It’s Your Father’s Good Pleasure To Give You The Kingdom

May 10, 2018September 14, 2018Leave a comment

You are a Kingdom-Giver, sweet Jesus!

When we think we have lost our way, have run out of all options – and are all alone on the treacherous cliff – you call out to us and say, ‘I want to give you the whole Kingdom!’

The ENTIRE Kingdom.

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

– Luke 12:32

You want to crown us with gold and wrap us in the robe of your power and might. Yet, we have to embrace this beautiful offer.

Your radiant kingdom is not of this world – it’s heavenly.

Often, we reach for splendor in the fleeting, in the temporary, and we are blind to your very hand that is stretched out in front of our faces with the purity, joy and everlasting nature of your precious promises.

Like sheep, we find it easy to nonsensically follow the herd and overlook the shepherd at the front of the flock! But, how foolish to neglect the one who leads us to safety, provision and rest!

He is the one who has seen our deepest needs, observed our depravity; and he has still claimed ownership over us!

Rejoice, sweet sheep! Your Father desires to give you the Kingdom. Claim that mighty Kingdom promise today!

Cast Your Cares on Him

March 26, 2018Leave a comment

For the weary, broken-hearted, heavy laden and depressed: I say to you – cast your cares on me.

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

Breathe it out sweet child – all that tense fear and emotion that ensnares your beautiful soul. Let that breath out, expel all the hard routines of life that press on your spirit and soul.

You clench your fists and worry in vain, sweet one. For it is not you who controls your destiny, I am the Master of your eternity sea; and, it is my choice to take on your burdens – both light and small.

Trust me, and hand over that backpack of stones. Remember, I chose to take the nails for you and have called you to be a light. You are needed on this terrain to walk uninhibited and urgently.

Focus on the goodness of my Word and breathe in that mercy. Let this mercy fill the chambers of your lungs. Inhale and exhale the sweet honey of my security.

The evil one wants to hold that heart captive and burden it with apprehension and fear. I am with you child –you lose sight of that truth at times; but, I am ever-present – always.

Day to day earthly chores, routines and schedules press against you and you lose hope.; but, I am in the everyday steps you take. I am with you when you wipe that nose of that crying toddler, when you work late at night on a project for your job, when you feel like your world is crashing in on you – I am there saying – ‘give me that burden, sweet one.’

Trust. Seek. Follow.

Look for me in the small – for it is my strength that sustains you in all situations.

There is no more blessed way of living, than the life of faith based upon a covenant-keeping God – to know that we have no care, for He cares for us; that we need have no fear, except to fear Him; that we need have no troubles, because we have cast our burdens upon the Lord, and are conscience that He will sustain us. – Charles Spurgeon

Finding The David Within Me

March 19, 2018March 19, 2018Leave a comment

The stones rattle in my hands. Perspiration and fear. Am I strong enough, brave enough to face this giant in the forefront?

His eyes are locked on mine – inciting terror and doubt; and his body hovers over mine in stature and girth. I feel his humid breath hit my face. He is hungry and ready for a fight.

Am I able to defeat such a beast? I am not able, but GOD is able. And, my hope, trust and all my strength must come from him – and him alone.

David didn’t need to know Goliath’s strength because he already knew God ‘s.

So, here I stand with my enemy sneering in my face. Looking at my small frame amused that I would choose to face such a menacing figure. But, he doesn’t know my GOD.

He doesn’t know my GOD holds the power to defeat sin and death. My GOD can supply all my needs. My GOD can scale walls and speak to the winds and waves. My GOD can raise men from dead to life. My GOD can walk on water and shut the mouths of lions; and my GOD lives within me.

Small stones with Jesus can conquer the scariest of opponents. He has equipped me with the powerful phrase – ‘it is written’ and given me the sword of his scripture.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

I hold my sword up to the sky in the battle and in peace – for you have given us the keys to victory. May we look at all our enemies and valiantly state in their presence, as Jesus did in the wilderness, ‘it is written.’

Relying on God Has to Begin All Over Again Every Day

March 9, 2018March 9, 2018Leave a comment

It’s a daily choice – wake up, deny self and decide to use my breath that day to worship and depend on God. When our cold feet hit the floor in the morning, it’s a choice we make: carry a torch for Christ or clothe ourselves with worldly wonder.

Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done. —C.S. Lewis

Self-interested, worrisome and surface, the skin nature whispers melodically and plants thoughts of doubt, disbelief and instability in our minds.

You will never get ahead focusing on God alone, this fiendish voice whispers. Focus on you – and your needs, first.

However, this voice is dead wrong.

We mustn’t believe one word of the trash that is spewed from the Father of Lies.

We were made by God and for God. His hands formed our frames to breathe in synchronization with his beautiful breath. It’s our purpose to fix our eyes on the One True King. That’s our calling.

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. – Colossians 1:1

It’s our charge to carry a flame and illuminate the dark places with the lantern we carry within our souls. Yet, it is our choice to ignite that flame every day.

We either walk around unlit and unusable or magnificently glowing – tapping in to our true value.

May we live a life in a state of worship – always singing praises to the Creator God. While at work, while at home, while enjoying life – may this simple state of mind pervade our bodies.

We were made by God and for God – what a delightful truth to digest.

You Stand With Me in Low Places

March 7, 2018March 7, 20182 Comments

You stand with me in the low places – when I am covered in the mire and the vines from the jungle hinder my clear view. You hold me when my tears are heavy and my outlook on life – is muddled and seems truly terrifying.

When I can only hear the distant roar of predators in the valley, you speak force and courage to this feeble heart. Though it might appear to my finite eyes that I’m encased in a valley of dry bones, you’ve shown me time and time again that you can breathe life into parched and thirsty situations.

When I cry out for you … you answer in a thunderous way. You, LORD, water my dehydrated heart and truly reignite my heart strings to pump with vigor once again. May I always remember God that I am not alone in the ravine. You walk beside me – waiting for me to call out to you in my desperation.

In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles. – Psalm 34: 6

But, I am never desperate in your hands. I am safe, secure and loved. You remind me of the steadfast armor you have given me through your sacrifice.

I am safeguarded from the arrows that glide through the thin, humid air. These weapons will not crush me. I will walk away unscathed – for you are there with me in the battle of this life.

There are hills and valleys in this life; but, you, LORD, are with me in all places – and in the in-between.

May I truly learn to praise you on the mountain top with elevated arms and in the trenches with open fists. You are making me strong, complete and resilient in you.

No matter what I have, Your grace is enough. No matter where I am, I’m standing in Your love. – Tauren Wells | “Hills And Valleys”

Lead me, guide me. May I feel you standing beside me, holding my hand. I am not alone in the maze of this life. I have a guide who can tear down barriers and scale walls. Hallelujah.

Planted In The House of The LORD

March 5, 2018March 5, 2018Leave a comment

Outstretched and extended, my roots prod deeper and deeper into the rich soil of your goodness. They yearn for your splendor, provision and peace.

The grass withers and the flowers fall; so, it is my desire to stand firm like a mighty oak tree – planted secure in the House of the LORD.

The winds cannot move an age-old mighty oak. They might attempt to rattle the sturdy structure; however, it’s trunk alone is vast, and its root system stretches out for miles.

Just a small seed at my conception, may the shell of my exterior crack and my root system encompass vast quantities of distances – branching out far and wide.

Secure the stem of my soul to the water source of your mercy and grace. Unshaken, fixed and fortified – this is my fate when I tap into the aquifer of everlasting life.

Those who are planted in the house of the Lord,

Shall flourish in the courts of our God. – Psalm 92: 13

With the wellspring of life fueling my growth, energy and delight, I can flourish into a mature tree. Fully developed, I can stand firmly fixed with your power working through me. Braided down deep in the soil, my soul is interwoven with your everlasting truth.

They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. – Isaiah 61:3

Brandish your glory through my sturdiness. Let it be evident for all to see.

In the storms of this life, it is my prayer that my root system is not shaken but only implants itself greater into the enriching soil of your harvest.

Make me into a mighty oak for the exhibition of your power, this is my prayer.

He Wanted Us – And That’s The Most Amazing Thing

February 22, 2018February 22, 2018Leave a comment

You stretched out your mighty hands and made the land beneath our feet. All sensation between my toes in the summer months is from you, Mighty Savior.

Your majestic voice spoke, and this world appeared from the darkness. My life is filled with colors, night, day, oceans and rocky terrain because of your artistic and creative mind.

You formed us. You didn’t have to; but, you did – and you breathed life into our bones.

God, you want us. You do not need us; but you want us.

God didn’t need us. He wanted us, and that’s the most amazing thing. – Rick Warren

You gathered dust and created man. From man’s side you formed woman in your image. What a humbling truth to digest – you want us.

“So God created man in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” – Genesis 1:27

How honored we should feel to be chosen by you to carry out your eternal plan. You, in all your glory, want to live through us and desire to inhabit our souls. You chose us – picked us out; and made us in your image – to do good works for the Kingdom of God.

May we fulfill this calling you have for us, Sweet Savior and proclaim your majesty from the mountaintops and rooftops that our God reigns!

We have a God – that handpicked us. We desperately need him – for Power, O God, belongs to you!

I praise you for giving life and breath and everything else, LORD. May we live each day with your praises flowing out of our mouths – like bubbling fountains.

May the fountain of my mouth sing, ‘All praise, honor, glory, power to you!”

Battle For Your Heart, Mind and Soul

February 19, 2018February 19, 2018Leave a comment

This hollow earth beneath your feet is claimed. It’s a battleground, dear one. A battle for your heart, mind and soul. Unseen warriors stand beside you – both good and bad. They speak over your precious mind; but, you have the choice to listen to the lovely promises being uttered or trust in the depraved words of the forces of darkness.

There is no neutral ground in the universe. Every square inch, every split second is claimed by God, and counterclaimed by Satan. – C.S. Lewis

The battle is real, and it is not to be taken lightly, precious one. This war is raging right now. Be vigilant child –arm and prepare yourself. Take up my sword and sheath and march forward.

The clashing up ahead of you might terrify; but, I tell you:

“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you He will not fail you or forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6-7

You must lean on me – the Mightiest Warrior – for strength. Because of the blood of the lamb, the end ultimately is victory; but, that doesn’t mean you skip suiting up and taking part in the war. I have called you to be mighty – to achieve the impossible – to walk on water in the midst of the violent elements and dance in the furnace of trials.

Hold up your sword child. This chilling world is not your home. I have placed you here at this moment in time to fight for me, steadfastly stand for my Word and lead others to the never-ending, ever-flowing well of life.

Will you choose this day to recognize the unseen struggle around you? Will you guard your mind child and press on in confidence?

Let the commands in my Book of Life guide you. Listen for my still small voice. I am the lamb that was slain and the living lion that roars in triumph. Though the evil one may have claimed you for himself, you have the power to crush and break his stronghold on your life.

You are God-breathed. March forward dear child and renounce the earthly grasp on your soul; and accept the charge that your Creator has given you!

The Shape of True Love

February 13, 2018February 13, 2018Leave a comment

Child, look in my eyes – you are my romance. My heart swoons over you, my creation. I cannot help but marvel at the handiwork of my hands. Beautifully crafted, uniquely you. I made you, stamped you with your precise facial features for a purpose.

You are a ravishing beauty – never forget that! I love you with an everlasting love and call out to you daily with poems of wisdom and words of affection. Read my letters, they were written for you.

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. – Zephaniah 3:17

The flowers bloom for your pleasure, sweet one. They were created by my hands to make you smile. I love to see you enjoy life and love others deeply. Stop to smell the buds of spring opening in the shimmering sunlight. They are my fragrant bouquets for you.

Your reflection of my nature is heartwarming. It is glorious when you choose to show my goodness to the world. I carry your picture with me and close to my heart. My chest swells with delight over your desire to pluck precious stones out of rubble.

You should never feel unloved, my love – because you are the apple of my eye. My love for you surpasses the vastness of the mighty ocean. It outweighs the total mass of the planets in the galaxy. My love for you was written in red. It was carried to the cross and completed in death.

The shape of true love isn’t a diamond. It’s a cross. – Alicia Bruxvoort

I am here, sweet one. Risen and alive – pumping love for you. Don’t fixate on the commercialized notion of love. Sweetheart, focus on true love. The kind that never fades, tarnishes or shrivels up. That’s my love.

Walk in assurance today – that you are deeply, madly loved. Feel my arms wrapped around you – my creation. Hold your head up high. You are enough.

When The Roots Are Deep, There Is No Reason To Fear The Wind

February 8, 2018February 8, 20183 Comments

The wind will come, dear child because that’s just a part of this life. This phenomenon of nature was meant to sweep over your body, shake, rattle, and terrify you – but I tell you, “Be not afraid.”

When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind.

If you are rooted in me – you will not be shaken. You will stand firm, child. Others will look at you in puzzlement and be amazed. You are strong; but, it will be evident it is not your strength but mine – holding you up in the storms.

Look in the face of the scary storm and smile, sweet one. You were made to climb mountains, scale walls and display my power to this dark, dark world. It’s important to realize and embrace your calling. Do not let your calling go unnoticed or untapped.

You were not crafted to let these trials consume you. No, child – you were crafted to pursue, run the race and lead others to ensure their roots are planted deep in the soil of my grace. I am calling on you to create a mighty oak army established in my truth –ever trusting in my provision.

So, when the winds come, tighten your belt, fix your feet in the solid bedrock of my words. Stand firmly in my truth and let that breeze pass over you. This wind will only bless you more and refine you! You will not be shaken or consumed, dear child – for I am right there with you.