Keeping the Peace

We are in a battle every day to keep and maintain our peace.  Proverbs 14:30 says, "A heart at peace gives life to the body". Therefore, the enemy of our souls is always seeking to rob us of our peace. Jesus said in John 14:27 that he GAVE us peace. It is ours, so we must guard it.
I realised this after coming back from a God-ordained rest this past week.  What happened on that break was this--I found my peace!
I was not aware that I had lost it. So, a health issue I was having is being healed now that I have found it.
John 10:10 says that Jesus came to give us abundant life! It also says that the enemy is the one who steals, kills and destroys.
Be on guard for the attacks on your peace today. If you lose it, ask God to help you see where you lost it. Find your peace and move forward!

The Master's Business

In Matthew 25 we read the parable of the talents. Instead of being fearful of what the master would do to him, the wise servant took what he had and made more.
It's this way for us too--if we have something like money, time or resources we can make more if we will cultivate what we have been given.
If we decide to just let it sit-- it will be taken from us. Verse 29 states, "For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will be furnished richly so that he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have will be taken away." (Amplified Bible)

I've seen the word "gamble" a lot recently, and reading this passage of scripture I see why. Sometimes we need to gamble. By definition gamble entails a "risk of loss, chance or profit or success". By God's design I am naturally a cautious person. Sometimes I need a little reminder to step out more, and have more adventure and risk in my life.

The guy that hid his talent thought that his master made no allowances for error. Here is someone who was not rooted in grace (rooted and grounded in love--Ephesians 3:17). So he hid what had been given to him. It was not being cultivated. Fear paralyses and stagnates, and love brings movement and multiplication.

Verse 15 in the same chapter said that the Master gave to each person according to his ability. God hasn't given you a resource that will be impossible for you to cultivate.

So today, cultivate, move and risk. It's all part of the Master's business.

This Season

Today while meditating I felt the Lord saying that it is very important to absorb what He is doing in the current season...fully appreciate it.

So many times we want to rush ahead to the "next" season, whatever that may be. Yesterday, I walked into Starbucks expecting the traditional fall decor (it is mid November) only to be surprised by Christmas drinks, stocking stuffers and the like. I told the young guy behind the counter, "I feel as if I am being robbed of the fall season!"

Maybe that is how God feels when we don't take time to relax and enjoy what He is currently doing. It's kind of a bad habit to rush ahead anyway. When we finally do get to the "Christmas" season of our lives are we going to want that to fly by as well?

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says that there is an appointed time for every event in our lives. Let's respect what God is currently doing and embrace it.

God Is Not Trying To Discourage You!

So many times in life we feel like we are failing and in a pit (take for instance the story of Joseph).
But Joseph made the best out of his "pit" and so can we.

There is a little voice that says, "You are always going to be stuck in this rut, don't even pray...it won't make a difference." That my friends, is NOT the voice of God.

Isaiah 42:3 says, "A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoking flax He will not quench."

The voice of our enemy says, "Oh this is the end. Things will never get any better...you are toast."

Satan can make his lies seem like our own thoughts (insert the word "I" instead of "you" in the previous sentence).

This was a revelation to me! When he begins his banter, get in the Word of God and remember His promises over your life and let Him reveal His great love to you.

There will always be a battle going on for our minds as long as we are on this earth and especially if we are God's child. Tell those thoughts to leave in Jesus' name and recite the Word of God over your situation.

There is hope.

Nothing Wasted

Today I was praying about something. A fear that I've had that time will be wasted, especially when doing something not so spiritual or seemingly fruitless at the time.

I renounced that particular fear and as I was waiting on God's peace I heard, "Nothing is wasted when done as worship."

Everything that we do can be worship! We can wash the dishes--worship. Some of my best times with God have been while loading the dishwasher. We should also carry this idea with us when we go to work or school. Colossians 3:23-24 says, "And whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ."

So today, go in faith and in peace knowing that NOTHING in your life is wasted when done as worship to Him.

True Bread

In John 6:32-33 Jesus tells the people, "...It is My Father who gives you the true heavenly Bread. For the Bread of God is He Who comes down out of Heaven and gives LIFE to the world. In verse 35 he says, "I am the Bread of Life.  He who comes to Me will never be hungry and he who believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me will never thirst any more (Amplified Bible).

He told the people this, because they were only seeking after Him to get more food (he had just performed the miracle of the loaves and fishes). Here he is trying to re-direct their focus upward toward the true source of life--Himself! In verse 27 He told them, "Stop toiling and doing and producing for the food that perishes and decomposes in the using, but strive and work and produce rather for the lasting food which endures continually unto life eternal...".

In Matthew 4:4 the devil tempted Jesus with the same thing. Jesus quoted Deuteronomy and said, "It takes more than bread to stay alive.  It takes a steady stream of words from God's mouth" (the Message).

Lord, we want to hear from You today. The steady stream from Heaven that keeps us filled and satisfied. Give us a hunger for your Word, and the Word and true Bread of Life --Jesus. 

Easy Like Sunday Morning

Acts 1:8 says, "But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you...". As I was reading this verse today I asked myself, "What am I doing right now that He has not given me POWER, EFFICIENCY and MIGHT to accomplish?"


We can get so busy that we forget the art of waiting on God and taking up His burden. In Matthew 28 verse 30 , Jesus says, "My yoke is wholesome (useful, good--not harsh, hard, sharp or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne."


We can have challenging circumstances in life where we need to work hard, press in and keep going. However, the issue here is the REST of God, and the peace of God that resides in our hearts.


If we are without those two things, we can do nothing (Jn 15:5).


So today let's ask the Lord to guide us and enable us to live in peace and His mighty power!

This Day

So many times God has shown up and highlighted specific areas of hurt in my life. By His grace I've been able to work through pain, unforgiveness and break down walls that I allowed the enemy to construct in my heart.
Today was no exception. In 1 Samuel 17 verse 37 we read: 


"David said, The Lord Who delivered me out of the paw of the lion and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine." 


David was confident in God's strength and work in his life. In verse 46 he says, "This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will smite you and cut off your head. And I will give the corpses of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.
    ⁴⁷And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's, and He will give you into our hands."


I am asking that God fight our battles this day, and help us to have the strength and confidence in the Lord that David had. Strength to face our battles and faith to believe that things will indeed turn out for our good.

Nothing is Impossible

With God! Mary was an extraordinary woman. Maybe that's why God picked her. The angel appeared to her in Luke 1:28 and told her that she would give birth to the Messiah. But notice, she only wanted to know, "How is this all going to happen?" not if it would happen. Basically Mary was saying, "How is all this going to go down Gabriel?". 
A lot of times in our lives we know God has made us a promise. We have no doubt that He can and will do it. It is the "getting there" that seems difficult. Almost impossible. 
As Gabriel told Mary, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you." Isn't this true for today? Without His power and anointing, our greatest efforts can be in vain. In Him we live and move and have our being.


Recently, I have been reminded that in spite of my weaknesses and shortcomings I can still do great things! With God's help. And as Luke 1:37 says-- "Nothing is impossible with God (NLT)."

Polka dots

Today was black with white polka dots. By that I mean that it was an overall difficult day with sporadic spots of cheer. In 2001 I was figuring out who I was. So was John Mayer. And in 2003 I heard his album "Room For Squares". I remember it vividly : the guitar salesmen loved to listen to him while I worked away at my desk. And despite my holier than others facade, I did too.


Recently, I've been prompted to re-visit things in my past that bring me joy and laughter. I decided to look for "Room For Squares". Sure I could get it on Amazon, or itunes, but I wanted the real deal 2001 copyrighted CD. I'm old school like that :)


I looked for weeks and didn't find it. It wasn't necessarily a priority, so I kind of forgot about it. In a lot of ways I feel like it is 2003. I'm still trying to find out if I'm doing what I'm created for. Today was especially difficult because I tried to pursue something that was totally ten years ago (regarding my career). It was like a slap in the face when that door shut on me. I picked my face up off the floor and went to Walmart. It was the highlight of my day. Let me say this : if Walmart is the highlight of your day, you know you've had a rough day. Anyway, everything that was said in that moment of hard reality brought all my inward thoughts to light.


"Am I living it right?" This is a phrase from Mayer's song, "Why Georgia Why" (off the Room For Squares album), which happens to be my one of my all time favorite songs. It also happens to be the same song I was listening to on the way home from Walmart when I was driving on 85, four exits from my apartment, tempted to leave the car in drive...(you will get this if you've ever heard the song!) Very timely. Thank you God that I found the CD at Walmart and it mirrored what I'm going through in this exact moment.


For a moment, it was 2003 again. But this time, I'm living from the inside out and totally, thankfully identifying with Room For Squares. I'm glad I'm not the only one who has polka dotted days.

Making Decisions

Today, I think about the decisions I have made in my life. Some were made in confidence, and others I had to "step out to find out".


 We need to follow the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 1:15-17 we read, " But when He, Who had chosen and set me apart [even] before I was born and had called me by His grace (His undeserved favor and blessing), saw fit and was pleased to reveal (unveil, disclose) His Son within me so that I might proclaim Him among the Gentiles (the non-Jewish world) as the glad tidings (Gospel), immediately I did not confer with flesh and blood [did not consult or counsel with any frail human being or communicate with anyone].

Nor did I [even] go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles (special messengers of Christ) before I was, but I went away and retired into Arabia, and afterward I came back again to Damascus."

We need to seek God and get a good idea of what He is saying before running to our counselors. However, we do need wise counselors. Proverbs 24:6 says that in a multitude of counselors there is safety and victory.

Too many times, I have run to others before discerning what God is saying to me first. How do we get there?

Today a passage impacted me in a powerful way. 2 Timothy 1:6,7 says, "That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you by means of the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination].

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control."

Pray in the Holy Spirit. Build yourself up. Spend time with Him and most importantly, spend time in the Word of God. You can't go wrong!

Secondly, surround yourself with wise counselors.

In this atmosphere, we can be assured that the decisions we make will be pretty good. We aren't perfect, and we will miss it sometimes, but our Father is there with us the whole time.

Being Bold

"After this, David inquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?

And the Lord said to him, Go up.

David said, To which shall I go up? And He said, To Hebron." 2 Samuel 2:1

David was bold. He wasn't afraid to ask God a question or two. Many times in our lives we pray for direction and ask God for His assistance, but do we really believe He will speak clearly to us?

Hebrews 4:16 states, "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

Boldness! May God grant us the ability to be bold. May we ask whatever we need from the Father knowing that He will answer us.

2010--It's Over

Romans 8:28 says that if we love Him, God works all things out for our good.

I have really tried to keep this in mind this past year, because it was a difficult year.

So here we are, at the end of 2010. As I write this, I am weary. I didn't have the strength to sing this morning, so I thought it would be an opportune time to reflect.

In my meditation, I found the answer to my present trial. As I thought about each month of 2010, I realized that every couple of months I made a major transition, or endured a major trial.

That's why I'm tired. And it is ok to know your limits. I haven't wanted to admit it to others, because I thought "They will think I am weak". But it is amazing what a little quiet time will do for your soul. It will clarify your present dilemmas.

Perhaps this is why in Psalm 46:10 God tells us to , "Be still and know that I am God".

In His presence, I find that I'm only human and not as far gone as I thought. He remembers I am "but dust".

So I can admit my weaknesses. I praise Him for quiet moments of rest that refresh the soul.

May 2011 be a year of entering into the rest of God in the midst of life's trials.

I Will Run

"... Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1,2

This world is full of distractions. I have realized that most of my life I have been too easily distracted. This can happen in a number of ways. Do I feel overly responsible for another's emotions or situation? Do I lack the follow-through on projects I have started? Am I lazy?

We have a race to run. That is our specific calling in life. Again, this can be a number of things, but the essence of what I am saying is this: I can not run my race if I am looking at the other runners.

Proverbs 29:25 says, "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but those who trust in the Lord will be kept safe."

We must "fix our eyes" on Jesus! This is the only way we will run our race well.

So today, throw off any weight that you are carrying. Guilt is not of God. Shame is not of God. Jesus "ignored" the shame He suffered on the cross.

We must be confident in Who we are and Who God has called us to be!

I will run.

A Vessel of Honor

"But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and earthenware, and some for honorable and noble [use] and some for menial and ignoble [use].

So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work.

Shun youthful lusts and flee from them, and aim at and pursue righteousness (all that is virtuous and good, right living, conformity to the will of God in thought, word, and deed); [and aim at and pursue] faith, love, [and] peace (harmony and concord with others) in fellowship with all [Christians], who call upon the Lord out of a pure heart." --2 Timothy 2:20-22

In today's society, especially our captivating world of media, we can get caught up in what the world says is acceptable and ignore the life giving truth of God's word.

It's not like God is just saying "Don't do this and that"...He gives us the right things to aim after and pursue. He gives us direction as to what we should be focusing on--Faith, love, peace, unity and fellowship with the Body of Christ.

Psalm 101:6 says, "My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land." God gives us Christian brothers and sisters to encourage us and spur us on.

May we take this challenge from the Lord seriously. In the depths of our being, let's pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace...so that we may be a vessel of honor for the Lord.

Effortless

I am starting over. Again. Discovering our life's purpose is not easy sometimes.

For me, it means erasing the chalkboard of life and starting over. It comes at a time in my life where outwardly I am starting over too.

This is a good thing. No one knows what I am capable of, or what my experiences have been unless I tell them. For all they know, I could be a rocket scientist!

But in a way it is difficult. That place of performance and service was almost like a security blanket, and sometimes a way for me to "feel" close to God. I often mistook service for intimacy.

So here's what square one looks like: effortless.

Galatians 3:3 says, "Are you so foolish and so senseless and so silly? Having begun {your new life spiritually} with the Holy Spirit, are you now reaching perfection {by dependence} on the flesh?"

My old mode was one of performance. Am I doing "good" in all categories? Family, friendships, church work, my work, etc?

And now I am to be effortless. This doesn't mean not cleaning or cooking (I wish!) this means I approach life as Psalm 23:1 puts it. He leads me. Not me, or another, or my previous performance oriented personality.

My husband, a software engineer, might say that God is re-writing my code.

And He is!

Stand Up & Fight!

So many years I have been quiet. Silent to abuse, injustice and evil men.

It's one thing to overlook a fault, because everyone makes mistakes. It's another thing to let bad behavior continue, destroying hearts and families.

Recently, the Lord has given me several verses to support the art of war.

Psalm 144:1 says, "Blessed be the Lord my Rock who teaches my hands to war and my fingers to fight." In Isaiah 41:14 He promises to make me into a new threshing sledge with sharp teeth. So sharp in fact, in verse 15 it says I can make hills to be like chaff.

That's pretty amazing. It's time to stand up and fight. Edmund Burke, the father of Modern Conservatism said, "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."

I'm not saying to go around picking fights. But we must know that there is a time for war and a time for peace (Ecclesiastes 3:8). Stand up and fight!

Get out of that RUT!

I have been thinking about ruts lately. Freedictionary.com defines a rut as, " A sunken track or groove made by the passage of vehicles; a fixed, usually boring routine."

I do not want to get stuck in a rut in my life! As human beings we have to constantly remind ourselves that life is all about change. When we refuse to change, or flow with the changes God brings our way, then we cease to grow as an individual.

We like predictability. However, the only thing predictable in this world is the character of God. We trust Him. We depend on him, moving with Holy Spirit.

So, today--break out of that rut!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKCGBv65w_M

Considering the Body

Up early...reflecting on the past several years and those people who have really impacted my life. I've moved a few times, but mostly to do missions or go to college. But this time it feels different. I took a wrong turn yesterday and ended up going past the house where I grew up. I said "goodbye".

I'm sure we will be back to visit, but I feel a major season change. 1 Corinthians 12:25-27 says,

^"So that there should be no division or discord or lack of adaptation [of the parts of the body to each other], but the members all alike should have a mutual interest in and care for one another.And if one member suffers, all the parts [share] the suffering; if one member is honored, all the members [share in] the enjoyment of it.Now you [collectively] are Christ's body and [individually] you are members of it, each part severally and distinct [each with his own place and function]." Amplified Bible

I think we as Christians get hung up too much on denominational differences. ^31"But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts and graces (the higher gifts and the choicest graces). And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one that is better by far and the highest of them all--love]."

First I want to honor my parents, and my in-laws. They are the perfect example of unconditional love and I am very thankful for second chances...God redeeming the past.

There are so many that have shown me love the past several years within the body of Christ (specifically my church families), and those people came to mind as I was reflecting today. First and foremost those with great, Christ like attitudes in their marriages--Cindy and Steve Strickland, Mark and Joy Wells and all those in my cell group at Dothan Christian Fellowship in the late 90's early 2000s. When I served as Youth Intern at DCF, Susan Obrien taught me that it is indeed possible to be superwoman.

Marlesa and Jeff Greiner, who through their example and creating a God-centered atmosphere, taught me to "PRAISE your way through". Focus on God, and the rest falls into place.

All my friends at New Freedom Church in 2006--my brothers who treated me with the utmost respect and finally my "favorite"--Brian Barber, who I met during that time. Brian deserves a whole other blog devoted to him... You know you are the best! I've learned more from you about love, than any other.

To those I know I can count on to be there for me--Mary Lou Ninan, Christie Norris. If I needed you, you'd leap over tall buildings to get to me. I don't consider you just friends, but sisters.

Kerry and Debbie Kizer at Abundant Life Assembly of God. You made our wedding absolutely perfect, and you are true examples of standing strong and keeping the faith! "Declare a thing and it shall be established".

And finally our last church home, New Freedom Church (I attended throughout the years on Sunday evenings since 1998). For the past year and a half we have learned so much about "the Kingdom". It is within us--wherever we are! Marilyn Adams, if I could pick a mentor, it would be you. Practicality goes a long way.

So, I've rambled. These are only a few examples from each church, but there are others. I know the next season will bring more friends, more love and more joy.

Here's to a new day!

Sober

It's interesting that my blog today is based around a song that recently caught my attention. I've heard it several times, but not until a week ago did the Holy Spirit enlighten me through the lyrics and also through some other sources. They all tied in together.

The song is "Sober" by Pink. "The quiet scares me 'cause it screams the truth". Many people today are running from their own pain. As the title of a book describes it, "Emotions buried alive never die."

Besides the fact that the basic nature of drugs and alcohol (which technically IS a drug), can be addictive, there comes a point where one must choose.

Millions, perhaps billions of people are affected by drugs. Whether it is them or a loved one.

I was really able to understand some things in a deeper way after watching a biography of a child star that went crazy in his teens--living a life of drug dealing and even charged with murder. When he was interviewed (now being clean for 17 years), he revealed the trigger of his violence and addiction...he had been sexually molested as a child. His father didn't believe him, and he felt (and was) unprotected. His choice was to run to drugs.

Back to the song--"I'm safe, up high...nothing can touch me...No pain inside--you're like perfection."

Drugs may cause a person to feel all healed up...until they wear off. Then the party is over.

Personally I have been affected by drugs and alcohol. I've even had the choice to turn there, but...chose instead to turn to God for some emotional healing. God made us to be FILLED UP--not empty. Ephesians 5:18 says, "Don't be drunk with wine, but be filled with the Spirit."

There is an alternative to pain. For me, the road was long and took persistence to be free, but where the Spirit of the Lord is there is FREEDOM! I don't want to settle for a cheap substitute.

"Why do I feel this good sober?"