live in God's kingdom. This is our greatest reality.

In the world there are certain earthly things that are supposed to protect us, but they are not strong enough for all that comes against us. God has given us strong walls and gates that keep out our enemies. "but you will call your walls salvation and your gates praise." I have been resting in this and am greatly encouraged by it. Jesus is my salvation, my shield, my defender. He asks me to dwell in his righteousness and all that he has done and is doing for me. He is asking me to praise God and declare the truth of who he is.

There is definitely still a sun, moon, and stars. They are beautiful and bring us earthly light, but "the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory." We have God's light 24 hours a day. He wants us to be aware of this and walk in this light, knowing that darkness has no more power over us.

"The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation." There are many famous people that we all look up to, but I am observing that the ones that are least recognized by man, in many cases, actually have the most influence. These are God's little ones, small in the eyes of man, but mighty in the eyes of God.

So I would encourage you today to become aware of who you are and who God is for you. "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you." Isaiah 60:1-2

Let Your Gentleness Be evident To All

Let your gentleness be evident to all. Philippians 4:5 (NIV)

Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute! Philippians 4:5 (The Message Bible)

You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48

God is always on our side, working with us and not against us. He doesn't necessarily help us with all of our screwy ideas, but in general, he is on our side. Just as God is on our side, he is asking us to be on the side of other people. We are to know their worth as people, and affirm them in this. We don't have to agree with all of their ideas, but we are to be gentle and understanding with them, just as God is with us. To an extent this is already in our nature, because we are made in God's image. I guess a lot of what God asks of us is like a dance. God is dancing already, and he is just asking us to dance with him. We are not on our own. This dancing with God could get really fun.

Rejoice In The Lord

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4

Then Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance."
1 Samuel 2:1

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:17-18

As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.
Isaiah 62:5

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

God is asking us to rejoice always. This sounds like an impossible request. As I pondered how to obey, I became aware that the angels are constantly rejoicing. God is also rejoicing at all times. We are made in God's image. That means that rejoicing is in our DNA. God is only asking us to do what we have already been equipped for. Graham Cooke says that the Holy Spirit is the happiest guy that he knows. God is even rejoicing over us right now. All he is asking us is to join in and rejoice right along with him.

First Impressions Ain't All That

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. Psalm 133:1-2

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

I just spent some time with a wonderful lady. She is such an encouragement to me. Every time I hang out with her, I come away in dignity and ready to face life as an over comer. In fact, just thinking about her cheers me on. What's funny about this is that the first few months of our relationship weren't like this at all. I found her intimidating, and I steered clear whenever I saw her coming.

As I ponder the women in my life, I am aware of a whole list of people like her. As I look at this list, I am thrilled to say that each of these believes in me. If anyone speaks badly about me, watch out. These women will not put up with that. They would go to bat for me in a heart beat. I love these friends, and am so glad that God put them in my life.

God's Love Is So Beautiful!

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

God's love is so beautiful! I can notice the things in my past that wounded me and taught me lies, things that are not healed and still influence me, and I can say, "Oh, it's just you." They have no more power to intimidate me. I know that God will heal me. I know that he will teach me the truth. I no longer need to focus on what is wrong with me or what has wronged me. I can look into the face of the One who loves me. He is the one who teaches me truth, heals me, and is changing me from glory to glory. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.(John 15:13) This is a song of victory. This is truly what is happening to me. "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" (1 Corinthians 15:15)
I have chosen life. Hallelujah, I am free!

Preach The Gospel

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:37-38

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. Matthew 19:29

for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Romans 10:13-15

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim 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 joy 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 61:1-3

Know Your Dignity

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.Proverbs 31:25

Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honor.
Exodus 28:2

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

I love the dignity of a hawk. He regally perches in the top of a tree. The crows come around, squawking and trying to harass him. He doesn't become their victim. He absolutely ignores them. He knows his worth and doesn't need to prove anything to the. Then, when he's had enough, he just flies to another tree where there is peace and quiet. He knows that the whole forest is his, so why hang out in a tree with the enemy?

The World May Call You "Dumbo", But You Can Fly

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

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible". Matthew 19:26

"The very things that held you down are going to carry you up, up." (Mouse in the Disney movie, Dumbo)

"You can do it, Dumbo! You can fly! You don't need no magic feather." (The mouse in the Disney movie, Dumbo")

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

This morning I saw a crow, and it reminded me of the movie, Dumbo. I know it is all make believe, but on the other hand there is so much truth in it. Dumbo was weak, little and odd, and yet he was able to fly. That is impossible. Elephants can't fly! I know, but I am so impressed with how God keeps doing what is impossible in our lives. God is asking us to have faith. We are to hope in what we can't see. God will be doing some really cool "impossible" things in and through us. The world may call you, "Dumbo", but you can fly. God is proud of you and calls you "Beloved". By the way, I would love to hear one of your flight stories if you have any. Just post a comment below.

I Ask For The Nations

And today is your birthday. What do you want? Name it: Nations as a present? continents as a prize? Message Bible Psalm 2

I can still remember the day very clearly. I was in the Philippines with a group of Youth With A Mission missionaries. I had decided on December 1st to begin reading one psalm a day. This was December 2nd and it was also my birthday. I had with me The Message Bible because I had decided to give it a try. When I read the above words I was in utter amazement. What are the odds that I would choose that Bible and that scripture on that day? I knew it was from God. So I said, "Yes, I want the nations as a present. I want continents. I want them to know you as Lord and Savior. I want to go there and proclaim the good news."

God Is Your Provider

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Man teaches good money management. God has a law that is above this. He has spiritual provision that goes beyond being good at managing money. It is time to quit hoping in our ability to handle money correctly. Those that are struggling can be encouraged, because God wants to be the one in charge now. Those that look successful can look up with humility and know that God is doing an amazing work both in your lives and the ones that don't look as perfect as you.

Taste And See That The Lord Is Good

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8

I remain confident of this;I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Psalm 27:13-14

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Habakkuk 3:18

Years ago, I was up late at night when God gave me a prophecy for someone. I still remember the exact words. "Taste and see that the Lord is good. How will you know that the Lord is good if you will not taste and see?" There is darkness and disappointment everywhere we turn. God is asking us to taste and see that he is good. He wants us to see his goodness, to be strong and take heart. We are in the valley of the shadow of death. God is asking us to be aware of his presence more than the darkness. Habakkuk decided that even if many things looked all wrong he would rejoice in the Lord. There is a part of me that feels like a traitor. How can I rejoice when there is such suffering? Yet, this is exactly what God is asking of us. Taste and see that God is good. Not only will it make the suffering more bearable, it will bring change. Receive hope today. Rejoice in God, and that hope will spread to others and transform the world around you.

Regard The Lord Almighty As Holy

This is what the LORD says to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people: “Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread. He will be a holy place; Bind up this testimony of warning and seal up God’s instruction among my disciples. I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding his face from the descendants of Jacob. I will put my trust in him. Here am I, and the children the LORD has given me. We are signs and symbols in Israel from the LORD Almighty, who dwells on Mount Zion.". Isaiah 8:11-14, 16-18

God Is Your Coach

No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
2 Timothy 2:4-7

God is your coach. You no longer have this job. He is kind and gentle. He is understanding and wise. He is way easier on you than you have been on yourself. What you are doing and going through isn't a waste or a sign of defeat. It is him training you for what is next. He is taking you through lots of skirmishes. He wants you to get the hang of living in victory. He wants you to see yourself win over and over so it can become a habit to expect victory. He wants to make the rules. You must give up this job. He is giving you a new identity. You are victorious!

Suely God Is My Salvation

In that day you will say:

“I will praise you, LORD.
Although you were angry with me,
your anger has turned away
and you have comforted me.
Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The LORD, the LORD himself,
is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.”
With joy you will draw water
from the wells of salvation.

In that day you will say:

“Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done,
and proclaim that his name is exalted.
Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things;
let this be known to all the world.
Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

Isaiah 12

Victory Is Ours

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31

With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. Psalm 18:29

Victory is ours. We will conquer. We will win the battle fought for the lives of God's own. He has called us out of darkness and into light. We have been bogged down long enough. It's time to rise above this darkness and walk in God's way. It's time to follow God as he leads us in victory. We must leave behind our self-made agenda and our ideas of what victory is. God will give us true victory. Many have an agenda for us. Many have a definition of victory. Taste and see that the Lord is good. He will walk with us on this path to defeat the enemy. Rise up. Walk with God and he will show you the way.

Let's Play The Victory Game

With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.
Psalm 60:12

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame.
Psalm 44:7

God is asking us to see the victory that he is bringing us continuously. Let God define victory. Let him describe it to you. Taste it. Remember it. Watch for it. Expect it. Today, and each day from now on will be a day filled with victory. When you can't see the victory then ask God, "Where is the victory in this?" He will show you. It will be great fun. Come on. It's time to defeat the enemy and walk in victory.

We Are Risen With Jesus!

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? Isaiah 8:19b

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Luke 24:1-6a

I am becoming very aware that there is a part of me that is my own worst enemy. It believes the lies, is intimidated by the opinion of man, and walks in constant shame and defeat. This part is very vocal and drags me down and confuses me. Sometimes it is yelling so loud that I can't even hear God. I am becoming aware that this part of me is dead. It was crucified with Christ. It no longer lives. Why should I listen to it? "The life I now live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God." I do not live by faith in this crucified self. I am being asked by God to turn and hope only in him. I am sure the angels are singing. God is throwing a party. I am waking up to the fact that I am no longer dead. I am risen with Jesus. Hallelujah!

God Wants To Lead You To Unexplored Territories

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.
Isaiah 42:16

He will lead you on paths you have never considered. Lay down your agenda and follow him. He has plans for you that you do not know, that no one knows. You feel safe in the explored territories. God wants to take you to unexplored territories. Look at Christopher Columbus. He had a plan, but God took him somewhere new that he didn't even know was a possibility. God wants to take you on a journey of hope. Let him take your hand and lead you to freedom.

God Never Gives Up On You

Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her. There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will respond as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt. Hosea 2:14-15

Francine Rivers wrote a book with Hosea in mind. She writes of a prostitute that gets rescued and is married to a good man. All she knows is prostitution. She doesn't know what true love is or what a healthy relationship between a man and a woman looks like. The man is good to her and teaches her of true love. Even when she runs back into prostitution, he brings her home again and loves her all the more. Eventually she starts to get it. She starts to understand and receive love.

This is what I feel like is happening to me today. Somehow God is getting through. I have been clueless of true love and what God expects from me. I am starting to get it. I am being set free from my old way of thinking. I am being set free to love and be loved.

Step Back Into God's Arms

Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8

Step back into God's arms. Taste and see that he truly is good. Watch the good work that he is doing. Trust that he is in control and that he is doing a good work in the lives of those that you pray for, including yourself. It's too big for you, this job that you undertake, this job of controlling the world around and within you. Step back and know God's love. See the joy and love on his face when he looks at you. See the hope in his eyes. He has great things planned for you. He won't let you down. He will be by your side through everything. He will hide you under the shadow of his wing. He will not forsake you.

There Is More

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

For years I have been praying with two wonderful friends. Over and over, God keeps saying to us, "There is more." We always tell him that we want this "more" that he is referring to. Sometimes we can guess what he is talking about and sometimes we haven't a clue.

The "more" that he has for me today is that I matter. I matter more than conquering obesity, addictions, a dirty house, debt, and circumstances that are defeating and discouraging. On the other hand, I matter so much that these things must be conquered. I saw a picture of an exhausted athlete, lying on the ground panting. His coach has been training him and pushing him beyond his comfort zone again and again. Breathlessly, he asks, "Tell me again, why we are doing this?"
The coach answers, "Because you matter."

He pushes me to conquer because I matter. On the other hand, he wants me to know that I matter more than conquering.

"We are more than conquerors." To some it would seem that I am taking this scripture out of context. But in reality, I am seeing this scripture in a deeper way than I ever have before. I am seeing the "more." I used to think that it only meant that Jesus helps us to be super good at conquering. Now I know that not only is this true, but it also means that we have more worth to God than whether we conquer or not.

A Shelter From The Storm

LORD, you are my God;
I will exalt you and praise your name,
for in perfect faithfulness
you have done wonderful things,
things planned long ago.
You have made the city a heap of rubble,
the fortified town a ruin,
the foreigners’ stronghold a city no more;
it will never be rebuilt.
Therefore strong peoples will honor you;
cities of ruthless nations will revere you.
You have been a refuge for the poor,
a refuge for the needy in their distress,
a shelter from the storm
and a shade from the heat.
For the breath of the ruthless
is like a storm driving against a wall
and like the heat of the desert.
You silence the uproar of foreigners;
as heat is reduced by the shadow of a cloud,
so the song of the ruthless is stilled.

On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare
a feast of rich food for all peoples,
a banquet of aged wine—
the best of meats and the finest of wines.
On this mountain he will destroy
the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations;
he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears
from all faces;
he will remove his people’s disgrace
from all the earth.
The LORD has spoken.
Isaiah 25:1-8