Breakthrough not out!

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.~ James 1:2-4

I recently had a conversation with a old friend.  We were catching up and they shared with me some of the struggles they were having.  They expressed how they felt stuck, almost trapped by the situation.  They could see their dreams, yet when they reached out to grab hold on to it, it always felt like it moved further away.  

I recognized this dilemma.  My friend is not alone.  There are so many who are weary from the struggles of life.  So many who feel confined by their circumstances and just want to be free.  I wanted to help my friend, give them a word to chew on, but it couldn’t come from me.  So we prayed before I spoke and God provided this message.  Maybe it will help you too.

You can’t get your breakthrough by trying to breakout.  Struggling within our strength and trying to lose the chains through our thinking only ties us into more knots.  The handcuffs get tighter.  But when you do what Peter and Silas did in prison and begin to pray and praise the doors of the prison will be opened and the shackles will fall away (Acts 16:25-26).  

Sometimes you have to through something to get where you need to be. But if we spend up our energy focusing how to escape it all, with being angry about why we are there,  or even bitter towards who who put us there( even if it is ourselves) we will miss what God has for us in that moment.  The truth of the matter is when we walk with Jesus we walk in liberty ( 2 Corinthians  3:17).  

I don’t like struggles, trials, pain or suffering but I can’t escape them. However I get through them with faith in Jesus Christ.

Father bless your people.  May those who are afar off draw near to You.  May those in bondage be released and walk in the freedom of You.  Give us courage and your strength to be patient in trusting You.  In Jesus name. Amen

Noun or Verb

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, ~ 2 Peter 1:10

According to the dictionary, a noun is a word than identifies a person, place, thing or idea.  Whereas, a verb is a word that is used to describe an action or state. This morning as I was reflecting on some reading, the Spirit convicted me because I have been treating my calling as a noun, rather than a verb.

Yes, I am an unabashed sold out sister for Jesus.  I will tell everyone and anyone I know about His goodness and great love for me and them.  I love to share His word with others. I am a Christian and grateful to be a follower of Christ, but when it comes to the specific calling He has now placed on my life I have viewed it as a noun, a label to identify myself.   I have allowed myself to be distracted by the joy of just being called and have forgotten to start putting forth the ACTION that is required to make my election or calling sure ( 2 Peter 1:10). 

Isn't God good!  I was about to trip over a crack in the pavement, but He steadied my foot and made my ankles firm.  I am not being condemned, but God is shining a light on some of the darker spaces in my path. He wants me to see things clearly so that I can go where He is sending me.  There goes that verb again. Go! In order to get to my next destination I must move. This journey, this race, is not like formal education where you take all the class required and then graduate.  In God's school, learning never stops.  My brain and heart have so much more of Him to absorb.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:5-8)

While it is important to know who I am and who I identify myself with, I can not settle for just the title. The noun is not enough. I must make the effort. I have more stairs to climb. While, I wish I could simply levitate to the next level in Christ or blink my eyes and arrive at the next place,  I have to face the truth of my humanity. I must realize that in order for me to be effective and productive in the knowledge that He has given me I must continually put my faith in action.  I must persevere and continue to grow in Christ.   I crop of the spiritual fruit is not enough to sustain me for a lifetime.  I gotta keep sowing and laboring in the season He has me in now (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Father, I hear what You are saying to me.  Forgive me for being for arrogance and pride.  I don't want the title Lord, but I do desire to do your work.  Show me the next steps.  Help to live in obedience to You and your calling.  May I make my election sure.  Help me to put away the distractions and just dive into the work.  show me how.  Prick me Jesus.  Please order my steps Lord.  May I be a woman of action and keep Your charge.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen

Living water...what does this mean?

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”~ John 4:13-14

I have read this verse several times and  heard teachings and preachings on it, yet I still struggle to grasp it for myself.  I am a believer.  Jesus is my Lord and Savior and while on an intellectual level I get what He is saying something is not connecting with my spirit.

Maybe you have had a similar experience?  You hear the Word  and accept it to be true, but have yet to come to a point where you know it for yourself.  I don't want to settle for hearing it, I want the Word to be written on my heart.  I need to know it for myself deep down in my soul.  Then I can stand on a firm foundation.

So I turn this verse over and over in my head seeking to reason with myself and God.   I ask the question, “Why do get thirsty if I have received this living water?”  God is not a liar.  His word is the truth. So what am I missing?  

First, I have the living water living inside of me, His Spirit.  He has given me full access to the well, but it is still up to me to drink.  Just like I must drink natural water daily and often, I must drink of Him daily and often.  My soul is to be a sponge that absorbs every dew drop of His presence with in me.  

Secondly, the thirst I now have is for more of Him.  I have tasted of His goodness and I want more.  I want to be full to the brim.  I want my flesh to be drowned by His word and truth.  I can never have enough and He always has more to give.  His well never runs dry. This thirst and hunger I want to keep.

Father I thank You for being here for me, listening to me and guiding me along the way.  Thank You for your water that quenches the aches in my soul and refreshes me when I am weary.  Thank You for revealing your truth to me.  May I always treasure it.  In Jesus name. Amen

The child in me

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.~1 Corinthians 13:12

My job requested that we provided baby pictures or childhood photos.  So my Dad sent me a my fourth grade school picture. I have not seen a photo of myself as a child in over 20 years, but I was overjoyed for chance to look back at myself.  However, what I saw was not my past, but my present.  I saw me as I am today on the inside.  I saw my heart; the one that God has restored.

My late twenties and the majority of my thirties was a mess.  I was crippled by broken relationships and depression. My heart was on life support and while I smiled it never reached my eyes.  Joy was missing and happiness was fleeting.  I went through life going through the motions. I looked in the mirror and could not see and what I saw I did not like.   I lost the girl that I once was and didn't think I would ever find her again.

But by His grace and mercy here she stands.  That same little girl who looked at life with excitement, who was fearless, and kind is here again.  My heart is full because of His love.  My mirror is not so dark anymore.  I am seeing reflections of His work as I grow closer to Him.  With the light I my eye and warmth in my heart that I had as a child I look to the Father and say thank You.

Maybe you feel lost right now; straining to see yourself and the God who loves You.  He is there and He see You.  He sees your beauty and He can make beauty out the ashes that surround you.  Just trust Him; believe in Him.  Keep walking and loving.  It will get better.  You are loved.

Keeping vows

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord

in the land of the living.  Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.~Psalm 27:13-14

Yesterday, I began reading a great book by Priscilla Shirer called Life Interrupted ”.  She connected her initial thinking and mindset about changes in life to Jonah.  Jonah’s life was interrupted.  He was called by God to go to Nineveh.  Jonah did not want to go and tried to escape.  He attempted to go the totally opposite direction and it took him being in the belly of a great fish before he came to his senses and repented ( Jonah 1:1-17).

Her connection to Jonah caused me to examine how I am responding to the interruptions in my life.  To have an “ eternal perspective” on the small and big events that I have allowed to 

“bump my happy”.  I confess that way too often  I am allowing my emotions to dictate my will rather than choosing His will to be my will.

Take the recent events on my job for an example.  My first year on the job was great!  I loved every minute.  I had a clear purpose and was helping people.  This year has been a different experience for me with lots of changes and uncertainty about my purpose and ability to help others.  And while I have tried to walk in these circumstances with  my chin up and attitude of praise, I have lacked true peace.  The peace that only God can give me. 

I have lacked this peace because ultimately I am waiting for things to go back to the way they were rather than waiting on God to do whatever He chooses to do.  Sure I trust Him for daily strength and wisdom to navigate my day, but as soon as their is another change or wrinkle I’m back on the “woe is me” train.

Fo you it may not be issues on the job.  It might be issues with relationships, slow trains or traffic jams, back biting “friends, grief over the loss of a loved one.  It could be anything that changes the life you have planned for that day or the vision you se for your life.  

For me, I know that  I am tired of of letting my emotions steer the ship; steering me away from the truth that His will must be first.  There is no coincidence in this life.  If I am stalled in traffic, maybe God wants me to slow down and spend some time with Him.  Or maybe He is telling me to leave the house earlier so I will have time to gather my thoughts before I start the day. Maybe that sink of dishes is to remind of how Jesus washes me everyday with grace and forgiveness.

If I loose this job and have to do something different I have to believe, not just know, but believe that it is because His plan is better.  My season in that field is over and He wants me to bloom somewhere else. I have to stop seeing life as interruptions, but rather opportunities to see what God is going to do next.  Instead of it being a hassle it is my blessing.  I need an eternal view to survive and thrive in the present moments.  I have to wait on Him.

 As always, I need Jesus and I need to stay in the center of His will.  This will require a sacrifice on my part. I made a vow to God when I gave my life to Him.  I made a vow of surrender and obedience.  I have said Yes! I have said I will go, it's not up to me to dictate the where or the path He decides for me to take to get there.  Vows are sacred and I must keep mine because He definitely keeps His to me.

But I, with shouts of grateful praise will sacrifice to you.

What I have vowed I will make good. I  will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’ (Jonah 2:9)

Yes, there is a cost to living a righteous life, but He already paid it all.  So through Him I can do all things.  I give up my need to feel okay for His peace that says I am more than okay.

 Then I can walk in confidence knowing that my God is for me no matter what comes my way and I will see His goodness on this side of heaven and on the other with Him in eternity. I just have to learn to wait, to trust in Him.

Father, give me a birds eye view of life.  I confess my vision has been to narrowed and my insecurities are driving me rather than me standing on a sure footed foundation of faith. Forgive me and let me walk in a better path.   May my actions match my mindset and attitudes.  May they be pleasing to You.  Help me to keep my vows to You. In Jesus name. Amen.

No retreat

Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.~Isaiah 64:4

Have you ever known something, but did not really know until it happened to you?  This where I am today.  While I “knew” that taking a step into enemy territory would cause a reaction I wasn't prepared for the battles that would begin to occur in my life.  

Yesterday, and if I am being honest, today the devil is slinging all kinds of fiery arrows my way.  He is attacking my confidence, stirring up fear, and trying to shift my focus to my problems and off of the Lord.  

I would love to tell you that I was victorious through it all, but I wasn't.  I didn't have my shield of faith up and my belt of truth was loose.  I kicked off my shoes of peace and so I begin to stumble throughout the day.  I saw Goliath and forgot how God, through David, slayed him with one rock.  

I forgot, but God has not forgotten me.  God stands ready to fight every battle on my behalf.  I just need to continue to stand; to wait on Him.  God gave me His word to pray today and maybe it will help you too.

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.

Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish.

Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins.

See how numerous are my enemies and how fiercely they hate me!  Guard my life and rescue me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you.~Psalm 25:16-21

The war rages on, but today I am better prepared for the battle.  I will pray and strategize with the Lord before making any moves.  I will tighten my belt and recall the promises of God.  God is my shield and I will stay behind Him.  I will walk in agreement with God and reclaim my peace.  I will not retreat. I will see the goodness of the Lord for I know He is acting on my behalf.

Here I am...

 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”~Isaiah 6:8

More of I learn of God the more I understand the importance of not being frivolous with my words and vows that I make to God.  Before making a commitment or answering a call I must consider the cost.  It is a weighty thing to say “ Here I am, send me.”  But here I stand today asking God to send me; to use me as He will.

I don't know the next step.  I don't know where He is asking me to go, but I hear Him calling.  I feel His urging to go deeper and take a leap of faith.  It will not be easy.  There will be pain and suffering.  I can't be what He has called me to be unless I surrender to that part too.  I can't grow unless I am pruned by His loving hand.  

There are things that I will have to move from around His alter: tv, the need for acceptance, and the desire to be perfect.  Those things were made by human hands and He only wants me to worship Him, to be drawn to Him.

I can't see the step in front of me Lord, but here I am send me.

Fear or Reverence?

When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance.~Exodus 20:18

Do we fear God or reverence Him?  The dictionary describes fear as an unpleasant emotion.  It is a perception or belief that something or someone is going to hurt us.  Most rational people will back away from those things that they fear.  Fear can cause you to remain frozen in place and stuck in situations and circumstances that only do you harm.  

I have also observed that fear doesn't achieve the desired outcome.  Fear doesn't illicit or promote love.  Fear doesn't last and often corrupts other healthy emotions.  God does not want us to be afraid because He did not give us a spirit of fear ( 1 Timothy 1:7).  However, God wants us to reverence Him.

Reverence is having a deep respect or regard for someone or something.  Since God is not a thing, that means that when we reverence Him we are recognizing our position in relationship to Him.  We are firmly aware that He is our sovereign Lord.  We see His greatness and know that there is no God like Him.  We proclaim that He is the only God. ( 2 Samuel 7:22).

Reverence is a mindset and condition of the heart. We draw close to what we reverence.  We honor, admire, and appreciate God for being God.  We are not afraid because we have been given permission to approach the throne of grace ( Hebrews 4:16).  There is no pain here and no worries about harm because we know that God shows us mercy and undeserved favor.  We know that His plans are only to prosper us( Jeremiah 29:11). We know that His correction is for our good and to keep us from disaster.  

So yes, there are thunderings and lightening.  The trumpets are sounding, but those who reverence Him have nothing to fear. We do not have to stay at a distance.  We can draw near to God.  We can enter into relationship with Him and experience His perfect love.  Fear is about punishment and love is about redemption. 

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18

Father helps us to reverence You and not fear You.  May we draw close to You and learn of You.  Give us a heart to not fear others, but to love them.  Let us not use fear to try to control others, but rather may we bless them as You have blessed us.  Father You didn't have to save us, but You did.  Thank you.  In Jesus name. Amen

Rest for a weary soul

The Lord is my shepherd,I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.~ Psalm 23:1-3

When I was younger I didn't mind being on the go.  Constant movement distracted me from the aches in my life.  It kept me from the shadows of loneliness and despair.  But today, I am older and wiser.  I have learned that being on the go doesn't distract you from pain, but only adds to it.  The constant spinning of life gives the the illusion that you are doing something, but when it all stops you realize that you are in the same place.  You have not moved forward.  You are simply dizzy, unstable, and lack the ability to move with sure steps.

I realize that that there are things that need to get done, but I can't do them if I have not rested in the Lord.  Sure, I can complete tasks, but I will miss my assignments.  I will miss the assignment to show grace to someone who is ruffling my feathers.  I will miss the assignment to cover the sin of offense with love.  I will miss the assignment to look beyond myself to see what others need.  I will miss my assignment to encourage someone to show hospitality to a stranger.  I miss the assignment to praise my husband for being a caring provider.  I will miss the assignment to rebuke spirits of confusion and rebellion in our children.

I miss them because I don’t allow the Shepherd to lead me.  I get distracted and forget that He has everything I need.  He has a prayer closet for me to enter when I get stressed.  He has a word of peace when strife is present.  He has healing when I am writhe with pain.  He has a zipper to put on my mouth when I want to vent instead of praise. He has the water I need, but I can only drink of His goodness if I do not allow Him to quiet my soul.

Father I need you.  I need you to make me lie down and rest in You.  Stress and and anxiety are stirring the waters so I can't drink and be refreshed.  Restore my soul so that I can be led on the path of righteousness. Not because I am so good, but because You are and I want to please You.  I want to walk in the assignments You have given me.  I want to experience the peace and joy that only You can give.  Take me through this valley of shadows.  Help me to get up and dust myself off when I fall.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen

The race is not over

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.~Philippians 3:13-14

Yesterday is gone.  I can not rely on what I did yesterday and I can. It let what I did not do deter me from forward.  God has given me another day; a day to start again where I am. A chance to move forward and grow in Him.  I can't become stagnant or complacent.  I must live this day with expectation.  Seeking God first with all of my heart( Mathew 6:33 and Jeremiah 29:13).  Leaning not to my own understanding.  Not relying on my intellect, but trusting God for the wisdom to place my feet in the places that He has pre-ordained and prepared for me (Proverbs 3:5-6). 

My season for reaping is not yet, here so I must continue to sow.  I must continue to labor and press my way forward knowing that if I do not grow weary I will reap a harvest(Galatians 6:9).  I must start where I am and ask God to take me where He wants me to be.

Father help me run this race until the end.  Let me not settle for good when I know You have better waiting for me.  May I walk in Your purpose and stay in the center of Your will.  Give me a clean heart and a wise tongue.  Use me Jesus.  Here I am send me!  Keep me humble and grateful and may praises continually be on my lips.  May I release praise unto the atmosphere.  Set the tone of my day Lord.  May it be a pleasing sound unto Your ears.  Forgive me and wash me.  Make me white as snow.  It is only by your blood that I am here today.  Thank You Lord.  Help me Lord and help your people.  In Jesus name. Amen

#ServantLeader

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant~Matthew 20:25-26

I love football and what I love even more is to see humble young men who use the talent that God gave them to lift Him higher.  They have been given a platform and they are using it to glorify God.  Yesterday, in a pre-game interview a rookie quarterback(DeShaun Watson) shared a pearl of  wisdom that he received from his coaches.  He said that it is important for him to not just be a leader, but a servant leader. Praise God!

I am a firmly believe that you can't lead if you are unable to follow.  A leader must first follow Christ and His example.  Jesus didn't His time here in this earth serving others.  He healed the sick, raised the dead, fed the hungry good for their stomachs and their souls.  He worked. He did not receive , but emptied Himself so that we could be filled.

Leadership requires humility and a willingness to look beyond ourselves .  It requires more than just casually tossing out scripture, but rather a lifestyle that lives those scriptures out loud.  Whatever authority God has given us is to be used to lift others up; to point them to the source of all hope-Jesus.  Leadership is not being the first to be heard or seen.  It is hiding behind Jesus so that His work can be accomplished.

Father help me to be a servant leader in my home and on my job. There is more that You require of me, so may I let go of those things that weigh me down.  Help me to care for those You have placed in my care.  May I follow hard after You Lord.  Show me the way.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Stronger Together

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.~Ecclesiastes 4:12

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a strand as being “fiber that is twisted, plaited, or laid parallel ( side by side)  to form a unit.”   I love this definition because it helps create a visual for how I want my relationships to be.  I envision the plan that God has already laid out for me and for us all. 

God has already told us that a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.  In order to be a strand you must be twisted or woven together with another.  My first priority is to be woven with Christ.   In order to be able to resist the temptations and the attacks of the enemy I must walk parallel to God.  When He moves I move. I am not above Him, but beside Him.  

Better still, because He gave His life for me and I have surrender mine to Him, He lives within me.  I abide in Him and He abides in me ( John 15:4).  My life is now intertwined and the things of this world don't quickly or easily break me.  

The devil wants to put at the strands in attempt to unravel us; to make us single fibers that can be overtaken.  But greater is He that is in us than He that is in this world ( 1 John 4:4).  The triumphant God is a unit that can not be broken. He is a strong tower and so we must knot and tie ourselves to Him.

Therefore when my relationship with Him is right I am able to enter into relationships with my others, especially the one with my spouse. My husband is my best friend and He is also my brother in Christ.  Us both having an individual relationship with Christ strengthens our cord.  We are a cord of three strands, we are two and Christ makes three.  God is at the center and we wrap ourselves around Him and each other.  We form a rope of unity that can endure.  By ourselves we would easily snap and break apart.  When we try to walk alone in pride or vanity the small stuff becomes big stuff.  When we don't abide in Christ we choose our wants over each other's needs  and we forget to even consider what thus says the Lord.  

Relationships can be challenging because it does require openness and the willingness to allow others in.  It requires you to also give a little of yourself.  You have to be present and supportive.  

Two become one or better yet three become one because God is at the center.  Whether it be a marriage, friendship, or relationship with a family member may we remember to bind ourselves to Christ for a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Father I thank You for your word.  Lord let me walk with You lose and closer each day.  May I dive deep into You do that I can resist and defend myself against attacks.  God may you be I. The midst and interwoven into everyone of my relationships.  Bless my marriage and my friendships.  Intercede and restore relationships that are troubled or broken.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen 

Run and tell this

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

The last couple of days many of the devotions that I have been reading have focused on gossip. Gossip is dangerous because it spreads rumors and creates chaos in families and on jobs.  Sometimes the things that are shared are true, but are they for everyone to know.  Is this “truth sharing” going to help the person or cause more harm? 

It is so easy to get ensnared into conversations that do no good.  We get hooked because we want to be included.  Or we we want a chance to air our grievances.  Perhaps we gossip because we think we know better than someone else.  All of these reasons are evidence of fear, pride, and lack of trust in God. 

I don't want to be that girl.  I don't want my words to cause harm.  I don't want to even be in the circle of conversation where it is happening.  I don't want my thoughts to go to negative thinking.  I don't want frustrations with my job or family to be turned into a grumbling session.  I want to stop the spread of fires( Proverbs 26:20).

The words in my mouth must be His.  The must be pleasing to Him.  The thoughts of mind must acknowledge Him.  The attitude of my heart must be aligned to His character.  I want to keep my mouth shut and ears open to hear His voice.  

Instead of gossiping I want to run and tell others that the Lord is good.  Instead of gossiping I want to tell others how He blessed me today and how He can bless them too.  Instead of gossiping about my president( gotta be real) I want to tell them that God is sovereign.  I want to tell them that I prayed for him, our leaders, me, and the nation.  Instead grumbling I want to pray and praise!  

You know the Israelites were stuck in the wilderness because they grumbled more than they praised.  I want to enter the promised land.  I want my blessings.  I want to trust my just God to deal with justice.  I want to trust my God to turn my bad into good.  I want to be include in the number. 

I want my life to be free of gossip and full of praise.  Lord, forgive me for those times when I have gossiped.  May I heed your warnings and rebuke the words and meditations of thought that don't reflect You.  May I please You. In Jesus name. Amen

Avoid the traps and praise Him.

 “Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”~1 Chronicles 16:34

Father you are gracious and kind.  You are long-suffering and loving.  Your love God fails not.  You are with me when I rise and with me when I fall.  You lift me up when the burdens of life seem overwhelming.  In the midst of trouble You are my safe place.  You are my strength and my reason to go on.  You are my Lord, Savior, Redeemer and friend.  You are God and You are good.

Proverbs 27:12 tells us that the prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.  God desires that we operate in wisdom.  He is calling us to see the traps that enemy sets before us daily.  Traps that would ensnare us to complain instead of praise.  Traps that would have us blame and points fingers rather that seek God for solutions.  Traps that would have us talk about a neighbor rather than lift them up. Traps that would have us hold on to bitterness rather than release anger so that we can forgive.  Traps that would have us stressed rather than casting our anxieties unto the Lord. Traps of jealousy, strife, malice, division, and lack of self-control. 

The danger signs are evident.  Trumpets are being sounded.  May we hear them.  God did not create us to be fools.  He doesn't want us to pay for the penalty of our sins.  He doesn't desired us to be condemned and weighed down.  He wants us to walk in freedom and peace.  He wants us to know Him and trust Him. To believe in Him even when all looks dark. To walk by faith and not by sight.  To be a light in the darkness. To praise Him at all times.

Every day there is a tragedy occurring in the world, but there are also abundant blessings.  Reasons to give thanksgiving and praises unto the Lord.  I am encourage to seek reason to praise.  The fact that I am above the ground and know Jesus is reason enough.

May we be prudent and walk in the steps that God has ordained for us.  May we not be foolish and pay the penalties for trying to do things our own way.  May we avoid the dangers that lurk in the world.  Gives us eyes to see them and wisdom to enough to run to You.  May praises be continually in our mouths for you are good and worthy of them all.  In Jesus name.  Amen

We are one body

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.~Ephesians 4:3-6

Every morning I start my day with quiet time with the Lord.  One of my favorite places to go is First5.  First5 is more than just an app, but rather it is a community of believers seeking to understand the truth of God’s word and to walk it out in our everyday lives.

Six days out of the week we fellowship in prayer and song. We examine the scriptures, exalt the Lord, asks the tough questions, and encourage one another.  There is no separation by race, age, socioeconomic status, or denomination.  There is one Lord and one faith.  It is beautiful for we are operating in what God has called the church to be; one body in the unity of one Spirit.

This community is transforming lives through the power of God.  This begs the question as to why the church is not impacting the world outside of the app?  Why are we so segregated on Sundays?  Why are we letting politics divide us? No party has a hold on “sanctification” because both are flawed by human reasoning.   

God is not going to ask us our political views because the only view that matters is what “thus says the Lord”.   He is going to ask us if we loved Him with all of our hearts.  He is going to ask us if we loved our neighbor-all of them (Matthew 22:37-39). He is going to ask us if we fed His sheep(John 21:17). 

God has called each of us to walk in unity.  To season this earth with the truth of His word and to be a lamp on a hill that points others to Jesus  (Matthew 5:13-16).  We were all called to one hope.  He is our Lord and He works in and through all of us.  So let us stop letting the enemy split us up by neighborhoods, skin tones, musical taste, and other nonsense.  There is a war going on.  It is time to stand up and be accounted for.  It is time to stand as one body in Christ. We can't expect the world to see a difference and a better way if we are acting just like it.

Father I am your daughter and I billions of brothers and sisters out there.  May we all unite and walk as one.  We all have a purpose and You have fitted us together so may we be unified in Your Spirit.  May we love and celebrate the hope that is You together.  May we make a difference as we go out and tell others the good news.  You died for our sins and arose on the third day so that whosoever believes in You shall be saved. We serve a living God so may we (church) stop acting like we are dead. In Jesus name. Amen 

The words I to want to hear?

“The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’~ Matthew 25:22-23

“Well done thy good and faithful servant.”  Those are the words I desperately want to hear God say to me.  I want my Father to be proud of me.  I want to enter His rest knowing that I laid all out on the line just as He gave everything to me.  God gave His Son for me.  I didn't even know Him or how to love Him, but He loved me enough to give me a chance to learn.  Therefore, I must make the most of my days here on earth and to use the gifts that He has bestowed upon me to bless others. 

When I pass this life and enter the other side I want to have crowns to lay at His feet.  This requires me to put my faith into action.  God has given me grace.  I receive it and now I want to multiply it through His Spirit.  His has given me all that I need to plant a seed and reap a harvest.  He deserves it all and more. I want the work I do to not speak for me, but for who I am through Christ.  I desire that those who know me would come to know Jesus for themselves. 

This is how I enter into happiness with Him.  Not fame or fortune, but eternal riches that abound in His love.  This is how I enter rest and this how I will walk in peace.

Lord, I do not know my appointed time, but teach me to live each day in service of your kingdom.  In Jesus name. Amen