I'm Done Trying to PLAY God!

Do you ever struggle to understand why God does what He does? Ever wrestle to relinquish control? Ever struggle to rest in God's timing and trust in His provisions?

Recently, I made time to evaluate my life...
I panned back to get better perspective...
I released my ideas of how I thought God should show up and committed to an extensive time of fasting and prayer...

WHEW! Is all I can say!!!

Friend, I don't pretend to have all the answers...but I am confident of this truth:

Numbers 23:19 says--"God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?"

As my season of fasting came to an end, I didn't experience any great changes of my circumstance; instead, I experienced a great change in my soul and found a peace far greater!

Through the fast, I felt a powerful relinquishing to "QUIT TRYING TO PLAY GOD."

Don't worry. I don't actually confuse my abilities with God's. I know He is INFINITE and I am definitely finite. I know He is ALL Powerful and I can only do what He empowers me to do...

But...truth be told...sometimes I carried the weight of my circumstances. Sometimes doubt consumed my thinking. I would think to myself How can I make this happen. What am I NOT doing right? I became frustrated when things didn't happen in the time frame I expected or hoped for. I became confused when God's promises seemed delayed...

Does anyone out there know what I'm talking about?

Anyone else struggle with SELF-SUFFICIENCY?

This year, I am resolved to quit trying to be God. Oh, of course, I'm still going to show up. Of course, I'm still going to be faithful. Of course, I'm still going to pray and ask God to move my mountains...

BUT...regardless of my circumstances...I have found a blessed peace that GOD IS FAITHFUL. HE LOVES ME VERY MUCH. AND HIS PLANS ARE ALWAYS GOOD.

How about you? Anything you need to relinquish? Tired of living frustrated? Tired of cowering to doubt and fear?

I'd love for you to find this blessed peace too, let me know how I can pray for you!

Spend Some Time With Me...

"Mommy, please come away from your computer. I just want to spend some time with you."

My youngest child, Joshuah, loves to spend time with me. He can never get enough. His primary love language is quality time. At his invitation, I push the pause button on life and steal away to play a game or watch a cartoon; and I'm always glad I did.

This morning, I felt God whisper the same invitation. No. Not the "mommy" part...the part "I just want to spend some time with you."

MMMMMMMMM. What an invitation!

So often I get distracted by other things that call out for my attention. Demands constantly fill my days. Sometimes it's difficult to silence all the noise and distractions of my busy to-do list. I am so grateful when God's love breaks through and lifts the weights I try to carry. I'm grateful that He lovingly calls me and captures my attention.

Today, I simply want to encourage you to put your finger on the pause button. Silence all the noise surrounding your life and spend time in God's Word. Allow Him to refresh you with His Holy Spirit. Take a  deep breath and wait silently before Him.

As I pushed my pause button this morning, God reminded me of His promise in Isaiah 43:1-3. "But now, this is what the LORD says — he who created you...he who formed you..."Fear not, 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. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." (NIV)

Friend, He is lovingly calling you to spend time with Him. So, will you take the challenge?

• For the next five minutes, sit silently before Him.
• Invite Him to speak to you by praying a simple prayer like: Lord, please speak to me. Help me hear Your voice.
• Read a passage of Scripture. Don't know where to read? Try meditating on Isaiah 43, Jeremiah 29:11-14, Matthew 5, John 10, or Romans 8.
• Write down what God shares.
• Write out your prayer to Him.

So, how about it? Will you take the challenge? Will you put your finger on the pause button? As you take the challenge, I am confident God will meet with you. My prayer is that He will renew your strength and fill you with His presence.

God Asked Me...

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


Recently, during an extended period of prayer and fasting...God asked me three specific questions:

1. Is anything too difficult for me?
2. Is anything impossible for me?
3. Is there anything I would withhold from those who love Me?

Each time I answered (very sincerely) "No, Lord." "Nothing is too difficult. Nothing is impossible for you. And, according to Your Word, there is nothing that You would withhold from those who love You, who are called according to Your purposes."

But, even as I responded to Him with a full conviction, convinced of His Power and His Goodness, God gently corrected me saying...

Julie, you live limited to your own thinking. You trust in your abilities, not my capabilities.

I was shocked!

How, Lord? How am I living limited to my own thinking? I've always followed You, Lord. I've stepped out boldly. I've followed where You've called. I've done whatever You've called me to do. How do I live life limited? (I still laugh at how I try to reason with God...)

And, only as a Father can...God lovingly embraced me, comforted me, yet instructed and corrected me by responding ask and believe Me for a home.

I instantly replied, "Lord, who would possibly give us a home." But even as the words uttered forth from my lips...God reminded me of my response to His initial three questions and His correction.

WHEW!

I immediately understood how I lived limited to my own thinking. I tend to operate from what I can understand...what I can accomplish. I trust in my abilities rather than believing God for His capabilities.

Don't misunderstand my motives. We never try to force the hand of God. Faith isn't conjuring up some noble notion or impossibility and asking God to bless it...instead...it's simply aligning our life to follow after WHAT GOD HAS SPOKEN. It's allowing GOD to be GOD. It's trusting Him. It isn't contingent on the outcome of our circumstances...instead it resides in the unshakable confidence of WHO GOD IS and trusting in HIS GOOD INTENT toward us. It's believing in Him...regardless of what conventional wisdom might say. It's standing firm...regardless of the scoffers. It's NOT a formula where we try to force the hand of GOD...instead it's listening for HIS VOICE, PROMISE, INSTRUCTION...and believing Him to do the impossible.

Noah believed God and built an ark. Moses trusted and lifted his staff and God parted the Red Sea while Israel stepped across on dry land. The widow served the prophet and her flour and oil didn't run dry. Joshua blew trumpets and the impenetrable walls of Jericho tumbled down. David slew Goliath.

Friend...is anything too difficult for God? Is anything impossible? Is there anything that He would withhold from those who love Him? ... I encourage you to ask God if you are living limited in your thinking? Do you live limited by your abilities instead of trusting in God's capabilities?

Today, I'm asking God to remove ALL of my doubt, fear, and limited thinking. May He fill each one of us with HIS expectation and a greater measure of faith.

Let Go of What Was...Embrace What is...Look Forward to What is Yet to Come!

Wow! Can you believe we are already into the 2nd week of the New Year? As promised, I will begin writing and posting thoughts at least 3 times a week. I hope you enjoy my written and video blogs...My prayer is that God will use them to inspire you to LIVE YOUR LIFE to its fullest this year and that GOD speaks to you, as I share what He is teaching me.

As we approach our New Year...many of us want to start over. So, as we begin this New Year...I thought I'd share a thought that I shared last year, on starting over.

Here are a few thoughts on starting over:

• First, recognize that part of starting over means something else has ended. Loss of a loved one. Marriage. Divorce. Sickness. Healing. Birth of a child. Waywardness of your teenage child. Growing older. Loss of a position. Promotion. All of these circumstances, constitute change. And change, even when it's good can cause stress.

I remember after the birth of my daughter, and then the birth of my son, as joyful as those moments were, their gift of life also meant a surrender of what was. No more care free nights of doing what I wanted (at least not routinely). Diapers, dishes, laundry all mounted as did my frustrations for my loss of free time and my future idealistic ideas of ministry and travelling the world.
Friends, it's OK to grieve. It's OK to feel loss even in blessings and especially OK to take every broken dream to God.

Some of my dearest friends have experienced considerable loss this year...death of loved ones, an unfaithful spouse, divorce, sickness, and children changing from doting loving children to unyielding, wild running, untamed horses--resisting their upbringing of godly teachings.
In moments like these we must let go of all our own strength, and submit every concern, fear, and regret to God. 

Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. " (NIV)
Allow yourself time to grieve, to let go of "what was" and to embrace "what is" by submitting everything to God in prayer.

• The second part of restarting, after letting go of "what was" is embracing "what is".

Whew. Now that's a tall order. How do you embrace what is without allowing it to kill your hope of what is yet to come?

Can I just say, I don't have this down perfect yet. But part of what I'm learning is that "embracing what is doesn't mean embracing the discouragement but rather embrace God in the midst of the pain.

The last two years caused me much heartache. We've lost every inch of stable ground to stand on...except GOD Himself. And in the process, God stripped us of our self-reliance and self-determination. Every day demanded hitting the restart button, and a surrender to embrace the Truth of WHO GOD IS and rest in His promises, knowing He works all things together for our good.
Throughout our last two years we undertook three moves, three job changes, sold houses, purchased new businesses, sold a couple business, ventured to new locations, found new churches, built new friendships and let go of past ones, helped our children during each transition, said goodbye to accustomed luxuries and learned to live on less in order to live more for the kingdom...at each turn...there was a death to self and an embracing of the cross we were called to carry.
I imagine many of you can relate. Times have not been easy for many in these last couple of years. So, the key to successfully hitting the restart button to life, is to EMBRACE GOD. Embrace His Goodness. To remember WHO we serve. And KNOW He is able to do the impossible.

In order to successfully hit the "restart button" we have to:

• Let go of "what was", embrace "what is", and always look forward to "what is yet to come".

Friends, life is full of change. And in the midst of the fiery furnace, in the midst of desert wanderings, in the midst of tyrant kings who search to destroy our lives...it can be tough to remember..."OUR STORY ISN'T FINISHED YET!"

Throughout the hardships of my life, childhood abuse, sexual abuse, divorce, neglect, years of searching for significance, economic hardships, betrayals...GOD HAS NEVER LEFT ME! And in the midst of the most horrific situations HE ALONE established my hope and gave me strength to press on, reminding me..."JULIE, YOUR STORY ISN'T FINISHED YET!" And today, I want to encourage you...NEITHER IS YOURS!!!

You hit the restart button every day, every minute of every day, and every second of every minute by holding fast to the truth that GOOD THINGS are yet to come. God doesn't waste anything.
Isaiah 43:18-19, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." (NIV)

In the MIDST of our desert God provides streams, and HE WILL work ALL THINGS together for our GOOD. Jeremiah 29:11 promises, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV)

Friends, HIT THE RESTART BUTTON! Let go of what was, embrace what is, and ALWAYS look forward to WHAT IS YET TO COME!

PRAYER: Father, give us strength to do everything listed in this post. And may our lives reflect Your goodness. Hold fast to us. Never let us fail. Thank You for Your love. We put our hope in You. Help us to start each day fresh, confident in WHO YOU ARE. AMEN.

A Personal Note

Hello Friends and Family!

Thanks for your notes of encouragement and for expressing how much you've missed my daily writings. I took the month of December to reflect on God's mission and vision for me, personally and professionally. After much prayer, I wanted to let you know that beginning in 2013 I will begin posting regularly, again. Also, I'd like to invite you to receive my weekly video devotional that is separate of my weekly written blog. If you'd like to receive it, subscribe here.  Here is a sample of what you will receive: 

 

Don't Mistake God's Silence as God's Absence!

Finally, I want to invite you to join me on tonight's LIVE MENTORING CALL HOW TO Live Your Vision for 2013!

Here's a preview for tonight's discussion:

* 3 vital questions that are necessary to DEFINE your vision for 2013, and

* 5 Vital questions that are necessary to sustain your vision for 2013.

Hope you can join us TONIGHT, at 7 PM EST. If you can, simply Dial 530-881-1300 and then Enter 452460#.

Come prepared to share your vision for 2013 and participate in an interactive discussion on how to sustain that vision.

If God Is For You, Who Can Stand Against You?

Hope you are encouraged by today's word of encouragement. Remember, "Faith isn't contingent upon the outcome of our circumstances; instead it resides in our unshakable confidence of Who God Is, His Character and Good Intent toward us."

If you enjoyed today's word of encouragement, you may enjoy other valuable resources available at FYInspiration.org. We encourage you to forward today's message to a friend who may need a gentle word of encouragement, too!

Little By Little

Little By Little-Julie Gorman FYI Founder

Hope you are blessed by today's post!

Only a Breath Away...From the Prison to the Palace!

Remember the story of Joseph? Yah, the kid with the coat of many colors! That's the one...

I've been reading a lot about his life, lately.

Joseph's life was greatly favored! Sounds exciting, doesn't it?

I mean, Joseph experiences a powerful dream, that symbolizes that one day he will rule and reign over his family. He's favored by His Father and given a beautiful coat of many colors.

Again, it's all very exciting until I consider where that favor leads Joseph.

Joseph's favor invokes many enemies; his brothers hate him. They are filled with jealousy and decide to throw him into a pit as they conspire to kill him. Eventually, they sell him into slavery.Where's the favor in that? What about Joseph's dream? What about God promise and Joseph's destiny?

But...

God's favor continues on and is found in some of the most unlikely places.

While in slavery, Joseph is favored by his Egyptian master, Potipher. That is until Potipher's wife 'favors' Joseph and when Joseph flees her advances, she accuses him, wrongfully. Her "favor" lands Joseph in a scandalous assault against Joseph's character and positions Joseph in an Egyptian prison...

I know...if you're like me, you wonder: Where's the favor in that, right?

But...

God's favor (once again) follows Joseph and Joseph is favored by the Prison Warden. 

Look at all of these accounts in Genesis 39 as Scripture describes Joseph as a successful man; despite his circumstances, Joseph excels and gains favor wherever he is. Why? Because God's favor isn't contingent upon Joseph's circumstances or conditions...God's favor is on Joseph and follows him.

In Genesis 39:2-4, we read: "The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned." (NIV)

In Genesis 39:23, we read: "The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did." NIV

Now, if you're like me...I'd be praying...Lord, let your favor move me to the place I dreamed about...to the position of ruling and reigning. Know what I mean? I think I'd wonder: Why is there so much suffering? Why is there so much hardship? 

But...

Just when it seems as if Joseph's dream will never be fulfilled, Pharoah experiences a dream; his dream is so disturbing that he searches for anyone who can interpret it. Pharoah learns of Joseph (who just so happens to be in his prison, waiting.) And, once again, we witness God's favor deliver Joseph.

But...

Before we move on, think about this; Scripture says Joseph was seventeen when he had his first dream (that foretold of his future rule and reign) AND...later states that Joseph is thirty years old before he stands before Pharoah. WHEW! 13 years of wanting and waiting...I wonder if Joseph ever perceived those years as wasted years...Personally, I know I have.

But...

The seasons I once considered wasted actually produced the greatest spiritual maturity. Wasted seasons have a way of demolishing pride and building humility and dependency! The Joseph who stood before Pharoah seemed different than the Joseph who boasted to his family.

In Genesis 41:14-16 we read: "So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it." (Now, check out Joseph's response...) "I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires." (NIV) Do you see the humility and change?


And, suddenly, in one day, Joseph moves from ruling Pharoah's prison to ruling Pharoah's Palace. WOW!


Today, as I think about my own struggles and the various pits, prisons or periods of waiting...I can't help but relate these truths. God's favor is NOT restricted by the circumstances or conditions that surround our life. He uses everything to work together for our good. 

And, at just the right time...

He promotes us from the PRISON to the PALACE.

One of the things I learn from Joseph's struggle is his surrender to God's process. Joseph served God faithfully in Potipher's house. He represented God with integrity and used his gifts in Pharoah's prison. The palace is no different. Joseph stands before Pharaoh and recognized his absolute powerless to do anything; God alone would answer Pharoah's dream.


Here are two thoughts to consider:

1. Do we willing surrender and serve God wherever we are, regardless of our circumstances?
2. In one single moment, God can pick us up and position us wherever He wants us, whenever He wants. Maybe today will be the day that God moves us from the prison into the palace! 

What's in your jar?

Last week, I shared from 1 Kings 17:12-16; Elijah interacts with a woman whose provisions were at their end. She has only a small handful of flour. The drought had impoverished her. She responds to the prophet's request for food, saying:

"As surely as the LORD your God lives," she replied, "I don't have any bread — only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it — and die."


We've all been asked the question: Is your jar half empty? Or, is it half full?

Honestly, there are times that I am tempted to look at what I don't have? Sometimes I get distracted by just how little I have left to offer! Know what I mean?

You know, that place where God asks you to serve someone, to give something, or compels you to offer something more than what you feel you have to give.

Surely this woman had to think at some point, what? Don't you see my need? I don't have anything to give you? I can't even provide for my family!!!

But Elijah responds to her, saying: "Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land.'"


Friend, God doesn't NEED anything we have. Our gifts, our money, our time...but...HE INVITES us to participate in the miraculous. When we offer HIM ALL we have...when we abandon OUR NEED to PRESERVE our own life HE PROVIDES FOR US MIRACULOUSLY!



Like the little boy with the loaves and fish...GOD multiplies the provisions to meet the needs of others...


He didn't need our fish...he didn't need our loaves...HE'S THE GOD WHO BREATHES STARS INTO EXISTENCE...




But, he invites us to give what we have so that we can participate and experience the joy of HIS MIRACLE.

Today, I look at my limited resources. I look at my skill sets or the lack thereof. I see what's in my jar and face a decision...

Will I preserve what I have and use it for my own needs...or...Will I give what God asks of me? Will I trust Him for my provision? Will I serve him regardless of the perceived cost?


Matthew 16:24-25 says: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it."
NIV


What is God requiring of you? Maybe its a call to help provide for others who are in need. Maybe it's to remain silent when another is attacking your integrity. Maybe it's a call to expend all that you have to serve and not expect anyone to ever notice. Maybe it's to cook a meal for someone who can never repay you. Maybe it's to love someone who constantly seeks their own selfish good.

Maybe, like me, you look at your jar and say...BUT GOD! I don't have enough, even for my own needs! If I give this up, I won't be able to survive. If I offer this, then what about all of these other REAL needs for me???

If that's you today...and you are looking at your own jar and feel overwhelmed by just how little you have left to give...KNOW THIS! GOD SEES YOU! AND HE IS THE SAME GOD TODAY as the God that provided for the woman in 1 Kings. He's the same miracle working God that multiplies the fish and loaves. And, when we give all that He's asked from us, HE WILL NOT FORSAKE US! Even when it seems we are in the midst of a spiritual, physical, emotional, or financial drought.


I encourage you to consider this passage of Scripture; I pray it encourages you:

Psalm 34:17-19, "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all." (NIV)

Questions of Why and What that Set Us Free

Isn't it sad how easily our motives can get twisted? Proverbs 16:2-3 says: "All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." (NIV)

Every day, as I seek to serve God, I battle against fleshly tendencies. Jesus said the greatest among you would be the servant of all. He said if anyone desires to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow after me.

I, like many believers, exclaim "Lord, I will follow You! I will serve! I will go where You call me! I will serve! I will take up my cross and follow after You!" Sounds noble doesn't it? But then, comes the part of the cross that demands EVERYTHING. The cross isn't a pretty gold symbol I wear around my neck; the cross means death to SELF...which in my life...proves to be a hard thing to nail to its final death. At times, I am completely blinded by my own initiatives and agendas. The truth of Proverbs 16:2-3 proves a little too real in my life; all my ways seem innocent to in my own mind!

But, THANK GOD, for His Spirit. Thank God, it's not up to my own power...but HIS! His Spirit truly counsels me, empowers me, and challenges me with questions that pierce through my own reasoning, helping me to see more like God sees things; He exposes the truth; He sets me FREE from ME with questions for WHY and WHAT. If we're honest, I think we'd all agree that the world's philosophy of SELF has a way of creeping into our thoughts and intertwining with our motives; which raises the question, How do we know if our motives are pure?

I thought I'd share some ways that God challenges my motives to purify my ambitions; I hope they help you. I'd also love to hear your thoughts:

1. God's Spirit constantly challenges me to question WHY:

• Why are you ministering to this person?
• Why did you say that? 
• Why are you volunteering for that?
• Why are you meeting with this person?
• Why are you promoting this?

My answers to these questions expose the condition of my heart. When I answer them objectively and honestly, I am able to recognize the root of why I do what I do. I compare my answers with God's Word. Passages of Scripture like Philippians 2:1-8 help to remind me of God's will and the standard by which I must measure my life.

2. A second way God challenges and purifies my motives is by questioning WHAT:

• What do you hope to accomplish by being involved?
• What do you want from this person?
• What do you desire from this alliance? 

Am I serving out of obedience or for recognition? Do I serve because God's love compels me or because I want to accomplish? Do I pretend to love in hopes of getting connected for selfish reasons, or do I walk through the doors God continues to open and look for opportunities to simply love as He has loved me...

Do I love preferentially? Or do I love God's children, regardless of their positions! These questions of WHY or WHAT shape all of my interactions with family, friends, and acquaintances...

Why do I say what I say to my spouse? Is it because I genuinely have his best interest at heart...or...am I using my words to manipulate to get what I want? Beneath every interaction, am I serving to extend God's love...or am I working to create a world for my own benefit?

Do I serve other families more than I serve my own? Do I give just as much attention and love to the one who has nothing to give me back...or do I align my life to hang out with people who can advance the cause...

Philippians 2:3-5 is a passage of Scripture that challenges my soul: I am committed to live it with all my life. It says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." (NIV)

What helps you keep your motives pure? I'd love to read your thoughts; feel free to share them below!

Ever Question the Line of Faith and Stupidity?

Ever question the line of Faith and Stupidity?

I mean, how do you know when you've substituted godly obedience to fruitless actions? Sometimes, I look at the mountain ahead of me and wonder how in the world am I ever gonna scale that?

How about you?

Do endless tasks or countless impossibilities paralyze you from stepping forward? Do yesterday's failures or tomorrow's risks keep you from walking in today's obedience?



Today, as I surveyed the impossibilities surrounding my life and the obstacles trying to obscure my destiny...  a thought filled my mine--(Godly) Action Cures Fear!


In 1 Kings 17:12-16 we see the fight between fear and faith; the passage shares a powerful testimony of a woman who conquered fear through faithful obedience. Check it out...

"As surely as the LORD your God lives," she replied, "I don't have any bread — only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it — and die."

Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land.'"

She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah. (NIV)


Whew. Think about this woman's quandary. She only has a handful of flour and a little oil. Her plan...fix one final cake and then die. The underlying tone is I'm going to use what I've got to take care of ME and WHATS most precious to ME.

But God interrupts her thoughts with HIS PLAN; He invites her to experience the miraculous. I wonder if she faced the same quandaries and questions of Is this faith or stupidity?

Either way, God uses Elijah to speak the truth and I believe helps to reveal how can we recognize whether we are following God's plan or just acting foolishly. I believe this story helps to reveal the fine line of recognizing the difference between FAITH and STUPIDITY.

Do you see it?

Steps of Stupidity focus on self. They are self-serving. They are plans that begin and end with SELF as the central focus. When we focus on taking care of our needs verses serving others our plans will produce death.

Steps of Faithfulness focus on God's voice and others. They originate with God and end with serving Him and others. Steps of faithfulness require trust in God's provisions. They abandon the notion of self-preservation.

In this story, the woman obeyed God's voice. She did what God said to do. She followed after him even when it didn't line up with human reasoning.

No. I'm not suggesting we practice the absurd and attribute God's name to it...but I am suggesting that obedience to God's voice invites His power and blessing! Faithfully doing the next right thing opens doors of opportunities that would have otherwise remained shut. Obeying and following God's decrees prepares us to receive all that God promises.

In Jeremiah 11:4-5, God commanded the people: 'Obey me and do everything I command you, and you will be my people, and I will be your God. Then I will fulfill the oath I swore to your forefathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey' — the land you possess today." (NIV)



What is God calling you to do? What steps of obedience is He inviting you to take? Do you question whether you are walking in steps of faith or merely practicing stupidity? Perhaps your answer can be discovered by asking where the steps originate:

• Do you believe God called you to do what you are doing?
• Does it line up with His Word?
• Does it line up with His character?
• Do the steps promote SELF or are they centered in serving others?
• Where do the plans begin and end? With SELF ... OTHERS ... or GOD?

I'd love to hear your thoughts or ways I can pray for you. Take a moment to share them in the comments section below. :)

Remember WHO GOD IS

Ever feel in over your head? Tested beyond your perceived strength? Positioned in a place where you question God what are you doing? Why am I here? What are you calling me to?

If so, be encouraged and remember...Our deliverance, our victory, and our ability to obey is provided through trusting in WHO GOD IS and WHAT HE IS CAPABLE OF.

In Genesis 22:1-12, God tells Abraham, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." And so, "the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants," Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you." Then, "Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?" "Yes, my son?" Abraham replied. "The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on together. When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." (NIV)



Whew. Can you imagine? I know I've been called to sacrifice many things, things I loved, but my own flesh and blood...WOW!

So, where did Abraham muster his courage to offer up Isaac? How could he live so abandoned to God's command?


There are many possible solutions to these questions but I believe none as pertinent as the answer found in Hebrew 11:17-19. It says, "By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him," It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death." (NIV)

Abraham's obedience resided in His complete confidence of in WHO GOD IS AND IN GOD'S ABILITY, not his own. He didn't focus on what he could or couldn't do...instead...he shifted his attention to remember GOD! He trusted in God's goodness and in God's power.

So....


When fear grips your heart and challenges your faith...Remember WHO GOD I!
When you don't feel like you can do what He has called you to...Remember WHAT HE HAS PROMISED.
When you feel alone...Remember GOD IS FOR YOU.
When your faith is assaulted and you face huge battles...Remember God's character and His power!

Friend, God can be trusted. He is faithful. And, He loves you.

I pray God strengthens you and fills you with His presence so that you have the strength to declare (as the Apostle Paul did in 2 Timothy 1:12) "I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day." (NIV)


Also, as a side note, I am sooooooo excited to share that God is opening incredible doors of ministry. I continue to witness the evidence of HIS promise whispered to me (over twenty five years ago) and want to invite you to be part of it! God has called us to provide ongoing mentoring, encouragement, and inspiration to those who hunger to grow their influence and serve God with all their heart; tonight will be our first LIVE mentorship call.

Though our mentorship calls are typically only shared with FYI MEMBERS, we want to invite you to join us on our very FIRST MENTORSHIP CALL. WOO-HOO!!!

If you are interested, the call begins at 7:00 PM (EST.) You can access FYI's conference call (and ask your questions LIVE.) Simply follow these instructions:

1. Tonight, at 7:00 PM, Dial: (530) 881-1300  
2. Enter your Access Code: 452460#

 Hope to talk with you tonight!

Three GOD-Reminders For Today!

Today, as I positioned my fingers to my keyboard and postured my heart to receive from God, I asked Him a couple simple question; What do you want me to write today? What message do You want me to share?

And, these words flooded my thoughts:

Tell them; I love them. Tell them; I see them. Tell them; I have not forgotten them.

I wonder, did Noah wonder if God had forgotten him during the 100 years He waited for the flood waters? I wonder, did Joseph question why God left Him imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit? I wonder, when we read the words above that God prompted me to write if there are many of us who wonder does God love ME? Does he see ME? Or, has He forgotten me?

Whenever God fills my mind with a message as concretely as He did this morning...I always research Scripture: Here is what I found:

GOD LOVES YOU!
In Isaiah 43:4-5 God spoke; He said "Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you." (NIV)

GOD SEES YOU!
In 2 Chronicles 16:9 God makes a promise: "...the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." (NIV) I'm reminded of how Jesus spoke to Nathaniel saying while you were under the fig tree, I saw you. God is that personal.

God will NOT FORGET YOU:
In Isaiah 49:15-16 God makes a declaration: "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me." (NIV)

So, today, the message is short and sweet...but I truly believe comes straight from above and from God's Word.

God loves you. He sees you. He has NOT forgotten you.

I pray that God fills you with His strength, peace, and powerful presence, as you walk with Him, today!!!

What To Do While You Wait...

Does busyness consume you? Are you caught in the torrents of life’s rapid currents? Do you struggle to bob your head above the sweltering waters and demands of measuring up, providing, or accomplishing? 

If so, today's word will apply--WAIT!

Personally, I don't like to wait. I find action more fulfilling and empowering, at least in my fleshly nature. I become frustrated if someone is running late...and even more upset if I'm the one running late. When I hear God's voice I instantly run to the battle or expect results, immediately. 

But what happens when results don't happen instantaneously? Then what? 

Again, we must WAIT! Waiting is NOT just sitting idle. Waiting is not inactivity. Instead, waiting is abandoning futile efforts, steeped in self-will.

G. Campbell Morgan puts it this way, "Waiting for God is not laziness. Waiting for God is not going to sleep. Waiting for God is not the abandonment of effort.  Waiting for God means, first, activity under command; second, readiness for any new command that may come; third, the ability to do nothing until the command is given."(see quote)

Noah heard God's voice and responded immediately. He worked. He obeyed. And, saw God's fulfillment approximately 100 years later.

Abraham heard God's promise...tried to figure out God's plan...made a huge mistake...but eventually (at the age of 100) received God's fulfilled promise.

David was anointed as the future King of Israel...but wasn't positioned in the palace until about 15 years later.

So, how about that middle ground of waiting? What do you do, while you wait?

Lamentations 3:22-26 says, "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD." (NIV)

So, today, if you find yourself STUCK in a PATTERN of waiting...

• Remember God's great love for you.
• Remember that He is compassionate and will not fail you. 
• Remember He is faithful.
• Remember He is your inheritance for ALL eternity.
• Remember He is good to all who hope in Him and seek Him.

Waiting has a way of stripping me from SELF and teaches me to...

  Willfully
  Abandon
"I"
  Tendencies

Today, as you wait, I pray God grants clarity, renews your hope, and reveals WHO HE IS and HIS GREAT LOVE for YOU!