May Your Name Always Be on My Lips

October 10, 2018October 10, 2018Leave a comment

Jesus – may your name always be on my lips. You alone are good, God. You alone are majestic. May others see your spirit shining strong and hovering over my life.

Consume me, sweet Savior.

My bones yearn for my Maker. They rattle at the mention of your name. You, Christ, dazzle me. Your sacrifice humbles me. It brings me to my knees in gratitude and awestruck wonder.

“What’s closest to your heart is what you talk about and if God is close to your heart, you’ll talk about Him.” – AW Tozer

Overwhelmed, like a speck of sand looking out over the vastness of your oceans of mercy, I cannot help but weep when thinking of diving into your arms.

You open your arms – fully aware of my imperfections and human depravity – yet, you still call me worthy.

You clothe me in your strength and righteousness – and give me a new name. I hold up my hands empty and trembling and you fill them with your abundant, overflowing grace.

You have charged me to be a light to the broken – a lamp to the lost.

I pray that my soul will always be stirred by your noble theme. Your endless love makes my heart leap – for you are the reason for my existence.

You are the purpose. Your precious blood saved my life, and I will dance and lift my voice to the heavens – knowing you hear me and draw near. May I sing of your love forever.

“I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!” – Psalm 66: 17-20

I Am With You Always

September 25, 2018September 25, 2018Leave a comment

“… and be sure of this—that I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” – Matthew 28_20g I am present always. That’s a glorious truth I desire for you to grasp, sweet one. You never walk through deep waters alone. I am right beside you – holding you up in the furious wind. You may think your body will not be able to sustain you in the treacherous climate; but, I am here. Your body will not buckle if you operate in my strength.

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14: 14

I will support you. In fact, it gives me great pleasure to fight for you, my child. When you trust in my might and step forward in sheer faith, it delights my heart. You will be like a reed in the wind – shaken but deeply rooted tall and strong.

Listen to the howling of the gales around you and be not afraid. Though they may frighten, commit to memory that my power can conquer all. Place your hands in mine and never let go. Repeat this truth over and over – you are never alone. Call out to me, and I will answer.

“… and be sure of this—that I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” – Matthew 28:20

I love you with an everlasting love, child. I have come so that you might have life! Breathe in the life, grace and hope that I offer to you. Command the winds in your life – to be still in my name. They will surrender to your God – for they were crafted by my hands.

Rest in peace. Walk in freedom. Claim these things. Raise your emancipation banner high! You are no longer a slave to sin and death.

Release that burden that pulls you down like a heavy medal around your neck. Leap for joy – because your God sustains you. Remember you were created to choose everlasting life. Choose life – and live fully committed to my spirit.

Pick Up That Robe of Righteousness & Keep The Faith

August 30, 2018August 30, 2018Leave a comment

Child, hold your hands out – open your palms to the heavens. Though they appear empty to worldly onlookers, they are gloriously full. You, my sweet one, are filled with my goodness. I have breathed my spirit over your life. My luminous riches sparkle through your eyes. They are pools of my compassion, grace and never-failing truth. You are my witness. You are my voice.

You are precious – never forget that promise. You have been refined by the fire and like a costly diamond – developed into a radiant jewel under pressure. Don’t give up – you are making a difference even though you may feel useless.

Sweet child, you are my hands and my feet. I have commissioned you to speak my message and exude my love on this earth. Waves may feel like they are crashing over your body; but, I have breathed the strength of my victory over you.

Pick up that robe of righteousness – and keep the faith.

I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. – Isaiah 61:10

I love you, dear one. I am with you – wrapping you in an eternal love highly sought after. Shine your light to the nations. Never cower in fear – for I am beside you.

Open your hands, child and fill the abundance of all I am offering to you. Step forward – for you are protected and my right hand will save you from despair.

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.

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.

I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. – Psalm 16:8

Stand firm. Look up – I am right beside you.

Hope, Refreshment, New Life – Around Every Corner

April 21, 2017April 21, 2017Leave a comment

Pastel blue robin’s eggs – a creamy blue to the naked eye. These petite life vessels are quite fragile. They are tiny homes to little mouths that will need to be fed by the nourishment from the earth. The wingspan of the mama will protect, shelter and guard the bodies of her sweet baby birds.

The spring air brings with it such hope and refreshment. New life is around every corner. Flowers, aromatic and vibrant, burst forth from the moist ground – reaching upward toward the rays of the warm sun.

Daylight brings with it sweet anticipation. May we open our arms to the sky and expect the rain to descend upon the thirsty ground. The Maker of Heaven and Earth will water his creation with provision and blessings – it is coming!

We are, like those delicate eggs, dependent – for sustenance. Gaining strength day by day, this grit comes not by our power or might – but is made perfectly complete in Him. It is by his spirit says the LORD!

LORD, may we be filled with the fragrant wind of new life! Embody our actions and mind.

He builds his lofty palace in the heavens and sets its foundation on the earth; he calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out over the face of the land—the Lord is his name. – Amos 9:6

Makeover our temples – and illuminate us. It is my desire to be a walking lamp-stand. I want to shine like a string light proudly fashioned in a pitch black backyard. A little strand of jovial intimacy but also sheer brilliance.

As the earth brings forth newness of life – may this season usher forth in our lives a fresh sense of urgency to shout your name from the rooftops! Miracles happen to those who put their trust in the Mover of the mountains.

Transplant the highlands, Sweet Jesus. This child opens her will and sacrifices her way – for yours! Like ivy on a colossal oak, may my soul cling to your precious promises! Mighty are you GOD of ALL.

When The Brook Has Dried Up

July 6, 2016July 6, 2016Leave a comment

You’re parched – literally craving the mist circling like a watery aura around the garden hose. You lean forward and try to guzzle that stream of cool water; yet – the spicket runs dry before you can enjoy even one taste.

You grimace and feel destitute; but, sometimes the brooks in our lives run dry. We sit there with empty hands, scratch our heads and try to lap up the dust – but the stream is emaciated.

When this happens, we can feel helpless – like a toddler that has our security blanket snatched from us too soon, we cry out and are baffled at why this water has been stolen from us. It’s not only appalling, it’s painful.

But is it necessarily a bad thing to be parched – especially when we are trusting entirely too much in our own shallow water source?

God gives and takes away.

And though the taking away part might be extremely agonizing, if you are a Child of God – never doubt that he will always give you beauty for ashes and strength for fear.

He will point you to the stream that overflows with rich, cool, never ending water – for by drinking from that brook, we truly fill our souls.

“Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. Then the word of the LORD came to him …”

“The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the land.” – 1 Kings 17: 7, 8 & 14

We must let the LORD’s rain water our spirits and wash away our feeble sources of fulfillment.

This might mean a little time in the desert – walking on crackling, thirsty soil. But, it’s worth it. You may not feel like it now – but wandering can lead to bold contentment.

Like the Israelites, their time in the desert was not wasted. They saw miracles come to pass, God raised up brave leaders and they were led to a land flowing with milk and honey.

May we drop our earthly wanton desires and seek the water that daily provides nourishment to our souls.

God will not let you be barren for a lifetime.

He wants to water your roots; but water them with his stream of healing, living waters.

Beautiful Love Bursting Forth

May 10, 2016Leave a comment

Love. It’s bursting forth. Like a bubbling brook with cool, refreshing water. God’s love for us is overflowing and never-ending. What love is this that the Father has lavished upon us!

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. – Jeremiah 31:3

He looks into our eyes – and deep emotion is garnered. Affection is felt. Not the kind of affection we feel for a family member, loved one, children or spouse. No, this love is deeper. It’s a mixture of all those loves combined along with heavenly, pure passion.

What chills we would feel, if we were to look into the physical face of the King of Kings! One day – we will. But until then, we are blown away at the sensation we garner as the LORD’s loving wind sweeps over our senses.

This feeling is beyond compare. It’s selfless. No mortal being can love us with this type of zeal and adoration.

He is jealous for me, loves like a hurricane; I am a tree, bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy. When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory, and I realize just how beautiful You are, and how great Your affections are for me. – David Crowder Band Lyrics

Look up to the heavens, sweet child of the King, and feel the LORD’s love wash over you. He is pleased when you fall before him and thank him for his gracious and greatest sacrifice of all – his blood.

Dance in the freedom that God’s self-sacrificial love has given you. Share his light with the world. He has not called you to be a canister that blocks and snuffs out his all-encompassing light.

Shine bright. Breathe in his love, and share it with others searching and seeking. We all need love, and the kind that the Father of Lights offers can complete a seeking soul! Amen.

May I Not Conceal Your Love And Your Faithfulness

February 4, 2016February 4, 2016Leave a comment

We shouldn’t hide it – that light that beams from within our souls. Our hearts are not meant to be camouflage canisters, tucked away for safekeeping. They are made to palpitate in severity for the King of Kings.

Let the world see your life chamber beat with robust rhythms. Don’t quench that love that flows from the sparkle in your eyes and the crevices of your smile. You make a difference when you radiate Christ.

I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly. – Psalm 40:10

We are beckoned to share the luminous blessing of our salvation. How could we hide such a rich treasure that makes our souls soar and dead bodies come to life?

Broken and alone, this world is seeking. People are searching for the light your body houses – the light that scorches isolation, fear and discouragement. You carry a powerful light, sweet child of God! You carry the truth that will cut through falsehood.

You will meet resistance. Remember the darkness cannot tolerate the light for in its presence, it dissipates. Hold fast – and stand firm. The steadfast heart is rewarded with crowns of splendor.

Fasten your feet to the bedrock of your Savior’s loyalty. Like a knight dressed in solid silver, hold up that sword and shield in courage. Shout in clarity the battle cry of strength and victory.

Do not be ashamed of the Gospel, dear one. Evil will try to make you feel afraid and humiliated of your moral stances – but resist this vile untruth. Focus on the sweet fruit from the vine of the LORD.

The vine always provides the life sustaining nutrients in order to sustain the plant. Drink up the provision of the King. His nourishment will equip you for every challenge you may face!

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.