The Keys To The Kingdom

January 21, 2016Leave a comment

The Kingdom of God – we get a glimpse of it with our finite eyes. It glows in the pupils of our earthly wonder and amazement. However, we miss the grandeur of this holy place if we fail to look through heaven’s eyes.

Our Maker has handed his children the keys to such a hallowed ground. This should make our bodies shake with delight. Nothing can compare to the riches housed beyond the gate of this beautiful kingdom.

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. – Matthew 16: 19

Can you wait for the day that we can call the Kingdom of God home? Pulses racing and heart pounding, we will walk up to the entrance enthralled at the beauty that surrounds us. The beauty that is unmatched – because Christ’s throne is stationed in this heavenly abode.

However, it is important to remember – Jesus’ kingdom is not just planted in the watercolor sky. His kingdom is alive inside each and every believer. He lives in you – and that key is imprinted on your pumping heart.

For the Kingdom of God is already among you. – Luke 17:21

If you are a believer, Jesus lives in you. And, you house the Holy Spirit. Though you are not in a physical kingdom (that day is coming!). The King lives in your spirit. He moves in your midst. What a wonderful realization!

Like an invisible shield, our LORD is there to protect, defend and offer so much love to your weary heart. Trust, look up to heaven and cling on to your key that offers life.

May we truly digest that the Savior of our Souls breathes deeply throughout the chambers of our hearts. May we feel his love and earnest affection today and always!

Say aloud today – his kingdom is alive in my heart, and he has handed me the keys to unlock wonders beyond compare. With every beat of my heart, let me acknowledge his kingdom and radiate his supreme light.

The State of The Heart

January 12, 2016January 12, 2016Leave a comment

The heart – it serves as a pumping vessel in your body. Producing and circulating blood within your veins before you were born up until the day you physically meet the LORD.

You can feel it’s gentle pumping in your chest – it’s a life force and truly a gift and miracle from God.

This muscle is one of the most important organs in our bodies. We cannot function without it. However, this muscle serves a dual purpose – one physical and the other spiritual. It is a telling picture of the beauty that lives within our souls.

“For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7

Is your heart clean? That’s a question we must ask ourselves daily. Has bitterness, envy or how about anger clogged the arteries of your sturdy, vital chamber?

The state of our hearts is crucial to our effectiveness – for our Maker. How can we share Christ’s love, when our heart is overcome with burdens of dirty matter? When our hearts are congested there is no way for the sunlight of God’s precious love and encouragement to shine forth.

That’s the thing about inner beauty: Unlike Physical beauty, which grabs the spotlight for itself, inner beauty shines on everyone, catching them, holding them in its embrace, making them more beautiful too. – Unknown

Dismiss those thoughts that will obstruct your beautiful heart from serving its dual purpose.

Let others get a glimpse of that pristine vessel that the LORD can use for his glory! Fill your lungs with the LORD’s praises and let that praise seep down deep into the chamber of your soul.

Every day – preform a heart check. Look and truly evaluate the state of that pretty heart.

If there is anything that is preventing that heart from pumping at full capacity – dismiss it, in the name of Christ. And, replace it with the marvelous wonders of God’s promise and his grace.

The Lord Will Fullfill His Promises To Her

January 8, 2016January 8, 20162 Comments

Dear gentle woman, full of hopes and pretty dreams. Lift your head up high, feel the weight of that crown on your full head of glorious locks. Smile into the sunlight and lap up those precious promises engraved by the hands of God.

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” – Luke 1:45

Why is your soul forlorn dear one? Can’t you feel the fire within your soul – that powerful spirit that strengthens you and sustains you?

Do not fear. The angels of old have repeated this phrase time and time again to the followers of Christ. Take those words to heart and digest them.

With God you are mighty, apart from him you are a simple shell of a being. Breathe precious daughter of the King. Inhale the fragrance of his pledges to you. Trust in this man of his word.

“And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” – Matthew 28:20

You are not forsaken. You are not forgotten. You are not abandoned. In fact, you are right where the Savior wants you – in the palm of his stable hand.

Can you feel his presence – that peace that descends on your spirit? He cares for you with an unmatchable love. He longs for your joy to be complete in him. When you hope wholeheartedly in him, you will not be disappointed.

“… those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” – Isaiah 49:23

Lay yourself aside sweet child. Shed that skin of old and lather yourself with the soft newness of God’s promises and covenant – made to you.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8

The LORD will fulfill his promises, and in Christ – your storehouses will overflow. Trust, seek and knock – and he will open that sturdy door and welcome you into his glorious presence beaming with affection.

Don’t Let The World Change Your Smile

January 5, 2016January 6, 20161 Comment

So often we focus on the heartbreaking moments in life. We read the news headlines and grieve – our spirit weeps. Everything is so bleak it seems. Our pretty hearts are overwhelmed with talking heads reiterating heavy topics and pointing out the flaws and misdeeds in others.

However, remember, all in all – life is good.

Though it is important to be aware of what is happening in this foreign world we are dwelling in, it is also critical not to fixate on the miserable. Focusing on the dirty and despondent things will only alter our character. It makes our hearts drop with despair.

Don’t let the headlines of this fallen world change your beautiful smile, dear one.

You can be in the world, but not of it. However, it begins in the mind. We are charged by God to think on whatever is lovely, admirable and praiseworthy. Fill your thoughts on Christ’s glory and his victory over sin.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. – James 3:17

Let’s clear away that saltwater that has eroded our light cases, and look with clear eyes and positivity at the life that God has breathed into our bones.

When feelings of sadness and despair creep in our racing thoughts – combat them with the victory that is swimming in the bloodstream of Christ.

Think on Daniel being delivered from the lion den of death, Moses parting the waters for the Israelites to pass through or Abraham’s tears when the LORD saved his son from the alter of demise.

Life is good and it is full of miracles and blessings. We just need to recognize them. Tune out the evil one’s rhetoric and listen to the beautiful music of God’s redemption and grace.

You are in his hands, and his eyes sparkle at his workmanship. Smile with a toothy grin in purity and complete joy. Don’t let the world claim such a rich blessing.

A Little Bit of Coffee & A Whole Lot of Jesus

January 4, 2016January 4, 2016Leave a comment

It’s the beginning of the week and new challenges are ever present. You sip on coffee in bed and anticipate the day ahead – you can’t predict what you will face; but you anticipate your actions.

Breathe, dear one. Just breathe in this new day and year. Hold that warm mug of coffee and pray to the one who made your inmost being. He is with you and will help you conquer this day ahead. That coffee, though a kick starter, cannot truly ignite that beautiful heart – but Jesus can.

“Outside the will of God, there’s nothing I want. Inside the will of God there’s nothing I fear.” – AW Tozer

Devote this day to him. We need him. We long for him. Our lips are parched and need to be watered by his words. For his words are the only things that can satisfy our dry, cracked skin and make them whole again.

Let God move through you this day – and may it be our goal for the reminder of the year. We need to push self out of the way and let God reign supreme. For he alone can remove stress, worry and fear and truly make it flee from our lives.

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Psalm 94:19

May our lungs inhale his peace today and exhale tension. Let us cling on to his goodness and cast out that fear that haunts our earthy vessels.

We are children of the King of Kings. Let your heart dance in a sea of assurance and blood-pumping joy. God has commanded health over your body and soul. Claim that rich health.

Sip on your coffee, sweet one. Allow it to warm your body and give you that morning boost. However, rest in the comfort that all we need is Jesus and his marvelous power to fuel our lives today and through eternity!

Rebuild The Road, Clear Away The Stones

December 15, 2015December 15, 2015Leave a comment

We often walk on rickety trails – cobblestone paths that are missing rocks and gravel that has overtime crumbled. Dilapidated highways appear faded.

The once black asphalt is light gray and it has been worn down by the circulation of heavy trucks, foot traffic and various other pollutants.

New shoes laced up and ready, we are hesitant. Should we march down the pathway so unstable? Should we expose our shiny new sneakers to a trail of such snares?

The beautiful blessing is – we don’t have to expose ourselves to the elements of such weary travels. The LORD our God has gone before us – and coated the road ahead of our anxious legs. We must be ready to run forward with a banner of truth and praise.

God says, “Rebuild the road! Clear away the rocks and stones so my people can return from captivity.” – Isaiah 57:14

What amazing grace our God has showered upon his people. He has repaved the road under our feet and rebuilt the pathway – that would have only offered us despair.

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. – Micah 6:8

Walking forward with humility fortified by God’s power, may our steps only lead others to the throne room of God’s precious grace.

Soften our hearts like clay and mold that ruddy earth into a pristine vessel of compassion and sincerity. May we praise you in full affect – for it is by your strength these stones of calamity have been removed.

It is by your sturdy hand that the cities and highways, ram shackled in the distance, have been restored.

Be Who God Called You To Be, Not Who The World Wants You To Be

November 30, 2015November 30, 20152 Comments

Cold, clammy hands – they reach for you with vigor and empty promises for broken triumphs.

With a crooked smile, this earth clutches your neck and tries to turn your focus. It beckons you not to look to the majestic mountain caps for strength. It quietly whispers to you – that your power does not come from the brilliant heavens above.

But, you know better.

In a serpent like voice, masked in sugary sweetness – a shiny apple projected in the distance dazzles your eyes like glitter in a water basin. With every sodden ripple – this fairy dust shimmers.

You know the difference between allusion and reality.

This world will encourage you to jump ship – to trust in its paper thin objectives. It will urge you to renounce the truths etched in solid bedrock by the mighty hands of God.

However, you know your source of true strength.

“My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.” – Proverbs 3: 21-22

Be who God has called you to be, not who the world wants you to be.

Listen to the wisdom of the LORD – not the knowledge simply echoed by hollow mouths. Fools, dressed as royalty, will call out your name. Their words will entice; however, these sweet words of nothing will also destroy.

You were not placed on this earth to deteriorate – but to flourish.

The Forest of Forgery may invite you to explore its grandeur and beauty. It may charm you with its lush foliage and dew scented vegetation. However it will want you to dwell in its heavy covering and blend in with its decomposing leaves.

You were not made to be moss wedged to the bottom of rotting tree trunks and clinging to displaced pebbles. You were designed to be an exquisite flower with a distinct smell and vibrant magnetism.

Whatever asks you to forsake the Rock of Ages and swim along with the school of fish heading into the belly of the whale – is not worth your time or energy. It will steal from your purpose.

Listen to the Maker. Look to the one who sits in the watercolor clouds on high. Let him fill your heart with potency and anoint your words with valor.

It’s much better to frolic in the fields despised by others – than to dwell in the pocket of pleasure that will eventually choke your flora of faith. (Genesis 13)

The Giver + Sunrise Benefactor

November 25, 2015November 25, 2015Leave a comment

Today I hope you feel blessed, just really thankful –all the way from the crown of your head to your wiggling toes! May you feel God’s bountiful promises that are new every single morning wash over your face and countenance.

It’s inevitable; the world will burden you down with weighty problems and troubling information. You will see evil claim happiness and joy from those you love. You will experience the grip of darkness from time to time. But, do not lose heart; and do not for a second give into the darkness.

Claim the blood of your Maker.

His life, here on earth, was not sacrificed in vain. For he purchased my soul and yours with his crimson bloodshed.

Rejoice in your Giver.

He makes the sun shine each morning and wraps you in the breeze of his never-ending comfort. The flowers open and bloom for our Sunrise Benefactor. The LORD is the gardener of our lives in this weed ridden land.

Look up – and smile, even in the face of haunting iniquity.

Your God did the same – he overcame the grave and desires for you to mirror his glow to the world that has forgotten his love.

Touch his nail scarred hands. Realize the gravity of that adoration for you – your soul. Squash fear and put on faith. Your armor is ready, all it takes is the willingness to strap it on.

“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” – John 14:27

Dear One, remember in this world you will have trouble – but our God has overcome the world. It may be tough to feel the overpowering strength of your Creator in this venture in your life. However, he is there – holding on to you, breathing in your lungs and providing precious sight to your weary eyes.

Light breaks darkness.

Through a cracked door – a light stream will illuminate an unrecognizable room. May we always seek his light and may our souls well up in thanksgiving for we are light cages on a parched and obscure earth.

Rejoice In The Lord Always & Again I Say Rejoice

November 4, 2015November 5, 2015Leave a comment

Tambourines vibrating, trumpets blasting – how often do we let out a jubilant sound for what the LORD has done? And more importantly – for his innate nature?

This is something I fall prey to time and time again. My eyes get fixed on my surroundings and the things I cannot fix in my own power and somehow forget that I have a direct line to the ultimate power source. When cities lights darken and the skyline in the distance has vanished, God will be our daylight.

Let that song in your heart spring forth in the night –for the LORD has promised us that he will be our light. He never backs down from his promises and he always delivers what he promised in his word.

“No longer will you need the sun to shine by day, nor the moon to give its light by night, for the LORD your God will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.” – Isaiah 60:19

Now, that is something for which we can triumphantly praise our Creator!

In the physically dark places, as well as, the emotionally heavy points in life – he is there holding up a flashlight, showing you his right and perfect path. We need only open our eyes to see the luminosity.

“Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.” – Psalm 33:1

Rejoicing opens doors. It blasts open cemented windows – long sealed shut by cries of despair and hopelessness. Let our hearts overflow with singing to knock down every wall that serves as an impediment blocking our spirit from experiencing true, holy joy!

Be a singer on a stage – the world is your audience yet the only opinion that matters is that of the Savior. He should always be the object of our praise. Hosanna in the Highest – lets shout that at the top of our lungs! There’s no need to be afraid.

Just like a fresh tender leaf hardens over time and loses its color, this present world will fade away. Yet, our prayers and praises will forever fill the incense bowl of heaven (Revelation 8:4).

Fill up that golden alter dear one – and let that voice howl in appreciation, respect and utter astonishment that Christ gave all for you. He gave all to call you sons and daughters. Rejoice.

When Did I Lose My First Love?

November 2, 2015November 2, 2015Leave a comment

Do you feel small sometimes? Insignificant and oh so useless? The daily grind beats you down like a weathered, worn leather shoe. You try so hard to shine; but, the luster of that new leather has faded and the rich polish doesn’t seem to work.

Lackluster. It’s a deep emotion we all feel from season to season. A spirit, once burning full force, has now been fanned to a quiet, contained flame. However, this difference in our bodies is upsetting and alarming to our hearts – because this pumping organ was once filled with a raging, fierce bonfire.

Tell me when did I lose my first love? Where did the fire and passion go? Burn in me Your holy fire give me back my lost desire. And restore in me the love I felt for You. -Avalon

Like King David of Old, we scribble feverishly in our journals and search our hearts for the only thing that will make us whole – the living breath of God. We cry out …

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation. And sustain me with a willing spirit. – Psalm 51:12

That joy, like a child running and chasing after bubbles in the wind – that laughter is contagious. And that giggling is from the gut. That’s the type of joy that ignites our souls and sets them ablaze. And it is the only thing that will make our hearts and spirits satisfied. That is the joy of the Lord, an innocent, excited joy.

Lord, will you restore our joy once again? It can get lost in this busy, whirlwind world. Let us marvel once again at your splendor. No matter how harsh and wild things may seem around us, let us remember that’s its you who is on the throne – not man.

You hold your scepter up and reign supreme. May we seek your face, and in return shore up that clean, wholesome joy that comes alone from you, Father.

Let that joy stream over us like a banner. And may we spread that joy to others in need of a reminder to bask in the sunlight of your grace – even in the troubles life hurls on the road less traveled.