Whatever You Do...

Imagine if you can, the glory of heaven...
     the angels singing Holy...Holy...Holy...
          the sea of glass...
               the elders circled around the throne...
                    JESUS at the right hand of God the Father.

WOW!
     Imagine the very PRESENCE of GOD HIMSELF...
          breath-taking peace...
               incredible majesty...
                    the very evidence of our faith...

Friends, one day, I believe very soon, we will behold what our hearts have long awaited. Our fathers and forefathers prophesied our future hope. Jesus promised it wouldn't be long!

So, what about in the meantime? How should we live as we await His return? Are their instructions for our every day? Is there direction in what we should do?

Is there a "to do list" or day to day instructions for the "whatever you do's" of life?

Today, I came across a wonderful list of directions from Scripture:

1. Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." (NIV)
2. 1 Corinthians10:31, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (NIV)
3. Colossians 3:17, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (NIV)
4. Colossians 3:23-24, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (NIV)

So, in short, our instruction for the "whatever you do's" in life are simple:

• Commit them to the Lord.
• Do it for His glory.
• Do it in His name with thanksgiving.
• Do it with ALL of our heart as if we were working for HIM!

Every day, we have the incredible opportunity to HONOR GOD with our life...to spend each breath in a sweet surrender to HIS majesty...to expend every ounce of our strength for His purpose...knowing that one day we will witness HIM FACE TO FACE...the evidence of our faith...the GLORY of our HOPE!

Let's start today...living our utmost for Him in whatever we do by DREAMING BIG...LAUGHING OFTEN...KNOWING HE'S GOT IT ALL UNDER CONTROL!

How Can I Make A Difference?

How Can I Make A Difference? What a great question to ask. This weekend I share in Miami, FL...MY ASSIGNED TOPIC--The Power of One.


So, how can one person make a difference? How do we position our lives to make them count for God's glory? Today, I'm keeping it pretty simple...No fancy stories...just four simple thoughts...I would love to hear your thoughts on "How we can make a difference." (Leave your thoughts in the comments section below).
 
We impact lives through:

1. Obedience--What we do (our vocation) is NOT what is significant...what is important is our obedience to God's Word and following His direction. Follow God's Lead. Listen intently for that still soft voice.
2. Serving where we are--Let's not waste our lives waiting for the some day, some time, some where...instead let's serve where we are...asking God...what do you will for my life today!
3. Being a person of "One Thing"--be of singular focus--God's focus--let's determine what God has called us to and gifted us for...and then do it.
4. Crucifying the mentality of Me, MY, MINE and SERVING others....Serving faithfully in our homes, our families, and our communities

Friends, YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! YOUR LIFE COUNTS! I share this story frequently at conferences and if I were with you I would hand you a peanut to illustrate and remember...

I heard a story about George Washington Carver, an African American scientist, who lived near peanut plantations. The story goes that one day George Washing Carver went into his study and lifted a single peanut before the Lord and asked..."Lord, we have so many of these things, show me how we can use them." And God answered him, revealing 300 different uses for the peanut.

Friend, if God can reveal 300 purposes for something as insignificant in appearances as a peanut...surely He will reveal purpose for our life.

When HE DOES...let's be obedient to HIS LEAD!

Have an awesome weekend, and remember to DREAM BIG...LAUGH OFTEN...KNOWING GOD'S GOT IT ALL UNDER CONTROL! :)

What do you want to be remembered for?

What do you want to be remembered for?

Do you realize your life counts! You matter! Yes...YOU!

In the early 1900's a young woman filled her place as a wife, and mother of three. Nothing profound about her life...nothing glamorous...but a virtuous woman. She raised her children. Reared them in their faith. Helped her husband with his milk route business. Even Morrow Coffey Graham didn't recognize her significance. Yet, her oldest son, William Frank Graham (Billy Graham) would counsel with 12 US Presidents and become a famous evangelist who would lead millions to the Lord.

Actually, "It is said that Graham has preached the Gospel in person to more people than any other person in history.^[5] According to his staff, as of 1993 more than 2.5 million people have "stepped forward at his crusades to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior", many to the altar call song "Just As I Am".^[6] As of 2008, Graham's lifetime audience, including radio and television broadcasts, topped 2.2 billion.^{[5]" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Graham)}

Friends, we have an amazing opportunity to impact lives. Whether we are stay-at-home moms, traveling evangelists...or...businessmen...cooks...dairy farmers...or beauticians...what we do (our vocation) is NOT what makes us special.

What determines our success is obedience! What has God called you to? What has He asked from you? During our broadcast yesterday, my guest, Sandy Vandermeulen, shared a powerful thought in discerning God's will for your life. Her thought was, "When do you feel God smiling on you?" "When do you feel as if God is saying, "I am God...and I approve of this message." ?

Whatever that moment of favor feels like...that moment of sensing God's approval...DO IT! God speaks to us through His Word (The Bible). He speaks to us through others (both good and bad examples). And, He confirms His will through our circumstances.

Though you face opposition, though times may be tough, God is faithful. He doesn't require success of "achieved measurement"...He requires steps of "faithful obedience".

When I think about legacy...I think not only of Billy Graham, but of his mother Morrow Coffey Graham, and her mother, and her mother before her. Our actions...our faithfulness...may never be seen by our earthly eye...but a life of yielded obedience produces exactly what God desires and positions us to hear..."well done."

Live you life! You do make a difference! So make your life count by living obedient to The One Whose Love for you NEVER ENDS!

Will There Be Faith?

Do you ever wonder why God delays? Ever question if He sees or hears you?

Different seasons of life produce distinct challenges. At times, obstacles seem impossible...and some raging waters seem uncrossable.

But...TODAY...regardless of the battles...despite difficult circumstances I am convinced GOD is GOOD and HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER.

This morning as I read Luke 18:7-8, God challenged me. First, Jesus tells a parable and makes an application saying, "...will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly..."


All of Jesus' questions and statements offer incredible promise.

But in verse eight, Jesus asks, "However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

Do we still believe? Do we still trust? Do we still hold fast to the essence of our faith? That God is good? That He is All-Powerful? Is He the subject of our affection?

So many things attempt to distract me. Responsibilities seem endless. Can you relate? Today, I purpose once again to humble myself before my God and Savior. I purpose to give Him my attention. I purpose to follow where He leads and live as He directs.

When He returns, I want to be found ready. I want to hear, well done good and faithful servant. I don't want to give up God's best for an imitation. And...the only way to accomplish that is to remember WHO God is...and to hold fast to what He has promised....to live surrendered every moment of every second of every day!

God, when You return...may our faith shine brightly and bring You JOY!


PS. Join Julie Gorman on His Love Extended as she offers encouragement from God's Word and talks with Sandy VanDerMeulen on the power and privilege of sisterhood. How do you develop lasting relationships? How do you cultivate vision and develop partners in ministry? Don't miss today's broadcast designed to empower and equip women to sustain a powerful legacy of life, friendships, and impacting ministry. Simply click here at 12 PM EST: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio/2011/05/25/his-love-extended

Graduation Day!

Fifth Grade Graduation day! Video recordings. Camera flashes. Proud parents reflecting on first step memories to present day accomplishments.


As I watched Sommer walk the line to receive her certificate my heart swelled with pride and I couldn’t help but think that somehow God feels the same about us. As our Father, He remembers our first step of choosing to believe and where we are today.

As a parent, there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do to instruct, to encourage, to protect my children. They stir emotions of unconditional love and help demonstrate (to a small degree) the love God must feel for me.

And, as I reflected on the simplistic truth that God is MY FATHER…courage welled up…faith stirred to believe again for the impossible…

After all, if God is for us, who can stand against us!!!

Today, I simply felt prompted to encourage you…You are NOT alone! God will instruct you. God will encourage you. He will lead. He will provide. HE WILL PROTECT! No weapon formed against you will prosper! You are inscribed on the palm of HIS HANDS. And nothing is impossible to those who believe.

So, with that in mind…remember…to Dream Big. Laugh Often. Knowing God has it all under control!

In the Wake of the World...A Principle to Live By

Today, I quietly asked the Lord to reveal my motives, my intentions, my ambitions, and my first love. Am I seeking Him first, second, ONLY? Where does my hope reside? Is it in temporal fixations or does it reside completely in HIM alone?


In a world filled with disasters, hurricanes, tornadoes, and FALSE apocalyptic predictions, I realize more and more how important it is to place my faith in JESUS.

No...I didn't give the "END of the WORLD" predictions for May 21st any attention...After all NO MAN knows the time or hour...BUT...with the ever-increasing wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, and World Tragedies...one thing is for certain...OUR HOPE and CONFIDENCE, MUST RESIDE in JESUS!

Watching and reading "HEADLINE EVENTS" reveals that tragedy respects no person. Calamity happens when least expected. And, temporal things vanish in seconds. Homes destroyed by tornadoes. Tsunamis hit without warning. Both devastate and destroy homes, buildings, and take life.

YET...I am quickly reminded...that what is eternal CANNOT be shaken!!!

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus reminds us 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." (NIV)

Today's pervading thoughts compel me to once again turn to a life principle to live by...and I am committed to: "Live and Love as if there were no tomorrow. Shower family with love and appreciation. Share Jesus with sincerity and unconditional love. And...with every breath...make the next right choice and take up the cross to follow wherever HE leads."

Friends, no matter your life devastation...No matter how fierce the battle...No matter how great your feeling of abandonment, helplessness, or hopelessness...God is near. He is close to the broken-hearted. He saves those crushed in spirit. May you sense His presence and witness the evidence of His love for you today.

Wrestle Against Darkness

Last week I received a letter from a friend; Joe wrote:

"This morning I woke after having another dream where I wasn't hardly worthy of having the best much less second, third, forth or even hardly deserving of having whatever is left at the bottom. I felt like a loser who was trying to become something I wasn't deserving of.

These feelings always seem to get stronger when I haven't been praying and reading my bible, or even exercising on a regular basis. But even still the feeling of failure has secretly hunted me over the years. Its resided somewhere in the back of my head my entire life. A whole list reasons why I'm not good enough comes over me when greatness is almost in sight."

...

He finished the letter with:

"at times I hardly feel worthy of having the best of anything great and therefore I often do things to sabotage my own successes. 

Julie, what makes this hard to write is that I've never shared this with anyone in fear that they would think less of me. I really didn't even know who to address these thoughts to other than myself, but like I said I've read your messages from time to time and I have found them to be inspiring and biblical based.

Today I'm asking you is there a message you might have for me?

It's hard to hit the send button, but I will anyway because I realize to become strong I know I must first admit my weaknesses.

Thank you,

Joe"

Friends, I can relate with Joe. How about you? Ever feel unworthy? Ever sabotage yourself?

Today, I wanted to take time to address the concerns Joe brought up and offer helpful hints (posted previously on November 23, 2010). I hope it provides encouragement for all of us:

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.

Ever Feel in Over Your Head?

Ever experience situations where you're in over your head? Incapable? Overwhelmed?

A few years ago, my husband and I attempted to teach our youngest child how to swim. Joshua hated getting water in his face. He went through a period of time where he would scream every time he got near running water. (Not sure but I think one of our teenage baby-sitters may have put him in too hot of water!?!) Regardless of the reason...JOSHUA HATED getting his face wet...which made it nearly impossible to teach him to swim.

"I've got you baby. I'm right here. I won't let you fall." I comforted Joshua and then praised his efforts, "Wow...you're floating. Look how awesome you're doing..."

Joshua's tightened body relaxed with each soothing reminder that I was near and would NOT let anything happen to him. He rested securely knowing I had him and would carry him and keep him safe.

Today, I experienced God's gentle presence comforting and reminding me from Isaiah 41:10, "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)

We all experience fear time to time and worry that the "water of life" might sweep over us...but God promises "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..." (Isaiah 43:1-4, NIV)

So today, take a deep breath and relax; lay back and put your hope, confidence, and trust in God.

NO matter your battle...He won't let you down. He is faithful and promises to work ALL things together for our good. YOU ARE NOT alone! God can be trusted.

Monitor What You're Putting Into Your Life

I’ll never forget…Several years ago while driving to work, Dive, by Steven Curtis Chapman, came on and completely altered my mood. The morning started out difficult...you know the routine...juggling getting ready and getting the kids ready for school...making breakfast...starting the load of laundry (still in the dryer from the night before). Somewhere between waking up and getting in my car, my morning routine frustrated me...BUT...by the end of hearing Steven Curtis Chapman's song, I was tapping my foot and singing on the top of my lungs. :)

My sour mood vanished and I felt complete joy. I couldn't believe how much one simple song could alter my mood so greatly. 

Today's Life Principle--

Monitor What You're Putting Into Your Life

No...I'm not being legalistic. I'm fully aware our righteousness is but filthy rags. HOWEVER, I live by a principle discovered that morning (so many years ago). You see, if one song could change my sour mood to a toe tapping, bee-bopping, singin' on the top of my lungs kinda morning...well...what else was helping to shape my thinking?

Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things." (NIV)

So, how about it...What are you watching? What are you reading? What are you listening to?

Today, I challenge you to:

1. Put away the trashy novel, or what I call "Eye-Candy" Magazines, and choose to read for 5 minutes from God's Word each day.
2. Choose to listen to a motivational cd/dvd for inspiration.
3. And, take inventory of what you're watching, listening to, and meditating on periodically throughout the day.

Monitor what you're putting into your life...and you may just discover yourself tapping your toe to a different beat! :) So...as always...dream big, laugh often, and remember God's got it all under control.

Life Principles to Live By

This week I'm sharing simple life principles to live by. Yesterday, I shared two:

1. Every morning I awake I think to myself...How would I live this day if it were my last.
2. Second, I added an additional thought (that follows quickly after the first)...How would I live if Jesus returned today.

Today's I'd like to share another that has helped me walk in joy.

Practice an "Attitude of Gratitude" A few weeks ago I met an amazing man, who shared this concept. Maintaining an attitude of gratitude simply means to practice giving thanks. Take a moment today, to think of individuals who have truly impacted your life for the better.

Here are a couple question to help jog your thoughts:

• Who helped me during a time of great difficulty?
• Who encouraged or inspired me to be better than I ever thought possible?
• Who demonstrated the love of God in my life and helped empower me to live with greater excellence?
• Who showered me with genuine belief and praise for the gifts God put in me?

Your answers may be your spouse; it could be your children; it may be a college professor, pastor, or friend...Perhaps it was a motivational speaker, someone who wrote a book that made a life altering impact on your decision making...

Once you know who those one or two people are...take time to send a note of thanks. Lift up thanks to God for their influence. And finally, practice praise toward God for all His goodness.

Proverbs 3:27 says, "as a man thinks in his heart, so is he."

Friends, practice gratitude and you will become more gracious. Practice praise and you will discover a genuine joy grow in your life!

Personally, I want to encourage and publicly thank each and every one of you...who have taken the time to share your encouragement for my writings. THANK YOU for your prayers. Thank YOU for taking the time to read what I write...MY PASSION is to witness you live YOURS...YOU help me fulfill God's call. Your letters encourage me to continue. All in all...I experience GOD'S grace through your friendship and pray that these simple thoughts will help you live the abundant life God intended!

My prayer is that you are blessed and...

• Live as if it were your last day of living.
• Live as if Jesus might return today.
• And that you practice an attitude of gratitude.
• AND...as always...dream big...laugh often...knowing God's got it all under control! :)

What If...

A couple of weeks ago, I shared a life principle that revolutionized my life. Each morning, before putting my feet to the floor, I quietly think;

What if this were the last day of my life, how would I live it?

I encouraged you to ask yourself the same question. And then, laughingly joked not to skip work! :)

This past weekend another thought occurred to me. A new life principle that stirred my emotions and compelled me to live with excellence in my daily walk.

Are you ready for it? I warn you it is nothing profound...YET...if meditated on each day...cannot help but motivate us to live lives of joy and peace...surrendered to The One Who matters most.

What if Jesus were to return today?

John 14:1-4 says, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. NIV

Friends, I wonder how our lives would change, if we lived each day asking, What if this were the last day of my life...or What if Jesus returned today...and then lived accordingly.
 
How much less would we worry about finances or the lack there of? How much more would we extend forgiveness and overlook offenses? How much more would we live our life for the eternal?
 
Pretty simple thoughts that can produce a pretty powerful impact! I for one, by the grace of God, am determined to meditate on both!

Consider Jesus...

Philippians 2 says, have this attitude in you which was also in Christ Jesus…consider one another as more important than yourself…


Wow. This verse alone will bring even the most spiritually mature to their knees. How do you think this plays out in our day to day? Our relationships? Our marriage? Our parenting?

What about when someone wrongfully accuses? Slanders our name? Or doesn’t follow through with their promise?

Jesus left the glory of heaven, traversed through the trenches of our indifference and pride, and stretched his arms wide nailing the final weight of our sin to its final death on the cross.

And through the cross he showed us a more excellent way to live.

Today let’s consider him. Consider his humility. Consider the fact that he possessed the power to escape his suffering…but instead…because of his love for us and his love for the Father…he endured the cross and fulfilled his mission (to seek and save that which was lost).

We all face conflicts in relationships. We all experience moment of disappointment, disillusionment, and discouragement. But we have the choice of overcoming each obstacle…not through self-defense…not through retaliation…but we overcome triumphantly when we humble ourselves and entrust our spirit to the one who saved us.

Today, I want to encourage you to “take up your cross and follow HIM.” God promised He would be our defender, provider, and our ever present help in times of trouble. Instead of retaliating choose to:

1. Ask God for Help and that He would be your defender.

2. Forgive. (Forgive as He has forgiven you…completely…unconditionally…full of mercy.)

3. Practice praise. (Forgiveness means forgetting, releasing, letting go of the offense…nothing helps more than praise.)

Friends, thank you for inviting me each day into your homes. I truly witness God’s love, mercy, and grace through your friendships. I pray today’s practical post encourages you to walk in complete freedom and the joy of forgiveness.

Navigate Through Difficult Times

I remember a few years ago, we went white water rafting. We had 4 people, a raft, and a guide. The course was set before us...so with helmet guard...and trusty paddle...I jumped aboard my inflated raft and prepared for my journey. With the help of our guide, we maneuvered through tricky waters. We slowed when we were suppose to slow. We paddled quickly when we were suppose to paddle quickly. By the end of the adventure my shaky muscles rejoiced in the accomplished achievement.

So, how about it? Are you facing some seemingly insurmountable circumstances? Navigating through ongoing rough rapids? Feeling as if the rough waters might pull you under or overtake you at any time?

Here are a couple quick tips to Navigate Through Difficult Times:

1. Listen to and follow your guide. Our guide is none other than God Himself. Our Father oversees and counsels us through the on-working power of His Holy Spirit. (Isaiah 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)
2. Follow the Instruction Manual and wear the proper safety equipment. God gives us clear instruction on how to stand in the midst of troubled times. We need to look at Ephesians 6:10-18 to see if there is any area we have neglected. ("Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power...put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace...take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests..." NIV)
3. Rely on your team. I could have never navigated those white water rapids alone. It took the combined effort of everyone in the raft to complete the course. God has given us the incredible opportunity to link arms with others...and by doing so...it makes us stronger. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together , they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." NIV)

Friends, you are not alone. No matter how difficult your situation might be...God is near. He is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. His ears are attentive to our cries. Cry out to Him today...and faithfully utilize steps 1, 2, and 3 above.

If you'd like to hear how to Navigate Through Difficult Times with your spouse...join us on today's broadcast at 12 PM EST at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio/2011/05/11/his-love-extended (you can also click this link any time after 1 PM EST to listen to the recorded archived message). If you'd like to call in and ask for advice/counsel feel free to call us at 347-850-8893)

Don't Give Up on God's Promise

The last couple of days my thoughts have centered on Genesis 25:29-34, "Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob, "Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I'm famished!"..."Jacob replied, "First sell me your birthright." "Look, I am about to die," Esau said. "What good is the birthright to me?" But Jacob said, "Swear to me first." So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright." (NIV)

When I first read this passage, I wondered; How could someone be so shallow as to sell their birthright, their future blessing, their destiny and imminent favor for a bowl of soup?

Until I realized times of my life where I had been just like Esau. Gave up on God's future blessing for immediate relief, pleasure, or gratification.

How often I had been allured away from God's best for money, love, self-significance...or how I caved to the pressures of my immediate circumstances and sought an "easy-out".

Esau had an insatiable hunger for an immediate gratification...He wanted his immediate needs to be met...and in his impatience...he gave up his future.

Friend, no matter what our immediate needs are, I pray we will never give up or lose sight of our future birthright. May we never forget Who God has called us to be. May we never possess such an insatiable hunger to experience relief that we give up on the dreams and future promise God gave us. May we never exchange our eternal hopes and promises for temporal relief.

I want to encourage you. If you are facing overwhelming circumstances, don't give up. Ephesians 6:13-14 says, "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then..." (NIV)


God will fulfill HIS PROMISES. HE WILL NOT ABANDON YOU. So...remember to Dream Big, Laugh Often, Knowing God's Got It All Under Control.

What Do You Do When Darkness Turns Darker?

Are you weak? Weary? Overwhelmed by the circumstances overshadowing your day to day? Ever feel alone? Isolated? Abandoned by God?
 
One day, while fishing on the lake with my husband, a huge storm blew in. Unable to drive our boat or back its trailer into the water, Greg told me to sit in the boat and hold onto the end of the pier.
 
As the torment grew, my arms nearly gave way. I felt like a rag doll. My muscles started to shake...the weight of the boat was too much for my spaghetti thin arms...What's more...the board I'd locked my arms through and around, at the end edge of the pier, started to come undone...the rusty nails were no competition for the raging waters...in desperation I cried out for God's help! "JESUS HELP ME!" Thankfully the boards went back in...Greg returned and safely drove us to shore.
 
But what do you do when you're weak, weary, and the boards don't go back in? What about the times when the bills mount up and the financial miracle doesn't appear in the mail? Or, the marriage you've fought for ends in divorce? What about the times when all seems lost? And darkness continues to get darker?
 
Friends, in moments like these, we must hold fast to the truth of Romans 8:38-39, "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)

Remember WHO YOU SERVE...HOLD FAST TO WHAT HE HAS PROMISED!

Quite honestly...OUR STORY JUST ISN'T FINISHED YET! God will do all that He has promised. (Gen. 28:15)

Though we feel abandoned, we must align our faith with the truth of His Word and by the Power of the Holy Spirit wage war against the spiritual forces waging war against us.

Want to win the war? Want to overcome? Want to honor God with your faith?

1 John 5:4-5 says, "everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? ... he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." (NIV)

This verse encourages us to:

1. Remember Who God is.
2. Remember Who He has said we are.
3. Resist the enemy.
4. And, take every thought captive to the truth of the cross.

So, today, let's declare out loud..."God, You are my hope, my confidence, my deliverer...In You I put my trust. Move mightily on my behalf today. Fill me with the power of Your Holy Spirit. Tear down every obstacle and pour forth Your favor and blessing. Fill me with strength. Destroy my enemies. I know that You are good; Your love endures forever; and, NOTHING can separate me from Your love. Fight my battles for me and fill me with peace, joy, and hope. I truly put my hope in You and by Your grace I will stand! AMEN!"

Discover J-O-Y!

What is Joy? How do you define it? Is joy something attained through temporal satifactions...a million dollars...a smaller pant size...a healthy budding relationship?

If I were to ask you to fill in this _______ what would you say to this question: If I had _______ then I would have joy.

Many times in my life, I have been guilty of equating joy with temporal things. I've spent my days running after so many things. I spent years in corporate America searching for significance in awards, trips, and the accolades of others. I exhausted myself, trying to please people, worrying about their approval. I sought affection in all the wrong places. I even got deceived into trying to build a strong "thriving" ministry. In the end, I always come back to the simple truth...

Temporal things cannot bring lasting joy.

J-O-Y begins with Jesus, is followed by Obedience, and is maintained through a life of Yielded-ness!

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

Habakkuk discovered the only place true joy exists, in his God and savior. He understood the secret of contentment and living above life's circumstances. Habakkuk's declaration and prayer is powerful and demonstrates an abandonment that realizes where joy abounds...IN JESUS alone.

Friends, if we wrote anything other than Jesus in that ______, we set ourselves up for disappointment.

Today, take some time to choose Jesus. Here are 3 helpful hints to keep God at the core of your heart and live yielded to the joy He brings:

1. Get alone with God in a quiet place and read His Word. Ask Him to speak. Ask Him to encourage your heart. Ask Him to reveal Who He is more clearly to you.
2. Every morning, practice praise. Express thankfulness for what God has given. Give thanks for your salvation. Remember God's love displayed at the cross.
3. Evaluate your life. Take a moment to ask yourself, what am I running after? What monopolizes my time? Ask God to help you keep Him as the focus of your thoughts. That as you work...He helps you do your work as unto Him. As you care for your children, that He would be at the center of your thoughts. That as you live your day...and busily do your "to do" list...that He would fill your life with His joy. Is there anything you're doing or attitude your holding onto that opposes God's word? If so, let it go. Align your life Jesus. Be Obedient. Remain Yielded.

If you're lacking J-O-Y do a quick check...is Jesus the subject of your devotion, attention, and ambition... or does something else rule your life? Are you walking in obedience...following God's lead? Finally, are you yielded...living surrendered to God's purposes...remembering WHO HE IS....and holding fast to HIS PROMISES (regardless of your circumstances)?

PRAYER: Father, help us to follow YOU. To seek YOU first. To love YOU with ALL of our heart, mind, and strength. Help us to not fall into the enemy's snares and give our affection to temporal things. Make our JOY complete. Remind us of Your GREAT love. We put our hope in You. In Jesus name, amen.

We Overcome By...

Revelation 12:11, "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony..." (NIV)

 
 
What do you say to a mother who just lost her child? A husband who just lost his job? A wife who just discovered her husband's unfaithfulness? Or, a friend who just received an unfavorable diagnosis?

(I frequently encounter this kind of heartache.)

How do you answer questions regarding God's sovereignty? Why bad things happen to good people? Why God sometimes seems strangely silent? Why evil men prosper...and a host of other what ifs, whens, or whys...

Our world faces so many uncertainties...so much heartache...

Today, I sense there will be many reading who wonder where God is. He hasn't answered you like you hoped. He seems strangely quiet and you wonder if you have done something wrong. Still others reading, feel an overwhelming feeling of anxiety and wonder how everything is going to work out for the good. And a whole other group wonders how they are going to get everything done that needs to be done.

As I prayed for each reader today, I felt faith arise in my heart and realized...WHEN words fail to provide answers there is JESUS. When bad things happen and prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling...GOD is still faithful and has NOT abandoned. When the what ifs , whens, and whys plague our mind and the enemy's accusations seem to drown out the gentle whispers of our God...there is a truth we can hold fast to.

If you are struggling today, here are some helpful hints to overcoming:

• We overcome by remembering the cross...remember God's love demonstrated through Jesus. With each defeating thought or the enemy's assaulting lies of God's abandonment...REMEMBER THE TRUTH.
• We overcome by the word of our testimony. Declare thanks for the cross. Thank God for the hope of salvation. Verbally say the truth to counter every murmured lie
• We overcome by reflecting on Who God is and Holding Fast to His Promises. In times of uncertainty, remember there is a hope, there is security, there is life. There is a God Who sees us. He knows the number of hairs on our head. Reflect on God'scharacter and hold fast to the truth of His Word.

 Friend, you are NOT alone! Hold fast to God and remember He truly works ALL things (the good, the bad) together for our good. When words fail to provide answers...remember Jesus!

Shadows Refine our Faith

A dear friend recently shared with me, "Julie, the cross has many layers. The cross offers salvation. Some people simply stop there and that's OK. Then there's refinement where God purifies us and cleans us up. Then there's a level where we share in the suffering's of Christ."
I listened as she shared incredible wisdom and made sense of the past couple years of what seemed like God's silence.

In the Garden, Jesus cried, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." (Matt 26:39, NIV) may have been whispered because He knew in hours he would feel the separation from the Father, as God turned His back and laid the weight of all mankind's sin upon Jesus.

Could it be, that God allows silence to develop maturity? Could seasons of darkness develop perseverance? Could times of shadows actually help refine our faith?

In James 1:2, James writes, "Consider it pure joy , my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (NIV)

WOW. It is so easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if something bad is happening in our life, we some how messed up or missed God, or we are being punished. And though there are definitely consequences for sin...NOT every bad thing is a PUNISHMENT.

I realized, once again, just how much my "western culture" defined my concepts and beliefs.

Yet, when I look at the disciples, they rejoiced when they were flogged, because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the sake of God's name. (Acts 5:41)

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, a hope and faith that is hard to comprehend, "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)

Friend, I don't know what troubles you face. I don't know all your private battles. But this one thing I know for certain...God is good. He works ALL things together for our good. And regardless of our circumstances, He loves us. And what I hope to demonstrate from my life is an abandonment to God and a surrender to His will...NO MATTER WHAT!

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

Peter shares (1 Peter 1:6-9) "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (NIV)

Let our testimony be...I CHOOSE YOU GOD! I ABANDON MY LIFE AND SURRENDER IT TO YOU COMPLETELY...FOR YOUR GLORY...In good times let us rejoice. In bad times let us rejoice. And in every moment, rest knowing God's got us NO MATTER WHAT!

PRAYER: Father, fill us with peace. Grant us your favor. Help us to rest, knowing You love us and are working all things together for our good. We put our hope and trust in You!