Trust Your Crazy Ideas

I remember how Christopher Columbus believed that the world was round at a time when most believed it to be flat. He was sure that if they kept sailing, they would find land. No, he didn't know all the details, but he persisted in the belief of a round world. Those with him were afraid, because they were sure that if they kept going they would fall off the end of the world and die. He believed the truth and went forward in it in hope. They were on the same journey, but believed a lie. They were in bondage to fear and acted out of that fear. I bet they were surprised to find that Christopher was right.
We are called to be like Christopher. God is setting us free to be truly us. He is saying that we are valuable and worthy of love. We are his Beloved. God is calling for a change in our lives. He is asking for a new belief for us."The change of which I speak is the change from living life as a painful test to prove that you deserve to be loved, to living it as an unceasing 'yes' to the truth of that Belovedness." (Henri Nouwen, LIFE OF THE BELOVED)
Years ago, I heard a pastor talk about how he spent an hour a day letting God tell him how much he loved him. It radically changed his life. God is calling us to the same thing, except that we are to listen 24 hours a day. This comes in the delightful things in life like watching a sunrise. He also tells us of his love through our suffering, which brings us closer to him. He is with us always, whispering words of encouragement.
You are a radically amazing gift to God and the world. Be you, O Beloved one. I have a sign on my wall. It says, "Trust your crazy ideas." Be free. Walk forth in the Belovedness of God and the dignity of who you are.

Rise Up Beloved

A PROPHECY THAT GOD GAVE ME TODAY
"There is no contest. You are one of a kind. Who are you in competition with to prove your worth? No one will defend you. No one will cheer you on in this self-defeating lie. I am your Lord, and I say that you are My Beloved. I have named you thus, and no other name fits you. Discouraged, dishonored, failure, hopeless; these are not your names. You are My Beloved. No other name fits you. What difference does it make that the enemy flings mud at you and calls you worthless? It is all a lie. Give it no thought. Walk in My Belovedness. This is where I have called you. This is who you are. This is a joyous journey that I have called you on, one filled with freedom and light. Don't be afraid of the enemy and the lies he speaks against you. You have nothing to prove. Hope in God, alone, and he will see you through. The enemy has defeated you as he mocks you and shames you. Rise up Beloved. Rise up and know my love for you. Run, run far from this shame and discontentment. Walk in my love. For this is where you belong. Your hope is in me. Trust in me."

Army Of God's Beloved

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." Psalm 90:14

I am very aware that we need God to intervene on our behalf. We can't satisfy ourselves by just remembering that God loves us. It is important that we meditate on his love. Yes, this is true, but we need God to supernaturally intervene with his love. Remember, that is what differentiates Christianity from other religions. Our God, the One True God, comes to us. Even while we were sinners, Jesus died for us. It isn't about whether we deserve God's love. No one does. There is nothing we can do to make him love us more. His love is unfailing. We can't mess it up. We keep trying to satisfy ourselves with other things. You all know what they are in your lives. That can't mess up God's love either. Nothing, and I mean nothing can separate you from God's love! It is here right now in you and surrounding you. What God is asking today from us is that we be still and know he is God. Be still and quit struggling. Be still and rest in his love. Then humbly cry out to God to satisfy you with his love. This is his will. So you can't go wrong asking for it. I am convinced that God is raising up an army of his Beloved. You are one of that army. Receive his love today.

Yet Will I Hope In Him

"Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him." Job 13:15 NIV Bible

I am very aware that my hope must be in God. I can't hope in me or others getting it right. I can't hope in my human heritage. The world says that if things are a certain way in your life, then you are successful and good. Job is a perfect example to disprove this lie. He was one of the most holy men on earth and God let almost everything be taken from him. This had nothing to do with his goodness, or ability, or heritage.


Then there is the other side of the coin. We can find ourselves like the Apostle Paul that said, "When I want to do good, evil is right there with me." (Romans 7:21) We try to be good, but we keep messing up. Paul says, "Thanks be to God - through Christ Jesus our Lord!....Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 7:25 & 8:1)


My hope is in God, alone. I declare that God is good and faithful. I declare that he is in charge of my destiny. He is making all things work together for good in my life. This day, I choose to hope in God.

Truly Come Vibrantly Alive

"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." John 15:4 NIV Bible

I am remembering a crucial thing that a pastor taught me. He said that the people that identify counterfeit money have become really familiar with what real money looks like. They have focused on it and memorized it. Then when a counterfeit bill comes along, they know it right away.
I have found this to be a truth in my relationship with God. I must remain plugged into God through prayer, worship, Bible reading and and intimacy. Then as I go through life I recognize the counterfeit that would otherwise deceive me. Also I have found that when I am listening to God, I can hear him more correctly. I end up being in the right place at the right time more, and I can have a deeper impact on the lives around me. I guess my light shines brighter in me and on those around me.
We are going to live this life no matter what. Why not live it to the fullest? I don't want to live as a faded, sickly flower. I want to be vibrant and beautiful. I don't want to be a victim to every idea and scheme. I want to know the truth. This is what Jesus offers as we spend time in his presence. Then we truly come vibrantly alive.

Walk On Water

I was listening to the radio, and I heard a girl named Britt Nicole tell about her mother. Her mom had a dream to open a home for girls, but there were so many obstacles that made it all seem impossible. Then she just stepped out and began one step at a time. Britt wrote a song with us mother's in mind. We are not at the beginning of our lives. Many of us feel like most of life has passed us by, and so many of our hopes and dreams have never materialized. She speaks God's heart to us. It's not too late. You can walk on water. Step out.

The Year Of The Lord's Favor

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.
Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV Bible