Determination-Living A Life Above Our Circumstances

Determination means "a firmness of purpose, will, or intention." As Christians what we "purpose, will, or intend" determines whether we live a life above our circumstances or cave to the cunning crafts of our enemy.

Today's word--Determination!

If we want to live above our circumstances we must determine to hold fast to God. (I shared this message on August 31st, but felt I should share it again.)

"What will my brother do to me?" Jacob wondered, hearing Esau was heading his way with 400 men. "Will he take his vengeance on me?" "Will he destroy me for having deceived him from his natural birthright?"


Desperate, distressed, and distraught, Jacob worked out a plan to appease his brothers anger. He sent out servants to take hundreds of male and female goats and camels to appease Esau's anger. Though God promised Jacob He would prosper him, upon returning to his home country, Jacob feared Esau.

Anxious, worried, and in a panic Jacob pressed in to God. Left alone in the middle of the night, scripture says Jacob wrestled with a man until day-break. Jacob desperate for a blessing, held on, fighting, grappling, tussling; determined to not let go until the man blessed him.

Finally, realizing Jacob's determination, the man blessed him saying, "Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed."

Friends, what are you wrestling with? Have you determined to press in and press on? Will the cry of your desperation turn to determination?

Jacob turned his desperation to determination, and God blessed him. The same is true for us: when we determine to not let go, not give up, and we press in and hold fast to God, God hears us. Scripture says if we ask anything in accordance with His will, it will be done.

Mark 11:22-24 says, "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." (NIV)

I'm NOT talking about naming and claiming it...I'm talking about holding fast to the truth...knowing what God has said...clinging and wrestling...determining to not let go of what HE HAS PROMISED. God told Jacob to return to his home country and that He would prosper him, that was God's promise to Jacob...

What has God promised you? What does Scripture declare? Whatever it is...DON'T let go. DON'T give up. Be desperate for God. Be determined to NOT let go! You're blessing is coming. God fulfills ALL of HIS promises!

PRAYER: Father, we are desperate for a touch from you. Fulfill Your promises. We give You our life. We surrender to YOUR will. Deliver us from our enemies. Empower us for Your service. Let Your Kingdom Come...Let Your will be done...on earth...in our lives...in our jobs...in our finances...in our marriages...in our families...in our health...as it is in Heaven! In Jesus name we pray, amen!

Character--Living a Life Above our Circumstances

Character is what you are in the dark.--D.L. Moody.

It's been said, "If we sow a thought, we reap an act; when we sow an act, we reap a habit; when we sow a habit, we reap a character; and when we sow a character, we reap a destiny."

Today's word--Character!

If we want to live above our circumstances we must have Christlike character.

Our daily afflictions no matter how great, no matter how small, buffet our lives, testing us, shaping us, revealing who we truly are...If we live to gratify the flesh, from the flesh we will reap destruction, but when we sow to the spirit, from the spirit we will reap eternal life.

Honestly, can I just say, sometimes I get really weary. I question why trials never seem to end. I reflect on the character of WHO I KNOW GOD TO BE and wonder why HE chooses to not answer my prayers or move in situations...I KNOW HE IS ABLE TO...and wonder WHY??? exasperating myself, until I remember I'm not living for this life alone. My hope, my confidence, my assurance is in CHRIST ALONE! It's only when I remember my hope in Christ, I live above my situations and tower above my conditions.

Romans 5:1-5, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

To truly live above our circumstances requires Christ-like character. Christ-like character governs every decision, every action...Christ-like character isn't moved at loss, wearied by trials, or altered at devastation...Christ-like character focuses on God's purposes, intent on fulfilling God's mission, abandoned to His will.

As Christians, Christ alone must shape our choices not our circumstances. We must serve irregardless of the cost or the outcome. When God's character is made complete in us, we laugh at adverstiy, scoff at our enemies, and rest in the midst of storms, declaring as Paul did, in Philippians 4:11-13,"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (NIV)

Dear Friend, we are NOT ALONE. God HIMSELF is with us. He will never abandon us. The trials and sufferings we experience will not crush us...the fire will not consume us...though fiery darts come our way they will not destroy us. God promises many are the afflictions of the righteous...BUT...THE LORD DELIVERS HIM FROM THEM ALL.

Trials simply shape us, remove impurities, providing an opportunity for us to press in closer to God, allowing Him the opportunity to deepen our knowledge of His love for us and produce His likeness in us.

Charles Swindoll wrote: "The world needs men who cannot be bought; whose word is their bond; who put character above wealth; who possess opinions and a will; who are larger than their vocations; who do not hesitate to take chances; who will not lose their individuality in a crowd; who will be as honest in small things as in great things; who will make no compromise with wrong; whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires; who will not say they do it" because everybody else does it"; who are true to their friends through good report and evil report, in adversity as well as in prosperity; who do not believe that shrewdness, cunning, and hardheadedness are the best qualities for winning success; who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for the truth when it is unpopular; who can say "no" with emphasis, although all the rest of the world says "yes." (Charles Swindoll, Living Above the Level of Mediocrity, p.107-8, http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/c/character.htm)

Let us, by the mercy of God's grace, determine to be such men and women...when we do...we reflect Christ's likeness and freely soar above life's circumstances.
 
PRAYER: Father, we need you desperately. Thank You Jesus, that You understand and have been tested in every way, understanding our weakness. Fill us with the POWER of YOUR HOLY SPIRIT. We put our hope in YOU! May our testimony bring You glory. Don't let us be put to shame. In Jesus name, amen!

Living Above our Circumstances Demands Bravery!

Living above our circumstances demands bravery!

Today's Word is BRAVERY

Let's face it, following God doesn't always make sense in the natural. I imagine bystanders looking at Gideon, speculating, "You're going to reduce your army of how many thousands to three hundred men?...And God told you to do it?" Or how about David throwing off all conventional methods of battle and running full force, with just a sling and five stones, to slay one of the most feared giants among the Philistines--Goliath!

David never shrank from the bear or lion. He didn't cower to Goliath. When Saul sought his life, David bravely spared Saul's life, not raising a hand against God's anointed; he trusted God to defend his life. David lived above his circumstances. 1 Samuel 16:18 describes David, "One of the servants answered, "I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the LORD is with him." (NIV)

Brave men and women of God step forward when others step back; they press on with others give up; and they follow through regardless of the cost, dismissing the opinions and speculations of bystanders! They understand the true meaning of BRAVERY; bravery isn't recklessly following after every conjured whimsical notion; true bravery simply follows God's voice, knowing He will do what He has promised!

Abraham bravely put Isaac on the altar, trusting in both GOD's character and His ability; he reckoned God could raise Isaac from the dead...he knew God's promise existed through Isaac...he trusted God would fulfill His promise.

When Joshua and Caleb surveyed the land they saw God's promise...I can just imagine their report..."YOU SHOULD SEE what God has waiting for us...milk...honey...grapes. Huh? Giants?? Sure there are giants...but you should see the SIZE of those grapes."

Bravery looks pass conventional wisdom, pass consequences and costs, and simply listens for the still small voice, asking...WHAT HAS GOD SAID?

Living above our circumstances requires BRAVERY...BRAVERY requires faith...And true faith listens for God's voice and trusts His wisdom! So, what has God promised YOU? What has HE called you to do? What does HIS WORD declare about your circumstances?

Deuteronomy 31:5-6 says, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified...for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (NIV)

PRAYER: Father, speak to us clearly; direct us; give us the strength to obey! Fill us with faith to live BRAVELY for YOU! IN JESUS NAME we pray, AMEN!

The ABC's of Living a Life Above Our Circumstances

Over the next few weeks we will explore the ABC's of Living a Life Above Our Circumstances, exploring powerful words, shaping our life.

Our first word--ATTITUDE. 

Viktor Frankl, a concentration camp survivor wrote:
"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: To choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's way."  (http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/a/attitude.htm)



If you're like me you're thinking, "Oh ouch...here we go again! Do I still have MORE spiritual pruning to undergo?" The answer is yes, but only if we want to live a life above our circumstances! You see, we all want a life of comfort and ease, but, unfortunately, life is filled with disappointments, setbacks, and adversity. 

How we react to adversity determines

our outcome.

Our attitudes shape our decisions, effecting our results. And, as Viktor Frankl pointed out, NO ONE can take away how we choose to respond to any given set of circumstances, or choose our way! 

Philippians 2:5 commands us, "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus" (NIV) Wow! Now that's a tall order! But one worthy of our further attention.

What was Jesus' attitude?

According to Philippians 2:6-8, Jesus humbled Himself. He completely abandoned Himself to the will of the Father. He left everything to fulfill God's purpose. In the garden He prayed, NOT MY WILL, but Yours be done! Ultimately, He endured great affliction, all for the sake of God's plan!

The result? (Philippians 2:9-11) "God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (NIV)

Friends, we may endure seasons of great pain, but our suffering produces life! Our attitude should reflect Christ's, abandoning ourselves to God's mission, commiting to do all He has commanded, while remaining confident God fulfills all His promises. We must live for the will of God; 1 Peter 4:1-2 reminds us, "Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God." (NIV)

Circumstances can't deter our hope, only our attitude about our circumstances hold such power.

So, when adversity strikes, we have a choice: We can meander through fruitless contemplations of "why me?" or stand confident knowing God works all things together for our good... remembering through Him we can DO ALL THINGS!

Our life is NOT our own...we exist for Him. And through Him, we live and move and have our being! Therefore, as Ephesians 4:22-24 reminds us let us put off our "former way of life," and "to put off" our "old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; and be "made new in the attitude of" our "minds"; and "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (NIV)

If we want to live above our circumstances, we have to submit our attitude to God, filling our mind with the truth from His word, remembering "NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!"

PRAYER: Father, we need a fresh touch from you. It is such a delicate balance between surrender and giving up hope. Hold us close. Never let us go. We submit our attitudes to You. We declare that we will serve YOU NO MATTER THE COST confident YOU WILL FULFILL ALL YOUR PROMISES! Be the Lord of our lives we pray, and may we bring YOU glory and honor, in Jesus name, amen!



WANNA KNOW THE SECRET?...Put an End to the Juggling Routine

Today’s fast-paced society influences our life, distracting us from our mission, attempting to steal our joy. We think...Just one more plate...c'mon now...spin...spin...spin...and then wonder why plates drop all around us, plummeting past our wobbling knees, shattering on the ground by our feet.

Wanna Know The Secret? Wanna put an end to the juggling routine?  Me too. But before I tell you the secret, let me just say I don't live it out perfectly; maintaining balance demands our constant attention and deliberate intention.

You see society says, juggle your career, ministry, family, friends, finances; it counsels to segment each part of our life focusing on one thing at a time...but the truth is life isn't categorized...our life can't be sectioned off...life is messy...it overlaps...and balance is an illusion left to "Leave It To Beaver" episodes. If we want balance, Jesus can't be segmented into portions or fractions of our life. We need Him at every moment of every day...seeking His counsel in our parenting...asking for His provision on our finances. We need to determine to listen to Him before we act...request His counsel in our friendships...and wait for His revelation in order to identify HIS PURPOSE and PLANS for our life.

Instead of inviting Jesus into our day...true balance begins when we step into HIS.

Now, that all sounds really nice and neat...but it isn't. You see, sometimes ministry impacts our career, which in turn impacts our finances, which in turn impacts our family, which in turn impacts...well you get the idea. Sometimes, God requires us to surrender our dreams to oversee the needs of our family and sometimes He calls us to put our family on hold for an immediate need in the ministry.

So then...what is the secret? How do we put an end to the juggling routine? Well it should come as No Real Big Surprise. The secret is something we all know we need to do...but have such a difficult time doing..The secret to balance is SURRENDER!

How do you surrender? My advice drop all the plates. (LOL.) I say that jokingly but also seriously...drop the plates...release your control...quit trying to DO IT ALL! Instead, invite God, day by day, minute by minute, into every decision, every action.
 
I've learned the arrogance of my pride and self-sufficiency can only remain dead while standing in the presence of the Almighty God. It's only in my revelation of His Power, His Authority, and His Sovereignty that I am able to relinquish mine.
 
Perhaps that is why, when Jesus was asked, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" He 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 22:36-39) You see, it's only when we seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, we can dare to hope all our other needs will be met. (Matthew 6:33)

If we want to break free from society's ingrained philosophies and the lies of the enemy, we have to step into a different culture, and live in the presence of The One Who empowers us, and reveals the secrets to living life as He intended. Only God can change our paradigms by offering counsel to impact every corner of a our life. If we fail to surrender to Him consistently, one by one we add the plates and begin the process all over.

To truly maintain balance we must relinquish our rights, our dreams, our ambitions, our ideas and exchange them for God's! It isn't ours to carry. It isn't ours to bear.

Jesus said, "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." (Matt 11:28-30, NIV)

PRAYER: Father, we know we need to surrender to You...and to the best of our ability we relinquish our rights, our vision, our passion, our power and exchange them for Yours. Fill us with ALL You have for us. In Jesus name, amen.

The Father Comes Running!

Wearied, wounded, and wasted by his own misadventure of well-laid plans; the prodigal son came to his senses somewhere between the slop bucket and his own starvation. Heavy-hearted, he hung his head, broken by his reckless decisions.

His pride and arrogance of awaited success boasted upon when leaving his father's house echoed in his mind; questions mounted: What will my father think? What will he say? The passing chariot reflected his appearance; Is that really what I look like? Again he hung his head in shame; humbled by his mangy hair, filthy fingertips, and weightless money bag.

He carefully considered each word he would speak to his father, hoping his father would be merciful and allow him a place as a servant.

Meanwhile, back at home, like any other day, the father looked out across his fields, waiting, wondering, Will today be the day my son returns? So many days, he waited, searching across his vast fields to no avail; but, today, his eye caught something his heart had long hoped for. He rubbed his eyes to make sure. My Son! It's my SON!!! Grabbing his outer garment, he hoisted the material high, freeing his feet (already in mid pursuit) running toward the hope he had long entertained.

Luke 15:20 says, "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

The son quickly spoke the contemplated words mulled over in his long journey back home,  "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son."

"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." (Luke 15:20-24, NIV)

 
WOW! What a picture! What a moment! What a vivid depiction of God's heart toward each one of us! God longs to hold us and shower us with affection! Wearied, wounded, and weighted by our own sins and griefs, we wonder...What will our Father think? What will he say? Will he accept us or reject? Our pride of doing things on our own humbled through circumstances, broken through life experience.
 
Friends, God loves us passionately. He longs to speak to us. He's been waiting for our hearts to reach the place where we recognize our desperate need for Him. Today, I felt so impressed to remind you as God reminded me...of just HOW MUCH HE LOVES EACH ONE OF US!
 
He is merciful. Slow to anger. Abounding in love!. He is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. He intercedes on our behalf. And a flickering flame, He will in NO WAY snuff out! He's the Father at the window, who catches a glimpse of his prodigal child, and HE COMES RUNNING with OPEN ARMS to RESTORE COMPLETELY!
 
Today, as we go through our day, let us hold on to that vision; and in every decision choose to stay close to the FATHER'S HEART.  It's in Him and through Him that we have HOPE!
 
PRAYER: Father, we confess we have at times been prideful. We've attempted to do life on our own. We've picked up what You've told us time and time again to let go. Today, we return to YOU. Dependant upon Your mercy. We need to be RESTORED! Lavish us with Your love. Forgive us of our sins. May we feel Your embrace. Strengthen us we pray...in Jesus' name. AMEN!

Stop the Merry Go Round...I Want Off!

I'm a thrill seeker! I love roller coaster rides and taking hills at a speed that lifts my tummy like any other fun-loving adventurous person...BUT lately I want to scream..."STOP THE MERRY GO ROUND...I WANT OFF!"

Over the last three years, my family and I have made great sacrifices to walk in step with God's will. It didn't make sense when God called me to step away from my lucrative six figure career to do the work of the ministry... but down I stepped. Since then, we've experienced extreme blessings and extreme trials.

The first year, we didn't skip a beat; God poured out abundantly; my husband made triple our household income...I was confident God confirmed my steps...Then the MERRY GO ROUND spun; my husband switched careers and our finances cut in half. I felt a swish in my stomach...but over all...we remained unscathed...I remained confident in God's call.

Then the Merry GO ROUND spun a little faster...We felt led to move our family from Kentucky to Texas. Again, God said to trust Him. But as we left the security of all we had come to know and follow His lead, my faith stretched. We remained in Texas for 11 months, experiencing miraculous provisions...but it certainly was a walk of faith...and then...

The Merry Go ROUND spun once more. God called us to once again uproot our family and move to Florida to do the work of the ministry...Was God really moving us? Would He ask us to give up everything?

I prayed, "God we need our steps confirmed." And so God confirmed our steps; He confirmed in numerous ways...too many to share on a blog post...most of the ways were unexpected...While my husband ministered in India, God spoke to Him, saying that it would appear as though he was stepping off into a big black hole but He would provide stepping stones and position them firmly under his feet...

Everything in me wanted to cry, "I don't want to be surrounded by blackness...I want a street paved with gold...surrounded by bright lights! STOP THIS MERRY GO ROUND RIDE NOW!" But, again, I watch God's marvellous provision...His provision always looks different than I expect...but through this process, I'm learning to trust at a level like never before.

I share our testimony because there is a facade of Christianity that says if you are a Christian you will recognize God's blessing in abundance...But God is with us in the blessings and in the trials.

Romans 5:2-5 says, "...we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." (NIV)

I think it's an important message to know...God is with us regardless of our circumstances! And, today, I hear His gentle reminder found in Isaiah 42:3-9, "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope." This is what God the LORD says — he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: "I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. "I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols. See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you." (NIV)

GOD IS DOING A NEW WORK! So remember, our circumstances don't dictate God's presence and our difficulties don't delineate His love. Do what God has called you to...hold on tight...lean in...and let the MERRY GO ROUND SPIN as it wills...and no matter what comes your way...choose to enjoy this ride we call LIFE...KNOWING GOD WILL NEVER LEAVE OR FORSAKE YOU! Faith honors God and God honors faith! So, don't worry...He's still with you! :)

PRAYER: Father, sometimes life feels so out of control; so many things make us feel as if we are alone. But we know You are with us. We ask for Your Presence to guide us and for You to provide for our every need! We put our hope and trust in YOU!

WAITING ON THE HOPE ONLY GOD CAN PROVIDE

Our fast paced society, promising instant-ready-made success, lends very little to waiting and listening. If you are like me, you want answers and you want them yesterday.

But, unfortunately, discovering God isn't instantaneous; hearing His voice requires our active participation; and character is birthed through adversity.

In 1 Kings 19, Elijah fled to Horeb, to the mountain of God, hid in a cave, attempting to flee from Jezebel; he was on the run for his life. Tired, worn out, and hungry he sat alone in the cave; the last thing he'd eaten was a bread cake the Lord had prepared for him; the last thing he had requested is that he might die...that the Lord might take his life.

Though I've never fled from an evil, blood thirsty, queen, I have faced many battles with a similar blood thirsty adversary (the devil) and knew I couldn't go back but lacked the strength to move forward...when we face situations like that...nothing satisfies except an encounter with the Living GOD.

When I find myself burdened, weighted, weary, and exhausted, I tend to search for God in the miraculous, wanting Him to shout His will from heaven, or to appear in a burning bush. Elijah was no different...his desperate plea was the same...I JUST CAN'T GO ON! Speak Lord or just let me die! His past encounters with God no longer sufficed...He needed GOD NOW! And, God graciously appeared to him...

But God wasn't found in the wind that blew so fiercely breaking pieces of the rocks of the mountain, nor was He found in the earthquake or the fire that blazed after...God revealed His voice in the gentle whisper that followed...

When confusion fogs our vision, chaos interrupts our mission, and calamity presents itself in every step of our journey...we have no choice but to STOP...WAIT...AND LISTEN! God is speaking but we have to get past the storms that break up our security, the earthquakes shaking loose all our well-laid plans, and the blazing fire of adversity attempting to destroy the foundations of our faith, and patiently listen for the still soft voice God promises will lead us.

Isaiah 30:20-22 says, "Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (NIV)

Elijah's circumstances didn't change immediately BUT God DID appear to Elijah. He gave him firm direction. And Elijah arose, strengthened by God's word, equipped and empowered to continue on, filled with THE HOPE ONLY GOD CAN PROVIDE.

FRIEND...GOD WANTS TO SPEAK TO YOU! In these troubled days, He is our firm foundation, our hope and strength, our deliverance! Apart from Him we can do nothing...BUT...with HIM...ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!

Let us turn our ears toward Him, listen intently, and receive LIFE and HOPE and PEACE to PRESS ON! Keep listening for that still soft voice. Jeremiah 29:12-13 says, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (NIV)

PRAYER: Father, help me to never be so distracted by life’s events or the premise of how I think you should speak, that I somehow miss Your voice. I am weak. I am weary. BUT I WILL WAIT ON YOU. Speak Lord; I need to hear Your voice. Guide me. Teach me. Strengthen me. IN JESUS NAME, amen!

Desperate Prayers To A Merciful God

"And when you pray , do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men." (Matthew 6:5, NIV)

We're friends right? Ok then, I'm going to share a story with you...I warn you that this is an extremely transparent story...so if you are quick to judge you may not want to read any further. This is an actual occurrence that took place in my life, I'm not proud of it...but it serves to illustrate a point of God's mercy and grace. It's the story of the time I cussed in the midst of prayer. Yep...you read it right...I CUSSED while praying...(Now that's one to be proud of.)

Ok...can I just say that I can't believe I am actually sharing this story with all of you...but here it goes.

Twleve years ago, while my husband and I were fishing out on the lake, a violent storm blew in without warning. As the storm clouds formed, and the wind started to blow, we quickly reeled in our fishing line and headed to shore. We drove as fast as we could and approached the dock.

Since I didn't know how to drive the boat or the trailer, my husband, Greg, jumped out of the boat, ran to shore, and instructed me to hold on to the end of the pier, while he backed up the trailer.

I locked my arms around the end of the pier, putting my puny little arms between the one inched spaced raggedy boards that were fastened to the end of the pier with old rusty nails. I held on desperately, both clutching so as not to be blown away from the pier, as well as pushing outward so the boat wouldn't crash against its edge. My arms tired quickly as the waves grew more and more violent.

As each wave crashed against the boat, I prayed Oh Jesus help me...Bruises and scrapes appeared on my arms almost immediately...the storm grew more violent...BUT I continued to hold on tightly...watching for my husband.

"OH Lord help me...I don't know how much longer I can hold on!" I continued to pray, pleading for strength as the waves tossed me and my husbands new bass boat back and forth.

"Oh Jesus help me!" I prayed again and again...and as I did...the edge of the rickety old pier began to come undone...one of the boards literally started to pull out of the end of the pier...And...in the midst of my prayer, "OH JESUS HELP ME" I accidentally interjected an explicative yelling out "OH @&#! Jesus HELP ME!" 

Where in the world did that come from? I thought.


For a moment, I sat stunned at my vocabulary. When I realized what I had said I LAUGHED from the sheer embarrassment of it, and immediately repented, asking God for forgiveness for swearing...and you know what? SOMEHOW in the midst of that situation...in the midst of my profanity...God heard my prayer...the board  locked back into position, securing my ability to hang on until and my husband arrived to safely position our boat up on the trailer.

God heard my prayer, looked past my foul speech, and answered my prayer. WOW...the mercy of God truly is amazing!

NOW lest you think I advocate foul language or a free license to sin...let me clarify...I am NOT endorsing that we use colorful language...nor should we knowingly practice sin and expect God to move inspite of our sin. HOWEVER...my point is that God is merciful. He looks past our sins to the intentions of our heart. He doesn't wait for us to be flawless before He hears and answers us. THANKFULLY!

Our HOPE is found in JESUS. It's because of HIS WORK on the CROSS that we can approach God's throne and know that HE HEARS us.

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

Don't allow the enemy to lie to you. IT'S NOT about praying righteous enough prayers or being good enough...IT'S ALL ABOUT GOD, JESUS' work on the cross, and GOD's MERCY!

2 Chronicles 7:14-15 promises, "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."(NIV)

So if you are hurting, lonely, or in desperate need...cry out to God and ask Him to intervene. Cry out to God today with full assurance that He hears you. Confess your sins. Ask for forgiveness. And let your requests be made known...And the God of all peace WILL comfort your heart...He will hear you...He will forgive...and He WILL HEAL YOUR LAND!

PRAYER: Father, thank You for Your mercy. Thank You for Your forgiveness. Thank You that we can come to You, share our needs with You, and know that YOU WILL intervene on our behalf. Thank You for being such a great Father. We put our hope and trust in You. In Jesus name, amen.

Something New That Needs Your Input

We need one another in the body of Christ.

Hebrews 3:12-14 says, "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. " (NIV)

God has called each one of us, created us uniquely and distinctly for a specific call...but the enemy's  accusations, feelings of unworthiness, and fear attempt to discourage us from fulfilling that destiny. So today I thought we'd try something a little different...

Here is your chance to encourage one another. So, take a moment and leave your favorite verse or promise that encourages you to press on when you are discouraged...

I'll start it out...one of my favorite Bible Promises is: Isa 43:1-3, "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)

Now it's your turn...I can't wait to hear your thoughts and words of encouragement...trust me...after the week I've had...just know you will be ministering directly back to me! Love you all. Have a great weekend

For those of you new to leaving comments, just click to leave a comment. Then type your message in the empty box. When you finish commenting click on the box that says comment as and choose the appropriate selection...if you don't have a google account you can click anonymous and it will work (but leave your name at the end of your message in the comments box so we know who you are.) Then click the box that says post comment. Sometimes you have to click the box twice to leave a comment but it will post! Can't wait to hear your words of encouragement!

An Amazing Faith

Matthew 15:21-28, "Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession." Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us. "He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said. He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." "Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour." (NIV)

Years ago, when I read this passage, I wondered to myself, Why would Jesus speak so harshly to this woman? Did He want to humiliate her? Was He insensitive to her brokenness?...OR...Was Jesus strategically responding to the woman to demonstrate principles for God's children to read about in future generations?
 
After studying and praying over this passage, I began to grasp the depth of its content. In this passage, Jesus' response completely contradicts His character...it's completely day and night different of His response to the Samaritan woman at the well. So, what was Jesus trying to teach? Why did He respond the way He did?
 
Though His response seems cold and calloused...it cleared the way for a greater truth to be conveyed; Jesus response revealed a future hope for the discouraged, the outcast, and the seemingly insignificant.
 
You see, Jesus didn't want to humiliate the woman; He wanted to reveal her humility. He wasn't calloused to her situation; He wanted to reveal her beauty and faith.
 
Jesus wasn't trying to put the woman down and make her feel worthless, rather He wanted to reveal the beauty of her faith and provide future believers an illustration of how to overcome every disparaging comment and accusation that may be hurled against us...How many times does the enemy taunt us with feelings of insignificance? How many times while in the midst of prayer do we hear sneering, criticizing voices, diminishing our worth?
 
Jesus makes the comment to the woman...NOT to belittle her...but because He knew full well, how she would respond, and reveals how we should respond to feelings of inadequacy. The woman's faith shines through. You see, regardless of her feelings, regardless of her position, regardless of her birthright--the woman cries out to Jesus for help. She doesn't come to Jesus in her wealth, power, or significance...she appeals to God's. Her response screams out....I may be a dog...I may not have any worth...I may not have the nobility or proper birthright...BUT what I'm asking for is a small thing in comparisons to your ability...What I am asking for are mere droppings of crumbs from your table...I'm not asking out of my plentifulness...I'm asking out of my poverty...I'm appealing to your generosity, your wealth, your goodness. Call me what you will...but I know WHO YOU are. I'm not concerned about other's opinions because I know what YOU are capable of! So, have mercy! This is a small thing to You!
 
The Canaanite woman's faith demonstrated her clear revelation of God's ability and power; her response indicated her understanding of WHO HE WAS!
 
And Jesus smiled at her humility, responding "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted."
 
Friends, we come to God humbly, dependant on Him and His mercy. Regardless of the world's estimation of our worth, regardless of our own evaluation of our significance...WE intercede NOT out of our abundance but out of GOD's.
 
I read a story once that Alexander the Great told a philosopher that he could draw whatever he needed from the imperial treasury. But when the man requested an amount equal to $50,000, he was refused--until the treasurer could verify the release of such a large sum. When Alexander heard the mans request he replied, "Pay the money at once. The philosopher has done me a singular honor. By the largeness of his request he shows that he has understood both my wealth and generosity." (http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/p/prayer.htm)


Friends, we serve an amazing God...and though we may feel unworthy, though we may entertain thoughts of insignificance...OUR GOD IS ABLE TO MEET EVERY NEED.

He has granted us access, tore down the barrier of Jew or Gentile, provided the right to enter His throne room boldly...He said you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer (Matthew 21:22).

It's NOT about our ability...aptitude...or abundance...OUR RIGHT IN REQUESTING ANYTHING FROM GOD COMES DIRECTLY FROM GOD. IT'S ALL ABOUT HIM...HIS ABILITY...HIS POWER...HIS MERCY...HIS PROMISES...HIS GOODNESS...

So..."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."  (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV)

PRAYER: Father, we come to You in great faith though we feel weak and weary...we call on You and ask You for miracles...knowing that what we ask from You are merely scraps from our master's table! We are dependant on You. Grant us Your favor. Provide for us. In Jesus name, amen.

"What Do You Expect?"

"None is so needy as man, none is so able and anxious to supply every need and any need as God."--E.M. Bounds

Last night, after working a 12 hour day, my husband, Greg, came home, ate dinner, and then took our son, Joshua, fishing in the lake behind our house. WHEW! Now that's commitment. I love watching my husband interact with our children. He truly would do anything in order to keep them safe. He would willingly lay down his life for them and sacrifice his own comfort in exchange for their provision. He is the epitome of a good daddy...gentle and loving...yet firm and correcting.

As I watch him interact with our children, I'm reminded of the simple truth that God is our Father.

Think about it. Imagine your ideal Father--one who always has time for you--one who would do anything for you--one who teaches you wisdom to spare you from greater pain--one who laughs with you--protects--provides--and enjoys your company--one who never tires hearing your dreams or listening to your thoughts--one who embraces you when you're hurting--lifts you up when you are weak--and then...take that ideal image and multiply it by a billion times and you just might begin to scratch the surface of how awesome God is.

WOW...God is our Father!!!

1 John 3:1 says, "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God ! And that is what we are!" (NIV)

We have been grafted into the FAMILY OF GOD! We are HIS! CHOSEN! LOVED! His resources are now ours. We bear His Name. Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase..."OH YA, My Daddy's bigger than Your daddy." Every enemy, the most vile demons, even satan himself is subject to the name of Jesus and God has given us the right to bear HIS NAME!

Lately, I've had to examine what I expect. Sometimes after being knocked down again and again it's hard to get back up; it's hard to dream; it's hard to expect good. But I'm beginning to remember this truth...though Satan attempts to defeat us...drag us down...to steal our hope...kill our dreams...and destroy our life...GOD SENT JESUS that we might have life and have it to the full! Today, I sense The Holy Spirit gently challenging us to examine our thinking, asking us,

"What are you expecting?"

Hebrew 11:6 says, "...without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (NIV)

So what are we expecting? Are we expecting God to hear and answer?

E.M. Bounds writes, "Prayer is the outstretched arms of the child for the Father's help. Prayer is the child's cry calling to the Father's ear, the Father's heart, and the Father's ability. Prayer is the cry that the Father is to hear, the Father is to feel and the Father is to relieve...When His children cry for bread, He gives them bread." (Thy Will Be Done, 22-23)

PRAYER:  Lord as we read Matthew 7:11-12, "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" (NIV) We submit to You every defeated thought and every hopeless expectation. Fill us with HOPE again. Provide for us! Thank You that You hear us and that YOU WILL ANSWER! May Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven, unhindered and full of life! In Jesus name we pray, amen!

When We Don't Have All the Answers

When people use to ask me questions like...why does God allow sickness...why doesn't He move and deliver when He has the power to?...Does God care about my pain and anguish?

To the best of my ability, I answered them theologically, explaining God's sovereignty, and offered to pray...

But God is so much more mysterious to me now; He just can't be explained; His ways don't always make sense; He doesn't fit in the nice little box I thought He did...BUT...this one thing I know and this one truth I hold fast to...

GOD is GOOD!

And though I don't always understand His ways...I am determined to trust His heart.

Dear friend, I don't know what you are facing today; you may be facing huge obstacles; you may feel as though you have no strength left; you may be wondering in your heart "Does God still see me?" "Has He forgotten me?" "Does He still care?" If that's you...let me draw up beside you and encourage you that you are not alone! I don't have all the answers, I can't explain all the mysteries of Heaven, but I do know this...

God is near to us; His Word declares that He is close to the broken-hearted and He saves those who are crushed in spirit.

You see, I've discovered a common theme throughout Scripture--God's people face insurmountable odds; their faith gets tested; their trials bring them to the end of their strength; and as they humble themselves in complete surrender--God answers!

Personally, over the last couple of years, God has taken me on a journey of surrender, calling me to relinquish my security, positions, and prosperity, exchanging them for dependency, humility, and faith. Through this process of humility, I've come to understand that I just don't have all the right answers. I don't understand why God makes the decisions He does...But...I've also never been more convinced of WHO GOD IS.

God is gracious, merciful, loving, forgiving, all-powerful, and most of all faithful!

AND, like you, I am committed to take my anguish, disappointments, and suffering directly to Him, knowing that He hears and He cares.

We may feel like David felt in Psalm 31:9-17 when he prayed, "Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak...( But we need to pray as David prayed in that same passage) "But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I have cried out to you..." (NIV)

We may wonder like David did in Psalm 77:7-15 when he asked, "Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?" (But we need to remind ourselves as David did when he thought to himself) "To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High." I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. With your mighty arm you redeemed your people..." (NIV)

Friends, when life doesn't make sense, and it seems like all hope is gone...the fact remains...GOD IS FAITHFUL and HE IS GOOD. And, He truly is working ALL things together for our good! NEVER GIVE UP! PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD!
PRAYER: (Taken directly from Daniel 9:17-19) "Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, O Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name."  (NIV)

Faith Wouldn't Be Faith If It Came Easy

Anxiety...restlessness...endless what ifs...questions wondering, "Will You come through Lord? Do You see our need? Do You really care?"

I'm convinced faith wouldn't be faith if it came easy. Satan constantly battles for our mind attempting to steal our peace. Sometimes I just want to say... "ENOUGH! STOP! GET OUT!"...only to realize my feet haven't even hit the floor yet.

C.S. Lewis wrote, "The moment you wake up each morning, all your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists in shoving it all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other, larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in."

So what do we do with the endless worries and concerns of life?

Well, we can choose to contemplate every disastrous thought, giving in to coddling catastrophes, and entertaining every inevitable tragedy...

OR...

We can choose to relinquish our control and put our trust in God...Trusting His character, remembering His promises, holding fast to our confession of faith, putting our hope in WHO HE IS.

I'm determined to choose option two.

But, to truly trust God we must remember WHO WE SERVE and recall WHAT HE HAS SAID or we will inevitably regress to option one.

So...who is GOD and What has he promised in His word?

• Psalm 121:2-8 says, "My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip — he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you — the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." (NIV)
• 2 Thessalonians 3:3-4, "the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. (NIV)
• Psalm 145:13-14, "The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall. (NIV)
• 1 Peter 5:7 encourages us to "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (NIV)

So today, in complete abandon and faith, let us call upon our God...let us pray in the name which is above every other, trusting that He both hears and cares for us! SURELY WE WILL NOT BE PUT TO SHAME!

PRAYER:
Father, Your WORD promises us that You are faithful and will strengthen us and protect us from the evil one...(2 Thessalonians 3:3-4) that you are loving toward ALL YOU have made (Psalm 1145:13). You've encouraged us to cast our cares on You and promised that You will sustain us and will never let the righteous fall. (Psalm 55:22) You encouraged us to cast ALL our anxiety on You because You care for us (1 Peter 5:7)...So Lord...that's what we are doing.

Father we need you to intervene on our behalf. Bless us with Your presence. Defend us. Deliver us. Provide for us. Restore us. Strengthen us. Heal us. Empower us. WE NEED YOU! Grant us Your favor so that the work of the gospel may go forth unhindered. In Jesus name, amen.

"It Just Wasn't What I Expected"

"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 , NIV)

 
 
I can't tell you how many times I've muttered to myself, "It just wasn't what I expected". The truth is broken dreams leave a trail of heartache and disappointment BUT when surrendered to God lead to something far greater than we could have ever hoped for or imagined.

There is a sweetness in surrender...a shaping...a molding...a transformation; surrender refines our ambitions, clarifies our direction, and transforms our character.

You see, personally, I'm not entirely sure I know where I'm going; I'm re-learning to put one foot in front of the other, trusting God to lead me where He wants to take me.

I think that's a good place to live...NOT having it ALL figured out...NOT trying to orchestrate every step...NOT trying to accomplish BUT to simply follow, day by day, and do the next thing God requires...To listen to Him and follow His lead...to NOT pray Lord grant me this or that, ALL the time, BUT to pray Lord what do YOU will...What do YOU want?...To allow His Word to search my heart and reveal wrong ambitions, attitudes, and motives that I've somehow hidden, even from myself.

Hebrews 4:12-13 says, "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." (NIV)

Do you find yourself frustrated? Questioning "WHY" "WHEN" or "HOW"? Then I encourage you to take a step back and surrender it all again.

God's plans are far greater than ours. His ways much greater. AND His love and good will toward us is breathtaking! He really does love us. He really does care. He's just waiting for us to trust Him. He wants to turn our frustrated declarations of "It just wasn't what I expected's" into amazed exclamations!

Life rearely turns out exactly like we expected...but surrendered to God can turn out far greater than we ever imagined. After all, our hope is not for this world alone...our citizenship is of another country...and as it is written..."No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9)

May God bless you abundantly...have a great weekend ! :)

PRAYER: (taken directly from Ephesians 3:20) I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

LET'S Kill Some Giants

What monopolizes your attention and minimizes your hope? Do you contemplate the endless what if's or cower to the hopeless whatever's? What dominates your waking thoughts, delineating your joy? Is their a giant in your backdrop, bombarding you with affronting accusations as Goliath did the Israelites? 

Believe it or not my greatest giant is "Service to God". How does "Service to God" become a giant?--The same way any giant is formed--when "IT" becomes our focus rather than God.

In Max Lucado's book, FACING YOUR GIANTS, he writes,

"Focus on giants--you stumble."

"Focus on God--your giants tumble." (pg. 166)

Giants come in a variety of forms...habits...addictions...failing finances...struggling marriages...but perhaps the most dangerous giants aren't easily recognized. They lurk behind good intentions, wear the face of propriety, and stoop behind moral obligation. These kind of giants are religious by nature or at least bear a form of religiosity.

Religious giants are dangerouse; they are harder to identify; they don't stand out like Goliath did against Israel's backdrop; they blend in with our landscape...but like any other giant, religious giants intend to steal, to kill, and to destroy our life.

Religious giants twist God's design for our life with debilitating lies, weighted in self-reliant thoughts of "I must...I need to...or...I want to..."

Religious giants masquerade behind a myriad of false appearance--
"God bless you sister/brother.  How are you today?"... "I'm great...highly favored...blessed of the Lord...or any other unassuming answer we can quickly think of, in an effort to avoid attention to our private agony."  And in our contrite response we feed our growing giant under a pretense of having to appear joyful.

Religious giants hurl weight of obligations, heaped in "I must"...
"I must do my devotions." "I must go to church." "I must spend time in prayer"... Giants of religious obligation steal our joy from daily devotion, minimize friendship to formal procedure, reduce intimacy to institution, and relationship to ritual.

My religious giant of "Service to God" hurls accusations of NOT doing enough, NOT being good enough, NOT knowing enough. It attempts to discourage me with feelings of uselessness, taunts me with accusations of "I must be doing something wrong, otherwise X,Y, or Z would have happened already." And as I contemplate what I'm not doing right...how I am not worthy...how I must have misunderstood God...and question the validity of the assignment or my ability...I inadvertently feed my giant and he grows.

BUT...NOT ANYMORE...I'M LEARNING HOW TO KILL MY GIANT...how about you? Wanna know how?

1. Recognize Our Enemy--We recognize our enemy not by studying their character but by studying GOD's. Asking questions like: Would God want me feel this way? What does God say about me in His Word? What is the character of my God? It is paramount to immerse our minds in Scripture; the word of God accurately reveals WHO GOD IS and reminds us of the Truth. Recognizing the enemy is only one part of our battle, our second step is to...

2. Remember WHO We Serve. All of Israel recognized Goliath. He towered over them on the hillside. His brute strength intimidated the greatest of warriors. But when David looked at the landscape He simply saw an uncircumcised Philistine who defied the LIVING GOD. What gave David the different perspective? David recalled WHO he served. Getting a clear vision of Who God is minimizes our giants, diminishes our fears, builds our confidence, and maximizes our faith, giving us the strength to do step three, which is to...

3. Retaliate. When David went out against Goliath, he didn't battle in his strength. David came against Goliath in the Name of the LORD. Scripture is clear; we overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word or our testimony. When we retaliate against our giant, we need to hold fast to our hope in Jesus, remembering it is through him that we can do all things. Which helps us to do step number four...


4. Remove our Giants head. The final blow to Goliath came by his own sword. As the enemy of our soul accuses us that we cant, we aren't good enough, or we will never be able to...we can simply respond with "that's true...I can't...I'm not...and in my own power I never will...BUT GOD CAN...IS...and WILL. His word says...

Friends, never doubt that the enemy of your soul is raging a war against you:

Eph 6:12-13 says, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (NIV)

BUT DON'T worry. "You, dear children, are from God and (WILL) overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." (1 John 4:4-5, NIV)
 
Let's go kill some giants today by recognizing them, remembering WHO we serve, retaliating against the devil's lies, and removing their head with the truth of WHO GOD says we are.
 
PRAYER: Father, reveal any religious giants from our life. Give us discernment. Empower us to enter into deeper relationship with You. Remove anything and everything that is not pleasing to You. Protect us. Provide for us. We put our hope in You. In Jesus name, amen.

"Remind Them of Who I Am"

There is no way I, as a finite being, could ever accurately define God, Who is infinite. I am bound by a limited vocabulary; Never-ending, Immeasurable, Inestimable, Unlimited and Unbounded only scratch the surface of God's Power, Love, and Mercy. Yet today, as I sit at my computer asking God what He would like for me to share with you...I sense a gentle nudging..."Remind them of WHO I AM."

I know that even as I begin to describe God I will fail miserably...He is so much greater than I could ever hope, think, or imagine. But perhaps as you read my humble thoughts, God's Spirit will reveal what I am incapable of...that is my hope and prayer.

• To the one needing forgiveness and mercy, God is Savior.
• To the one needing Counsel, He is the Counselor.
• To the one needing healing, God is the Great Physician.
• To the lonely and broken-hearted, He is the Comforter.
• To the one needing help, He is an Ever PRESENT HELP in times of trouble.
• He is Our Father
• The King of kings, and the Lord of lords.
• He is The GOD I AM
• He is the same today as He was yesterday, and He is our Hope for Tomorrow.
• He is the Creator...Unbound by anything...Unhindered.
• He is Infinite, All-Powerful, and Holy. 
• He is full of Mercy and Compassion.
• But above all...God is Love...Not a water-down kind of love like we define love...We use the same term of loving pizza as we do our children.

"God's love stops at nothing...He left the glory of heaven; faced humiliation; and literally endured flesh being stripped from His body in order to grant us access into His presence—that is how passionately He desires to reveal Himself to us. Jesus came to earth with one purpose in mind—to die in our place. Why?—because He loves us. God doesn’t withhold His love from us, or keep us at arms length. He doesn’t demand our accomplished achievements. He desires our passion...You see, God’s love is more tender than a mother’s, more faithful than a brother’s, and more intimate than a lover’s; His love crossed the battlefield of pain, traversed through the trenches of (OUR) indifference and pride, and stretched His arms wide, nailing the weight of our sin to its final death." (Excerpts from my next book, WHEN HE WHISPERS.)

So, my dear friend, GOD is EVERYTHING YOU COULD EVER HOPE FOR...HE IS ALL WE COULD EVER NEED.

• Are you worried? Don't! He's got you covered. He will provide all you need. (Matthew 6:31-34)
• Are you lonely? Draw near to Him. He will never leave you.
• Are you hurting? (Ps 34:18) "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (NIV)
• Are you weary? (Isa 40:29) "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (NIV)
• Do you feel rejected or useless? (Isa 42:3) "a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out." (NIV) He has purpose for your life. (Eph 2:10) "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (NIV)
• Do you need direction? (Isa 30:21) "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (NIV)
• Do you need Wisdom? (James 1:5-6) "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (NIV)
• Do you need physical, emotional, or relational Healing? Acts 10:38 reveals God's nature toward us through Jesus ministry. Jesus "went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him." (NIV)

I could write on and on and on...but I believe God can do it much better than I. Today, God wants to simply remind each one of us of Who He Is. So quiet your heart for just a moment. Take every opportunity to sit quietly and listen. Ask God to reveal Himself to you personally.

PRAYER: Father, please reveal Who You are to each person reading this blog. Meet each one of us where we are. Lavish us with Your love. Fill us to over-flowing. Restore our hope. Settle our hearts and minds on You. In Jesus Name we pray, amen.

Get Bold!

I am so excited, I can hardly stand it. In the last couple of days God has really lifted a weight and filled me with the truth regarding Prayer! So as you read today, you will see a lot of CAPITAL letters...just know I'm not yelling at you. (LOL) Rather, I am so excited to share a truth God has recently revealed in my heart! I hope you catch it too! :)

You see, the tendency in today's world is to compromise. We don't want to offend. We don't want to appear TOO radical. Sometimes, we even compromise on the truth of God's Word. I know I've been guilty of it.  At times, I have reduced my faith in an attempt to avoid appearing supportive of a "prosperity" doctrine. Hear me...I firmly OPPOSE any doctrine where the end goal is wealth itself. I firmly OPPOSE any doctrine that forces the hand of God to be "my spiritual Santa Claus"...HOWEVER...I DO HOLD FAST TO THE TRUTH OF GOD'S WORD! And recently God reminded me, through something E.M. Bounds wrote, that:

"Prayer is an ardent and believing cry to God for some specific thing. GOD'S RULE is to answer by giving the specific thing asked for...We are following the plain letter and spirit of the BIBLE when we affirm that God answers prayer and answers by giving us the very things we desire, and that the withholding of what we desire and the giving of something else is NOT the rule but rare and exceptional. When His children cry for bread, He gives them bread. (See Matthew 7:9-11, Luke 11:3, 11-13.)" (E.M. Bounds, Thy Will Be Done, Pg. 22-23)

God's filled me with GREAT EXCITEMENT, reminding me PRAYER IS POWERFUL! He's encouraged me to NOT DOUBT...To resist the devil's lies. Satan wants to weary us and render us ineffective by mixing the truth of God's word with lies.He conditions us to think and pray with a FALSE sub-servient humility, taking the posture of "I don't want to bother You God...If it isn't too much trouble...I know it's a lot to ask...or, I know I may not be worthy so if you don't it's ok..."

NO...NO...NO...PLEASE HEAR THE TRUTH!

God has granted us access into His very Presence through HIS PRECIOUS SON and through PRAYER. He promises when we pray, we will receive whatever we ask for in prayer. (Mathew 21:22, Mark 11:24, John 14:13, 15: 16, 16:23)

WHY does God give us this assurance?

Because God knows true prayer, wrought by the Holy Spirit, changes us, conforms our will, and aligns our thinking with His. True supplication changes our ambitions as we humble ourselves before THE HOLY, ALMIGHTY, GOD! THEREFORE, as we fall before Him in true humility, having spent time in His presence, we can make our requests known to HIM, assured that we have what we ask for.

GOD is OUR FATHER!

As little children run toward their earthly father, we must run; outstretching our arms toward God, whether running from our enemy (the devil), or running to be embraced...when we run to the FATHER we can KNOW HE WILL PICK US UP. HE WILL LISTEN. AND...HE WILL ANSWER!!!

Jesus said, "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" (Matt 7:11-12, NIV)

So BE ENCOURAGED...GOD IS LISTENING...GOD IS NEAR! Let your requests be made known! What do you desire? What are your needs? What miracle are you waiting for? How can God intervene in your life?


Philippians 4:6 says, "The Lord is near. 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."

PRAYER: Father, thank You...thank You...thank You...for the assurance that You hear us and You answer us. Thank You for the promise that we have what we ask for. We will not abuse this truth...twisting it to conform to our liking...we will rather hold fast to its truth and praise You for being such an amazing God and Father. In Jesus name, amen!

What Can Prayer Accomplish?

Ever have one of those moments where your spirit seems hungrier than usual? Ever get to that place where (though you've fellowshiped with God) all of a sudden you need more of Him?

My heart longs to catch a fresh glimpse of Who God is...to touch the hem of His garment...to hear (again) His purpose and design for my life...to know where is He leading. I"d like to encourage you to join me this week...to not just pray...but PRAY...to not just listen...but LISTEN...to not just fellowship...but to enter into a greater communion with GOD.

1 Peter 4:7, "...be serious and watchful in your prayers." (NKJV)

I believe many of us stand at a crossroads today, facing crucial decisions...Want some good news? God has not left us alone. He has promised that we will hear his direction; Isaiah 30:21,"...your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (NIV)

Some of you have been approaching God for a long time...searching for answers...interceding for miracles...DON'T GIVE UP! Prayer is powerful.

E.M Bounds writes, "Prayer is no little thing, no selfish and small matter. It does not concern the petty interests of the person. The littlest prayer expands by the will of God until it touches all words, conserves all interests, and enhances man's greatest wealth and God's greatest good. God is so concerned that men pray that He has promised to answer prayer. He has not promised to do something general if we pray, but He has promised to do the very thing for which we pray." (Thy Will Be Done, Pg. 13.)

So, what can prayer accomplish?

Prayer changes us...strengthens us...and aligns our thinking with God's. It moves mountains...repels the enemy...and invites the inexhaustible provisions and presence of God Himself.

Don't give up dear friend. God is near. He invites us to slip away with Him...and as we do we receive strength, wisdom, and hope.

PRAYER: Father, You are so amazing. Your love and mercy overwhelms us. We thank You for the privilege of prayer...Thank You that You listen. Change us. Strengthen us. Fill us with more of You. In Jesus name, amen.

"What Are You Waiting For?" SWING!

"What are you waiting for?" The team yelled. "RUN!"

Angie, (I think that was her name; it's been 30 years so it's hard to remember) was the smallest member of our softball team. She struck out every time she got up to bat. The coach always instructed her, "Don't swing." But, inevitably, Angie swung and missed...but not that day...that day something incredible happend in Angie's world...she swung and connected. The ball skidded just in bounds of the first base line out to the right field.

For a second, even the opposing team stood and marvelled.

"Run, Angie, RUN!" Angie looked stunned, smiled really big, and then took off toward first base. Her first base hit won our championship game. The bases were loaded...and with Angie's hit...we scored! :)

I know how Angie feels; I constantly fight off the voices to "Give up...To not "swing"...to coast through life." But when it comes right down to it...I just can't help myself; I have to keep on swinging. Many times I swing and miss...many days I walk back to the dug-out, shoulders drooping, head hanging down...but I live for the day I connect with God's will perfectly and score the winning run!

When we've swung and missed, time and time again, it is easy to get discouraged...It is so easy to quit living expectantly... So I ask you...Where are you at emotionally today?

Micah 7:7 says, "But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. Though I fall I will rise; Though I dwell in darkness, the Lord is a light for me."

I love this verse revealing Micah's determination..."I will wait EXPECTANTLY for the LORD. I WILL RISE AGAIN!"

The key, for each one of us, is to wait for the LORD...not wait for our "fleeces" to be answered before we obey...not wait for our "miracles" to occur before we believe...not wait for the check to arrive in the mail before we answer God's call, or for the telephone call, the book deal, the healing, or...or...or...but wait EXPECTANTLY for the LORD.

God will answer us. He will direct us. And unlike Angie's coach, who told her to not swing...GOD encourages us to keep on SWINGING...to run in such a way as to get the prize...to remember our labor for HIM is not in vain.

Each one of us were created for a purpose. We are GOD'S workmanship. Created in Christ Jesus to do good works. God prepared them for us before the foundation of the world. (Eph.2:10) So, shake the dirt from you shoes...raise you bat up high...keep your eye on the ball...AND whatever you do...KEEP SWINGING!

PRAYER: Father, help us to keep swinging. Encourage our souls. Lift up our hope! We need YOU! We wait expectantly on YOU! We put our hope and confidence in YOU! FULFILL YOUR promises. In Jesus name we pray...amen!

I Should Have Said More

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' (Matthew 25:37-40, NIV)

When the Pastor encouraged the congregation to shake hands and greet one another, I moved out from my seat; I didn't have a comfortable circle of friends to retreat to...No smiling faces of familiarity...But that's to be expected; when you move to a new area you're the outsider.

So, one by one, I greeted countless faces, extending my hand to greet each person in my proximity. As I did, I noticed a man on the back row, quietly sitting alone; God drew my heart to him. No one shook his hand, (not out of being rude) they were preoccupied...catching up with dear friends.

As I drew nearer, my suspicions proved right. He was a man from the streets...no home... unclean... unkempt. He didn't lift up his eyes, so I knelt slightly to meet them with mine. I noticed his eyes were hazed ever so slightly from his self-inflicted intoxication.

"Good evening." I said, touching his hand, as I would any other person.

He gave no response.

"Welcome!" I said making sure I made eye contact.

His eyes met mine; my words broke his trance. "Oh, I'm sorry. I'm not feeling well tonight." He said.

I smiled but my heart broke. What causes a person to become so enslaved, isolated, and alone? I wondered what life choices and decisions would he change if he could.

"Thank you." He responded graciously; his eyes filled with tears. His response made me wonder if perhaps my touch was the first human touch he had experienced in years.

"You're welcome." I responded. But then, I simply walked away; I moved on to greet five more strangers. I should have said more. I should have stayed sitting with him. But...instead I walked back to my seat.

About ten minutes into the service, I turned, contemplating leaving my seat to sit with this lonely, tattered and torn stranger...but he was gone. And just that soon, my opportunity to say any words of hope were lost.

Friends, there is no worse feeling than regret. We all regret something...Decisions made...choices decided...spoken words...words left unspoken...

Max Lucado tells of a woman who inherited twenty million dollars in the 1800's. "She was rich. Well known. Powerful. And miserable. Her only daughter had died at five weeks of age. Then her husband had passed away. She was left alone with her name, her money, her memories, ... and her guilt."
She moved to San Jose, California. and "bought an eight-room farmhouse plus one hundred sixty adjoining acres...For the next thirty-eight years, craftsmen labored every day, twenty-four hours a day, to build a mansion." "Sarah's instructions were more than eccentric ... they were eerie...Corridors snaked randomly, some leading nowhere. One door opened to a blank wall, another to a fifty-foot drop. One set of stairs led to a ceiling that had no door. Trap doors. Secret passageways. Tunnels. This was no retirement home for Sarah's future; it was a castle for her past. The making of this mysterious mansion only ended when Sarah died. The completed estate sprawled over six acres and had six kitchens, thirteen bathrooms, forty stairways, forty-seven fireplaces, fifty-two skylights, four hundred sixty-seven doors, ten thousand windows, one hundred sixty rooms, and a bell tower." "Legend has it that every evening at midnight, a servant would pass through the secret labyrinth that led to the bell tower. He would ring the bell...to summon the spirits. Sarah would then enter the "blue room," a room reserved for her and her nocturnal guests. Together they would linger until 2:00 a.m...Who comprised this legion of phantoms? Indians and soldiers killed on the U.S. frontier...killed by bullets from...the Winchester. What had brought millions of dollars to Sarah Winchester had brought death to them." Sarah spent the remaining years of her life "in a castle of regret, providing a home for the dead." (Max Lucado, In the Eye of the Storm, Word Publishing, 1991, pp. 193-195.)

Friends, I don't want to live a life of regret. I want to show compassion, extend God's love, speak words of encouragement, offer hope to the hurting. I don't want to be haunted by wrong decisions or plagued by disobedience.

Whether its serving our spouses, children, or doing some work for the Lord...whether it's embracing a friend or greeting a stranger...whether we ever fully see the promises of God fulfilled in our life or not..."let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..." (Hebrews 12:1-2, NIV)

We have been called...We have been chosen...

to be HIS LOVE EXTENDED!

PRAYER: Father, thank you for Your mercy and grace. Thank you for Your call. Empower us to fulfill Your mission for our lives. Free us from the regrets that ensnare. Fill us with Your love and Spirit to do all that You have called us to do. Help us to live in such a way that we don't ever look back and think I should have said more or I should have done more...In Jesus name, amen.

IF GOD IS FOR US...

In Living Above the Level of Mediocrity, Charles Swindoll shares a poem from an anonymous writer:

"Press on. Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common  than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not: unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not;  the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are important."

Friends, if we believe the Bible to be true; if we believe it to be our all authoritative rule for life and conduct, then we must remember that His word promises us that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the grave now lives in us! THINK ABOUT THAT! He has given us His Spirit. (Romans 8:11)
 
2 Peter 1:3-4 says, "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." (NIV)
 
AHHHHH c'mon...someone ought to let out a shout on that promise! :)
 
We must persevere! We have NO other choice. God has called each one of us to a task. What's yours? What has God called you to?

Are you facing Financial Ruin? Divorce? Depression? Cancer? Have your dreams been shattered? Do you wonder if your life makes a difference? Do you question the future? Have you lost all hope?

Today, I want to encourage you to PRESS ON! Hold fast to God's promises! AND REMEMBER...

"IF GOD is for us (and He is)...

then who can stand against us?"

PRAYER: Father we put our trust in YOU! Help us to persevere!  Empower us by Your Spirit. Fill us with confidence. Encourage us today. Let Your favor rest upon us. In Jesus name we pray, amen.