My family explored a cave today. We bought our tickets and followed the tour guide deep into the earth to see beautiful formations of limestone and rock, stalactytes and stalagmytes, and feel the cool damp air as we walked through the channels of rock. It was thrilling to watch my children admire the beauty and savor the adventure of this fun excursion. The path we walked on was dimly lit but we could easily see where we were heading and were aware of curves in the path or low-lying rocks we would have to duck under. Others had gone before us and strategically placed lights, discreetly hidden among the rocks, to light our way and keep us safe.
God does the exact same thing for us on the path of our life. He brings light into our dark world and that light shines brightly. The dark cannot resist or hide from it. Whenever and whereve the light shines, the way is brighter and the darkess cannot overtake it. God has gone before us and has placed His light in our path to illuminate and guide us. He has given us His Holy Word to give us clear direction. He tells us when to watch our step, where to run ahead and when to stop and wait on Him. He tells us exactly which path to take and which to avoid. We do not have to try and feel our way through the darkness. If we will open our eyes and haerts to Him and choose to obey, the path is well-lit and safe. Yes, there will be times that the path is rocky and difficult, maybe even scary. But we never have to be afraid. Our tourguide not only knows the way, He created every detail of our journey and is shining a light on our every step- we simply need to trust Him and follow.
Thank You Lord God for Your amazing light that completely overtakes the darkness. Thank You for guiding me through this life and never leaving me. I trust You in every step and choose to follow You even when it doesn't make sense to me or I can't see the path ahead. I know You love me and have all things in Your control. I choose to follow You and I can't wait to see the beauty and the adventure You have planned for me. Help me to be steadfast in following You and may I always stand firmly on the rock of Your truth. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
The Pink Toothbrush
God promises us in His Word that He is faithful. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and His grace is sufficient for all our needs. He can be trusted in all things, big and small, and sometimes, it is the seemingly small things that can become the biggest blessings! Sometimes, when our world is spinning out of control and all we can manage to do is hang on, something seemingly insignificant and small can grow to a huge worry. Sometimes that last straw can bring us crashing down. Yet, God sees all. He knows our hearts and what we can handle, and its in those moments, He holds us the closest and loves us the sweetest.
My dear sister in Christ and amazing friend Tiffany has steadfastly been a light for Jesus and a picture of a Proverbs 31 woman caring for and loving her family through times of blessings and times of struggle. Recently, her family has been in a season of hardship and struggle, yet they remain faithful and trusting in God, and He has been so faithful to care for and provide for them. They are a picture of a modern-day family struggling to make ends meet in a financially unstable world. They share the love of Christ with those around them when like so many of us, that is all they have to share. They are a family clinging to God through the storm and trusting Him to provide and that is exactly what our God does!
In one of those moments when one more thing is more than we can take, Tiffany broke down when she realized her sweet baby girl needed a new toothbrush and the budget was spent. There was nothing left yet the need remained. She cried out to God, and just cried, as she asked for help. God in His awesomeness heard her, just as He hears us all in our deepest times of need and answered in such a powerful and sweet way. Not with a loud boom but with a sweet whisper of love and with the body of Christ answering their call to love one another.
Bible study that evening brought more than the usual blessing of fellowship. She arrived with a heavy heart and anxious thoughts, but left refreshed, loved, and carrying a bag of groceries! Because of the love and obedience of a sister in Christ, her family now had the essentials, but God had even more in mind. Inside the bag of groceries was a brand new toothbrush, but not just any toothbrush, a little girl's pink toothbrush- exactly what she needed most at that moment but no one knew but God! That is the loving amazing God we serve! That is the power of Christian brothers and sisters simply living in obedience and being the hands and feet of Jesus!
We don't need millions of dollars or fancy cars. We don't need big ornate homes or an ocean view. We simply need to trust that the same God who holds the earth in the palm of His hand, also holds us and cares for us deeply, providing for our every need. He loves us more then we can imagine or even understand. He loves us too much to always give us what we want, but He always gives us what we need even when that is just a sweet reminder of that very love- even a pink toothbrush.... no, espeially a pink toothbrush!
LORD, we are in awe of Your goodness and Your unfathomable love for us! You see our deepest desires and You lavish Your love and blessings on us. You hold us tightly through the storm and sometimes even calm the storm, but either way, Your love sustains us and provides. Lord, help us see Your blessings all around us and not be so busy or distracted we miss them. Help us not be so consumed in the big things that we miss the mighty display of love in the seemingly small things. Help us to remember that the small things are really what life is all about! Thank You God that You hear our cries, thank You for Your love and mercy, and Lord, thank You for pink toothbrushes exactly when we need them! In the name of Jesus, AMEN.
My dear sister in Christ and amazing friend Tiffany has steadfastly been a light for Jesus and a picture of a Proverbs 31 woman caring for and loving her family through times of blessings and times of struggle. Recently, her family has been in a season of hardship and struggle, yet they remain faithful and trusting in God, and He has been so faithful to care for and provide for them. They are a picture of a modern-day family struggling to make ends meet in a financially unstable world. They share the love of Christ with those around them when like so many of us, that is all they have to share. They are a family clinging to God through the storm and trusting Him to provide and that is exactly what our God does!
In one of those moments when one more thing is more than we can take, Tiffany broke down when she realized her sweet baby girl needed a new toothbrush and the budget was spent. There was nothing left yet the need remained. She cried out to God, and just cried, as she asked for help. God in His awesomeness heard her, just as He hears us all in our deepest times of need and answered in such a powerful and sweet way. Not with a loud boom but with a sweet whisper of love and with the body of Christ answering their call to love one another.
Bible study that evening brought more than the usual blessing of fellowship. She arrived with a heavy heart and anxious thoughts, but left refreshed, loved, and carrying a bag of groceries! Because of the love and obedience of a sister in Christ, her family now had the essentials, but God had even more in mind. Inside the bag of groceries was a brand new toothbrush, but not just any toothbrush, a little girl's pink toothbrush- exactly what she needed most at that moment but no one knew but God! That is the loving amazing God we serve! That is the power of Christian brothers and sisters simply living in obedience and being the hands and feet of Jesus!
We don't need millions of dollars or fancy cars. We don't need big ornate homes or an ocean view. We simply need to trust that the same God who holds the earth in the palm of His hand, also holds us and cares for us deeply, providing for our every need. He loves us more then we can imagine or even understand. He loves us too much to always give us what we want, but He always gives us what we need even when that is just a sweet reminder of that very love- even a pink toothbrush.... no, espeially a pink toothbrush!
LORD, we are in awe of Your goodness and Your unfathomable love for us! You see our deepest desires and You lavish Your love and blessings on us. You hold us tightly through the storm and sometimes even calm the storm, but either way, Your love sustains us and provides. Lord, help us see Your blessings all around us and not be so busy or distracted we miss them. Help us not be so consumed in the big things that we miss the mighty display of love in the seemingly small things. Help us to remember that the small things are really what life is all about! Thank You God that You hear our cries, thank You for Your love and mercy, and Lord, thank You for pink toothbrushes exactly when we need them! In the name of Jesus, AMEN.
Christmas Morning
Christmas morning is a time full of anticipation, expectation and joy. Children all over the world can't sleep the night before because they are so excited to wake up in the morning and find the amazing treasures and gifts that have been left for them, given freely without cost. They wake up earlier than usual, and rush to the source of the gifts, anxious to receive them. They just can't wait another moment to begin this day and see all that it has for them with delight and joy.
I have been given an amazing gift too and I have the opportunity to experience Christmas morning every day. In fact, my Dad has offered to deepen my gifts and make them even bigger and better every day if I will let Him. Yet, unlike a little child, I often take these for granted. I lay in bed much longer than I should. I find mundane ordinary tasks to be more important than seeking out these amazing gifts that are meant just for me. My Father has prepared them and has them ready, but sometimes I miss out on them.
God's mercies are new each and every morning and the Creator of the universe invites me into intimate fellowship with Him. I have accepted His gift of salvation, but He has so much more for me, more than I can even imagine. He has gift wrapped treasures of abundant joy, immeasurable peace, and even a special purpose just for me. Yet, all too often, I settle for less and this shouldn't be. I want the best of what He has for me. I want all of His gifts, His plan, and His purpose! So each morning I have a choice to make. I must choose to become a living sacrifice and this starts with my time. I want to trade in my junk for jewels and wake up every morning with the anticipation and joyous expectation of Christmas morning!
LORD, right now I surrender to You. Give me strength to choose You moment by moment and not accept the lesser things of this world. Open my eyes to Your wonders and Your Glory and the amazing gifts You have for me. Thank You for Jesus and the greatest gift of eternal salvation. Help me know You more and more each day and to fully grasp all that You have for me now and forevermore! Thank You for Christmas morning every day!
I have been given an amazing gift too and I have the opportunity to experience Christmas morning every day. In fact, my Dad has offered to deepen my gifts and make them even bigger and better every day if I will let Him. Yet, unlike a little child, I often take these for granted. I lay in bed much longer than I should. I find mundane ordinary tasks to be more important than seeking out these amazing gifts that are meant just for me. My Father has prepared them and has them ready, but sometimes I miss out on them.
God's mercies are new each and every morning and the Creator of the universe invites me into intimate fellowship with Him. I have accepted His gift of salvation, but He has so much more for me, more than I can even imagine. He has gift wrapped treasures of abundant joy, immeasurable peace, and even a special purpose just for me. Yet, all too often, I settle for less and this shouldn't be. I want the best of what He has for me. I want all of His gifts, His plan, and His purpose! So each morning I have a choice to make. I must choose to become a living sacrifice and this starts with my time. I want to trade in my junk for jewels and wake up every morning with the anticipation and joyous expectation of Christmas morning!
LORD, right now I surrender to You. Give me strength to choose You moment by moment and not accept the lesser things of this world. Open my eyes to Your wonders and Your Glory and the amazing gifts You have for me. Thank You for Jesus and the greatest gift of eternal salvation. Help me know You more and more each day and to fully grasp all that You have for me now and forevermore! Thank You for Christmas morning every day!
Saturday, September 3, 2011
My Identity
My identity is in Christ! It's easy to forget this, but God is reminding me and teaching me in a very deep way that who I am is not about what I do, where I am, or even how I serve. Even when I am doing the things He has called me to do, those things do not define me and they are not who I am.
I'm not sure why I have had such a hard time with this lesson lately. I know I am a new creation. I know I am forgiven of every sin I've ever committed or ever will. I know that works are not what saves me. Yet, this past year of looking for a church home and not knowing exactly where I fit into the body of Christ has been incredibly difficult. God has brought me to a place where I must rely on Him and His presence and nothing else- and while it has taken me some time to appreciate it, oh what a sweet place to be!
I have spent time in prayer asking God why this has been so hard and why He hasn't shown us where we should be quicker- but His timing is perfect and now I'm beginning to understand the lesson. I must put Him first above all else, even church and serving Him. Even the very act of serving Him or finding the perfect place to worship Him can become an idol if it is placed above Him. He must be first and then He will take care of the rest.
No matter what changes are going on in my life, He never changes and I belong to Him. My identity is in Him and Him alone. That's it. I am more than the things I do. I am a daughter of the King and I was created to glorify and praise Him. He will use me to the extent I am surrendered to Him. But I am His no matter what. He loves me no matter what. I have known this for a long time, but this has really reached a deeper place within me recently and I am very grateful for the lesson!
My faith is not in my family or my church family. It's not in my church or my pastor. My faith and my trust are in my Creator and my King. My place in the body of Christ will be determined by Him and I don't have to worry about anything (even this!) He will take care of the details- I just have to rely on Him and trust Him. If I am surrendered to His will and trust in Him with all my heart, He will direct my path. He will lead me to the desires of my heart. My God will fulfill every need including my purpose. He will lay out a clear path before me and all I have to do is follow Him.
Right now, I lay down every concern, every worry, every plan and surrender them to You LORD. Direct my steps and lead me closer to You! Thank You for Your perfect unconditional love!
I'm not sure why I have had such a hard time with this lesson lately. I know I am a new creation. I know I am forgiven of every sin I've ever committed or ever will. I know that works are not what saves me. Yet, this past year of looking for a church home and not knowing exactly where I fit into the body of Christ has been incredibly difficult. God has brought me to a place where I must rely on Him and His presence and nothing else- and while it has taken me some time to appreciate it, oh what a sweet place to be!
I have spent time in prayer asking God why this has been so hard and why He hasn't shown us where we should be quicker- but His timing is perfect and now I'm beginning to understand the lesson. I must put Him first above all else, even church and serving Him. Even the very act of serving Him or finding the perfect place to worship Him can become an idol if it is placed above Him. He must be first and then He will take care of the rest.
No matter what changes are going on in my life, He never changes and I belong to Him. My identity is in Him and Him alone. That's it. I am more than the things I do. I am a daughter of the King and I was created to glorify and praise Him. He will use me to the extent I am surrendered to Him. But I am His no matter what. He loves me no matter what. I have known this for a long time, but this has really reached a deeper place within me recently and I am very grateful for the lesson!
My faith is not in my family or my church family. It's not in my church or my pastor. My faith and my trust are in my Creator and my King. My place in the body of Christ will be determined by Him and I don't have to worry about anything (even this!) He will take care of the details- I just have to rely on Him and trust Him. If I am surrendered to His will and trust in Him with all my heart, He will direct my path. He will lead me to the desires of my heart. My God will fulfill every need including my purpose. He will lay out a clear path before me and all I have to do is follow Him.
Right now, I lay down every concern, every worry, every plan and surrender them to You LORD. Direct my steps and lead me closer to You! Thank You for Your perfect unconditional love!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Living Today
I have been given much advice in my life, some good and some not so good. Most often, genuine help comes from a trusted friend who knows me and loves me deeply and can speak life into my current situation. There have been times I've been helped by an acquaintance who may not know me well, but well enough to give advice and care enough to speak an encouraging word. Then there are rare times when the word of a stranger can touch me deeply. These don't happen very often, but they are just as sweet and uplifting and can be a God-given word of truth that I desperately needed. Today, in fact, God has touched me through a seemingly silly sign outside a local church. The sign read: "May you live all the days of your life."
At first glance, I thought "how silly" but as I pondered it, I realize I can go through the days and not really live. In fact, I'm sad to admit I do this quite often. How many days do I hurry through my day, check off items on my to-do list, and never really experience life the way God meant me to? Too many! When I hit the floor running, already late and hurried, I miss the guidance and the plan that God has for me. Every day is a new opportunity to serve, to love, and to fulfill my purpose. Yet, every day I must choose to put God first and follow Him or I will miss it!
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your plan for my life. Help me not miss it. Help me pause each and every morning to spend time with You and find out Your plan for my day. Help me live each and every day of my life and not miss even a single blessing or opportunity. I want the fullness of what You have for me- strengthen me to surrender my plans and to wholeheartedly, with both hands, grab hold of Yours!
At first glance, I thought "how silly" but as I pondered it, I realize I can go through the days and not really live. In fact, I'm sad to admit I do this quite often. How many days do I hurry through my day, check off items on my to-do list, and never really experience life the way God meant me to? Too many! When I hit the floor running, already late and hurried, I miss the guidance and the plan that God has for me. Every day is a new opportunity to serve, to love, and to fulfill my purpose. Yet, every day I must choose to put God first and follow Him or I will miss it!
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your plan for my life. Help me not miss it. Help me pause each and every morning to spend time with You and find out Your plan for my day. Help me live each and every day of my life and not miss even a single blessing or opportunity. I want the fullness of what You have for me- strengthen me to surrender my plans and to wholeheartedly, with both hands, grab hold of Yours!
Friday, June 24, 2011
My Most Beautiful Garment
Sadness, weariness, emptiness, and sorrow. These can all add up to a spirit of heaviness. Whether it is just a difficult day and my mood is less than friendly, or when the darkness closes in and surrounds and suffocates, my God does not mean for me to carry this weighty garment of gloom. When it is so heavy I can't remove it myself, My LORD God takes it off for me and throws it away! Then, not only does He not leave me bare, He replaces my tattered sackcloth with a garment of praise! A beautiful, sparkling garment of praise, more dazzling than anything I can even imagine! I can sing to Him and dance for Him and He delights in me. He loves me even though He knows what I was! He has taken my ashes, my mourning and my sorrows, and He has given me a crown of beauty, joy, and a garment of praise- I can rejoice even in the most difficult circumstance! I am never more at peace or more consumed with joy than when I am completely lost in His praise. He even has picked out an amazing garment for me to wear- His praise!
Thank You LORD for taking my brokenness and replacing it with Your strength; You take my sorrow and replace it with joy; You take my spirit of heaviness and replace it with praise; You enable me to sing praises and even shout! Thank You for transforming me day by day, strength by strength!
Thank You LORD for taking my brokenness and replacing it with Your strength; You take my sorrow and replace it with joy; You take my spirit of heaviness and replace it with praise; You enable me to sing praises and even shout! Thank You for transforming me day by day, strength by strength!
To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”
Isaiah 61:3
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Beauty For Ashes
This world can certainly give us some ashes. It can take beauty and reduce it to a pile of burnt up, crushed, and useless junk. But thankfully, God takes what is meant for evil and He uses it for good! He takes my brokenness and my mess, my pain and my emptiness, and He creates a new life overflowing with indescribable beauty and joy. In the hands of God, my ashes become the most beautiful thing ever seen!
Thank You Lord Jesus for loving me enough to take my ugly mess and transform it into amazing beauty! Help me surrender all that I am to You. I give You complete control and surrender my selfish desires. Create in me a pure heart and transform me into Your image, a masterpiece of love, joy and peace, for Your glory!
To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”
Isaiah 61:3
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)