G.I.F.T.

Pass the Cream and Sugar

2010-03-02T06:53:00.001-05:00

Acts 2:46-47
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

I have recently experienced an abundance of Christian fellowship with some wonderful ladies. In all the various meetings, I was encouraged, challenged, and refreshed in the spirit. The satisfaction was so great that even the human body hungered not after the earthly needs of nourishment. My soul was thirsty for the living God. He met that need abundantly in Himself and in the blessing of Christian fellowship and love.

The song, “my cup is full and running over” continues to play through my mind. The abiding presence of Christ, through the Holy Spirit, has filled my cup and it overflows with His loving presence. In addition to God’s abiding fellowship, shared during individual quiet time and prayer, is the fellowship of the Believer. My cup is not only full of God’s abiding presence, but it has been sweetened with the Beloved. In essence, the fellowship of the Beloved has added cream and sugar to the nourishment my soul thirsts for.

The cream and sugar has not replaced what only God can give. For what is a cup full of cream and sugar? It may taste good for awhile, but it will make me sick if I continue drinking it without the original refreshment intended for the cup. No. The cream and sugar sweetens and flavors the original brew.

The first century church experienced this in the purest form. Fresh from the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, the body of believers encouraged, worshiped, prayed, taught, served, and loved one another. They served so much that not a one of them had an unfulfilled need.

O Beloved, are you hiding from the church? Are you afraid to go to a Sunday school class? Are you hesitant to do a Bible study, attend a small church gathering? May you be encouraged. Your soul longs for the individual, intimate, and personal fellowship of Christ. The friendship, love, and bonding of the saints can only sweetened your relationship with the Heavenly Father.

I want my cup of faith to be sweetened - pass the cream and sugar, please.

New Year

2009-12-30T08:14:00.000-05:00

For a man is slave to what ever has mastered him. If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. 2 Peter 2:19b-22

It is the end of the year and a time when people begin to make New Year resolutions; a time to correct behavior, forge new directions, take on new challenges, live a more complete, happy, and successful life. Believers should be looking back on their physical and spiritual life as well. They should see growth through triumph in pain and difficulty, they should see the many blessings and grace God has given them. Hopefully they have been journaling throughout the year, and they can sit at the feet of the Savior and worship Christ the King as they recall the past evidence of God’s enduring, promised presence in all circumstances and things.

When the Israelites crossed the Red Sea with Joshua into the Promise Land they were instructed to build a memorial with twelve large stones taken from the middle of the parted Red Sea. They were told to build a memorial so they could remember Jehovah Shammah – God is with us everywhere. I fondly call these the Stones of Remembrance. Journaling is the same type of Stones of Remembrance; a place to sit, recall, and worship God for His everlasting presence and fulfilled promises. He is, He was, and He is still to come.

Believers, use this time to reflect on the past year. Have you followed God? Have you grown in the wisdom and knowledge of who God is and the fellowship of Christ? Have you read His letters of love and encouragement in the Bible? Have you lived a life of selfishness and pride, following after the evil desires of your flesh? Have you been overcome by the deceits and trappings of temporary pleasure and success offered by this world? Who was your Master this past year? O Believer, if it was the world and your selfish desires fall on your knees, fall on your face, and plead forgiveness from the Heavenly Father. As the penitent prodigal son was received in forgiveness, glory, and grace, so will you be received of the Heavenly Father.

Look back on this year, think back; re-read God’s blessing and grace; celebrate the evidence of His mighty presence in all past circumstances. With God’s continued abiding presence press on! Press on toward the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus. Press on in learning, training, and growing in your relationship with Christ. Press on Believer, press on! For God has not called Believers to remain infants in faith. He has called Believers to be men and women of faith. Growing in wisdom and knowledge of the Almighty and loving God. He has called Believers into a life of dependent and intimate relationship of love and trust in the Creator, God Himself. He has called Believers to live a life of servitude to our fellow man and God, in humility, holiness, and brotherly love.

Look back on this past year. Which Master did you serve? Which Master will you serve this next day, next week, next month, next year?

Worthy

2009-11-19T23:39:00.001-05:00

Revelations 4:11

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure all things are and were created.

In my twenty one year career I have received a few awards, for aiding in the saving of a life or just overall quality performance. I attended settings in which others applauded the acts or actions of my past. Someone thought I was deemed worthy of praise. Somehow that pales in comparison to what God has done.

He created all creatures great and small. He hung the stars in the heaven. He warmed the sun with light and painted the skyline with beautiful rays of sun and clouds. He carved out the Grand Canyon and placed the birds in air to soar its heights. But His greatest of all creations was man. Man, who was created in the image of God himself, a mirrored likeness in body, soul, and spirit.

O Lord, you are worthy of praise. Not that I am worthy to offer You praise, but You are worthy to receive glory and honour from Your creation. Your glory is evident to all creation. The mountains sing and the rocks cry out. You are worthy to receive all that I have in service and honour to You. My actions should reflect my humility in knowing that I am created for His pleasure and glory. In humility and love, I honour my King in my words and deeds.

You are worthy, O Lord, to receive power. Power not given by man, not grasped by man, but held in Your storehouse and used for Your pleasure. Power to calm the seas. Power to light the sun and chase away the darkness of night. Power for life and power for death. Power for healing and power for strength. Power for salvation and power for redemption. You my King, are worthy to be praised.

Wrath

2009-11-13T00:07:00.002-05:00

On a semi country road today, while driving to a meeting, I noticed a medium sized golden tree standing in a grassy field. It was a perfectly shaped tree with a round bottom that gradually thinned at the top like a pear. This golden beauty was alone in the grassy field. The closest tree or shrub was another twenty feet behind it.

The tree was in the process of loosing its leaves. The tree top down to the middle had already lost its leaves and was bare, its golden beauty resting on the ground below. The lower half of the tree was still robed in beautiful golden yellow leaves.

A strange image entered my mind. The tree reminded me of a woman, half clothed – naked and exposed to all who passed by. I was reminded of the passage in Ezekiel 16 and my heart was broken. “I will sentence you to the punishment of women who commit adultery and who shed blood; I will bring upon you the blood vengeance of my wrath and jealous anger. Then I will hand you over to your lovers, and they will tear down your mounds and destroy your lofty shrines. They will strip you of your clothes and take your fine jewelry and leave you naked and bare…I will put a stop to your prostitution, and you will no longer pay your lovers. Then my wrath against you will subside and my jealous anger will turn away from you; I will be calm and no longer angry.” (38-42)

My heart was broken that this beauty stood there half clothed in elegance, exposed, stripped of its golden beauty and unable to cover its nakedness. God’s creation is in a version of prostitution just like Israel. Israel was blessed by God, given a land of plenty, a place of peace and rest. Yet Israel was not satisfied. She envied the nations and people around her. She followed their wicked practices. She worshipped their many different idols.

In our world today it is preached over and over again, “don’t have any idols before God.” Television is an idol, internet, money, work, kids, hobbies, and the list goes on. But do we hear the word preached about the jealous anger of God? Do we hear about His anger, wrath, or punishment? Do we know the depth of pain and sorrow we cause as we chase after these man made items of pleasure? Do we understand the sacrifice and love that has been offered to us? Do we know the riches and beauty we have been adopted into? Do we know His love? Do we know His intimacy? Do we know Him?

O Beloved, listen to Him. Have you rejected His love? Have you walked away from Him? Have you accepted His gifts and blessing and turned and used them for your own selfish pleasure and gain? Have the distractions of this world pulled you from intimate fellowship with Him? Are you missing church on a regular basis? Are you watching television and not reading the Bible? Are you sleeping late in the morning and not spending time in prayer? O Beloved, listen to the cry of His heart before He burns in jealous anger. Turn from this path of destruction, fall on your knees and call to your Heavenly Father who longs to pull you into His loving arms. He longs to feed you at His banqueting table, to clothe you in joy, peace, and righteousness. Simply repent and call out to Him asking forgiveness. Call to Him. Run to Him. Return to Him.

For My Own Sake

2009-09-30T00:28:00.003-04:00

Psalm 43:25
I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.

I have wrestled for weeks over four small words in this verse; for my own sake. I recall early teachings that I am unworthy and imperfect for a Holy God. Teachings that God forgives and forgets my transgressions, removes them as far as the east is from the west, and washes me whiter than snow so I may approach the throne of His perfect Glory and enter into His Almighty presence. He sent His one and only Son who died on the cross for me. He penned the words in the greatest Book so I might know His power and glory. These teachings and my understanding was that all this was done - for “my sake.” But the words stated here are in conflict of that understanding.

In Psalm 50:9-11 I found the following, “you have no need of a bull from my stall or of goats from my pens, for every animal of the forest is yours, and the cattle on a thousand hills. If you were hungry you would not tell me, for the world is yours and all that is in it.”

You have no need of me, but you created me. You have no need of me, but you love me. I have nothing to give you, but you give to me and long after me. I have turned my back on you, and you still have compassion towards me. I desire selfish things and earthly prosperity and you gave your Son’s life. O, why do you do these things for me? I am undeserving of any kindness from a Holy and Just Creator.

And in the light of your wisdom and grace you said, for my own sake I have blotted out your transgressions and remember them no more. I created you, I formed you, and I love you. I didn’t create you to destroy you. I do all these things for my own sake, because you are my joy and my delight. You are mine and I will rescue and save you through the blotting out of your transgressions and forgiveness through grace. I do all these things for my own sake.

For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all (Rom 10:4). For the world is mine and all that is in it (50:11) and who has given to God, that God should repay him? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen (Rom 11:35-36).

“Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2).” The God of heaven offers, for His own sake, because the world is His and all that is in it. Will you choose this day the pleasures this world offers or the God of all creation? It is for His own sake you were created. It is for His glory that you exist. But it is your choice to believe, accept, and live for the God of all creation.

Read

2009-09-18T08:00:00.001-04:00

As I read the opening sentence of the book I was caught off guard by the character’s passionate plea. I could feel the painful sorrow within as he pleaded for his best friend to return so he could be comforted and encouraged during the last days of his life.

The character, the author, wrote loving words of encouragement while recalling days gone by. He wrote strong words of faith urging the younger to remain true and faithful. He wrote words of warning, cautioning the younger not to waver in his duties and to be careful in befriending and trusting those who abandoned him. Finally he ended his introduction with the writing of his own memories of the two of them together in days past, once more encouraging the younger to come quickly.

As I read I was drawn into the life and character of Paul as recorded in 2 Timothy. Paul knows the days ahead lead to his death. His friendship and fatherly love flow through his pen and onto the pages, for generations and generations to read and know. Did Paul know that such a personal letter would be used in this way? Paul wrote them for that day, for that moment, for him, and for his beloved friend.

I write today to encourage you to dive in, take the plunge, sit, read, and absorb the story, character, and setting of any bible story. Read as though you are there. Read as if you are the main character. Read and let the Holy Spirit fill you with wisdom and knowledge. Read.

Try first or second Timothy. Pick an easily understood translation like NIV, NASB, or the Message. If you have a study bible read the introduction and get a bearing on the time, place, and purpose of the writing. Pray for understanding and then read. Put yourself into the story. Put yourself into the author or a particular character, see what they see, feel what they feel, and know an Almighty God.

Start today and read. Watch God expand your understanding, wisdom, and knowledge. Read and be blessed with grace and peace that is only offered and promised by God himself through Christ Jesus our Redeemer, Savior, and Lord. Read and discover God. Learn to love. Learn to know. Learn to listen. Read, and know that He is God, the great I AM.

Feeble Hands

2009-09-02T18:30:00.002-04:00

While at home this past week recovering from surgery I have been subjected to the local and national news. The stories reported were of senseless crimes, death, violence, disaster and destruction. But rarely reported were stories of rescues and selfless acts of mercy. I also saw business hungry law firm commercials begging for money to any cause they can discover and deem unjust to all! Why? Because “you deserve it, it’s your right.” I saw horror shows presented at times when kids were home alone, commercials for upcoming television programs with women scantily dressed and abusive language.

Then I read the book of Isaiah and the tears began to flow; broken and crying over the wayward behavior of Israel and Judah; their rebellious attitude toward God, His commandments, His covenant promises, and His impending judgment, and I thought of the news and the world in which we live. I thought of my own life and the priorities and attention I have given to “stuff.”

We are a nation that lives like we are our own gods. Serving the selfish ambition, passionate lusts, and violent desires buried deep within our souls. Living life like there is no tomorrow, no punishment for crimes, caring not for one another, but moving through life with the attitude of “me first, because I deserve it.” I can only imagine the pain and sorrow of our Creator and Lord; and I am sure “that image” is not near the depth of sorrow felt in the heavenly realm.

Believer, as you look into this wretched world does a mirror reflect back the wicked state of your own heart? Are you burdened by the lack of interest or time you give to the Creator; the Lord God Almighty? Do the priorities of this world, work, television, and family activities push away any time for the Savior? O believer and child of God do you truly believe there is a God in heaven? Do you believe the words written in the Bible are true? Do you believe the judgments? Do you believe the promises?

All is not lost. For the gospel is called “the gospel of peace.” Isaiah writes of the doom and destruction that all of Israel will feel and know. He writes of the impending judgment on this world as a whole. For God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. If He is to punish the deeds of the unjust and unrepentant in times past, then He surely will be true to His words in judging the deeds of this present world. But “strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you,’ (Isaiah 35:3b-4).” Isaiah not only writes about impending doom and judgment, but he also writes of the promised ransom by the greatest Redeemer of all.

Let your “feeble hands be strengthen and your wobbly knees be steady. Be strong, do not fear.” God has given you the power to overcome and the hope to endure (Rom 5:5). He has given you a path of righteousness. “A highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it…and the ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away, (35:8-10).” You have the power and strength within you. Will your faith allow you to set aside the necessary time to enter the secret places of the most high and abide in His everlasting promises? Sit at His feet, read the Bible, and learn of Him. Learn who He is, who He was, and who He will be. Allow the wisdom and knowledge of God to enter into the deep recesses of your mind and heart and strengthen your feeble hands and wobbly knees. “For those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength…they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint, (40:31).” Come. Confess and turn from the sins of your past, and walk in the Way of Holiness. Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Who Loves You?

2009-08-31T21:45:00.000-04:00

Having been a mother of young children and recently a nursery worker at church, loving memories of holding precious babies continue to surface as beautiful pictures of God’s love for His children. I couldn’t help but recall such love as I read Isaiah 30:15, “This is what the Sovereign Lord the Holy One of Israel says: In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.”

I recalled the small baby that is crying and distressed over the unfamiliar surroundings; the different noises, the unfamiliar voices, the different sights. The baby is not happy. Continued cries offer the child no comfort and the familiarity is lost.

The nursery worker lovingly reaches down, picks up the precious child, and firmly yet gently holds the tear filled child. She holds the child confidently, offering a quiet strength of love and comfort. As the child squirms and struggles against the unfamiliar arms and voice he slowly begins to recognize the confident strength of the one who holds him. Slowly all crying and squirming settles into a quiet rest and trust that this worker is there for his love and comfort. Her job is to satisfy the child’s basic needs in a loving and nurturing environment.

O that we as believers would learn to repent of our self reliant ways and rest in the loving arms of our Savior. O that we would come to the Comforter and find a quiet uncomplaining trust in the Lord God Almighty. O believer, fight no more against the hand that longs to hold you. Run no more from the one who longs for you to trust in Him. Are you coming to the Father? Are you trusting the written words of comfort, strength, peace, and joy?

O believer, “the Lord longs to be gracious to you.” (18) He longs to rise from the throne of glory and envelope you in His compassion. Will you quietly rest in His loving arms?

Doubts

2009-08-22T11:41:00.004-04:00

I sit here with less than 24 hours until I teach the eighth grade girls at Sunday school tomorrow. I have no fear, but I do have my doubts. Doubts of whether I will be understood, doubts whether my skills and Bible knowledge is enough, doubts about being prepared. What a wonderful mind game Satan can play.

Fortunately for me I am confident in my calling. I know this was not a position I sought. I know that God has grown a love in me for His children that was never there before. I know He grew the understanding of His word. But this confidence does not prevent these attacks; instead they provide the defense I need to withstand the attack. And God is ever faithful, always there; He is the strong tower, He is the mighty fortress filled to the rim with words of wisdom, reminders, and encouragement.

This morning He led me to Philippians, where Paul was in prison and chains for having shared the gospel of Christ with others. He writes;

“It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter?” (1:15-18)

Having prayed through these doubts and read these wonderful words of encouragement, I am strengthen and renewed in my calling. I am once again filled with love; love that He poured into me, love that came from Calvary. Nothing is more powerful than knowing that this message and these words are not mine. That God himself prepared them and He alone has a purpose and intent for each one. In confidence and love I look forward to tomorrows teaching on Esther.

Romance

2009-08-18T23:03:00.002-04:00

The cry of the heart is, I want to be good. I want to read my Bible, study, and pray. I want to be patient, kind, thoughtful, loving, and slow to anger. But these are not natural for me. Why do I struggle so? Didn’t God promise the presence of the Holy Spirit, His power, strength, and comfort to those who believe on Him? I really want to do these things for God, but I don’t seem to be able to follow through with any commitment. Why not? Why can’t I do what I know I should do?

Many of us are doing what we heard preached from the pulpit, taught in Sunday school, or evidenced by other believers. We are going through the motions, because leaders have said this is the life a believer should live. We are taught about a loving, sacrificial, eternal, God and King. But we cannot seem to do what He simply asks of us.

I have been taught math, but I don’t do math problems everyday. Had a teacher told me that was the purpose for learning it I would have laughed at her and told her she was crazy. I do math, because I love the challenge of discovering the answer, and because math just seems logical.

Unfortunately many listen and believe what others say about God, never discovering for themselves God’s character, His undying, selfless love for His creation. Never knowing the pain and sorrow the generations before caused. Never reading the love stories of old. Never reading with wonder and amazement at what it took for God to create the oceans, the mountains, the valleys, the Grand Canyon, the beautifully painted sunrises, all creatures great and small. Never knowing the anguish at the first shed of blood. Never knowing His anger. Never know His tears. Never knowing His joy.

Never knowing how God was jilted by His own people, how they turned their backs on the one who gave them everything they needed, He fought their battles, sent rain on their crops, and birthed an entire generation. He divided seas and calmed oceans. He healed the sick, raised the dead, cried with sorrow at the harassment of His creation. He loved us first.

I will sing for the one I love a song about his vineyard; My loved one had a vineyard on a fertile hillside. He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted it with the choices vines. He built a watchtower in it and cut out a winepress as well. (Isaiah 5:1-2a)

The lover’s heart was so full of joy for his beloved that He did everything of necessity to care for and protect his beloved vineyard from pests, pestilence, and un-welcomed guests who wished to devour such beauty. God’s love gave us all we need. His hand of providing, protection, and blessing covers those who believe. Dive deep into His written words. Discover a God that none can describe. Discover an ember of love that will burn into a blazing fire. Discover a love so strong that not even death could contain it. Sit in the warm glow of the written words, wrap your heart, mind, and soul around every word. Search with longing at all God is, and was, and is to be.

Then fall on your knees and worship Him. Take this new discovery of love and look anew at His request that you come to Him, read His word, study, and pray. Discover a loving resolve that awakens you in the morning with anticipation and excitement. A resolve that keeps you awake at night, reads through a pounding headache, concerns of unfinished work, or unpaid bills. Read, study, and pray, and watch an “unseen God” come to life inside of you. Read….and find a Love like no other.

Tears

2009-08-11T08:54:00.005-04:00

In search of the majestic throne of the Creator and living God, I wandered into the book of wonders, Revelation. As I read of all the glorious and strange creators I was amazed at the beauty the earth has been blessed and blanketed with, and I must admit, confused at all the hybrid looking creatures described within this book. Yet as I searched for the words that describe God and His kingdom glory, my eyes walked the path of man’s torment here on earth: a path of seeing wonders of wonders; a path of living in shear terror; a path of knowing not from whence mine help cometh.

Here at my computer, my heart broke; opened and spilled out at all that belongs to God that will be destroyed. As if I were the mother who birthed this creation and was now required to watch my children being trampled and destroyed; watching as they live in agony and terror at the destruction of their home and physical body. The sorrow came from a place within that has never been opened this wide before. My heart broke at those “that knew God, but neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” (Rom 1:21)

How can I share in the glory of God’s kingdom while others are trampled and destroyed below? How can I walk past my co-worker knowing that they maybe one blinded by the world’s deceits, lost in the pleasure of selfishness, lost in the temporary joy of man’s created pills and drugs of happiness and bliss. How can I look and not mention Your glory to another? How can I lay my head on my pillow at night, knowing that another opportunity to share the “good news of the gospel of peace” was lost?

“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.” (Rom 1:18) O believer, wake up! We are just as undeserving of God’s glorious treasure as those blinded by the world’s advertised pleasure. It is only by God’s endless loving kindness that we know of God’s eternal joy and salvation. And that someone cared enough to share the wisdom and knowledge of God with us. Beloved, as heir to the throne, God’s adopted children, hesitate not to walk amongst the poor, the sick, the drug addict, the abandoned, the confused, the angry, and the lost. Hesitate not to open your lips and sing praises to the King. Hesitate not to give a reason for the hope that is in you. Hesitate not, and say, “I will go where You will send me.”

A Glimpse of Heaven

2009-08-09T22:46:00.000-04:00

I stand amazed and in wonder at the beauty beyond words - The King of Kings upon the throne, the angels of heaven in all their splendor singing and praising the great I AM, the saints of old in all perfection, the streets of gold, the mansions of glory, and the river of life which flows through the gates of glory. What a sight to behold. What a place of splendor and majesty. And who am I that I should be called the daughter of the King? Who am I that I deserve to be ransomed to glory? Who am I that You are mindful of me? Who am I that You love me? Who am I that You died upon the tree at Calvary? Who am I that I should stand in the presence of Your glory?

Ever mindful of the eternal hope that is within me, I can’t help but realize that though I stand amazed others will wiggle and scream in torment and pain, crying for the living water to quench their thirst and free them from the place of eternal judgment. Others who knew not the truth, others who rejected the truth, others who thought there was no end, others who thought I have no sin, others who lived for themselves and said there is no God.

In humbled silence and wonder of heart, a fragrant aroma of the Heavenly Father is near. He bids, “Will you go? Will you tell? Will you share? Will you love? For I long, I desire, that all men will know Me. Will you be the one?

Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrated his own love for us in this; While we were still sinners Christ died for us. (Rom 5:7-9)

Dry Bones

2009-08-05T08:40:00.004-04:00

Ezekiel 37:9 Thus saith the Lord, O breath, breathe life upon these slain, that they may live.

A husband stands in the kitchen, gun in hand and no reason to live. He has come home to find his wife and kids are gone and divorce papers stare at him from the kitchen counter. She has left him for another.

A daughter lays in the emergency room as doctors and nurses try desperately to save her life. She has been missing for months. At the age of sixteen she thought sex, drugs, and life on her own was the road to happiness.

A corporate woman attends a board meeting and learns she no longer has a job. She has spent her entire career climbing the corporate ladder, bypassing opportunities for a husband and family. Fame and fortune was her future, the desire of her heart.

A son lays bleeding on the side of the road, a victim of gang violence. A gang family of sex and violence seemed better than the suburban life of boredom.

O dry bones, creatures of God’s own image, you are loved with an everlasting love. Your Heavenly Father looks upon you with tears of sorrow. A Father who loves you enough to let you go because holding on will not convince you that what you desire is not good for you. O dry bones, flesh of my flesh, the world has convinced you that these temporary pleasures are the meaning and purpose of life. Instead of giving life, they have sucked you dry and left you for dead. You have been used until there is nothing more it can take from your life.

O dry bones, “no eye pities thee, nor has compassion upon thee, but you have been cast out into the open field.” (Eze 16:5) O dry bone, O sinner, the God of heaven desires that “none should perish.” He knows the pain and agony of judgment. He knows the grief and sorrow of rejection and death born upon the shoulders of Christ Jesus. He knows the joy and celebration of Christ’s death and resurrection. O breath, breathe life upon the husband through the bonds of friendship. Breathe God’s enduring love and eternal hope.

O breath, breathe life into the dieing daughter. Come, Father of life, fill this weary soul with Your love, fill her spirit with the knowledge of Your mighty presence and love. Adorn her with a spirit of life and longing for You. Breathe, that she may live for You.

O breath, breathe upon the corporate woman. Fill the tear stained anguish cups with Your living water. Hold the sobbing shoulders underneath your mighty wings. Whisper Your words of strength and peace, your plan and purpose for her life. Breathe that she may live for You.

O breath, breathe life into the dieing son. As paramedics work feverishly to save his life, hear the cries of your servant, a paramedic and child of Yours, cries out for You to save him from this “body of death” and live for Your kingdom glory.

O Breath of Life, Enduring Love, Precious Father, You are the breath of life; breathe upon these slain, that they may live with eternal hope for Your love and glory here on earth and forever more with You in eternity.

PRAISE

2009-07-29T23:39:00.002-04:00

Psalm 33:1
Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous; for praise is comely for the upright.

“Daddy, look at me!” is a familiar cry we parents hear. Our children love to show us what they can do, have learned, or accomplished. They long for the loving parental praises of their parents or guardians. They long for our undivided attention and admiration. It fills their heart with joy and strength for new adventures and challenges. It lets them know they are loved, adored, and truly cared for.

God is no different. He longs to hear praise from His beloved. He longs to hear us cry in admiration, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty!” He rejoices in our learning, our understanding, our joy, our prayers, and the songs of our heart. O believer, rejoice in the Lord. Rejoice and sing in the freedom from eternal, everlasting, death and separation from God. Rejoice in the death, suffering, and – hallelujah – resurrection of God’s son, Christ Jesus. Rejoice in the stories and struggles of saints gone before us. Rejoice in the rich history of God as recorded in the Bible. Rejoice in the spirit of love and a sound mind we have been given. Rejoice in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit; rejoice in His teaching, His comfort, and His intercessory prayer. Rejoice!

O believer, rejoice. Sing praises to the King of Kings. Bow before the throne of His Majesty and Glory and praise Him. Reach into the deepest recesses of your heart, recall the depth of depravity you have traveled, and weep in glorious praise at all He has done. Beloved, you are beautiful in His sight, and nothing is more beautiful to Him than to hear your praises. To hear you recall His selfless giving, His loving protection, His power of healing, His lessons of discipline, and His plans for our future. You – His pride and joy – are His delight. He loves His creation that was made in His very own image; holy, pure, and eternal.

O believer, rejoice in the Lord; take delight in Him, and lift your hands heavenward and from the depth of your soul praise the Lord Most High! He is the King of Kings; the Lord of Lords; the Master, Savior, and Creator; Emmanuel – God with us. He alone is worthy of our praise. O believer, dance before the King and praise His Holy name!

Filth

2009-07-28T19:50:00.001-04:00

We recently went on vacation for a week. When we got home we unloaded the luggage, groceries, and other items we took with us, or brought back. Even though we removed everything from the car, it was still filthy. It had bird droppings, water spots, mud, dirt, sand, and even trash still inside.

We are the same way. We can stop smoking, drinking, cussing, looking at pornography, talking ugly, being rude and disrespectful, arguing with your spouse or boyfriend, being dishonest and untruthful, but until we confess these wrongs and ask for forgiveness we are still filthy. Yes, we have by all appearances cleaned up our life and made room for some more good qualities, but we are still filthy, we are dirty inside and out. The residue of our travel in this world still weighs heavy on our heart and soul. We are still caked in it, we still smell like it, and we look awful. We may look better, but we are not clean.

Until we remove ourselves from the distractions of this world, enter our prayer closet, and fall before the Most Holy God and confess the errors of our ways, we are unclean and intolerable in His sight. But, “If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) He alone can clean you up. He alone can remove all traces of filth you have been wallowing in. He alone can and will remove any guilt and shame of your past. He alone will forgive and forget.

He longs for a pure, holy, and intimate fellowship with His creation; His creation that was made in His very own image; His creation that was made to fellowship, worship, and praise the Creator; His creation that was designed to rule over the birds of the air, the fish of the sea, and all the creepy things on the ground. You are His pride and joy, the delight of His heart, and like earthly parents who long to see you succeed in life, He longs for you to be pure and holy.

When earthly parents weep and mourn over the error of your ways, God also weeps and mourns. He made us pure and holy and nothing is more heart breaking than to see His pride and joy falling for the lies and deceits of this world, tossed around by the deception of “the good life,” or carried away by the filthy lustful pleasures this world claims is your right and privilege. O how His heart aches and mourns for His creation. O how He longs for the pure, undefiled fellowship He once had.

O sinner, O believer, come into the Holy and Mighty presence of the Lord God almighty, fall at His feet in anguish and sorrow at the path of life you have wandered down. Lay prostrate at His feet and moan at the wretched state of your heart and mind. Repeat the anguished words of Paul as he cried, “What a wretched man I am. Who can save me from this body of death?” O sinner, O believer, confess your heart, confess your thoughts, confess your speech, your actions, and lay them at His feet.

Love

2009-07-17T10:07:00.003-04:00

I have loved thee with an everlasting love.

Jeremiah 31:3

“I have loved thee with an everlasting love” brings to mind such a beautiful love between a husband and a wife. A pure love, undefiled, selfless, generous, kind, thoughtful, and caring. A love that says “til death do us part.” A love that speaks no angry words and knows and speaks sweet words of love and encouragement. A love that gives to its beloved and says, “Take. This is mine and I give it to you.” A love that longs to please and is satisfied in that giving.

If you know God’s love, you know this pure, holy, undefiled, selfless, kind, thoughtful, bountiful, caring, and sacrificial love. His love is so pure that I can never repay it. His love is so kind that my generosity will never merit against it. His love is pure, holy, and undefiled and my love will never match it. His love is bountiful, caring, and selfless and my love will never compare to such selflessness and kindness. Yet, He loves me “with an everlasting love.” His love endures. His love died for me, endured death, and lives forever. His love longs for my love.

His love rises early in the morning and waits for me to awake. His love waits patiently for me to speak and acknowledge His presence. His love longs to talk about the activity of my day. His love is selfless in His providing for my basic needs. His love smiles as I leave and start a new day, but wonders when I will spend time with Him. His love hovers over me and clings to me like the cloths I wear, but I never noticed His enduring presence. His love looks on as I struggle through difficult people and problems. His love reaches out to hold my hand and longs to whisper words of wisdom and advice in my ear, but I don’t see or hear Him. His love patiently waits for me.

His love longs to please in the selfless giving of time. As my calendar is freed with canceled appointments He longs to talk with me over lunch, but I never noticed His presence in the car. Instead the news of the day, the phone has rung, or the songs of this world enticed my mind and consumed my newly found free time. Yet undaunted He waits. His love gives through the selfless acts of kindness of others once again asking patiently for my attention and I didn’t see Him.

His love protects me as I travel home, yet as I missed the speeding car that ran a red light I never noticed His presence. Once home I drop my bag and purse and plop my tired body in a chair and turn on the television. His love continues to call to me, but I don’t hear Him. His love whispers words of love and kindness, they go unnoticed. His love waits for me as I finish the day, but I walk past and fall into bed.

“His love is everlasting.” When will I notice? When will I see all that He has and is and will continue doing for me? When will my cold heart burn with the fire of His love? When will I know His very presence moment by moment, morning by morning, and day after day? When will this selfish heart break open and spill out its love for the One who loved me first? When will this heart give its love to the Giver and Provider of all love? When will I?

O Precious Father, may Your love never grow cold within me. May I always know Your intimate presence. May I always long to spend time with You. May the deepest yearnings of my heart surface to the top and cry, “Abba Father. You who loved me first fill my every thought with Your enduring love.” May I know from whence I came. May I long never to be the same. May my thoughts and selfishness be tamed by Your pure and holy love. O Father, may I share Your love in return with equaled devotion and cry out that I am unworthy of Your kindness and caring. Fill my longing with You. Fill my yearning with You. Fill my desire for love with You. Fill my entire being with You and may every sense of my being know Your everlasting presence and enduring love.

Goodness

2009-07-11T08:23:00.001-04:00

Psalm 31:19-20

How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. In the shelter of your presence you hide them from intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.

How great is your goodness –You, who created the universes; You, who created all living things; You, who bestowed upon me the likeness of Your holy image.

How great is your goodness – You, who loves me; You, whose joy is my delight, You, my Father and my King.

How great is your goodness – You, my provider; You, my healer; You, my protector.

How great is your goodness – You, who knows my tears; You, who knows my fears; You, who knows my heartaches and dreams.

How great is your goodness – You, who gives me strength; You, who gives me rest; You, whose shelter and presence I long for.

How great is your goodness – You, whose kingdom is everlasting; You, whose glory is forever; You, whose holiness is enduring.

How great is Your goodness you lavish on me. O Precious Father, may I never forget Your goodness. Remind me often of whence I came and may my heart remain humble of all that you gave. May the remembrance of your goodness forever be before me. May my heart long to please you from all the goodness you have bestowed upon me. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.

Sing for the King

2009-06-27T00:48:00.002-04:00

2 Samuel 6:5
And David and all the house of Israel played before the Lord on all manner of instruments.

Where two or more are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst. I am Jehovah Shammah; the God who is here. I am with you always. I am the God of all creation. I am the First and the Last. I am the One who is, and was, and is to come. I am Emmanuel. I am the Prince of Peace. I am the Potter. I am the Vine. I am the Author and Finisher of your faith. I Am the Lord God Almighty.

The knowledge of who God was, and is, and is to come should bring us to our knees in reverence. The knowledge should indwell our hearts and minds. It should stir our feet to dance, our lips to sing, and our hands be raised in praise to the King.

He is the beginning of all life. He is the sustainer of present life. He is Eternal life. And we are the first fruits of His creation. We are loved. We are cared for. We are - because He is.

Everyday we look in the mirror we should see the God who created us, and our hearts should fill our minds with awe and our lips with praise. We like David and all Israel, should play, sing, and dance in His presence. Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2009-06-19T14:58:00.001-04:00

Revelations 2:5
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Hosea 10:12
Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy, break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

It is time to “break up my fallow ground” and repent. I have become comfortable and lazy in my physical and spiritual life. I have allowed weeds to grow among the Christian qualities and characteristics God has grown in my life. In some cases the weeds continuously grab hold of these godly roots and block out or strangle the quality from ever being productive – a stronghold. I can sow good seeds all day long, but if I don’t actively and daily control the weeds and pests in my spiritual life than I will not reap a harvest of good spiritual fruit.

Spiritual weed and pest control is a learned art. How can I “watch for” and “remove” these pesky weeds? Weeds of laziness, of selfishness, of pride, of wasteful spending, of gluttony, of anger, of shifting the blame – “It’s not my fault,” of lying, cheating, stealing, bitterness, and the list goes on. As in real gardening, learning to control and remove weeds is a continual learning and doing process. During the different seasons, winter, summer, spring, and fall, different techniques for removing and controlling weeds are done. Read, study, and learn God’s word on how to battle, and daily remove these weeds and strongholds in your life. When is the helmet of salvation used? When is the breast plate of righteousness used? When is the girding of the truth used? When do I use my feet shed with the gospel of peace? When and how do I use the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit?

It is time to break up my fallow ground, stir up the fertile righteous soil in my life, and pull out the weeds from within the garden of my life. Does this mean my spiritual harvest is gone? I don’t have any good qualities or characteristics to draw on to keep me sustained in my spiritual walk? No, it doesn’t. You have a storehouse of spiritual fruit that you have reaped, and you have the daily manna in God’s word that will sustain you during this time of repentance and re-growth of new spiritual fruit in your life.

This sounds like a season of repentance; a time where seeds of righteousness are not planted but allowing the spiritual soil, my heart, an opportunity to rest from the grips of wretchedness. A time of continuously turning over the soil, molding and tilling my heart, and preparing it for new spiritual growth and fruit.

In retrospect, this same process has been done before in my life, but I was not actively engaged. The Holy Spirit prepared my heart, my spiritual soil, for me. I am no longer a spiritual baby or child. The weeds are obviously not pretty flowers anymore. I no longer see the beauty in all things, but I know the good from the bad.

O precious Father, I am on my knees in this garden of my life. I have allowed your Spirit to till my spiritual soil in preparation for this moment. As I look around and see the weeds that remain, I am broken at the wretched state I have been so content to live in. O Father, give me strength to sustain me during this season in my life; this season of repenting and removing the weeds and wretchedness that has grown in me. Lord, use these tears and pain to fertilize Your next crop of spiritual fruit intended for me and others. O Father, Your servant, Your child, longs to please you. May you receive the praise and glory for all that is done. Selah.

Nursery - Again?

2009-05-10T15:34:00.002-04:00

1 Peter 2:1-4

Wherefore laying aside all malice, and guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby; if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

Working in the church nursery again has been fun and challenging. My kids are twelve and seven so the mental recall of what a baby needs has been painful, but alas not forgotten. I remain amazed at the inherent maternal instincts that God has blessed women with.

Babies are loveable, innocent, sweet, precious, and I am probably one of a few who would say, challenging. Thanks to my competitive nature I love challenges. Having relatively older children my brain is challenged to understand and recall again the language of a baby. Is that whimper from discomfort with gas? Is he tired? Is he wet? Is he hungry? Does he just want his mama? Does he want to be held and snuggled? Oh my, what am I doing back in the nursery?

With all honesty I can tell you that it didn’t take long to find that once believed lost understanding. Besides the sheer joy that a mother would trust us to care for her child for a couple of hours, there is one more pleasure in the nursery; a baby that is hungry and wants to be fed.

If you understand the baby’s language and the crying early enough you will have instant pleasure in satisfying a simple need. A hungry baby becomes wiggly, uncomfortable, discontented, and very very vocal. Place the bottle in the baby’s mouth and all that goes away. Pure contentment and delight is evident in the body language of the baby. Some babies latch hold of the bottle and inhale like a vacuum. Others latch on and gently enjoy every swallow. Regardless, the baby is nourished and satisfied until the next feeding.

“As newborn babes” we are to desire the “sincere word.” We should be like the babies who become uncomfortable when we miss our bible reading in the morning. We should be distressed when we don’t study our Sunday school lesson or quiet devotional. Our whole body should cry in pain when we go days, weeks, months, and years without so much as reading the Bible.

If you have tasted that the Lord is gracious than you should be uncomfortable, discontented, and even feel malnourished if you do not read the Word of God on a regular basis. Babies have regular feedings and so should you.

Praise the Lord

2009-05-05T20:00:00.003-04:00

Psalm 150:6
Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.

As I sit here this morning the dawn of the new day is transitioned with a beautiful chorus from the birds outside the window. A beautiful melody. A song of a new day. A song of provision. A song of beauty and love and joined by others. O, “let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.”

How is it that the birds have a new song every morning and I struggle to get out of bed and whisper a simple, “Good morning Lord?” Every morning should be filled with a new song in my heart. Every morning I should dance with joy that my Redeemer lives and death has lost its sting. Every morning I should recall the “work of His hand” in all creation and in my own life. Every morning I should know His loving forgiveness that removes my shame as “far as the east is from the west.” Every morning I should know that He fills my cup with joy and it runs over. Every morning I should know the expanse of His love that nailed my Savior to the cross. Every morning my heart should sing with the birds; singing praises to the King who was, who is, and who is to come.

Praise God in his sanctuary.
Praise him in the firmament of his power.
Praise him for his mighty acts.
Praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Praise him with the sound of the trumphet.
Praise him with the psaltery and harp.
Praise him with the timbrel and dance.
Praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
Praise him upon the loud cymbols.
Praise him upon the high-sounding cymbols.
Let everything that hath breath praise the lord.
Praise ye the Lord. (Psalm 150)

Sing!

2009-05-03T07:57:00.002-04:00

1 Timothy 1:14-17
And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them which should here after believe on him to life everlasting. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Today is Sunday, a day for corporate worship. A day to gather with the saints and sing praises to the King. Today is the day where Christ is known to all believers, because where two or more are gathered in His name, there He is in the midst of them. Today is the day to enter the temple courts with alms, praise, and thanksgiving.

Do you know “the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God?” Do you know the God of salvation, of peace, of joy? Do you know the God who provides, the God who heals, the God who leads us in triumphant procession? Do you know the God whose banqueting table is prepared for you? Do you know the God who leads you to green pastures and beside the still waters?

O, if you know Him lift high your voice and sing! “Great is thy faithfulness.” “Unto thee O Lord I will lift up my voice.” “Glory in the highest.” “It is well with my soul.”

O, lift high your voice and sing for He ransomed the sinners. He freed the chains that bind. He has healed the broken hearted. He, the Creator, loves His most precious creation, you!

Do you know this love? Sing as one who knows this love. Sing as one who knows this freedom. Sing as one just pardoned. Sing as one just freed from guilt and shame. O, lift high your voice and sing to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, only wise God, Holy, Almighty, all glorious, and all powerful. Sing!!

Give the Lord the glory due Him.

2009-05-01T06:21:00.001-04:00

Psalm 29:2
Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

You spoke and there was made light in a darkened and formless world.
You spoke and light and darkness where given names.
You spoke and the formless world became a sure foundation, dividing the heavens.
You spoke and the firmament was called, Heaven.
You spoke and land was formed among the waters.
You spoke and called this land, Earth.
You spoke and the Earth produced grass, plants, vegetation, and fruit bearing trees.
You spoke and are delighted with Your handiwork; “It was good.”
You spoke and the stars, the moon, and the sun were placed in the Heavens.
You spoke and the animals of the water, land, and sea were formed.
You spoke and said, “It was good. Receive My blessings; be fruitful and multiply.”

You spoke and man was created in Your image; created with precision and care; and created as one single breathe of life, unlike the creations of many the days before. You spoke and created man. You took all day forming and creating this one creation. You spoke and gave man a purpose; “have dominion and rule over all creation; the plants and the animals of the air, land, and sea. You spoke and man listened.

O, “give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.”

If we know nothing else about God other than his creation, the world around us, it should fill our hearts with such wonder and awe that we naturally worship Him. The beauty of a sunrise, because God... The songs of the birds, because God… The flowers in the field, because God… Because God is the designer and creator of all things. He spoke.

O, worship the Lord, for there is none like him. O, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. “Hear, O Lord, when I cry out with my voice.” You alone deserve honor, and glory, and praise. Hear, O Lord, the song of your servant as I sing, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty? Who was, and is, and is to come!” O, worship the Lord. Come and sing praises to the King!

Faint Not

2009-04-30T21:15:00.000-04:00

Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

More than anything, my desire is to continue walking in the Spirit as I have been instructed to do; seeking continued and constant fellowship with my King. Starting my day, praising Him for the great things He has done and continuing that attitude throughout the day. Being, in a sense, romantically infatuated with my Beloved in that every conscious thought dwells on God’s beauty, glory, and grace. Every action is thought of multiple times before doing them. “Would my Beloved approve of this behavior? Would my Beloved desire that I speak to this person in such a manner? Would my Beloved want me to buy this beggar lunch? Would these things please my Beloved?”

O, do not grow weary in doing well. Do not grow weary in God’s love. Though your body be tired and your heart feels not the warmth of love for your Beloved, His light of love will never grow dim. He remains constant; unchanging and unmoved by your emotions. His love is everlasting. It burns like a mighty flame. It’s jealousy is strong as death, but no grave can hold it. His love carried Him to the cross. His love died for you. His love bore the burden, guilt, and shame of your sin. His love “thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Phil 2:6-9)

O, faint not in doing well. Live each day madly in love with Your Savior and King. Awake each morning, stirred to love and sing praises to the King. Walk not with the flesh, but walk with the Spirit of truth. Allow Him to consume your every conscious and waking thought. Let every action or word be spoken through the filtering hands, heart, and mind of the Holy Spirit. It is He whom God left to guide us, comfort us, and teach us all things that He has said.

O, wayward heart, may this day forever change my life, fellowship, and daily walk with my King, my Beloved. O, wayward heart, faint not in well doing for in due season it will reap.

Today is the day...

2009-04-29T21:06:00.002-04:00

Isaiah 61:1-3
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our god; to comfort all that mourn;
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the Spirit of Heaviness; that they might be called tress of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

It would seem that the six days away from church are filled with continued weights of the world. Weights of self, pride, busy schedules, household chores, and responsibilities to friends, co-workers, and family. Weights of gluttony and high expectations of self and others. Little time was spent with my Savior this week.

As Saturday approaches my body argues adamantly to stay home on Sunday and rest. The week has been hard. The kids have been uncontrollable, and the marriage has been shaky at best. I haven’t even read the Sunday School lesson and it was only three pages. My body tries again to convince me to stay home on Sunday.

But I must confess that the Spirit of Truth reminds me of the words spoken by Jesus in Matthew 11. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” These words comfort me and ease my mind and body to sleep. Giving over the heavy weights of the week, my worries, and concerns to He who promised to “find rest for my soul.” To He who beckons, “Come.” “Come unto me.” To He whom I trust and believe.

As the morning dawns, I awake to a hymn from old running through my mind.
“There’s within my heart a melody.
Jesus whispers sweet and low.
Fear not I am with thee peace be still.
In all of life’s ebb and flow.”

As I lay there listening I know the source from which the music lies. I am refreshed in such a way that only God can do. He has supplied the appropriate amount of rest that I needed and my heart and spirit within me is awake. I am satisfied and ready for today’s journey.

But it is not just any journey. It is a day in which I have been given “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” Today is the day I have come in humility and thankfulness of heart to worship and praise the King. Today is the day to be strengthened and encouraged with corporate worship and praise. Today is the day to allow the Spirit within to bond with those around and lift a sweet “sounding” aroma of thanksgiving and praise to the One who saved me from this body of death. Today is the day to recall the goodness of the One who preached good tidings. Today is the day to share with others the One who mended my broken heart, and who loosed the chains that bound me to this world. Today is the day to celebrate God’s liberating power; the workings of the Holy Spirit to comfort, teach, and guide. Today is the day to celebrate God’s enduring and everlasting love. Today is the day to praise Him for His persistence in His pursuit to find and seek the lost. Today is the day to know His loving hand of provision, protection, and yes, even His hand of discipline.

Today is the day for praise.
Lift high your voice and sing with all.
Lift high your voice its ne'r too small.
Today is the day to praise the King.

Remember the Bereans

2009-04-25T08:58:00.002-04:00

Acts 17:10-11
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea; who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

In the movie “Remember the Titans” the football coach, played by Denzel Washington, and the multi racial football team were remembered for their ability to overcome the stereotypes of their day; they crossed racial lines, and formed a formidable football team. Remember the Titans, remember their struggle, remember their strength, and remember how they affected their community.

The Bereans were similar to the Titans and we would do well to remember them. They were “more noble than those in Thessalonica.” Why? Because they did not just accept the words proclaimed by Paul and Silas, but they “searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” They didn’t just sit in Sunday school and in a church service, listen to TV evangelist, or broadcast radio and accept what was said. They searched the scriptures as to “whether those things were so” that were spoken to them.

Another important fact about the Bereans is that their minds were ready to receive the gospel that was presented to them. They didn’t spend their days being filled by the silliness of the world, but they went about diligently searching the truth, looking for God in everything they did. They were ready in their minds and in their hearts. What a fabulous thing to be able to be taught and led by the Holy Spirit. To search the scriptures, taught by the Spirit of truth, and to know the heart and mind of Christ.

Remember the Bereans. Remember that we also have this Spirit within us. We have the same ability as the Bereans. Start everyday in the truth and liberty for which we have been called. For we “that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Gal 5:24-25) “Let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Gal 6:9)

Remember the Bereans. Remember to search the Scriptures. Remember Christ’s word to the disciples that they would be left the comforter, who would teach them and call to rememberance everything He taught them. (John 14:26). Remember that it is God who created us, loved, and sent His son to die on a cross for us. Remember that He desires that none should perish, but that they all would have everlasting life. Remember this gift of life and share it with others. Remember the Bereans.

Prayer of a Prodigal Daughter

2009-04-19T11:02:00.002-04:00

Abba, Father. You are the creator and sustainer of life. You are my provider, protector, healer, teacher, and Lord. You are my God, my Savior, and my King and I humbly bow before Your glory and majesty. Father, I am filthy from my traveling in this world, blemished and broken from my dependence on self and others, distanced by the distractions this world has offered. Oh Father, as I look back on this long road I have traveled away from you, I cry at the days, weeks, and months of intimate fellowship I have lost away from Your Presence. I am ashamed. My knees begin to buckle, my bowed head continues to descend to the floor, and my heart cries out for you.

Oh Father, I was wrong, I was selfish, and I feel so alone. Oh Father, hear the cry of this your servant. Call to me, come to me, run to me and walk me back, carry me back into Your loving presence. Oh Father, I long to be with You. Oh Father, revive this heart and Spirit within me and grant in me a willing Spirit to sustain me in this continued life of surrendered service to You, my King. Father, your servant is weary. Your servant is tired. Your servant is lost and longs only for You. Oh Father, hear my cry.

As I wait in humbled silence, a still small whisper says, “I AM here.” The knowledge of His presence sends me further to the floor in prone humility and shame. Oh Father, look not upon the iniquities of my heart, look not upon my feet that have wandered far from you. Look not upon the face that looked unto another, whose eyes wandered and turned from your glory. Oh Father, I am ashamed, look not upon this wretched sinner.

As I lay in proned silence, a song of my youth intrudes my mind;

“Shackled by a heavy burden,
‘Neath a load of guilt and shame.
Then the hand of Jesus touched me,
And now I am no longer the same

He touched me. Oh He touched me,
And O the joy that floods my soul!
Something happened, and now I know,
He touched me and made me whole.”

Restoration and healing begin to flow over my body. Tears of sorrow and shame pour from the window of my heart, cleansing and healing this wayward soul. The song continues repeating itself over and over again, until my heart truly knows “the joy that floods my soul!” because “He touched me and made me whole.”

As I continue to lay in proned silence the words of Paul in Romans come to mind, “What a wretched man I am? Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord.!”

Most glorious Father and King, Thank you. Thank you for your Son, who died for me. Thank you for your loving sacrifice, upon the tree. Thank you for this gift you give, and may I never to forget.

Palace Life

2009-03-26T09:47:00.003-04:00

From all modern appearances the story in the Bible of Esther appears to be a Cinderella story. The rich, famous, and handsome King falls in love with a peasant girl and takes her to his palace and makes her Queen. Who wouldn’t love to marry rich, famous, and handsome? This story appeals to the romantic heart strings.

But there is more than romance in this story. It has several deeper, more meaningful insights. God’s omnipotent power is unspoken but evident in every detail of the story. The King’s most trusted royal advisor, Haman, died from his blinded fury and rage. His blinding passion was to destroy the Jews. The Jews celebration of Purim is a result of this testimonial of deliverance from annihilation and destruction. Mordecai’s good deed of reporting the assassination attempt on the King’s life was not immediately rewarded, but he was rewarded at a later. All good things come to those who wait. Esther’s obedience to her surrogate father was instrumental in the defeat of Haman’s plan to destroy the Jews. Obeying your parent leads to a long life.

But there is something else in this story. On the night that Esther was chosen to approach the King “she required nothing.” She asked for nothing and she took nothing with her, except for the clothes on her back and whatever the Eunuch recommended.

Esther was an orphan. She was adopted into a loving family. She was a servant girl and desired to please others before herself. She was simple, she was quiet, and she was obedient. She carried herself with dignity without pride. She was patient and uncomplaining. She was beautiful inside and it was apparent to all. Her humbled and selfless actions found favor from all who looked upon her, even from the King. He loved her more than all the other women. Her actions, attitude, and spirit stirred the love of the King, and he chose her to be the Queen and placed the royal crown on her head.

We are but orphans in this world. “On the day you were born your cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water to make you clean, nor were you rubbed with salt or wrapped in cloths. No one looked on you with pity or had compassion enough to do any of these things for you. Rather, you were thrown out into the open field, for on the day you were born you were despised.” (Eze 16:4-5)

We were born in pride, selfishness, arrogance, and all kinds of evil deep within. The depth of wickedness resides within the uncut cord and fills our entire being. We are unwashed and unsanitary. We are foul smelling and a stench to all around us. There is no pity or compassion on us. We are despised and tossed aside. Who can love such a disgusting mess?

There is one who travels the road of life, who searches high and low for those tossed aside and left for dead. There is a King who loves the unlovely, the wicked, the lost, the confused, and the lonely. He longs to bring others into His palace, clean them, feed them, and love them with an everlasting love and to fill them with springs of living water. There is a King whose desire is to breathe life into the lifeless, the unimportant, and the wicked. And just like the father of the prodigal son, the King is waiting, watching, and searching. He is filled with compassion for you and He will run to meet you, throw His arms around you, and bring you into His Kingdom and life everlasting. And like the prodigal son, we have nothing to offer the King, except our living body in service to Him.

But the story of Esther doesn’t end with the happily ever after of marriage. The story goes on to tell how she learns the palace life and etiquette. She lives and interacts with the King and his royal administrators; she surrenders to the power and authority around her. She continues to live in service, humility, and obedience.

“Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house; and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court that she obtained favour in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the scepter. Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? And what is thy request? It shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom. And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.” (Esther 5:1-4)

Our rescued state and eternal life is not the end of the story, but the beginning. We have a life to live in service to the King. We have a duty to learn the King’s business. To learn the history of the King, His passion, His desires, and discover how we can be of “service to the King.” It is our duty to learn the reverence and etiquette of interacting with the King of all Kings, our Savior, and Lord of our life. He rescued us. He cared for us. He brought us to His palace. His grace and favour has made us beautiful and radiant. And He longs for others to see and accept the same grace and favour. “I have seen you in the sanctuary, and beheld your power and your glory.” (Psa 63:2) I have “tasted and seen that the Lord is good.” (Psa 34:8) “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the riches of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” (Psa 63:3-8)

Oh may my actions speak louder than my words. May my hearts desire be to please only You my King. Fill me with the wisdom and knowledge of Your love for all the world. Teach me Your statutes. Teach me Your ways. Teach me how to live a life that is a pleasing offering of service to You. Teach me the holy reverence and love for all You have given me. I have beheld your power and glory and it was good. May my cup over flow. May this little spark, this gift of life, burn with selfless passion within me for all the world to see.

Pursuit of Happiness

2009-02-24T08:37:00.006-05:00

Proverbs 23:4
Labor not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

Strive not for riches, but for life. Work towards providing for your basic needs and not towards the gain of wealth and riches themselves. In Matthew 7:11 Jesus said, “If you being evil know how to give good gifts, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask?” Am I working a job for my own pursuit of money, fancy house, the elitist of cars, or my expensive hobby? Why am I working? For me, it is for the basic needs of life; food, clothing, transportation, and family. I have learned to be content in all situations. Right now we were told there would be no pay raises. My retirement fund has lost over fifty percent of the assets it once had. But I labor not for these riches. I labor for the love that is within me. My job is my mission field. A place where God shines His light in my life everyday and continually grows ministry skills. That is not to say that I am perfect in this endeavor, besides I am an emotional female. I have my good days and bad days. But I strive not to please my pocket book. I strive and labor to please my Heavenly Father.

But the part of the verse that pokes at me is the second half, which says, “Cease from thine own wisdom.” Am I chasing after foolishness? Am I listening to the whisper of the world when it says, “Its okay, everybody does it?” Some sound words of wisdom I have found are; Psalms 119:34, “Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law, yea I shall observe it with my whole heart.: Psalm 119:60, “I made haste and delayed not to keep thy commandments.” Psalm 119:66, “Teach me good judgment and knowledge for I have believed thy commandments.” Proverbs 3:7, “Be not wise in thine own eyes, fear the Lord and depart from evil.”

What wisdom are you clinging to and following? Are you listening and following the wisdom of this world that says, “Go ahead. There is nothing wrong with a little lie. No one believes you are wrong in just looking at a pretty woman/man. Take the money. You deserve it. Not being truthful on your taxes is okay, besides it's your money.” Justifying your bad behavior, ugly talk, gossiping, or just being rude is the “pursuit of your own wisdom; being wise in thine own eyes.” Cease! Cease from your own wisdom and folly. Follow the commands, laws, promises, and precepts written within the Holy Bible. “Love one another. Treat others as you would yourself. Honesty is the best policy. Be a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing unto God.” Live in reverent and Holy fear of God, His majestic presence, His everlasting power, and His great wisdom and knowldge!

Seek the wisdom, knowledge, and sound judgment that He has to offer. His home is opened to you, more that that He offers to bring His home, His kingdom, presence, and majesty to you! He longs to fill your cup, your plate, your life with all His wisdom and knowledge, mercy and truth. Cease striving after the things the world offers. There is no lasting value in it. It is a "chasing after the wind."

O cry out to God, “Teach me! Teach me for I long for your everlasting peace. Teach me, for my heart is weary of the foolishness of this world. Teach me, for I desire Your goodness, Your wisdom, Your knowledge, Your strength, and Your eternal love.” Make haste! Delay not! Welcome the Master and Teacher into your home. Open the Bible and discover the jewels of peace and love; the gems of love and selflessness; the light that draws you from the shadows and sorrows of life; the living water that restores your soul when you are tired of living the life this world offers; and the bread of life which never decays with age, but grows ever sweeter day by day as you dwell in the secret place of the Most High God and feast upon His lasting promises!

Cease! Cease from thine own wisdom. Open the Book of Life. Discover the world God longs to give you!

Friendship

2009-02-22T23:51:00.000-05:00

Throughout the New Testament, Paul continually writes words of greetings and thankfulness over his friends, companions, brothers and sisters in ministry. He mentions their faithfulness, their comfort, their service, their dedication, their prayers, and their love. Throughout Paul’s ministry he was surrounded by others. Some were close friends. Some were partners in ministry and service. Some he supported and some supported and comforted him. Even during solitary times in prison, Paul still had friends and fellow believers who cared deeply for him and continued to meet his every need.

“Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart; so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by counsel.” (Prov 27:9)

O the joy of friendship. A friend is someone who will hold you when you cry, who will listen to your fears, tears, and dreams. A friend is someone who can laugh when you laugh and will sing when you sing. A friend is someone whose mere presence is a delight and joy to your heart. A friend is someone who carries the rainbow in the storm of your life and who leads you to the living water when your soul hungers and thirsts after God. A friend is someone who cares and prays as if you were one of their own; shedding tears of sorrow, anguish, and love in petition for and with you. A friend will hold the candle in the darkest of night and will come beside you and walk the difficult path. A friend is ointment for healing the wounded or tired spirit. A friend will bring to your life strength for tomorrow. A friend encourages. A friend endures.

O the joy of friendship, “ointment and perfume” that rejoices the heart. There is nothing like the “sweetness” of a friend. May you be blessed with a friend.

Teach Me

2009-02-22T23:06:00.002-05:00

Psalm 119:66
Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands.

Having read this scripture it has me thinking about my life. The different things I would like to do. The things I want to do. The things I know I should do but haven’t done. And I am reminded of the words of God towards David. “A man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will.” (Acts 13:22)

I want a heart like David. I want to love God so much that everything I do is screened through that window of love. I want to love Him more. I want to know Him more. I want to obey Him more. I want to do what He wants me to do and I want to do it with all my heart and inner most being.

My heart cries “Teach Me.” Fill my heart with such a hungered passion to know You and Your enduring word that nothing satisfies this craving but You. Empty out all the worldly distractions and replace them with your Holy Spirit and your Holy Word. Teach me knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4-5)

Teach me that I may know good judgment; that I might form reasonable plans to present before you. Teach me, that my life might be a testimony of your great love!

Teach me, that I may be a light in this darken world, that others might be drawn to this light and enter into your everlasting love and heavenly kingdom.

Teach me, for my ways are wicked and my thoughts are only of me. Teach me, that I may teach my children what You mean to me.

Teach me, for I believe in your commandments.

Feast

2009-02-07T01:12:00.003-05:00

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Psalm 23:5

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Patiently you watch and wait my arrival. Knowing that what You have prepared is meat for my soul, and rest and refreshment for my body. Once inside You gently lift the burdens of the day off my shoulders, placing them at your feet and away from my prying eyes and fiddling hands. Allowing opportunity for me to explain the unnecessary burdens and behaviors I bore throughout the day and humbly submit to the washing of my hands and feet.

Cleanse me O God for I am a wretched man, traveling through a dangerous land with valleys of fear, rivers of tears and anguish, thorns of selfishness, fires of envy, and rocks of lies that are tossed in foolishness and anger. But, You - are my firm foundation. You - are my stronghold. You - are my fortress and strong tower. In You alone I place my trust and rest in the shadow of Your mighty wing.

But You have placed a table and meal in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. You have prepared my table in the courtyards, in the valleys, on the hilltops, and in the darkest of caves – in the presence of mine enemies. The enemy who seeks to destroy and cast me aside. Yet you bid them come. Come and see the nourishment You give. Come and see the food You have prepared. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Sit and feast upon the riches of God’s glory. Come all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Come for I long to share my Father’s house with you.

Come. Receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Come to the banqueting table and worship the God who saves. Come and taste the living water. Come and know there is none like Him. Come and let me share what He has prepared for you and me.

His Presence

2009-02-04T09:52:00.010-05:00

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul: He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea though I walk the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:1-4

Psalm 23 is one of the most quoted verses of the bible. It is most commonly quoted during funerals, or times of difficulty in ones life. But I have found this verse to be inspirational in my everyday life. Especially when remembering the loving, giving, and caring qualities of my Heavenly Father, Savior, and King. Allow me to expand my understanding.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He loves me. He feeds me. He cares for me. There is no one like Him that cares for my every need. He provides a job, a family, a home, and a place for me to toil my days – at work.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside the still waters. He is Jehovah Jireh – the God who provides. He is Jehovah Rophe – the God who heals. He is Jehovah Shalom – the God of Peace. He is Jehovah Shammah – the God who is Present. The God who is here - always. The God who promises to never leave me nor forsake, Never turn His back on me. He loves me. I am His pride and joy.

He alone knows the lands of plenty, the streams of living water and life, the mountains of beauty and delight. He knows when I have walked a day, a path, or a life too long. He knows the rest I should have for the today, for tomorrow, and when this body can no longer continue on its own.

If He calls me in the night to sit with Him, I awake. I will sit and listen to His loving voice guide me into conversation with Him. In the morning His Spirit awakens me and guides me to the still waters; a brook abounding in refreshing love notes of providing, caring, giving, guiding, and sacrificing. He bids me come, drink of the living water. Refresh your body, soul, and spirit. Learn of me. Follow me with selfless abandon. Drink, for the journey will be long and hard. Drink, for today you will need the nourishment as we pass through lands filled with hatred, strife, and all manner of wickedness. Drink, and be on your guard, for the land is filled with lions seeking to kill and destroy, seeking to distract and drawy you from the presence of the Almighty Shepherd.

He restores my soul: He leads me in the paths of righteousness, for his name’s sake. He died once and for all for my punishment. “Who, being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped (held onto), but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in the appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death of the cross.” (Phil 2:5-8) He leads me down the trail of tears, down the road that leads to the cross, where I lay my worries, fears, anxieties, and self down - for his name’s sake. Drawing others to His perfect love and everlasting life.

Yea though I walk the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. O, though the path is dark and the terrors of my past haunt my every moment, and though others are slain and fall around me, I will fear no evil. My Shepherd is my guide. He is my comfort. He is my strength. He is my shelter. He is a very present help in danger. He goes before me. He walks behind me. Nothing is allowed to penetrate His loving protection, except that which will make me stronger. Though it may hurt me, though it may wound me, though it may cause me trails of tears and nights of loneliness, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. I know your abiding presence, and I know your power. For Your power is made perfect in my weakness. My moments of wanting, longing, and needing.

O, Father, continue to lead me beside the still waters where I can draw from You the gift of life; living in selfless abandon to Your Holy Spirit’s comfort, teaching, and direction for my life. May the words from my mouth and the mediation of my heart be pleasing to you O God, my Father, my Savior, my Redeemer, and my King.

Deceitful Food

2009-01-25T00:43:00.002-05:00

Proverbs 23:1-3
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you: and put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite: be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.

I am probably one of the many numbers in the statistic of how children rebel against their upbringing once they are out on their own and making their own decisions. While growing up we had to maintain the diabetic diet because it was discovered that my brother was diabetic. We were often times denied numerous delectable dainties, chocolates, and other delightful looking and smelling sweets. Anything with high sugar consumption was usually bought with my own money, which was rare back then, and eaten before I ever walked in the door.

Many years later, and less physical activity, have led to an increase in weight, something that I am not proud of. About ten years ago I researched the various fad diets that were being released and actually found and tried one that met my picky appetite. I successfully followed this diet for over a year and was proud of the results. But I cannot bring myself to again follow the recommendations in this book. Until now!

On first pass of Proverbs 23:1-3, the words that quickly grabbed my attention were, “put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.” That sounded like me. I looked around for my mental knife. I was, and I am, ready to be done with this wayward, demanding, and selfish appetite. I also immediately gravitated to the words, “be not desirous of dainties; for they are deceitful meat.” Wouldn’t I give for a delicious cake donut with chocolate frosting on top? Pastries, chocolate, and Coca Colas are my weakness. Just eat any of these “dainties” and watch the sweet tooth run wild. But I noticed that after all the sugar has worn off that my stomach is hungry and that sweet tooth is making noise again. The sweets deceived my stomach into thinking it was eating something of substance, just like the verse said it is “deceitful meat.” It looked good but provided no value to the health and sustenance of my body. I could not live on pastries, chocolate, and Coca Cola. My body would die of sugar overload.

So after reading this verse and being “poked by my conscience” once again, what is a person to do? In the first part of verse one it says, “Consider diligently what is before you.” Changing your eating habits, battling against the lusts and desires of the flesh are difficult tasks, and sometimes very challenging. It sure is easier to get a quick hamburger and eat it while driving than to order a salad. I haven’t tried eating a salad and driving, but I am sure it is quite interesting to say the least. Changing, overcoming, and battling these poor habits is not easy. It will take a concentrated effort and planning on my part. I will need to draw on past experience and learned lessons from the first successful eating habit change I made years before. I know what I should be eating, how much, and how often. I need to “diligently consider” what is before me, what I am getting ready to eat. I need to plan my lunches, plan my breakfast, dinner, and appropriate snacks in between.

But I have seen this battle before and I have failed. The lusts, desires, cravings, and grumpy sweet tooth have won before. Yet, I know that this is something that God would have me to do. I know that I am the temple of the Holy Spirit and that I should be a sweet smelling aroma to my Heavenly Father – no pun intended. Several verses come to mind that have been useful in other areas of my life and I believe they will be useful now as well. Let me share a few.

2 Corinthians 12:9 – “For my grace is sufficient. For my power is made perfect in weakness.” (Not my power, but God’s power within me is proved and perfected in me.)
1 Corinthians 9:27 – I beat my body and make it my slave…
Romans 8:5 – Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. (This is a daily struggle and requires constant communion with the Holy Spirit.)
Ephesians 6:10 – Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.

The correction, instruction, and encouragement are all right here. It now is up to me to put into practice the things I have learned. Diligent, determined, and disciplined effort will support God’s work in me. Pray that I remain strong in His presence and power, overcoming my deceitful desire, and retrain my body to enjoy the things that satisfy and that are the “true meat” my body desires.

Keep Out!

2009-01-08T10:02:00.012-05:00

My Bible reading this month is focused on the book of Proverbs. The introduction to the book peeked my interest in understanding moral issues. Who doesn’t want sound wisdom and advise to help in making good decisions and choices, especially while raising kids and helping them traverse this path of life? So I dived in. Little did I realize that I would find such sage wisdom on marriage.

Growing up there was a saying, “The grass is greener on the other side.” It would seem that our society feels this is true in marriage. During my first year away at college I learned a valuable lesson living with roommates and immediately my outlook on this saying was changed. I have become fond of the saying, “The grass is greener where YOU! water it the most.”

We have become a society that looks at others for blame. “I would be happier if my husband would… I wouldn’t get so mad if he would just do… If only my husband had a personality like…” In the first few books of Proverbs there is a continuous warning - avoid the strange woman, stay on the other side of the street, look not into her eyes, listen not to her voice, and keep yourself from falling into the arms of a stranger. “Keep from the immoral woman (man), from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife (husband). Do not lust in your heart after her (his) beauty or let her (him) captivate you with her (his) eyes.” (Prov 6:14-15)

But how many times do we fail in just the simple avoidances? We place ourselves on a path and along a fence line in which we constantly gaze at the field, or grass, next to us. Sometimes we stop and wonder what it would be like to be over there, or with that other individual? We spend so much time looking, listening, watching, and maybe even crossing over to “help” and so little time in our own yard and on our own side of the proverbial fence.

Proverbs sternly warns against such activities. Stay away! Keep Out! “Drink waters out of thine own cisterns.” (Prov 5:15) Look to the activities of your own household and make it beautiful and pleasing. Strive to perfect the very place in which you promised “til death do us part.”

Some things that I have learned in my eighteen years of marriage that make my “grass greener” and that I am responsible for are; quit looking and dwelling on the faults and failures that “I see” in my spouse. Instead, take the time to pray for my husband. I don’t mean complaining to God about the poor qualities or bad habits, but asking God to help me see beyond my selfish desire to perfect my husband into “my image of him,” but perfect him into the image that God would have him to be.

Another area is listening to my own answers and tone of voice I use with my husband. Am I being negative, derogatory, or disrespectful? He is my husband, my friend, my lifelong mate, and not a household pet. Am I treating him with the proper respect and dignity that he is entitled? “For all authority under heaven is given by God.” He rightfully holds the role of the “head of the household.”

When I am mad at my husband because he didn’t take out the trash, pick up his shoes, or put the toilet paper back on the holder I often find myself dwelling on the pity path called “I am the only one in this house who does…” Several years ago I learned the verse in 2 Corinthians 10:5 that says, “Take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ.” Knowing that my thoughts are wrong as I travel down this “pity path,” I pray this verse and ask God to change my thoughts and my heart in this area. I even ask God to help me with correcting this bothersome behavior or habit with the right heart attitude and without argumentative words. There have been times when I have been convicted enough about my own habits that I knew within my heart that I would be wrong at that moment to address my spouse. Just like the story of Queen Esther, timing and preparation are key to the positive reception of change.

I must admit that I am not perfect. There are times that I speak harshly before I have had time to “listen to the aid of the Holy Spirit” and I have had to apologize and confess that I was wrong in my word choices and tone of voice. There are times I have caught myself thinking about another person and what their life is like. And yet God is so good. “He will call to remembrance those things that he has taught me;” In the scriptures, or past problems handled properly.

I am continually reminded that it is my duty and responsibility to see that I am doing everything possible to “make the grass greener” in my marriage. “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husband and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. “ (Titus 2:3-5)

Wife of Thy Youth

2009-01-06T23:11:00.010-05:00

"Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets. Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee. Let thy fountain be blessed; and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman. And embrace the bosom of a stranger? For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings. His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.” Proverbs 5:15-24

As a newly wed I recall the security I felt in my marriage. I was in love. My husband loved me and I loved him. I felt comfortable enough to be flirtatious with other men. Joking often about sensual things. Until one day when the words I learned as a child came into mind. “Anyone who looks at a woman (man) lustfully has already committed adultery with her (him) in his (her) heart.” (Matthew 5:28)

What was I doing? What was I doing to the men? What was I doing to our marriage? My job? My reputation? The reputation of the men? I was not only placing myself in an unsafe, unhealthy, and in a dangerous position, but I was creating the same for the men.

Proverbs constantly speaks to the men about unhealthy relationships with “strangers” or “another’s wife” or with “prostitutes.” Yet, we as wives can gleam a lot of wisdom and advise from these same verses in Proverbs. We should not cause our husbands to go looking at other women to be satisfied, to find admiration, respect, and love.

Are we, as the “wife of thy youth,” creating cause for our husbands to desire none other? Are we, as “the wife of thy youth,” listening and longing after our husbands. Are we like the hind, the deer, who listens intently for the call of her mate, and once found, remains faithful until death? Are we found as “pleasant roe;” as pleasing as the finest of foods?

Are we an aroma of love, pleasing to look at, touch, and taste in all our physical, emotional, and spiritual being? Do we give cause to such affection and admiration? Do we pray for our husbands, asking God to grant them the wisdom to lead our family, manage the household finances, and provide for our basic needs and financial support? Do we strive to provide a house in which he desires to return home; a household that is content in the roles in which we have been blessed? Do we pray for ourself, asking God to create in us a desire for our husbands and a desire to share our life, our affections, and our physical and spiritual being?

Are our lips as sweet as honey and dripping with loving kindness, admiration, and respect? Are we giving cause for our husbands to desire none other? To look not elsewhere to be satisfied and content? “For love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.” (Song 8:6) Are we stoking the fires of our own “flame of love?"

Treasure Hunting

2009-01-02T12:09:00.005-05:00

The following is in response to the question, "What gem have you found?"

I found Proverbs 24:13-14.

My son (daughter), eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to they taste; so shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul; when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

I was intrigued that the honeycomb was written into this text, or proverb. I understand the sweet taste of the honey and how it relates to the even, but not all inclusive, simple discovery of Christ, and the wisdom and knowledge found in Him. There is a great reward in eternity. There is great expectation at His providing, protection, healing, and second coming. But why is the honeycomb mentioned? My memory recalls a waxy taste with no real flavor. So what did my inquisitive mind find?

I found that the early European settlers brought the honeybee over for selfish reasons. They wanted “good-quality wax” for making candles and for the sweet tasting honey that the honey bees produced. They felt these things were essential to the existence of their life, in an untamed and virgin land.

So what I found was that you should not only dig into God’s word everyday for its nutritional value for the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God, but for the light that it provides in and around your life. The byproduct of feasting on the word of God is the light that it produces in your life; the lamp unto your feet and the light unto your path; lamps of wisdom, lanterns of love, sparks of sharing, and floodlights of liberty. Walking in the pathway of God’s guiding light. Seeing the deception of the enemy. Looking to the hill from whence God’s abiding love shines bright as a blazing fire for all the world to see.

A New Year

2009-01-01T08:11:00.002-05:00

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

The new year has finally come. The early rise to the morning has come even faster than the new year, of course that is not surprising since there are less hours before morning than a new year. The house is quiet and the dawn begins to break. What a time to reflect on last year. A time to flip through my journal and read the wondrous works, blessings, trials, triumphs, and prayers of last year. A time to review the many verses that God taught me with, laid on my heart, or counseled me with; a time to reflect on my finite state and God’s infinite, eternal, and glorious state; and a time to reflect on the many prayers that were made. O Lord, teach me to number my days aright as I reflect back on the days of my youth, on the immaturity of my spirit, of the foolish things in my heart, of the weakness of my hands, of the wickedness in my heart, and of the mere small lifespan of my life.

O Lord, may my eyes focus on Your hill, in which my help cometh. May I see the glorious light of Your love which burns for all the world to see. May my lips speak Your praise and proclaim Your Majesty, Your Holiness, and Your Wisdom and may they never falter or fail in sharing You with others in word. O Lord, use my hands and feet. May they be fitted with the preparation of the gospel of peace, may they tread the streets, the suburbs, the cities, the hills, and valleys in search of those bound by the fear of death. May I be an instrument used by You to free others from this bondage of fear and constant state of restlessness and uncertainty.

O Lord, teach me to number my days. May each day be filled with wonder as I discover more and more of You. May my heart be filled with Your Glory and Wonder, broken and spilled out for others to see and know the God of all Creation, the King, the Shepherd, the Son, the Father. O Lord, teach me to number my days as I, also, groan inwardly for the day of redemption, in which “every knee shall bow and every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord.”

In the Beginning

2008-12-18T23:36:00.008-05:00

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:7

At first glance this seems like such a simple verse. If I fear the Lord I will gain knowledge, but the foolish are stupid and rebel against authority. Oh but these words are rich in their meaning.

Look at the word fear. In this passage it does not mean that it is something that I am frightened of. Second Timothy 1:7 says that God has not given us this kind of fear. But, if we believe in our hearts (faith) that Jesus is Lord and that God raised him from the dead we have a reverent respect and honor for the Lord. We have a reverent fear of who He is, what He has done, what He is doing today, and what He will do in the future. His majesty is beyond any earthly kingdom, authority, and power. His holiness is beyond any earthy sanctuary. He is! He was! He is the Great I AM. In His hands is the gift of life. At His voice the heavens and earth declare His glorious name. He holds the stars in orbit, the sea from rushing the shore, and the mountains from falling down around us. He cares for the lilies of the field and the birds of the air. He knows each and everyone of us by name. He is the Great I AM and worthy of our fear and trembling.

This reverent fear, resulting from our faith in understanding the miraculous birth of Christ Jesus, is the beginning of knowledge. This is not the world’s view of college degrees, doctorates, and PhDs. This is the “wisdom and knowledge” of God. This is the beginning of understanding, in the smallest degrees, - God. It is the first fruit. It is the byproduct of the first step of faith – believing Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection.

Who, although being essentially equal with God and in the form of god, did not think this equality with God was something to be eagerly grasped, or held onto, but stripped Himself of all privileges and rightful dignity, so as to assume the guise of a servant, or slave, in that He became like men and was born a human being. And after He appeared in human form, He humbled Himself still further and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross!(Phil 2:6-8)

This small step of faith is just the beginning, the first fruit. As you let God into your life you begin to know more and more about Him. This knowledge will increase your love and reverence for Him. “Who am I that you, O God, are mindful” of a wretched man such as I?

In the beginning God…

In the beginning of life - there is death. In the beginning of the knowledge of God - is life. In the beginning of faith - is God. Take hold of Him. Learn of Him. Learn from Him, and grow in reverent fear of the Great I AM!

Am I a Samson?

2008-12-15T11:00:00.000-05:00

Teach us to number our days, that we may present to you a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (NASB)

The Sunday school lesson this past Sunday was on the story of Samson. How he was set apart by God, how he was to conduct his life, how God would use Samson to free the Israelites from their captives, the Philistines, and how Samson, though chosen, chose not to live his life in accordance with God’s instructions. After reading this story the question to myself was, “Am I a Samson?”

Over the past three weeks two colleagues have passed away, unexpectedly. And yet one colleague has been graciously spared of death twice in nine years. With each death I am reminded that I do not know the day of my death. I am not sure I want to know. I am also reminded that I serve a risen Savior. I am reminded that I have a hope and a future. I am reminded that I am a wretched man, a man of unclean lips, and that I am not worthy to even enter the presence of the KING. And yet, he offered me eternal life. How have I repaid that debt?

Am I a Samson? Am I doing what I want to do and calling on God in my times of need? How am I repaying my debt? Am I trampling over the grace that was given me? Am I reading the Bible and only consuming wisdom and not tasting the knowledge, the beauty, and the love that God has for me?

O Holy Fire of conviction let not my heart walk away from this lesson unchanged. Sear the gapping hole in my heart that bleeds through and weakens my strength for service to You, and burn within me a reminder that I am a child of grace, that my life is not my own. Create in me a child like heart of unconditional love whose only desire is to please You, my KING.

FEAR

2008-12-09T13:40:00.004-05:00

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Rom 12:21)

A common theme I keep hearing in the classroom is almost one of a lack of perseverance and a frustration with the cyclic struggle of good verses evil. “I try but immediately fail. I get discouraged. I want to do what is right, but I often fail. I am a failure.”

One of my favorite movies is “We Were Soldiers” staring Mel Gibson who portrays Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore. While I was doing my own internet based research on the movie I discovered this quote from an involved soldier named, Bill Beck who was a gunner Sergeant and one of two gun-teams that single handedly drove back the Viet Cong and prevented a devastating blow to the American Forces. He was quoted in a report saying, “Fear, real fear, hit me. Fear like I had never known before. Fear comes, and once you recognize it and accept it, it passes just as fast as it comes, and you don’t really think about it anymore. You just do what you have to do, but you learn the real meaning of fear and life and death.”

The first part of this statement is Fear. The innocence of birth is not born in fear. Fear is not known until there is a greater understanding or experience in ones young life. Simply stated, fear is a learned behavior. Why are people afraid of the dark? It could be from a nightmare, a perceived real event in the mind of a child; or a frightening movie or event; or stories heard from others. Why are people afraid of heights? It could be they have heard, seen, or read the effects of falling from such small or great heights.

Yet, we who are created in the image of God, “were not given a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Tim 1:7) We were given power to overcome fear, we were given love to override fear, and we were given the intelligence to recognize fear.

The second part is he tasted and recognized real fear. He recognized a fear so strong and real and yet never known to him before. A frightening awareness of his perilous surroundings; alone, out numbered, and far from friends or family. He tasted the loneliness of fear.

The third and important thing that I think all Christians should take to heart is, he didn’t “think about it anymore” and he just “did what he had to do” and he “learned” what fear was. He didn’t continue to wallow in self-pity and despair. He didn’t continue drinking from the bowels of fear. He didn’t feed his mind with continuous thoughts of death. Instead, he continued to “do what he had to do.” He moved on. He held his ground. He tightened his belt, dug deep into the trench, and he fought. He fought back against the real enemy. He fought back against the “real fear.” In the words of Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Tim 4:7) He didn't give up, he fought!

Just like Sergeant Bill Beck, Christians are in battles and skirmishes every minute, every hour of every day. Sgt. Beck didn’t get discouraged that one bullet strayed and missed it’s mark. Sgt. Beck didn’t weep and gnash his teeth in disbelief that once again the bullet did not befall the greatest of enemies. Instead, he hunkered down, aimed intently at the enemy and continued squeezing the trigger. His months of training overriding the core element of fear; which left unbridled will run rampant and destroy any good thoughts or trained efforts of success.

As soldiers in God’s army our mission is to “not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.” We are trained in the simplest of defensive and offensive battle tactics. “Study to show yourself approved unto God…rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim 2:15) We should study and know our battle plans, our enemy’s tactics, how to defend against attacks and how to confront the enemy head-on.

“We demolish arguments and every pretension (untruthful or dubious assertion) that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Cor 10:5) We destroy and throw away any thoughts that argue against the word of God; thoughts that deceive the Christian into thinking that the life led by the Spirit is difficult and full of pitfalls. We recognize those thoughts that desire we conform them to this world and we remove them before they take hold in our hearts. We “take them captive” and hand them over to God, the Chief guard, to take care of and toss to the deepest depths of the sea.

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Do not give the devil a foothold.” (Eph 4:22-24, 27) Do not give up. Do not give in. In the words of Lt. Col. Hal Moore, “there is always one more thing you can do to increase your odds of success.” Are you doing what you “just have to do?” Are you sitting in the school of learning offered by the Comforter and Teacher? (John 14:26) Are you applying what you have learned and have been taught? Or are you hiding in the trench in fear that you may not hit the enemy and you are doomed to death? Choose this day who you will fear; God above or fear itself?

Death Rags

2008-12-08T14:34:00.003-05:00

Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said. “But Lord, said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” (John 11: 38 – 43)

It seems strange to be reading the story of Lazarus several weeks before Christmas when the birth of Jesus Christ is the reason we celebrate this season every year. However, without His birth, there would not be a story of Lazarus, except for how he lived his life, died at an early age, and left a family behind. Yet, with the birth of Jesus we have this miraculous story of how this man Lazarus died, was buried for four days, and God raised him from the dead. A lot of preachers and Sunday school teachers tell how this story symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Yet I see something else in this story.

I see the love Jesus, who is God in human form on earth, has for all creation. He was deeply moved at the sorrow and grief experienced by the family and friends of Lazarus. He loves each and everyone of us with a love that only a father can have.

I see a Savior who has come to lead us out from a darkened world. A Savior whose love can free us from the bondage of drugs, sex, alcohol, pornography, filthy language, hatred, pain, sorrow, or whatever ugliness we have sold our souls to. A Savior whose power can roll away the stone of bondage, free the chains that bind us, the "rags of death" that constrain us, and the cloth that blinds us from seeing God's love for us. “For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death…in order that sin might be recognized as sin, it produced death in me.” (Rom 7:11-13)

Yet the story doesn’t end there. Jesus sent others in to free Lazarus. He allowed others the joy of seeing the restoration of God and smell the fragrant aroma of life. He allowed others to share in the wondrous feeling of seeing someone dead in sin, come alive, and to see that person as they discover they are a new creature, alive in the power of God through Jesus Christ. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.” (Rom 8:1-4)

Once alive and free Lazarus had the choice of living as one who is alive and free, or as one still bound to the chains of death; forever remembering the things in the tomb that caused his death, or forever remembering his life anew. “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it be so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.”

In remembrance of the Christ child, what life are you living? Are you still stuck in the tomb? Are you willing to step outside the tomb, reach for His hand and say. “Yes, I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and that God raised him from the dead”(Rom 10:9) Do you long to live outside the darkness? Do you long to feel the radiant presence of the King? Choose this day whom you believe and forever celebrate the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel; God with us.

Captive Heart

2008-11-29T10:20:00.012-05:00

Ezekiel 33:11
“As I live” declares the Lord God, “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live.”

I watched the History Channel last week while I was home sick. It had a documentary called Stalking Jihad. It told the tale of two American missionaries to the Philippine Island, Martin and Gracie Burnham, who were taken hostage by al Qaeda terrorist Abu Sayyaf on May 21, 2001, and the American government’s effort to locate and free them. The kidnapping took place months before the events of September 11, 2001. Once these events occurred, the pursuit of the terrorist holding the American hostages took a more fervent role.

The documentary focused on the efforts of the American government, but continued to relay the human struggle of captivity. Of all the captives taken that fateful night, only the missionaries remained unharmed. The other captives were raped, killed, or eventually released for ransom. The documentary showed the Burnham’s struggle for survival. I was awed by their faith, by the respect they had for the terrorist, by their willingness to share their food or care packages that found their way to their remote locations, by their continued prayers at night, and their continued trust in the Lord. My only thoughts were, could I be as faithful if I were placed in a similar situation?

Having read this passage in Ezekiel I now see a different side to this story of captivity. For over a year, God gave the terrorist, the wicked, a chance to “turn from his way and live.” The Burnham’s submission to captivity, their love in sharing, and their prayers in captivity, all were opportunities for the terrorist to turn from their wicked ways; to see the everlasting Light and Truth; and to know a loving God who cares for all of His creation.

It is easy to pray for someone who appears to be God fearing. But it goes against reason to pray for the wicked; to pray for anything but his demise. It goes against reason to pray for the bully, the child abuser, the murderer, or the person dabbling in witchcraft. Why waste “the fervent prayer of a righteous man” on such as these? They have chosen their path of life. They have seen the evidence of God in all creation and in their surroundings.

But according to God’s very own words, He takes “no pleasure in their death.” He is the Creator of all creation; heaven and earth; man and woman; birds of the air and beasts of the field. It all is His creation – the work of His very own hands. He loves it all!

Even a human artist loves his creation, his artwork, his music, or his poetry. As imperfect as the human artist is - he still loves and admires his creation. Nothing is more pleasing then to see others admire his handiwork, or see the joy on their face as they understand the depth of love that went into each creation.

Yet God’s love is perfect. God’s creation is perfect. God’s pleasure is perfect. God’s sorrow is perfect. God “takes no pleasure, no delight, in the death of the wicked.” He desires that none should perish, no not one.

We believers, saved by this same God, need to truly understand God’s heart here. He loves the wicked as much as the righteous. He loves the murderer as much as the redeemed. He loves the drunk, the child abuser, the selfish, those lost in a false religion just as much as you and I.

How dare we not pray for them! How dare we keep God’s love and not share it with them! How dare we remain silent about the greatest gift of all - LIFE over eternal, never ending, tormented death!

O Heavenly Father, I am continually awe struck by the depth of Your wisdom and love; and the understanding of my wretchedness. Precious Savior and Lord, write these words on my heart, my head, my hands, my feet, and my lips. May all my thoughts and actions reflect these written words. That You “take no pleasure in the death of the wicked", but rather "they turn from their way and live.” For I once was lost, but have been found, You saved a wretch like me. Open my eyes to see Your love for the wicked. Open my ears to hear the cry of their heart for You, O God. Open my lips and speak loving words of salvation that draw them to You, my Savior and Lord.

(A brief video interview of Gracie Burnham http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3001437239292144492 )

Got love?

2008-11-19T09:36:00.010-05:00

I know a love that is so cold.
It harbors itself within the fold.
Thinking life is mighty fine;
With workings of the joyous kind.

Yet deep within the heart is collow
For this love is awfully shallow.
The err that brought me to my knees
Struggles to yield and joys to bring.

If this love is born of err
How can it grow ever fairer?
Twas grace that taught this heart of mine
It led me to this Savior divine.

O mighty Savior draw me near.
Let me see within the mirror
The wretched state of my affairs
How tainted and filthy I appear.

May my heart soon behold
The dark within that I’ve been sold.
Regardless of the gifts I bring
Forever ugly tis this being.

May the darkness ever behold
Never once to grow cold.
Remind me always of my shame
And grow my love for You - I claim.

Luke 7:47

Wrong Turn

2008-11-16T09:00:00.001-05:00

John 11:32-33 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.

I am not known for my navigating skills. Even with the best directions I will second guess them, make a wrong turn, turn to early, miss a turn, and invariably end up back tracking. Even with the new modern GPS technology I will still take a wrong turn. Nothing is more frustrating than having that little voice say, “Recalculating, turn left, then turn left, then turn left again” just to place me back on track and heading back in the right direction.

I find this same struggle true in my life and walk with Christ. I have made promises that I will honor God and seek His face in the morning, that I will pray more regularly, that I will not be selfish, angry, or even prideful. I will once again surrender to His Lordship and authority, allowing God control of my life, thoughts, and actions.

And yet, I have made a wrong turn once again. I did it even with the Bible; God’s written directions. Even with the Holy Spirit; my Guide, my Comforter, and my Teacher – those spoken and whispered words forever implanted into my inner being. I did it again.

And "when I saw the place where Jesus was and saw him, I fell at his feet," and wept. (John 11:32 –Mary’s name was replaced with “I”.)

There is nothing more deeply moving than seeing and knowing “the place where Jesus was.” Knowing the undeserved penalty He paid for my life. Knowing that, He died for me. Knowing that, God raised Him from the dead, for me. Knowing that, He sits at the right hand of God, interceding, pleading, providing, and protecting me. Knowing that, He holds back the mighty hand of spiritual wickedness that yearns to be loosed upon this earth. Knowing that, He waits at every corner and every turn; every hill and valley; every pit and alley just so I may seem Him and realign my direction and steer towards the mighty hand of love, grace, freedom, wisdom, and strength. O what a wretched man I am that I can’t even stay the course.

O, Precious Father, my heart weeps upon seeing you. My heart has tasted the depth of Your love. My lips have sampled Your bread of life and spring of living water. And I am saddened once again at my wanderings and miss direction. I am humbled and fall once again at your feet. O Father, it is You I want guiding me. It is You that I want directing my path. It is Your light that I need to see. It is You who should be driving and not me. Precious Father, take control.

Naked

2008-11-14T11:53:00.004-05:00

This past week I have been in awe at the beautiful colors of fall; subdued red with a hint of purple, bright orange, and vibrant yellow. All contrasted against green, brown, black, and grey backgrounds. When a tree is green the evidence of the intricate branches beneath are easily hidden. Yet as the leaves change colors the contrasted dark branch is vividly seen against such a canvas of beautiful colors.

This morning I watched this beautiful golden yellow tree at the entrance to our subdivision loose a golden leaf. I then noticed the entire floor area beneath the tree was completely carpeted with these golden gems. The green ground beneath was unnoticed by the mound of yellow that blanketed it. As the gentle morning breeze crept in, the tree began to sing softly as another, and another, and yet another leaf was removed from its branch; its own shedding of tears at the loss of its beauty. My heart was saddened at such a thing of beauty being stripped of her royal colors and her nakedness exposed to all who passed by.

O, but one day, she will be a thing of beauty. She will be a tree that gives endless life. She will bear fruit in every season. She will be the shade at the right hand of God. She will adorn the streets of heaven and her beauty will evidence the power and majesty of God. Her leaves will sing praises in the wind and will magnify the radiance of God himself. Her roots will bury deep next to the water of life, flowing down from the very throne of God. She will be renewed; a creation of beauty, a creation of glory and whose lips will never cease praising God, “Holy Holy Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who is, who was, and who is to come. Who reigns forever, and ever, Amen.”

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for the murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”(Rev 21:1-8)

Darkness

2008-11-13T23:31:00.002-05:00

The dark clouds are in the sky once again. Their dominating presence holding back the bright warmth and dawning of a new day. Their pockets carrying cold rain, bitter blistery wind, and booming thunder. It is cold. It is wet. It is frightful.

Tear drops of rain begin to fall against the grey back drop, rushing downward and spilling across a dry, parched ground. Rain drops whose rhythmic drumming awake the sleepy, send the tired into deep slumber, and cause the timid to hide in fright. The darkness seeps into the house, creeping into the open windows, crawling under the door, boldly entering in from the skylight above. It invades a home. O that the night will come quickly so the darkness will be chased away by the radiance of the light; artificial light that fades in the morning. Artificial light whose power is limited by its source. Artificial light whose brightness dims with each passing moment.

But you, O Lord, keep my lamp burning. You, my God, turn my darkness into light (Psa 18:28). You descend from the heavens. You hold back the clouds. You restrain the falling rain. You hold back the night. Your radiant love is mighty and powerful. It burns as bright as day. It is as a mighty flame. No one can extinguish it and it can not be hidden. It is for all the world to see. O Lord, Your love has no limit and knows no bounds.

It reaches to the bottom of the deepest well. It penetrates the darkest forest. It climbs the highest mountain and swoops among the lowest valleys. It quietly seeps through the tiniest of crevices, and under the door of the darkest heart. It gives sight to the blind and warmth to the weary traveler. My God is mighty to save. My God turns my darkness into light. My God lives and reigns forever. He will never leave me nor forsake me.

He will turn my darkness into light. He will cause me to see and know the things of heaven. He will restore my spirit. He will refresh my soul. He will pick me up when I have fallen. He will gently lift me from the deepest pit. He will bandage my wounds and love my broken heart. He will quench my thirst and He will feed my hunger. My God is…the Lord, and there is no other. “He” forms the light and creates darkness, “He” brings prosperity and creates disaster. “He” is the Lord, who does all these things. (Isaiah 45:6-7)

The River

2008-11-01T12:39:00.004-04:00

Nothing seems as pleasant and peaceful as camping in a secluded spot next to a rolling stream or river. Ears are cleansed of the city noise and all your senses come alive in the beauty of your surroundings. Ears hear the lullaby music of the night owls and the early morning serenades of the birds perched on the tree tops. Eyes witness the clear night sky, the twinkling stars overhead, and witness the graceful stroll of a deer, or a hawk in flight. O what beauty surrounds us! Tall stoic trees, young budding flowers, and streams full of life. Sunsets whose colors of bright orange fill the sky with beauty on the horizon. Sunrises whose golden yellow glow evidence a new day.

But what is the source of the river? Where does it come from? What keeps it full and flowing? Without this water, the landscape is dry and barren. The life of all that depends on it - is gone. Beauty is replaced by ugliness. Existence is marked with difficulty and struggles; decisions of existence are either life or death. Only seasons of green exist as the area is blessed with a down pouring of rain. It is obvious that all of life is dependent on the source of water.

For everyone who confesses Jesus is Lord, and believes in their hearts that God has raised Him from the dead, living water resides in them. They have the “river of the water of life” flowing in them. It is the source of peace, it is the source of life, and it is the source of eternity. Never fading, but ever flowing. It satisfies. It cleans and cleanses. It washes away the dusty travels of this world. It satisfies your thirsty soul. It produces food for your spirit. It springs forth and overflows in abundance and is shared with others. Shared plates of love, shared buckets of tears, shared moments of learning, shared lifetimes of mentoring, shared words of prayer, and shared moments of faith. O may the flow of living water continue in each and every one of us.

“Son of man, do you see this? Where the water flows, the water there becomes fresh. Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows, where the river flows everything will live. Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” (Ezekiel 47:8-12 – italics are my words)

O, are you keeping this water to yourself? Are you damming it up with the excess baggage of guilt, unforgiveness, selfishness, gluttony, or self control? Are you holding onto salts of sorrow? Are you keeping the living fruit to yourself? Or are you sharing this fruit with others? Are you helping to heal broken hearts or lives? What are you doing with this source of eternal life and love? “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her. “(Psalm 46:4-5)

O, Heavenly Father, living water and life, I am reminded of your words, “Those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of your wing.” Come and satisfy this thirsty soul. Come and give your bread of life. Come and produce in me, springs of living water; water of love to share with others. Come and remove the baggage that keeps Your free flowing water from ebbing from me. May your water abound. May it overflow. May it create a fruit worthy of sharing. May it abound in faithfulness. May it be as clear as crystal; pure and flowing from the throne of God. Not my will, but thine O Lord – flow through me Your love for all the world to see.

Vine of Love

2008-10-30T23:10:00.002-04:00

Vine of Love – pure and true
I long to rest in strength from you.
The night is cold and full of fright
I cling to you til morning light.

The morning dawns and shines above.
It fills this branch with warmth and love.
Each ray is filled with warmth so sweet
It seems so easy to rest at Your feet.

Cling to me so I can see
The love you have that sets me free.
Free to sway in the wind
I twist and turn and sometimes bend.

The wind so breezy and so light
It never stirs a sense of fright.
A strange, yet, natural movement it seems
But one that God has gifted me.

A storm has come, its over-head.
The thing I feared and often dread.
Draw me close, that I might see
What you have in store for me.

My eyes are blinded. I cannot see.
I fear my branch might soon break free.
If only I can hold on fast
To the Vine that held me last.

Bring me close. Please hold me tight.
I pray the storm is just one night.
The rain has gone, the wind has come
I hunker down for another one.

The lightening flashes across the sky
It makes me tremble, I start to cry.
The thunder crashes from up above
It covers the whisper of God’s love.

The tears they sting and cause me pain.
I alone have nothing to gain.
In your strength and love I'm secure.
You are close and love me dear.

Vine of Love - I call to you.
Vine of Love - I cling to you.
Vine of Love - Draw me near.
Whisper again so I might hear.

Vine of Love – It’s you I hear.
Vine of Love – I feel you near.
Vine of Love – Help me see
That what’s been done was good for me.

John 15:5

Fall

2008-10-23T09:29:00.000-04:00

The temperature has dropped, the wind has picked up, and the dark morning clouds have rolled in. Fall is here. Fall always seems to bring in new sunrises. Bright pink, soft red, vibrant orange and soft yellow, all hidden behind varying shapes and shades of dark foreboding clouds that seem to hover on the horizon in an attempt to hold back the new day. Yet never daunted by the clouds, the sun rises. It marches forward, pressing against the clouds. Bright pinks begin to line the outer lining of the dark clouds, as if caressing and teasing the clouds; encouraging them to roll on by so that the full radiance of the sun may be seen and felt against the cold damp morning. The dominating orange and soft yellow begin to press forward, marching onward, undaunted by the looming clouds and bursting forth as one of royalty. It reaches past the clouds, gracefully gliding to the highest point above, and dancing between the wisps of the small thin white clouds. Yet, it never rests. It will continue its march of royalty as it continues onward until it reaches the next horizon where it will seem to rest once more. While out of sight, it never sleeps or slumbers. While out of sight, it never fails or falters. While out of sight, its beauty and radiance never fades. While out of sight, it continues the never ending journey.

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned; (Rom 5:12) For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. (Rom 8:18-19,21-23)

Cries In The Night

2008-10-18T23:27:00.002-04:00

John 6:35, 58
Jesus declared, I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever.

When my son was a newborn baby I spent many hours awake in the middle of the night caring for him. I knew he was a gift from God, because of the difficulty I had in becoming pregnant. The circumstances surrounding my pregnancy evidenced God’s hand in the event. As if I needed more confirmation, after becoming pregnant God spoke to my daughter, who was five at the time, before our first sonogram and told her she was going to have a baby brother.

After he was born and brought home, I recall many long nights and days of sheer exhaustion. Of holding this tiny crying bundle for hours into the night, rocking him, and singing softly to him. I recall when his cries would subside that my own were now echoing in the night. “O Father, I have had enough. I can’t do this anymore. O Father, please help me. You gave this child to me. You know that I am exhausted and I need some sleep before work. Please Lord, Please. Comfort this little gift and allow me to rest.” The nights that I cried out to God, He answered. He gave “rest to the weary and strength for the new day.”

Six years later I took my first overseas mission trip. The days and nights were long. The work was exhausting, but rewarding. Having had this past experience of physical exhaustion with my son, I called again on God the Father to provide “rest for the weary and strength for the new day.” As faithful as ever, He provided.

Three months later I struggle with staying up past the chores and doing my Bible study, or getting up early and having my quiet time with God. I know that I need this time with Him. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry.” My soul is hungry and thirsty for you O God. Come and feed this hungry soul. Come and feed this weary body. Come. Feed me once again, for I need You.

O taste and see that the Lord is good. Give Him the opportunity to prove He will provide. He does give good gifts. He knows our needs. He will fulfill His promise. He will complete His plan and purpose for your life. O taste Him. He is the bread of life. Taste Him. Let Him satisfy your hunger. Taste Him, He is good. He will strengthen your faith. He will love you. He will be Your shelter, your place of rest. He is faithful and true. He is the bread of life. Feed on Him and be filled. Feed on Him and be satisfied. Feed on Him and live a life separate and set apart from the world. Feed on Him and discover He is real. O taste and see the Lord is good. He is the bread of life…forever.

Seed of Love

2008-10-17T09:00:00.001-04:00

While driving home tonight I was blessed with one on one time with my ten year old daughter. She talked about her school day, her friends, her likes and dislikes, and other girlie things. She talked about growing up and wanting a horse. She talked about singing and a singing competition and who she would like to sing with this year. Then the conversation lead to difficult people and how others can “stand being around them.” Not to be confused with “cannot” stand being around them.

My reply started with the verse in Romans 5:4-5, “…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.” God will plant a seed of love in your heart and He will grow it to the point where you can love others. You can love the unlovely, the friendless, the mean, the selfish, the hurting, and those that are difficult to be around. Yet you will still have enough love left over for those you truly love. God’s love is everlasting, it is faithful, it is true, and it is pure.

She said, “Yeah I think that God has given me a love for horses.”

I told her that is where this “seed of love” begins. God gives you a small seed of love. He waters it, cultivates it, and begins to create in you a love that is more than it once was. Through the caring, nurturing, and giving of that love God will branch it out to others. Pretty soon, you will have a love so deep, so wide, so high, and so long, you will not be able to contain all the love that “God has poured into your heart.” It will grow to a size you never imagined and it will accomplish things never thought of. You will discover a love and a passion for things once feared or forgotten. You will discover a love that will stand firm in the face of persecution; that will bring boldness to your determination of faith; it will cause you to forget the things of the past and press on towards the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus. You will accomplish simple tasks with joy, you will accomplish difficult tasks with determination, you will accomplish God’s purpose for your life, because His sacrificial, undeserving love has been poured into your heart and it compels every action, every breath, and every step you take.

Matthew 13:32 says, “It is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches.” Are you allowing God to water the “seed of love” in your heart so that He can use you for His utmost glory?

Heavenly Father, may we fall on our faces before Your endless love. Cause us to look deep into our heart at the “seed of love” You have placed in us. Lord, open our hearts to your nurture, care, and love so that You may grow in us a “mustard seed” of love for others to perch on. May this “seed of love” persevere through the heartaches and difficulties of life. May it deepen its roots and take hold of the everlasting living water that sustains us in the storms and deserts of life. May every stretch of our branches remind us that it is You growing inside of us and You who loves others through us with such compassionate determination and faith. To God be the glory for great things He has done.

Peek-A-Boo

2008-10-16T10:09:00.002-04:00

2 Corinthians 3:16 -18
But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

While working in the baby nursery I watched as another worker played peek-a-boo with a small baby. Using a light weight baby blanket, she would gently cover the face of the child, slowly draw the blanket down his face, then smile real big and say, “peek-a-boo.” The baby would wiggle and smile and the worker would do it again. Yet, play this game with an older child, or a toddler and they can pull the blanket off themselves. The older child will continue placing the blanket over their face, because this is a familiar game; one that brings such sweet rewards of a smile, a laugh, a giggle, a hug, or a word of affirmation. O the joys of childhood.

We live in a world that continually teases us. Like the blanket placed over our face in a game of peek-a-boo, the world entices us with God’s beauty and creation of man. It lures us into a love relationship outside of marriage. It teases us with the profits that only money can buy; a bigger home, a boat, a trailer, a fancy car, or whatever appeals to our eyes or inward passion. It plays with our pride as we look in the mirror, or get a big promotion, or score a winning field goal or touchdown. It enjoys playing with our emotions - be happy with money, with alcohol, with television, with ungodly music, with drugs, with people, or with whatever hobby that brings us joy. These things are dangled in our face everyday, as if to say, “Come. Play with me. I am better than church. I am better than that dusty old Bible over there. I am better than those old fashioned hymns. I don’t hurt your knees or waste your time like praying does. I can offer you pleasure – now, in this moment. Come. Play with me. Peek-a-boo, here I am.”

Like the nursery worker who pulls the blanket off, God has given His Holy Spirit to those who have turned to Him, confessed that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Jesus from the dead. We are given the Holy Spirit. We are offered this freedom from the “blankets” of this world. We are given a Spirit of freedom that brings joy, peace, and hope. The “blankets” of this world are removed once Jesus Christ is revealed to us. We are given the opportunity to turn to Him, smile, and say, “Yes Lord, I believe. Yes Lord, you are the one for me. Yes Lord, take me, I am Yours.”

Will the blankets ever return? I say they will. They will come back in abundance. They will tease and taunt you your entire life. But the Holy Spirit, this freedom, if allowed, will remove these blankets, these distractions, and cause you to reflect the Lord’s glory. This Spirit of freedom will transform your thoughts, your words, your heart, your eyes, and your hunger for the things of this world. He will please you with the things of Heaven, the things that delight God Himself, and the things that will last through all eternity. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Come. Play peek-a-boo with the heavenly hosts. Allow God to transform your life and restore in you a childlike pleasure of pleasing your Heavenly Father.

Anniversary of Love

2008-10-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

Song of Solomon 8:6
"Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal over your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like a blazing fire, like a mighty flame."

There is a great void in the heart of one who has lost a loved one. “Many waters cannot quench love, rivers cannot wash it away” (Song 8:7), but it would seem as though the tears that are shed could fill many waters and rivers by themselves.

The expanse of this void is great. It would seem that at every turn the empty darkness is there; through memories, through certain smells, through familiar activities. It is there through family members, through friends, and co-workers.

The pain that is felt is deep. It is felt to the very core of your being. At times it would seem that your grief could cover you in a dark abyss with no hope of getting out.

Beloved child of God, there is hope. For, “Everything written in the past was written to teach us, so that we might have hope through endurance and encouragement of the scriptures.” (Rom 15:4) What a wonderful Heavenly Father we have. He wrote to us before this moment in our life. He tucked the notes away and placed them where we would find them; notes of love, hope, and strength.

In the darkened sorrow of our grief God’s love is ever present. As we blink through our tears, God’s love is seen in the distance. God’s love burns for His creation that is tormented in the pain of despair and loneliness. God’s love burns bright for His child through the outpouring expressions of others.

God’s flame of love grows bright; it becomes a mighty flame of warmth and love as the Heavenly Father kneels down and wraps His arms around His grieving child and whispers, “Hush child. Rest my child, be still, and let me hold you in the stillness of this moment. You are precious in my sight. You are my pride and joy. Rest my love. For there is no greater love than My love. Rest my child, I know your pain. The love you have known is great, but My love for you is greater, it is an everlasting love and I will never leave you. (Jer 31:3) It is in these moments that I would have you know the depth and breadth, and height and width of My love.”

“For My love burns bright, it is a mighty flame. No matter how dark and deep your pain, My love will shine through the darkness. It will erase all the shadows of grief; it will remove the storm clouds of fear. Its warmth penetrates the very core of your being and into the sunken heart of despair. My love is greater than death itself, for no grave can hold back the love that I have for you.”

“Grieve no more my child, for I am here. I will never leave you nor forsake you. Though My thoughts are not your thoughts, I have a plan and a purpose for your life and a reason for your grief. (Isa 55:9-10) Rest my child, for in the morning your strength will be renewed. Rest, I am here."

Father in heaven, help me to see the light of your love in this darkness of pain. Grant me the willingness to remain out of this despair and rest in You, for you are my strength. Awaken me each day with the whispers of your love and the warmth of resting in You. You are my hope, my joy, and my peace. Rain down the radiance of your love and fill me inside and out with Your presence. Carry me Lord, for the load of this pain is too heavy for me to bear. Carry me, for I cannot see through my rivers of tears. You, Lord, are my Rock and my Redeemer, my God in whom I trust.

The Perfect Gift

2008-10-13T17:00:00.000-04:00

James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights; with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

I recall one of many visits to my grandmother-in-laws southern home; sitting on the rocking chair front porch with my in-laws after a family meal. The conversations would sometimes last for hours. They would begin while there was still some daylight, but would end near dark.

This verse causes me to reflect on those shadows that form as the sun fades and how they continually move until they disappear all together. They are never still. Think about it a moment.

This verse says, “the Father of lights; with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” God does not change. He is faithful. He is consistent. He is dependable. He is reliable. He is Holy. He is the same as He was yesterday. He is the same today and will be the same tomorrow. His words written two thousand years ago are just as reliable, dependable, and valid today as they were back then. What He promised is still true today. “For everything that was written in the past, was written to teach us, so that through the endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, you might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)

Unlike the shifting and continually changing of the shadows, God’s promises are promises you can depend on. The prophecies written and unfulfilled you can trust they will be fulfilled. His words of love, encouragement, strength, patience, gentleness, and kindness are available today and tomorrow and forever; “with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” He will not change.

It is His desire; He longs to give you, every good and every perfect gift. He desires to show you that He is real. He longs to express His love for His creation; “for we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works (Eph 3:20).” He wants you to know Him. He longs to reveal Himself to you.

Do you know him? Do you desire to know this God who “gives every good and every perfect gift?” Romans 10:9-10 says, “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord;’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Simply pray this scripture to God and confess Jesus as Lord of your life. Discover God – with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Discover His strength. Discover His love. Discover His passion for His creation – you and me. Discover a purpose for life. Allow God to infiltrate your heart and show you that He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will be with you always, even to the ends of the earth. His love is deep. His love is wide. He longs for you and He loves you.

Awake in me…

2008-10-02T08:31:00.001-04:00

Song of Solomon 5:2
I slept but my heart was awake.

No more needs to be said to the sleepy heart. Wake up! Wake up and hear the voice of the Savior. Wake up, and come into His presence. Wake up, and see it is He that brings what you need. Wake up! Call to Him in the dark, in your moments of despair and loneliness. Wake up! Tell the world of His saving grace. O sleepy heart and lazy body, wake up!! Spend those precious moments with the King. Wake up, and be refreshed in the morning. Wake up!

Heavenly Father, though my heart is awake and listening to you, my sleepy body longs to be in your intimate presence. Precious Father, cleanse me of the dirt and mud that clings to me and weighs me down. Remove the clods of pride, gluttony, selfishness, and laziness that have found a finger hold on me. Open the water falls of heaven and bathe me in your refreshing rain of forgiveness. Wash me clean and fill me with your bread of life. Quench my thirsty soul with your living water. Fill my dark heart with your love so bright; a flame so warm that all the world may know You. Fill me to overflowing so that I may carry Your love, Your light, wherever I go.

Petals of Love

2008-09-21T08:43:00.002-04:00

The smallest flower, so feeble and hidden among the greater flowers of the garden, was often overlooked by the passerby. Daily it would gleam the nourishing rain from off the other flowers. It would stretch to reach the warmth of the sun from between the greater giants of the field never once knowing the loving protection the giant’s presence provided.

Slowly and reservedly this little flower grew. Its color and beauty too dull to be noticed among the other bright vibrant flowers, but it was there. Ever growing, ever stretching, and ever reaching. Reaching for a place in the garden where it solely received a clear path of rain and sun. It’s smallness ever present in its outward appearance. As small and unlovely as the flower seemed this never deterred the flowers desire to receive the fullness of the unobstructive radiance of the sun, the clear freshness of a summer rain ,or the early morning dew.

The life long struggle of this flower produced an inner strength and beauty. Though never picked for display by the gardener it served as a tower of strength and encouragement for the other newly found buds. The buds who struggled in the darkest of places, those left in the shadow of others, and those who seemed unlovely.

The older flower would whisper words of encouragement and strength. It would capture the harsh beating rain and shelter the newer buds from its onslaught. It would gingerly drip the freshness of the rain on them so as not to overwhelm their weaken structure. The older flower would cover them from the harsh rays of the sun, yet allow the blessed beams of light to penetrate and rest upon the strongest parts of their limbs. The older flower would shield the younger bud from the strong and mighty winds; protecting it.

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness. (Jeremiah 31.3) Thank you Lord for allowing me the privilege of growing in Your garden, of learning to look for and desire the fullness of Your love. Lord, may I always be what you would have me to be; one full of love and tenderness. One full of strength and inner beauty. One who knows the mighty gifts You have granted. May I always be willing to share your love with those around me. May Your tender mercies forever fertilize the life in which I live that I may grow and be worthy for use by You and for You. You are my rock and my fortress; my God in whom I trust.

JUNK

2008-09-13T10:05:00.003-04:00

Ezekiel 16:4-14
On the day you were born…no one looked on you with pity, or had compassion for you. Rather, you were thrown out into the open field, for on the day you were born you were despised. Then I saw you…and said to you, “Live!” I made you grow…you grew up and developed and became the most beautiful of jewels. Later I passed by…and saw you were old enough to love…and you became mine. You became very beautiful…because the splendor I had given you made your beauty perfect, declares the Sovereign Lord.

Hurricane Ike is pushing its way through Houston, Texas and on towards Dallas, Texas. Reports are already coming in of people stranded, tossed, battered, beaten, and tormented by the effects of the storm. Pleas for help are being reported to every 911 center in the area. For some, rescue is immediate, but for others it will be many more hours before rescue teams can enter the ravaged areas.

As I watch and listen to these reports, I am reminded of the day my Heavenly Father rescued me. When I was born, “the Father of this world” despised me. There was no compassion or love in his heart. There was only hatred and contempt. So he tossed me aside. He left me - alone. He left me to fend for myself.

As the King of Heaven and Earth traveled by, He saw me. He stopped, reached down and picked me up. Holding me in His arms He breathed His breath of life into me and said, “Live!” Everyday He watched and whispered words of encouragement and love. He “made me grow.” And when I was old enough to understand all that He had done for me, I was “old enough to love,” and He “took me” for Himself.

I became beautiful because of the splendor and majesty He has lavished on me. I have been made beautiful and perfect in His sight, in His timing, and with His provision of beauty and grace. When I was naked and alone, He clothed me. When I was tired and weak, He lifted me, carried me, and encouraged me onward. When I became dirty from my daily travels, He washed and cleansed me; making me beautiful once again. I became beautiful, because of – Him.

O Father, Savior, and King, I am overwhelmed with the selfless love you have shown toward me. Despised by this world - you have loved me for all eternity. A wretched lump of life, yet beautiful and perfected by Your Might. You have fed me at your banqueting table, clothed me with your righteousness, and adorned me with jewels of trials and temptations, and pearls of patience. I am “very beautiful” because of Your splendor, love, and care. Sovereign Lord, I am full. I am in love with You. I am Yours. Use me…

Here is a video on GodTube that is similar... http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5&msg=Your%20email%20has%20been%20successfully%20sent%20to%20your%20friend.

Your Grace Still Amazes Me

2008-09-08T08:57:00.002-04:00

James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

I have been stuck, and struck, by the fact that God's goodness is "poured out" on the righteous and the unrighteous, the deserving and the undeserving, the saved and the unsaved. Regardless of our relationship with Him, He continually shows His Love and His desire to meet the very needs of His creation. Remember He takes care of the lilies of the field and the sparrows?

In Matthew 7:11 Jesus said," If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" Wait, this verse says the Father doesn't want to stop at just giving you what you need. He wants to give you more. He longs to give you more. He wants you to take Him. He wants you to take His love, His compassion, His passion, His goodness, His mercy, His joy, His peace, and most importantly His Holy Spirit, who will teach you and remind you of all things that He has said.

He wants to give you hope, peace, joy, and a passion for His creation. He longs to fill your heart with His love; a love that overflows and meets the need of a neighbor, hugs the crying mom, prays with the wounded wife, the struggling daughter, the confused and searching teenager. God wants to give you "good things" that further show the world who HE is and what purpose there is to life. Do you know God's love? Do you ask Him to pour more of Him into your life? Do you know the purpose and plan God has for your life?

The King James Version describes God so well, "with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." It has been His desire since the beginning, and that desire is the same today, tomorrow, and into the future. His desire and love for His creation has not changed. Unlike the shadows of the day that disappear at night and continually move, shift, and change throughout the day, God does not. His desire is the same. His longing is the same. His love is the same.

This song says it so well... “Your grace, still amazes me. Your love, still amazes me. Each day, I fall on my knees, cause your grace still amazes me….It’s deeper, it’s wider, it’s stronger, it’s higher…than anything my eyes can see….your grace, still amazes me.

God Tube link to Your Grace Still Amazes Me.
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=18aa4cdc6af1ba8f213b

God Loves You (The Artist)

2008-09-07T09:00:00.000-04:00

I John 4:4
Ye are of God little children and have overcome them. Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

As the artist, seamstress, musician, or craftsman you lovingly stitched together your piece of handiwork. You formed it in your mind, you thought of every angle and corner. You created it. To you it breathes and has a special personality. You may even think it speaks of your love and creativity. You know it’s every intimate detail. You know what makes it flash, what brings out it’s brilliant color, what makes it hum so beautifully. No matter who uses it, touches it, plays with it, or just admires it – it is your creation and you love it!

God has the same thoughts toward you. You are thought of, created and loved. He knows every detail about you. Your mere presence on earth speaks volumes of His love and his creativity. You are his pride and joy, the workmanship of his very own hands (Eph 2:10). He cares for you and about every detail and aspect of your life. He hurts when you hurt. He cries when you cry. He laughs when you laugh and he rejoices in the new life you have found in Him.

God Created You, God Knows You, God Loves You, God Made You Part of His Family.

Eyes of Love

2008-09-05T09:00:00.001-04:00

“Through the eyes of a child” the world is so different, so large; full of wonder, joy, and love. These eyes of love share their thoughtless surrender, their faith and trust in their teacher; their friend, their extended family. These eyes of love long to share and long to please. They are filled with such pride in their accomplishments, not knowing that the love of their teacher has grown their confidence and their knowledge. These eyes of love beam with joy and delight as they learn a letter, a number, and soon a word.

These eyes of love long to please. They listen, they absorb, and they repeat what they have learned. They sing songs of learning, and they sing songs learned for school concerts or plays. The melody is so sweet that one can only imagine that this precious child has halted the praises of heaven “For their angels in Heaven have come before the Father” and beckoned Him to listen; listen to the child through whom he has ordained praise. (Matt 18:10, 21:16) Listen to the melody, listen to the song of his heart, and listen to this child so sweet.

Through love, the teacher has guided this tender heart to understanding and has directed this precious gift towards the pathway of life. For “Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.” (Psalm 119:34)

(Written for my son's Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Streib Dec 2006)

Hungry?

2008-09-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

Psalm 34:8
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him.

After twelve hours of walking and touring the streets of Budapest, Hungary, the group collapsed into seats on a nearby bus, then stumbled to a train, and onto another bus before a short walk back to the Panzio (hotel). We were exhausted. We had been on foot and in buses, trolley cars, and boats. What a whirlwind experience. Our bodies were tired and we were thirsty. We all huddled around the hotel desk, jockeying for a position at the cooler and a chance to grab a nice cold drink. With smiles on our faces and less money in our pockets, we stumbled to our rooms, opened our cold water and took a large gulp. Yuk! This water has gas! also known as bubbles. Everyone had grabbed a carbonated water instead of the non carbonated water. It reminded me of Alka Seltzer tablets; a very unpleasant taste and not satisfying at all! Lucky for our room, someone had brought some good water from our previous place of residence. We all shared in the pleasure and refreshment before falling into bed.

I am reminded of how we eagerly look for and seek the “good things” in life, and yet we are not satisfied. We want that new car, but it doesn’t satisfy the inner craving of love within our hearts. We want a new house, but it doesn’t satisfy the inner searching for eternity deep within our hearts. We want a child, but it doesn’t satisfy the loneliness we feel. We want more money, but it doesn’t buy happiness. We want a larger TV, and dish network with 150 channels, but it doesn’t satisfy the deepest cravings of knowledge of who our creator is.

If we could only taste God! We would be satisfied with His love and with the future He holds for each one of us. If we could only taste Him, we would not feel lonely, we would discover true happiness, and we would discover the wisdom and knowledge of God. If only our eyes could see, our ears could hear, and our hearts could love. We would be satisfied. For blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. He would fill our every need. He longs to give us “good gifts.” He stands at the door to our heart and knocks. Do you hear him? Are you lost in the distractions of this world? Are you hungry for an inner peace? Do you desire a hope and a future? Do you long to know your purpose in life?

Taste Him! He is good. He is the bread of life, anyone who comes to Him will no longer hunger for the things this world offers, but will desire the eternal hope and glory of a future with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Taste Him! He is good. He longs to call you His own. He loves you beyond measure. God is near. He is merely a breath away. Simply believe and confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and that God raised him from the dead, and you will be saved for all eternity. For it is with your heart that you believe and are blameless, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Taste Him! He will satisfy your most intimate desires and needs. You will find peace in turmoil. You will find joy in your sorrows and unhappiness. You will find rest when you are weary. You will find strength when you feel you can’t go on. You will discover that you are not alone, and that you have a bigger family than you ever imagined; others who have tasted, confessed, and believed.

Will you be perfect? Will all your problems magically disappear? No, but you will have someone who will walk with you, share with you, and care for you. He will enable you to persevere, endure, and struggle through them all. You will be satisfied. And you will discover a true, everlasting, Friend, who will never leave you or abandon you, no matter what.

Taste Him! He is good. Taste Him and you will not be satisfied with anything or anyone else. He is good and will bless your life now and forever. Taste and see. He waits - just for you.

Yes Lord

2008-09-03T09:00:00.002-04:00

Matthew 10:16, 31
I am sending you like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Our Heavenly Father, with a love so deep, has asked for us to do His will, His bidding. He has asked us to go and represent His Kingdom and call all believers and non believers to Him. He has asked that we school and disciple others in prayer and “follow-ship.” He even warns us that others will not receive us as friends. We tread on hostile ground and are aliens in this land. We are to be on guard against the attacks of the enemy.

Regardless of where we are to go or what we are to do, God, our Heavenly Father who loved us first, has asked us (me) to carry forth a message to others. I am, we are, His Ambassador. The depth of our love for Him should cause us to answer, “Yes, Lord, as you wish.”

Knowing in the recess of our heart that our love is so great that we are eternally grateful for Christ’s dieing love. The love that is within us should be so pure and selfless that we would climb any mountain, scale any wall, or travel through any desert to deliver and personally share God’s love to, for, and with others.

Our actions are not done out of the “heartless duty” of “because He said so.” Our actions and response to the Master’s request should be done by the overflow of the love that Christ has poured into our hearts. The One who made us, loves us. The One who made us, cares for us. The One who made us, cries with us. The One who made us, rejoices with us. The One who made us, watches over us.

We love Him because He first loved us. His love follows our wayward footsteps. His love shelters us during the storms of our life. His love carries our cross of guilt and shame. His love “did not consider equality with God something to be held onto, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, and made in the likeness of man” (Phil 2:5) He came to earth, bled, died, and rose again for us, so that our filthy rags of sin and shame could be made white as snow. That we may receive the blessings of being called heirs with Christ Jesus, so that we will willingly, selflessly, and obediently do as His Perfect Will asks of us.

He desires to fill us at His banqueting table. He desires that we love others through the outpouring of the expression of God’s great love for us. To set the captives free, to bind up, support, and love the broken hearted, and to bring others this same blessed union of faith and co-heirs with us in Christ Jesus.

Is the works of our flesh born out of duty, or are we marching forward in this fight of faith out of the love we have for our Risen Savior? Are we yielding to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to teach us all things? Are we letting Him open wide our hearts and pour out God’s great love into us? Are we running from Him or are we sitting patiently in the shadow of the Almighty as He schools us in prayer? Are we allowing Christ to work His good work within us? Are we fleeing from the fiery furnace where God alone is crafting us to be a special messenger of faith, love, and courage? Are we enduring this fight of faith in patience, perseverance, and hope?

What are we living for? Are we living for ourselves and the glory of the prizes for which this earth has to offer? Or are we living for Our Heavenly Father, whose Glory will never rust nor moths can destroy? Are we living for and striving for the blessed union with Our King? Are we gladly, willingly, and out of the overflow of His love for us, loving, serving, following, and yielding to the Master’s call?

Father in heaven, may Your love be forever burned into my heart as one who claims the ownership, authority, and rights of all my being. May my heart ache in unison with Yours. May my feet tread the paths that you would have me to go. May your love carry me through the desert, the storms, the mountains, and the valleys with tireless abandonment of love, because it is You who loves me so. May my voice never cease or waver to claim Your endless love. May my resolve be as bold as a lion as I march forward into the hands of the enemy. May my soul be forever comforted, strengthened in knowledge, faith, and in the hope of the glory of Christ Jesus. May all I do, be in remembrance of You. Your servant, Your child, longs for nothing more than to please You, my Lord. Your name forever to be praised.

Predictions of Rain

2008-09-02T09:44:00.001-04:00

The weather reports a cloudy, overcast sky with a 100% chance of rain. Predictions like these cause us to hide in our houses, or at work, and cover our heads with hats and umbrellas and put on coats to shield us from the wetness.

Jesus said in Matthew 10:34, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the Earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” The storms a brewing and will continue to brew until the end of this earth.

Do not be afraid of the terrors of night, but rather let it rain. “Open the flood gates of heaven and let it rain.” Let God pour out His Heart, His Spirit, and His Soul and fill us from outside in and inside out with every fiber of His Being.

May each drop of rain that reaches our exposed skin feel the tear drops of the Heavenly Father that He sheds for His creation. His creation so mired in the mud of this world and the things it offers. May we feel the tears of His love for the little ones that others abuse. May we feel the tears He sheds for the lost, the hurting, the sick and the dying; for those without hope or friends who lack an everlasting love through the storms of life.

As believers may we throw off our coats and throw down our umbrella and hats, the distractions of this world, open wide our arms and lift up our heads and cry out to our Heavenly Father, “Let it rain! Rain on us. Fill every pore of our being with You. Let it rain.”

From the blessings of this darkened hour of rain proclaim in the light of day the blessed Redeemer who washes away all our tears and fears. From the whispered moments of the wind, where God is heard the loudest by believers, proclaim His love, redemption, and glory from the roof tops.

Lord, may everyday of my life be filled with the sensitivity of knowing You, of feeling what you feel, and loving who you love. May I be blinded of myself in the rainstorm of Your love. May I always remember that You have loved me with an everlasting love.

Confession

2008-08-18T16:23:00.003-04:00

James 1:2-4
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.

I recall “mountain top” experiences where I know I spent time in the presence of my Savior and King. He answered prayer. He resolved conflict at work. He cleared a calendar full of double appointments. He provided insight on a problem at work. He provided rest when my body was weary. He filled my heart with love for people I did not know. He gave sound council when asked for advice.

And then…

The storm clouds of distractions appeared. My days were full, tiring, and exhausting. I would crawl into bed at night without learning at the feet of my Savior. The mornings were rushed with pitiful moments of reading a verse and saying a quick prayer; sometimes falling asleep where I sat in thought. Pity parties were thrown regularly. Inside I was crying for the fellowship I once knew. Morning drives were spent asking God, “Where is the passion? Why is my body so unwilling? Why am I stuck in this rut?”

I struggled to return to what I once had. The doubts continued as the mornings showed little evidence of progress. The nights continued getting shorter as I stumbled into bed earlier and earlier.

Why the war raging with in? How come I cannot overcome this difficulty? Do I love my Savior? Hasn’t he proven to be faithful? Haven’t I seen His wisdom and understanding? I returned to the prayer, “Restore to me the joy of my salvation, and grant in me a willing spirit to sustain me.” (Psa 51:12) Why is it not working? Where is the promised victory?

The doubts and struggles changed to worthlessness. How can God listen to someone who can so easily ignore the most important person of their life? Deceptive thoughts intrude, “You have to start all over in your relationship with God. He is not going to restore your position with him. You turned away. You gave up. You didn’t try hard enough. You cannot pick up where you left off.”

And then…

“While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him. ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’” (Luke 15:20-21)

Oh to know the sweet fellowship of restoration, to know that I am loved in spite of my faults and failures. Nothing is more refreshing or fulfilling than to celebrate and worship in the presence of my Father and King. He has promised to never leave me nor forsake me. I may wander down a “pity path” or the land of laziness, or to the city of “distractions,” yet my God will not give up on me. He will stand at the door. He will wait in the yard. He will call after me. He will send others to find me. And He will wait, and watch for this wandering soul to return. He created me. He loves me. He longs to fill me with His joy and peace.

Heavenly Father, may I always recall Your compassion and love which waited for me? Roll me out of bed in the morning. Awaken me. Speak your words of wisdom while holding me in the late hours of the night; teach me, feed me. You are my God, my Savor, and my King. May all who know me know you are my joy, my peace, and my eternal hope!

Tracy Roberts

How Do I Love an Unseen God?

2008-08-09T12:51:00.005-04:00

Philippians 2:13
For it is God who works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure.

How do I love an unseen God?

How do I develop a “puppy dog love” of “I’ll do anything you say” type surrendered passion for a God I cannot see?

As thoughts wander through a potentially never-ending cycle of why and how come, I am drawn back to, “How do I love an unseen God?” What overrides the earthly desires and drives them to a point of “thoughtless abandonment” of love that becomes second nature? How do I get to the point where I instinctively love and follow after God?

I thought about picturing God through the words penned so eloquently by David in the Bible. Of how mighty, loving, merciful, fatherly, heavenly, and Holy God is. But these are “my” thoughts. A mental picture of who I think God is.

I thought of the surrounding beauty God has graced this planet with. The lovely flowers, the beautifully painted sunrises and sunsets, the childish laughter of a little girl, the strength and beauty of a wild stallion, or the cool, clear, blue ocean water off the Hawaiian Islands. Another picture I created to inspire these earthly desires into loving a being I cannot see.

I thought of the scientific accomplishments that have been made that validate the human fetus in the mother’s womb eight weeks after conception, the intricate and complicated organization of the atoms that surround us daily and of the vast differences within one species that flaunt the design of it’s creator. Again, these are my thoughts that are being stimulated into realizing that only a higher being of greater knowledge and understanding could have created such things.

Then it happened, another bible study, another required memory verse to learn, and another small nudge back into the reality of God’s world. I soon realized that all these thoughts were merely stepping-stones to the ultimate lesson God was going to teach. It was almost like He said, “Yes, the mental pictures you created of me were good and useful. Please use them, but you need more. I loved seeing the sparkle in your eyes when you looked around and surveyed the beauty I surrounded you with and placed you in. What pride I had when I saw you understand the detail of my creation and the depth of knowledge required in designing even the smallest creature of this earth. But child, there is still more. Take heart child, there is nothing you need to do or understand. This one is My doing.”

“For it is I, God, who will work in you and cause you to willfully love me with childlike abandon. Come. Sit. Listen. I will show you great and wonderful things that you know nothing about. I created you. You are wonderfully made in My image. I gave you the desire to be apart of My world, even though you cannot see Me. I have graced you with the evidence of My hand.”

“Do not worry. Take heart. I will never leave you nor forsake you. You are my pride and joy. No one can take you from me. I have given you the Holy Spirit. He and I are one. He will always be with you. It is He who works in you to do the things I desire. Come. Sit. Listen. Come to Me in the morning. I will show you wonderful things I want to do through you and for you. Come. Sit. Listen. I will show you My love. I will fill your heart with My love, for I created you and I love you. No one loves you more than Me. No one knows your inner most thoughts, only I. I Am – loves you! Come. Sit. Listen.”

“Listen to the songs I sing to you in the morning. Re-read the love letters I wrote you and listen. Listen to the stories that evidence My love, My power, My strength, My sorrows, and My joy. Be still. Listen. I AM here. I AM with you always. Be still. Rest. I AM loved you first. I AM loves you still.”

With that said, I can only muster a whispered “thank you” as tears stream down my face. It had nothing to do with me all along. I AM was all I needed. Lord, what a wretched man I am. Forgive me for thinking it was something “I” needed to do. Cleanse my heart and mind of any thoughts of “me.” Lord, wash me anew with your Holy presence. Remove the distractions of this world and the earthly desires of my heart and replace them with Your Holy Spirit. Fill me with the knowledge of Your love in the deepest recesses of my heart, that I may be passionately, willingly, and obediently Yours and only Yours. May Your love always be my love.

Tracy Roberts