It's not over

  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.~ Philippians 3:14

A message from Dr. Tony Evans was shared with me yesterday-"Be careful in your old age". While I am not in my physical old age yet,  I have been walking with God a long time and his message inspired me and led me to think about some things that I wanted to share.

First, the race is not over.  There is still work to be done and battles to be won.  We must fight complacency and comfort and realize that we still have a calling in Christ Jesus.  We have a prize that calls us heavenward and we have not yet obtained it. There is more to learn and room to grow deeper roots. Therefore, we have to keep our armor on and our shield of righteousness raised high.  Our hearts must be guarded and minds renewed daily so that we can be sensitive to what the Spirit speaks to our heart.

Secondly, we have a legacy that enemy wants to steal.  A legacy of faith.  A few weeks ago, my mother and I were talking about the women in our home church who we were able to pattern our lives after.  Praying women, women of consistency in their faith, and women who served the Lord until they were called home.  It made me think about my walk with the Lord and what I want others to know about this journey with Christ.  I want them to know that it is rewarding and that it is worth it.  I want them to know that it is a daily conversation with the Creator and lover of my soul.  It is not without challenges, but those challenges only serve to strengthen my faith and I am never alone.

A few weeks ago I wrote about my struggles with church attendance.  I realize that was a subtle attack from the enemy to get me to be isolated, "in my old age".  To work in the church at my convenience as if I am doing God a favor.  Wrong attitude and mindset.  Thankfully,  there was a continual call for me to be connected.  I let go of my pride about a couple of things and let grace flow.  I thank God that He has given me the opportunity to do a "shift" in my thinking (shout out to Rev. Stone).  I thank God that there are still women to pattern my life after and that I can be one of them some day if I continue to press my way forward even in "my old age".

Lord, thank You for your word and thank You for strong faithful women of God.  Help us to let go of pride and continue to be teachable and sensitive to Your Spirit.  Help us to run this race and press onward and upward for the prize of eternal fellowship with You.  Help us to fight the good fight of faith.  In Jesus name. Amen 

When you are worried

  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ~ 1 Peter 5:7

There is a lot going on in this world.  Senseless deaths and violence, natural disasters and the devastation that they bring, wars and rumors of wars, disease, financial stress, and a general lack of compassion and empathy are running rampant. Everything seems heightened and intense.  These things, not to mention home life issues, could cause anyone to worry or fret.  How do we deal with it all? Not on our own.  

God tells us  to cast ALL of our anxiety on Him because He cares for us.  We relinquish control to the God who is sovereign and has all power in His hands.  We surrender our fears to the One for whom all things are possible ( Mathew 19:26).  We trust in the Lord with all our heat and lean not to our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).  We pray.

I Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray without ceasing.  This means that we have an heart posture of open communication with God.  Through His Spirit we stay in His presence and receive His comfort and reassurance as we trust Him with our daily lives.  I pray for myself and others; my neighbors known and unknown.  I pray that His Kingdom comes.

Lord, we live in a fallen world and their is chaos all around.  Let us remember that You are Lord and everything is under Your control. It has been sifted by Your hands. Helps us to cast our cares and worries onto You and receive comfort by trusting in You. Help us to wait on You Lord and see You in the midst of it all. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Praise report:  My eye is much better.

Waiting Seasons

 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. ~Isaiah 40:31

I'm in a waiting season.  My eye problem is back and it is taking longer than three days for it to heal.  However, I am trusting in God.  I'm trusting that He is actively working this out for my good according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).  

So what do I do while I wait?  I set my face towards God (2 Chronicles 20:3) and I pray.  I pray to my God who is able to do any and everything ,to heal me again.  I seek His guidance and I put my trust in Him.  I have faith and praise Him for what my human eye does not yet see.  I know deliverance is coming, so I continue to hope and praise Him for all the ways He is helping me.

For example, sunlight really irritates my eye.  I have to wear sunglasses to drive.  I had an errand that needed to be run and was worried about driving. I was going to beg off, but something about that felt lazy.  I wasn't feeling good about that choice, so I opened my front door to see if my eye could bear the light.  I decided it could.  I got prepared to go out, shades on, ready for the "battle", but God.   When I stepped outside the sun was gone, hidden by the clouds.  It was like having two pair of shades.  I called my husband and told him what God had done.  I drove without pain and was able to take care of my business.  God is good and merciful.  Let me note, if you can't see while you are driving -do not do so.  God gives us wisdom.

It just so happens that a lady from my church, an intercessor that had been praying for me, told me about her eye and the instructions that the doctor gave her.  This was  a day before my eye decided to be a pain again.  She said you just have to let it rest and heal.  So that is what I'm doing waiting on God and His timing.  Letting Him renew me as I go through this storm.  I know that He will lead me to victory and allow me to run on.

Lord, You know my circumstance and I ask for patience while I wait for your healing.  Give me wisdom in dealing with my eye and help me to trust in Your way and Your timing.  I pray for others that might be in a holding pattern.  Let them see Your might.  Renew their strength.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Beauty from ashes

 and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.~ Isaiah 61:3

Jesus is the reason why I have beauty from my ashes.  He is the reason why I wear a garment of praise instead of despair.  He has planted me allowed me to flourish to the praise of His glory.  This girl, as one of my friends often says, this God's girl has come a long way and it because of Jesus. Its because of what He did on the Cross.  He died for my sins and redeemed me with His blood so that I could be free.  So that I would no longer be oppressed by sin and the enemy.

I once wandered from God.  I was dressed in self-pity and shame.  I would come home from work and welcome the darkness.  I was trying to hide.  I was a believer who had lost her way because I believed the lies of the enemy.  I was in the mud and I hated myself, but God.  He continued to love on me and put people in my path that gave me purpose ( His purpose).  He pulled me out of miry clay and placed my feet on the firm rock (Psalm 40:2-4).  He took the ashes of my life and made something beautiful.

He opened His arms wide to His prodigal daughter and kissed my forehead.  He loved me and forgave me.  He restored me and every day I live in His grace and mercy.  As David said in Psalm 23, my cup runneth over. Thank You Jesus.

Lord Yo took the worse moments in my life and transformed them and me.  You took what I had lit am match to because of sin and rebuilt it  to something even better.  You are a great God and worship You.  Thank you for redemptive love.  In Jesus name, Amen

What has God done for you?

  “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him. ~Luke 8:39

'Praise God from whom all blessing flow.  Praise Him. all creatures here below. Praise Him, above ye heavenly host.  Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."

I remember singing this hymn in church and it is so fitting for the overwhelming gratitude that I have for God.  As the scriptures says ..tell how how much God has done for you and that's what I'm going to do today.

First, He saved my life by dying on a cross and rising again.  He gave me a new name and a new identity that is found in him alone.  He allows me to be in relationship with Him and He is a friend like no other.

Second, He heals me.  I put that in present tense because I have an autoimmune disease that creates issues of various kinds, but every time I ask for a healing and relief, my God comes through.  Just this weekend, my eye was red and in pain.  Light aggravated the pain.  I prayed and asked for prayers from the intercessors in my church.  On the third day, I was healed.  Praise God.   He heals me from my anxiety and allows me to function and work.  I made to the end of another school year.  Year 30 for me.  Isn't God good.

Third, He has blessed me grace and favor.  Not just me, but my family. He has proven to me over and over again that His promises are "Yes and Amen".  He does this daily.  He is with me at all times, good or challenging.  He sees me through and He takes care of my family, nuclear and extended.

There are more than a million things that God does for me. From helping me locate crucial documentation that I thought was lost to letting me receive confirmation that I'm doing the right thing. He is a gracious Father and I love Him.  I just wanted someone to know.

Lord, thank You for blessing me and keeping me.  Thank You for love.  May I testify of your goodness.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Who owes who?

 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast. ~Ephesians 2:8-9

Yesterday, I was reminded of something very powerful.  God can never and will never be indebted to me.  Hearing these words took me back to a point in my life where I turned away from God because I unknowingly had this mindset.  

I looked at my life and saw personal relationships crumbling and blamed God.  I thought that since I was doing things "the right way" that it somehow would exempt me from hardships.  I thought God owed me when the reality is that I owed Him everything.  I still do.

Christ died on the Cross for me while I was yet a sinner.  He loved me before I loved Him.  He loves me even when I go the wrong way.  He loves me enough to correct me and bring me back to Himself restoring the relationship that we have.

The "work" I do and the holy life I tried to lead is my reasonable service to God.  It is my duty that I do in response to His great love for me.  It is not done for recognition or praise.  I can't earn my salvation.  I can't earn my freedom.  That is a gift given freely by God because of His grace and mercy.  The blessings I receive are a bonus and I am grateful.

Lord, thank You for Your word and Your truth.  Help me to have the right heart posture and mindset towards You and the work I do in Your Kingdom.  Keep me humble and bowed before You.  May You alone receive the glory. In Jesus name.  Amen.

Give Thanks

 "I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds." ~Psalm 9:1-2

This week I got a letter from my future me.  It was a email I wrote in December to be delivered in 

May.  It said  "Look at God.  Give thanks.  The Lord has brought you this far. 

With all your imperfections, God loves you. You have made an impact.  Don't give up. "

As my school year winds down I can look back and see all the ways the God has kept me and my 

students.  As the psalmist says, I recount all His wonderful deeds.  I remember His faithfulness and

His promise to never leave me.  I recount His promise to give me rest.  I remember His grace and

His mercy.  I remember the opportunities He gave me to be a witness to my students and 

colleagues.

God is great and greatly to be praised.  He is to be worshipped with a whole heart.  He is deserving

of my thanks and gratitude.  Thank You Jesus.  Thank You Lord.

Father, I thank You for your covering.  I thank You for blessings and goodness You have shown

to me.  I give You thanks and I give You praise.  In the holy name of Jesus. Amen

Confessions

 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  ~Hebrews 10:25

Today's blog is a big ouch for me as I am convicted of this very thing.  I am a believer who loves the Lord and His people, but I find myself avoiding the attendance of church.   I have my reasons, but God is clear, we are to meet up and assemble.  We do this to encourage one another.  I know this to be true because when I do go I am encouraged by  seeing my sisters in Christ worship the Lord.  The sweet aroma of Jesus is all around and it nourishes my soul.

I know this to be true, yet I still have little desire outside my want to please God to go. While I am actively involved in ministries at my church, something is missing.   There is a disconnect.  I love the Lord and I know that He is good. I watch sermons from other pastors.  Guess what they talk about the assembling of the saints too.  So I know God is talking to me.  Yet I stay stubborn. What does this say about me?  My mind can go down a rabbit hole, but I know that I am loved by God.  He is working on my heart and my mind.  He's not letting me get comfortable with this sin.

Why am I sharing a dark corner of my soul?  I am  sharing it because I need to walk in the light of God's truth. I need to expose it so I can come to a point or repentance.  I want to be with like minded hearts so that I can be strengthened in the battle.  

Lord, I know better, yet week after week I fail.  I know its only hurting me so I pray for forgiveness.  Help me to not isolate, but rather insulate myself with my fellow brother's and sisters.  Help me to honor Your word.  In Jesus name. Amen

Run the race

 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ~Hebrews 12:1

This past weekend my church celebrated Women's Empowerment.  The theme was "Women Running to Win".  Our background scripture was 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.  We had two dynamic guest speakers and there were some things that stood out to me.  One was the admonishment to get in position.  When I think about position, I think about posture.  In a race where runners sprint,  they often get into starting blocks to set their feet right into a position where they can spring into action.  Whereas in a long distance race, the runners angle their body with one forward, again ready to spring into action.  So what is the position of a believer who is running the Christian race?  I believe its one of prayer as our hearts are yielding to God and getting the strength to spring into action.  To put one foot in one of another.

In 1 Corinthians 9:24 it tells us to run in such a way as to get the prize.  You can get the prize if you do not finish the race.  The race we run as believers is not a sprint, but a marathon.  Legs get tired, breathing can become labored, but that's why we train.  We stay in the word so we can get our second wind.  We stay connected to the Spirit so that we can receive strength and power to endure.  We keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.  We remember the those that have come before use and finished the race in faith.  They encourage us to stay strong, to keep moving.  I might be the tortoise, but I will finish the race.

I have been waking up feeling absolutely physically and mentally drained.  I wanted to quit today, but I pressed on and prayed for energy.  I can tell you that walking in the will of God energizes you and reminds you to stay in the race.  As one pastor noted, you have to start the race to run it and as the elders have said "I think I am going to run on to see what the end will be".  I'm laying down fatigue and breathing in Jesus.  I am laying down the lies of the enemy saying I can't do it.  I'm laying down any sin that would add unnecessary weight to me.  I am in position; seeking God's face and wisdom.  I am springing into action.  I aiming to win the prize.   

Lord, I thank You for Your Word that reminds me to run the race and finish strong.  I pray for those that have not yet begun the race, may they enter in relationship with You and gain the best coach ever.  May those of us running the race endure until the end.  May we win the prize.  May our running making an impact on the lives of others.  In Jesus name I do pray.  Amen

Guard Your Heart

 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. ~Proverbs 4:23

Lord, help me is thought the roars through my mind as I write today.  Help me to say the words that You want me to say.  Help me to convey a message that speaks to the hearts of others.  Help me to be true and steadfast. Help me to give You the glory as I seek to be a partner in building Your Kingdom.

In order to do these things I must be plugged in to God, His Spirit and I must guard with all sacredly (if that's a word) what He has poured into my heart.  I must guard the "seat" of my emotions and thoughts. For from my heart flows my actions and decisions. I must monitor what I allow to influence my thoughts from the shows I watch, to what I listen to on the radio and especially my conversations and those around me.

 This is why I need the belt of truth and  breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:10-14).  I have to gird myself with His word (the truth)  and put on the righteousness that Christ has imparted to me so that I can cast down those thoughts that would try to rival God and His will( 2 Corinthians 10:5). I must sit still with God and guard the treasure that He has entrusted to me.  

Everyday is a gift, but I do battle with my heart and mind.  The Lord instructs me when to speak and how to react to the children I teach.  He tells me when to intervene and when to let go and let God.  It is He who fills me when I am empty so that I reach and teach. It is he who keeps me shielded from the things of this world,  It is He who keeps me.  It is He who helps me and hears my cry before it is ushered on my lips(Isaiah 65:24).

Lord, thank You for the gospel and Your Holy Spirit.  Help me to guard what You pour into me so that I can walk this Christian journey.  So that I can take up my cross daily and follow You.  Help me to put on Your amor daily.  Help me to love.  Forgive me of my sins and transgressions.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen

Self-examination

 John 3:16 states: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

This week is considered Holy Week.  A week where the crowds were saying Hosanna one minute and crucify Him the next. It’s the week where we remember where Christ gave His life freely for us because He loved us.

He loved us even though He knew we would betray Him, deny Him and wonder off.  He laid down His life so that these things would not be end of our stone cause of His amazing grace.  His sacrifice washes us clean and gives us new chapters.  His death made it possible.

Jesus’ story does not end on the Cross or in grave because on the third day He got up.  He defeated death bringing us life, hope, and peace.This week celebrates the triumphant work of Jesus.  His death and resurrection.

Transparently, I find myself asking how holy am I?  Am I living out the life the Christ gave His life for? Am I conquering sin?  Am I saying Hosanna with my mouth, but crucifying Him in my heart?  Being a disciple is serious business, so am I taking up my cross daily?  Am I dying to self?  Holy Week is about self- examination for me as I take in again the enormity of what Christ did for me, what He does for me! Jesus loved and so must I.

Father, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus.  Thank You for loving us that much.  Thank You for dying for me Jesus.  Thank You for getting back up.  May I live a life that reflects Your love.  May I lay down my will for Yours daily.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Are you ready?

 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.~ Ephesians 6:15

Ephesians 6:10-12 tells us that we are in a battle and we must be battle ready by putting on the armor of God.  We battle not against flesh and blood, "but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms"(Ephesians 6:12).  One peace of that armor is the shoes that come from the gospel of peace.

Something stood out to me today as I read about this peace or armor.  It says that our feet are "fitted with the readiness".  This tells me that we are ready for the battle.  Our position and stance is steady.  I see a boxer in the ring and their stance is ready to go.  We are ready to go into battle or deal with the attacks of the enemy because we have the gospel of peace.  We have the truth.

Jesus came to this earth, walked among us.  He dies for our sins, He himself did no wrong.  He rose again defeating death because He loves us.  He did this to reconcile us, to bring us into right standing with the Father.  The cost He paid for me was the gift of eternal life with Him and the Father.  So when I move, I move in peace.  I move in the assurance of God.  I am ready.

I am ready because of what Jesus did on the Cross.  The plan the Father had for my and your salvation from the beginning.  Giving His life for us.  So the enemy is already defeated and I can walk in that.  I can step to the side when the enemies arrows come. I can stand firm when the blows come.  I will not be moved because I have the right shoes on.  I can respond with a with peace and gentleness because of Jesus.  I am ready.

Lord, I thank You for Your armor and I thank You for Your truth.  Thank you for having me be ready to face the enemy because of what You did on Calvary.  I love You Lord.  In  Jesus name. Amen

A Certain God

 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. ~Hebrews 13:8

A reminder about the truth of God was shared with me yesterday.  God is constant.  He doesn't shift and change like the shadows.  The same God who walked with me in times past is the same God who walks with me in my present, and will be there in my future. He is a certain God.

 He is the God of the universe yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  He is same God who gave His life for me on Calvary so that I can be whole and forgiven.  The same God that forgives me today.  He is the same God who intercedes for me and prays for me.

So as the world around me changes, I can remain confidant in God.  My circumstances will come and go.  Leaders will come and go.  Wars and rumors of wars will be present, but my God remains the same.  His love is unchanging.  His sovereignty is unmoving.  He is Lord.  He is constant and His consistent nature is my comfort.

Lord thank You for being true and real.  Thank You for being consistent in Your goodness and faithfulness.  Thank You for being God.  In Jesus name I do pray.  Amen.

Transparency

 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.~Hebrews 12:2

In full transparency I have been on the struggle bus this week.  My conversations with God have had a hint of desperation as I pray for strength to do my day; to do the work.  The beautiful thing about God is His truth, the knowledge that He will never leave me.  It helps as helped me to fix my eyes on Jesus and not the the struggle.

I was reminded today of just how valuable we are to Jesus  because He made a choice to ensure the cross for us. Knowing this helps me to keep going as I look to the One who finished it all.  He is seated at the right hand of the Father interceding for us.

The struggle won’t last forever and I have a Champion on my side.  This fuels my hope.  This strengthens me and I am grateful.

Lord thank You for making the choice.  Thank You for hearing my pleas.  Thank You for the victory.  In Jesus name. Amen

God is near

  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ~Philippians 4:5

Today is one of those days. My world is a little off kilter.  My routine has been altered and I feel rushed and panicky, but God.  I hear God telling me that He is near.  I see that He is near as He is moving pieces into place. 

I also hear God telling me to not let the disruptions and distractions to the flow of my day, disrupt who I am in Christ.  To not let it disrupt my character.  I am not to be narly and irritated , but gentle and this gentleness should be evident to all.  Gentleness is described by the dictionary as having or showing a mild, kind, or tender temperament or  character. 

 Its not lashing out because you are frustrated or stressed.  Its remembering just how blessed you are.  How loved you are by Jesus.

I have to breath God in and trust in His process.  These sandpaper moments are building my character. They are opportunities for me to be a witness for God.  They are strengthening my faith as I lean on Him who is always near.  He won't let me down or leave me alone.

Father, I trust You and I love You.  Let the fruit of peace, joy, and gentleness rise up in me especially today.  May I find rest in You.  In Jesus Name I pray.  Amen.

Walking in your purpose

 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them"~ Ephesians 2:10

There is nothing more fulfilling than to walk in the purpose that God created for me.  For when I am walking in my purpose I know that I am being equipped by God to do the work that He has planned for me from the very beginning.  I am full of joy because I know that I am doing His work.  I am pleasing Him and helping my fellow man.

However, the enemy does not want me to walk in my purpose.  He does not want me to do my part for the Kingdom.  He wants me weary, frustrated, and filled with fear.  But the enemy is defeated because of God's word and faithfulness.  Jesus tells me that I can come to Him when I am weary(Matthew 11:28-30) and that I can cast my cares onto God( 1 Peter 5:7).  He also tells me that He did give me the spirit of fear, but rather of power,  love, and sound mind ( 2 Timothy 1:7).

Yesterday, I lost my temper with a student.  I kicked him out of my classroom.  It could have ended there, but God allowed me the opportunity for reconciliation. I told the student that  he was one my best students.  I told him that the behavior he exhibited was not like him.  He said he was having a bad week, mind you it was only Tuesday.  I gave the kid a hug and told him it was going to be okay and then I apologized for loosing my temper.  I tell you I was blessed by the situation and joy filled my soul because I walked in my purpose to encourage rather than destroy.  At the time I wasn't concerned about who was watching, but someone was.  They thanked me.  I brushed it off, but it reminded me that others are watching.  I want to be found doing His work.  I give all the glory to God.  The student came back into my classroom focused and weights lifted.

 For me, His work is teaching and encouraging.  It is loving and forgiving.  It's sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We all have a purpose and each day is a gift to walk in the works that God has planned for us.  Whether that be encouraging a child, spouse, or co-worker.  Or caring for sick, needy, and lost.  It might even be being an intercessor for someone, our nation's leaders, or world leaders.  Our purpose maybe standing in the gap.  Whatever it is, when you walk in it you will be filled by the Spirit.  You will be empowered and God will get the glory.

Lord, thank You for the opportunity to participate and align my will to Yours.  Thank You for opportunity to walk in my calling, my purpose.  Bless my brothers and sisters in Christ and let us be united in doing Your work.  For those who do not know their purpose, reveal it to them.  Help us to remain humble and give You all the glory.  In Jesus name.  Amen

It's personal

 "Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness" -Isaiah 25: (NASB)

You've Been So Faithful

When I look back over my life, I see the faithfulness of God.  As I battle with the enemy, God is their granting me victory and success.  I proclaim loudly and proudly that the Lord is my God.  I will lift His name up for He mighty and worthy of all the praise.  There is no one and nothing that compares to Him.  

God has worked wonders in my life.  He has brought healing, forgiveness, and restoration.  As David proclaimed in Psalm 23, my cup runneth over.  I was recently reading a devotional and it talked about the shift of " have to" to "get to".  Work can be difficult, but I "get to" go to work and provide for my family.  I struggle with anxiety and depression, but " I get to" see how God works in the midst of it all ushering in peace.  I 'get to" to know that Jesus intercedes on my behalf.

I am right where I need to be because God has ordered my steps.  He has a plan for my life and circumstances cannot circumvent His plans.  He accomplishes the things in my life because He is faithful.  He is perfect and cannot fail.  I "get to" witness this.  What a beautiful thing.

Lord, thank You for being my God.  Thank You for Your perfect faithfulness.   I praise your name and lift You up that all men may be drawn unto You.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Moment by Moment

 Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. ~Genesis 2:7

A dear friend of mine when grieving the death of her mother told me she was taking it moment by moment, for day by day was too much to bear at the time.  Her words have stayed with me and I share it with others who are experiencing grief and hardships.  I say these words to myself when life feels too big.

I relate these words to the scripture above where it tells us that God formed man and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being ( some translations use the word soul.)  I think about these words and remember that God breathed life into me and so when life gets hard or scary I breathe His breath.  I breathe God's strength and grace. 

Each breathe is but a moment and I make that best of that moment by breathing in His peace.  I breathe in His love.  I allow the Spirit of God to minister to me.  I take one moment at a time.  What I found to happen is that those moments chained together create a beautify tapestry of His amazing grace.  

I also can't help but think about the last moment that Jesus breathed(Luke 23:46) so that I might be forgiven of my sins and how He took His breathe again on the third day( 1 Corinthians 15:3-4) conquering death for me and you. That's love -that is enough air to sustain me through troubled times.

Lord, I thank You for the breath of life.  Thank You for reminding me to take thing one step at at time, one breath at a time, as I trust in You.   For You are my strength and hope Lord.  Your Spirit allows me to persevere. Thank You for Your goodness and mercy.  In Jesus name.  Amen

He sees us

 She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”  ~Genesis 16:13

Trials come and the world can seem like its bearing down on us.  It may make want to run away or end it all, but God is our comfort.  We are not alone.  We are not insignificant to God.  He sees us and His presence is with us.  His Spirit resides in us (1 Corinthians 3:16) and because of that we can walk in victory.  We can come out on the other side.

There are a lot of people who suffer from depression and anxiety.  In transparency, I happen to be one them.  I have been surrounded by the darkness and have felt defeated, but God has always provided a reason to keep moving.  He has always let me feel the gentle whisper of His love (1 Kings 19:4:13).  

His love is not conditioned on what I do or what I feel in the moments of the storms.  His love is pure and steadfast because He is love.  He is God.  It is character and He loves me as I am.  I am aware of people battling in the deep right now.  They are wrestling.  I encourage you to keep fighting, know that the Lord will bless you as He blessed Jacob( Genesis 32:22-32).  The enemy is already defeated.  The weapons that are formed against us will not prosper. (Isaiah 54:17)

The enemy does not want you to think that you are worth it, but you are.  You are more than a conquer in Christ Jesus. ( Romans 8:37).  He sees you and you can be a witness to His goodness , just as I am.  He will put you out of the miry clay and place your feet on solid ground. ( Psalm 40:1-3).  Just hold on and trust Him.

Lord You are bigger than any struggle or storm.  We entrust our lives to You.  Help us to see your light when the darkness threatens to creep in.  Lets us remember that You are with us in the valleys of shadows and death and that it is You that leads us through.  We love You Lord and thank You for seeing us.  In Jesus name we pray.  Amen

A Praise on my lips

1 Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—Psalm 103:1-2

I’m approaching another birthday and as I consider all the ways the God has shown up and shown out, I can’t help but be grateful.  I am humbled by His goodness to me.  His faithfulness to be with me each and every day.  

He is with me in the sun and clouds.  He does not let the storms overtake me.  He settles my soul.  He provides for me and wipes every tear.  I am precious to Him, little ol’ me.  He sent His Son to die for me and then live again so that I can too.

God is great!  So I praise Him with everything I have.  I thank Him for being absolutely magnificent!  I love You Father.  I love You Jesus.  I love You Holy Spirit. 

Father, thank You for teaching me what real love is.  Thank You for all Your benefits.  Thank You for life.  In Jesus name. Amen

Cry out to God

 “When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17, ESV).

Sometimes life feels like its moving too fast.   As a teacher I deal with over a hundred personalities, needs, and wants. It can feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders.  Reading newspaper headlines does not help, so much chaos and confusion in the world. I get overwhelmed.  Life is good and I know it, but I still feel like I'm drowning.  What do I do?  I cry out to God.

I cry out to my Creator and Father who cares about every detail of my life.  I cry out to the source of my strength.  I have faith in the God that sees me and hears me and count on Him to deliver me.  I trust in Him to see me through as He has done countless times before.

I cry out for love, love that will flow between neighbors and strangers alike.  I cry out for peace and wholeness.  I cry out for deliverance and remain hopeful in the God for whom all things are possible(Mathew 19:26).  I trust Him to direct my path for He is good and He is good to me. I seek His presence and find comfort like no other for He is God; my God.  I remember Jesus.  I say His name and am home.

Lord, thank You for hearing me and delivering me out of all my troubles.  Thank You for delivering from distress and stress.  Thank You for your peace that passes all understanding.  Thank You for being God.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen

His Masterpiece

  For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us ]. ~Ephesians 2:10 Amplified

I like how the Amplified translation of Ephesians 2:10 breaks downs the truth of God's word for us.  It says we are God's workmanship.  We are His masterpiece.  Think about that for a moment.  The Creator of the universe- the stars, sun, moon, trees lakes, oceans,  and mountains created us.  When he created the earth He said it was good, in fact He said it was very good. (Genesis 1:31).  We are good.  His is the Master artist and every stroke of the brush is good.  

We are more than the lies that enemy tells us.  We are more than our circumstances.  We are a good thing, beautiful.  Even better we were spiritually transformed in Christ.  Our sins are covered by the blood and our scars turned into beauty marks, evidence of His grace.

 But why were we made?  It says in Ephesians 2:10 that we were created to do good works.  The works do not save us, but are our response to the love of God and joy of being His.  These works are prepared in advance for us to walk in them.  Loving our neighbors, forgiving each other, helping the poor and oppressed, giving a smile or hug to someone who is hurting.  Spreading the gospel message with the those who are lost.

We do not do this on our own because God is holding the brush.  We are walking in faith and we are trusting that each stroke He makes is good.  We are not striving to good works, but rather resting and in the grace of God and being a will vessel for Him to operate in.  Remember He prepared all of this in advance, we just have to obedient to His voice and trust the outcome.  We can trust that it will be good.

Lord, thank You for being God.  Thank You for being good.  Thank You for creating us and preparing us.  Help us to walk in faith, trusting in Your divine plan for our lives.  Help us to trust you with the brush.  In Jesus name I do pray. Amen

What do you desire?

 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.~ Psalm 37:4

What is my desire?  What do I delight in?  It has to be more than binge on a television series.  My desires and delights should first and foremost be Jesus.  What does that mean in my every day practical life.   It means that I am seeking to love like He loves.  I am seeking to be still enough to hear His voice and obey.  I am trusting Him with all of me and my family too.  

I am aligning my will with His and seeking to stay in the center of His.( Romans 12:1-2) I am being patient with my children and strangers.  I am extending grace and forgiveness.  I am not letting roots of bitterness enter in.  I am walking by faith.  I am doing these things, not because I am so good, but because He is.  I live in response to His amazing love for me.  I delight myself in the Lord.  I put Him first.  I move from my comfort zones as I follow Him.

Yes, He will grant me the desire of my heart because my heart will mirror His heart.  I will be in step with the Master.  My wants will please Him. As I write this, I realize that I need to "binge" on Jesus more.  I need more of His Word and more of His presence in my life.

Lord, forgive me for not making the best use of my time.  Help me to seek You first because Father your grace is amazing.  Help me to keep my focus on things that matter and love hard Father.  You are a good God.  Magnificent in every way and I love You.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen

Trust in God

  When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.~ Psalm 56:3

Fear is defined as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.  I deal with  anxiety that can cause crippling fear.  There are times where there is an overwhelming sense of dread, but God reminds me that when I am afraid that I can trust Him.

Trust is defined as the firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.  I like this definition because it causes me to be resolved in the truth that my God is reliable.  He can be counted on.  He is real and I can draw courage from Him.

My fears, real or imagined, do not control me.  The emotion is indicator of where I need to turn; to God.  I am trusting in the One who never fails.  The One who sees me and cares.  I can cast my anxiety upon Him and gain strength.  Life has a lot of unknowns, but God is the Master of the universe and nothing surprises Him.  

Lord, when feelings of fear creep in, let me fight it back with Your Word and truth.  Thank You for telling me what do when life gets scary.  Thank You for be trustworthy and true.  Thank You for being God.  In Jesus name. Amen

Chosen

  For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. ~Ephesians 1:4-6

We are chosen.  Before God created this world He chose us to be holy and blameless in His sight.  I heard a sermon this past Sunday that spoke on this and it touched me.  The Spirit brought clarity to the question of what it means to be holy.  Holy is not perfect, we can't be that.  We will miss the mark.  We will make mistakes because we were born into a sinful world and a sinful nature.  But we can be set apart.  Being holy means being set apart and it requires or demands of us that we "take up our cross of obedience and faithfully follow Christ."

Being holy is being in relationship with Christ.  God has chosen us and made a way through His Son to be in right relationship with Him.  He has adopted us.  We are His children  He did this with His pleasure and will.  It pleases God that we are His.  We don't deserve any of it, but He did it because He loves us and  because of His amazing grace.

I have been thinking on this all week and it has fueled me to hear and follow His voice.  To remember who I am in Christ.  To give Him praise for what He has done, is doing, and will do.  I am set apart for Christ not because I am special, but because He is just that good.

Lord, thank You for choosing me.  Thank You for even thinking of me and including me in your plans.  Help me to deepen my relationship with You and daily follow You.  In Jesus name. Amen

Fresh start

 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.~John 15:7-8

It’s a new year.  A chance to start fresh. As I step into the new year, I reflect on what I want.  What is my desire and focus?  A lot of things come to my mind, but one thought takes center stage.  I want to be closer to Jesus.  I want to be His disciple.  I want to follow hard after Him.  I want to abide in the One who gives me life and peace.  I want to be an example for others so that they too may know that the Lord is good(Psalm 34:8).

In the light of recent tragedies, the enemy would have us question this fact.  Why is evil so prevalent?  We live in a broken world where sin is rampant, but God has not changed.  He remains steadfast and He is our comfort.  Each day is a gift; an opportunity to be in presence.  A chance to abide and follow; to be a disciple.  Showing the world there is another way.

So my hope for this new year is to abide.  To listen to His voice and obey.  To put aside those things that would hinder me.  In Jesus name.

Lord, I thank You for letting me see another year.  You are my focus, so let me abide in You.  Bless the families of those who have lost loved ones.  Help them to know that even in this You are God and You are good.  Let me be resolute in my devotion to You.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen