Author Archive
Enough Already
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“The more pressure matter is able to withstand, the more valuable it becomes. It’s the same with people.” Dr. Edwin Louis Cole, “Real Man”
Enough already! That’s all I can handle……I understand that feeling – been there, done that. The truth is that for the majority of my life, I have been under tremendous pressure. Pressure to perform, pressure to be successful, pressure to financially keep the wolves away, pressure to be everything to everyone, pressure to stay alive. There were some pressures I definitely put on myself and other pressures came from the outside world. Have I believed lies? Absolutely. Am I where I used to be? No way!
I could go on and on about all the pressures in my life but honestly, I am grateful for them. When I sit and reflect over my life, I know today that everything I have been through – good, bad, ugly – has been a process to turn a piece of coal into a diamond. A jewel that shines, glitters and reflects God’s glory. In the most darkest times of my life, it was difficult to see if any good could come out of it. But today, I know that God has, is, and will continue to mold and shape me into His image.
So if you are willing, take a moment to reflect about the worst and the best times in your life. I am sure you will see all the different facets that have created you to be the person you are. Remember. not all jewels are cut the same and not all jewels reflect the light in the same way. You are uniquely designed! One of great value. Pressure? No doubt.
2 Corinthians 4:8-11
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” NIV
Mountaintops
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Initially, climbing to the top of a mountain can be overwhelming. At times, you can think “it’s not worth it, it’s too hard, there is no way I can make it and survive”. I totally understand. I’ve been there many times in my life. Some of the lies I believed in the past have included, “I am not equipped or trained for that, what if I start to climb and fall, will my team really be there when I need them?”
As I pondered this picture, immediately I saw the skiis. If you have ever skiied, you know that it can be so much fun and exhilerating. The views from the top of the mountains, the anticipation of what the journey will look like, and the terrain of the trails can cause your heart to pump with joy. Notwithstanding, the speed and feeling the cool fresh air blowing in your face.
As I reflect and focus on the joy and not the pain of climbing mountains in my life, I know in my heart that everything will be “worth it”. I want to grow in faith and enjoy the journey rather than focus on the destiination or the struggle.
Let the lyrics of the song, Climb Every Mountain, from the movie “Sound of Music” encourage you.
“Climb every mountain, search high and low, follow every highway, every path you know.
Climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every rainbow, ‘Till you find your dream.
A dream that will need all the love you can give, every day of your life for as long as you live.
Climb every mountain, search high and low, follow every highway, every path you know.”
Passion for Truth
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IT IS FINISHED!
I recently attended a conference where the speaker, Todd White, was talking about the Cross and all that it means in one’s life. To know the depth and width of God’s love and what He accomplished through the Cross. Yes, we’ve all heard, “I was bought with a price”. But this weekend, I really got it in my spirit. There were so many wonderful gems that Todd imparted. One of them was: “the second we said I do, He said I AM”. Wow!
My heart was comforted to really know that He is the great I AM. All that I will ever need. My identity is in Him and I must see myself through His glory, His eyes. I don’t need to entertain the enemy with doubt or unbelief when I look in the mirror or look at my circumstances. It is finished. It doesn’t have any power over me. All that comes against me is to kill, steal and destroy but He came so that I can have life! In every area of my life!!
As the night came to an end, we all stood up and declared, “It is finished”! Over and over I declared that as truth. The more I said it, the louder I got, the more my spirit agreed. I knew that old mindsets were being demolished. Old beliefs about my circumstances and relationships were falling down to the truth of the Cross.
If you are struggling today about your identity, purpose or destiny, ask God to show you who He is and let Him pour out His love for you in a fresh new way. He really wants you to know that IT IS FINISHED!!!
Thunder of God
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Let the voice of God thunder in me.
Lord, your Spirit flows and disperses your glory wherever you want it to. All creation is standing in awe and waiting for your next powerful wind. All I want God, is you. All I want is more of your thunder and raw power. It doesn’t have to be in the ways I expect but in the ways that you touch your people. Let me see and hear your voice.
Your peace, your mercy…Jesus I adore you. There is no one like you. You are everything to me. You heal me and set me free. Your love is better than life. Let the praises of the Lord be in my mouth so that I can rise like an eagle.
Lord you are good, kind and faithful all the time. Your lovingkindness never fails me. Lord you are beautiful! You captivate my heart. I can’t imagine my life without you.
Psalm 77:18-20
“Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked.
Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.
You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.” NIV
All You Need is Love
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I just finished watching the DVD, Furious Love. I am totally undone. It was obvious to me this afternoon that God wants to pour out His love on everyone. No matter what we’ve done, no matter where we’ve been, no matter what. It is absolute.
We all need love. We all want to be loved. Why? Because we were created in love. There is nothing in this world that can compare to His love. I know that more today than I did yesterday.
The presence of His love compels me to love others. I want my life to be a message of love. My heart’s cry is that God would use me as a vessel of love – not only receive it but give it away.
I was reminded of the Beatles song by Lennon/McCartney, “All You Need is Love”. Here are some of the words:
“Love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love.
There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done.
Nothing you can sing that can’t be sung.
Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game
It’s easy.
There’s nothing you can make that can’t be made.
No one you can save that can’t be saved.
Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you
in time – It’s easy.”
If you are struggling today or disappointed and need a touch of love, ask the Lover of your Soul, Jesus, to fill you to overflowing so that you too can be used as a vessel to touch a hurting world. It’s easy.
A Day with Jesus
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As I was soaking and resting in God’s presence and listening to worship music this morning, the Lord spoke to my heart. It was as if He was giving me a vision of His heart for you and for all people. I would like to share it with you.
“Lord, you have been so faithful and gentle. One that I can always put my trust in. I know you are calling all of us into your wonderful and joy filled life. You are wanting me to walk with you and gather up your loved ones.”
Vision: As Jesus and I are walking along a path, we both go and knock on doors to ask others to follow us. Some willfully come with very little effort. “Others are rejecting Me”, says the Lord, “so they are rejecting you as well.” My heart was broken because some of those rejecting both of us are my family. Jesus just keeps walking and those who want to follow, learn, and be taught by Him are together. Jesus gently begins to teach. He says, “it’s so simple – don’t get so complicated.” He gives us all the instructions we need. He then encourages us to give it out and pour it out to those who follow. He then walks away to rest. We all stop and choose to rest because He is our model.
Morning comes! The dew twinkles, the sun smiles, the birds stretch their wings as if they are getting ready for that new adventure. Little by little nature begins to wake up. Jesus looks over the valley and begins to pray. He declares His goodness. He gives thanks as He keeps us in His heart.
My heart declares, “Lord, there isn’t one prayer you don’t here. You know how to listen and you care so much for us. You knit our hearts together.” Jesus responds, “Every detail of your lives are put together in one large plan. Not one thing is left out. Part of the plan includes not just the smooth places in which you walk but some of those hard and tumultuous times. You will run and you will hide but know this, you are victorious and will win. Shout for joy and victory! Stand and declare the truth to all nations of My great love, power and authority.”
What a glorious day, full of hope, full of simplicity, full of vision with great expectations ahead. Jesus and I are together looking in all directions as we stand in wonder! Wow!
My encouragement to you is this: Follow Him today. Let Him guide your steps. Let Him reveal His heart for you. Stop and listen to His words. Walk side by side with Him and He will show you great and glorious things.
Mark 1:17-18
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. NIV
Totally unexpected……….
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Over the last six weeks I’ve had the great experience of watching a family of birds live daily life. Momma and Papa bird would come to the nest night and day to feed and watch over their little ones. I had a bird’s eye view from my living room window. I was excited to see how life was changing for this family. At first I thought maybe there were only two little ones until one day Momma flew in with a juicy worm and no, there were four little mouths to feed.
I found myself checking the nest daily (actually several times daily) just to watch and observe. At one point when I peered in, I noticed Momma just laying on top of her eggs, rocking back and forth. It was the same motion a mother would make rocking her baby. Such love and such care!
When they thought we were too close to the nest, the parents would chirp louder to warn their children but also to say “hey, back off”. A few days ago, it appeared that everyone was getting a little testy and cramped in that small, bird-made nest. They were fighting and jockeying for position. I knew it wouldn’t be long until they would take flight. We peered in one last time and swoosh, all of a sudden they all flew out with gusto.
I was saddened to see my feathery friends go but grateful I was able to observe how the Lord takes care of his little ones. It made me understand that if He cares so much for the birds of the air, how much more does He care for you and me.
Matthew 6:26-27
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” NIV
Walking forward……..
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Have you ever wondered what might lie ahead in the days, weeks, or months to come? Or looked back at the path you walked years ago and contemplated what your life might have been? I have. My personal life has been an interesting journey. Overcoming addiction and walking through cancer took me on paths that I never saw coming – never anticipated. Surprised, to say the least.
Not knowing which way to turn or even if I would live or die was scairy and heart wrenching. It all caused me to get on my knees for sure! Why did this happen? Now what do I do? Where do I go from here? I don’t understand. There were so many questions………….and I needed answers.
But in all of my trials and tribulations, I know today that God was with me every step of the way. When I walked in darkness, His light would always be ahead of me. When I wasn’t sure what path to take, He would guide me. Over the years, day by day, my faith in Him has grown and when I cry out to Him, I know He hears me.
If you aren’t sure what lies ahead, meditate on the truth in Isaiah 58:8-9:
“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will
call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.” NIV
Awake, Awake, Oh America……..
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Awake, Awake, Oh America. Awaken to My love. You have been asleep too long! Awaken to My love for this nation. Dig old wells that have stopped flowing. Wells of My Truth, My Liberty, My Freedom, and My purposes for this great nation.
Because you have slept too long, too many of my people have fallen away from true love and hope. My people are lost, broken, fearful, angry and orphaned. They have forsaken their first love and believed the lies of this world.
Awake, Awake oh sleeper. Stand firm on your foundation. Stand for that which is pure. Stand on My promises for this land. Awaken to My love…..for you are My people and I AM your God!
Uncertainty…….
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Many things are happening in our world right now. Earthquakes, oil spill, tornadoes, volcanos, and weather that no one can predict. It is a time of unpredictability and uncertainty.
We can have many reactions to these times. One of fear, one of anger, one of passivity, etc. or we can also live in trust, faith, and assurance that our God knows what He is up to.
My personal life has been one in transition as well. All areas – mentally, emotionally, physically, relationally and spiritually. Honestly, at times, I go between passivity and assurance; fear and faith.
But when it all shakes down, I always end up with the truth of God’s Word and His love for me. I can experience His peace in all my circumstances even though my emotions say something else. Will you join me?
Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” NKJV
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