I Just Can't Do This...

"I can't do this...I just can't go on..." My heart weighed heavy. The onslaught of "to do" lists overtook me. I felt overwhelmed. Dried up. Used up. Fatigued. Frustrated. Cashed out. DONE!!! I was way past a "Pull YOURSELF UP by the boot-straps" pep talk...Ever been there?

What do you do when your energy has been zapped? What do you do when your storage tank is depleted? What do you do when no one seems to run to your aid or offer you help? Well, the only place we can go...to the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our FAITH. OUR 1 SURE FOUNDATION...our HELP IN TIME OF TROUBLE--JESUS!

Matthew 11:28-30 says: "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)

So, how do we come to Jesus? What does that look like?

Here are a few helpful hints:

• Make time for Him. Be intentional. Spend time sitting silently in His presence.
• Pray sincere prayers--simple prayers like: HELP. Lord sustain me. Encourage me. Fill me. Empower me. Give me strength
• Renew Your thoughts. Spend time in His Word. Remind Yourself of His promises. Listen to worship. Fill your mind with the truth.
• Speak the truth out loud. Messages constantly bombard the weak and weary. Fight back with the truth. Jesus said you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free. Align your thoughts by speaking His Word out loud. Speaking it out loud offers encouragement and is extremely powerful.
• Reach out to others. Live transparently. Authentically. I love Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, it says: "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)

Friend, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Let me know how I can pray for you. Send me an email at: julie@juliegorman.com

Keep pressing on...GOD IS NEAR!

Whatch'a Thinkin' About...

The other night I begrudgingly headed to the gym with my husband. Thoughts filled my mind: I don't feel like working out. I am so tired. I just want to snuggle up and go to sleep for the night...

4 Minutes on the treadmill felt like an eternity. Ahhhhh, this stinks. I want to be home. I hate being out of shape. I'd rather be eating pizza.

Finally, I decided to listen to some praise music. I played the new CD of one of my new favorite groups (Sidewalk Prophets). As the music played, my pace increased. I got lost in praise. And, as a result my mind turned to this is soooooo much fun.

"As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is." (Proverbs 23: 7, paraphrased)

Friend, what are you thinking about? What thoughts fill your mind? Can I just make the application--God taught me--Your mind doesn't just effect your work outs. It impacts your life. It influences your decisions. Take every thought captive to the cross. Focus on the eternal. And faithfully serve me.

So today, will you join me with hands lifted high, and a mouth filled with praise...will you glory in the one who died for you. No matter my circumstance, no matter my trial...will you offer God your love by filling your mind as Paul urged in Philippians 4:8-9, "...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)

Faith for Today...

Oh Father, please help me today. Lift the heaviness of my heart. Remove my doubts and the feelings that whisper, "I just can't do this. I can't press on anymore. I just want to go back to bed."

Ever pray similar prayers? Feel weighted at obstacles? Overwhelmed by the circumstances surrounding your life?

If so, may it comfort you to know...You're not alone.

Elijah prayed, in 1 Kings 19:4-5, "I have had enough, LORD," ... "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." (NIV)

David prayed, in Psalm 42:5, "Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God..." (NIV)

Paul wrote, in Roman 7:24-25, "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?" (NIV)

Friends, faith wouldn't be faith if it were easy, if everything ALWAYS lined up perfectly, if EVERY emotion always remained full of joy and bliss.

InJohn 16:33, Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (NIV)

That's where our faith must rest...in Jesus...in the truth of God's love...resting in WHO HE IS...Faith presses on regardless of circumstances, knowing God will never leave.

Oswald Chambers, in Run Today's Race, wrote: "Faith for my deliverance is not faith in God. Faith means, whether I am visibly delivered or not, I will stick to my belief that God is love. There are some things only learned in a fiery furnace."

Friend, what battles do you face? Are you in a "fiery furnace"? If so, take a deep breath. Retreat to the arms of God. Find comfort in the promises of His Word. Pray for the Holy Spirit's comfort.

1 Corinthians 10:13 promises us that "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (NIV)

Let me know if there is anyway I can pray for you today by emailing me at: Julie@juliegorman.com

Wanna put an end to the juggling routine?

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


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

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

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

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

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

How do you surrender? My advice drop all the plates. (LOL.) I say that jokingly but also seriously...drop the plates...release your control...quit trying to DO IT ALL! Instead, invite God, day by day, minute by minute, into every decision, every action.

I've learned the arrogance of my pride and self-sufficiency can only remain dead while standing in the presence of the Almighty God. It's only in my revelation of His Power, His Authority, and His Sovereignty that I am able to relinquish mine.

Perhaps that is why, when Jesus was asked, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" He replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment." (Matthew 22:36-39) You see, it's only when we seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, we can dare to hope all our other needs will be met. (Matthew 6:33)

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

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

Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matt 11:28-30, NIV)

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

Don't Give Up--KEEP ON SWIMMING

Hope is an amazing power: with it, men conquer great feats and overcome insurmountable obstacles...without it; they give in to a slow, agonizing, defeat.


I recently re-read a story about Florence May Chadwick, the first woman who attempted to swim the 26 mile stretch between Catalina Island and the California coastline. Fifteen hours after Florence began her chartered swim, a heavy fog set in, making it impossible to see the shoreline. She told her mother, who followed her in a boat to ensure her safety, that she didn’t think she could make it. She continued to swim for another hour before asking to be pulled out. Sitting in the boat, Florence discovered she was only one mile from her destination.

Friends, today, I want to encourage you to see your "shoreline"...to envision your end destination. Don't ever give up. Remember Who it is that called you. Hold fast to what He promised. Never forget Who you serve.

Romans 8:28-32 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" (NIV)

YOU are NOT alone. No matter how tired you are...no matter how thick "THE FOG" of your life sets in, attempting to destroy your hope...keep the Lord before you…remember His promises... envision your end destination…press on through your chartered course of life and reach your destined finish line!

DON'T GIVE UP! KEEP ON SWIMMING! God IS FOR YOU! And, IF GOD IS FOR YOU...who can stand against you?

Check out these amazing promises:
Isaiah 49:23, "...those who hope in me will not be disappointed." (NIV)
Isaiah 40:31, "those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (NIV)
Isaiah 54:4, "Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated." (NIV)

Have a great weekend! And thanks for being my friend.

What is Bravery?

Today, as I sat a my computer and began to pray, a post I shared a year or more ago ran through my thoughts. I hope you find comfort and encouragement by it:

 Living above our circumstances demands our bravery!

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

David never shrank from the bear or lion NOR die he cower to Goliath. When Saul sought his life, David bravely spared Saul's life, determining to not raising a hand against God's anointed. David trusted God to defend his life and lived above his circumstances. 1 Samuel 16:18 describes David, "One of the servants answered, "I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the LORD is with him." (NIV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

What's YOUR story? HOW can YOU reveal YOUR TRUST in GOD? WHAT is HE CALLING YOU to BRAVELY do?

 

FRIEND...HE WILL NOT FAIL YOU!

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

Stop And Listen!

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

Though I've never fled from an evil, blood thirsty, queen, I have faced many battles with a similar blood thirsty adversary (the devil) and knew I couldn't go back...but (unfortunately) lacked the strength to move forward...Ever face similar struggles?

In situations like that...nothing satisfies except an encounter with the Living GOD.

When I find myself burdened, weighted, weary, and exhausted, I tend to search for God in the miraculous, wanting Him to shout His will from heaven, or to appear in a burning bush.

Elijah was no different...his desperate plea was the same...I JUST CAN'T GO ON! Speak Lord or just let me die! His past encounters with God no longer sufficed...He needed GOD...and he needed HIM NOW!

And...God graciously appeared to him...

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

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

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

Want good news?

Though Elijah's circumstances didn't change immediately ... God DID appear to Elijah and provided him with clear direction. God's word strengthened Elijah, equipped and empowered Him to press on, and filled with Him with HOPE.

FRIEND...GOD is our firm foundation, our hope and strength, our deliverance! Apart from Him we can do nothing...BUT...with HIM...ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! He longs to speak to you. Will you incline your heart toward Him, listen intently, and receive HIS LIFE, HOPE and PEACE?

Jeremiah 29:12-13 says, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (NIV)

Join me today, stop what you're doing and listen intently! God is near!

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

My Soul Thirsts for God

Psalm 42:1-2, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?" (NIV)

Ever have one of those days where tasks supersede the hours you have available to do? Me too! Take a deep breath! Ahhhhh. In moments like these, I remind myself to PAUSE...to remember What's MOST IMPORTANT. I STOP EVERYTHING and sneak away to allow the LORD to replenish.

I find deep encouragement as God lavishes me with HIS LOVE.

Friend, we can NOT do anything except GOD empower us. Jesus reminded Peter in Luke 18:27, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."  (NIV)

Today, as I prayed for you, I felt compelled to pray for STRENGTH and REST. I know many face horrific challenges: cancer, struggling relationship, financial weights, wayward children, sickness, disappointment...and the list goes on and on.

But, NOTHING is impossible with God. And in the midst of our afflictions He supplies us with a peace that surpasses ALL understanding.

This is our one chance to demonstrate our faith...this side of eternity...to put our trust in what is unseen until the day we behold our HOPE. But our hope and faith is a gift of God. Discovered in moments of silence. Experienced when the CREATOR HIMSELF hushes our fears with whispered thoughts greater than our own.

I shared this verse yesterday, but felt compelled to share it again today: In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says, "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)

Our mission is to live abandoned to Him. To love Him. To serve Him. NOT to DO. NOT to ACCOMPLISH. But to FAITHFULLY FOLLOW and WATCH HIM DO THE IMPOSSIBLE.

So, will you join me, once again, and lay down the weights you've picked up? Surrender concerns? Your brokenness?

Today, take time to sit silent with the Lord...and He will FILL you with His grace, mercy, strength, love and peace.

Our Place of Shelter

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." (Psalm 91:1-2, NIV)

This morning...Out of no where...a tropical shower poured down.

Oh NO! Sommer! I rushed to my daughter's bus stop, speeding past houses...thinking to myself: Oh! My poor baby girl. She's going to be drenched.

I whisked to the side of the curb. "Jump in!"

My daughter along with 5 other children piled into my car. Ah. She's safe...sound...and sheltered!

I couldn't help but think of God's love for me. The times He ran to my rescue. Searched me out in the storms of life. Provided safety...shelter!

Oh, I know...we are here to serve God. To spend our life for Him. To honor Him. To love Him. And that our purpose...our mission...is to be spent for Him! BUT...I also know that HE LOVES US PASSIONATELY.

His mission...His passion...is to walk with us. Since the Garden of Eden, He has longed to fellowship with man. His purpose is to lavish us with His love. Matthew 1:23 says: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel "-which means, "God with us." (NIV)

Wow. Think of it. God's passion is to demonstrate His love for us...to be near us...to rescue us!

Friend, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! As the storms of life blow in, the Father's heart whisks past all obstacles to search us out and provide shelter! He shares His whispers of love through passages of Scripture, like: Jeremiah 31:3--"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." (NIV)

Are you troubled? Overwhelmed? Tired? Or, feel like giving up?

Accept God's open invitation and find shelter for your soul--
Matthew 11:28-30--"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest . 29 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." (NIV)

He is our Place of Shelter. Our hiding place. Our refuge. Our Strength.

We Need Each Other

Man, I wish I could introduce you to some of my friends. First, there is my husband. He is truly a leader of leaders. He inspires me to excellence. Encourages me when no one else can. Then there is Amy. Amy always seems to know exactly what to say and when to say it. Gotta love friends like that. Then there’s my mother in-law...yes..."in-law"... She sacrifices constantly to help me. Offers encouragement when I feel the weakest. And loves my kids like her own. And the list could go on and on.

I witness the evidence of God’s grace in the friendships He’s granted me.

Matthew 18:19-20 says, "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

In order to truly walk out our God-given purpose we need one another.

This week I'm reminded even more just how important relationships are. So, I want to encourage you to list 2-3 people who have impacted your life. Write them a short word of encouragement.

Hebrew 3:13, "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.  "

Friends, we need one another. I know the thought is simple...but so often we go through life running from one task to another...In Hebrews 3 God's Word instructs us to encourage one another. So today...

Here are a few practical ways to Cultivate Relationships:

Make a list of people who have encourage you.

Make another list of people you feel you should encourage.

Then, very simply make a phone call or send a note to let them know just what they mean to you.

Make a practice of doing this once a day or at least two to three times a week.

After all... "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. (and) A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12

Thanks for allowing me the privilege of calling you my friend!

A Rare Friendship to be Honored...

Don't you just love friends that "get you." You know, the kind of friend who really knows you but loves you anyway. The kind of friend who sees past all your weaknesses, encourages you, and views you in all your "FINISHED" potential.

Friendships like that are rare. And should NOT be taken for granted. They should be cherished and honored. 

Romans 5:7-8, "Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die.  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Friend, God saw us in our sinful state and demonstrated His love for us. He paid the ultimate price. He willingly sacrificed His life so that we could be made NEW. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17...We are a new creation...the old has gone...the new has come.

He believes in us. He has called us. He stands beside us. He willingly gave up His life for us.

A friendship like that is rare. It should NOT be taken for granted. It should be cherished and honored.

Today, if you're like me...you face many obstacles...see all your short-comings...and at times wonder HOW it will all come to pass...Be encouraged. God is near. He will NEVER leave you. AND WITH HIM...ALL THINGS are POSSIBLE. He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. And in Isaiah He whispers, I will NEVER FORSAKE YOU...see I have inscribed you on the palm of my hands.

Let's honor God with our life. Let's trust Him for WHO He is. Let's believe HIM what He has promised.

Watch Your Giants Fall!

Isaiah 66:9, "Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?" says the LORD. "Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?" says your God." NIV

"Breathe Julie...c'mon you can do it...only a few more seconds...you should be getting some relief in about five...four...three...two..."

"AHHHHHHHH." I breathed and thanked my husband for helping me through yet another grueling contraction. (My oldest took twenty one hours of tough labor...talk about exhausting.)

We've all heard the old cliche, "It's always darkest before the dawn." Unfortunately, the old cliche gives little comfort when your neck deep in quick sand with no visible life line.

It's tough to "keep your chin up" or "pull yourself up by your boot straps" when your strength is gone, your mind and body drained, and your faith diminished by enormous battles.

The only thing that seems to help me when I'm weak is a good story...like, Israel surrounded by giants; their defeat imminent, until a small boy with a small stone and sling arises from the crowd, decapitating the enemy, and reminding them Who they serve. Or, Gideon's army reduced to 300, yet victory emerges through "lanterns, broken pots, and an amazing God"...Or, what about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo...not spared but thrown into the furnace, only to escape its fury and influence an entire kingdom to be saved.

I don't want to over-simplify your battles...I know the pain and weight of rejection and disappointment...I know what it is to be in hunger... I know how it feels to be "ship-wrecked" by life's storms...but I also know Who we serve.

Today, I want to simply point to Jesus. And remind you...your giants will fall...your war was already won through Jesus...your not alone in your fiery furnace! Jesus is near.

And as my husband coached me through grueling hours of labor, I want to remind you of what you're working for. I want to remind you of your dreams. Remind You of Who you serve and what awaits for you.

Our hope and our confidence rests in the One Who purchased and paid for the penalty of our sins.

God went to a great length to ensure your salvation. He won't fail you now! So endure, persevere, and come against your giants in the name of the Lord of Hosts...And, in due time, you will witness them fall!

Philippians 4:12-13 lets us in on a powerful secret to obtaining contentment; "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. NIV

Prayer: Father give us strength today. Fill us with the truth of who you are and regardless of our present circumstances, help us to know who we are in You! Thank you Lord that YOU are our life line...and when we feel neck deep, sinking in quick sand, You are there to make sure we escape. Fill us with courage remembering the battle is not ours...You've already won it and disarmed every principality and power of the air when Jesus died on the cross. We love You Lord. Fill each one of us with hope. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

Waiting for God

“And the word of the LORD came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too." The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." 1 Kings 19:9-13

“God, are you there? Do you hear me?” I waited for God’s reply...and waited...and waited.

I listened intently, cleared my mind to receive His thoughts, His spurring, or a feeling of any sort...BUT for a few solid weeks...NOTHING!

I hate foggy moments of silence. Moments when God seems distant and disengaged. Moments when trials torment and circumstances cloud and confuse. Don't you?

Inevitably, as we search to discover God’s purpose, like Elijah, we will probably (at times) feel overwhelmed and seek refuge from life’s circumstances. We may even question: God did I miss You? Have I messed up? Are You still there?

1 Kings 19:9 offers us hope. God does speak—“And the word of the LORD came to him.”

Like Elijah, God has called, equipped, and designed each one of us for a specific purpose and will give us explicit instructions of what to do next.

So, today, as we journey to discover God’s purpose, let's listen closely for His instruction and respond accordingly. Position ourselves to hear His voice by finding a quiet place to pray. Let's ask the Lord to reveal His will for our life and sit quietly for a few minutes; then, wait for Him to guide us.

I want to encourage you...as you do this...be ready and write down any thoughts, verses, or promises He shares.

Prayer:

Father, help us to hear Your direction and know Your will. Give us clarity. Remove all fear and doubt. Invade our thoughts with Yours. Help us know Your will. In Jesus name, amen!

Ever Want to Shout, "DO OVER!"

As a kid, when we swang hard but missed or ran to kick a ball but instead had it escape underneath our high-kicked leg...we'd shout "DO OVER!"

Oh how I wish life were that simple. Especially lately!

Proverbs 12:18, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." (NIV)

I'm not sure what happened between the ages of 39 and (now nearly) 42 but the lock that once securely staid fastened across my lips seems to have been unlatched. I find myself saying things and responding in ways that are at times unattractive.

Why didn't you...Why don't you...Why haven't you...

At times like these I want to shout out "Do OVER!"

Perhaps it's the consequence of getting older, being female, and being over 40...or perhaps...it's because of the busyness of my schedule and the demands of responsibility...or perhaps it's because I'm human and I've let down my guard and allowed the enemy to creep in...

Either way, I silently pray: "Lord, God, guard my speech. Let my words be kind, compassionate, and full of life. Guard my thoughts for out of the overflow of my heart my mouth speaks. Season my words with grace and mercy...especially to my family and those closest to me. In Jesus name, amen!

How about you? Ever struggle with your words? Say things you didn't mean to? Ever want to shout, "DO OVER!"

If so, you may find the following hints helpful as you take advantage of your "DO OVERS!" I know, I (for one) want to make sure I don't make the same mistakes.

1. Guard your thoughts and what you're thinking about. We may not like it. But the truth is, we speak what we meditate on. Matthew 12:34-35, "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." (NIV) Today ask yourself, "What am I thinking on? What do I dwell on? What consumes my emotions?"
2. Don't just guard your thoughts, control them. Philippians 4:8-9, "...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)
3. Practice Praise. Proverbs 18:21, "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." (NIV) I want the evidence of my love for God and others to honor, uplift, and bring life. So much of what we say and do results out of our habits. Ask yourself: Is what I'm about to say uplifting? Does it promote life? Is it seasoned with God's mercy and grace?

I want to invite you to join with me today LIVE at 12 PM EST or listen later to the archived broadcast. Today's Blog-Talk Radio Broadcast is devoted to exploring the ways our words influence, inspire, and impact others at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio/2011/09/07/his-love-extended Hope you can join with us.

I want to encourage you, today--if you've hurt someone with your speech--ask forgiveness--and then make the most of the "DO OVER" they grant you.

PRAYER: Father, fill us with your grace, mercy, and unconditional love. Help us to meditate on what is pure, lovely, and of a "GOOD" report. And season our words with yours. Cause us to reflect your love in all we say. May our speech always inspire life. In JESUS name, amen.

Waiting Patiently...

I have so much to do. C'mon. I thought.

The school line was exceptionally long.

I hate traffic. C'mon people. Move it! I've got stuff to do! I don't have time for all of this... 

There are many places in life that I am "FORCED" to wait. Lines at restaurants, doctors offices, carpool lines at school. Each serve as intrusions, interruptions, and inconveniences that frustrate me.

But, I'm learning that waiting on God can be something entirely different!

Oh, of course I get frustrated...but I'm learning to let excitement grow in me during what seems like "SEASONS of WAITING." Knowing and trusting that God is up to something.

David prayed, "In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." (Psalm 5:3, NIV)


Today, I want to encourage you. Waiting on God is NEVER a waste of time.

I've shared this quote before, but felt impressed to share it again...G. Campbell Morgan wrote, "Waiting for God is not laziness. Waiting for God is not going to sleep. Waiting for God is not the abandonment of effort. Waiting for God means, first, activity under command; second, readiness for any new command that may come; third, the ability to do nothing until the command is given." (http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/w/waiting_on_god.htm)


I love this quote because it offers underlying encouragement and words of instruction:

1. Remember, God wastes nothing. Be patient. God is moving. Waiting on God is "activity under command."
2. Be ready. At any moment, God will share what you need to do next. Isaiah 30:21-22, "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)
3. Finally, Isaiah 40:31, "those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (NIV)

 
PRAYER:
Father, fill us with YOUR peace, strength, wisdom, and lead us by the POWER of YOUR HOLY SPIRIT. Help us not be discouraged or distracted. Help us to live fully surrendered to YOUR will and YOUR purpose. Speak clearly that we might obey. Empower us that we might fulfill. And comfort us...with YOUR amazing PRESENCE.

Stop! Drop! Roll!

Today I travelled back in my memories to my 2nd grade class. Pencils nicely positioned on my desk. I can still envision my steel framed, wood-topped desk and chair.

Remember the fireman drill? The instruction of what to do in case of fire?

C'mon. I know you can say it with me: Stop...Drop...And, Roll?

I've learned to keep this little drill in the back of my mind and have made my own "SPIRITUAL" application for when the trials of life rage against me and circumstances seem overwhelming....

Hope you find meaningful application too! :)

1. Stop: Grace and mercy are obtained when we wait upon the Lord. "They that wait upon the Lord, will renew their strength!" (Is. 40:31) Take time to pause before God. Remember Who He Is. He is good. He is faithful.
2. Drop: Weariness fades when we draw near to God and drop the heavy weights that we've picked up. Drop trying to "achieve," "accomplish," or "acquire." We should have one single mission in life to love, serve, and honor God...to seek Him above all other things.
3. Roll: Roll with the flow of His Spirit. It's not by our might. It's not by our power. It's by His Spirit. And His Spirit breathes forth life. I constantly remind myself to quit trying to live in my own power. It's from Him, through Him, and by Him that all things were created...I am simply called to love Him and faithfully follow where HE leads.

Friend, we have to ask ourselves: Who do I really believe God to be? Do I believe He Is Faithful?

Genesis 17:7-8 declares God's promise: I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you." (NIV)
I want to encourage you today:

STOP being so busy and spend time alone with God.
DROP any fear, worry, or doubts and replace them with the truth of His Word (the bible.)
And, ROLL with the punches of life.  Bask in God's GLORY. Know Who HE is and hold fast to His promises.

God is faithful. HE KEEPS HIS PROMISES. So, until next week, Remember to Dream Big. Laugh Often. Know that God has it all under control!

Does God's Silence Equate God's Absence?

I was reading about the life of Esther. Esther lived during a tumultuous time for the Jews. A man named Haman sought to destroy God’s people. In Esther 3:12-14 we read, “Dispatches were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces with the order to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews — young and old, women and little children — on a single day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods.” However, God had a different plan and long before Haman sought to completely destroy God’s people, God positioned Esther to win the heart of King Xerxes and become his queen. Esther served God where she had been position and as she interceded and bravely interacted with King Xerxes, God saved an entire Jewish nation from annihilation. As I studied Esther's life, an interesting fact stood out. Esther was taken into King Xerxes palace in the 3rd year of His reign but did not become queen until the 7th year of his reign.

IMAGINE! Four years of silence! Four years of preparation! Surely Esther questioned, "WHY am I in this palace? What is the purpose of all of this?"

As I thought about this time of "waiting." I thought about David. In 1 Samuel we see Samuel anoint David to reign as Israel's future king. But then what happened?

I know I'd be thinking, Woo-hoo...palace here I come! But, according to Scripture, David went back to tending sheep.

Whew. More waiting!

Today, I reflect on my own life. I thought about how easy it is to get side-tracked and discouraged in the "waiting" times of life.

How about you? Ever get discouraged by the in between time? The time in between 'entering the palace and being positioned as queen?' Ever question "Why am I out here with these sheep? Wasn't I supposed to be in the palace?" Oh, we don't ask those specific questions. Ours are more like: "God didn't you promise..." "Didn't you say...." "Then why is .... happening?"

Friend, be encouraged. God's silence DOES NOT equated God's absence. He promises in Jeremiah 29:11-14, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity."

God is near. His plans are good. He is faithful. So consider this...While David tended the sheep, he learned to kill the bear. A skill that helped bring down Goliath. A 'feat' that ultimately positioned him in the palace.

I have a peaceful feeling that what we consider 'wasted years' actually prepare our character to receive the promise God gave; they refine our way of thinking and teach us to rely on GOD'S power, NOT our own.