Your Heritage

"Shepherd Your people with Your staff, the flock of Your heritage, who dwell solitarily in a woodland, in the midst of Carmel; Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old. As in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt, I will show them wonders" ~Nahum 7:14-15~

God, we are Your people. Shepherd us with Your staff. You have promised us to be the flock of Your heritage. Even when we live in solitary moments, feeling alone, You feed us by Your Spirit. Show us Your wonders here.

Simple things

"The law of the Lord is perfect,converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple" ~Ps 19:7~

The testimony we have is sure. What He did in our life, no one can take that from us. And no one can tell my testimony but me. His law is perfect, converting the soul. And He uses the simple things of this world to bring us wisdom.

Let God use your testimony today. He can't use it if you won't share it. You and I are some of the simple things He wants to use to give someone else His greater wisdom.

God laid it on him

"Let him sit alone and keep silent, because God has laid it on him" ~Lam 3:28~

God led me to this verse in the midnight hour. As I turned to it, I realized God has brought this verse to me 3 times in the last 3 months: June 27, July 17, and now Aug 27. The first time was at a women's conference. The second time at youth camp. And today, just by Him.

When God keeps sending you the same message, it's important to examine why. Stop and listed. Sit alone, keep silent, let Him do the talking. Let His Spirit tell you something He has been trying to. God has laid it on you. Listen. Look closer. He will open up something, some piece of knowledge and instruction right before your eyes.

"It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord" ~Lam 3:26~

Normal

"Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common" ~Acts 2:44~

Last night, as I went to our church league men's softball games, I was struck by how great it is to feel "normal". I hadn't really missed the feeling, I'd forgotten about it. Sometimes we go through so much in life, feeling "just ok", or surviving becomes the usual way we feel. Often we feel burdened with responsibility, maybe even when there is nothing wrong. Many times our minds are overloaded with all we have left to accomplish for the day, the checklist heavy with chores, homework, bills, problems we can't seem to release from our thoughts. Sometimes, we have been through things that make us loose our place in society, and the new common feeling for our life is "odd and out of place". We get so adjusted to it sometimes, we just forget what normal feels like...

Webster has many terms defining normal. Associated words: standard conditions, mainstream, temperance, equilibrium, stability, peace, health...my favorite definition: free of all spoilage or obvious defects.

Mainstream-not living life on the sidelines, but jumping right in the middle of the action. To sit and enjoy a meal or a ballgame with no rush, no distraction. Just living in that moment. Free of all spoilage or obvious defects...wow. Only Jesus can bring us to a place free from the spoilage of our past, and to a place where we are only seen for who we are, not the obvious defects life has hit us with-that is a place of equilibrium, stability, peace & health. A place where being with the body of Christ, the church sharing fellowship, believing together, having all things in common, once again finds your place of normal.

Until Now

"Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full" ~John 16:24~

This verse struck me yesterday. I often talk to close friends about what I need, what I desire most. But do I ask God for this need? In times past, I have prayed about it, but how fervently do I pray about it now? Did I give up asking?

Bro. Matt brought up these scriptures in the sermon yesterday:

"...The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" ~Jam 5:12~

"Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day...And He said, 'Let Me go, for the day breaks.' But he said, 'I will not let You go unless You bless me!' And He said, 'Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.' And He blessed him there." ~from Gen 32:22-32~

Wow...Jacob wrestled with God all night. He would not let go until God blessed him. Have I let go? Have I let go without my blessing? Have I asked, but not asked in Jesus' name? Have I relied on the power of asking in my name alone?

Has all my asking been for selfish reasons and not for the reason of how God's ministry might be furthered through this blessing? That's where my heart's focus should be. I should storm the gates of heaven, crying out for the blessing that will add help to the kingdom's work. The blessing that will add holiness to my testimony. The blessing that will fuel the gospel in my life.

Father God, I come now, seeking Your face. I'm knocking-I'm banging on the doors of heaven. I pray for Your will to be done in the lives of all who are reading this. Line up our will with Yours. For each of us that stands in need, I pray for this blessing that our joy may be full, serving out Your called purpose in our life. I come boldly before Your throne to request it, expecting to receive it as You promised. God, I do not ask in my name, but in the name above all names...the name by which all men MUST be saved...In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen

He Called Out My Name

"For Jacob My servant's sake, and Israel My elect, I have even called you by your name; I have named you, though you have not known Me" ~Is 45:4~

Today was my day. Thirty six years ago today, He breathed my first breath into these lungs. He named me His daughter, born for His purpose. And close to this day, 27 yrs ago at age 9, He called me to accept Him as Savior and Master of my life, to live out that purpose. What a journey we have had, me and the Lord!

Once, in 2006, He spoke my name, and just said, "I love you"....He knew the things that lay ahead of me to face in the next 3 years. He knew I'd need that strength.

I got plenty of Happy Birthday wishes from family and friends this morning, but I sent myself a text that just said: "Hey B'day girl-Jesus loves you!"....I'm reminded more than ever this year, He is why I'm here. I have never been alone.

This journey's not over yet! Still got many ways He's called me to serve Him! Still got many blessed promises to receive!

Celebrate the day He called you by name.

"...You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord will name. You shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no longer be termed Forsaken, nor shall your land any more be termed Desolate; But you shall be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married...as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you..." ~Is 62:2-5~

Who Wakes Us?

"I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me" ~Ps 3:5~

It was a funny tale at my breakfast table this morning. I made the comment how the kids woke themselves up before I woke them today. Then each child began to say how he / she usually woke up the other kids. Each one of us was saying: "I'm usually the first one up, and I usually wake the rest of you." There was no argument, just as each person fixed their plate, they told how they thought the mornings usually unfold. We all just looked at each other smiling, trying to decide which was accurate. I just started laughing.

The truth is, the Lord wakes us all. He is the only one that can lay us down in peace, cover us in restful sleep, and wake us with the morning light. He sustains us through the night. What a safe, secure, warm feeling...rest is in His arms, no matter where we are in life. We can be rescued 8 hours every night, in beloved sleep, nestled there on His chest as He frees our mind. That is strength to face the other 16 hours a day! Cast your cares on Him. Let Him sustain you through the night. Smile as He wakes you in the morning.

"It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep" ~Ps 127:2~

Free to Fly

"Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed" ~John 8:36~

If we could ever fully grasp this concept, it would radically change the way we live. If we could wrap our minds around the fact that what Jesus has set free, IS free indeed! Forever, not bound by human judgement, criticism, or satan's remembrance of the past. Free to live life, and I mean live it abundantly! What ever inheritance God has for you, no man can take from you. Only you can neglect to move toward it.

At youth camp this summer, we focused on faith to move. Faith is believing in what you cannot see, but it is also believing it so strongly that you prepare yourself to receive it, moving toward your future with every word spoken and every decision made. Every door closed in your life just opens another one, another opportunity in a different direction--closer to the future He chose for you.

The most awesome feeling of safety and security is knowing that you are going to be okay, no matter what. Resting in Christ, free to serve Him anywhere you land, free to receive all His blessings, free to fly into the unknown unafraid. No sickness, no disappointment, no brokenness can bind what Christ has set free...You are free smile, free to laugh, free to be excited, free to expect good things, miracles...free to fly.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?" ~Ps 27:1~

Well, Hello there, my good man!

"Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow." ~Is 1:17~

I got up this morning with the words of Spanky (The Little Rascals) on my mind: "Well, Hello there, my good man!"

I love to hear tales from the community and the church of dear saints that reside here, years of character that shaped their reputation. Many known for good deeds, respectful labor, fair business dealings, a kind tongue, encouraging spirit, dedicated service. Those words and tales bear so much weight. I want to be remembered with honor that way, both today and in the generations that pass by...

But we don't just wake up one morning a "good" person. Our life is a learning process, from birth to death. We never just "arrive". God is constantly teaching us a deeper way to love, to care for those around us, to serve those in need. New ways for us to sacrifice for someone else's benefit. And to do so silently that HE may receive the glory. Become His student for life.

"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold" ~Prov 22:1~

Be God's Help

"May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob defend you. May He send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion" ~Ps 20:1-2~

Has God laid someone on your heart? Is it a troubled teen that made a mistake? Is it an adult who has made poor financial decisions? Is it a family member that has strayed from the will of God? Is God sending YOU???

So often we think, "How sad they have made such poor choices" or "the church, the pastor sure needs to go minister to them"...I'm guilty of it. But if God has laid this person on your heart, then God IS sending YOU! You are the help He is sending from the sanctuary, their answer in the day of trouble. You are the "church", and you are to be His hands and feet to that person. You are His strength to them.

No matter how annoyed you are by the situation, how hard it is to understand their choices, or even how bad they get on your nerves! That person is still a child of God, and He loves them just as much. He is sending you to remind them. Every one of us makes poor choices at one time or another. Every one of us needs a hug, arms to hold us unconditionally. The love of Christ is to be poured out on others without judgement, without reserve. He keeps giving me second chances I don't deserve...that's my example to do the same.

His Masterpiece

"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" ~Phil 1:6~

God did not bring you this far to abandon you here. He did not "intend" to give you an abundant life, but then somehow become distracted and forget to complete the task. He didn't promise you a heritage and a future then suddenly decide His feelings for you really aren't that deep to follow through with the blessing.

The Father is madly in love with you. The way a new dad is with his newborn baby. He fell in love with who you would be long before you were ever conceived and He has never changed His mind. His heart is steadfastly turned toward you, even when you back away at times, even when you fall down in sin. There has never been a moment in time that He didn't desire the very best for you...He always will.

However long the wait has become, stand fast. He is still working. Whatever this season in your life holds, you can trust Him with the outcome. He holds your past and your future in the hallow of His hand...and HE is holding your present there too. He is holding you in this present. Be enveloped in the unchanging, never-failing love of your Abba Father. Have faith for things you cannot see.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" ~Heb 11:1~

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning" ~Jam 1:17~

"Love never fails..." ~I Corinth 13:8~

From Strength to Strength

"Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a spring; the rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion" ~Ps 84:5-7~

Ever seen someone really strong? I mean, no matter what they face, they seem to fly right through it unharmed. That can be us. When our strength is in the Lord, we are on a pilgrimage. We are on adventures in this lifetime, each one a mission field for the Lord to work in us and through us to minister to other people. He allows us to face things, and to overcome them through His strength that all men may see His good works. As we pass through the valley, it suddenly becomes a spring of Living Water, where Christ can speak, and fill us, and comfort us. Blessings of peace and direction rain down. That's how Christians can go from strength to strength, skipping right over the weak pitfalls....in His strength. This pilgrimage has a higher destination... One day to leave this walk of life, and appear before God in Zion. Hallelujah!

Slow down

"So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God." ~Jam 1:19-20~

Wonder if James knew this mom would need this advice!?!

Stop...wait a minute...take a deep breath...think it through...pray it through...wait for the answer of how God wants you to handle this. He does have a perfect way for the best results! When you hear something that "makes your blood boil with anger", take a few moments to cool off. Pray for the right way to react. Teacher, student, co-worker, parent, child, friend-there is a Godly solution!

The most amazing part? Practicing this over and over will break a habit of a bad temper and instead produce the righteousness of God!

"But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" ~Jam 1:4~

Live Peaceably

"If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men" ~Rom 12:18~

I wonder when Paul wrote this verse if he knew siblings would really need it some days? Everybody has an occasional day when we wake up on the wrong side of the bed, and the rest of the day doesn't get much better from there. You know, the weather isn't right, the clothes you laid out don't fit right or don't look good, your hair won't cooperate, your make-up won't go on smooth, you spill your morning juice or java, can't find the books or papers you need for the day, and your running late! It's at those moments EVERYBODY else is IN YOUR WAY...they are moving too slow, reaching for the same item you needed, driving too slow, the speaker is too boring, the day just drags on and on.

We have a command here to live peaceably with all men, as much as depends on you. So, when we are having a wrong-side-of-the-bed-day, we need to steal away for just 5 minutes. Take a few deep breathes, and pray. Take this day away from the enemy and give it back to the Lord. Ask Him to change your perspective....and for those of us victim to someone else's bad day? Pray for them, cut them some slack, be forgiving, and live peaceably with them anyway. Other people will see your effort and see Christ in you for it.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" ~Matt 5:9~

Teach Me

"Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You....Teach me to do Your will for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness" ~Ps 143:8, 10~

Lord, let me hear Your voice every morning. I trust You with this day. Cause me to know the way I should walk-what classes I take, how I approach assignments on my job, my attitude at home, my relationships. Teach me to do Your will in all things. Your path for my life is always best, even when I cannot see it, I can trust You. Your Spirit is good. The way You lead me will be upright. You are my God.

Your Wonderful Works

"I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth-Praise to our God many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord." ~Ps 40:1-3~

Lord, to tell of all You have done...it would take forever! Your blessings are endless and timeless! Just when I think I have messed up beyond repair, beyond what You can see past, You re-teach me mercy and grace all over again. You bless me so far beyond anything I deserve. I stand amazed at Your goodness to me. Lord, I love You. I want to live for You. I want to tell everyone of Your endless, wonderful works. "Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered" ~Ps 40:5~

Your new territory

"Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; do not spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes. For you shall expand to the right and to the left, and your descendants will inherit the nations, and make the desolate cities inhabited" ~Is 54:2-3~

As school starts back, we all want our children to have the greatest teacher, their best friends all in the same room, or the perfect schedule to ensure educational excellence, not to mention convenience!...but did we pray about it? Did we ask Sovereign God to place them in His perfect place for them? What ever season our children are in, God knows what each one stands in need of. He knows the person you and I need to influence us right now, whether in the classroom of a school or the classroom of life. People are put in our path for us to give and to gather. We can be-friend someone who really needs a friend. We can influence someone for Christ. And those someones can teach us from their pool of wisdom, life experiences they have encountered & share knowledge from their journey we may need just ahead on our journey. Trust where ever God has placed you-student, parent, teacher, friend-is right where God needs you to be. Enlarge your new territory, stretch out & don't hold back! Lengthen the cords of your influence for Jesus, and strengthen your stakes in His foundation for you in this perfect season. "For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall my covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord, who has mercy on you" ~Is 54:10~

Cradled in His Everlasting Arms

"There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to help you, and in His excellency on the clouds. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, and will say, 'Destroy!'" ~Deut 33:26-27~

Regardless of what face your enemy wears right now-classmate, teammate, co-worker, neighbor, finances, addiction, family problems, sickness, disease, anxiety, depression, loneliness, failure-it is the same enemy: satan. He battles for our thoughts. He wants to overtake our mind and steal hope from our heart. He wants to defeat us to the point we have no energy left to enjoy life. But there is NO ONE like our God. He rides the heavens to help us, in all His excellency and power. He is our refuge. His help is eternal. He holds us, on His chest, close to His heart. He will thrust out our enemy before us. Trust Him to take care of this...close your eyes right now and be cradled in His everlasting arms.

While He may be found

"Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near" ~Is 55:6~

Gen 6:3 says: "...My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years." We have a limited lifetime. Few people ever live to see 120 years anymore. We have a limited time here to seek God, to accept salvation, to draw nearer to Him in times of conflict or when we have strayed. There will be a time that we cannot. Today is the day of salvation. Today is the day to run back into His arms. Seek Him while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near.