Category: God

Do You Know?

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“I will praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 NIV

Do you know?

Psalm 139:14 is probably one of the most quoted and popular passages of scripture. We recite it to boost our confidence, revel in it when we are ‘snatched’ – hair done, make up on point, clothes perfectly laid. We wear it on statement tees and sip on coffee mugs reminding us just how great we are…but do really know and believe that we are wonderful? That we are great? One of a kind..daughters of a King?

Underneath all the clothing, hair, and makeup is often an uncertain soul. Uncertain about who she is, her worth, her calling, and uncertain about who she belongs to. Do you know just how wonderful you are? Do you believe what God says about you? That even in your lowest state, He was there…that He loved you…that you had a purpose even then? Do you believe that you are the apple of His eye…that He sees the inward parts and that is what He’s pursuing…not the clothes, not the hair, not the makeup? Do you believe that He loved you enough…to come to earth in flesh, to die for you even when He knew you could never measure up to your own standards? Do you know and know full well that you are….

Beautiful?

Wonderful?

Gifted?

Chosen?

Forgiven?

Redeemed?

Worthy?

Treasured?

Loved…

Loved by a Father who would move heaven and earth just for you…

Loved by a Father that would send His Son to die for you?

“I will give thanks to You because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this. My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was being skillfully woven in an underground workshop. Your eyes saw me when I was still an unborn child. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book before one of them had taken place. How precious are Your thoughts concerning me, O God!” Psalm 139:14-17 God’s Word

Thank You Father for reminding of us of how amazing Your works are. That to be known by You is to know that we were created on purpose, for a purpose, in Your image – fearfully and wonderfully made. We are grateful to know You and to know who we are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

While You Wait…

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I am in the middle of quite a few things in this season of my life…home improvement projects, new projects at work, ministry initiatives, personal goals, and mid-life if I am counting the years…

The middle is often a place of waiting. You have certain expectations – a desired outcome, a preferred timeline, and excitement of seeing whatever you’re waiting for come to pass. Then there’s the anxiety about what’s next, deviations from your plans and timeline, and frustration that comes from feeling stuck when things don’t seem to be going the way you would like them to.

This weekend I received a practical lesson on what to do while you wait. I was in between commitments with a few hours to spare. Part of me wanted to take advantage of the down time – just count down the minutes until the next thing and think about the responsibilities piling up instead of doing what is in front of me while I wait.

As I took inventory of my to do list and assessed my current situation, I stared at a pile (well piles) of clothes I was in the process of transitioning to storage for the next season mixed with some freshly laundered clothes that accumulated throughout the week as I tended to more pressing matters. I started working on each pile until each piece of clothing made it to it’s appropriate location. Working on the thing right in front of me…working while I was waiting.

Then I fixed my attention on a pile of unopened boxes containing some items requiring assembly. Items that were part of a home improvement project that was still in progress. I ignored the boxes because I was waiting for the room to be finished and in my frustration I put them off to the side. I opened the few boxes and started assembling. I started working on the next thing in front of me…working while I was waiting.

Before I knew it, it was almost time to get ready for my appointment. I had lost track of time. I was focused on accomplishing the tasks in front on me. Though the things I was working may not have been directly tied to the actual thing(s) I was waiting for, I felt lighter, less overwhelmed more organized, accomplished and encouraged about the very things I was waiting for. Not only that, I went into my next commitment feeling undistracted, prepared and ready to focus on that particular task.

I am learning how to manage the waiting room (sometimes not as well as I would like) and not neglect the sometimes seemingly small or insignificant things we tend to put off in our arrogance and impatience believing we will take care of them at a later time or better yet when the thing we are waiting for becomes a reality.

Waiting doesn’t mean do nothing or just sit around counting the hours that pass until you arrive at your final destination. There are things waiting for you in the wait. People waiting for you in the wait. Places you need to be in the wait. Things to learn in the wait. Commit yourself to the work in the wait. Do the next thing. Wait well.

Don’t just sit there….there is something for you to do in the wait!

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

What do you see?

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I recently watched a movie where the main character had an overwhelming desire to be attractive. She felt unloved, unwanted, overlooked, and overweight – when in fact she wasn’t any of those things…at least to those that mattered. Through a series of made for movie events – including a bump on the head, she ended up believing that she was pretty.

While she believed with all her heart that her physical appearance changed, it didn’t. It was what she thought about herself that changed. As a result, she was more confident, outgoing, courageous and carefree – living her life to the fullest (sadly though at times her personality wasn’t so pretty…that’s a word for another day).

When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

As believers and followers of Jesus Christ, it is important that we see ourselves correctly. We need to believe what Our Father says about us and how He sees us so that we can live in the fullness of all that He desires for us.

Don’t allow the world, social media, culture or other people to determine what you see when you look in the mirror. Allow them to see the beauty that is inside of you…the hope of glory, Christ in you (Colossians 1:27).

You are:

  • Beautiful. (Psalm 45:11, Song of Solomon 4:7)
  • Made in His image. (Genesis 1:27)
  • Fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
  • Precious. (Isaiah 43:4)
  • Loved. (John 3:16, I John 4:9-10)
  • Chosen. (Ephesians 1:4, I Peter 2:9)
  • God’s handiwork. (Ephesians 2:10)
  • A special possession. (I Peter 2:9)
  • A crown of splendor. (Isaiah 62:3)
  • Royalty. (I Peter 2:9)

True transformation begins the moment you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, allowing Him to reign in your heart as King. He can help you adjust your vision so that you can see yourself as the king/queen He has created you to be.

Now let me ask again…when you look in the mirror, what do you see? Let Him transform you.

CRY OUT!

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“…but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”” – Luke 18:39

Sometimes it may seem pointless to call on God. We may feel that our situation is impossible or we have been crying out for so long and our situation has not changed. It can seem as if our desperate pleas for help go unheard. We don’t understand. Those around us don’t understand. They watch us worship, serve, cry out and wonder where God is when we need Him most. Some may even encourage us to stop our seemingly unheard prayers – or we may give up on our own because we can’t see how God is going to change our situation.

“As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭18:35-43‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Bartimaeus wanted to see. He probably hoped all of his life to have his sight. He heard about the miracles Jesus did, believed Jesus could change his situation and had faith to cry out when He knew He was near. The men who tried to silence him probably didn’t see any hope for Bartimaeus’ situation. They didn’t want him to distract the Master from His Father’s business. But Bartimaeus’ faith would not allow him to remain silent. While he couldn’t see any of the miracles Jesus performed, he could hear the testimony of others, he was aware of the power of crying out His Name. He believed Jesus could give him the one thing he desired. His faith restored his sight.

Don’t let ANYONE – the enemy, your family, friends or even YOU, silence your prayers. Despite what you can or cannot see, don’t give up! Keep crying out to the One who is capable of changing you and your situation.

Father, Thank You for hearing us when we call on Your Powerful Name. We know that all things are possible through You. Even when we can’t see what You are doing, help us to remember that You are working all things out for our good. Thank You for restoring our spiritual sight and increasing our faith to trust You in every area of our lives. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Love is Hard

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Loving others is easy when things are going good, the person looks like us, has similar interests, or they comply with our wishes (demands) or can be counted on to return a favor.

Love is not as easy when we have to love those that get on our last nerve – the ones that don’t see eye to eye (nor will they ever), the ones that seem the neediest, the ones that push the last button, the ones you ignore when their name pops up on your phone – those that don’t treat us the way we believe we deserve to be treated. Love is hard. I wish Brother Paul would have spent a little bit more time warning us in his famous love chapter just how difficult loving others can be at times.

When I am challenged in my own love walk, I think about all the times that I was and can be difficult to love. The times that I am cranky, unforgiving, frustrated, rebellious, the times that I hurt more than I love – a poor representative of my Father. In those times, there was always someone who still loved me despite what attitude I was taking on that particular moment. Sure, there may have been a family member, friend or brother/sister in Christ that loved me in those least desirable moments. But even their best love is limited. It is God’s love for me that never changes. His love still amazes me. Despite my unlovable moments, He is always right there loving, covering and reminding me to give the same love that He freely gives to me. His love looks past all of my mess and sees His child, who He will always love.

“This is love. Not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.” I John 4:10-12

As believers and followers of Jesus, when we choose to lay aside our opinions, preferences, and judgments, we are allowing the world to see God’s love through us.

Father, help us to grasp the depth of Your love that surpasses knowledge so that we would be filled to the measure of the fullness of You that we might be able to love our brothers and sisters with the love that You have showed us. Amen.

Remember what Jesus said: ““If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:32-36‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Waiting…

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I don’t like waiting. Period.

I want what I want when I want it. I like to have the details, the expected wait times, and timelines in front of me. Slow wi-fi and computer start ups cause me to tap on my mouse pad a little faster. Waiting on people frustrates me, long lines annoy me (or any line if I am being honest) which is why I am thankful for advance ordering and pick up options. However, even with that there is the possibility that waiting is required.  Waiting tends to make me tired, frustrated and cranky.  As you can see, I am not too fond of  waiting.

I have to sadly admit, I am the same way with God. I am way too eager to see His plan unveiled, anxious to get out of the trial, ready to share what He is sharing with me without giving it time to settle in my own heart. I want to know all the details, the timeline, and reason for the wait. Though I know God is faithful, I tend to be impatient during the wait – missing out on the benefits of the wait. Often missing what is happening in the moment because I am too focused on what is on the other side of the wait. Neglecting those I am supposed to be serving while I wait. Not taking care of the things that I need to while I wait. Missing the lesson in the wait.

Why do we have to wait?!?!?! 

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

Waiting is part of life. The wait is important. Learning how to wait is part of maturity. Waiting well is called patience. Patience is learned. Patience requires practice, which means we can expect many opportunities to let patience work in us.  It is in those moments of waiting that our faith increases as our patience is being developed…so that as James reminds us…we will be complete, lacking nothing allowing God to work His perfect plan for our lives. There’s a lot happening during the wait. Trust Him.

Just because we don’t like something, does not mean it’s not good for us…

Wait well.

Father God,  Give us the grace to wait well and trust what You are doing while we wait. Amen

Not Forsaken

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When you turn on the news to hear the number of COVID19 cases continue to rise, the death count steadily increasing, unclaimed bodies being buried in massive ditches, unemployment numbers rapidly increasing, and lines for food banks spanning miles, it can be easy to believe that God has forsaken us.

The psalmist David was acquainted with suffering as he asked God in Psalm 22 why he had forsaken him —when would the trouble end. Jesus cried out in His suffering on the cross, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?“.  In the midst of our pain it can often feel as if God is no where to be found. As we find ourselves in these turbulent and difficult times, it may seem as if our prayers are going unanswered, our pleas for help seem to be ignored, and our tears seem to be wasted. We have encountered times of restlessness and even hopelessness. The pain sometimes unbearable.

The soldiers who mocked Jesus as they watched Him suffering in agony in those final moments on the cross help give understanding to why we tend to lose hope. “Let Him come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him and acknowledge Him.”(Matthew 27:42 AMP)  Simply put – sometimes we need to see a sign in order to believe. A sign to restore our hope. A sign to help us rest.

In the midst of all of this uncertainty where there may not be many visible signs of hope, find encouragement in Jesus’ parting words to His disciples:

“Take careful notice: an hour is coming, and has arrived, when you will all be scattered, each to his own home, leaving Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]

-John 16:32-33 AMP

We are never alone! The Father is with us. Because Jesus lives we can have this hope. Continue to cry out to Him. Allow Him to turn your pain to praise, your worry to worship, your anxiousness to awe. He is here with us. He never left.

Be encouraged. You are not forsaken.

There IS Light in the Tunnel

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gray scale photography of lighthouse

Like most of the world, each day I wonder when this situation is going to end. When will I turn on the news to hear a cure has been found, that there have not been any deaths or more illnesses from this virus, that there is a vaccine to keep us safe, or we can return to life as we once knew it.

The other day as I returned from the coffee house (which is now my kitchen) to my makeshift work space slightly frustrated with the new norm, my screensaver displayed a beautiful lighthouse at the end of a long stony road. The black and white photo highlighted by the brightest white drawing attention to the light from the beacon of  the lighthouse, reminded me of the saying “There’s light at the end of the tunnel.”

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, I am the Light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.”  – John 8:12

Believers in Jesus Christ do not have to wait for the light at the end of the tunnel. The Light has already come that we can have abundant life here and in eternity – full of goodness and hope, even in the midst of chaos, tragedy and devastation. Jesus came into the world – into our hearts, not only to save us but that we would be a reflection of His light for others to see the hope of glory that is in us as a testimony of His salvation.

There is Light in the tunnel.  His name is Jesus. The world needs His Light more than ever.

In our darkest moments, we need to fix our eyes on the Light to be reminded and encouraged by His faithfulness,  using this time to seek Him through prayer and His Word, and to serve Him by being the light among all men.

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16

If you have never placed faith in Jesus Christ, you do not have to wait until we get through this..until we get out of this tunnel. Jesus came to rescue us ALL from darkness.

You can receive this Light today.

If Jesus has prompted your heart to do so, pray this prayer:

Jesus, I am a sinner lost in darkness. Come into my heart, illuminate it with Your Light, and cleanse me of my sins. Today I accept You as my Lord and Savior. I believe that You came to earth as a servant, as God in the flesh. You died, was buried, and rose from the dead, that I might have the Light of life. I place my faith in You alone. My heart belongs to You. Thank You Jesus for loving me and saving me. 

In Jesus Name,  Amen

 

A Prayer For Us

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Now is the time we should be seeking the Lord like never before. Sometimes that can be hard. We don’t know what to say, what we should be praying for, or maybe you never prayed before. When you’re at a loss for words, open the Book of Psalms and speak God’s Word back to Him. Over time and through the Holy Spirit, you can use one of the Psalms as a foundation for your prayer, adding your own praises and prayer requests.

Use this prayer based on Psalm 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 for your prayer today and let the Lord lead you.

Peace & Blessings.

Father God,

The world is Yours and all it that is in it. Lord, You know my heart and the hearts of all your people. Where there is fear and anxiety, give peace and calm that only comes from You…that comes from knowing You as Lord, knowing Your Son as Savior. Right now we need to be seeking You like never before.

You Lord, are the King of Glory, You are strong and mighty – You are mighty in the midst of our battles, You are Lord of all. You are welcome in my heart, my mind, my spirit and soul.

Father, I lift up my soul to You. Lord, I trust You. Do not let me be ashamed of this hope and my faith in You. A gift that You freely give. Help me to see things from a heavenly perspective. Teach me Your word. Lead me in Your paths, lead me in Your truth. I belong to You…I will wait on You. Thank You for remembering me, my family and my loved ones during this time. Your compassion and lovingkindness are forever – You reign Lord!

You, Lord, are good and right. All your paths are lovingkindness and truth – let us hold fast to You. Help me keep my eyes constantly on You. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me. Thank You for forgiving my sins – past and present.

O Lord, I love Your dwelling place. Thank You for this time that I get to spend with You – getting to know You better through Your Word – Your Iove letter to us. You tell us that when we seek You with our whole heart and mind, we will find You. Give me a fresh desire and thirst for Your Word.

Father, You are my light and salvation, who shall I fear? You are my protector, who or what should I dread? Though troubles come, my heart will not fear. In spite of it all, I will remain confident in the hope that I have in You.

Lord, the one thing that I ask and seek is to dwell in Your house all the days of my life, to behold Your beauty and to meditate in Your temple. In these trying times, You have covered and protected me and those I love. I will praise You each and every day – even when we get through this because You Lord will never forsake me. Help me to wait on You. To be strong and courageous as I wait. To seek ways to serve You by helping my brothers and sisters.

You alone, Lord, are my strength and my shield. I will trust You as long as I live. I praise You Lord for all that You do for me. You are my strength during these troubling times. Save us Lord, according to Your will. Be our shepherd. Lead us. We have been so preoccupied looking to our earthly leaders – let us look to You. You will lead and carry us forever.

Lord, You are great! Your goodness has been stored up for those who fear You-who take refuge in You. You have hidden us in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man – You keep us hidden and safe. Thank You Lord for meeting us here in this time You knew about. Thank you for taking care of us – shielding us from this virus. Thank You for healing those that have been diagnosed. Thank You for comforting those who have lost loved ones. Their loss does not mean that You do not love them or that You did not want to heal them but as Your Word says whether we as believers are awake or sleep we will live forever together with You. We praise You Lord that we have this confidence of abundant life through Christ Jesus. It is in His great, holy, mighty, keeping and matchless name that I pray. Amen.