I Want to Spend Time with You!

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

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

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

MMMMMMMMM. What an invitation!

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

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

As I pushed my pause button this morning, God reminded me of His promise in Isaiah 43:1-3. "But now, this is what the LORD says — he who created you...he who formed you..."Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." (NIV)

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

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

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

Do Not Fear

I see them. They're everywhere. Giants tower over me; they whisper: "Give up!" "Play it safe." "You can't!" "You'll never win!" Though naked to my earthly eyes (at times they appear so real) I feel as if I could actually  touch them. I feel their breath on the back of my spine...snarling...taunting...intimidating.

Their size alone intimidates me. BUT...amidst all the giants...someone greater calls my name. He reminds me I am not alone. He reveals glimpses of His power that surrounds my life. I breathe in and breathe out, and remember who gave me my breath!

God softly whispers, "If I am for you, who can stand against you?" (Personalized promise from Romans 8:31) "You are mine." (Isaiah 43:1) "No weapon forged against you will prevail." (Isaiah 54:17)

From Isaiah 48:13 God reminds me, "My own hand laid the foundations of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens; when I summon them, they all stand up together." (NIV)

Friend, we all have giants...impossibilities...difficult, dreadful, even unbearable circumstances. BUT...MORE IMPORTANTLY...we have a GOD WHO LOVES US and calls us by name. We have a GOD WHO scoffs at the giants and laughs at their powerless taunts. He causes impossibilities to surrender at His command. Fiery accusations drown in the current of His grace. Giants have no choice but to submit to His authority.

So, be encouraged and remember Isaiah 41:9-13: "I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So 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. "All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies,
you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." (NIV)

Our Giants Will Fall!

Today, I was reminded of a post I made over a year ago...I just had to repost it!

"...Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the Living God?..." 1 Samuel 17:26

While Israel's army measured their size with the giant's, David compared Goliath's power to God's. There was NO contest. Sure Goliath was big...but not big enough. Sure he caused men to shake in the natural, but his size was no challenge to the LIVING GOD? Put side by side, Goliath wasn't even a speck when compared to the all powerful God!

While others cowered to the giant, David remembered God. While others stood powerless to press forward, David ran to the battle. He rejected conventional wisdom of swords and shields, passing them up to trusted weapons experienced while shepherding in pastures--Five smooth stones and a sling would do the trick.

Goliath hurled insults, threatened, and towered over David...but NONE of that mattered.

David, defied his insults, shouting back, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." (1 Samuel 17:45)

David recognized the weapons formed against him. He saw the sword, the spear, the javelin...but NONE of that mattered. David didn't just see his temporal surroundings, he remembered God.

Friends, many of us face huge giants. The battle are very real. We see the enemy's sword, spear, and javelin...but none of that matters! Our giants CANNOT compare to the power of our God.

Sometimes it's good to get good and mad! Sometimes we simply need to put off conventional wisdom and ATTACK the giants hurling insults. We need to remember when our giants threaten us they defy OUR LIVING GOD!

What are your giants? Mounting Bills? An Uncertain Future? Perhaps you battle feelings of insignificance? Sickness? None of that matters!

Don't get me wrong. I have my own giants! I know the temptation to shrink and cower. I've experienced the inability to run headlong into battle. When I compare my size with my giants...there is no contest. There is no way I can win! BUT AGAIN, NONE of that matters Because when I compare my giants with my God...I know I CANNOT FAIL!

Today, will you cower to your giant or will you look to God? What captures your eye?

In 1 Samuel 17:47, David shouts our the key to our victory, "...the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD'S..." God will give our giants into our hands and bring them to their knees. We come against them in the power and authority of the living God! Declaring, "You come against us with your threats and accusations; you tower over us in the temporal... but we come against you in the name of the Lord of hosts, whom you have defied!"

Will you, along with me, rise to run to battle? Will you, along with me, turn your gaze from your giant to God?

God will bring our giants to their knees!

PRAYER: Father, we look to You. We see the reality of our situation but we choose to remember Your promises. Fulfill Your promises and bring our giants to their knees. Fill us with faith and expectation. We put our trust in YOU! In Jesus name, amen.

It's ALL for YOU!

Most of my life, I've wandered about like Abraham, trying to follow, but not knowing where I was going.

Hebrew 11:8-9 "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going." (NIV)


Many of you know I was given a huge promise at the age of 18. A promise that if it relied upon my ability would never be possible. Thank goodness the promise isn't about me--but about HIM! Thank God, for His faithfulness! Today, though twenty three years later, I see a small glimmer of the fulfillment of that promise!

I can hardly stand it! If I had wings I'd be flying! I want to shout "Here we go Jesus. It's ALL FOR YOU!" So...just know... as I sat at my computer this morning...that's exactly what I did!

Why all the excitement? Well, because today is a day of joyful celebration! First, it's my 12 year old daughter's birthday. Second, today marks the birth of a national ministry that God prompted me and my husband to launch--Women Inspired!

As I think back to the birthing process (of my daughter) the thing I remember most is seeing her for the first time! The pain was forgotten! Joy filled my heart! Hope! Laughter! I couldn't help but thank God for His fulfilled promise!

The same is true for Women Inspired.

So, in celebration of my joy today, I want to offer you the opportunity to win an EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP with Women Inspired. (If you are a male you could always give to a female friend.)

Here's how your name can get entered. Simply share this post on FB or Twitter and you will be entered for a drawing to receive a FREE WOMEN INSPIRED EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP. Click Women Inspired's like button on FB at http://www.facebook.com/womeninspired and you will receive an additional entry into the drawing.

Thank you for celebrating with me. Be encouraged! God fulfills His promises. So, even if you feel like Abraham, as if you are stepping out not knowing where you are going...God is near and HE FULFILLS ALL OF HIS PROMISES.

Wanna see a part of what God is doing in my life and learn more about WOMEN INSPIRED'S EXCLUSIVE MEMBER BENEFITS visit our site at: http://www.womeninspired.org/.

Also, listen to today's broadcast as Shannon Ethridge shares more about her Women Inspired Exclusive Coaching Series at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/profile3.aspx?userurl=cwa-radio. You can listen LIVE at 12 PM EST through the link above. Or call in LIVE at 347-850-8893 and listen through your phone. You can also listen to the archived version at the same link listed above.

H.O.P.E

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)

During many seasons of life, I've shouted: God, can you hear me? Do you care? Where are you? Like a shipwrecked sailor lost at sea, I searched for a life preserver to cling to. At times, I felt abandoned, isolated, doomed to drown in the dense, dark, murky waters surrounding my life. But each time, God faithfully rescued me.
 
Today, as I prayed, God reminded me of Romans 5:3-5. Paul writes: "we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." (NIV)
 
What is this hope and how can we obtain it?  

• Hold fast to who God is. He is love (1 John 4:16.) He is faithful (1 Corinthians 10:13.) He is good (Psalm 73:1.) When life doesn't make sense we must remember JESUS sacrifice and hold fast to God's love.
• Overcome the enemy's lies with the truth of God's Word (John 8:31-32, Hebrews 4:12.) The enemy whispers accusations. He taunts. He torments. But we will overcome Him with the word of our testimony and the blood of the lamb. In Matthew 4, Jesus left an example for us to follow--it is written!
• Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.) Our prayers invite our Heavenly Daddy to help us, to heal us, to uphold us. "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles." (Psalm 34:17, NIV)
• Embrace Ephesians 6:10-18--Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 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, 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. In addition to all this, 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. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (NIV) 

Friend, WE ARE NOT ALONE! Though the dark seasons of our life undoubtedly leave their mark, by the mercy and grace of God, they will NOT destroy us. Regardless of how we feel, regardless of our circumstances, regardless of our battles, we are NOT alone.

"Put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore." (Psalm 131:3, NIV)

3 Hints for a Shaky Faith

I don't know about you, but it is so easy to get discouraged. Accusations of the enemy taunt me and quietly whisper, "You can't do that! You're going to fail. You're not good enough!" Insecurities try to intimidate me. Comparisons remind me of my insufficiencies. At times, I want to retreat and cower before the impossibilities that oppose me...that is until I remember WHO I serve and determine once again to HOLD FAST to what GOD has promised.

Genesis 28:15 reminds me "...I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." (NIV)

Wow! What a promise! What assurance!

Friend, since God is omnipotent He is not bound by time or space. He sees past, present, and future simultaneously; thus, when He whispered His promises to us in the past, He's already seen them in their end fulfillment.

So, what is God calling you to? What has He promised?

Whatever it is, don't give up. Be bold in your faith. After all, faith isn't conjuring up some NOBLE notion and saying "Here I go, now bless." Faith is simply hearing God's voice and aligning our life to follow after Him, no matter what.

Feel shaky in your faith? Here are three helpful hints:
1. Release "ownership." Remember WHOSE promise it is. I often pray, "God this is your promise. This is what you said. I refuse to make it about me. I offer you all my life to use as you see fit. Give me the grace and strength to live in complete obedience to you and entrust you to fulfill your promises. I will not pick up the weight of trying to achieve...this is YOURS GOD...and I am YOURS."

2. Reject "opposition." When the enemy whispers impossibilities I remind Him of Jesus' words in Matthew 19:26, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (NIV)

3. Remember "our God." We are not alone! God fights our battles, and "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31, NIV)

As we start our week, I want to encourage you to "DREAM BIG. LAUGH OFTEN. AND REMEMBER GOD'S GOT IT ALL UNDER CONTROL."

I Am NOT Called To Be Successful

Psalm 51:15-17, "O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." (NIV)

Wow! What a powerful truth! God desires our obedience not our burnt offerings!

Oh, of course we don't sacrifice lambs or oxen. Our burnt offerings are often a result from man-made check lists and rituals that are often measured in results and achievements.

BUT that is NOT what God is concerned with. I remember several years ago, God prompted me to share my testimony with 1,000 people. Specifically, I felt compelled to write my testimony and distribute it to 1000 people. I couldn't wait to witness the results. I couldn't wait to witness all the lives that would be transformed. BUT WAIT...I DID. I waited and waited...BUT NOTHING! Not even one response. I felt like a failure. I felt like a fool.

I prayed. "God, did I miss you? I thought you prompted me to do this. I am so sorry."

Instead of a lecture of correction, I felt the loving response of my Father. "Well done. I didn't call you to results. I called you to obedience."

"Mark Hatfield tells of touring Calcutta with Mother Teresa and visiting the so-called "House of Dying," where sick children are cared for in their last days, and the dispensary, where the poor line up by the hundreds to receive medical attention. Watching Mother Teresa minister to these people, feeding and nursing those left by others to die, Hatfield was overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the suffering she and her co-workers face daily. "How can you bear the load without being crushed by it?" he asked. Mother Teresa replied, "My dear Senator, I am not called to be successful, I am called to be faithful." Beyond Hunger, Beals"

Friend, God hasn't commissioned us to results, He commissions us to obedience. So, position yourself to hear Him. Test all that you feel He commands you to do with the truth of His Word. Then, simply obey knowing that His measurement of success is vastly different than the worlds.

Old Habits are Hard to Break

"Grandma, can I take Owly home with me?

As a kid, one of my favorite toys at my Grandma's house was a little toy owl that stood about an inch in height.

"No, Julie. You better keep it here. You wouldn't want it to get lost."

After countless attempts, I conceded and continued to play with "Owly" until it was time to go. But instead of returning her to her box, I pocketed Owly, thinking I'll return her next week when I come back.

The following week came and went but during the elapsed period of time, I lost "Owly."

"Grandma, I took Owly and now I can't find it." My stomach felt as if it climbed it's way up my esophagus and settled in my throat. My heart felt as if I had just completed a long relentless sprint.

6 months later, at the end of school, I cleaned out my locker and found OWLY. It was a joyous day when I returned Owly safe to my Grandma.

Ever notice how some struggles are hard to break? Today, I recognize my tendency to still try to possess that which was never intended for me to own, like Ministry, Motherhood, even my Marriage. I tend to struggle and pick up weights that God never intended for me to shoulder. As if it were somehow up to me to accomplish and achieve great things for God.

I guess somewhere between living for God and following after Him I tend to pick up ownership.

How about you?  Ever fall prey to thoughts that it's up to you to "FIX" or "CONQUER?" What are the "OWLY'S" of your life? Have you attempted to own what God simply meant for you to enjoy?

My dear, dear friends, God doesn't call us to accomplish or achieve...He simply calls us to obey. So, if your heart is heavy...if you feel overwhelmed by responsibilities...if you question your worth...I want to encourage you to join me today and surrender it (once again) to God.

Psalm 24:1-2 declares that "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters." (NIV)

It is a joyous thing to return to God the things He invites us to enjoy but NOT own!

He Is Good

My husband frequently says, "If you can completely describe God...you serve too small of a God".

Whew. Is that ever the truth! In the last few years I've experienced seasons where I pondered "Who God really was"...I endured seasons of great testing and pain...I even questioned God out loud, "WHY, won't You intervene?" "Why don't You help when You have the power to?" "Don't You care?" "Aren't You suppose to be my Father?" "Doesn't your word say...?"

In these moments, simple, trite answers didn't help...HOWEVER...I also discovered that these moments deepened my faith. Everything I believed about God solidified.

In Joshua 24:14-15, Joshua commissions the Israelites with these words, "fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then 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)

The "fear of the Lord" as referred to in the Old Testament was an expression implying to trust, to revere, and to humbly recognize WHO GOD IS and in recognizing WHO HE IS to humbly submit to His Power and His authority.

I love how C.S. Lewis describes Aslan in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. In chapter eight, directly after dinner, Lucy asks the beavers (concerning Aslan), "Is he—quite safe?"..."Safe?" said Mr. Beaver ... "Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you."  (http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/The_Lion,_the_Witch_and_the_Wardrobe#The_Lion.2C_the_Witch_and_the_Wardrobe_.281950.29)

Lucy's question to the beavers is the same underlying question we all ask (or contemplate subconsciously): "Does God fit into a nice little package that I can explain and always comprehend?" "Will serving Him keep me free from risk, always bring me blessing, shower me with prosperity?" "Does He surround my life with white picket fences, securing me with promises of happily ever after?" "If I surrender to Him will my life be filled with comfort and ease and all the luxuries of health, prosperity, and wealth?" "Will He always make sense...will I always be able to explain why things happen?...And the list of private contemplations go on and on.

Our answer is the same as the beaver's. "NO!"..."Who said anything about ...(that)" "But He is good!"

Friends, when life doesn't remain wrapped in the nice packaged wrappings of ribbons and bows, when the contents of our life spill out and the ribbons frazzle...when the core of what we believe is tested...the one thing we have to hold fast to...the one thing that silences the deafening accusations of our enemy is the truth that "GOD IS GOOD and His love for us never ends!"

Romans 8:38-39, "I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 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)
Today, more so than ever, I am convinced of the love of God. I am more confident (even in my suffering) that God loves me and He works all things together for my good. I don't always understand...but...I know I can trust Him. His love truly traversed through the trenches of my indifference and pride and stretched his arms wide, nailing the weight of my sin to its final death on the cross.

Jesus suffered, bled, and died for my sins...His sacrifice reveals His LOVE...His GOODNESS. So though our circumstances may cause questions, though our trials sometimes cause pain...one thing remains certain "God loves us and can be trusted!"

PRAYER: Father, thank You that though You hold ALL POWER in Your hands. Though You really are an awesome, incomprehensible, amazing God...Thank You that though it would be a terrifying thought to fall into the hands of (You) THE LIVING GOD, all terror is quieted by Your GOODNESS and LOVE. Today, we put our trust in YOU, knowing You are GOOD and YOUR LOVE endures forever. Move on our behalf. Fulfill Your promises. We put our hope in You. In Jesus name, amen.

Not By Might

Ever set out to follow after God but along the way your motives get twisted? You take steps of obedience only to discover it's become about you? Or your humility is assaulted by your pride.

I've been reading a lot in 2 Sam 24:1-9. In verse one God's anger burns against Israel and incites David to take a Census.

"Once again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and he caused David to harm them by taking a census. "Go and count the people of Israel and Judah," the LORD told him." (2 Samuel 24: 1, NLT)

Depending on most translations, it appears as though God causes David to take a Census of the land...but in 2 Sam 24:10 we read, "David was conscience-stricken after he had counted the fighting men, and he said to the LORD, "I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, O LORD, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing." (NIV)


Furthermore, in verses eleven and twelve we read that David is offered to choose between three different punishments for his offense.

As I researched further, I discovered several suggestions for this conflicting story. The one that stood out the most is that though David obeyed God externally, internally his motives became tainted. Matthew Henry Commentary suggest that  "It was a proud conceit of his (David's) own greatness in having the command of so numerous a people, as if their increase, which was to be ascribed purely to the blessing of God, had been owing to any conduct of his own." And that "It was a proud confidence in his own strength. By publishing among the nations the number of his people, he thought to appear the more formidable, and doubted not that, if he should have any war, he should overpower his enemies with the multitude of his forces, trusting in God only. God judges not of sin as we do. What appears to us harmless, or at least but a small offence, may be a great sin in the eye of God, who sees men's principles, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. But his judgment, we are sure, is according to truth." (from Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1991 by Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.)

As I read David's story in 2 Samuel 24, I felt such a conviction in my own heart...A check in my spirit to remember to walk humbly before my God, to examine my motives, and to always obey while resisting "ownership."

Friend, what has God called you to do? Is there any area where your motives have become self-seeking? Are any of your actions propelled by pride?

Today, I'm recommitting to laying it ALL down and to be extremely aware of my complete and total dependence on Him. Will you join me?

A Sweet Exchange

Exchanges...We all make them...Compromises...Concessions...

Sometimes we accept what is out of a fear of what may never be.
Or seek comfort in the present, out of a fear the future may hold less promise.

At times, I wonder if I'll ever learn. (How about you?)

Ever forget to live and enjoy the moment out of a fear the moment may be stolen?
Ever embrace tasks and duties instead of taking time to hold those most dear?

I wonder, at the end of our days, what exchange we would make to gain one more hour with the ones that call us mom (or dad)?

Or, if we knew the moment of our last breath, where we would want to spend it. Would we still chase after that which never satisfies or choose to take the time to rest in the arms of the one we love most?

Ok... I know my thoughts are a little more philosophical today than most days but the truth is...we all have a choice before us? We all make exchanges, concessions, compromises...

Jesus said, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:24-26, NAS

Friend, God invites each one of us to a sweet exchange.

He invites us to exchange our life of sin forgiveness found in a life of faith in Jesus.
He bids us to surrender our (unsatisfying) self-centered living in an exchange for a life of found in a life that is lived for Him.

Today as we go through our day, I hope we live each moment as if it were our last...loving those most dear...serving as if there were no tomorrow...laughing...dreaming...and living our utmost for HIS HIGHEST!

What To Do When Faith and Reality Collides

I remember reading Job 1:8, "Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."  and naively praying, "Lord, I want to be esteemed that highly by You."

Whew. Seemed like a good prayer in my early 20's...But can I just share...In my early 40's...the reality of my faith being tested was anything but glamorous.

It takes a lot to get to the point where the only thing left standing is a hope and confidence in the truth of WHO GOD IS.

Lest I sound braggadocios, I am in NO way comparing myself to Job. Job lost all of his sons in one day. He was stricken with sickness in his body. All of his companions pointed blame and found fault with him. His spouse told him to curse God...

No...thankfully...I have never experienced those griefs. But I have experienced my breaking point...we all have. The point where our faith is assaulted. The place where everything we believe is tested and the hope we profess collides with the reality of our circumstances.

Oswald Chambers 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." (Run Today's Race.)

Today, you may be shouting at the top of your lungs, ENOUGH! You may have hurled accusations toward God, "What is this? Is this just some sick twisted game to You?" Your heart may feel torn apart... broken... void.

So, what do you do when faith and reality collide?

1. Avoid trying to "figure it out" Instead Remember Who You Serve. Friend, allow me to share just how much I understand. I won't pretend to be so bold as to say I completely understand all the "Whys" or even presume to understand all the decisions God makes...but what I am learning to do...is to trust HIM...to remember HIS LOVE...and to rest in the PROMISE found in: Romans 8:28-31--"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?" (NIV)
2. Hold Fast to His Promises. James 1:2-4 reminds us to "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)

I certainly don't understand all the mysteries of heaven. I don't understand all God's reasoning's or decisions...BUT... one thing I remain confident in is that GOD IS FAITHFUL...HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER...HIS LOVE RESCUED ME...
 

And, regardless of all the trials, regardless of all the battles, regardless of all the pain and difficult seasons...I will put my trust in the One WHO died for me.

If you're struggling today, feeling abandoned, alone, wore out...remember God's love for you. "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners , Christ died for us." (Romans 5:7-9)

That kind of LOVE can be TRUSTED!

God Surprised Me!

Has God ever surprised you? He sure does me--a lot!

A few years ago, I navigated through difficult raging waters of life. I had just quit my lucrative position with a fortune 100 company and was searching frantically for a life-preserver to wrap my identity around. But the more I resisted God's current that tried to pull me from my "man-made securities"...the more frantic and exasperated I felt. Finally, while driving down the road, I exhaled a deep breath and surrendered. I prayed "Oh Father, please help! I need to know you're near! I need to know I'm not alone! I need to hear your voice!"

Much to my surprise, I heard a small "Hello!" from the back seat. I quickly turned to see my son's stuffed toy parrot peering at me. I let out a loud robust laugh!

I hadn't anticipated such an animated response from God...but that day...God shared His laughter with me. His Spirit comforted me. "Julie, I am near!" He lovingly reminded me "I will never leave you. I will never forsake you."

Friend, God may not use an animated parrot to whisper His love to you today...but His whispers are all around you. His comfort is hidden in within the pages of His Word. His Spirit surrounds you and demonstrates His grace and love in every breath you breathe.

So, today, breathe in deeply and meditate on this promise 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)

YOU ARE NOT ALONE! God is waiting to embrace you and empower you.

He lovingly reminds (each one of us) to seek Him with all our heart and promises that his "plans are "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. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile." (NIV)


So, will you take a little extra time to pause and listen for Him? Will you seek Him with all your heart?

Allow Him to surprise you with His voice!

I Forgive You, Baby Girl...

I remember a couple years ago a time when my middle daughter sobbed uncontrollably.  "Mommy...I...am...so sorry!" Sommer's voice broke, cracked, and revealed such tender brokenness.
 
My heart ached for her. I knew the feeling of guilt and shame and true repentance. I scooped her up into my arms. "I forgive you baby girl." And in a moment, grace and mercy covered the offense. All was forgiven...and in that moment God revealed a glimpse of His love for me. I thought of the endless times I humbled myself before God, heaving, sobbing, and broken in genuine repentance. I thought of the endless times He scooped me up and whispered the same sweet words of affection, "I forgive you baby girl."
 
Ever experience moments where the reality of God's unconditional love and grace overtakes you? When the truth of His forgiveness overwhelms you? Where the certainty of His pardon (of your sins) captures your breath?
 
The older I get the more I recognize...that except for His grace I stand condemned by and convicted of my sins...destined and doomed to death...
 
But, as Peter writes in 1 Peter 1:3-9, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade — kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 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)

Today, I want to share a song with you by Sidewalk Prophets. Their song, Lay Down My Life, reminds of the incredible love God has for us and the great sacrifice He paid for our salvation. (You can listen to it at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YYfSJa_GC8)

As we start this week, let's offer a humble prayer of thanks to God for the hope we have in Him.

Freind, our hope is secure in His Love...our future is certain in the truth of His Grace..our sins of hatred, jealousy, anger, bitterness, adultery, idolatry, and every other guilt is blotted out by our confession of faith and our acceptance of Jesus' sacrifice.

So, in light of that truth let's live a life of joy, certain of His gift of salvation. Let's be expended for His purpose and rest in the reality of His great love. Let's remember to dream big...to laugh often...and know that God's got it all under control.

A Place of Comfort

"Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in anguish. How long, O LORD, how long? Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. No one remembers you when he is dead. Who praises you from the grave? I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes." Psalm 6:2-7

Oh, how many times I've prayed this deeply...searching for hope, help, and healing. We all experience moments of anguish. We question "How long, O LORD, how long"

Today, seems to be another one of those days. Not because anything is necessarily wrong...BUT because the weight of ministry can sometimes weigh heavily on me. At times, God's burdens and the blessing of His favor causes me to wonder if I can really go on...I don't know if I can do it!!

Like David, I bow my head and cry out! And in those moments a transformation takes place. The burdens I've picked up...the weights of impossibilities lifts...my faith is restored...my soul gains comfort! THERE IS NOTHING QUITE LIKE IT!

The amazing power of prayer and fellowship with GOD transforms my thinking, restores my soul, and renews my faith. In prayer, I realize that I can't but God CAN!

David witnessed this same transformation. One verse after praying the Scripture recorded above, David boldly declares, "Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping. The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer. All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace." (Psalm 6:8-10)

Something powerful happens when we pray in spirit and in truth. The Holy Spirit infuses GOD'S truth in the depths of our mind and soul and restores our hope in GOD'S FATHERLINESS and FAITHFULNESS.

Andrew Murray wrote, "Above all, let us hole on tightly to this blessed reality: The secret of prayer in spirit and truth is in the knowledge of the Fatherhood of God, the revelation of His infinite Fatherliness in our hearts, and the faith in His infinite love of us as His children."

TODAY...BE ENCOURAGED! Psalm 34:17-19 reminds us: "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."

Take time to today to pray...

Change Your Focus

Joshua's sweeter than cheesecake and as precious and tender as a little boy could ever be...but he is ALL boy. His attention span...well...let's just say is sometimes challenged.

Two words I utter frequently, every day--"Joshua, focus!"  Homework time--"Joshua, focus!" Mealtime--"Joshua, focus!" Bedtime--"Joshua, focus!" So, today I laughed when I felt God nudge my spirit--"Julie, focus!"

Sometimes, I'm just like Joshua. I get lost in my own mind, preoccupied with unimportant facts, distracted and focused on things that weigh heavily on my spirit.

God got my attention and filled my thoughts: Why do you doubt? Why do you question? Why do you fear? And realized just how much my focus impacted my thoughts. (Bear with me...I know today's post is a little philosophical.)

But, think about it. Isn't the source of our fear triggered by what we think about? Isn't the source of our discontentment bred in our passion to want more?

Personally, when I focus on all my limitations, impossibilities overwhelm me. When I focus on God's supreme omnipotence, I laugh at impossibilities.

When I focus on my failures, my worth becomes undeniable. When I focus on God's amazing grace, I rest confident in His plan of salvation.

Friend, all our pain, troubles, and tears were placed on Jesus...there was no other way. No other hope. Every bad decision...Every burden...Every sin...was covered by God's LOVE.

John 3:16-17 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." (NIV)

Wow. Think about it. Jesus wore our burdens, took our place...there was no other way...He traversed through the trenches of our indifference and pride and stretched his arms wide, nailing the weight of our sins to the cross. HIS LOVE takes my breath away.

So, are you struggling? Feeling beaten down? Weighted by the circumstances of your life?

I want to encourage you to change your focus. Remember WHO you serve. Remember His character. Hold fast to HIS love...His righteousness...His grace.

Today, I felt some may be struggling, questioning God's love...maybe even questioning their salvation. Romans 3:21-24 reveals God's promise of salvation. Paul writes "But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." (NIV)

Friend, Romans 6:23 reminds us that "the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (NIV) Further, 1 John 1:9 promises that "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (NIV)

Let's keep our FOCUS where it NEEDS to be--on HIM!

Am I truly abandoned to Christ?

Today, in my time of quiet devotion, questions filled my mind and challenged my faith. I asked myself the following: Am I truly abandoned to Christ? Will I serve Him no matter what? Where will I put my trust regardless of wearing circumstances?

Ever feel like you don't have the strength to press on, yet have no alternative to turn back? C'mon. Be honest. Of course we all do! As I frequently write--Faith wouldn't be faith if it were easy!

In times like these I gain comfort and strength from the testimony of others found in Scripture. Check out these declarations:

In Job 13:15, Job declared: "Though he slay me , yet will I hope in him." (NIV)

Habakkuk writes in Habakkuk 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)

Luke records Mary's testimony of faith in Luke 1:38, "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." (NIV)


Every one of these testimonies declares allegiance and abandonment to God...a "NO MATTER WHAT" in its message...

I want to live that kind of faith...so once again...I bow my head and surrender my will...I choose to serve Him.

How about you? Will you join with me today?

Friend, FAITH is NEVER EASY...BUT I AM CONVINCED (as Paul shared in Romans 8:19) "that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (NIV) And, am encouraged by the promise of Galatians 6:9: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (NIV)



Let's DREAM BIG...LAUGH OFTEN...and remember GOD HAS IT ALL UNDER CONTROL!

God's Silent Urging of Protection...

"Let's go! It's time."

Sommer grabbed her roller back-pack.

"I love you baby girl. Have a great day."

"You too, mommy."

As I leaned over to give Sommer one last hug, my eye caught a glimpse of a light colored car, on the street, a couple houses down from ours. Something didn't feel right. I glared directly at it and noticed a man in the driver seat.

"See you later mommy." Sommer exclaimed.

Another uneasy feeling surged through me. "Baby doll, Mommy's gonna walk with you for a while."

As we walked toward the school I realized I was still in my pajamas. "Ok sweetie, I'm gonna head back. Have a good day."

"You too mommy."

I watched for a little longer and then turned toward my home. As I did, again, my eye caught a glimpse of the same light colored car doing a quick u-turn.

A thought rushed through my mind. He's going to go around the opposite way and come up on the other drive.  I tried to shake the feeling but couldn't. If I was wrong--no harm--people would just see me in my pj's. If I was right...then I would never forgive myself for not staying with my daughter.

I shouted, "Sommer hang-on...Mommy's gonna walk with you the rest of the way."

We walked a little further...and then...my stomach sank. I couldn't believe it. The light colored vehicle turned sharply, sped past us, did another u-turn and went out our back gate. I ran quickly. Memorized the license plate # and thanked God for His silent urgings.

Friend, we all have an enemy seeking to destroy us. A prowler. A destroyer with evil intent. 1 Peter 5:8-9 warns us, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith..." (NIV)

But, we also have an advocate. A protector. A SAVIOR. Jesus encourages us, in John 10:10 He 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)

Today, I want to encourage you to listen closely to His voice. He silently instructs us. Prompts us. And stirs within our soul--wisdom and revelation. We are NOT alone.

Isaiah 30:21 promises, "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)

Friend, I'm confident God protected my little girl last week by filling me with inward promptings and I want to encourage you that--You can trust God. He will lead you, too. He will guide you. You can trust and know HIS voice.

PRAYER: Father, thank You for Your protection. Thank You that You sent Jesus to give us a full life. Thank You for Your voice. Thank You that YOU fight our battles and have defeated our enemy. Empower us to live for You. We love You Lord, amen.

Undeserved Favor...

Sometimes, I still do really stupid things. I spout off at the mouth...get angry...give in to fear...allow circumstances to effect my mood. I don't always meditate on what is good, pure, or lovely. After scaling high towers, I (sometimes) cower before the next set of challenges. I pick up "OWNERSHIP" of things entrusted to me and feel weights NEVER designed for me to carry.

How about you?

Today, once again, God's grace flooded my soul. As I sat silently before the Lord, I thought of Psalm 103:11-13, "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him." (NIV)

Wow. Unimaginable Grace. Unfathomable Forgiveness.  Undeserved favor. Kinda takes your breath away when you really think about it, doesn't it?

Friend, as Christians, we are forgiven. Set free. We are deeply and dearly loved!

Today, I want to challenge you to thank God at every opportunity for the undeserved favor He's granted you. Praise Him for His forgiveness. Embrace the truth of His love. Let it liberate you to live your life passionately, abandoned to His will.