Living A Life Above our Circumstances And A Fresh Look At Urgency!

Hebrew 12:1-2, "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..." (NIV)

If you are like me, I tend to lose focus of God's Purpose and Design for my life, complicating it with details, and adding my own time lines...so...as we continue and near the end of our study on "Living a Life Above Our Circumstances" we must remember to balance the tendency of living "urgently" to satisfy our own time tables and dreams and instead live "urgently" to pursue God and God alone.

God's purpose for our life ISN'T for us to "accomplish" or "achieve"...quite honestly God doesn't NEED us to do anything. He designed us to praise Him, to honor Him, to love Him. He calls us to love as He loved, and to serve as He served. His PURPOSE for our lives is Relationship with Him...when we complicate that mission with details, we tend to lose our joy and cave to mounting pressures.

So, Today's Word is URGENCY.

I asked myself this morning...What are you urgent for?

Many things can call out for our attention...The sale of a business? The need of a good job? The search for "Mr. or Mrs. Right?

Or, how about the desire for a trouble free marriage? The salvation of a loved one? The opportunity to impact millions for God?

Desiring good things and NOBLE things is natural...but when our urgency becomes saturated and consumed to ANYTHING other than GOD HIMSELF (knowing Him and Loving Him) we risk crushing our lives by the weights of our own desires.

Please, listen carefully, hear what I'm saying, and don't misunderstand...Longing for Good and Noble things is natural...but...If we allow them to become our FIRST PRIORITY we invite worry and fear to take a comfortable seat on "the sofa" of our heart, and we snuggle in to the feelings of failure and fatigue.

However, when we purpose to embrace God and follow after Him...when we quickly cast off every weight attempting to distract us and instead condition our heart to URGENTLY PURSUE HIM...we find a glorious rest and peace for our soul.

So...allow me to ask you...what are you urgent for? What consumes your thinking?

In Matthew 6:19-34, Jesus encouraged with these words: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life...Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?...But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (NIV)

Today, let's purpose to Live a Life Above Our Circumstances by URGENTLY PURSUING GOD!

Let's Urgently seek to know Him, to listen for His direction, and as the writer of Hebrews 12 encourages us..."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..."

He is the cure for all that plagues us...He is the mender of broken hearts...The Great Physician of our bodies...The Ruler over all our fears...He speaks peace in the midst of the storm...Commands raging waters to be calm...He alone is our hope! Let's take every fear, worry, and prayer request to Him and confidently rest in HIS FAITHFUL LOVE!

PRAYER: Father, we desire to love You more, know You more, and hear You more. Nothing else satisfies. You alone are our hope. Fill us with Your presence. Calm us with Your love and peace. In Jesus name, amen.

Feeling Troubled?

When I think of all the battles I've encountered and all the ones still ahead, I take comfort in Psalm 34:15-19; "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. 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)

So how about it "righteous man", "righteous woman", feel as though you have many troubles?

Maybe you're like me and you don't feel so "righteous"...BUT...we must remember...we aren't made righteous because of who we are or even by what we do...we are made righteous because of WHO JESUS IS and because, by faith, we accepted WHAT HE DID for us!

Be encouraged today dear friend...you are not alone! God is a MIRACLE WORKING GOD. He empowered David to slay Goliath. He protected Daniel in the Lion's Den. He delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo from the fiery furnace. And Scripture promises us, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Heb 13:8, NIV) And HE encourages us to call upon Him in our troubles and that He will deliver  us. (Ps 50:15, NIV)

So, are your bills mounting up? Need a job? God will provide! He sustained the Israelites in the desert, providing food, clothing, and delivering them from their enemies...He sent ravens to feed Elijah during the drought. And today, He whispers that we have value. Luke 12:6-7 says, "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. " (NIV) You may feel insignificant...but KNOW THIS...GOD SEES YOU and HE HAS LOVED YOU WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE. He created you and designed you for a specific task.

Maybe your marriage or relationships are struggling? God restores! If he can reconcile us to Himself...surely He can reconcile us to one another! John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (NIV) God desires to give you a life of joy, peace, and fullness. Cry out to Him. He hears you. He saves that which was lost!

Are you feeling alone? "God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Heb 13:5-6, NIV) Friend, GOD LOVES YOU! He has not and will NOT abandon you. Call out to Him and remember... Regardless, of your "Battles"...Regardless of your "Troubles"..."A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all". (NIV)

PRAYER: Father, as we begin a new week, we ask that Your Presence would guide us, keep us, sustain us, and EMPOWER us to live life abundantly! Comfort us. Shield us. Deliver us. And fill us with more of YOU! In Jesus name, amen!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dear Friends,

I truly thank God for all my "old" friendships and for all the new friends God's brought my way in this past year.

Thank you for being a part of my life, for sharing words of encouragement, for extending compassion, friendship, and helping me walk more closely with the Lord. It has been so fun sharing my heart this last year. I have enjoyed reading each of your comments and look forward to venturing together in another year.

I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving Day in the arms and company of loved ones, that the Lord extends His mercy, grace, and love to you, filling you with great joy and peace. And, as you reflect on all the things you are grateful for, KNOW THIS, as I celebrate Thanksgiving Day with my family, I will not cease to express thanks to God for the joy of calling you friend.

His Love Extended:
Julie

"I Dare You!"

Ever have a friend who just loved a challenge. You know the kind of person whose mouth turned up slightly, grinned to one side, and lit up at the thought of doing something crazy. I knew a kid like this in high school. Steve always seemed to step up but failed to comprehend backing down, even when the odds stacked against him. He spent the majority of his high school years visiting the principle's office and sitting in after school detention. He was the kind of person who welcomed the provocation of "I dare you."

Sixteen to eighteen year old, good-looking, yet ruddy in appearance, David, stood valiant before the nine foot nine inch giant, armed with only a sling and five stones in hand! Goliath's size didn't deter David. Undaunted, David set out to decapitate the monstrosity who dared to defy the living God. Even Israel's most valiant warriors cowered and cringed, feeling minuscule, helpless, and defenseless to Goliaths advanced swordsmanship and brute strength. But while others contemplated their defense, David took the offense, ran headlong into battle, and annihilated his enemy.

What causes some to press forward while others retreat?

My husband tends to be more like David. He sees giants and scoffs. He hears the enemy's taunts and laughs. He's always up for a fight. Ready to take the first punch. Able to withstand blow after blow. I on the other hand, tend to shake a little, squirm a little, and avoid confronting even imminent and necessary battles. Like Elijah fled to Horeb and hid in a cave, I want to retreat to the Mountain of God, seek shelter, and avoid the ever pursuing enemy.

But...sometimes God won't allow us to stay in the cave. He commands us to come down from the mountain. And empowers us to confront the Queen Jezebel's of our life.

Friends, what giants shout accusations attempting to immobilize you from God's mission? Depression? Fear of failure?  Struggling relationships? What enemies relentlessly pursues you? Poverty? Economic hardships? False accusations?

Though we shouldn't necessarily follow Steve's reckless example and attempt to fight every bully who issues a challenge, neither should we cower or stay hidden in a cave hoping our enemy will disappear.

Elijah heard God's voice, came down from the Mountain, and defeated Jezebel. David, though only a youth, recognized the battle wasn't his but GOD'S and decapitated the towering Goliath.

In 1 Samuel 17:45-51, "David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give all of you into our hands." As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground. So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. David ran and stood over him. He took hold of the Philistine's sword and drew it from the scabbard. After he killed him, he cut off his head with the sword." (NIV)

The key to our victory rests in the power of God.

In 2 Chronicles 20:15-17, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel and "He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. Tomorrow march down against them...You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you...Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'" (NIV)

Today, I pray, we all hear God like Elijah. We rise from the mouth of the cave, having heard God's instruction, and fearlessly follow where He leads. May every giant fall. And may we, by the power of His Holy Spirit, turn the side of our mouth upward, grin just a little, and welcome the provocation of the enemy...knowing the battle is not ours. And God, will bring our giants to their knees.

DON'T EVER GIVE UP! GOD IS WITH YOU!

PRAYER: Father, grant us courage. Fill us with peace. Regardless of our enemies, may we DREAM BIG, LAUGH OFTEN, KNOWING THAT YOU HAVE EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL!

What To Do When Life Gets Sideways!

Ever get to the place where you want to scream..."Ok, the gloves are coming off! I'm gonna get really good and honest!" Then the sinking feelings and pervading questions arise..."Can they handle it? Are they close enough of friends?"

Well, I'm testing the waters today on our friendship...are you ready? Here goes...I'm putting myself out on the line! As you know, I always write transparently, but today, we're gonna take it to a whole new level! Are you ready???

The truth is my life, much like yours, gets sideways every now and then. At times I question whether or not I'm living in the center of God's will. I wonder if He hears my prayers. My faith waivers, weakens, and wonders when I don't witness more of His miracles. Sometimes confusion grows so thick I feel as though I could literally reach out and touch it! Am I alone? I suspect I'm not! We all experience these moments. Though our battles differ in appearance...we all wrestle the same enemy, whose mission is to STEAL, to KILL, and to DESTROY.

We all encounter moments where life seems to turn upside down, veers off the designated road way, and slips and slides uncontrollably, turning sideways towards destruction. We all experience moments where the very essence of who we are is tested...the core of our faith is questioned...

So, the question arises...what's a believer to do to regain control over a life gone sideways?

In moments like these there is only one thing to do...

SURRENDER!!!

Don't surrender to the enemy, don't surrender to circumstances, don't surrender to the futility of our own thinking...but surrender to the ONE WHO ALONE HOLDS ALL THINGS TOGETHER!

When confusion presses in clouding our judgment and voices whisper accusations, failure, tormenting our beliefs...we surpass the place of needing to simply muscle down or pull ourselves up by the boot straps to fight some more...NO THESE DARK BATTLES REQUIRE GREATER MEASURES THAN DETERMINATION...they demand complete and total abandonment to GOD and GOD alone.

I know, I know, you're thinking, haven't we talked about surrender before? Haven't I already surrendered? Can I just say, I'm with you dear friend; but, surrender doesn't occur in one final event, it's a continual process. To truly war against the massive oppressive weights pressing us to the ground, we must learn to cry out to THE ONLY ONE WHO has the capability of lifting them.

So, if you find yourself in a battle, let me just encourage you...YOU ARE NOT ALONE. And, here is what God is teaching me!

1. Take time to stop. It's ok to take time to rest. Clear your schedule. Jesus often took time to get away from the masses. He spent countless hours before God in prayer. Truly if the Son of God needed to pray and get away...surely we need to also!

2. Replenish your soul. Sometimes confusion comes from ministering and "doing" so much that we've forgotten to sit at Jesus feet and hear Him speak. I think of Jesus response to Martha in Luke 10:41-42, when He said, "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (NIV)

3. Call out for help. The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18) When we call upon Him, he hears us, and will deliver us! Psalm 91:14-16 says, "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." (NIV)

4. Be transparent. This may be difficult for those of us who feel we always need to appear as though we have NO struggles, that we are NEVER weak, that our FAITH is NEVER shaken! YET, WE NEED ONE ANOTHER. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (NIV) Find people of strong faith and link arms with them. Share your burdens with one another. Choose wisely but live transparently!

5. Speak forth God's Word. We must remember the enemy is the FATHER of LIES. He whispers half truths, mingles it, muddies it, and attempts to destroy us in our own thinking. Reading God's Word and speaking it out loud, helps us to hold fast to what is true, and disarms the enemy's tactics. (Read Ephesians 6:10-18)

6. Sing forth Praises. David often would sing to the Lord and encouraged himself, questioning, "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." ((Psalm 42:5-6, NIV)

7. Repent of all sins. James 5:16 encourages us to, "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (NIV)
8. Remember God's Nature. The enemy constantly attacks believers with questions like, "Did God say?" (Eve in the Garden of Eden)...or... Are You really who God says you are...and will God really do what He said He would...("IF you are the Son of God cast yourself..." (Urging Jesus to test GOD and underlying accusing and questioning His Identity and God's faithfulness...) By remembering God's nature we can put to death the enemies silent accusations and any distorted faulty thinking.

9. Evaluate your involvement. Not EVERY BATTLE is spiritual in Nature. Sometime we get sideways because we've over committed. It's ok to NOT do everything. There are many NOBLE purposes in life, but if we venture off involving our self in every activity, we will wear ourselves out! (Ephesians 2:10 points out that we each have a distinct call, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." NIV) Dis-engage from everything God has NOT called you too!

10. Purpose again to press on and serve the Lord! In Joshua 24:15, Joshua challenged the Israelites, "choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD ." (NIV) Sometimes we simply need to choose again WHO we will serve, question why we do what we do? Did God tell us to? Did we step off into something He never commissioned? Once we hear clearly, we need to simply commit to His Plans and His Mission for our lives.

PRAYER: Father, guard our hearts and fill us with Your Spirit. Give us the strength to do ALL You call us to do...and wisdom to resist picking up any thing You have NOT called us to! In Jesus name. Amen.

Rising Above Life's Circumstances and THANKFULNESS

Today, I awoke thinking, "Life is but a vapor, here today, gone tomorrow; may I never waste the breath God's granted me, by uttering shallow complaints...For even if my health, wealth, and worldly gain be stripped away, I can ever hold fast to the awaited promise of my salvation!"

If we want to rise above life's circumstances we must practice giving "THANKS"!

Today's Word is Thankfulness!

Philippians 4:4-7 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. 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." (NIV)

Of all the apostles, Paul quite arguably had the most right to be discouraged or complain. Five times, Scripture said he was left for dead, beaten so severely his attackers thought he'd died. His boat shipwrecked. Authorities put him into prison. But Paul learned the secret of soaring above life's circumstance.

Read what he wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:7-18, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed...It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (NIV)

Friends, we live for something far greater than our own life. OUR HOPE, OUR CALL, is to fix our eyes on what is unseen and what is eternal!

Today, I had to ask myself, "What are you living for? Is it for worldly gain? For the here and now? For immediate spiritual anointing and blessings?" OR is it to honor and praise THE ONE WHO gave it all for me? I had to search my heart to see if I lived for getting or giving?

When we abandon ourselves to God's cause, take up our cross and follow Him regardless of the cost, and thank Him for HIS PRESENCE and the HOPE of our salvation, we too can declare like Paul..."We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed!"

We celebrate Thanksgiving Day this week, but may we learn to practice THANKFULNESS in our hearts at all times. As we do, we will joyfully rise above life's circumstances and live life abundantly!

PRAYER: Father, of course we would love to live free from persecution and pressures, but even more so, we want to live thankful lives. Thank You for the hope of our salvation. Thank You for the breath You just gave us to breathe. Thank You that You will never leave us or forsake us. Thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Fill us today with Your Power and Your Presence. May Your peace, joy, and love overflow in our hearts. IN JESUS name and authority we pray! AMEN!

The ABC's of Living Above Life's Circumstances--Surrender

When we think about the ABC's of soaring above life's circumstances and the letter S-we might think of words such as service, sowing and reaping, or standing strong...but I don't think any of them compares to the word Surrender.

Andrew Murray wrote, "God is ready to assume full responsibility for the life wholly yielded to Him. "

Rising above Life's circumstances and living a life of abundance demands constant Surrender. A delicate line exists between "GODLY SURRENDER" and "GIVING UP". Giving up, quite honestly, is really just a disguised temper tantrum.

When life doesn't work out quite like I think it should I'm tempted to think, "Fine. Whatever! Guess I'll just do something else!" But Godly surrender listens, follows, and yields to the silent voice guiding and directing each step. Godly surrender submits to necessary change. It CHARGES forward regardless of opposition or cost. It relies on Godly wisdom and knowledge sometimes defying "human logic".

Matthew 16:25-26 says, "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." (NIV)

My dear, dear, friends...God truly has something amazing planned for us! He works powerfully in our lives, every moment, of every day. He NEVER abandons us to futile wanderings. Every obstacle upholds purpose. Every struggle produces life. In the natural, many things don't and won't make sense...but one thing we can be sure of...we serve an amazing GOD WHO LOVES US very much.

He quietly urges us to surrender to HIS PLANS. He encourages us, His ways are so much HIGHER than ours. He reminds us, we are NOT forsaken. He works ALL things together for our GOOD!

SO, to rise above our circumstances, we must surrender to the ONE WHO inscribed us on the palm of His hands, trust His love, and rest securely in His grace.

Let us cast all worry, fear, and "human reasoning" aside and HOLD FAST TO the truth of WHO GOD IS and remember WHAT HE PROMISED! As we do, we will find a glorious rest for our souls!

PRAYER: Father, forgive us for relying on our own thoughts, power, and agendas. We surrender time lines, vision, and our very lives to you! Fulfill Your purpose in our life. May You be glorified in us and through us. In Jesus name. May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done in our families, ministries, and lives on earth as it is in Heaven. AMEN!

Soaring Above Life's Circumstance Requires Rest!

Close your eyes for just a moment. Breathe in...breathe out! And as you do, silently meditate on the promise offered to us in Matthew 11:28-30, where 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." (NIV)

Ahhhhh....rest! To truly fall back into the arms of The One Who spoke all creation into existence...knowing He is powerful enough to provide for our every need. To truly relax in the arms of The One Who breathed life into man...demonstrating He's not only powerful but also personal...
 
Friends, to truly soar above life's circumstances requires R.E.S.T!
 

TODAY'S Word as we continue our study of Rising Above Life's Circumstances is REST.

 
I know. I know. If you're like me you want to rest--BUT HOW? Right? How do you sleep a full night without tossing and turning, wrestling against all of life's badgering battles?
 
How do you gain victory over the constant anxiety pressing against your rapidly beating heart?
 
I wish we could reduce rest to a simple command and simply fall back and do it...but in some ways rest requires a concentrated effort...a warring against our fleshly tendencies to control and conquer! Quite the dichotomy, huh? In order to REST we have to WORK, WRESTLE, and WAR against our flesh?
 
The good news is the more we wrestle against fleshly tendencies the easier we learn to rest. Here's a simple acronym I created to help me remember "HOW TO REST".
 
R=Remember who we serve. When life gets sketchy, bills need paid, schedules seem to be fuller than the hours remaining in the day...I simply Remember Who I serve. If God can breathe the stars into existence and yet remain personal enough to know the amount of hairs on my head...surely I can trust Him with all of life's battles.
 
E=Embrace His Promises. As I reflect on WHO HE IS, I always remind myself of WHAT HE'S PROMISED, chanting the old verbiage of..."IF GOD SAID IT; I BELIEVE IT: THAT SETTLES IT!"
 
S=Surrender Our Agendas. Now, if I really am REFLECTING on WHO HE IS and EMBRACING WHAT HE'S PROMISED, I have to respond! Will I cower to fear and wonder about all the "what ifs"? Will I follow Him regardless of the opinions and scoffs of bystanders? OR, will I surrender my agenda, release my cares and worries, submit my ideas and agendas, and simply follow Him? If I want to truly rise above my circumstances I must practice "Surrendering"...NOT JUST ONCE...BUT EVERY moment of EVERY day.

Finally, to enjoy the sweet rest GOD DESIGNED for our lives, we must TRUST.

T=Trust Him and Take Him at His Word. Which takes us back to the beginning of right where we started. To truly trust the Lord we must REMEMBER WHO HE IS, EMBRACE HIS PROMISES, and SURRENDER OUR OWN AGENDAS.

Listen to Jesus' promises again and breathe in deeply and breath out! "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV)

Hebrews 4:9-11 says, "There remains, then, a Sabbath — rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience." (NIV)

Friends, let's enter into the rest that GOD DESIGNED for us. Jesus said He came to give us ABUNDANT life. (John 10:10) May we purpose to enter His rest and find strength for our souls today!

If you'd like to read more about of my posts about finding "REST" read these additional links (Or, you can also search the word "rest" on this blog...scroll down and you'll see the search engine on the right side of this blog underneath "His Love Extended's Fan Box for Face Book":
http://hisloveextendedministries.blogspot.com/2010/03/entering-restahhhhhhhhh.html
http://hisloveextendedministries.blogspot.com/2010/08/what-do-you-do-when-world-is-pressing.html
http://hisloveextendedministries.blogspot.com/2010/10/want-to-enter-your-promised-land.html
http://hisloveextendedministries.blogspot.com/2010/07/battle-is-not-yours.html

Today, My prayer is that you will enter into a rest from every fear, every care, every anxious "what if" or worry...by...Remembering Who We Serve, Embracing His Promises, Surrendering Agendas, and Trusting Him and taking Him at His Word.

PRAYER: Father, help us to REST securely in You. Free us from every fear and worry. Defend us against the enemy's accusations. Empower us to live for you, fulfilling Your call, and walking in Your purposes. And Provide for every need, fulfilling Your promises. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus. AMEN.

Wanna' Know Some Good News?

Today's blog is not going to be a normal devotional...more of me just sharing some good news!

God gave me a vision a long time ago and filled me with a PASSION to empower and equip believers for ministry. And Can I just say...GOD TRULY OPENS DOORS that NO MAN can shut! I love watching Him do what only He can do.

SO, Here's My Good News! Recently, God opened an amazing opportunity for me to partner with some of today's most talented authors, speakers, and radio hosts. I would love for you to learn more about it!

Visit our Women Inspired Page at: http://www.todaysinspiredwomen.com/

Also, today is a special day; I get to interview the dynamic ladies behind Women Inspired and help introduce the ministry--WOMEN INSPIRED! You'll get to meet the Founder of Women Inspired, Clint Steele, and some of the voices of Women Inspired.

You can listen to today's broadcast at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio/2010/11/17/his-love-extended

ISN'T GOD GOOD!?!

Women Inspired is also planning REGIONAL CONFERENCES. OUR FIRST is scheduled for the SPRING of 2011! 

As a side note, allow me to encourage you today. GOD FULFILLS HIS PROMISES! No matter your difficulty, no matter your obstacle, He will see you thought! It may not always look like you intended, but He promises us that He will work ALL things together for our good. So, how about it? What has God promised you?

TRUST HIM today! He truly fulfills ALL of His promises!

"Shaped As Seems Best to Him"

Ever feel like you are being remade time and time again? Spinning round and round? Refined over and over again and placed in the fire?

In Jeremiah 18:3-6 we read, "I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the LORD came to me: "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?" declares the LORD. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand..." (NIV)

I love how this scripture vividly describes an important part of the process we call life. You see, we all accept we've been marred in some way and in need of the "Potter's Hand", but the part of Scripture shouting at me this morning reads "shaping it as seemed best to him".

Sometimes, in the process of "my shaping", I look at what's being created and think "it's not good enough"..."it's not fast enough"..."surely there's more to life than this". And though those thoughts cause me to pray for more and seek greater things from God...if I'm not careful...they can crush my dreams...invoke me to shout ultimatums...or cause me to stray from the very mission God called me to.

In Romans 9:20-21 God cautions with these words: "But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?'" Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?" (NIV)

Can you hear God's encouragement?

Whether our lives are used for common purposes or noble purposes is not important. GOD shapes our life "as seems best to Him". Each one of us exists by design, uniquely gifted, called for a specific purpose. Before we were formed in our mother's womb, God knew us. He knew the amount of breaths we'd breathe, the choices we'd make, and the purpose for which we'd live.

Today, I feel so strongly to encourage each one of us to not give in to the danger of comparisons. We long to do great things for God. We long to impact peoples lives with the truth of the gospel. We long to live our life to the fullest and influence nations for Him...BUT...to effectively live for Him we must die to "OUR" ambitions, "OUR" ideas, and "OUR" ultimatums...and embrace "HIS". Satan schemes to distract us with senseless comparisons toward one another.

A few years ago, a dear friend came to me and told me how she envied my life, my gifts, and the opportunities God gave me. I almost laughed out loud...not at her...not in the pain echoing through her voice...but at the fact that on the day she shared her feelings, I felt as though I had little to offer. I felt like such a failure, un-gifted, purposeless. I thought about her and her writing abilities and thought..."I wish I were more talented like that."  OH THE IRONY!

The truth is whether we have one talent, three talents, or five isn't important; what is important is surrendering those "talents" for God's service, allowing Him to use them as HE SEES FIT.

May our prayer join with the Psalmist today, and declare: (Psalm 139:14-16) "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." (NIV)

PRAYER: Father, help us to not be trapped by Satan's schemes of comparisons. We surrender our life to You. Shape it "as seems best to You" and help us to sense Your pleasure over us. Help us to be content and satisfied, knowing that You are faithful to complete in us and through us Your purpose for our lives. In Jesus name, amen!

From Fear to Faith

"We resist change in our life until the pain of staying the same exceeds the pain of change."--Unknown

I can only imagine Israel's thoughts, as they stood at the crest of the Jordan River (during one the wettest seasons of the year) and contemplated God's command to cross over...Awaiting battles of warring nations shadowed the Land God Promised.

Would they press on and conquer the lands they longed for and the inheritance God had given? Or, would they shrink back and hold on to yester-years, cowering to the unknown. Their mothers and fathers begged for more of Egypt, and chose wilderness wanderings rather than battling momentary giants. Their fear crushed their faith...but not this time...

In Joshua 1:6-9, the Lord commanded Joshua, "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (NIV)

I love how Joshua, though probably in his eighties, didn't hesitate. He and Caleb were always ready and willing to take God at His word. So, In Joshua 1:10-11 we read, "Joshua ordered the officers of the people: "Go through the camp and tell the people, 'Get your supplies ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you for your own.'" (NIV)
But what would the people do? Would they obey? Would they shrink? Would they follow or rebel?

Thankfully, in Joshua 1:16-17, the people answered Joshua, "Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go." (NIV)

Something in their spirit longed for the fulfillment of God's promise. No more desert wanderings. No more room for fear. They laid their faith on the line...and passed their moment of testing.

Friends, I don't know about you...but I'm pressing forward! I choose this day to serve the Lord! Regardless of the giants, regardless of the rising Jordan waters, regardless of all the "what ifs"...I'm going in to possess the land promised to me...How about you?

Hear God's promise again and apply it to your life: "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1)

Friend...no matter our battles, we are NOT alone! OUR GOD goes with us. He is faithful. He fulfills ALL His Promises! Let's step out and pursue Him, abandoning all fear, and simply following where He leads!

PRAYER: Father, destroy all the "what ifs" that distract us from following You. Help us to see as You see. Where You go...we'll go...Where You stay...we'll stay...When You move...we'll move...we will follow YOU!

I encourage you to Listen to this awesome song and surrender to God's Plans today! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zx_04LdPV_Q

Living Above Our Circumstances=Quiet Time

William Wilberforce, Christian statesman of Great Britain in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, once said, "I must secure more time for private devotions. I have been living far too public for me. The shortening of private devotions starves the soul. It grows lean and faint." (http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/q/quiet_time.htm)

Today's Word=Quiet Time

The other day, someone painfully misjudged me, misconstrued my motives, and posted it publicly for the world to see. My heart broke. I weighed their words carefully and waited quietly before the Lord, asking Him to search my heart and reveal any thing deceitful in me. Those moments spent in solitude filled me with so much strength. The Lord affirmed His call and encouraged my heart. In those moments of stillness, The Holy Spirit helped me to release the offense...to let it go...and to reach out in love.

Friends, in this world we will have tribulation. At times even people who love the Lord may turn and attack our character, misunderstand our motives, and hurt us with their words. Knowing who we are in HIM, and faithfully following HIS call, remains essential to standing firm and rising above our circumstances. But remaining faithful to Him requires moments of silence before Him.

Only on our knees can we fight and win our greatest battles. Only in our times of solitude can we quiet the voices, calling for our attention, and keenly hear the truth of WHAT GOD SAYS.

Listen to His promise in Jeremiah 33:2-3, "This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it — the LORD is his name: 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."(NIV)

In 2 Chronicles 16:8-9, He encourages us, "For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." (NIV)

So, today's message is simple and sweet! If we want to rise above life's circumstances and soar above adversity, we must stay on our knees, and maintain our QUIET TIME with HIM!

Feeling overwhelmed, tired, weary? Then I encourage you, NO ONE can encourage like our God. NO ONE can love and strengthen us like He does. He alone is the Giver of Life. And Scripture says, He came that we might have life and have it to the FULL.

THERE IS NO ONE LIKE OUR GOD...AND NO WHERE WE CAN RECEIVE GREATER ENCOURAGEMENT FOR OUR SOULS!

Call out to Him today. And remember, "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" (Ps 34:18-19, NIV)

PRAYER: Father, help us to rise above our circumstances. We put our hope in You. Defend us. Empower us. And may the message we proclaim, and the life that we live, bring glory and honor to YOU! In Jesus name, amen.

His Passion For Us!

What are you passionate about? What consumes your thoughts?

For what would you lay aside everything to protect?

Last night I finished the day, snuggling with my hubby, watching THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST! Once again, the pictures, the sounds, the story captivated my heart, overwheming me with the simple truth of God's Love. Jesus made the greatest sacrifice for each one of us. His love stopped at nothing! AND...His passion for us continues today.

Romans 8:34-39 says,"Christ Jesus, who died — more than that, who was raised to life — is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (NIV)

Do you feel alone? Wonder if anyone cares?

Let me encourage you to cast off your fears and every feeling of loneliness. REMEMBER, JESUS ever lives to make intercession for YOU!

WOW! GOD PASSIONATELY PURSUES US...HOLDS US CLOSE...AND, FIGHTS FOR US. WE ARE NOT ALONE!
 
Want to know His passion? His passion is each one of us. We consume His thoughts. He laid aside EVERYTHING for US! Think about it...WE ARE HIS PASSION!
 
No matter our struggles, no matter our battles, no matter what lies, accusations, and fears the enemy throws our way...GOD'S LOVE IS GREATER STILL...and HE won't allow ANYTHING to pry us from His arms of love.
 
So today, when adversity rises it's ugly head (and eventually it will) REMEMBER...YOU ARE NOT ALONE. The Son Himself intercedes for you. AND as I wrote yesterday...If God is for us...WHO can stand against us?
 
PRAYER: Father, thank You for loving us. Thank you for protecting us. Thank You for the promise You will NEVER leave us or forsake us. Fight valiantly for us today...and may we honor You with our praise and every breath we breathe!

The Constant Battle for Our Mind...Grappling for Stability!

Oh the battle for our mind...the constant war of grappling for some semblance of stability...the incessant resistance to the enemy's barrage of accusations...

You know what I'm talking about, the whispers vying for our attention at the break of sunlight, after already cheating us from a good night's sleep.

We slowly put our feet to the floor, trying to shake each murmur, "Give up!" "This is too big for you!" The voice continues, silently attacking, deteriorating our hopes.

While showering, the voice continues to rage against our emotions, buzzing through our mind, creating feelings of, "I can't take it anymore!" "What's it all for?"

Sighs turn to exclamations, as Satan goes for the kill, shouting, "You're not good enough! You've never been good enough!" "You're forgotten...alone...and it'll never get better!" "Your life is a constant disaster." "You'll never get any relief."

And before we sip our coffee or turn the key in our car's ignition, there it is...DEFEAT...a blanket of despair...a cloak of hopelessness...

So, what do we do? How do we win? How do we overcome and claim the victory for the battle of our mind?

1. Meditate on God's Word--Psalm 1:1-3 says, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." (NIV)  The greater our battle, the greater our war, the greater our need to saturate our minds with the truth of God's Word.

2. Humble Yourself Before God--James 4:10, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." (NIV) 1 Peter 5:6-7, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (NIV) God is our provider, protector, our strength, and our deliverer.

3. Cry out to God for help--Psalm 34:17-19 promises, "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) God hears our simple prayers and cry for "HELP!" and comes running. He is faithful. He loves us!
4. Remember where your strength comes from.-In Zechariah 4:6 the Lord reminds Zerubbabel, it's "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty." (NIV) And God has given us His Spirit. He has not left us to war on our own! We can't do it on our own. We don't have enough strength. But through Christ we can do all things.

5. Finally, remind yourself of WHO GOD IS, WHAT HE PROMISED, and DECLARE IT OUT LOUD!--Revelation 12:11, "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony;" (NIV)

Today, as you battle for your mind...remember...2 Timothy 1:6-7, "God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." (NIV)

We will overcome! If God is for us, WHO???? can stand against us?

PRAYER: Father, I pray for the weak, the weary, the broken-hearted, and those dismayed by the onslaught of the enemy. Fill them with YOUR HOLY SPIRIT. Give each one of us Your Spirit of Power, Love, and Self-discipline." Help us to hold to Your truth...to believe Your report. In Jesus Name, Give us the VICTORY TODAY! AMEN!

Praying you have an awesome day and victory in your thoughts! Would love for you to join in and listen to today's broadcast at:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio/2010/11/10/his-love-extended  LIVE at 12PM EST or listen through your phone at: 347-850-8893. If you can't listen live, click the link anytime after the broadcast and you can still listen to the archived message.

Your Life Counts!

In Max Lucado's new book, Out Live Your Life, he writes: "These are devastating time: 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, 1 billion are hungry, millions are trafficked in slavery, and pandemic diseases are gouging entire nations. Each year nearly 2 million children are exploited in the global commercial sex trade. And in the five minutes it took you to read these pages, almost ninety children died of preventable diseases."

When I read these staggering statistics...my heart breaks...and cries out, "LORD, use my life; let it count for YOU. Let me be YOUR LOVE EXTENDED to a weary, broken, hurting world. Help me see past my own problems and reach out to the hurting.

Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (NIV)


Friends, we each have been given a gift from God, Romans 12:5-8 says, "in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." (NIV)

Regardless of your gift, I challenge you today, to exercise it. Rember, your life counts. You are God's hands, arms, and love extended. YOUR LIFE MATTERS...IT COUNTS! God has put a dream inside of you...don't let fear, finances, or fatigue weary you! GOD FULFILLS HIS PROMISES...and by HIS SPIRIT we will do great things!
 
Today, instead of worrying about impacting the nation, let's start a little closer to home and ask ourselves, "How can I impact the lives before me? How can I reveal God's love? What gifts can I use for Him today? How can I be His hands and feet?"
 
If we start asking ourselves these questions each day...together...by His Spirit...we will change the world!
 
PRAYER: Father, be gracious to us and bless us, make your face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations." (prayer adapted from Psalm 67) Lord, let our lives be a reflection of Your love. In Jesus name, amen.

May He Ever Increase!

The prayer of my heart, especially this week, revolves around John 3:30. John spent His life preparing the way of the LORD. When Jesus arrived, John quickly stepped to the side, telling his disciples, "He must become greater; I must become less." (NIV)

Regardless of our circumstances, whether a joyous season, or time of testing, may we always point always and only to Jesus. Whether battling depression, fear, anxiety, or loss...or lavishing in prosperity, blessing, and laughter...may our prayers be to honor Him with our life.

Today, I encourage you to join me in a simple prayer.

Father, Help me become less, resisting every desire opposing Your Perfect Will. May Your will be done in my life--You must become greater; I must become less.

Take away every fear stopping me from stepping forward into all Your Plans. Give me Your mindset. Help me discard every thought resisting Your design for my life.

Wash away every worry or concern of wondering how, when, or why; I choose to put my trust in You. You must become greater; I must become less.

I humble myself before You, confessing (at times) I've made it all about me. I've entered prayer, gave you long lists of what I wanted or needed, and failed to stop long enough to simply listen and hear Your heart. Today, I pray YOU increase in my life, until all the world...including myself...sees only YOU.

Change my actions, reactions, motives, and desires...I truly long for You to increase. In Jesus name, amen!

Friend, we serve an awesome God. His plans and purposes are amazing. I encourage you to pause long enough today to truly listen for God's direction! My prayer for each one of us, is that the fruit of our life and actions will glorify Him!

Living Above Our Cicumstances Requires Perseverance!

Living Above Our Circumstance Requires Perseverance

In July of this year I shared a story about William Wilberforce who "was discouraged one night in the early 1790s after another defeat in his 10 year battle against the slave trade in England. Tired and frustrated, he opened his Bible and began to leaf through it. A small piece of paper fell out and fluttered to the floor. It was a letter written by John Wesley shortly before his death." Wilberforce read it again: "Unless the divine power has raised you up... I see not how you can go through your glorious enterprise in opposing that (abominable practice of slavery), which is the scandal of religion, of England, and of human nature."

"Unless God has raised you up for this very thing, you will be worn out by the opposition of men and devils. But if God be for you, who can be against you? Are all of them together stronger than God? Oh, be not weary of well-doing. Go on in the name of God, and in the power of His might."  (http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/p/perseverance.htm Daily Bread, June 16, 1989.)

Friends...All the powers of hell cannot stop the man or woman resting securely in the hands of God...No matter our opposition, GOD IS BIGGER!

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

So dear friend...don't shrink back! Don't give up! Don't let heartache or disappointments rattle you. If things aren't working out like you thought they would...rest knowing GOD has something better planned! Exchange your desires and surrender to HIS! His ways are so much HIGHER and so much GREATER than we could ever ask, think, or imagine!

Keeping our eyes focused on Jesus (not our circumstances--not our abilities--not even on our own faith) empowers us to persevere. Our faith can falter; our abilities can fall short; our circumstances can change by our next breath...BUT GOD never falters, falls short, or fails. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. We can trust His LOVE even when we don't understand His WAYS!

Press on into all God has for you! PERSEVERE...God won't disappoint you!

PRAYER: 2 Thessalonians 3:5, "May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance." NIV

What does the Lord Require...How does He Define Success?

Is it possible to deceive ourself? Seriously, is it possible to think we serve God, but in actuality merely be running after our own selfish desires?

I think if we're honest (at different times of our life) we'd have to answer the questions above with a resounding "OF COURSE".
 
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
 
Recently, I've wrestled with what God determines "successful". You see, an American Christian's idea of success varies greatly from the perspective of a Third World Country's view...AND EVEN MORE...GOD's VIEW! How we measure success often categorizes under "numbers of followers", "dollar $ signs", "prestige/recognition", or "programs".

God constantly shattered worldly idea's of success; think about the poor widow's might vs. the wealthy man's offering--which gave more? Or, how about Jesus response to Simon in Luke 7:44-47, when He said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven — for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." (NIV) I'm sure Simon put on quite the elaborate party, but he neglected what was more important...a genuine love and recognition of WHO JESUS WAS...an appreciation of WHAT HE OFFERED.

I catch myself weighing my worth by the impact I make. Jesus promised "Greater works will you do" and I reduce His promise to "volume". My worth fluctuating somewhere between "numbers of genuine conversion" and "the amount of opportunities to speak publicly". If opportunities seem endless...I "feel" successful...when opportunities waver...well so does my "feeling" of success.
 
But how does God categorize success? How does He determine what is blessed? He truly operates from a completely different paradigm.
 
In Micah 6:6-8, The Word of God answers these challenging questions. Look at Micah's private contemplations: "With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?"  (Here is God's reply!) "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (NIV)
 
I am humbled by the depth of Micah's revelation and God's instruction! Success isn't weighed in numbers, net worth, or quantifiable measures...God's view of success is justice and mercy, measured in obedience, and contingent on humility."
 
Friend, we are worth more than what "we do" and more than what "we accomplish"... God determined our worth, revealing it at Calvary. May we never allow society to reduce the truth of "who we are" or minimize "our success" to bank accounts or prestige!
 
Today, let us lay aside every "man mad concept of success" and look to God's economy, weighing carefully our actions, aligning them with His heart!
 
PRAYER: Father, as I awake this morning, I can't help but pray, for You to remove every thought, feeling, or ambition opposing Your will. Help me "To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with You".  In Jesus Name, amen.

My Battle With A Vile Intruder...

"AHHHHHH!" I screamed. "What is a lizard doing in my home?"

Don't get me wrong, I'm really not afraid of lizards (spiders however are a whole different story). But when something jumps out at me unexpected it can send a fright.

My heart palpitated as I tried to figure out how I was going to get rid of the "little intruder". Normally, I call for my 8 year old little boy, who remains quite fascinated with the tiny creatures, but unfortunately, he was at school.

Hmmmmmm? Now what? I thought.

"Seriously God, what should I do?" I prayed.

Twenty seconds later I successfully trapped my uninvited guest under a glass and carefully slid a piece of paper underneath of him. I quickly headed for our sliding glass door.

As I hurdled the 3 inch creature into our backyard, I laughed at myself.

How ridiculous to be so overwhelmed by such a tiny creature. I thought.

But that's how fear works! It grips us, immobilizing our rationale, stunning our ability to think or reason.

Whether a 3 inch little critter, battling a long list of "what ifs", or warring against Satan's lies... F.E.A.R holds the capability of rendering us helpless.

So, how do we overcome it? Well, the same way I trapped my unwanted intruder:

First, we need to Stop. Take a breath. And remember who's in control. Jeremiah 32:17, "Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you." (NIV)
Second, we devise a plan by praying for wisdom. James 1:5, "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)
Third, we need to simply follow through with God's direction. Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (NIV)
Finally, we must remember to laugh (after all God's got it all under control). Psalm 2:1-6, "Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. "Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters." The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, "I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill." (NIV)

Friends, God promises us in Isaiah 54:17, "No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD." (NIV)

Obviously, I'm not trying to reduce your struggle, or compare my scare with a 3 inch lizard to your battle of cancer or a failing marriage...they just aren't the same in scope when compared side by side...but I am attempting to reduce your fear (and battles) in comparisons to OUR MIGHTY GOD...because in comparisons...they don't hold a candle to His Infinite Power!

Though we face obstacles, battle Satan's vilest weapons...we need not fear...why?

Because God promises us in Isaiah 41:10, saying, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (NIV)

God vindicates. God delivers. God sustains. God upholds. AND...IF GOD IS FOR US...WHO CAN STAND AGAINST US?

PRAYER: Father, reveal Your Power and Love. Protect us! Deliver us from ALL fear! Avenge us. And may Your will be done on earth as it is Heaven. In the powerful name and authority given us in Jesus' Name...we pray, amen.

P.S. I would love for you to listen to today’s Broadcast; simply click this link to listen live at 12 EST: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio/2010/11/03/his-love-extended (or listen later to the archived recording at the same link) Also, you can listen LIVE (via your phone) by calling: 347-850-8893

The Conditioning Process

Last night I decided it was time to go for a run. Quite honestly, I hate running! My fitness friend, Sandy Cooper, said you should choose an exercise you like...but last night I decided I wanted to feel the sting...so I ran.

I headed out the door with good intentions. I was amped. Prepared (or so I thought) to run at least a mile...2 tenths of a mile later, my chest burned, my side ached, and I realized it was time to turn back for the house. LOL....I may be thin...but boy am I out of shape.

My ambition was noble enough...but my body lacked the necessary conditioning. First...I haven't run in years. Second...I just don't have a runner’s body, tall, long lean legs, or firm trim torso...my body resembles more of a gymnast (only two kids and 30 years later...LOL). Anyway...Somewhere between my gasps for air and collapsing in the middle of my bed, a spiritual application pounded my now defenseless thoughts.


"You can't effectively run the course I've prepared for you, unless you endure the conditioning process."

Luke 9:23-25 says it this way,
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it." (NIV)

And that's when it hit me...every trial, each tear, the incessant sacrifices, my need for constant surrender, the moments of disappointment, and the days of endless waiting...were all part of a greater designed plan...allowed to condition and prepare me for the path I'm called to.

None made sense at the time, but all served to prepare and empower for what is yet to come...

Friends, let me encourage you; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 says, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." NIV

When we lose our life daily for His sake, denying our flesh, yielding to His will...we find life! We can cave in to our afflictions, disappointments, or trials and choose to abandon our race...OR...we can choose to endure...asking God for the strength to press on...and take up our cross and follow after HIM.

In the end, "we do it to get a crown that will last forever". We endure the temporal but live for the eternal. And ultimately, as we bear our cross and deny our own desires...we find LIFE!

So, no matter your trial--KNOW THIS--God is working all things together for your good!

PRAYER: Father, help us to not collapse under the weight of our conditioning. Strengthen us. Carry us. Fill us with the power of Your Holy Spirit. In the authority and power of Jesus Name we pray, amen.

Powerful Thoughts!

John Maxwell wrote,
"How you think determines who you are."

So, how about friend? What monopolizes your thoughts? What do you contemplate about in your waking moments each morning?

 In Proverbs 23:7, God reminds us,

as a man thinks in his heart so he is!

You see, what we meditate on shapes our decision making, and our decision making determines our destiny.

The apostle Paul wrote, to the Corinthians, in 2 Corinthians 10:5, "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (NIV)

Wow...may we (also) determine to demolish every pretense opposing God's will for our lives...to take every thought captive to Christ...to subject every ambition, fear, or doubt to the truth of God's Word.

God's Word declares, "...we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Eph 2:10, NIV)

Though you may not feel like it, the truth is...YOU are created uniquely...designed for a specific purpose...YOU are GOD'S WORKMANSHIP...You have great worth...AND GOD HAS GREAT PLANS FOR YOUR LIFE!

So, press on today. Take every thought captive to the truth. Remind yourself of God's mission...and NEVER...EVER...Give up!

PRAYER: Father, we long to bring You glory. We want our life to count for You. Fill us with Your strength. Provide us with wisdom and direction. And may every breath we breathe be spent for You and You alone!