Shhh...I'm here!

"Mommy! Mommy!"

My son's cries pierced through the dark mid-night hours and sent a shrill up my spine. Something about the intensity of Joshua's cries rumbled above the slow steady hum of my box fan. His cry awakened me from my sound slumber. I ran, instantly, to his bedside.

"Shhhh...I'm here! What's the matter, baby boy?" My heart pounded against my chest cavity like a big base drumstick might hammer against a deep base drum.

Joshua rarely has bad dreams...but that night...his fear overwhelmed him with errors that seemed strangely real. I whispered a few words of comfort, assured him I was there, and prayed with him. A few songs seemed to comfort his spirit as he quickly drifted off back to sleep.

Today, as I reflected over various seasons of  my life where various fears present terrors that seemed strangely real...I couldn't help but think of the promises found in Psalm 34:15-20. It says, "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry...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; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken." (NIV)

During those seasons or dark night's of my soul, God's whispered promises brought me comfort. His reassurance that He was near, instantly, brought me peace.

Today, as I reflect on who God is, I find great comfort. And, though my problems DON'T always instantly disappear...they do diminish when my perspective turns to God's power. They fade even more as I realize that I am positioned (securely) in God's love.

I don't know about you...I don't know what trials you face...I don't know the terrors that awaken you or fill you with consuming fear...BUT WHAT I DO KNOW...is that God promises "His eyes are on the righteous. His ears are attentive to their cry. The righteous cry out and the LORD HEARS and delivers. He is close to the broken hearted."

Today, I pray you sense God's presence and are comforted by His promises.

You are NOT alone! God is near! He hears your cries for help...never give up!

Stop Focusing on Who You Are...Instead Focus on Who God Is

One of the greatest struggles I ever faced was in relinquishing control...surrendering...and resting in the truth of GOD's promises. Oh, in theory I trusted God. In my words, I offered Him praise...but when it came right down to it...I lived under shame and disqualified my worth because of "who I was" and "what I did or did NOT do."

I minimized and rejected God's call because of past regrets and my perceived lack of abilities...How about you?

Ever struggle with your worth? Ever question, who me? Are you sure you've chosen the right person, God?

The third and final TRUTH we will look at this week regarding Purpose is to STOP FOCUSING ON “Who You are” and “what you have done” Instead PRAISE GOD for WHO HE IS and WHAT HE HAS PROMISED.

Today, I encourage you to examine what causes you to doubt. What excuse has the enemy tricked you into believing that you are disqualified? The truth is…we will continually disqualify ourselves from God’s call if we focus on our abilities.Abraham, Gideon, and Moses all did. And, quite honestly, if left alone to their abilities would have been disqualified. After all. Moses had every reason to disbelieve…He was a 100. Gideon could never have won the battle against the vast power of the Midianites (with only 300 men). Moses' resume of desert wanderer and murder with a speech impediment...probably wouldn't place him in the category of Who's Who.  

But here's what God taught me and continues to remind me...

My past mistakes and current circumstances do NOT negate HIS PROMISES. He will pick me up and position me wherever HE wants me, whenever HE wants me. When He whispered HIS promises to me in the past, He already saw them in their end fulfillment. 

Does that mean I can do whatever I want and it doesn't matter? OF COURSE NOT...BUT...what it does mean is that as I surrender to GOD, HE is quite capable of accomplishing the impossible. He invites me to simply align my life with HIS promises; and friend, that is a liberating thought.

In Genesis 28:15, God promises "I will not leave you until I have fulfilled ALL that I have promised you."

So, how about it? Will you accept God's invitation to participate in His purpose for your life? Will you stop focusing on your limitations and the impossibilities that seem to surround your life...and...instead praise God for WHO HE IS and (in faith) believe that He will fulfill all that He has promised you?

I encourage you to reflect on and embrace the principles shared this week and when you get a chance I'd love to read your thoughts in the comment section below:

You were Created On Purpose for a Purpose

You Are God's Child...Not just His Employee
Stop Focusing on Who You Are...Instead Focus on Who God Is

We Are God's Children...Not His Employees

John 1:12-13--Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. (NIV)

Yesterday, we reflected on the truth that WE WERE CREATED ON PURPOSE FOR A PURPOSE. Today, as we zero in on "Purpose" there is a second truth we must consider:

TRUTH #2: Remember WE are God’s CHILDREN…not HIS employees!

Wow. Think about that for a moment and ask: What are the implications of being God's kid?

In the book Replenish, Lance Witt writes: There’s a huge difference between being a son/daughter and being an employee. A company has a transactional relationship with the employee. You produce…you’re in. You don’t produce…you’re out. Your compensation is connected to your contribution. But it’s different being a son or daughter. You are family. Your place is not dependent on your performance.

Can I share transparently?

When I first sought to discover my purpose, I have to admit, my motivation was skewed. I longed to discover how I might win God's affection.

I considered what "huge feats" I could accomplish that might gain God's attention.

What I didn't understand (at that time) was that I could never earn God's affection or accomplish something so significant that I would merit his attention!

The truth that I am God's daughter completely liberated me. Today, I see God more fully and realize that there is absolutely NOTHING that I can offer Him that HE NEEDS or that HE hasn't empowered me to give. Yet, he invites me to simply offer Him my affection through a surrendered life...

What else can we give a KING WHO OWNS EVERYTHING?

It's a liberating thought to grasp that God lavishes His affection on us because He love us. He's chosen us. We had his attention long before creation. WHY? Because He chose us!

He invites us to simply love Him back! Our purpose in life is to offer Him praise. How we express that praise is demonstrated in a variety of ways, methods, and roles...

Friend, that's why our significance isn't determined by what we do...but in whose we are.

I encourage you to consider and ponder the relevance of being God's kid. What does that mean? What are the implications of being grafted into God's family? ... I'd love for you to share your thoughts. What does it mean to be God's kid?

Created On Purpose for a Purpose

This morning as I spent time before God, I sensed Him compelling me to focus (once again) on "PURPOSE." So, for the next few days, each blog is going to focus on GOD'S PRINCIPLES of PURPOSE. Please join me in this journey by sharing your thoughts, insights and perhaps even your stories, in the comments section below. OK...Here we go!

PRINCIPLE ONE... (I'll never forget when God whispered this truth in my thoughts.)

I Created You On Purpose for a Purpose!

Whew. Really?

For most of my life, I felt like an after thought. I doubted my significance. I questioned: Why am I here? Does my life count?

God answered those questions and caused my spirit to soar as I read Ephesians 2:10, "we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (NIV)

OK. Stop right there.

Think about that. I mean really embrace it!

You are God's workmanship! You are His masterpiece! His work of art! You were created and designed uniquely with a purpose on purpose!

The truth of Ephesians 2:10 dispels every insinuation of failure...it counters every lie and accusation that whispers Your life doesn't count. You don't have significance,. You're life is meaningless...

It declares God's heart toward us and shouts: YOU HAVE PURPOSE! YOU WERE DESIGNED UNIQUELY, STRATEGICALLY! YOU HAVE A PART IN GOD'S GREAT DESIGN! YOUR LIFE COUNTS! YOU MATTER!

Wow! Could it be that our weaknesses...our strengths...our ambitions and dreams are ALL part of a greater design? Could it be that before the foundations of the world existed, God saw us! That before we were formed in our mother's womb he set us apart with a plan for our life? Jeremiah 1:1  suggests that to be true.

Friend, you matter to God. Your life is NOT a mistake. You are deeply loved and are designed for a purpose. Your purpose is as unique as God is creative. You have significance because you belong to God. You are His child...so quit listening to the lies and accusations of the enemy whose mission is to kill, steal, and destroy. Instead, position your ears to hear God's plan. Invite Him to help you discover the distinct way you can best honor Him with your life!

And remember, "You were created on purpose for a purpose!

PRAYER: Father, help us to rest in the truth that You love us because we are yours. Help us to realize that we don't have to "DO" anything great to earn Your favor...We don't have to STRIVE to fulfill some NOBLE mission...instead...help us to embrace and walk in the truth that YOU are near us...You will lead us. ..and that You will fulfill all Your purposes in, for, and through our life. In Jesus' name we pray, AMEN.

I've Learned to Welcome Fear--Really!

I took a deep breath. My heart fluttered. I felt as if I'd swallowed a cantaloupe.

It's impossible, God! I thought. What You are calling to me is NOT humanly possible.

God remained silent. Don't you love those one sided conversations?

I mean seriously God, are you sure you have the right person? It's too big! I can't do it!

I waited for a response. Still nothing.

And then, a flood of verses filled my head. I have chosen you. You are MY servant. MY mouthpiece. I will go before you and make the rough places smooth. What is impossible with man is POSSIBLE WITH GOD. I alone am God and will NOT share my glory with another...

And, the verses continued...on...and on...and on.

Oh, how many times I've had these experiences. Moments filled with confusion suddenly silenced by the magnificence of my GOD.

The other morning as I drove to Orlando to meet with a dear friend, God filled the sky with a freshly painted sunrise. I thought to myself...I don't have a clue how big God really is. Every morning and every evening He paints a new sunrise and new sunset all across the world...in multiple locations...cities...nations. I caught a small glimpse of just how big He is. I thought to myself and even prayed...Lord, how can something so finite ever truly comprehend that which is infinite! My greatest attempts to understand or explain you fails in its very attempt. I can only ascribe to you what I've experienced...but YOU supersede my greatest revelation. And through that sobering conversation, I realized that I could come to grips with my fears and reservations...maybe even welcome fear. After all, without fear I'd fail to recognize my desperate need for God.

So, how about it? Feeling afraid? Does fear attempt to stifle your faith? Does it whisper your impossibilities and imminent demise? Does it heighten your short-comings?

Good. You're in a great place! Seriously! The truth is fear is inevitable; YET...Fear does NOT have to be our master. Romans 8:15-17 says, "you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." (NIV)

Thus, fear does NOT have to remain a constant tormentor; instead it should merely identify our frailty that points us to the need of our Savior.

Think about this...Fear itself is NOT evil, after all fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Psalm 111:10 says: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise." (NIV)

So, let's harness fear (by the Spirit of God) and let fear be an indication of our need for God. Instead of praying God take this fear away...instead...pray God I know I'm not big enough but You are. I know I can't but I trust that You can. Let's take every thought captive to the cross and submit our spirit of timidity to the endless authority and power of God.

Let's use fear to press in to our only hope...and fall back knowing HE'S GOT IT ALL UNDER CONTROL.

Ever Feel Alone?

Today, I was reminded of an event that took place a couple of years ago. I vividly envisioned how he slipped in through the back door of our church. I recalled, how, for a moment, our world's connected.

Despite his nicotine stained fingers, unkempt hair, and frayed clothing, there remained a strange similarity in the condition of our souls. I sensed a strong familiarity in his state of brokenness. I identified with his weariness as a result of life's unexpected turns of events. I sensed his desperate need for forgiveness...his longing for significance...his hope for human compassion.

Did anyone see him? I mean really see him? Not his failures. Not his exterior. But...his intrinsic value as God's creation?

Did he feel invisible, too? Did he wonder, how did I end up like this? My soul ached not only for him but for my own life.

Friend, the need for God's intervention is no respecter of persons. We all need to hear His voice and sense His presence. The condition of our soul is not restricted to economic status. Weariness effects each one of us not just tattered street walkers.

As I prayed this morning, I sensed God's loving arm of compassion and tender heart towards us. Listen to God's promise, found in Jeremiah 31:25: "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." (NIV)

OK...time for transparency...I hope you can handle it and not think less of me...Quite honestly, lately, my FAITH has been assaulted.

Everywhere I turn...the enemy attempts to discourage me, dissuade me from my joy. At times I feel as if I am soaring on the wings of eagles...and then WHAM! I fly square into mountain tops and tumble to the valley below. I try desperately to take flight again...but instead...feel as if snares found in the valley attempt to make lift off impossible.

No. Nothing is wrong. I have every reason to rejoice. But for some reason...I feel stuck. How about you? Can you relate? Are you weary? Worn out? Tired of trying to figure it all out?

If so, don't give up. Hear God's voice, today. Listen to His heart of compassion. 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)

Today, I encourage you to join me. Let's fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Let's boldly (by God's grace) determine to hold fast to our confession, realizing that the only place we can demonstrate our faith is on this side of eternity!

May our prayer be like that of David's, as recorded in Psalm 63:7-8: "Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me." NIV

Today, may these simple truths rapture our soul and fill us with Joy:

1. We are NOT alone. (Isaiah 41:10, Jeremiah 1:8)
2. We are deeply loved. (Isaiah 43:4-5, Ephesians 5:1, Colossians 3:12)
3. God will fulfill all of His promises to us! (Genesis 28:15)

Intimidation...Really?

OK.

I'm embarrassed to share what I'm about to share...but can't escape God's prompting to share the spiritual application I experienced to a very practical situation.

Are you ready??? Hear goes...
Last week, I went with my daughter to Orlando for her middle school chorus field trip. I prepared for many things: band aids for cuts, Advil for headaches, little extras like energy drinks for the exhausting hours ahead...but...the LAST thing I expected or prepared against was intimidation.
NOT intimidation of the monstrous rip riding roller coasters or even the responsibility of helping several other mothers chaperon 150 middle schoolers...NO...my INTIMIDATION was the result of a few 12-14 year old middle school girls.

For a brief moment I cowered to their "size me up" glances. Can you believe it? As a forty-two year old woman, I felt insecure to the junior high judge me club.  I mean REALLY?

Then, reality hit me. These little girls simply imitated what they witnessed from the world. They had no sway over my worth. They couldn't define my value. They were powerless over my emotions and had no say in my eternity...

Fast forward a few days...to today.

I awoke this morning with a feeling of intimidation.

The enemy whispered imminent defeat. For a brief moment, I felt like cowering to his "size me up" glances. I felt insecure...intimidated...unsettled.

Then, just like before, reality hit me.

"Be self-controlled and alert. (WHY?) Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 5:8-11, NIV)

Friends, the enemy of our soul has no sway over our worth. He can't define our value. He is powerless over our eternity. His size me up glances are powerless before our GOD!

When we realize "Whose" we are...we can face every trial with confidence.

Hear who God is and the promises He's given in Psalm 145:17-20, "The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him." (NIV)

You are NOT alone. The enemy's tactic to intimidate is powerless to God's promises. So...don't focus on your ability rather remember WHO GOD says you are and what HE SAYS you will do!

His Presence is Unmistakable!

Today, I want to encourage you. God sees you. You are NOT alone. In Jeremiah 31:3, he reminds us with these words: "The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." (NIV)

Does that seem strange to anyone else? Anyone else find it hard to fathom or difficult to comprehend that GOD LOVES US? Do you ever wonder if the GOD of the UNIVERSE really LOVES YOU? Or, that He sees you? That He cares? That He is PERSONALLY and INTIMATELY involved in your life?

Forgive me if I've shared this story before, but I'll never forget when  (in my first marriage) I discovered that my husband struggled with temptations that rendered me powerless. His addictions overwhelmed my life. I couldn't think straight. I felt empty. Broken. ALONE!!!

One night, in complete desperation, I cried out to God with a simple prayer. "HELP!"

AND HELP HE DID! As I laid in a fetal position, my head upon my tear soaked pillow, God's Spirit showed up, POWERFULLY, PERSONALLY!

I felt a gentle warmth surround me. Head to head. Torso to torso. Feet to feet.

No. I didn't see anything. I didn't have to.

God was near! UNMISTAKABLY PRESENT! His presence was so real I felt as if I could literally feel His presence caress my cheek. I laid as still as I could not wanting the feeling to go away. He spoke tenderly filling my mind with these words: "Julie, I'm here. You are not alone. And, I love you."

His presence comforted me so completely that I fell into a deep sleep almost immediately. I awoke the next morning refreshed, empowered, and filled the knowledge that I was deeply loved!

How about you? Need a little reassurance, today? Want to know God is real?

If so, I encourage you to cry out to God. You don't have to have eloquent words...just a sincere heart. GOD HEARS YOUR CRY FOR "HELP!"

Psalm 34:17-19 promises: "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all." (NIV)

Let me caution you...God doesn't ALWAYS show up as dramatically (at least not so in my life) as He did that night so many years ago...BUT, HIS PRESENCE is UNMISTAKABLE. He meets us where we are and in the way we need HIM most.

Today, I want to encourage you to invite God to SURPRISE you with HIS PRESENCE!

Praying You Enter His Rest!!!

Today was the first time in a long while that I simply enjoyed a day of "nothingness." And, can I tell you...it felt good.

Honestly, for a few moments I simply focused on breathing.The simplicity of the practice invigorated me...

I breathed in. I breathed out. And then, I breathed in again. WHEW!!!!

I want to encourage you with this thought: Sometimes we need to stop our busy activity, reject our long to do check list and simply rest.

Sound, irresponsible?

NEVER. Instead, I believe "sometimes" we simply need to evaluate matters of urgency from issues that can wait until tomorrow.

Today, was one of those "sometimes." So, I resisted the temptation to fall prey to the thought , I just have one more thing to do...and then I'll be done. Instead, I listened to the Holy Spirit encourage me to focus on simple (yet comforting) words like: Rest. Relax. Renew.

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

So how about it? Will you join me? Will you take a rest from your worries? Will you retreat from your labors? Will you choose to enter the Sabbath God intended for you?

How? It's pretty simply...

• First, take a deep breath. Go on...breathe in, breathe out! AHHHHHHHHH. Relax your shoulders.
• Second, retreat to a place of prayer. Take time to get good and honest with God. Tell Him how you are feeling. Better yet, ask Him to share His thoughts? Are there things you need to let go of? What is He calling you to release?
• Finally, meditate on the truth. Release your fears and fatigue by remember Who God Is and by holding fast to what He has promised.

1 Peter 5:6-7 encourages us to "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (NIV)

Today, The Holy Spirit reminded me that God cares for me. He reassured me that God is POWERFUL. And, He renewed my soul just as He promised in Isaiah 40:28-31.

"The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but 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)

The key??? Hope and wait on the Lord!!!

WHEWWWW! Praying you enter that rest too!

God SEES You!

This past conference weekend, my dear friend, Tammy Maltby, shared an African tribal greeting. When this particular tribe meets one another, they look intently at one another and say, "I see you." "Do you see me?"

Isn't that what we all long to be? Seen by one another? Seen by God? 

In John 1:47-49, "When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false."  Nathanael asked, "How do you know me?" "Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you."



Friend, God sees you. In the midst of your heartache...in the barren places...in the moments when you think no one is watching...in pain...in joy...in valley lows or mountain highs...in want or in abundance...YOU are EVER BEFORE our GOD.

He whispers His love to us in Isaiah 49:15-16, saying: "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me." (NIV)



God's love fills me with wonder. He takes my breath away! To think...the God of the Universe KNOWS me and LOVES me is truly amazing.

Today, be encouraged: You are NOT alone. Hold fast to God's promise, remembering Isaiah 40:28-31: "The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but 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)

"Father, glorify your name!"

In John 12:23-28, "Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!" (NIV)

Wow. Think about Jesus' thoughts in this moment. As part of the Triune God, Jesus knew the moments that He would soon endure. The rejection. The abandonment. The beatings. And yet, He prays..."What shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!"

Today, as I reflect on Jesus' sacrifice, I can't help but bow my head and pray: "Father, forgive me for my selfishness. Forgive me for my pride. Forgive me for wanting my own way. I surrender all that I am for all that You are. Use my life as YOU see fit. I willingly lay down my life FOR YOUR PURPOSE. And, by His grace, I humbly pray, Father, glorify Your name!"

I sense the Holy Spirit calling me to a place of fresh abandonment to Him. Like Abraham, He is calling me to lay down my "Spiritual Isaac" on the altar, lovingly whispering: "Rest. Release. Remove distractions. YOU cannot accomplish my purposes...BUT I CAN...I alone am God. Return to me. Let go of the weights weighing you down. Don't be distracted by "Time lines" and "To do lists"...instead seek me and you will find strength for your soul.


In Isaiah 44:21-22, God's word says: "Remember these things, O Jacob, for you are my servant, O Israel. I have made you, you are my servant; O Israel, I will not forget you. I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you." (NIV)


Matthew 11:28-30 reminds us: "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)

Friend, God is near. He sees you. Your circumstances don't escape His notice. Today, we have the wonderful opportunity to simply pray, like JESUS prayed, "Father, glorify your name!"

In our marriage-- "Father, glorify your name!"
In our singleness-- "Father, glorify your name!"
In our parenting--  "Father, glorify your name!"
In our bareness-- "Father, glorify your name!"
In our finances or the lack thereof-- "Father, glorify your name!"
In our ministry-- "Father, glorify your name!"
In our relationships-- "Father, glorify your name!"
In our present-- "Father, glorify your name!"
In our future-- "Father, glorify your name!"
In our pain-- "Father, glorify your name!"
In our times of mourning-- "Father, glorify your name!"
In our abundance-- "Father, glorify your name!"

 What's your circumstance today? Will you boldly join with me and pray... "Father, glorify your name!"

Above Every Other Noise!

Psalm 91:1-2 "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." (NIV)
Whew! What a weekend. From conference coordinating, catering, and caring for each conference attendee...there was little time to rest. It was a whirlwind filled with wonder, blessing, and power...and yet challenges, endless decisions, and multiple opportunities to feel overwhelmed.

It's funny...For the last several years, I felt hidden from the world...tested...called to serve God in a place of obscurity.

Obscurity??? That place where no one seems to know your name. That place where you feel unseen. That place where despite your greatest efforts to stop forward in obedience "the plan" doesn't seem to come together. That place where you see the "Promised Land" but remain stranded, left to wander desert lands.

Truthfully...nothing stripped my pride quite like the desert of obscurity. My motives were revealed. My agendas set aside. My faith, refined. Obscurity solidified my hope in Christ alone.

Quite honestly, I became comfortable with obscurity. I learned to embrace and enjoy serving the AUDIENCE OF ONE. Life became strangely simple as I learned to listen intently to GOD'S VOICE alone.

Ironically, the moment obscurity became comfortable...God called me to step forward. Doors opened. God set the stage and positioned me to proclaim His message...a message no longer whispered from quiet recesses of silent solitude but from the shining lights of a formal stage.

For a moment, this weekend I was tempted to worry: What would people think? What would they say? How would they perceive...?

It didn't take long to realize the importance of the lessons learned in "my desert wanderings." The "lime light of the stage" invited new opportunities and challenges. Unfortunately, opinions are never lacking and my desire to want to please still remains a temptation. How about you? Ever worry about what people think? Do the opinions of others cause you to want to defend your actions...that's not what I meant...if only you understood my heart...

Friend, the only place of refuge from the world's opinions resides in the shelter of the Most High.

The lessons we learn in the darkness of obscurity are no different than the one's encountered in the lime light of the stage--

The only way we can live free from the weight of performance or fear of failure is found in CHRIST ALONE. Our freedom is found when:

1. We live for the Audience of ONE...
2. We lean in to intently discover and remember WHO HE SAYS we are...
3. And, when we KNOW and HOLD FAST to WHAT HE HAS SPOKEN and PROMISED.

Today, I want to encourage you to press in to GOD. Listen intently to what He has spoken.

Proverbs 16:2-3 reminds us that "All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." (NIV)

Father, may every word we say and every action reflect your glory and honor You. Fill us with Your wisdom. Help us to HEAR YOU above every other noise!